Car Enthusiast

If you open a dictionary and look up the word enthusiast, it is defined as a person who has
high interest in an activity or subject. A car enthusiast is a man or woman who has high interest,
passion and has good knowledge about cars. Car enthusiast loves every aspect of cars down to
the very last detail such as mechanics, interiors, history, brands, chassis codes, experiences
with their car, personal driving style, and respecting views of other people when it comes to
cars. Cars are extensions of their being. They know cars, they love it and they live it. A real car
enthusiast does not see a car as a machine for travel; they see cars as a companion.

The Group
In the Philippines, the car scene is too big and not everyone who is part is a legit enthusiast. Peers usually
form a car group in order to talk about the same age generation of cars they have or just really formed it out
of friendship. Iori Suzuki, a car enthusiast in the industry, had a good idea to make a small group in order to
narrow down the people who think they are real car enthusiasts and for them to thoroughly discuss all
aspects of each vintage or modern car to expand each ones knowledge. Thus, the car group, The Alliance of
Car Enthusiasts was created. Ioris friends joined the group and later, these friends invited other people who
share the same passion for these machines. Moreover, narrowing it down to a small group makes everyone
comfortable with each other. Communication became easier and misunderstandings were avoided.
Members of groups of car enthusiast feel that the group they belong to is their home. The group
understands each other and is eager to interact because of the shared passion, curiosity and interest for four
wheeled machines. Car enthusiasts speak a language that normal people dont understand, but within their
group, they understand each other perfectly. Car enthusiasts never have to explain themselves to each other.

What they do each day?

Car enthusiast cannot spend a day without doing anything car related. They talk about cars, look at
beautiful car pictures or read new automotive news about it. Some car enthusiasts wash their cars daily
even though they are tired or they go home late. They also check how the car drives and the noise that it
makes to make sure that the car has no problems. They make sure that the car has enough gas and has
the right tire pressure daily.

DOS AND DONTS IN BEING A CAR ENTHUSIAST:

DOS

DONTS

Respect your car and others cars

Be a showoff

Know about cars and the industry

Get mad when your car is problematic

Enjoy the company of other car enthusiast

Watch car shows for the girls

Use hydraulic steering!

(only a car enthusiast would understand)
Drive a manual
Have knowledge about cars and the industry
ITS NOT A REQUIREMENT TO HAVE A CAR.

INTERVIEW
Q1: Do you have a car? What parts do you love most about it?

!
Ken Cruz: Yes. Everything, from the hard work
Ive put into it and the memories and experiences.
Most memorable would have to the evolution of
my car for 5 years from what it was when I got it to
what it is now. Its irreplaceable. Ive customized
the headlights, bumper, fog lights, horn, intake,
headers, down pipe, muffler, coil overs, wheels,
tires, sound system, steering wheel, and shift key.
Aaron Leang: I drive my sisters 2006 Kia
Picanto. Yes its a small, underpowered car but it
is fully mechanical. The driver-car interaction is
just so precise. It does what you tell it to do
immediately. This made me think why the
manufacturers decided to go with electronic

Alex de Leon: Yes I do. What I love about it is

systems rather than mechanical systems.

probably not something everyone will understand.

Aside from its power and easy handling, I love it
because its someone who has always been there
for me. Hes someone I can trust and someone who
has never let me down. Yes, most of us see our cars
as something more than an object. Hes sort of the
Abet Martinez:

Hell yeah I have a car. Its a 2009

Lancer Cedia 1.6. I love the fact that its a car that
nobody would pick against its competitors, i love the
hydraulic steering, i love all its aspect in general!

Q2: How do you take care of your car?

Ken Cruz: On a daily basis, I check how the car drives. I also check how the car handles the way I
drive it and investigate on the noise that it makes. I also make sure that the car has enough gas and
the right tire pressure. Every week, I clean the car inside and out. I also check the engine break,
fluids and wires.

Alex de Leon: Aside from the usual maintenance, which is the change oils every so kms. I wash
him myself everyday. I do it even if Im tired or sick or if its really late. I also detail him myself every
few months or so. Well simply put, everything I can do in the car myself, I do it.

Aaron Leang: I wash it at least once a day. I make sure nothing scratches it. I treat it as if it was a
living being.

Abet Martinez: Clean it, maintain it in car shops.. wax it.. and make sure oily hands, out of the

Q3: What is your dream car? Why?

Alex de Leon: I have 4 dream cars. And this is in order:

a) Yellow Mazda RX-7 Fd3s Spirit R version (Type A) :

my reason for liking this one is really simple. This was
my childhood. The first car show to ever impact and
perhaps fuel other car enthusiast is initial-D and this was
one of the cars there. Except the one that keisuke owned
wasnt a spirit R.

b) Midnight blue Nissan Fairlady 240Z S30 : The fairlady

is one of the most iconic Japanese cars ever since its
sort of one of the pioneers of Japanese sports cars. It
was one of the cars that started the long nose trend.

c) Black Nissan skyline R32 GTR: my reason for liking

this is because its one of those sportscars that can be
easily used as a daily car.

d) White Audi V10 R8 Spyder: This is one of the

supercars that can be used as a daily.
Aaron Leang: 2002 Honda NSX-R - The Honda
NSX-R is the most surprising car Ive learned
about. It is so mechanical, so lightweight, so fast
even with the lack of proper supercar power, it
can actually beat cars with 2 times its power
(Lamborghinis and Ferraris).

Abet Martinez: Mercedes Benz SLS AMG.

Why? Because its freaking gorgeous all
throughout!

Events:
Sushi Run
For a car enthusiast, a car is not supposed to stay

At midnight, the group takes off for Alabang

in a garage. Cars for them are art pieces and these

to give their rides a run on the highway.

machines are best appreciated when they are on the

Although most of these classics had some

road. Thus, Jeiven Perez, owner of the Sushi

performance work done, the gathering is not a

Machine Garage, created the Sushi Run.

street race. Most importantly, the group is

He intended the event to be a means of seeing his

favorite cars, a 240Z or a Hakosuka Skyline on the

always advised and reminded to stay within the

legal speed limit.

road. His main reason, however, was to hold a run for

Car enthusiasts definitely feel a rush seeing

him and his friends to push their cars to the limit on a

all their cars run together even if they only travel

monthly basis. He recalls telling a friend that hell run

at 100 km/h. They are pretty to look at, but are

with just three people, but a lot of car enthusiast

more admirable at speed. There is also a sense

came with their machines and made each meet more

of satisfaction for them as they hear the

beautiful and memorable, which is something more

machines engines make sounds in sync.

than he imagined.

Once the group reaches the meeting point,

Sushi Machine Garage, also known as the Sushi

usually a gas station, their cars are parked and

Factory to car enthusiasts, is located in Makati and is

left to rest. Their drivers, on the other hand,

a normal car shop by day. Although on the first

share stories and updates about their cars

Saturday night of each month, it becomes a meeting

power and upgrades and their thoughts of soon

place for a special group of people who share a love

to be featured cars in the market. The drive

for classic Japanese cars. It serves as a gathering for

takes no more than 25 to 40 minutes to

them to catch up with old friends and meet new

complete, but it is the sense of being together

enthusiasts. It is also as a venue to appreciate these

with cars and fellow car enthusiasts that gets the

well-built machines, which are considered pieces of

group to stick around and keep coming back to

art. The selection of machines mostly come from the

the Sushi Run.

'70ss and '80s series of Japanese automobiles, but

there is no restriction on what a car enthusiast can or
cannot bring.

Sushi Run

Tnaybrging 2014

Tnaybrging 2014

Tnaybrgring was like a relaxed typical weekend drive in the province but the difference was the
covered distance by the drivers. This year, the events route is around 200 kilometers from start to
finish which required drivers to pass by a terrain of mountain roads, farmlands, and small rural towns.
An entire day was needed to accomplish the route.

Team A and Ozawa JDM organized this years Tnaybrging 2014, in partnership with the Open
Heart Foundation. Around 150 people arrived with 70 different kinds of cars, such as sports cars,
SUVs, and sedans, were brought to the event. With an assembly time of 7am at the Shell station near
Marcos Highway, attendees were given a quick briefing on the course. They reminded each one that
this was not a street race. No type of reward will be given for finishing first, yet a Spirit of the Award
will be given to one participant and a special Tnaybrgring sticker was given to those who finished
the long and exhausting drive.

Driving up to Tanay, Rizal, first stop was the cliff side overlooking the Sierra Madre Mountains.
Since the terrain was mountainous and steep and the cars had to go up, it was important for the
drivers to let their machines cool down. Keeping them cool is important in any long drive to avoid
accidents and breakdowns.

Especially in Tnayburgring, which is an endurance rally trip for car

enthusiasts. While letting the cars engine rest, drivers and guests had conversations about the route
and their cars. Moreover, the one of the events goals was to raise funds for the Open Heart
Foundation and the organizers sold car themed t-shirts of their own designs and gave all the
proceeds to the charity.

Afterwards, they drove to a road climbing up Lake Caliraya, which is a quiet and peaceful
countryside. The finish line was in Nuvali, Santa Rosa, Laguna. An option to take the route of Los
Baos towards San Pablo through the town of Majayjay was given to avoid traffic. In spite of that,
others chose to extend the route further and passed through Tagaytay. The event concluded at round
4:30pm as most had arrived to the finish line. The day was an exhausting for the car enthusiasts and
their machines yet it was a fulfilling drive to unwind and be one with their cars.

2014 VIOS CUP

On the 17th and 18th of October 2014, Toyota
Motor Philippines took circuit racing to a new level as it
stages the third and final leg of the Vios Cup in
McKinley West, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City with a 1.8
kilometer makeshift race course.
It is one of the countrys top anticipated motoring
competitions. From 30 Vios racecars lined up at the
track last race, seven new drivers will be added,

The 1.8 kilometer makeshift race course.

namely Alex Belena, Bombi Palilio, Jason Go, Ramon

Tanjuatco, Rene Sta. Romana, Gov. Umali, Migual
Diaz, and Sen. JV Ejercito. A total of 37 racecars for
the final leg will be divided into two grids based from
the results of the Qualifying Round today. Champions
from the previous legs will compete with Celebrity
racers under the Media All-Stars category.
Michinobu Sugata, the President of Toyota
Motor Philippines, said that The Vios Cup Series was
put up not just to relive the long years of Filipinos

The fun outdoor games.

passion for Toyota cars, but also to promote and

develop Philippine motorsports as a major sports
spectacle by bringing car racing events closer and
more accessible to the people and ultimately make the
country as a top venue for international motorsports
events.
Toyota Motor Philippines prepared full-day
programs and activities such as the track day
competitions and fun outdoor games suited for all ages
and prizes for the winners of the games. The event will
have various OPM bands that will rock the 2014 Vios
Cup final race and a free live concert by Pulso, Yolanda
Moon and the performance of Up Dharma Down. The
two-day event started at 10:00 AM. Admission is free
and open to the public.

The stage where the concert will be held.

The 2014 Vios Cup is in cooperation with

Bridgestone and supported by Denso, Brembo, Motul,
Rota, OMP, TRD, and AVT. There were booths for these
companies and various Toyota dealerships in Metro
Manila wherein visitors can inquire about the Toyota
cars, parts, accessories, and services. There were also
displays of Toyota cars such as Altis, FJ Cruiser,
The booths of various dealerships in Metro Manila

Fortuner, Innova, Vios, and Wigo.

Despite the heavy rain during the 2nd leg of the
Vios Cup last July; the racers still proved that they
could show their skills on the wet track. Jason
Choachuy of Toyota Balintawak was on top for the first
and second heat scoring a huge strategic point
advantage heading into the third round. However, the
point system of the final race will double up, which
gives everyone a last chance to improve their

The displays of Toyota cars.

championship standings for the 2014 Vios Cup. The

racecar driver with the highest cumulative points,
including the deductions implemented by the
Automobile Association Philippines, from the last race
will be declared as the overall champion. The prize for
the champion is a brand new Vios 1.5G M/T, second
placer receives P400,000.00 and third place receives
P200,000.00.

CONCLUSION
WHY DOES THE SUBCULTURE OF CAR ENTHUSIASTS EXIST?
Socialization:
It is an easy way to socialize and meet new people.
Based on the articles provided, car enthusiasts have events wherein all those with the
same interest and love for cars will gather together. It is also inevitable on their part to meet new
people. It is a gateway of possibilities of friendship with people who share the same hobby. It is a
culture that promotes unity.

Sense of Belongingness:
The culture provides a sense of belongingness.
No man is an island.
People need a group where they feel like they belong. For people like them, every time
they meet up with fellow car lovers, they know that they are actually part of that group. The way
they talk about cars make them feel as if they have their own language wherein not everyone can
understand it. They are in a world where all of them can relate to one another. Car enthusiasts
can express their ideas and all those who are listening can understand. It is unlike the times when
they talk about machineries and friends would listen however not get anything at all.
For them, by being a car enthusiast, they also become part of a community with same
interest and mindset.

Control and Freedom:

The culture promotes control.
Car enthusiasts like to be in control. By driving, they can choose how fast or slow they want
to run. They can also choose the parts or gears they want to change, improve or remove. There is
a sense of ownership and it makes them entitled to do whatever they wanted to do with it.
It also empowers them to have freedom.
Also, there is that feeling of being free. Driving anywhere without any restraints smells like
freedom for them. Nothing could dictate what they have to do.

Relationship and Attachment:

The culture builds instant relationships with attachment.
For a car enthusiast, his car is like family for him. They often compare it to a person. They
trust these pieces of machinery especially since its the thing they are on a daily basis. They even
treat it as a friend because unlike living things, it never lets them down. It doesnt feel right when
they are neither driving nor reading or talking about cars.
There is a certain bond between a car enthusiast and his/her car. With the years they spent
together, they manage to build these memories with it. There is also an attachment to the others
enthusiasts. They become a group of people who understands them especially in something as
important to them as cars.

Safe Haven:
The culture acts like a safe blanket.
Being around the people who are into something they like, they feel secured. They dont
need to restrain themselves because they know that those who surround them will understand
them. The culture created a bond between these enthusiasts to relate with each other in the
hobby they shared. The community they created became their safe haven. A place where they are
doing what they love surrounded by people who can relate to them. It is a place where they are
motivated and at the same time, they are also inspiring those who are on the same page. The
culture makes them feel accomplished as person.

With this social and psychosocial necessity in each person, certain subcultures exist. It provides
security as well as motivation to these people to continue doing what they love to do. With the
advancement of technology and the growing number of people who are getting in cars, it is no
wonder that the subculture of car enthusiasts exist among all ages.

OCTOBER 2014

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WHATS INSIDE:
SUSHI RUN
TANAYBURGING
VIOS CUP 2014

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Amity Lim
Lorraine Limlosuy
Nikka Lei Kikuchi
Kamiekah Nakamura
Claudine Rojas