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.