What the Automobile Association of the Philippines brings to your motoring world
The past two days have been a fascinating reminder of how far automotive services have come in the Philippines, particularly through the Automobile Association of the Philippines. I had two cars flat-bedded in Metro Manila—both over 20 years old, both succumbing to the wear and tear exacerbated by recent rains. What struck me was how smooth the process was, far from the logistical nightmare I had braced myself for. This is a testament to the AAP’s evolution in meeting the needs of modern motorists.
One of the cars was a 1997 Mazda Miata, a vehicle that simply cannot be towed conventionally. I prefer flatbed towing anyway, as it feels safer and less stressful for the car. I called the AAP’s General Service Number, and within minutes, I was connected to their emergency services team. They flagged that one of my memberships had just lapsed, something I hadn’t realized, but assured me it wasn’t an issue. I could renew on the spot after the truck was there and things were calmer, which I did. I keep multiple memberships because I register all family and company cars under their plans, and I rely heavily on their International Driver’s Permit system for travel. In fact, there have been times when the laminated IDP was more widely accepted abroad than our local driver’s license.
The response time was impressive. On the first day, the flatbed arrived in about an hour during rush hour traffic. The second day was even faster. The first tow was handled by an AAP-branded flatbed, while the second was outsourced to a contractor. The contractor showed me the confirmation text from AAP, which reassured me of his legitimacy. I later spoke with AAP CEO Mark Desales, who explained that this hybrid approach of using both in-house and outsourced services was intentional. It allows them to be more responsive without competing with other towing providers. Instead, they aim to collaborate, ensuring members get help quickly and efficiently. Both times, I didn’t pay anything beyond my membership fees and I was never asked for anything.
Mark shared that their vision revolves around two key ideas: experience and peace of mind. With decades of expertise, their goal is to translate that into reliable, stress-free services for members. Beyond towing, they offer options like driver mechanics or motorcycle rider mechanics who can diagnose and fix minor issues on-site. If the problem escalates, they can transition to a tow or flatbed service seamlessly. It’s all about flexibility and meeting the needs of the moment.
AAP has also expanded into areas like insurance, leveraging their large membership base to offer more consistent and affordable options. It’s something Mark believes many people overlook but could benefit from. For me, their International Driver’s Permit system remains invaluable. I renew mine annually, sometimes more often depending on travel. While the process can be done online, I prefer visiting their office to see how the systems work. It’s a small ritual that reminds me of the interconnectedness of automobile associations worldwide. These organizations don’t just handle roadside assistance; they authorize racing permits, manage historical archives, and uphold standards that ripple across industries.
This little couple of days has been a quiet nudge to pass the torch to my kids, ensuring they understand the value of these services. Experience and peace of mind. Awesome that they understand what they truly give to their members.
