Intersect

Everyone needs an EG, the same way we need that speed drug which we as enthusiast yearn for and the basic backbone of this hobby turned passion. the Civic EG in its most basic sense is the favorite pocket rocket in my opinion. It’s something that is assumed to undergo a basic set of mods and ultimately leading to a better engine, some bigger brakes and a career, if fortunate enough, leading to motorsports and the like. I’m writing this letter at a Cafe at Gyongdong, overlooking a busy street full of professionals, families, lovers and basically individuals who has a knack for shopping and dining. I couldn’t help but compare and think back to what we have in Manila. At ang lamig, promise.

Inno drives his EG, windows done, feeling, hearing, continuously inspired by the sound and terror that his B18c5 brings. Passing through Katipunan on eventful Friday night, teens on their backpacks Still, dining, chatting with their friends,couple of friends slightly curious of the balut and penoy Manang is selling.  Kids at Starbucks, eating much time, sipping that coffee, trying to be relevant, of the norm that nowadays one has to have that coffee in hand before they can start studying, before they can even start a task or even concentrate. During such time, past midnight, our good friend El Natcho might be ripping to and from Tagaytay through its lesser known back roads. he may be on a FF, or a FR of his choice. Trying new stuff, clicking endlessly on that stop watch, of what makes his car faster than the other one, chasing himself, questioning what could have been faster on that particular corner, his BRZ, CRZ or the Porsche. A true and undying testament that there are still enthusiasts out there who are simply addicted to driving. No fancy stuff just driving. 

The Civic EG is an entity which has intersected our lives one way or another, its a trip down memory lane, a pure nostalgia machine or that great teacher to all of us. May it be on parts, or being a purist and most importantly, of putting much importance on function rather than form.

Well in my opinion, one of the simplest lessons of owning an EG Sedan and Hatch through out these years is showing me the true essence and the ultimate form of a manual. Meaning, it completely changed my perspective on cars in such a way that I question myself on whats the good of buying that manual STI or Evo or WRX, when you can have your 1800 lb B18 EG hatch just completely destroy everything on the road, come up with the fastest laptime and still go home unscathed and/trailer-less. That there is nothing more ultimate that the manual EG, and that everything else could be considered just a "powerful cruiser". Now thats my narrow minded point of view.  

Moneyz.

If there’s one thing we can all be proud of is being able to deal with different types of people. Life throws a lot of stuff at you day by day, at work, play, leisure and the like, and through that, we are able to experience life and most importantly different people. May taong parang matandang dalaga ang ugali, there are free loaders, pioneers, aggressive people, humble, mayabang, mahangin, mabait, mama’s boy, siga and all, and I guess that is what life is. 

In your life, I think life is bound to throw in an compete asshole here and there just to stir things up, to make it a tad difficult, rather being a challenge to you as you make way in this thing called life. We need these people in our life, that office mate that annoys you every single day, that crush that always takes advantage of you and you end up treating her coffee at the expensive coffee place just across school. How about that friend who inspires you to work harder, or that neighbour na walang kasing simple pero when you open his gate he has 5 valid sport cars. Or the business people who you have to deal with day by day, who look at people with Peso signs in their heads, who smile when you pay good, and frown and treat you like nothing when there’s nothing to profit from. How about that guy who has 25 bible verses stuck in his car window, but is a complete jerk when he drives. 

Education. Thats why its important. Thats why its essential for kids to get quality education, to gain formation and of spirit thats nourished the right way. Not by the struggles of life, nor by greed, not by business and absolutely not from the sense of urgency to gain or earn. But by truly understanding life and being a man for others. Of working diligently and doing business not only for profits but to alleviate the life of other people that of your employes and their families. I’ve always believed that if your motivation comes from greed, you are simply wasting your life away, or in many cases people view you as one dimensional. You’re stuck into perceiving people as to what they can give you not to what their value is as human beings. 

Do we live for money, or shall we rather strike that perfect balance in life? 

Class Act

Hindi pa came ready maging "baduy". I think that statement says it all. Of the struggles of someone who has lived in the EG/EK era, did business on his own, got lucky, worked hard and is staying true to his roots in this present era. Napakahirap. To maintain such outlook in tuning, and walk that fine and almost fading line between keeping it simple and functional, or gaining a huge profit from selling parts that go against your belief, parts which you would never dare install in your car. Simple as that.

The battles we had at South taught me a lot of things. That other shops actually push products to clients even if its actually not needed. Just to make a profit, just to include it at the spec sheet, just to say its more complete or for them to post something on FB or IG. Surely these people in my estimation, woke up one morning, thought of getting parts from a supplier and selling them for profit and call it a day. Wag mong kalimutan yung Facebook post nya na kulang ng subject verb agreement. Salamat sa mga magagaling ko na teacher sa Ateneo.

The pride of the enthusiast who’s lived in the EF/EG/EK era’s is a real passion for building cars. Of keeping it clean, simple, effective, reliable and of course, making use of the best brands possible. To be honest with you when I help my clients I try to make the transaction as smooth as possible annd avoid hassles on their part and mine. I hate being baduy though sometimes to tell straight its unavoidable, but we try as much as possible not to put those weird looking lights on your brand new 2018 RS Civic. I even put quotes on our wall, snippets of the style we believe in and the form we strive for. Hmm, what else, ah yes, we’re not there yet calling our cars cute and funny names nor we want it overdressed. Like women, we want to keep it simple, less makeup, let her real beauty shine but when you ask her on a random date from posh hotels, to a simple date at a kubo-kubo resto at Tanay, she’s game, she’s ready to go, hindi maarte, parang kabarkada mo lang, hindi naiilang at nakasimangot, sa halip ay natatawa pa, sumusugod pa, at nauuna pa sayo. You want to bring and introduce her to your parents and friends? Aba pwede. May utak, may gilas, may galaw, not a girl whose world revolves around bags, makeup, events or the dire need to post everthing on FB and IG. Nopes.

I remember a public figure in motorsports who I'm sure you know and has in many ways became a mentor to me. The kind of guy who's sikat na nagsisismula na yung event nya, di pa sya tapos makipagkamay at magpa picture sa mga tao. He told me, choose between two simple things. Gain the profit that you need, or preserve the dignity of your client. Such words are engraved to mind to this day, it also serves as a reminder of our purpose and direction as a shop.

Motorsports. Thats one of the main factors of such difference. Of someone who had participated in racing, and has involved himself in such, someone who wants it lighter, simpler, faster as compared to someone who would want his clients rolling on 67 pcs of LED lights, fake stuff and recommend parts that do not really mix well. Yun any difference. Cars are machines, those are built to run. Those are made to make you smile on straights and corners whatever may it be. We daydream about time attack STI's, Evos and Civics, ripping though the race track at unbelievable lap times, we dream of limited edition parts, those timeless Rays wheels and big budget builds that win SMX shows.

And there you have it, a 5 minute blog by yours truly. By the time this gets published siguardo late na, btw ginawa ko ito sa isang maingay na coffee shop, pugad ng mga genius ang order ay isang kape at uupo ng 8 hours, na kaya magaral kahit volume 10 ang ingay at napakagulo. Peace.