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.

Thailand, an evolved tuning market.

As I am typing this composition, sitting at a bench in between Thanachart Bank and Phatra Securities somewhere in the middle of Bangkok, I enjoy discovering cities by foot, may it be at our country, the provinces or overseas. Spending some time in Thailand, I can clearly say that Thailand is one emerging market, most notably, their industry is very advanced since it represents a significant part of the manufacturing that being done in Asia. In fairness, they have been manufacturing elevators, walkalators, heavy equipment and the like for a long time already, something which we obviously don't have for a long time coming.

Thailand is a very vivid example of an evolved tuning market. I'm very fond of their industry because not only do they offer a wide variety of JDM parts for the traditional builder from Silvias, to RX7s, to Skylines, but they have opened the market into the common factory released cars offering broad options from wheels, to aero packages for common Yaris', Altis', Civics and the like. They also have a very advanced SUV and Pickup market like sports versions of the Dmax and Hilux. Simply put, cars come out of the dealership pretty much loaded with the standard payment. In the Philippines, you'd have to pay extra for these upgrades as our agents call it. Still remember the Toyota 86 Aero Package Deal with your local Toyota Agent? I hope you didn't have to go through with such a belittling ordeal. 

Obviously they are part of the D1 and they also have numerous Diesel Drag and circuit events where your modified Hilux, Strada and Dmax are raced unconventionally. Thailand has more of an evolved and advanced tuning market in a way that a lot of locally produced tuning parts are sprouting. Shops sell both traditional parts from Spoon, HKS, Tomei, Mugen and such, but they too keep a patriotic inventory of locally manufactured mufflers, coilovers, wheels and aero parts. 

As I sit at the sidewalk, eating my bbq spicy squid with the local bottled juice on hand, I could not help but admire the richness of their local car industry, different models which we don't see at our shores, taxis that look good and are well maintained, VIP Vans, extremely lowered Teana's and Accords and as I was crossing the street making my way to the local coffee shop, a duo of RE Amemiya RX-7s politely gave way  to the pedestrian.

Hey, I forgot to mention that I did some chores on their local bank called Siam. They only had one security guy only armed with a baton. Our local BDO and Metrobank comes with 3 armed guards with heavy rifles. Would that be enough to depict the difference in our societies?

As the CNBC analyst would usually call it, Thailand is something that the Philippines should have been.

Obligatory "LIKE".

As I write this essay inside the plane thousands of feet above ground, I recall walking through Ortigas during a parts delivery after office hours is always a joy for me to do. During these moments do I remember the early days of JDMselect wherein I would deliver parts day in and day out at the same time working a day job. It's even better this time since all the lights and decors are out, its Christmas time by the way, a season which we should savour during its early days. I've always believed that Christmas is best appreciated a month or so before it hits. During this time, we get to enjoy it, the busyness and buzz of everything from traffic to Christmas Shopping and the like. When Christmas day hits, or at least the 26th, we all know its over. Gifts have been opened, the clear realization that work is now looming behind us as the new year starts. 

Going back to Ortigas, I've always enjoyed watching these tall buildings as I oblige myself to park all the way from GCF and take the long walk way to Megamall or Shang. This is to burn more calories by the way. Looking at the buildings and how tall they are, dwarfs every little aspiration or dream I could think of. These big corporations from San Miguel to RCBC to Unionbank are kings of their respective fields. It always feel great to be humbled at the sight of these structures. The feeling of there is something or someone above you, something that you don't necessarily aspire to overcome, but more of to inspire you and keep you levelled. 

This bring us to our industry, cars and tuning. I've observed some individuals who think they know so much, who are extra passionate on things that they end up making enemies and attracting negative attention. They tend to expect other individuals to be as "pure" as they are or deep rooted. In my honest opinion this is depriving other people of their own discovery of things, its also a bit rude of trying to force a certain culture unto people who in the end spend their own money on these expensive parts, may it be classy, pure, JDM or baduy.

People should just take it easy, let people enjoy themselves and their cars. Add the right amount of learning and let them discover for themselves. In the end, these individuals who think so highly of themselves might even be critized by our next door big budgeted neighbours from Japan, Malaysia or Australia. Its a cycle, I've witnessed it time and again, and we can never be so sure. I've always believed in being humble and respecting other's take on tuning or fixing up. Cars and non-car related. I'm fortunate enough to be sensitive to such things or to people's emotions, from my experience to teaching kids, working for the corporate world and operating a business.

I've always had the idea that Facebook has given way for bragging and disrespecting to be somewhat acceptable. Obligatory likes, friendships for "business" and "political" purposes are somewhat common if you ask me. 

The more you know, the more expensive it gets. The more you know, the more critical you are. It's a basic curve which we discover but in the end the most important thing which we should be able to master or handle is respecting others...

That alone and above else :)