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."