Leave Rice on the Table?

I was browsing through Facebook and some posts and comments with friends and their friends, and some acquaintances who I usually see on my friends request, I chanced upon the comment:

"Leave Rice on the Table"

They were commenting on a picture of a relatively clean looking Honda Civic blessed with just a CF Hood, wheels, some lesser know big brake kits, no seats, they were pointing out if the owner should include a Carbon Fiber Chin or not.

In my opinion, of course it looks better, because it adds contrast and the Carbon Fiber piece is as far as I know, 1 of few brought here for consumption. Fit and Finish is also perfect, a far cry from the local Fabricated Fiber Glass ones being sold for 1/8 the price, no offense meant.

I was curious, and couldn't help but click on the guy who said such statement and there it was, just like a hyped-up resto which you really wanted to eat at and publicized well on paper and TV, and when you finally get to eat their offerings, you end up disappointed. Or the class bully, who everyone is afraid of, finally meeting his parents at a PTC, discovering how loving and loyal he is in front of his folks. Its that kind of feeling. Yes you guessed it, his car is as ordinary as they get.

The theme JDM has so many forms and features as of this time, that one cannot simply be proud or be the guru of such without digging deep into where the scene was really born from, and that has to be Japan. Have you seen those wild old school ZX's with 20Bs and and Nakawatase San's German tank inspired Silvia, or the Corollas with extra long tailipipes and such? Simply said, the scene is evolving that you cannot just simply claim what is rightful JDM or what should be. I think the right word that is probably synonymous to JDM nowadays is variety or creativity, or even crazy, rather than its 90's identity of being "simple".

Check out how Japan has embraced the USDM scene and has incorporated a lot of the elements which are usually found in the grassroots level in the US, then finding their way to top notch Japan builds. Check out the number of strict USDM Honda builds in Japan, with the need to convert to Left Hand drive, the dash, emblems, paint, trims, taillights, all strictly from the US market. And finally to put the nail in the coffin, have you witnessed how Japan has been in love with "stancing"? So how do you contend with that?

I think the real question is, is he using the "Leave Rice o the Table" as an excuse for not being able to buy such part. Or not being able to build that theme? Would he buy it if he had the budget? Is he using such statement as a veil or cover or a defensive tactic?

In my opinion it all boils down to Respect. If you cannot simply afford it, just keep it low. If you can and if it looks good on, go ahead and buy it.

If you're on a budget, just do the best you can and love what you ride, there is no need to bash, claim and write an imaginary JDM bible on your own. :)

Connected more than ever..

Since this 2 hour flight is so boring as we are reportedly 36,000 feet above, I’d like to reflect on how interconnected we are. Earlier this morning, I woke up hearing the news of a new scandal. No its not the pork barrel scandal but the Sex scandal involving Wally Bayola and the Dancer Yosh of Eat Bulaga. We are indeed interconnected, though the web and Facebook as its host. We receive news now at pace or even faster as it is reported on TV. We’re connected in a way that we feel each other, we get updated from each other’s stats and likes, and food places, or where we go during free time, whose Birthday and the like. We're updated on who's hot, or not, who's together and who recently broke up. We stalk our long time crush, only to know that she's isn't as glamorous as she is 20 years after. 

Ive always dreamed of this, of being able to connect with friends of past and staying updated though the simplest way possible. These things have been predicted you know, if you read your daily dose of PC Gamer, PC Magazine and even the editors of EGM. The ultimate question of:  What are they up to nowadays? The internet can be a double edged sword for us Car enthusiasts, fist we can get updated on parts, witness other’s builds, learn from each other or the simple joy of sharing your ride to follow car club members or maybe just a random or huge group of movement who share the same passion as you do. From hi-res pictures, to mods list, to installs and new parts, Facebook has really helped up connect in a way that we thought was not possible years ago. Who uses Cardomain nowadays? I guess no one. 

The bad thing is, well haters. I’ve always been an advocate of being fair and treating people the best way I can, may it be through inquiries, or show-offs, simple questions, purchases and the like. But as you all know it cannot be avoided especially with each other’s rides. I guess that the price we have to pay for such interconnectivity. Through the internet veil as I call it, we are to face a million personalities. Individuals who we could jive with or simply have conflicting views, regardless of what topic, even delving through politics, showbiz, sports and society. Everyone is subject to criticism, and we too admittedly, even in our discreet way, see ourselves judging others. Its just that through Facebook, we get to witness criticism though the most immediate and direct manner. 

I'll be landing soon, and to just let every kid at heart now, I never get tired of take-offs.

Have a good day everyone. 

- Dondie/JDMselect