The Positive Vibe called Christmas.

One of the best things about Christmas is seing an extra smile on everyone's faces, smiles which you wouldn't normally see on a normal day, except that of December. Jeepney drivers give way, tricycle's are exceptionally orderly, so to are less stressed-looking taxi drivers. The old guy who owns a huge house in front of where you live momentarily doesn't call security anymore to complain about your noisy car as you get home at 3am. Manang serves the food like a professional chef well after she receives her bonus. The restaurant staff are more maasikaso, people at the mall, joyous and all, have a positive vibe within each of them, mornings are sweeter and there is always a tendency or urge to suddenly go for an early drive to Tagaytay to grab breakfast, or late nights with the barkada, as you whole heartedly open your house with open arms as they invade it, and completely obliterate whatever there is at the pantry or ref. Long drives, inuman nights, eager kids with their gifts and rewards in mind, late night shopping and sleepless nights of first-Christmas lovers, yearning to see each other, cant put down the phone, oh, what a season indeed.

As I was leaving the shop and heading to Ortigas for a biglaan delivery, I just observed the surroundings at a certain street at QC. I couldn't help but wonder how your neighborhood is? Do you hate them as much as my friend Lawrence who would always wish them bad as the guy revs the hell out of his motorcycle everytime he leaves and arrives? Or Mark who has his own set of parking conflicts? Do you love them because they too got cool cars and Sunday mornings tend to be a boy's discussion of cars when all you catch each other washing each' cars outside the garage? Or probably your escape from maybe cars, or a certain hobby, or the stressful job you have, because they are a breath of fresh air to talk to, completely unrelated to any interest or affiliation you have. Does your street look ghostly or lonely because you only get to see each other once a year when fireworks are lit up the sky on new year's eve? Or is it a love playground, kung saan ang kapusukan sa pagbig bilang kabataan ay dito nasubukan at umusbong ng subukan mo ligawan ang bawat dilag sa 9/10 houses sa street ninyo? Sorry for using tagalog on that one, I just saw it fitting for the message I wanted to convey to you.

Have you possibly taken for granted a huge part of your life which are your neighbors? Literally and figuratively.

Well guys, Merry Christmas, I just want to quickly share that the car I brought home a day ago made the police guy scatch his head on an early 7am Sunday Morning. He practically didn't know what violation to impose nor to blow his whistle but hopefully not fire his gun. Good night guys and take it easy :)

Bong Hilario, sharing his Era...

What a wild year. That's how I would describe it. We got people fighting on Facebook. We have someone who's an enthusiast, loves going to carshows, is part of a group but you know, he actually doesn't have a car. There's also a car blogger who actually doesn't have a car too. Or certain personalities who look so dreamy on Facebook but got such a dark heart. Oh well, the wonders of the internet and modern society. So with that, how's the internet nowadays. Quality diba?

With that out of the way, we move on to the more important stuff such as the loss a great, and that of course is idol Bong Hilario. 

I wish everyone had a deep sense of understanding how Bong moved this world from the night races, to dominating sanctioned races. From the boys who started with SOHC engines, to the highly technical and savvy people who had the Bseries to the K-Engines. When people said H3 only dominated the races, he brought out performance monsters to feed the Transportshow and Autosalon goers. That certain "feel" for such memories cannot be replicated. I wish I had the ability to make everyone feel that, the young generation who now drive modern cars, the STI's, the FD's and Jazz's. I wish I can take you back to arguments and clashes on Autoindustriya and Tsikot, or Kotse.com's old talkboards. I wish I can take you back to the races that take till early in the morning, or being with friends to visit his simple shop at Antipolo back then. The never ending technical discussions with the EGs and EK's being the star. The clashes against the Corolla's. The fear of facing the H3 creations, That certain "feel". I have so much details and memories and I wish I got the time to share them all. Truly an exception, that of which cannot be bought. 

Just imagine what people so close to him could write about. The H3 boys, the family. Just imagine that. I am just so FORTUNATE to share his era, his time, his dominance, his influence. That is enough for me, and through this simple writing is my salute to you Sir Bong Hilario. Thank you for shaping this industry. 

Goodnight and I find myself again closing this coffeeshop...

Slouch a little, live a little.

I wonder what does it mean to be alive, driving back home with the windows down, hearing the sound of the engine and the quick bursts from the muffler. The BOV signaling your hesitation on a few bumps and curves on the road. It was one good night after all, at the bar with some of our good friends from the industry celebrating their 3rd anniversary. Our friends from the photog-industry have always been good to me. More than anything, they have helped us in many ways and have also given me a wider perspective on things in our own industry. 

The very pretty singer clearly knew what songs to sing, and our friends couldn’t help but relate, add to that the intoxication from overflowing booze and a couple of hard drinks. And most importantly, a level of controlled despair, as much of them, still single, hopeful, hopeless, loving, loveless and still aspiring for that one girl to turn their world upside down. This I guess is living, to give in the our weaknesses as humans, to live and let go, to move away from the daily stresses and simply sit down, slouch, relax and open a few drinks with friends. Let a few good songs be the soundtrack of your life from time to time. 

I live alone. The projects greet me in the garage with open arms. I opened my door, NBA games left open in the TV to keep the air a bit noisy, I pack up for Tagaytay. Going up very early in the morning reminds me of long trips outside Manila as a kid. The hint of breakfast being cooked at the nearby houses warms the heart, the Christmas decor still lit, people lining up for church reminds me its a Sunday. I settle down in a small cramped wooden house to grab sleep for a few hours. 

That was a wild week by the way, but as you’ve always known me, I couldn’t afford to be caught up in the mind with all those things. The last 2 weeks of Autosalon and now the B2BX was so busy, and I was going back and forth different shops and individuals to bring them their parts. I’ve always believed in parts though, more than the “stickering”, a new term which I have developed for people putting stickers on client’s cars even if in essence does not give it really any true value. I’m proud to say that we have provided the main stuff to a couple of Manila Auto Salon participants, from seats to brake kits to suspension and such. Those are the “mains”, period. 

A few trips outside Manila keeps me sane, an early morning breeze, a book to read and writing. That I love and it keeps me grounded. 

Pasko na huy! Pakinggan mo ang mga tugtugin sa radyo, sa kapehan, ang mga himig sa simbahan. Langhapin ang amoy ng bibingkang niluluto ni aling Nena sa kanto, masdan ang mga makikinang na ilaw sa mga bahay at lugar-pasyalan. Ilapit ito sa iyong damdamin dahil hindi mo mamamalayan na ito’y lilipas na din. So what better way is to indulge yourself in such. Have a good week guys, be good. Keep safe. :D

There is more to it, go search for it...

Two quick voluntary trips to Tacloban has taught me what no experience has taught me ever before. That there is more to life. More than the cars, or the glamorous places, or the lavish dinner and wine or basically the things we take for granted. It will, in many ways, like the girl that you met in college or you took to the prom, will turn your world pretty much, upside down. 

Believe it or not as it will come from me, there is so much "deep" beyond this industry of ours. Go search for it. 

When you need to take a pee or a number two on a floating CR by the shore on stilts, you know you’re down to the basics if you know what I mean. When the military planes that harbour you to and from Manila has that lingering stench of the dead, recognise that clearly, devastation has hit, albeit the strongest in history. Manong Lidio, a local is kind enough to lend me his Barako so I can get to the Barrio’s faster and more efficiently. With him as my back rider, nearly 1 year after such impact its hard to believe the news reaching Manila that Leyte has completely recovered because here is a deep kind of sorrow still surrounding the area. The smell of the air is different, though is may be only in my mind, coupled of the earlier images I saw of the town months ago, it will always present that eerie feel. The town of Guiuan, as one of the hardest hit, though a different face of the news is being sent in Manila on how it has recovered, I completely disagree with it. I dare the lawmakers to ride a plan and go there. The same way I disagree with life style checks and simplicity amongst the lawmakers whereas everyday as I come from my house, I pass by the intersection which leads to the main gate of the House of representatives, Porsche’ LC’s, and a couple of Lexus’ coming in? Truly, the Phippines will always and will be only as good as the morale of its representatives. 

Habang nilalakad ko ang kahabaan ng Ortigas upang masdan ulit ang ningning na bigay ng mga panahon o araw bago magpasko, nakasalubong ko ang mga iba’t ibang pamilya, bitbit ang kani- kaniyang mga pinamili, ang mga bata, sunod sunuran sa mga magulang na tila may gusto pa ipabili, yumayakap at umaasa, na sa bawat ngiti nila ay lalambot ang puso ni Tatay para sa isang pang laruan mula sa Toy Kingdom. Ang Pasko nga naman talaga any para sa mga bata, kung saan sila pa ay bulag sa piit at hirap ng mundo nating ginagalawan. Ang imahe ni Santa, ang Christmas tree, ang mga bituin, regalo and ngiti ay siya lamang tumatagos sa kanilang murang isipan, at wala ng anuman.

This scene or moment draws me back from my Facebook conversation with a very good friend named Lawrence. We were talking about things which I told him to delete afterwards so as not to offend anyone but basically its about fatherhood and how it changes the landscape for a majority of car enthusiasts. How fatherhood changes one’s priorities and a developed instinct to provide and fend for the children. Hey Interstellar is so good by the way, they had a couple of points there that we need to ponder on, rarely does a movie exhibit such emotional content beneath all the CGI and science mumbo jumbo. 

Going back, I believe that there are phases, such as easing off a bit from the cars and the parts and moving the priority to the kids, and when business is good and everything is settling for the better, its only natural for an enthusiast to go back to his roots and maybe go a bit all out once again. It's not as if he's not enjoying, the good man owns a couple of businesses, an original Evo5 and a daily, so what's to ponder on? :P

Thats it for now, I seriously need to grab dinner, have a great week ahead everyone, I’m thankful we had a loaded Sunday, I almost feel not working tomorrow but thats impossible haha. Good night everyone. :) Be good. 

Pause Muna..

There's a life that is attached to this industry and not everyone knows it. When its getting too artificial, or a bit gloomy, or Laguna-beach-esque like in MTV, it kinda drains you a bit especially if you’re really an enthusiast more than anything else. When relationships seem to shallow already and it starts to in a way lessen your spirit. Observe as the others proudly post and seem to be absorbed by the perks of it, that it seems that it has taken over their life, may it be the beautiful faces or the nightly hang outs and what not. When you’ve seen to much attitude, or basically things which are definitely way off the mark as what a good education can provide. Or even questioning yourself as why you have gone down from a queen sized bed to a mat spread out on the floor in exchange for freedom and a view of what they call the real world. When you’re completely blanked because sometimes its never rational anymore and you end up wasting much clock.

Times like these, makes me want to step back, take a closer look at my roots, and well, just basically build another car. It's not pride or a simple whim, it's not trying to prove something or even competition. I call it a cure or a major therapy. Nothing else trumps all these emotions but an excellent canvass to start with and a slew of parts. Go old school with some post its, a calculator and writing down the things you need plus a budget to work on. It is but a simple gesture, or maybe a symbolism of a car guy. That no matter how deep or been tainted by the workings of this industry, he can pause, think over, and do what he does best. Something that is brought about by his passion, what ultimately, what brought him to what he is today. I think I want to go back now. Read between the lines. 

Staying true to your roots..

As I am writing this, I am headed to one of our country’s poorest areas. We need to work at night time, as not to attract any attention and more importantly, move faster without any distractions. 

The SUV market is exploding and we are all aware of that. I am taken aback by a conversation I had with a fellow shop owner in Banawe of the thought of gradually crossing over to accommodate such. I listened to him carefully and well here are my thoughts. Since its my birthday month, I won’t hold back too much so read carefully because the manner of thinking or writing won’t happen again anytime soon. 

I am an enthusiasts, who was influenced by my EX’s kuya with his Spoon Car back in the 90’s. I drooled when he and his brother in law would drive the streets of Kalookan with their B-Series EKs with those shiny TE37s and Advan tires. I promised myself to work every summer then so I could save some cash and experience a bit of the same. Fast forward to college.

As an enthusiasts, as abundant are the very pretty women in our school, we also had “car personalities”. There was this guy who had a B18 Civic EK with a Group5 visor and now owns a very well respected shop, I  also remember a kitted Mitsu Galant with 18s or 19s 5zigen wheels, it was basically an introduction to what they would now call VIP. A bunch of Civic SIR’s here and there, and a true pocket rocket in the form of a EG Hatch also with a B16. Of course Botchi would have his Evo back then, and an afternoon barkada of Spoon Caliper equipped EKs parked at Johnny’s for a quick game of billiards. Fast forward to after college.

I was lucky enough to find a good set of friends whom till now I am together with, and in form, are still one of the figures or personalities in the industry. We were ripping though the Subic racetrack on track days, talk about parts all night long at Alan’s place at Splitsecond Greenhills and spend wads of cash on karting at the once Mario-kart like location in Bicutan. JDM and rare are common words of discussion, it is by all means high level. Fast Forward to now..

Looking back, to my background and the parts which I have dealt with and the hard core clients I have been able to serve, I don’t see myself crossing over if you know what I mean. Its not as if we woke up one day as businessmen and thought of selling parts to a wide variety of audience. It does not work that way for me. Sometimes money isn’t always the driver here, we give way for passion. We cater to sport compacts, and would want to keep it that way. We envision projects the way they deserve it. I dream of K20 EKs, FDs and Jazz’, or wide body 86’s and BRZ’s. I aspire for track-attack Evos and STIs with those tasty diffusers which makes you wanna tail them for a glimpse, or a driving experience with an S2000 which clearly you had a hangover with. As much as I hate to say it but not all cars are meant to be modified. The SUV your dear parents gave you, no matter how many chips and beans you put unto it would never be a sport compact. If you see yourself drawing your enthusiasm and putting too much cash on a vehicle which is basically really not meant to be, I would plainly say buy a Jazz, a Silvia, or an Sti, because I know, that at the back of your mind, that is the pinnacle of your purpose. 

Let SUV's be themselves, let them serve their real purpose. Let sport compacts be sport compacts, and let have the parts they truly deserve.

And that is the reason why our shop is not crossing over. We stay true to our client base, we stay true to their passion and most importantly, we pattern the cars we modify to the same ones the Japanese are fixing too back in their homeland.

The Afternoon Feel

Maybelle annd I made a stop over after watching a epic play by Floy Quintos at Palma Hall in UP to grab a few fish balls, a hotdog sandwich and drinks at the nearby sari sari store. We sat amongst the trees with a clear view of all the joggers in the area and the field as it housed a mix of football and frisbee. The area is highlighted by the signature afternoon shade from the sky, as the air is filled with energy and enthusiasm. Such “firsts” for me like spontaneously just stopping over, buying some fish balls, the sandwich, even that pink cotton candy and randomly just hanging under the tree for a casual conversation are things which do not happen often, thus are now engrained in my head. It is as if I didn’t want it to end but as I always say, time sets all the rules and I knew it was ending in a few minutes, prompting me to absorb every detail. The setting, also solidifies my idea of what it feels to study in UP. In the past I have discarded it as just another school managed by the government, but after spending that moment, and a few days before it I finally caught the UP “feel”. though hard to explain, it can be described as life in college with a huge amount of diligence, freedom, expression, and the typical “Pinoy Life”. In my honest opinion, the campus has a certain chemistry which is hard to beat even with the likes of Lasalle or Ateneo. 

Cars on the other hand share the same sentiment of you ask me. Different cars have different feels unto it. Others may feel so reliable, others feel so luxurious and distant to the road, and others feel as if they are exclusive machines with the only purpose of ripping the road. As I always say, its best to drive as many cars as possible for you to complete such idea. It would be better of course if you built a lot f cars during your lifetime, because beyond the body kits, lights and aesthetic pieces, are a car’s soul. That of which is rooted upon handling and driving performance. What makes you Civic FD different from your sister’s Altis? :) What makes your Evo7 different from your best friend’s legendary EVo5? Why does a Nissan Silvia put a smile on your face when you drive it as compared to a car 20 years younger? Questions that may guide you for many years to come. 

"Life is too short to drive Boring Cars"

I was talking to a few of my friends the night before at CBTL, as I was discussing living alone and all it's plus and minuses. In reality, its all plusses since you have all the benefits of well, living alone if you know what I mean. You just have t be responsible enough and realistic with your budget as it is a true gateway into independence and keeping everything straight. Aside from that, I had to keep the client's cars that I bring home for painting and various upgrades away from the irritable eyes and ears of parents. One big minus would be food. Since I don't cook and no ones cooks for me yet, I'd have to result to eating out which is always a welcome adventure at first but lonely and tiresome through the latter. Dating on the other hand is a whole different story.

The Facebook sidebar and notifications list is such a wonder isn't it? Through it you can almost see through a person's character? How? through his likes, posts, and comments. Forget about being a Doctor, Excutive, Pastor or Mentor, do you have a friends, who oftentimes post nude pictures on a private or secret Facebook group page? I even described him to my friend as someone who I almost looked up to through his profession, but she readily said, "it does not matter Donds", and politely tapped me in the arm as her sister was in the back seat. Probably someone who has a genuine love for cars? As 99% of his posts on Facebook are about cars and nothing else. Or someone who surfs as he rips through the waves during weekends and oftentimes goes shopping at Quick Silver and Hurley giving you a quick indicator on his passion. Or someone who builds cars, writes on a regular basis and reads 3 inch thick books on weekends, and you know he's not 1 dimensional. 

The saying "life is to short for boring cars" in reality can be applied to everyone's lives. Whether you're really into cars as you own a Civic, Jazz, Evo, Silvia, and 86 or the exotics. I just gave someone a quick advice and asked me if I was reading what I was saying over the phone. As Mr. Raul Roco would say, ""Write everything down...memory is treacherous.", and thus here I am, writing it down. The saying also applies to general life, and loving life as we know it at the same time paying homage to our parents who have sacrificed so much for us during their lifetime. (I prepared dinner for them tonight btw :)) Our parents have given us life, gave us education, worked for us, woke up early in the morning, strived for what is best, fed us, worked to give us the best and raised us to the best of their ability. No matter what your relationship is with your mom and dad today, distanced or close, dependent or independent, alive or not, this is a principle which I believe must be ingrained in all of us. That in the end our parents would like us to be in a very good situation, not in something which we sometimes or often regret, not in something that we are ashamed of, or something we hide, or something that stresses us everyday, or something na "pwede na", things that make us cry, or bring us down, or a certain emotion that makes us feel like we're inside a box and we can't escape. 

Life is too short to drive boring cars, and that adage simply translates to living life to the best way we can. You and I, and everyone else should be having dinner at a nice resto with our loved ones having a great time with a great view in front of us, candle light dinner at home, or going to La Union for surfing and ripping the waves on a Sunday Morning, or going for a drive on your tune car to Tagaytay to grab your favorite cheesecake at BOB, having a good and intellectual conversation with random laughs and giggles in between, or running hastily through the halls of Powerplant to watch your epic movie, or lying in the beach and starring at the horizon as the blue rush unto your feet. Looking up the deep blue sky, closing your eyes momentarily and thankfully saying praises up above, that there is good in life and these are the things that our parents I'm sure have wished us to be having. 

Cheers! Our Ateneo Junior Midgets is having a big game tomorrow mornong against Xavier, so I'm hitting the sheets early. Goodnight everyone and have a great weekend! 

Kindness Transcends and the EK Hatch...

I've always wondered how Kindness transcends everything. How one’s kindness can survive different settings may it be when dealing with different people, families, car groups and the like. Can a person’s kindness eventually make him survive say for example he’s courting a girl who is partly materialistic and user friendly? Or suddenly being sucked into a barkada, wherein a lot of them are free loaders, will kindliness eventually triumph everything wherein he’s gong to earn the respect that he deserves? My good friend told me that good things happen to good people and I’ve always believed him on that, thats everything may eventually work out for the better, only faster or maybe smoother given the person has paid his dues and have treated people with what they truly deserve, if you know what I mean. 

People have different colours, we all know that. Everyday we encounter people through friendships, random conversations, relationships and dates. The joys of dating women is a truly remarkable experience. It demands understanding, it’s synonymous to discovery by all means, it requires control not in the physical sense but as we delve deeper, I truly meant holding off some emotions or reactions that are brought upon by the mere fact that you tow have been brought suddenly together, as you are from different worlds and thus sparks and clashes of sorts. I just feel that sometimes, if you’re wise enough, you get to predict the other person, or you see thorough actions or tendencies. You actually know what the other person is trying to do but you hold off your reaction through words primarily because not everything has to be acted upon, or given a solution, or maybe a conflict. Or when someone criticises you, you just keep quiet or remain idle because deep inside or even through the eyes of many, by all means, through the simplest tangible things or maybe what you are and what you have, you are simply bigger and better. Not everything has to come down to “sumbatan” or “yabangan”, sometimes, its better to keep quiet and stay low, not because an argument is tiresome, but because there is still a tiny ounce of person to person respect and the outcome is even better. 

Have you seen the recent pictures of the EKHB Cradle meet at the Fort BGC? Now thats transcending. Through 20 plus years, as the newer models have come in, STI’s, Evos, Jazz’, the BRZs and 86’s, the Civic’s still look so relevant. The style, and the simple form may contribute largely to that but in the end, the Civic EK’s will always hold as special place in this industry. Thats something you cannot buy with money, these cars more than money are a result of a careful selection of parts and patience. The feel and how people perceive of them are something thats only dictated by time, and they age like fine wine. :)

Goodnight everyone. My food is here and I'm digging in. 

It's Complicated

Women, of different attitudes and tendencies. I need not say more or elaborate on my experience but I’m sure you get me. The emo song plays on the radio and you couldn’t relate more, that the song fits your situation. Ive always believed that being single and in the “zone” is always a blessing and a curse. Its a blessing because you get to be in the market and there is no better feeling than admiration and certain emotions that make you do more, make you excel, make you do anything for that loved one. The bad side is, being love sick, you slow down, you got idle times, you have a tendency to day dream and the like. Women are indeed a mystery, that as much as you think you’ve met them all, boom, you’ll find someone who you like so much, who’ll turn your world upside down and in the end, it will not seem to work out. 

Much like into cars, there comes a time that you’re in an undecided or flat state wherein you not quite sure what step to make on your project. Am I better of selling it, buying this newer engine which is a K20 and ditching the good old b-series, or having everything stripped out and getting a new colour or shall end up selling it for an 86 or a BRZ. Is my car’s generation long gone and forgotten, do I rely upon its tried and tested chassis, and legendary image or shall I hang a figure at OLX and make a trip to the nearby car dealer for a new purchase. As humans we’re born undecided, or at least born to make decisions. Our emotions play a huge role in our humanity, may it be towards our special someone or the hobby which we all truly love. So as much the “Its complicated” adage is used in a lot of relationships, it too can be used with your personal relationship with your car...

My friend Aly and I was traversing the Edsa traffic and I was dearly honking on my customer’s Js Racing Civic FD which we’ve helped built over a course of a year, his dad too drives a City GM that of which we have provided a lot of parts too. I was honking and they didn’t choose to look at us given that both were untinted. Knowing myself, I’d bring down the window and say my hellos but it was futile. I laughed it away and I knew it was going to be part of my blog. 

I've always believed that fellow car enthusiasts has this auto-wall in front of them. That they appear to be masungit and just look straight or sure make an effort that they don’t get caught looking at your car. Im not saying its a bad thing or lack of appreciation, but I think its just natural for enthusiasts because they got pride, and such quality is deeply rooted in this hobby of ours. Im pretty sure that when you get to know that suplado car enthusiast, he’d be the most jolly person you’ll meet. This is also related to my experience of meeting a couple  of EK hatch enthusiasts back in 2006 from South who were a bit maangas at the HCP Forums but when we met them, they are the warmest car guys you’ll ever meet. 

So I guess that's it for now, I need to head out and get some grub. Have a great weekend guys, take it easy. :)

The Better Car Group..

I’m at the second floor of Harbour Point Mall, having my favourite Burger and Fries after much window shopping and finally being able to get myself a pair of shoes. Its been 1 month since I had my day-off by the way, this was like, “finally!”, I could get some rest and some time for myself since I’m a weekend-less and holiday-less kind of person. I used our service car going here at Subic, its the Jazz which I intended as our service unit/demo car for our products. Honda’s will always be Honda’s. They have this certain compact and edgy feel which have been present even amongst their older models. I may not be a car reviewer, nor a magazine editor, but I do know that I have owned a couple of them, and driving one for weeks on end and as part of work duties truly reveals their real character as opposed to just a few days. Well, there a typhoon and the winds are a little strong, so the car was pretty much swaying at Nlex and Sctex, something which I’m not used to with my other cars. Cute nonetheless, purpose built like a swiss Knife with various uses and functions. I even slept on it during the Glenda Typhoon wherein a pack of mosquitos invaded my house plus the non electricity. It was in short, an instant tent on wheels. 

London weather is so nice, and is my ideal weather. Gloomy but not too much. There’s a bit of drizzle just enough to keep things cold. They also call it ramen-weather nowadays. The detailing guys probably hate it, but in my case I always make it a point to wash my own cars, sort of like a bonding with the machines. 

I was talking to my good friend as I was driving, then I had to stop on a gas station to finish the conversation since it was becoming more intense and I had to best convey what I had in mind without being bothered by the obstacle-like buses o the left lane. I just though that car groups aren’t always built with the pure intention of just forming one at first though. I come to realise that most car groups are also built with the intention to start something better, something o the side, something which opposes, probably as revenge, or maybe a breakaway thing. Am I right? Car groups are built that way nowadays, through competition, by conflict of past members and the like. Look around you, I don’t want to name a few as respect to them. 

That in the end, whatever group an individual chooses, what is important is he’s comfortable with it, since that is one of the main goals of car groups, not the conflicts, not the annual fees, individuals often look forward to EB’s, to fun runs, to basketball games, and billiards, to drinking sessions and birthday parties. 

I got to grab my massage now my friends, take it easy this weekend. I heard Ortigas is buzzing since its a payday weekend and the malls have a 3 day sale. Spend you money wisely! Put them on car parts haha!

Wanted: Real People

As I was buying my favourite health drink at Shell, I chanced upon a few groups with their usual gatherings, open hoods and the like, it made me think of the Honda generation usually composed of the EG and EK platform with their usual B-Series engines, and now the K’s. I wa just wondering on how complete an enthusiast would be if he basically ran through all those cars and then basically now is driving a BRZ or an 86, a Skyline or an STI. How those that compare to a guy, who’s fortunate enough to be given an STI as his first car by his mom and dad. I wonder how a conversation would run through if you make these two people talk. Is it a case of shallowness, or how deep the roots run. How experience plays a huge factor, or the abundance or lack of knowledge. 

I was also browsing at some pics over the internet, and read about some short articles about Era-Period-Correctness. Its basically using the right parts for the car based on the time of manufacture. Say for example, if you’re building an EK9, its best to use a B16 rather than a K. Or Sw388s rather than a set of grey CR93’s. Or Ray’s ZE40’s on a BRZ or 86 rather than the Banana Type Wheels which look best on an AE86. Do you follow such? Or do you believe that upgrades and modifying transcend it. 

As I grabbed mirienda at Katipunan with my friend, a short discussion with her reminded me of the figures in this industry. On how others can be as flashy as they are at shows and events, but in reality have tons of financial troubles with them. Or maybe someone who relies heavily on his wife’s financial backing for his business but has the guts to text models and date them on the side. Or someone who displays all his purchases and new stuff over Facebook but issues you a bouncing check. Or maybe how often do you encounter individuals who only reward you with a smile or a greeting when you only bring them the cash that they need or basically when you buy from them. Rich kids who only take one year to buy something which you have been working for basically 9 years. The bragging which you find excusable since those are close friends, or that guy at Facebook who regularly rants and does never ending selfies with models and posts totally odd hashtags. As heavy and cash intensive as this industry is, its just like any other sector of society if you ask me. the cool cars, nice bags, young and beautiful women, the brilliant talk, the dazzling display of lights, the bass, cannot simply hide the basic-ness of it all. The background and instruments are different, but the players are all the same. So if you have a bunch of real people with you, especially in this industry, hold on to them with your dear life. 

A Social Experiment

A few days ago, Topgear posted a picture of mine on their Facebook Page to be viewed by their 700,000 Plus Followers. And you guessed it, haters are going to hate. It’s basically a random pic at my garage of a Jazz and an Impreza, creating a contrast of Green Cars Vs the Gas Guzzlers who often makes trio to the gas stations. 

If you follow my blog at jdmselect.blogspot.com aptly named Stay on the Left Lane, I have a couple of blogs that are about Haters. These are:

Hater Mentality

Connected More Than Ever

Leave Rice on the Table

For a long time I have been following the post by Top Gear and been an avid fan of the comments being posted in relation to the picture. I have often wondered how it feels to be in that centre spot, how it would feel to be hated, or being thrown negative comments on, something which does not happen to me ever primarily because I hate conflicts and consider them as an emotional baggage. I would often even see myself giving advice to my friends telling them to stay away from some troubles on the internet, or having a nasty 1one1’er at the forums or a certain Facebook thread. When people bash you in the internet, its just a wait-see thing actually. This is because you cannot be saviour-like and debate everyone, you’re only good as your handle, your prior posts showcasing your character and a few public pictures which everyone can fester on. 

But I have always wondered, because at the back of my head, I could finally complete my curiousness and even trump everything I have written about these haters by actually being there”hated”. Sometimes in life you have to experience a certain emotion to awaken something in you. May it be for motivation, pure curiosity, to keep you grounded or to simply “feel” what others could have felt. Its no different from dating, or going for a long stroll or even a hike. Probably a road trip, or going out of the country to find yourself, to be lost and finding your way in the end. 

By finally being at the centre or the hot seat, add to that, Top Gear even put a really aggressive caption by putting “Check out my Garage” which in the first place I know nothing about, it even added more fire to the comments being thrown at. 

My Social Experiment has finally come to a close through that final “thing”. I do think that no matter how much you write about something, if you haven’t experienced it first hand, everything is just mediocre. 

I do believe that each one of us has their “hater” gene. Its just that some are quick to react, or moulded and raised in a way that they can control it, while others on the other hand cannot. I know that everyone has their hater moment, this is dictated by our own upbringing, experience, standard in life, capability, buying power, standard, and educational achievement and background. I know a couple of people who hate B-Plated Cars, they have this certain discrimination against cars that are converted. The same goes for people who look upon a person’s school. I guess that extends to job applications and the like. Another would be a person who hates the fake stuff, as with my ex-girlfriend who owned 2 Channels, an LV, a Prada wallet, a couple of expensive shoes that I don’t remember anymore, she hated people with fake bags, or at least the ones who flaunt them as if their original. How about fake parts? I’m sure you know a couple or that can even be you. How about secretly hating the individual you never expected to be more successful than you are? Has that ever “secretly” crossed your mind and heart?

Hindi ba nagagalit din tayo sa mga pinuno ng ating bansa dahil mas magagara ang kanilang mga sasakyan at kasuotan kaysa sa atin? Na mayroon silang isang katutak na alalay kapag sila ay nasa labas, mall or kainan? Hindi ba may halong inggit din ang ating galit laban sa mga anak ng mga pulitiko na walang awat kung gumastos ng pera, ang karaniwang bukambibig natin ay “galing sa nakaw” Galit din tayo sa tayo sa pagbabago di ba po ba? Kung saan ang sistema ay hindi natin matanggap sapagkat tayo at nasanay na. Galit din tayo sa mga taong bumoto sa mga pinuno tulad ni Erap, Jinggoy, Aiko Melendez, Bistek at Bong Revilla. Ang tawag natin sa kanila ay masa, na para bang higit tayo mas nakakataas sa kanila bilang tao. Na ang binoto nila ay bobo din tulad nila. Alam ko marami din galit sa mga "rich kid" na madaling nakakahingi ng kahit ano sa kanilang mga magulang, kapital, pera, bahay, na kung saan tayo naman at hirap na hirap kumakayod nang mag-isa, ang tanging tangan ay ang ating "pride" bilang isang tao. 

Sunddenly I remembered my friend Mr. Law Go who had a heated argument with a guy from Honda Club. It turns out that those guys are siblings of my batchmate from college. We ended up meeting them at Alabang for an EK-Hatch meet back in 07 and well, you guessed it, they definitely are one of the warmest and kindest persons you can ever meet in the car club community. Oftentimes, a person's aura on the internet is total opposite of what he is as a person. Internet conflicts are resolved my simply meeting them in person.  

In every facet of life there is a hater, it cannot be avoided since each one of us has their aspirations. Its nearly impossible to be a noble as a saint after all. 

Riding the Wave.

It's a rainy evening here at the Ateneo, I just finished jogging. I'm waiting at the shed which overlooks Katipunan with the big Eagle symbol behind me. Its a joy hanging out here because you get to see how Katipunan has evolved over the years. The high rise buildings, the new and hip resto’s and of course the long standing Sweet Inspirations and Mcdo. I remember walking through Katipunan with the joy of holding a Coney Island Icecream and with Filbars in sight.

Do you actually take time to sit, relax and go through your memory? Does anyone actually do that? Do you really go through your memories through childhood with your yaya, or your gradeschool fights? Or the slide at the back of your schools, the spiders you caught during lunch time? Or the footlong and sago which you regularly ordered during lunch as you ate in the football field? The girl you’ve been crushing on perhaps? Or the time the tindero cursed you because you dropped your 1 peso coin in his full gallon of watermelon drink? The Math teacher your dreaded because he always kept you standing in the middle because you weren’t fast enough to answer the questions, or the Science teacher who somehow smelled the same as the mongo plants she was experimenting on. The Snes and Genesis Streetfighter nights, the phonecalls with the girlfriends and a lot more…

As I was headed here, I saw a group of bikers who were riding a particular style of long-slung bikes, like miniature cruisers, they had tattoo’s and were sporting long hair and matching shirt. Similarly, a group of rat-look EFs buzzed though me as I was making a U-turn. They too had that familiar hockey mask in their headrest and all the stickers resembling their counterparts from Japan. The 3^rd were skaters, passionate on their craft, they had their thrasher look getup. The cool-looking Vans matching each unique skateboard. I assume that each design is a reflection or their belief in life.

I couldn't help but admire these people. In a complex world wherein we are pushed each morning as we get up to meet deadlines, make profit and please people, these guys are breaking out of their mold and enjoying life. Life which is full of passion for the things they aspire for. That beyond all the obligations that father time has blessed us, they have something to focus on, to thrive on. It’s not merely being different, or having a hobby, or being an enthusiast. Its living IT. And living life. To put it bluntly, I think these guys as they ride together, they get this feeling that is unique and similar to a couple of surfers waiting for the next big wave. Think obout it.

I promise myself that my next road trip will be southbound. And I wont bring a Mac this time, only an Iphone (lol). No baon of paperworks and a very small zero star appartelle or Kubo to stay at with a wonderful view of the mountains or the ocean, the breeze blowing through my face and whispering a common word called “life” unto my ears.

Have a great week everyone. Keep safe! J

Some Random Thoughts...

Father time skilfully plays with us in so many ways. Tonight was really something to be remembered. Just imagine someone very significant from your past reincarnated to present. So the question, is, how do you deal with that. You gain access to her through good friends, you observe from speech, through very similar physical features, skin colour, build. It was like entering a time machine and being brought to past. Partly as a ghost, as much as you want to talk to her, touch her and listen to her, the “present” does not allow you to do that, because simply and metaphorically, “times have changed”. That the sweetheart from UP is no more, nor is the swimmer from the Philippine Team. This is just a random rant from yours truly. Because sometimes I wonder how I got into this industry and should have been teaching, writing or doing voluntary work for the NGOs.  

One of the most important things for today is a friend finally revealing his self. How he thinks of certain relationships, how they go about. How he truly feels on his situation, his frustrations and what not. Its always refreshing to finally hear someone’s side of the story, after all his FB pics, rants and posts, which in the first place you’ve been wanting to dig out since day one, you finally see the real him. Discovering that he too, is human. That the things you sympathize on, whether related or unrelated to him, are the same things he’s gradually revealing. That is good stuff... 

Going on long drives present a gazillion things to ponder and dream about. The smell of burnt wood as you pass through the roads of provinces remind me of the days our parents would leave us in Pampanga and just go about our normal life, on vacation. Driving on a very long road also can be a very quiet one. I am reminded of the days wherein I would just sit at the bench of Church Of Gesu at Ateneo and look at the stars on a plain Wednesday evening. Crickets cheering and leaves cracking, and thats about it. You look up the sky and for some reason you get sucked into its solemnity. Breakfast being cooked in the nearby houses as you make a stop over in the middle of nowhere reminds me of breakfast in grade school. Erick Luz, a long time friend would put his heavy arms around us “barkada" and we would head to the Cafeteria and grab the usual Tocino, Egg and Rice. The staff would usually serve those in plain “platito’s”, the food looked so plain though it tasted good enough to fill us up in the morning with good laughs and kalokohan, all go which we will never forget. When you usually go for drives, its always unavoidable to encounter a few boys playing basketball at a makeshift basketball  court. That clearly reminds me of our teacher whose class was right before PE. She would sit there, delay leaving and watch us dress up into our basketball gear. To keep the story short, she was enjoying what she was seeing. Stories of such can never be forgotten and are engrained into our hearts. I wish yours is filled a lot too. 

Good night everyone, random rants, just for tonight :)

The Girl and your Old School Ride.

While I was having my Stuffed Porkshop at a restaurant in Whiteplains during late dinner, I was promising myself to not eat any meat for the next 5 days. At the same time keeping my stash of Red Wine in check. The tradeoffs I guess, of eating such good treats to your health. I enjoy eating alone by the way, more than any other date, lousy or interesting, beautiful or plain, eating alone simply gives me the sense of freedom, of being able to observe other people, their tendencies and how I chew on my food while digesting on what their lives are outside those short-loud chats at the resto anyways. 

In life, there is no such thing as a complete package. There are times that you meet a girl, she seem so perfect, beautiful in every sense, liberated, she gives her heart out to you, she’s so wity, she has an undeniable and very keen sense of style and fashion and yet you find out that her family or the other members are, lets just say, not your type of persons to be around with. Maybe they remind you of a bunch of dysfunctional people in class back college, or probably the grade school bully who was so despised as he walked through the corridors as the nerds watched in horror, or maybe your prep teacher who would smile in front of your parents in the PTC, but would often make you stand up in class or face the room’s corner. This is but of many example that even stem from the bad barkada, or probably the alcoholic, or someone who loves going out everyday that you want to pull your hair right out of your head. Ups, downs, Pros and Cons as we may call it. 

The same goes for old school cars. These are simply the headturners on the streets. Some aren’t released locally, long hooded, rear wheel drive machines, that draw so much attention from the crowd. Or probably an AE86, which has such a huge cult rolling all over the world followed by the Initial D Manga. Yet, such machines cannot be simply driven day in and day out. You cannot simply daily drive those machines without special care and maintenance. Or probably looking out for some parts which needs to be replaced or simply a checklist of what has been patterned upon your fellow Hachi Roku owner and enthusiast in Japan. There are trade-offs as compared to the modern cars, the purist and real enthusiasts somethings call it soul. Thats cars without such as simply just CASA cars rather than the “Stuff of Legends”.

They say cars with “soul” clearly segregates the men with money from the real car lovers. Does it also have to do with mere practicality, being hassle free or should we write another blog on dedication and the built not bought idea?

Anyways, have a great Sunday everyone. Cheers!

Of DOM's, groups and time...

Monday is ending in a few minutes so why not put in an entry at our blog in celebration of a very successful weekend at HSN and a very strong Monday both at the shop at our online division. My jog too at the Ateneo helps me unwind a bit, and do a bit of brainstorming on my own.

Facebook has its way of showing things to you, the sidebar makes it obvious. It basically tells you who liked what, or who posted that, or is now friends with whom. My long-time friend who has all the right to be named a JDM purist all of a sudden awakens from his usual day dreaming and is suddenly liking all the posts from a new JDM group may it be an announcement or a picture or whatnot. Long before, you wouldn’t see him doing such, because the only main JDM group is the one which we all predominantly know, and, one of the founders is shall I say his number 1 BFF ;)

There are a lot of stories in this industry if you ask me. I do not want in any way to delve into these stories because primarily I’m not old enough though, and thankfully I look a few years younger than my age. Upon refection the thing that I just talked about shows us how life revolves. That time heals everything in different ways, may it be an opportunity for you to finally let out, or on the other hand, chance has hindered you from being who you are or being able to reach something you’ve wanted for so long. That extends to politics by the way. I’m sure you’re all aware of that. 

My experience again at the show showed me another perspective on groups. What better way to spend time at the show is by talking to clients and a trait which my Ex successfully endowed to me: People Watching. Our friend who was very attractive was approached by a certain group who kept on asking her number. I wouldn’t narrate much about that as not to offend anyone, but you know if you think about it, different groups have different faces. Let’s all be honest here, there are scrappy ones, there are extra loaded and rich ones, hustlers, family oriented ones with the kids and apo’s playing around, guys who love taking pictures and selfies or warm and accommodating ones, true enough there are geeks who primarily focus on their cars who joke around and laugh like kids, or sometimes, groups who are led by men past 40’s maybe, who I think grew the wrong way, emotionally & mentally. The industry, as far as groups or clubs are concerned are full of faces, personalities, characters. You can see that the most at grassroots shows such as that. 

Anyways, thats it for now, I’m secretly sad that Miami lost. Oh well, my pickup is rocking a Pacers sun protector though. Good gives everyone! I can’t wait for May to be over and be heading for another road trip. 

Parting Ways.

I’ve had dinner with a long time friend from the car industry the other night and we were discussing weird relationships. I’m not sure how that topic came in, because it was completely unrelated to the likes of Cameras, cars and business. But anyways, I was telling him of the people I’ve recently met and in “natural” terms how weird the relationships they have to other people. The impact they make on Facebook or perhaps a possible “character” they are projecting. That there are certain individuals who are so used to being the center of attraction that they miserably fail to differentiate the limelight from real life. Many are vain, some are conceited, some are demanding and manipulative.  Maybe I was just fortunate to be with people in the past who are key into that kind of industry, thats why for me, its like nit-picking on their lives, a common observance or basking on how predictable they are. 

A quick discussion too on break-ups on how one moves on, and how it completely relates to cars. We all had our relationships, we know that, some sweet, some disasters, some of long term, some of flings, we had careers that even are influenced by our past relationships, or even attitudes or tendencies shaped by our partners. Parting ways will always be painful. That is realty. No matter how many trucks of flowers you send someone, when its time to part ways, that will not be remembered. How many time you’ve brought her to and from school or the office, or waited for her at the lobby, mall, museum, shed or park, that will not count at the end of the day. No matter how many trips or gimmicks you go to, dinner, lunch, getaways, it will all be for nothing at the end of the day. The many triumphs, defeats, experience, lesson learned, that will just flow through like water. But keep note of such experiences make you strong though. 

The same goes for cars I guess. That the countless hours working on the engine, the interior, the many days you’ve spent on working on it, the trips to and from numerous shops, the parts you’ve sought for, put on, and the list goes on. In the end, when its time to part ways with the car, thats it. You hang a figure at Sulit, and its done. They say its personal, but I’ve always believed that thats temporary. That at the end of it all, there will come a time that you’ll emotionally part with it, hang a figure and move on to the next car or bigger project. Sunny days at the garage, barkada nights inuman with the cars parked outside, the track days, the beach runs to Batangas or Zambales, your road trips, triumphs at the car shows. Those are but memories to the mind and heart, because at the end of the day, father time dictates emotion, father time plays with our tendencies, our decisions as just “humans”. Later on, we will part ways...

It's a little more complicated than your Fast and Furious :)

I’ve been attending car shows recently because some of the clients have been requesting me to drop by and probably say hi, or proudly introduce their models, but seriously, I don’t consider it as a chore, rather a mere exercise of my job or duty. 

If there’s one person in this industry who wouldn’t talk badly about other people’s take on cars, or their style or theme, I’m one of them. I’m proud of it. I cringe whenever people take a beating at the Top Gear posts, if its baduy, or the car looks like its flying etc, I feel so bad for the owner, but thats just about it. 

That’s why I consider this entry as a once in a lifetime thing, ill write as responsibly as I can, as mild and poetic as I can possibly be (lol). 

As usual, I would bring a stock car, parked conveniently away from the venue. Bought my ticket as usual without any drama, I finally entered the “Carshow", on the left I saw a built guy probably holding an airsoft rifle with camouflage paint on his face, he’s wearing camo uniform too, he’s well elevated just enough for everyone to see him. He seems proud. He’s part of the theme the cars on his background are trying to present. 

Sometimes I wonder where class went. Was it simply forgotten or erased? Has Fat and the Furious possibly evolved in a way that KFC raises its Chickens?

I’m trying to limit my writing as not to offend anyone, you can sense that by the way I write this entry. I hope you don’t get bored, just simply read between the lines. 

Moments like these make me miss the good old days and make me further understand the rage of purists, may it be from our friends at JDMunderground, or private people/enthusiats who hold so much pride on their cars, forumers, clients, other shop owners. 

In the past I would always criticise the purists for, well, being too pure and would explain, in my own mind, the business side of it. But as my journey went on, I began to fully understand their role in the market, their job in this industry. 

JDM purists, we really need them. Everyone has to accept and acknowledge that. To say it bluntly, they will save us with their Original wheels, their JDM interior, their well built engines, their RHD track cars, their hard to find and expensive parts. We need such substance to be engrained in this industry because without them, we’ll be left with nothing but _____________________…. :)

Beyond all the bright lights, the flashy paint jobs, gimmicks, LED’s that could light up a neigborghood, the wild kits, the beautiful models (and the totally weird ones), I would often pause for a minute. It makes my miss my ex’s brother whom I would ride passenger to. He had one of the first Spoon EK’s back in the 90’s. I was forever entranced by how his VAFC looked like, and would never forget how the first time I heard a B16B engage Vtec on a Spoon N1 Muffler. 

I miss skimming through back issues of Superstreet and SCC at a small magazine shop at Megamall which used to be next to Carls Junior. I miss our trips to Highlands, during offs, my college friends and I would just go there for lunch, on convoy. Clean and simple cars whose tuning was dominantly form over function. I miss visiting my friend’s warehouse, who used to house so many Type R Engines. I would often call it wonderland. There came a time I would go there weekly to shop for parts, the pinnacle of the experience is buying parts whose brands are totally unheard of and only exist in motherland Japan. I miss the people at Splitsecond, they built my EK Hatchback but more importantly the friends we met though out the process and the times we brought out our cars. I miss the track days at Subic, wherein there was a lechon in the middle of the pits to celebrate our friend’s birthday while everyone was tearing up the track with their purpose built vehicles. 

Whenever I see too much wild, too much shiny, too much LED, too much height and metal, too much rubber paint, too much weirded out setup and models, I simply find myself yearning for the fundamentals. As much as I would want to extend my writing, I got to catch some shut-eye. 

Next time guys :)

Grassroots

Grassroots

Grassroots happens during small gathering, at gas stations and the like. Grassroots is when you go to your fist EB with your project car, in the past maybe through calls and text, and in more modern times through group messaging or Facebook.

As I traverse Edsa going to a carshow to visit my client’s entry, I am reminded of the earlier days, where we as a group would join the meetings and simple gatherings on weekends. I’ve always believed that these meetings or events are what nurtures as as enthusiast. I’m also reminded of the talk I had with one of the organisers about a show he would like to do himself, something like Cannibeat or Cars  and Coffee in the US or UK. Friends, Cars, Food, Pics, I guess the question is how dp you make money and promotions out of that.

This I think is the highest level of enthusiasm, just like overexcited kids at malls. The meetings at night, the gatherings of various car similar, related or completely different from each other. These events excites us, it teaches us, it makes us look farther and at the same time having a sense of loyalty into the equation. Hopefully, one does not become too loyal as in sometimes annoys a lot of people at the forums. And yes, those are called fanboys.