Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
by EVMWB
Tacloban City–Multi-awarded actor and director Coco Martin visited Tacloban City on October 26, meeting fans at Robinsons Marasbaras as part of the Toyota Tamaraw Roadshow.
Toyota Motor Philippines, together with Toyota Tacloban, Leyte Inc., organized the event as a way to give back to the Taclobanons who have shown support to Toyota and the Next Generation Tamaraw.
Toyota Motor Philippines and Toyota Tacloban, Leyte Inc. organized an event to thank Taclobanons for their support of the Toyota Tamaraw. During a press conference, Toyota Tacloban Chairman Jimmy Yaokasin Jr. praised the Tamaraw’s success and introduced Coco Martin, the brand’s endorser, saying he was chosen for embodying the values of strength and action that the vehicle represents.
Coco Martin on the Next Generation Tamaraw
In his message, Coco said he takes pride in representing a vehicle that reflects his own journey and values. “When I saw the Next Generation Tamaraw, I said, ‘Genius ang gumawa nito.’ (the person who made this is a genius) It was designed with the needs of Filipinos in mind—para sa tatay, sa pamilya, at sa negosyo. Maporma, matipid sa gasolina, matibay, at madaling ayusin. Maipagmamalaki ko talaga ito” (for fathers, for families, and for businesses. It’s stylish, fuel-efficient, durable, and easy to maintain. I’m truly proud of it.) he said. The actor also entertained fans with upbeat songs and took time for selfies, hugs, and warm exchanges—making the Sunday event a memorable one for Taclobanons.
Strong Demand Across Leyte and Samar
Toyota Tacloban, Leyte Inc. Chairman and President Jimmy Yaokasin Jr., and his son Joshner took on photographer roles when Coco Martin met and greeted some customers of the Next Generation Tamaraw on October 26 at Summit Hotel Tacloban.
The customers, unaware of who the photographers were, readily gave their mobile phones to the two tall men by the stage so they could take their pictures with Coco Martin.
The picture-taking was fast and orderly. The waiting line was long.
Coco Martin said he was overwhelmed by the sight of happy faces and the sound of the loud cheers of the people who came to see him at the hotel and at the nearby mall. This was his third visit to Tacloban City. The first was in late 2013 as part of the ABS-CBN team that gave relief goods to the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda that hit Leyte and Samar on November 8, 2013.
Coco Martin has endeared himself to the Warays not only for his presence during their time of need but also for his relatable roles in his hit teleseryes “FPJ Ang Probinsyano” and “FPJs’ Batang Quiapo.” He heard them call him “Cardo” and “Tanggol” and acknowledged them with a smile, a flying kiss, and a wave.
In Tagalog, he told the audience at the hotel and the crowd at the mall that he took pride in being the ambassador of the Next Generation Tamaraw because the vehicle, for him, was aspirational for someone like him who came from humble beginnings. When he was young, he had an uncle who drove a Tamaraw FX that he and a cousin washed. He saw the Tamaraw as dependable and easy to maintain.
“Inisip nung gumawa nito ang pangangailan ng mga Pilipino. Para sa tatay, sa mga lalaki, para sa pamilya, tapos maporma. Maipagmamalaki ko sa mga kaibigan ko. Makakatipid sa gasoline. Pangmatagalan. Ang parts available sa mga tindahan. Malaking tulong sa pagnenegosyo,” he said. (The person who designed this had the needs of Filipinos in mind. It’s for the fathers, for the men, for the family. Good design. I can flex this to my friends. Fuel efficient. Durable. Its parts are available everywhere. It is a big help in running a business.)
Yaokasin said the Next Generation Tamaraw “has been well received by the people of Samar and Leyte.” He also holds the Toyota dealerships in Ormoc City and Catbalogan City in Samar.
According to Jimmy Yaokasin Jr., the Next Generation Tamaraw has been “well received” by customers across the region. “We are the highest-selling dealer of the Next Generation Tamaraw in the Visayas,” he said. “Most of our buyers are MSMEs, start-ups, and individuals who grew up with the Tamaraw FX and now have the chance to own its new generation.” Yaokasin emphasized that customer satisfaction goes beyond sales. “We provide complete after-sales service for worry-free ownership,” he added.
