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."

What makes us human..

As we finished at around 8pm at the Paranaque shop, I gathered my staff for a simple dinner at nearby Jollibee. It was truly a tiring day since it was basically non stop the moment I drove off from the house to QC, the tasks keep piling up that I had to designate a few other tasks to the secretary for us to cover a few request from the nearby clients. Jollibee, for all intents and purposes is the symbol of the working class. When you say Jollibee, its something thats already marked in everyone’s mind as “I love you Sabado”, or the Chicken joy which Aga Muhlach and some kids would bite off effortlessly in front of the camera even though it was basically steaming hot which I do not underhand still now how that is possible. A sort of reward, a light at the end of a dark tunnel and the easiest way to please crying kids. 

Anyways, there are certain things that have made a mark to each of us, especially during our childhood that as it tears and labours through time, it will, and always be an item which enables us to quickly look back and remember the past. The same goes for songs and places, say for example a certain lyric or rhythm that reminds you of the barkadahan, how you and your friends would sit at the corner of the classroom on a rainy July, with the guitar in hand, halfway through lunch break as you would sing to the iconic melodies of Eraser Heads or True Faith. How about that burnt smell of bread, would remind you of your 5:am breakfast, as your mom prepares you a sandwich before heading to school. Or that particular smell from a car’s resonator, which brings you back to the college years as you would often smell such odor as you come home to your girlfriend’s house in Antipolo. The car’s resonator emitting such smell from your uphill sprints, spirited but cautious, enjoyed and appreciated. Or a song from Dave Matthews band, which you were listening non stop as you tried to recover from being busted by your long time crush, trying to move on, trying to move out, understanding and painstakingly trying to reason out with yourself, of why's, where's, of when's and will there ever be.

Certain cars that remind you of the golden age. Of parking your cars at the side of Libis, burger in hand, Walkie Talkie on the left, cheering and waiting. The EKs and EGs, the rare Evo’s from Autoplus and Redline Racing Skyline during that time. Gods of the internet, figures of the talk boards. 

I guess that is what makes us human, literally and figuratively. That we are able to feel the past, present and possibly the future through objects and events that give way to memories and understanding. 

Built to run..

I understand people who really use their cars and give little value to the word preserved and low mileage. I mean, there are two types of enthusiasts. First the one who preserve, then the second wold obviously be the ones who use. It works both ways actually, especially in the second hand car market. Both compliment each other say for example a friend who sold his 95 pristine EG Hatch to another friend who's looking for one. In 1 week, the EG got a new Bseries transplant, a new paint job plus seats, brakes and suspension. The effect is simply phonemonal to say the least.  To receive a well preserved EG and inject the best parts on it is a recipe for success to matter how you look at it. The same goes for the Corollas, the Silvias, Lancers and STI's out there. I've always believed in using a car to the best of its abilities but at the same time pampering. In an ideal world it would be nice to have it sit at the garage for months and weeks but you know cars are built to run, 75% of its purpose is to please the mind and heart, to awaken the senses and to say the least, keep you inspired to work harder and look forward to each day.

Things that stem from this are parts, which we all buy and is a huge industry, the media, the interwebz and traditional print. Do not forget of all things motorsports, that in the end of the day, eveything is centered upon it. As enthusiasts, we buy using the heart first, then the mind. As a shop owner if you put money first instead of putting yourself on the customer's shoes I think that would be defeating rather than nourishing. To oblige yourself rather than waking up in the morning and doing what you love.

Just some random thoughts before getting after a long road trip to the north (and some wilderness). I'm so happy that finally I got my day-off, after like what, 4 months of no weekends and holidays. The recent months have been very exhausting, but I'm very thankful of the blessings.

Why do I write? Because brains. :) More than parts and the flashy cars.

Substance is what makes us human. Priceless and cannot be bought by any amount of money.

Teaching fellow drivers the right way.

In my opinion the best way to teach proper driving manners in Manila is to basically react the right way. Say for example a car is struggling to merge in a lane, using his signal light, you should give way. Its a way of confirming his right move or action of using his signal light. That way, you showed him that if he  acts the right way, he’ll receive the proper reaction. The same goes for thanking people if they give way, a short honk of the horn or a wave would really go a long way in affirming that the driver who gave way made the right move. A sort of reward to him. I've always thought about these things, that the best way to educate a driver or slowly erase the rudeness that we Filipino drivers are known for is to act within ourselves and pave way to a cooler way of driving, that no matter how much cars you didn’t give way to, you cut and overtook, there wouldn’t be a 1-2 hour time difference on your arrival of whatever destination. That at the end of the day, we are part of this unsolvable massive and overpopulated road and we just have to barrel through it. 

At 7:45pm and 8:10pm, I made two quick parts deliveries. In just feels right making these deliveries as I have done years ago. Feels like home, feels natural and no hassle. I remember back in 2008-2009 I would drive as fast as I can to deliver parts while working a day job. At night after work, my schedule is usually busy as I would allocate all deliveries during those hours at various meet up points most often as nearby gas stations. Truly those times were part of the internet revolution/e-commerce. Online sales were skyrocketing and for some reason, people would ride the hype of inquiring to online stores and meeting up their owners and having their parts sent via the local courier. Thats what i thought. I remember back then when I had empty bat on the cellphone and my then GF and I would guess who among the people in front of Shell Select was our buyer. That was something nice to look back to, also various transactions which would occasionally disrupt our dates may it be during dinner, a movie or while shopping. The growing years of business, especially if you’re on your own and no partners whatsoever and have never asked for angel financing is one of the most difficult phases in life. It's always truly rewarding to have gone through all that, on my own was my common adage and independence was deeply rooted in my belief. Walang nang sasarap pa kung ikaw any nagtaguyod sa sarili mo, at wala na iba.