My mission: roadtrip from Manila to Vigan City and
back, 816 kilometers round trip. Considering the
Philippines’ highly variable roads, this is no simple
journey, but I’m driving the 2018 Lexus LC 500, a
concept-turned-production touring coupe that should
be more than ready for the challenge.
$IWHUSORGGLQJWKURXJK0DQLOD¶VOHJHQGDU\WUDI¿F,¶P
HFVWDWLFWR¿QDOO\PDNHLWRQWRWKH1RUWK/X]RQ
([SUHVVZD\HQMR\LQJDYLVWDRIGHHSJUHHQULFH¿HOGV
rolling across the plains to mountain peaks in the east
and allowing the Lexus LC to show me what it can do.
:HEUHH]HWKURXJK6XELF%D\)UHHSRUWDWD[DQG
GXW\IUHH]RQHRQDVLWHWKDWVHUYHGDVD86PLOLWDU\
EDVHXQWLO ,FRQVLGHUVWRSSLQJDWRQHRI6XELF¶V
duty-free malls or outlet stores, but instead I pull off in
the small town of Rosario for a plate of tasty seared
WXQDDWOHJHQGDU\6SLFHRI8UEDQ/LIH 628/ &DIpAfter gassing up, I leave the expressway behind to hug
the coast along two-lane MacArthur Highway.
1RUWKZDUG,¶PKLWZLWKDMROWRIQRVWDOJLD)RUHVWHG
mountains overlook a pristine shoreline, reminding me
RI&DOLIRUQLD¶VIDPHG3DFL¿F&RDVW+LJKZD\$VWKHVXQ
VLQNVRYHUWKH6RXWK&KLQD6HD,SXOOLQWR6DQ-XDQD
strip of beaches that may be Philippine surf’s best-kept
secret. A smattering of reefs and point breaks serve up
three-meter waves, perfect for both beginning and
DGYDQFHGVXUIHUVIURP2FWREHUWR$SULO
As I park in the hotel lot, staff come running out to
DGPLUHWKH/H[XV/&)ODPLQJVFDUOHW²DFRORU/H[XV
FDOOV,QIUDUHG²XQGXODWHVGUDPDWLFDOO\IURPWKH
tessellated grille mesh in front to widening curves just
EHIRUHWKHEDFNZKHHOV1RZ,NQRZZKDWLW¶VOLNHWREH
the best-looking girl in the room.
The next day, I’m eager to ease back in behind thePHILIPPINES IN THE FAST LANE
STORY & PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOE CUMMINGSVistas of mountains and sea along the MacArthur
Highway. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Historic
Crisologo Street in Vigan; outside Vigan’s St. Paul’s
Cathedral; Ilocos Sur is known for its empanadas.