Seller Types

Some people sell to make money and make a living, and some sell for the passion for cars and its numerous facets. Some sellers provide products because they see an opportunity to make it in a very active market while on the other hand some guys draw passion from the makings of being a real car enthusiast, of being lighter and faster on the street. Some people choose to use the word accessories, while others chose not to and rather go for "parts", "performance" or "Go-Fast". Some people choose to go up the stage and some people let their clients head up and feel the limelight. Some are happy with their stocks and a hefty bank account but some keep a stable of cars to fuel their passion, to keep them literally and figuratively awake day to day. Some choose to cross-over to various forms, while others stay true to the compacts. Some had taken opportunity to market cheap yet fast selling stuff, whilst others have chosen to patiently wait and remain loyal to good stuff....

That stuff is what teaches an often young and naive crowd of the interwebs, on FB and IG what really makes the industry. Whats proper, and whats real. Trying to mold them, away from a present industry that praises too much skinny models at 5k/hour, LED, decals and caliper covers. Away from much glam as against function. Away from the stuff that breaks 3 months after your purchase it towards something that last you a lifetime.

Alin sa dalawa ang gusto mo is often a reflection of your car. What you choose is a reflection on how you view the industry as a whole.

Random FB Posts for October.

Some of my recent Facebook Posts: 

"I actually enjoy the newsfeed and reading each and everyone's analysis on the current situation of the government. No hate, I just appreciate. Because through Facebook can you see a complete transformation on one's self as how you'd know them back in the day. "Ang mga kwela at adik noon, mga analyst na ngayon". That's how Facebook works. You get to recall who they were many years ago, and then get surprised (and appreciate) how they've come to be at present times."

"Clicktivism" has paved way for people to blame "who voted who". I do believe if Mar or Grace won, people too will blame the ones who voted for them even for the smallest mistakes, remember the first big blow to Noy was the Bus hostage of HK tourists. Imagine people hated an individual even if Nanay nya si Cory at Tatay nya si Ninoy and of course kapatid nya si Kris, ikaw pa kaya na normal na indibidual ka lamang. Would the Philippines be way better had Mar or Poe win the election? If Mar or Poe won bigla ba may lilitaw na Benz sa garage mo? or waking up to a bigger house or profits up 300%. Gaganda ba bigla ang imahe ng Pilipinas mula sa pagiging nasyon ng mga OFW? Remember your life at ang iyong kinabubuhay does not depend on who the president is so relax."

"Try to understand the Duterte Haters, even months after the elections at sadyang wala na tayo magagawa. The same way you'd allow and see yourself ranting on Social Media if Mr. Roxas won on his tuwid na daan campaign and pamumunong "Disente". During these times, masarap magmuni-muni, would Mar be also able to eradicate the drug problem as much as Duterte did? Walang issue with the US because clearly Mar is a statesman? Would crime be also be down by at least 50%? Bumaba din kaya ang halaga ng Piso? And lastly, the value of the +6 million vote advantage ni Du30 kay Mar."


"If you drive nice cars and get to "write" about them, remember that you drive, record and observe. Having the means to purchase ultra expensive cars and afford the lifestyle that goes with it is completely different from its free drives and lavish dinners so try to keep your level-headedness. If you count money for a living, sincerely smile and look at people not with a Peso sign on their head, rather as true individuals, who work, live and eat the same way you do. If you sell 9 digit condo units, respect the competing developer and never talk trash to client. Tignan mo muna kung saan ka nakatira and completely understand the workings of being able to afford such prime properties."

Two Dimensional

One of my worst nightmares is ending up as a two dimensional individual. That not everything revolves around cars and parts, motor sports and all. Thats why as much as I can, I do travel abroad when the budget allows, there is also room to learn new stuff from friends from a totally opposite field, or getting to read some books, comics, documentaries and anything totally unrelated to cars and basically experiencing life without the the usual comfort provided to us by our four wheeled machines may it walking or a bike ride to the random places which you've always yearned to go to. Going alone is of a different topic altogether hehe :)

To tell you the truth, I do not want to be known, or at least on Facebook as the person who post nice cars, or gets 200 likes from posting his garage or a nice wide-bodied car with a 6 digit CF wing, I want to be known as a person, well educated, who thinks and works outside the box, that box of course is the industry and the life which we live. I also enjoy blogging, and is something I greatly take pride from as I suppose that writing is one of the greatest liberties we have a humans.

Hanggang saan ka bilang isang tao? Hanggang doon nalng ba sa mahal na mags, magarang damit at masarap na pagkain? Yung date places and resto na paborito ninyong magselfie magkabarkada or habang kasama mo ang mahal mo? Concerened ka pa din sa angulo ng camera dahil mas muka kang maganda kapag galing sa taas ang kuha? "Tumaba", "pumayat", "umitim", "pumuti", "gumanda" at "na-haggard" or "whats up bitch?" pa din ba ang mga salitang unang mo binibigkas kapag binabati mo ang iyong mga kaibigan? In love ka pa din ba sa sarili mo lalo na kapag dala mo ang iyong kotse? Or are you willing to extend yourself with a clear understanding that:

1) You only live once
2) There is more to money and looks
3) Everyday presents a choice for you to make

Back when I was doing voluntary work to provided assistance and education to the less fortunate, I believe that my travels outside Manila are those that shaped me to who I am today. I', a car enthusiasts, yes that is true but I am most alive when I go to the remote places wherein the basics are presented to you. As we set camp on a cliff overlooking a vast mountain range, I feel that there is more to life than what we are currently living on. That there are lives beyond all that we are interested about, expensive stuff that we wear, the newest clubs and restos, who's who in society and the latest gossips and all. That beyond all that we are accustomed in Manila, there is another part of reality way different, odd at times, often opposite but presents to us a window of realisation for a lot of things in our lives. May it with our work, family, friends, our torn and strong relationships, our past, present and future. It is as if when we're out of our usual turf in Manila, "somehow" we can pause, get to passively meditate, think clearly, breathe in & out and basically get a hold of ourselves.

Relationships mold us.

As humans I've always believed that we still are evolving. On what we believe in, out attitude and our views and outlook in life. I've always stated that our current relationships is a strong reminder of how it either, sucked in the past, or how better is was in the past. I've had a girlfriend who was Christian years back and I remember going to a Church alien to what I was used to. It was strange but home as the years passed. Though her family and I always had our fights and differences, I could always be honest to myself that I drew the good from that past as I've helped build a Christian Church in Mindoro. It was a personal triumph of mine that deep within, an outsider, a Gaijin of such faith can still make a huge difference. That we can read the bible all we want and site its verses a hundred times but if we never practice what we preach, wala din. That it just takes heart and the character of the person, without that religion translates to only obligation. Second was a girlfriend of mine who loves to cook. Though her job took over her and eventually she built her own resto and then moved to the US, I can say that like all individuals, we get upgraded by simply being with a critic. That we can't settle for less may it be with the quality of the food we eat, or the speed and efficiency on how we work through the morning and the of the day. That we can rule our staff with an iron hand, but still with a forgiving heart. I've also had someone who was Zen-like in many ways. She taught me to be simple and appreciate the afternoons at a local campus, as we dreamt big things as we glanced at the beautiful sun, setting itself beyond the green horizon. In essence she taught me how to appreciate the simple stuff, such as long walks alone, my long drives and the "calm" we draw from which is a figurative symbolism of my happy place such as my dinner at an SM Food Court to immerse yourself to the earl and genuine smiles of the people, or Christmas walks to Cubao as it greatly reminds you of childhood and even traveling as it it something that fills the heart, mind and soul. The other taught me that money affects the very fiber of humanity. That it seems almost magical that the brave become weak, ang suplado ay nagiging mabait, ang maingay any nagiging tahimik and that dignity and honor can easily be melted by such. Money is the true window to ones soul. That, as we all know for sure, if we want to see the true nature of an individual, put him in a tight situation involving money and you will see one's true color. I was also taught that the we join shows and conventions not for competition. Not to raise the bar and bask in recognition and triumph but to be humbled. That in one single event, you meet your match, or in some cases dwarfed by the "other". It can also be a learning experience when entering say fr example an IT, Toy or Gun Show, it just goes to show that there is bigger world around you. A world that you do not have grasp or control over.


I believe that we can always draw some good from our past relationships, thus helping us to be better, or shall I say "stronger" as my bitter friends would say. Same same goes for cars. Our failed installs taught us lessons on on never to be stingy on the important parts. Our past projects showed us that it takes time to build something outstanding and magazine worthy. We learned to be patient with our cars and also never to only depend on ourselves but realize the gold, that is our friends and co-enthusiasts. And that my friends is my 5 minute blog as I wait for diner to be served. Heading to South in a bit, good night. Be good.

GIGIL.

We've all matured. We all know that. From the way we speak, the way we think, the way we treat our friends or how we perceive information around us. We've learned to keep it cool, stay out of trouble, rethink before we speak and never put too much money on the line. I've just observed that sometimes the cars we build can be a reflection of what we've come to be. Or maybe the speed on how we build it is a reflection of how we take life nowadays, and how some priorities in life clearly overtake that our our most precious hobby. Something which you could have never thought of would happen in the past. The past, which as you may recall put motorsports, cars, parts and car groups above else in your life. Never mind food, or time for parents, or the upcoming exams, the reunion or that concert at Araneta, we all know that most of us would rather enjoy speeding through the Zig Zags of Tagaytay, spend hours ogling at our project car, installing parts past midnight or meeting up with our fellow car enthusiasts at Silver City, Metrowalk, Greenhills or Alabang. We are after all car nuts, and during those days, that identity is strongest. That this hobby which we all love takes precedence over everything. Even your highschool sweetheart.

Walang pinagkaiba yan sa dati mong ugali na: "it's now or never". As you and your friends are on your usual inuman, and suddenly there's this super beautiful, tall and charming girl in the area and you have this strong and compelling urge to approach her, talk to her and ultimately get her number because of the plain and obvious reason that there wont be a chance anymore next time or that moment is for you to grab, take over your life and make your own destiny. Ganyan ang mga motto ng kabataan, feisty, hungry, sabik, malakas ang loob at minsan ay KSP.

The talkboards, the selling pages, our who owns and who sells what... GRAB it now! In my opinion thats how we are as young enthusiasts. Get that Caliper, or those rims, or that Gathers interior, or those Recaros, get it while its still there. Relentless, budget-unconscious, limitless and "Gigil" that's how we deal with cars back then. Sometimes, we can also reflect on how were as young enthusiasts. Not only by the way we style our cars, but how we choose the parts, the speed on how we built it, or how in-love we were with that hobby, and the level of enthusiasm we had.

My friend had this line which he often says: "Mabuti pa dati kahit naka-SIR lang ako, I would go to my Lolo's village, take tons of pictures of my car on that same corner, timing it as the sun sets creating a wonderful camera effect, post it on PBASE that same night and link it up at the forums. Ngayon, naka M3 nga ako, tamad na at pagod na para mag pektur at nagagamit ko lang pag Sunday pag bibili ako ng dyaryo."

Goodnight everyone and have a great weekend. Grabbing dinner in a few. Peace. Be good.

A week after the 2016 Elections.

One week after the elections and the political posts have finally died down. I have always believed the the newsfeed here in the Philippines is like a fiesta. I've always said that you need to join, enjoy, participate and never take things too personally. That is the way Filipinos do Facebook, or shall I say our society does. We are the top social media user in the world or top 3, and add that to a unique culture and what you have is a wonderful and chaotic confusion.

If there is one thing I learned in the months before the election is that some people really have a knack of believing that they are better than others. Thats the truth. Sadly, Facebook has revealed the true color of some individuals thus further cementing my old, tried and tested idea that politics and money reveal one's true colors. Its ok to be a fanatic but not too much naman that people may wonder how many millions have you donated for the campaign, or by the mere concept that, in 5-6 years, you may be cringing when you backtrack your Facebook, or in voluntarily shows you memories and you tell yourself, what was I thinking and why did I say those things. Wilbert, my genius, and uber rich and successful friend who is a fellow car love (mine is a Jazz his is a mini, mine is Civic, his is a Porsche kinda thing... ) campaigned for Mar, and I'm pretty sure he had a huge chunk of financial contribution, yet he's cool about it. I can even joke about Mar in his face, with him patiently and diligently breaking down to me why his party is the logical and clear choice. It reminded me how he would tirelessly explain to me the Math problems I had difficulty in solving back in HS.

The month of April and May has been good to us. I feel our ties with Honda PH is even strionger as we further promote their products through our projects at various shows, all the more at the recently concluded Fit Fest and Hot Import Nights. We look forward to the coming months in anticipation of the new Civic. One of our friends, client and an executive from Honda will be grabbing one of the first RS Turbo's here in the Philippines so we're excited to check it out and see the similarities and differences from the older generations specifically the FB and FD chassis. We did our homework too as we have a few items up our sleeve from YS and especially our suspension/springs from Eibach which is now being developed in Germany. We still stay true to our identity, that we serve subcompacts, that and nothing else.  Through the months, we have also put more emphasis on original parts, better suspension systems and wheels. A true testament for the love of the scene. So there you have it, a 10 minute blog from yours truly. Good night. Be good. My headache is killing me.

Selfies and LTO's Ban on cars that have soul.

As I was going for my usual jog, I noticed a group of friends laughing away under the tree at as browse through some old and funny pics maybe of past or present, from their vacation or during one of their classes. Their laughs were of pure joy, careless and sincere, as if their world is isolated from all the grim problems our country has. The lady at the corner, going for a selfie, she was  rapidly taking pictures, of different angles, changing backgrounds, changing themes, including the cars, the trees and the passers by as she tries to provide drama to the pictures she is taking. on my second and 3rd round around the oval, I am a bit surprised that she's still at it. 

I begin to wonder if indeed, some people are really in love with themselves, or are clearly addicted to seeing themselves "apart" from them, seeing themselves in action or in drama via pics or even short and sweet videos on IG and FB. I begin to ponder upon life, that in the end after we live our life and we're done with our careers, riches, aspirations, goals, relationships and everything, we still end up six feet under. NO matter who you are, how rich, famous, beautiful, influential or powerful we will end up in a coffin or in ashes.

Now going back to the selfies, I guess its OK!. Because there is no other person to be in love with, to praise or to take pics on but who else but yourself. That life is too short, too linear, unpredictable and ending for you to try to limit yourself, or trying too be proper or obedient to magazines and online articles on trying to be the "right" person. I'm not saying you should really go for it, but just go ahead and take those selfies at wag ka magalala. Live it lang.

Moving along, well my take on LTO's ban on 15 year old cars? I''ll make it short and this best summarizes it. Our good government and its overly effective branch which is the LTO, is trying to go the easy route of going after the private sector to remedy the traffic in Metro Manila. Why? Because of after years and years of corruption and disorderly policies for the road, licensing and public franchises, it has finally come to this... the roads are clogged up because of too much PUVs on the road, buses not following regulations, traffic stoplights that do not work, roads that undergo yearly renovation as a source of income for the local officials, a very "broken" train system and the lack of interconnecting flyovers as compared to neighboring countries. Once again, pinataw nanaman ng gobyerno ang kanyang kakulangan sa mamayan. That best describes it. 

TAKE NOTE that while LTO is trying to implement this, it still has its share of problems with the card supplies and still hasn't completely settled its debt with company that provided their systems. Ang tindi diba?

Classes and Gatherings..

While Tin and I were having dinner at a resto at BGC, we were talking about how she worked in Germany and how she hated her boss and the Filipina blood in her demanded the amount of respect and compassion we Filipinos are accustomed to. That as much as they work like robots, a part of her wanted to break out. How she had shared the traits of both her dad and dad, both professionals. I was telling her about how Malls have thrived and succeeded in the Philippines and in contrast, Germany didn't have as much malls as we have, but rather had a more vibrant club or bar scene. Well since Germans really are the workcaholics that they are, a remainder of their time will be then left for bars as they tackle some drinks before heading home, we on the other hand, or a vast majority of Filipinos, would rather relax a bit, take a breather, and maybe thats why our malls have taken over the Metros. Like how many malls have met the dark fate of closing down recently? Close to none right. At the back of my mind, I could hear my dad, a patriotic Filipino in every sense of the word say, "Marami rin Pinoy ang di mahilig sa mall, mahilig magtrabaho at nasa oras palagi".

Born of the endless debates maybe I have with him, on how great Filipinos are, how we can still make a comeback and how we realistically need 5 Duterte's, 5 BFs and 5 Gordons, on how Filipinos are so well and good with time, late, slightly late, 1 hour late or the famous on the way (but still not on the way) texts and messages. I do think Filipinos are really that way, or maybe its with the upbringing or training, at school, at work or at home, does our blood have anything to do with it, probably our culture or maybe, education has something to do with it. Well either way, as someone who is always around a wide variety of friends, I can say that one of their problems with our society is indecision and not being on time. That's it, beyond that its all good. 

Driving around as we ended some errands around the Metro, she noticed houses, next to really big houses, mansions next to squatters area. And as usual I would explain that's how our country is built, and a testament of the gap between the rich and the poor in our society. I remember gatherings in Malaysia and Thailand, wherein guys with Skylines would have their cars next to a Jazz or a Civic, or a Supra next to a Brio, an M3 next to a Corolla, the amount, the variety and the non-classification of cars caught my attention. I am therefore impressed, by maybe how they consider everyone as equals, and plainly, hanging out with each other. That this guy can talk freely to this guy. Well forgive me for saying this buy that doesn't happen here, often, there is a classification where the Corolla guys would be at that corner, the Supra boys in the corner, or Silva's at the other, and the Lancers at the other end. Never will you see those guys mingle together, side by side, sharing stories, taking pics. I do believe that its not a fault, but simply, how our society is put together or has evolved through time. That there is huge gap between classes that in even manifests itself on gatherings, what people can afford, what they can drive, where they study and where they hang out with or WHO they hang out with. 

A 5 minute blog by yours truly, have a good and relaxing night everyone. Peace. 

Hobbies...

Coming out from a good Sunday lunch almost mirienda with my good friend sir Jay, I recall a conversation we had about his neighbor who for a time had a couple of EGs in their garage, then were replaced by a couple of EVOs and then most recently a set of Vespas whom we all know can easily equal the amount of any car on the road depending on the model. I just thought that sometimes, certain individuals decision on their hobbies and purchases are dictated their peers, or the social circles wherein they belong to. People evolve and their feelings towards what can keep them busy, or probably a source of contentment. Meaning, a guy cannot let go of his toy car, may it be an EK9, couple of EGs or his beloved Sti because he belongs to a group and would dread the feeling of being left out in the barkada or group. that there will always be this toy which you would always have on the side. I think this also applies on parts or collections. It goes the same way.

Then there are other individuals who I call fearless and literally move away from one hobby to the other. That they feel no remorse of any kind or do not care what their peers have to say. Like disposing of cars for a couple of bikes, to the effect gaining friends from this community, then later in a way leaving them, kind of inactive then moving on to the next set who are into bikes. Our hobbies present new roads to us, a new life, a new set of friends, and a different lifestyle. In some cases, our hobbies also influence the way we dress up, probably an altered schedule or the way we treat our work weeks and of course the weekends as we give way to night rides, gatherings, simple inumans and what not. 

The Hangover called: Fit Fest

It was rumored that she was advised not to contact me at FB or through phone as to avoid her from comparing her current BF to me, and feeling sorry about him. Now that's flattering, as if I'm a figure or something naman, just a plain Juan here... I just wanted to get that out of my chest so moving along....

It really pays to have a good relationship with people, especially to clients, suppliers and groups. That is what I call a complete and full investment in our industry wherein one way or another, along this long road of ours, we're bound to meet them, need them and encounter them, quick and in passing, involved or binding. Fit Fest 2016 is finally over and I'm pretty sure a lot of the people here still have a hangover from the event, by the sheer number of cars and the "completeness" or its corporate suave, it impressed a lot of people that's a given, but more importantly, it made a mark on people's minds on what that event truly was about, at core. 

Going back to investing a good relationship, I couldn't imagine how difficult it would be if you had problems with say for example the Core Members of Honda Club or HJCP in the past and there you go, years after, such as event happens. I mean you reap what you sow, that relationship matters and it all boils down to your character and how you moved yourself along that long road to either be avoided, or to be looked down upon or in plain sight, to be fairly treated just like any other person out there. Now, kung may atraso ka, ano kaya ang pakiramdam of not being able to attend such a big and "universal" event. Na halatang halata sa paningin ng iba na iiwas ka, or wala ka magagawa kundi tumiklop at maghanap nalang nang mapagkakaabalahan habang lahat ng kaibigan mo ay nagsasaya, at nakikisalo sa isang kaganapan na minsan lang mangyari. Like a kid who's sick during a children's party, sitting quietly in the room, watching through the window as his friends have a blast. I just thought of that. I know it's a completely different perspective, but it has to be tackled, and I consider it an important facet of "being" in this industry, or in this community. 

That Sunday was really something, I almost got teary eyed as I honked my horn and waved hello to I think 10-12 clients whom I came across the road the whole day as I was still doing my shop errands, all of them, glittery and shiny, ready and committed, as they carefully drove their "gems" to an event called Fit Fest 2016. The selfies and Go Pro shots were flooding my newsfeed, it was truly "trending" as they call it nowadays at the interwebz. I just felt fulfilled, because we are a shop who clearly caters to that market, its not that I got flowery words to lift up the shop or to I'm trying to create an image BUT our Facebook wall and all our pictures, 7 days a week, concretely shows it. That every single day, Jazz' come to the shop and buy our parts or avail of our services. That was the connection I had to Fit Fest, it was kind of defining and the same time fulfilling on my part and the shop's mission from the very start. 

The question is, so what's next? And an immense pressure luring over the next set of guys who'll be in charge next year. But for now, lets bask and pleasure ourselves of this great feeling, of lingering excitement and delight. The hangover ain't over. And that's Fit Fest 2016... 

A social media effect..

This age is clearly a time for self expression. Obviously because of social-media, strongest would be Facebook eclipsing Twitter with that IG acquisition. As I diunk my tea here at SB Subic, after some end month deliveries, I begin to think I browse the newsfeed, of various pictures, selfies, High-res ones, pics of cars, people, random stuff, family and anything under the sun, I begin to realize that the phrase: "Coming up with too many selfies is a disorder" shall be, or will inevitably become obsolete. The digital age has blessed us with ability to record everything, every moment, as if pausing time, as we get this much close to having a time machine. If you think about it, our sons and daughters should be introduced to FB immediately because primarily it will serve as their timeline for the years to come. Thats why for us, to those who started 08-09-sh, we see blanks to everything beyond it, I can just imagine who sweet it would be if we started earlier, or if we had such technology earlier, how nice it would be to recall such events. It works both ways too for relationships, some celebrate in its ability to do such, to remind you of "memories with" but for some, I'm pretty sure its a bit painful, for the broken families, relationships and not so desirable pasts. Im also happy that we will be included on Google's "Shop" view, or maybe one of their firsts here in the Philippines, it's related to the streetview, only more specific, as people get to see whats inside. I guess its time for another cleanup and renovation. Times like these I wish I had a partner, or was a corporation. But solo flight we go. Goodluck to me.

Social media, is one big album for cars. I can just remember those Pbase stuff, and the websites dedicated for you to upload yours cars, to be rated, to be updated. Now, all those are a thing of the past. Social media mainly FB has revolutionized not only the way we interact with people, friends, family and all the individuals we stalk and crush on, but how we showcase, in our own way the cars we build. It's a celebration of freedom, to show, to be proud, to pretend to be NOT bragging, to convey unto others how "immediately" some are blessed, and to appreciate hard work and "getting there". 

The weekend and the end of the month is rearing its ugly head at me again, happy to have work, glad to have good friends, but unfortunately, end of month paperworks again and the usual backlog. So before I leave this usual overpriced copi shop, let me say good night to you all. Be good. 

South and some random thoughts..

With the seven months I've been going to and from South because of work, I can say that the people there in some ways have a different perspective unto cars. Though not entirely way beyond there, but in my honest opinion, they put emphasis on wheels and an extra low drop as compared to others. I was thinking maybe they're allowed to do such because the roads at least at Paranaque are quite nice. I may be wrong though, but the area is particularly kind to the car as compared to a vast majority of streets at QC and nearby areas. The South is a cool place to live on, the somewhat relaxed nature of people on weekends is proof to that, as I sometimes still do my deliveries on weekends, car groups and barkada's would simply bring out a table, some drinks and there you have it. A never ending discussion of cars, life, the funny stuff of past and what goes beyond unto the future. I remember always leaving late at the Bumper to Bumper Shows at MOA, our friends from Cavite and Batangas usually at 11 onwards would tone down their volumes, bring out the foldables and let out the JDs.

Moving on, the Bumper to Bumper Shows have come a long way from their first debut at the Fort, at that tiny triangular parking lot in front Home Depot. I remember being a participant of that show as a member of CSG, fast forward to 2015. Marketing is up there, the level of competition is great, the awards are so many it keeps us till 3PM haha, of course there are always some glitches but thats normal for a street show. The essence of B2B is being able to market your stuff, or letting out that project car you've been building for so long, or to recognise the up and coming groups or the established ones, or to provide confidence to the newbies and a (re)-spark for the present guys. A street show will always be a street show, and thats the difference compared to the likes of Autosalon and Transhow. One major difference is revving, I remember Leyson during our campaign a year ago, his guys revved the hell out of his built CRX and EG, the crowd gathered at our area, take note, we two K20's waiting in the background.

Back in 2009 I think, we joined the Autosalon using our good friend David Tejero's Spoon Fit GE. During that time, that level was kind of unheard off, because as easrly as 2009, we had a complete line of Original Spoon Parts installed on the Jazz, he also had a complete set of Cusco stuff underneath, and other orig parts which later on became the template of other enthusiasts in the coming years. God has been generous to us too by blessing us with uncountable awards through different shows via Mark Luna's Civic(s) note the S, Jazz. Also notables were Leyson's Civics, Felix' Jazz, Brian's K20 FD, Rio's GD K20, Neil's Ings FD amongst others to present times via Carlo, Mark and Emman's Jazz and City. Surely the market has evolved and the shop has too, as we tilted the direction just a bit towards the modern cars. I won't delve into that further as to save it for another blog. I've always thought, I just have to always refocus on our market, as it moves, as it stays the dynamic entity that it is. 

Random thoughts...

"Like with the NBA, we just have to accept that some Eras are not profitable anymore. If you plan to forge ahead and move forward, you need to embrace the present and future technologies. Of course there is always a special place in our heart for these "older" cars, memories of highschool, college, trackdays, shows and whatnot, the same goes for Kobe as we spent our barkada nights watching his games. He ruled our intrams and sportfests because almost everyone copied his moves, and his shoes lit up the court."

"Always a great feeling to have good relationships with clients, friends and other shops. North and south collaborations via Blanche, Bigberts from the South and VC Autoworks from the North. Truly, nothing can replace a good-clean name."

"Quick reflection: It sucks if there's a really good brand from Japan being brought here, but its being handled by the most undesirable person in the industry. At the end of the day, it seems the product will only perform as good as the handler's personality."

"Overheard at the Autosalon habang nagiikot.... Nakuha mo ba yung number nung crush mo na model? Hindi sya maganda sa personal. Kinurot at nag-away ba kayo ng asawa mo dahil tingin ka nang tingin? Friends na ba kayo ulit ng shop na minsan ay sobra ka tinaga? Naging emosyonal ka ba na halos gusto mo mag speech sa stage? It's a Monday and back to reality na. "

"I wake up earlier, put in the extra work the night before, fill up my planner extensively and carefully fixed my schedule but like the good stalker that she is, EDSA catches up on you. Nevertheless a beautiful sight!"

"Morning deliveries done! Moral story for the day: Sometimes the best tuned and the most loaded cars are the ones who don't even see the light of EBs or gatherings. They even don't care about posting Facebook pics. Some people just love collecting cars and well, collecting dust."


"Can't believe I just used an analogy by comparing Tirso Cruz 3rd and Tom Cruise in a desperate attempt to reassure an old schooler that it was the right decision to replace his old generic Auto Meter gauges with original Defi Racer Gauges."