Philippine Automotive History Book Project

[Autohistorian]

Universal Motors Corporation is the oldest and largest Filipino –owned assembler and distributor of automotive vehicles in the country today and is known for its many innovations. It made a bold move in 1984 when it concentrated on the Nissan light commercial and recreational vehicles . In a time when such vehicles where not popular, UMC ventured into them and captured the market. Establishing a reputation that is as sturdy as a kawayan (Filipino term for bamboo) for Nissan pick-up trucks, vans and sport utility vehicles (SUVs). UMC has total assets of about 1.3 billion with more than a hundred regular employees to date.

UMC started like a kawayan shoot pushing out of the ground. With a paid up capital of only 125,000 in April 1954 and the efforts of the Lee brothers Anthony, Thomas, Henry, William, Charles, Silvino, Victor and partners, UMC was the pioneer assembler and distributor of automobile in the Philippines.

In October 1955, the first locally assembled Mercedez Benz rolled out of its assembly plant. The rest of the Lee siblings joined the company in 1958.

In 1971, UMC entered into an agreement with Nissan Motor Co., Limited of Japan for the exclusive distributorship of Nissan light commercial and recreational vehicles. From this agreement flowed the transfer of technology in terms of assembly operations and design. Typical of its trusty kawayan nature, UMC has carried the Nissan brand through good and bad times. Thus was born the Nissan Patrol, Nissan Terrano, the Nissan Urvan (Escapade/ Shuttle) and the Nissan Frontier pick up. UMC’s hardwork bore much fruit earning the Customer satisfaction #1 award in the years 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 and 2002. In 2000, UMC propelled the Nissan Frontier to the top making it the # 1 selling pickup truck in the market and remains on the top spot for four straight years ever since.

In 1984, while other major brands have either pulled out of the country or closed down, UMC stood its ground and built a strong brand image for Nissan light commercial and recreational vehicles, much like the way a kawayan weathers a storm by being sturdy yet supple to the wind.

An added feather to the cap of UMC’s history of achievements is the prestigious Executive Vice President Award it received in 2002 and 2003 from its mother company - Nissan Motor Co. Limited of Japan which recognized Universal Motors for its outstanding sales performance .

Today, UMC has expanded into a large kawayan grove composed of Star Motor Manufacturing Industries , Inc., its assembly subcontractor; Core Automotive Resources, Inc., its prime dealer.

[donbuggy]

I wish that there was a Filipino Car museum to complement this auto history book so we can see the actual vehicles described in the book. I'd rather go to a car museum and look at the ugliest Filipino made AUV than go to an art museum and stare at a pretty painting of a flower.

[OyiL]

I wish that there was a Filipino Car museum to complement this auto history book so we can see the actual vehicles described in the book. I'd rather go to a car museum and look at the ugliest Filipino made AUV than go to an art museum and stare at a pretty painting of a flower.

agree with you. i have been to the Mercedez and Porche Museum in Germany , galing..sayang i lost all my pics. sana meron din tayo nun.

[safeorigin]

speaking of museums, baka sa future meron na ring wax figures ng mga pinoy auto innovators. sana kasama rin sa libro ung mga nag-innovate ng pinoy auto industry. tapos isali na rin ung mga kasalukyang nangyayari tulad ng sa launch ng mvpmap phuv para maipamana sa mga future generations ang legacy ng mga taong nadescribe.

[Helios]

that's a noble pursuit Autohistorian but do it quickly before time takes away what's left of it. btw are you willing to upload the content of your book to something like Wikipedia so it'd be accessible by anyone anywhere for cross referencing or editing/updating? perhaps some valuable data can come from overseas. Of course the end result is still your hard copy published book.

[Autohistorian]

Here is the History of Francisco Motors Corp. (FMC):


In 1947 Anastacio Francisco estabilished a small painting shop in Zapote, Las Pinas with a starting capital of Php 200.00 that specialized in painting jeepneys, cars and trucks. Four years later, the small painting shop became the Francisco Body Builder (FBB) which engaged in the building of jeepney bodies. It became known as reputable body builder with clients coming to the shop for the unique body designs from surplus jeepneys left after the war. By 1955 FBB ventured into assembling a complete line of jeepneys using reconditioned engines from Japan. Also in the same year, the Luneta Motor Company became the company’s first distributor of FBB bodies. This marketing relationship continued to blossom and Luneta Motor Company – which was the franchised distributor of English Ford cars and Thames trucks – partnered with FBB to assemble Ford Consul and Thames light trucks.
The company was incorporated in 1960 and was to be known by its present name: Francisco Motor Corporation. As is its name continued to firmly established in the local automotive industry, FMC was appointed by Isuzu Motors Co., Ltd. of Japan as the franchised assembler and distributor of the Isuzu Bellett Cars in the Philippines. By 1968, FMC assembled Isuzu Elf trucks and continued its partnership with Isuzu until 1974. With its partnership with Isuzu, FMC introduced Isuzu diesel engines for the locally distributed jeepneys. FMC continued to dominate the jeepney market with its partnership with Isuzu of Japan.
Due to changes in the local market, FMC next partnered with Mazda for a new line of lights trucks for the commercial use. This proved to be successful and FMC broadened its partnership with Mazda for other commercial vehicles as well as the provision of engines for its locally produced jeepneys and minibuses. The continued partnership with Mazda allowed FMC to actively participate and pioneer the development of the Asian Utility Vehicle under the government’s Progressive Truck Manufacturing Program. This resulted in the introduction of the Pinoy I, a Mazda 1200 cc powered vehicle. Further inprovements on the Pinoy and a new version was introduced in 1979 as the Pinoy II. At the same time, jeepney production reached 14,900 units. For the same period, FMC annual production reached 5,000 units per year and employed 2,000 employees in two manufacturing plants.
As the company moved into the turbulent 80s, FMC joined the Commercial Vehicle Development Program, which replaced the Marcos-era PTMP under the Board of Investments. Under the program FMC to developed the ANFRA – a third generation Asian Utility Vehicle that was mainly used for commercial use. By the 1990s. FMC emerged as one of the largest and only locally owned manufacturer and assembler of vehicles in the Philippines, with over 60,000 units sold. It further expanded into the assembly and distribution of small engine displacement cars under license from Fiat of Italy. As the contract with Fiat expired, FMC tied up with Hyundai of Korea to assemble and distribute Hyundai-brand cars and vans.
As the 1990s closed, FMC had been a strong player in the local automotive market, however, due to the Asian financial crisis of 1997, the company had experienced ao series of setbacks that affected the financial viability of the company after more than 50 years of continued operations and growth. By 2002 the company had filed for rehabilitation due to losses incurred in its operations. The economy was devastated by the financial crisis and FMC was not spared.

[OyiL]

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[SIZE=5][SIZE=2]source:http://www.geocities.com/motorcity/6302/vwhist.htm[/SIZE][/SIZE]

II. Volkswagen in the Philippines

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[SIZE=5]III. 1. History [/SIZE]

[SIZE=5]Brief History of VW's in the Philippines[/SIZE]
In July 1958, DMG Inc., the exclusive assembler and distributor of Volkswagens in the Philippines started delivering VW Transporters of the Kombi Type. The following months saw the arrival of the other VW’s - the delivery vans, pick-ups and the famous Beetle made their appearance. They had 17 dealers. In 1969, they introduced the Sakbayan, considered the first Filipino car. Also introduced was the Trakbayan, a commercial vehicle. Both used the VW Type 1 engine and most of the VW components. The sporty Toro was also introduced. It had parts used by the Karmann Ghia.
In 1977, there are more than 47,000 VW’s in the country. Today, a large quantity is still running. Due to the value of the Philippine Peso against the German Deutchmark in 1980, the VW vehicles from Germany had a price disadvantage over similar Japanese cars, DMG had no other option but to cease operation.VW left the Philippine market in March 31,1981. When the local distributor closed operations, the VW car owners relied on independent importers for their spare parts. The Filipinos, known for their resourcefulness and ingenuity was able to maintain their VW’s by dismantling wrecked or junked VW’s for the reusable and recyclable parts. You should see the performance and quality of these restored and maintained cars. Soon after, a core group that shared the same VW interest started to emerge.
Volkswagen was back only in June 14, 1996 to introduce the VW Polo Classic and the Caravelle. It was no less than the President of the Philippines, Fidel V. Ramos who was the guest of honor at the launching ceremonies.
Here is his speech:

[SIZE=5]Welcoming Volkswagen: A Philippine Balikbayan[/SIZE]

Statement of H.E. President Fidel V. Ramos
Launching of Volkswagen Models Polo Classic and
Caravelle by Exclusive Assembler and Distributor
Proton Pilipinas Corporation, Manila Polo Club,
Forbes Park, Makati City, Philippines
1730H, June 14, 1996

Introduction

With pride and pleasure, we welcome the re-entry of Volkswagen into the Philippine Automotive Market. This is a significant occasion that, I am certain, will be greeted with great joy, not only by the faithful admirers of this lovable car, but also by ordinary Filipinos who have now been afforded a wider choice in the market.
The entry of Volkswagen has been made possible by the strategic alliances Proton Pilipinas has forged with Proton, Volkswagen and Audi. I am delighted to learn that very soon Proton Pilipinas will also launch its Audi product, and within a few months, the first complete ASEAN car from the Proton Pilipinas factory in Alaminos, Pangasinan.
I commend Proton Pilipinas for taking advantage of our liberalized trade and investment policies to make these auspicious advances. With these partnerships, they are able to share and fully exploit their plant capacity, paving the way for sustainable growth and improved viability.
Promoting Industrialization
I also cite Proton Pilipinas for spearheading the industralization of the north, specifically Region One. The Proton Industrial Park in Pangasinan has become a symbol of successful collaboration, not only of business and industrial ventures on the part of two countries but of several countries. It has created new jobs, developed industrial capabilities and expanded our modernization prospects.
The Proton Industrial Park's Multi-brand complementation is not singly focused on cars, but extends as well to automotive components, aircraft assembly and overhaul, and completion centers. This makes the park a new science and technology growth center.
This dynamism took place under the guidance of Mr. Peter Y. Rodriguez, President and Chief Executive Officer of Proton Pilipinas.
A Laudable Endeavor
As we welcome Volkswagen as a major player in our car development program (CDP) and commercial vehicle development program (CVDP), we continue to encourage others to come to the Philippines which is now a prime location for business and industry. We share in Volkswagen's strategic vision of setting-up its Asia-Pacific regional vehicle export assembly and component manufacturing in the Philippines. This is a laudable endeavor to which we are happy to lend our full support.
The commitment of Proton Pilipinas and Volkswagen to this worthy endeavor heralds increased cooperation among the Philippines, Malaysia and Germany. This project is being undertaken by a multi-national team composed of people from ten countries, namely, Germany, the United States, Spain, South Africa, Singapore, Malaysia, Hongkong, China, Taiwan and the Philippines.
This spirit of cooperation and teamwork, indeed, moves the Philippines closer to economic prosperity, social equity and global competitiveness.
Thank you and Mabuhay!

[OyiL]

[SIZE=5][SIZE=2]source:http://www.geocities.com/motorcity/6302/vwhist.htm[/SIZE][/SIZE]
[SIZE=5]DMG, the company that started the Volkswagens in the Philippines.
[/SIZE]Mr Domingo S. Guevara, Jr. has generously answered my questions on the history of Volkswagens in the Philippines. Here are the details:
On DMG, the Company
Wilfred T. Ruiz: Who were the founding fathers?
Domingo S. Guevara, Jr: The founder of DMG Inc. is Mr. Domingo M. Guevara Sr.
WTR: What date was the VW operations of the DMG (Group of Companies) established?
DSG: The company was incorporated in 1955. Although the actual operations of the Volkswagen business started only in 1958. The original meaning of DMG was DIESEL MOTORS OF GERMANY. Its initial representation in the Philippines was that of Henschel and Hanomag diesel engines and trucks. It was only in 1958 that DMG started its assembly of COMMERCIAL vehicles or KOMBI. The BEETLE or VW 113 was eventually assembled in mid 1959.
WTR: Where was the corporate office located?
DSG: The corporate headquarters of DMG was initially housed at 53 Tanduay St., Quiapo, Manila. The first Service shop was located on Mendoza St., Quiapo, Manila.The corporate HQ was eventually transferred to the VW HOUSE corner T.M. Kalaw and Florida Str., Ermita, Manila in 1967. The assembly plant was located at the DMG-RW Compound along Libertad St., Mandaluyong City. The assembly plant was transferred to the former Ysmael Compound at 333 Rodriguez Ave., Quezon City from 1974 to 1981.
WTR: Were there foreign partners?
DSG: There were no foreign partners. Some of the minority partners in DMG Inc. were the ALVENDIA, TUASON, & SIBAL families.
WTR: What was the business structure relationship of DMG and VW Germany?
DSG: The business relationship between DMG and VW AG. was based on an EXCLUSIVE IMPORTER-DISTRIBUTOR & ASSEMBLER contract.
WTR: Were there German advisers or executives?
DSG: The first German Technical man to be assigned in the Philippines was Herr. Manfred Rullman, who helped set-up the assembly plant. The second one was Herr. Leonard Ober, who set up the service and parts operations.
On the Assembly Plant
WTR: Where were the assembly plants located?
DSG: The assembly plant was originally located in a 7 ha. property along Libertad St., Mandaluyong City and then transferred to the former Ysmael Compound along E. Rodriguez Ave. QC, from 1957 to 1974 and 1974 to 1981 respectively.
WTR: Who were the government, business and famous personalities that attended the inauguration?
DSG: The late President Diosdado Macapagal was present during the inaguration of the Libertad assembly plant.
WTR: When did the first VW roll out of the assembly line?
DSG: The first Kombi rolled out in 1957. The first BEETLE rolled out in 1959.
WTR: What was the total production for the first few months of operation?
DSG: The first 48 units of KOMBIs were assembled in the first two months of operation. The first 120 BEETLES were also assembled in two months in 1959.
WTR: What were the types of VW’s assembled here?
DSG: The types assembled were: TYPE 1 (beetles) Type 11 (kombis,single & double cabs, pick-ups and Vans, Type 111 Sedans and Variants, Brazilian Beetles, Kombis, and Passats, and our own SAKBAYANS (THE FIRST REAL FILIPINO DESIGNED AND FABRICATED VEHICLE!)
WTR: What was the total (yearly) production at its peak? What year was it?
DSG: The best year was 1970 when we built a total of 6100 vehicles and became #1 in the Philippines market.
WTR: How many workers were employed?
DSG: During our peak period, we had only about 250 employees. This was because we were purely assembling CKD units. It was only in 1975 that the Progressive Car Manufacturing Program became fully operational, thus forcing the assemblers to go into parts manufacturing or develop vendor parts manufacturers.
WTR: What VW was last assembled here?
DSG: The last models to be assembled were the Brazilian Beetle, Brazilia Sedan, Kombi and the Passat.
On Dealerships
WTR: Where was the first dealership located? When did it open?
DSG: The first dealership was opened in Manila. It was called Radiowealth Trading Corp. and had its main office at 430 Tanduay St., Quiapo, Manila. It opened in 1957 and sold the first 48 units of KOMBIs. Unfortunately, we have no recollection of the first customer.
WTR: What VW’s that were not assembled here, were ordered through DMG?
DSG: We were selling TAX FREE VW Beetles, Kharman Ghias, MIcro Buses and even Campers, mostly to Americans and foreign Embassy personnel thru our DIRECT SHIPMENT ORDER (DSO) or thru TOURIST DELIVERY program.
WTR: At its peak, how many dealerships were there?
DSG: There were basically only two dealers in Metro Manila and eight independent provincial dealers.
WTR: What companies ordered the VW’s as their fleet vehicles?
DSG: The bulk of our fleet users were the major PHARMACEUTICAL companies, TRANSNATIONAL and MULTINATIONAL companies. The "biggies" then were the ZUELLIG GROUP, CIBA-GEIGY, MARSMAN, CALTEX, GOODYEAR, GOODRICH, and UNITED LAB.
On Service Centers
WTR: Where was the first service center located?
DSG: The first service center was in Mendoza St., Quiapo, Manila
WTR: At its peak, how many service centers were there?
DSG: (Twenty Three: They are P.Tamo (Makati),Magsaysay Blvd.(Sta. Mesa), J.Abad Santos (Manila), Shaw Blvd. (Mandaluyong),P. Casal (Quiapo), Marikina, Baguio City, Cabanatuan City, Dagupan City, Naga City, San Fernando, Pampanga, San Pablo City. In the Visayas, we were in Cebu City, Ormoc, Bacolod City, and Iloilo City. In Mindanao, we were in Cagayan de Oro, Iligan City, Gen. Santos, Cotabato City, Butuan City, Davao and Zamboanga Cities.
On Prototypes
WTR: Are there VW prototypes? What were they? Whatever happened to them?
DSG: There were a number of prototypes made. There were five (5)different TOROS. I still see one of them parked along Kamagong St. in Makati.It is parked infront of an "ihaw-ihaw" joint, a few meters away from the AQUA VIDA outlet.I had a BEETLE-IN-BARONG TAGALOG. I left it in DMG when the company was taken over by First Manila Mgt.
On Research & Development
WTR: Who headed or manned the Research & Development Dept? Where was that department located? Where are they now?
DSG: The R & D was directly under me and my main designer was Rey (?)with the help of one carpenter, a tinsmith, a painter and an all around "go-for". It was located on the ground floor of the then admin bldg. at the DMG compound in Libertad St.The TOROS, SAKBAYAN, and TRAKBAYAN were all products of that R & D. The "go-for" at that time was Joe Lanuza, who operates a VW shop somewhere nearby. Either in Libertad or Samat St.
On Racing
WTR: What car rallies, drag races, slaloms, circuit races, etc did DMG field an entry / entries? Who were the drivers? What awards did it won?
DSG: I started the Racing team in 1962. Our main activity then was DRAG RACING and SLALOM. I have numerous trophies to show specially since I held the title of LITTLE ELIMINATOR for many racing season. We joined Rallyes in 1966 and became oveall CHAMPION in 1969. The team was headed by Henry Dyliaco and Louie del Moral. I also won the FIRST MANILA GRAN PRIX held in 1970 at the Luneta.The BEETLE won the overall championship in the 1969 Rally and I drove a Formula V when I won the Gran Prix. Our most notable driver in VW racing was Pocholo Ramirez. The two biggest motoring event we did was the TURISMO PILIPINO and THE LONDON-MANILA EXPRESS IN 1969 and 1970 respectively. The first was run in 104 hours (Zamboanga to Manila) and the latter in 79 days from London to Manila.In both instances, I was with the group and used SAKBAYANS and BEETLES. The late Ronnie Pasola was with me during the two events.Some of the guys with me then were: Loy Martinez, Willy Ingles, Freddie Masigan, the late Tony Siddayao,Tirso Aguilar, and the late Ramon Hachero.
On the present set-up of DMG with VW
WTR: What is the present set-up connection between DMG Motors Group, SM ACA and VW Germany?
DSG: DMG Motors Group is a franchise dealer for VWs & AUDIs for Metro Manila of Proton Motors. DMG MOTORS GROUP Inc. is a joint venture between the SM Group and Mr. Domingo S. Guevara Jr. There is no direct relationship between VW Germany and DMG Inc. today.
WTR: What are your future plans for VW?
DSG: To continue the dealership operations.
On VW Accessories:
WTR: Which dealerships sold EMPI accessories for VW's?
DSG: All dealers of DMG inc. sold EMPI accessories
On Advertising:
WTR: Which local advertising agency handles your account? Who are the account executives involved? For print ads? For TV and Film commercials?
DSG: Link Advertising.The Pres./GM was Loy Martinez assisted by Noel Trinidad, Frankie Lacambra, Ramon dela Rosa, Ariel Ureta and Sluggo Rigor.
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[OyiL]

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[SIZE=2]source:http://www.geocities.com/motorcity/6302/vwhist.htm[/SIZE]

The Evolution of the Sakbayan: 1968-1980

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Researched by Wilfred T. Ruiz

Club Historian, Volkswagen Club of the Philippines

[SIZE=4]In 1968, the Country Buggy was imported by DMG from Australia in CKD form. This left-hand drive version was assembled here. There was no "tooling" provided for the Philippines. Soon after, the simple body was replicated easily by the Filipino engineers of DMG (the local assemblers of Volkswagen Beetles Kombis and Type IIIs).[/SIZE]
[SIZE=4]When Australia run out of Country Buggys for export to the Philippines, DMG sourced from Germany. DMG was able to get a different design & size pans (181), engines, drive trains and other non-Philippine components. The Philippine-made body was then adapted to this new components from Germany.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=4]Again, when Germany run out of components for export to the Philippines, DMG again sourced from Brazil. They were able to get a different pan, engine, drive train and non-Philippine components. The body was adapted again to this new components from Brazil[/SIZE]
[SIZE=4]So, there are 3 distinct versions of these utility vehicles: [/SIZE]
[SIZE=4]1st version - Australia-sourced [/SIZE]
[SIZE=4]2nd version- Germany-sourced[/SIZE]
[SIZE=4]3rd version- Brazil-sourced[/SIZE]
[SIZE=4]The 2nd version and the 3rd version were substantially different from the 1st version, The body also had significant changes from the 1st version.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=4]In my opinion, the terms "designed", "developed" and "adapted" can be used interchangeably in this situation. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=4]The two later versions were really "designed" by the Filipino engineers at DMG.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=4]Name-wise, these utility vehicles evolved from being the Country Buggy to Sakbayan 815 and finally to Sakbayan. To most Filipinos, they are all called Sakbayan[/SIZE]
[SIZE=4]The "Country Buggy" was first advertised in 1969 with the 1300 engine. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=4]The "Sakbayan 815" was advertised in 1972 with the 1600 engine [/SIZE]
[SIZE=4]The "Sakbayan" was advertised in 1973 with the 1600 engine and finally advertised in 1975 with the 1500 engine. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=4](Note: I based the "advertising dates" on the dates appearing on my collection of magazine clippings of VW ads.)[/SIZE]
[SIZE=4]Based on the advertisements, it could be said that the (Philippine) "Country Buggy", the "Sakbayan 815" and the "Sakbayan" were all designed for rugged country work characterized by rough farm roads, unpaved roads, as well as field work for the construction and services industries. The Philippines largest telephone company, PLDT, had at one time used a fleet of them. Even the government owned Philippine National Bank has a fleet of them.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=4]To date, we are not certain how many Sakbayans were made. The production records of DMG were destroyed in a fire. I hope that someday, when the vehicle registration records of the Land Transportation Commission is fully computerized and made readily available to the public, I might be able to extract some data. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=4]One thing for sure, based on the examples I have seen running or not running, the fewest is the Country Buggy, followed by the German-sourced version and comparatively most plentiful, the Brazil-sourced version.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=4]To date, a few are in the hands of collectors. Most are grounded and parted for spareparts.[/SIZE]
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[jpdm]

Here is the History of Francisco Motors Corp. (FMC):

By 2002 the company had filed for rehabilitation due to losses incurred in its operations. The economy was devastated by the financial crisis and FMC was not spared.

Ano na kaya status ng FMC ngayon? Nasa las pinas pa kaya sila?Sana, bumalik sila sa limelight. FMC is our best local bet sa CAMPI. Re-invent nila Anfra. Its a winner in the past.

Nga pa la, autohistorian, ang hirap kumuha ng mga articles tungkol sa mga local AUVs nuon 1980s at early 90s e.

Anyway, ang Castro AUV ay ina-assemble nuon sa multinational village sa paranaque. may planta sila dun. Dun kasi namin pinakabit yung aircon ng castro auv namin. maganda Castro. 1989 namin na-purchase yun sa amin. Tawag sa model na nabili namin ay double cab HSPUR with analok enclosure. mahigpit na kalaban nya ang Carter. Magkamukha pero mas pino itsura Castro at masarap gamitin. maganda suspension, mahusay makina (remanufactured isuzu--bagong overhauled ba yun?), maayos interior kahit simple (pero yari kay hein yun..mediocre na naman..hehehe).Mahina lang body, madaling kalawangin.. Meron din mga dealers sila. kaya malakas din sila nuon.