He’s the guy who brought you home from the hospital, drove you to school, and who first taught you how to drive. This Father’s Day, it’s time to show him some appreciation by helping make his driving time safer and more enjoyable. Here are a handful of suggestions:
For the father who hates getting lost
Metro Manila’s streets are confusing to navigate even for city residents. We know that Dad doesn’t like driving around in circles and hates to ask for directions. The high-tech solution is a GPS navigation unit that includes detailed nationwide maps, and turn-by-turn assistance.
Just as motorists in the US, Europe and other areas can just select a destination and be guided by the system’s voice and visual aids, Dad can now drive with confidence and get to his destination on time. Too bad the system can’t park the car by itself. The proviso is that this navigation system was commissioned by BMW Philippines and is available exclusively with BMW vehicles.
Available at: All BMW dealers; www.bmw.com.ph
For the father with an aching back
Nothing can beat exercise and a healthy diet in keeping one’s body fit and dad’s back in good shape. However, there are times when stress and, admittedly, age can take their toll. A good car seat is essential, and a lot of new cars have adequately supportive seats as standard. If not, there are several excellent aftermarket seats available, such as those from Recaro. For extra support without having to change the car seats, a Tempur pressure-relieving pillow is an excellent alternative. It’s designed to conform to the back and help make driving more comfortable.
Available at:
Tempur: Focus Global Inc www.focusglobalinc.com
Recaro car seats: Excellar Auto www.excellar-auto.com
For the father who’s always on time
Short of a new vehicle, a luxury timepiece is perhaps one of the most appreciated material gifts a father can receive. Among the most exclusive of timepieces is IWC Shaffhausen’s “Grosser Ingenieur” watch. This chronometer has a stainless steel housing measuring a huge 45.5 millimeters in diameter. The watch’s bottom is made of sapphire glass that reveals the intricate mechanical clockwork with its automatic Pellaton winding system. Another watch with a German motorsports connection is the Swiss brand Certina. Certina is an official partner of the BMW Sauber F1 team. The watches reflect the passion and precision inherent in the sport. Titanium, stainless steel, sapphire crystal and famous Swiss Made ETA movements are the raw ingredients that make up a Certina watch.
Available at: All Lucerne Jewelers; www.lucernejewelers.com
For the father who loves music
Driving in the slowest traffic conditions in the city is a glimpse of hell, primarily because of boredom. Help dad overcome this by equipping his car with an iPod. That way, he can play his favorite music, whether it’s Beethoven or the Beatles, while crawling along in traffic. Another alternative is the soon-to-be-released iPhone 3G which can also plays music, has Bluetooth connectivity and numerous applications worthy of the smartphone designation.
Available at: Most electronics retail outlets; www.apple.com
For the father who loves motorsports
A pair of passes to the Singapore GP in September is just the ticket. Dad will be able to watch the first nighttime F1 race in history, run on the streets of the lion city.
If Dad is inclined to have some seat time behind the wheel of a racing car, a driving course from Tuason Racing School will teach him the techniques of racing. The courses are capped by track sessions, where properly fast driving is the order of the day.
Available at: Singapore GP online www.singaporegp.sg
Tuason Racing School www.tuasonracing.com
For the last Boyscout Dad
If be prepared is Dad’s motto, then a pair of essential gadgets should be in his car. The first is Coleman’s Camper’s Tool, a Swiss-army knife like folding tool set. Every car has a toolset, but sometimes it doesn’t have everything he needs. The ones here should complete the set; the fifteen tools include wire cutters, knives, pliers, screwdrivers and bottle opener.
Dad’s car surely contains a flashlight, but the problem with batteries is that they don’t last. The solution is Coleman’s Storm Beam Dynamo Deluxe. It combines an LED flashlight that needs no batteries or charging, FM radio, and cell phone charger. The 5 mm LED reportedly never needs to be replaced.
Available from: Focus Global www.focusglobalinc.com
By Jason K. Ang
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