Motorcycle Philippines

We could not get enough of “Manny’s Lammy” after we saw it at the Laguna Choppers headquarters in San Pablo, Laguna earlier this month, that we approached its owner, Warren Manilay, and invited him to display his custom Lambretta during Juan Pablo Dream’s final gig at Eastwood City this month of January. We told Warren that interest in this one of a kind scooter has been so strong, that it would be a great treat for the Manila scooter community to have it displayed in Manila prior to its transport to General Santos City, so that both motoring and sports enthusiasts will have a chance to see this wonderful creation.

Thankfully, Warren generously agreed to the idea. So, with the support of Elmer Reyes of Laguna Choppers, as well as Bing Austria and Juan Pablo Dream Manager Brian Garcia (who coordinated arrangements with Eastwood City), the Vespa Club of the Philippines shall be presenting the commemorative 1962 Lambretta Li 150cc Series 2 of Manny Pacquaio to the Manila scooter community this Thursday night, 28 Jan at Eastwood City.

Elmer Reyes has informed us that Scoot Magazine, California has indicated its interest to feature this one of a kind Lambretta in one of their forthcoming issues. That’s truly awesome, Elmer! You make us all proud to be Filipino!

WHAT: Manny Pacquiao commemorative Lambretta will make its first public appearance during the gig of Juan Pablo Dream @ Eastwood City this coming Thursday. The Vespa Club of the Philippines has made arrangements with its owner, Warren Manilay, for “Manny’s Lammy” to be transported to Manila (from San Pablo, Laguna) and unveiled in Eastwood City, before it is transported to General Santos City and presented to Manny Pacquaio.

WHEN: Thursday, January 28, 7PM during the regular Thursday gig of Juan Pablo Dream

WHERE: EASTWOOD CITY

WHO: ALL motorcycle enthusiasts, scooter enthusiasts, Vespinoys are invited to come! Please help spread the word and invite your friends to this wonderful free event.

HOW: This event is made possible by Warren and Sarah Manilay, Goldenstate College, Elmer Reyes, the Laguna Choppers, Juan Pablo Dream, JPD manager Brian Garcia, Eastwood City, Vespinoy, Motorcycle Philippines (MCP), and the Vespa Club of the Philippines,.

PHOTOS:
To view photos of the Pacquiao Lambretta, you may visit the website of Vespa Club of the Philippines Ride Director and fellow Vespinoy Tops Marin: http://divertops.multiply.com/photos/album/76/PACMAN_LAMBRETTA

Background:
A successful entrepreneur in General Santos City, who was originally from San Pablo, Laguna, decides to give Manny Pacquiao an unforgettable, one of a kind gift, and comes up with the idea of a custom Lambretta upon learning of his town mate Elmer Reyes’s exceptional work at Laguna Choppers. He commissions Elmer to restore and customize a 1962 Lambretta Li 150cc Series 2, with it’s engine upgraded to 175cc.

The result is a true masterpiece. Elmer features the life story and career highlight of Manny Pacquiao until his devastating knock out victory over Ricky Haton. The Lambretta is full of jaw dropping details, and filled with artworks. The inside of each cowl and the bottom of the floor board are painted with artworks, too. Elmer himself did most of the paintings on this scooter, then later was assisted by two other artists. The leather seats were hand embroidered by the barong artisans of Laguna, using the same technique that they used on barongs, applying it this time, on leather. Amazing!

The Lambretta was commissioned by power couple Warren and Sarah Manilay. Warren and Sarah own and run Goldenstate College in General Santos. Warren was the former Tourism Officer of General Santos City, and is the brains behind the Tuna Festival, which has become key to promoting General Santos as a top tourist destination in Mindanao. Warren is also Chairman and CEO of Golden State Colleges. Together, Warren and Sarah have steered their Golden State Colleges towards achieving phenomenal growth in the past 3 years, gathering numerous awards, forging partnerships with facilities in Singapore, and transforming the school into a world class educational institution for the youth of SOCSARGEN.

Warren and Sarah are avid car restorers as well and have a 65 Mustang, a 62 Falcon and two Lambrettas, while their only son John has restored a 1917 General Motors truck.

It was the couple’s friendship with Manny Pacquaio that prompted them to have a Lambretta custom-made for the Pound for Pound King. Like Warren and Sarah, Manny is deeply committed to the people of General Santos, investing heavily in the city and promoting it as a tourist destination. Manny’s Lammy is in fact, destined to be delivered to General Santos City, where it will surely add color to streets of this fast developing community.

The Ride for A Cause (RFAC) Ride called as Mission 9 Season 2 was successfully accomplished last January 17, 2010. The chosen beneficiaries were the Children of upland town of Siniloan, Laguna. Mostly indigenous families, their source of income comes from vegetables and fruits farming. Also drift wood furniture making, kaingin or uling (charcoal) making. Sometimes they travel to nearby towns of Real Quezon to find livelihood that would took them roughly 30kms to reach. Schooling for the children is somehow hard for lack of school supplies, textbooks and no footwear.

Despite the bad weather condition, the Volunteers braved the heavy rain despite soaking wet and feeling cold, in accomplishing their mission thru the winding road and uphill climbed of mountainous part of Rizal, Laguna and Quezon Provinces.

The Volunteers gathered at a gasoline station along Marcos Highway in Marikina City bringing with them their donations consisting of cloths, noodles, canned goods, biscuits and other goods.

A pre ride briefing was held and a prayer and asking for Divine Guidance was said before take off.

Because of the unfinished bridge damaged by recent typhoon Ondoy, the group has to reroute and passed thru dirt road. With some miscommunication, the van that carries the donations was diverted to another route and has to tackle a steep climb of the road. The passengers had to alight and hiked for about 500 meters. As the van reached the highway, the convoy of the motorcycles passes.

First stop was as the Garden Cottages for regrouping. Some motorcycle suffered minor mechanical trouble and has to excuse them selves for the continuation of the journey. For the very first time, we have a DNF (Did Not Finished).

As the group continued their travel, drizzles started, this doesn’t hamper the spirit of the Volunteers. Second stop was for a gasoline station somewhere in Tanay, Rizal, since there are more than 100 motorcycles with different engine displacement they have to refuel instead at the gasoline station in Famy, Laguna. At this point heavy downpour started. Some Riders wear their rain gears and majority don’t have, the rain was unexpected in this time of year.

At Famy, Laguna, in a gasoline station, the group was joined by Riders coming from Laguna and nearby places. Rain continues to pour. Despite this, the group continued their journey to their destinations. Another winding and uphill climbed tackled by the Riders. With the bad weather condition, heavy rain and strong winds, the group traverses with slow pace for safety reasons.

Another mechanical problem with the van happened. Riders who were with the van hauled the goods using their motorcycles. With the help of the Barangay Chairman, he borrowed a van to fetch the passengers of the damaged van.

At the school where the donation took place, the Children were eagerly waiting for the Riders. Heavy downpour and strong breeze continued, fortunately the school has a covered court and the children were spared for being soak with rain water.

As the distribution of goods started, the Volunteers started taking snap shots of what is happening to record the event thru their lenses. The volunteers had to find their way to prevent themselves to be soaked more of rain water.

You can see the smiles from the faces of the Children, for the simple donations they received from the Riders and Donors of RFAC.

As we accomplished another RFAC Mission Ride and giving ourselves simple joy of extending a helping hand, it gives us pain in the other part of our Heart.

We missed one Rider who from the very start of RFAC was with us. He is Engelbert “Gelgel” Cawad who succumbed to heart attack last December 28, 2009 at a tender age of 31, he left his wife Cel and a daughter Kikay. He was a Marshal, a mechanic and a clown. We misses his smile, his jokes, his is a down to earth person.

During his wake, the Officers of RFAC had declared this Mission Ride dedicated to Gelgel. His Uncle who is not a MCP Forum Member, created an account at the said forum and extend their families appreciation for the Love RFAC Volunteers showed during their trying moment. Together with his friends they joined this Mission Ride.

With this, his family showed their appreciation by volunteering to do the purchasing and packaging of goods. RFAC would like to extend their gratitude to the family of Gelgel.

As what Cel said, “Habang May RFAC May Gelgel” (as long there is RFAC Gelgel will be here).

There are so many names to be mentioned, to be thanked, but you know who are. Your undying support to RFAC will help to continue their mission.

To All Volunteers, Donors and Supporters… Thank You All…

Naka Ride Ka Na Nakatulong Ka Pa

Happy and Safe Ride

Running on an electoral platform promising policy changes designed to send the FIM Asian continental union for motorcycle sports to greater heights, Stephan Carapiet was elected president of the FIM Asian Motorcycle Union (UAM) during the 2010 UAM FIM Congress held Saturday January 16, 2010 at the Hotel Intercontinental Manila.

UAM Congress 2010 Press Relase 1 NAMSSA Web Site

Fellow Vespa rider and current president of the Vespa Club of the Philippines Wawel Mercado aka Italix on both Vespinoy and on MCP, posted a story about their encounter with the Manny Pacquiao Lambretta.

Here’s the story. A businessman originally from San Pablo makes his fortune in Cagayan de Oro, and befriends the Pacman. He decides to give Pacman an unforgettable, one of a kind gift, and comes up with the idea of a custom Lammy upon hearing of his town mate Elmer Reyes’s exceptional work at Laguna Choppers.

Read the whole story here.

RFAC Christmas Ride to Aetas Settlement on December 6, 2009 – R8S2

Our Christmas outreach trip to the Haduan Aeta Negrito settlement in Mabalacat Pampanga, was a heart and eye opener. On one hand, there was an ecstatic feeling of giving to children. Children are children and toys were so much appreciated. On the other hand, one can wonder about the effects of reaching out to this nomadic bush tribe.

Upon touchdown in the perimeter of the settlement area, I had the pleasure to have a chat with their tribal Chieftain, Aeta Haduan Tribe Chieftain Fernando Mallari.

I was instantly awed when I learned that he was in his eighties, listening to his experiences during World War II. After he prided himself with how he deceived his age, the conversation turned to his observations about the transformation of his people in comparison with how he had lived most of his life.

Once upon a time, the tribe erected simple lean-to huts in areas where they find water and fertile land to plant on. They lived on root crops and occasional deer and wild boar which they hunted down with bows and arrows. They also enjoyed complementing their diet with fish that they interrupted from streams. After harvesting their crops, they packed nothing and moved on to another arable site.

The Mt. Pinatubo eruption in 1991 not only changed the topography of their habitat. It was also a crossroad to the tribe’s survival. Charity from their urban brothers restructured their way of life and established what now seems like a road that leads to nowhere. Permanent concrete houses were built for them and integration into modern life was in the air. That was the start of the many charity outreach projects from both local and foreign organizations. Ours was a mere meaningful outreach among all of those likewise meaningful projects, as we saw them comfortably posing for pictures with modern poses of having their “nike” hands below their chins that carried wide smiles.

After this warm welcome of the tribe, the soliciting of carrying their baggage and of being tour guides struck me as being an exercise which only spelled an institutionalized dependency on charitable organizations.

The story of the chieftain’s life is the story of his tribe. He later on gave me his cellular number in case another mission was in the works. He specified not to contact others as he handed me a papaya, suggesting a tinge of a doubt that he had interest in whatever benefits they may have in brokering an outreach visit. Later on in that day, he flashed out his framed photo at Malacañang with some other elders in g-string and mentioned that we can “talk about” photo ops with the tribe in ethnic g-string attire. Currency is now the primal consideration.

Chieftain Mallari himself discussed the decline in their lifespan and the effects of modern food in their health. At the end of the grueling hike of the urban riders, we saw the area littered with plastic trash. En-route, we saw charcoal micro-businessmen who even requested for us to take their pictures in their oblivion to the effects of what they are doing to their reservation.

The fumes of urbanization has crept into this nomadic tribe without a clear integration program from the Government. The lack of true concern for them is signified by the monstrous iron tie bridge that is waiting for them to learn how to sell scrap (which the bridge now really is). Apparently, where we parked at was Pampanga and where we hiked to was Tarlac – so responsibility and commitment over their welfare is being passed around from Pampanga to Tarlac local Governments.

The sense of charity that satisfy the various organizations and the relief in being recipients from the tribe are all apparent emotional feelings until a clear cut integration program is implemented in ushering them into urban life. Hence, charitable organizations have turned to enablers akin to parents who spoil their children onto adulthood. Obvious was the racial mix of the tribal newcomers who probably find relief from the pampering of urban charity. This brings one to wonder about the future of the children who will grow up forgetting their tribal ways. Many of them will follow the new trend in cutting down trees, making charcoal for a living, and awaiting charitable missions while they are still recognized as a legitimate ethnic tribe.

But time will come when half of them will have fairer skin, straighter hair and a taller stature… a tribe lost even in their identity. But until then, there will be enablers who will legitimately have the heartfelt satisfaction in wanting to help these unfortunate souls in this misplaced limbo that had crossed the point of no return.

I pray that they come up with a strong leader who can inculcate old ways and who can motivate them to go back to understanding how the rich bounties of nature can once again take care of them. The idle land that has been granted to them as a reservation is rich and arable, but it will remain meaningless to them while they too are idle.

At the end of the day, our RFAC project was not for anything else but for giving happiness to the children of the Haduan tribe… and it was all worth it! Our outreach was a definite success.

Penned and Photos by: Stir and Stariray

RIYADH: Thailand’s Thanarat Penjan won Saudi Arabia’s inaugural FIM UAM Asian Supercross Championship race meeting at the Reem International Circuit in Riyadh on Friday. He also clinched the 2009 FIM UAM Asian Supercross Championship title.

The event was staged in the presence of Prince Sultan bin Fahd, president of the General Presidency of Youth Welfare and the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee (SAOC).

It actually rained in Riyadh before the start of the first of two Asian races on the purpose-built course.

The Thai rider won both races: he led from the start to the checkered flag after dominating the first race, but was forced to pass four other riders to confirm victory in race two. Runner-up in both of the Saudi races was the 40-year-old Japanese rider Tadakauzu Otsuka, who duly finished second in the general classification at the Saudi race meeting.

“I am physically fit and I feel that gave me a distinct advantage on this demanding course,” admitted a delighted Penjan. “The course is tricky and I needed to focus and be at my best. It was doubly special to confirm the championship title.”

Team NAMSSA Philippines –  Kenneth San Andres finished third in both the races to claim a similar position in the overall Saudi rankings. Indonesia’s Aep Dadang and Mongolia’s Khaliunbold Endenbileg were fifth and fourth in race one and swapped positions in race two, with Endenbileg clinching second position in the overall championship.

“I am very happy to take second in the championship,” said the Mongolian, who commented that one meter of snow had fallen in his native Mongolia today. Russian rider Evgeny Golushko finished seventh in race one, but made a late braking mistake early in race two. He managed to restart and finished at the rear of the field in eigth position.

The Saudi Arabian Motor Federation (SAMF) hosted the fourth round of the championship – the first three rounds took place in the Philippines and Mongolia  – and the race meeting marked the first time that the sport has been staged in the Middle East region.

“I would like to thank all the participants for taking part in this first event of its kind in the Middle East,” said Mishaal Al-Sudairi, president of the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation. “I also wish to thank Prince Sultan bin Fahd under whose patronage the event has run this week. I extend our thanks to Prince Bandar bin Faisal, chairman of Zain Reem, for sponsoring the event, to Stephan Carapiet the President, of the FIM UAM Asian Motocross and Enduro Commission and to all our marshals and officials for their hard work.”

“Motor sport is about team work and we hope that this is the first of many events of its kind we will host in the future. We also hope to train our own riders to take part in this championship in the coming years.”

Penjan had been the fastest of the eight entrants on his Yamaha in Thursday’s qualifying session with a time of 12m 28.991s for his eight laps of the circuit. He set a fastest lap of 1m 18.052s, which was sufficient to pip second-placed San Andres and Erdenbileg, who finished third. Eight riders took part in the qualifying session, with Russia’s Evgeny Golushko and Filipino Jan Carlo Rellosa completing the top five.

Zain Communications, Bison energy drink and Castrol sponsored the event under the auspices of the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation (SAMF).

Results are as follows

Photo shows Team NAMSSA Philippines Left to right is Jun San Andres Chief Technical, Dr. Saleh Chairman Saudi Arabia Motor Federation, Mishaal AL Sudairy President, Saudi Motor Federation, Kenneth San Andres over all third place and Stephan Carapiet, President FIM Asian Motocross Commission photo taken during the awards of the Asian Motocross Championships recently held in Riyadh on December 4, 2009

FIM Motocross Championships Awards held last December 4, 2009 from Left to Right Dr. Saleh Chairman of Saudi Motor Federation, Prince Sultan, Prince Bandar, Stephan Carapiet President of the IFM UAM Motocross Commission and Mishaal AL Sudairy SAMR President.

Several of the site sponsors are offering great deals to usher in the Christmas Seasons.  What better way to enjoy the Yuletide Season than by giving yourself or your significant other something special.

Motoworld is going to be having it’s Warehouse Sale from December 1 to December 5.

In appreciation of your continued support, MOTOWORLD will be organizing a pre-Christmas WAREHOUSE SALE next week!

Date : December 1 to 5, 2009 (Tuesday to Saturday)
Time : 10am to 5pm
Venue : 643 Mercedes Avenue, Barangay San Miguel, Pasig City (across La Consolacion College)

The sale will include selected goods from Zeus, Shark, KBC, Caberg, GIVI, Komine, RS Taichi, Spidi, XPD, Raytek, Oxford Products, Sinisalo, Autocom, FIVE, and many more.

Literally thousands of helmets, jackets, gloves, rain gears, protectors, leather suits, boots, reflectors, and shirts will be up for grabs with discounts as much as 80% OFF!

All major credit cards will be accepted for payment and customers will be entertained on a first come first serve basis.

Hurry as this is the perfect opportunity to grab premium quality products at blow out prices!!!

More information is available in the thread here.

Station 1 is also coming up with a big year end sale on December 4 and 5.

Hold on to your hard earned bonuses because this will be the biggest Sale of the Year.

5 % discount on ALL HJC Helmets

5 % discount on ALL NEW helmets

10 % discount on ALL Battery Tenders

20 % discount on all our OLD stocks of jackets, boots, gloves, helmets and pants !!!

Plus we have more than 140 new DOT/SNELL approved helmets arriving from the USA !

Theres more — if you buy any 3 combination items (gloves, boots, pants, helmets or jackets) you get an addional 5% discount !

Don’t miss this rare event, mark it on your calendars !

More information here.

Biker Store Philippines our Tagbilaran based online store is also offering big savings on their stocks. Check out their link here.

The once a month RFAC Mission Ride supposed to be a regular visit to an orphanage was change to a relief mission to the victims of Typhoon Ondoy.

This happened when the Ms. Danica Salazar, daughter of Sir Pogi kasmut who is in Barcelona, Spain posted a blog in the internet detailing the devastation made by Typhoon Ondoy to the Philippines. Included in the said blog was a solicitation for donation to the victims, fortunately, lots of good hearted individual pledges their support to the cause of Ms. Salazar. With this funds RFAC look for possible recipients that needs the most assistance.

Sir Extremevelocity, assigned to look for the proposed beneficiaries. With coordination with local officials, he chose the residents of Brgy. De La Paz, Bi?an, Laguna. Initially RFAC allocated funds for the first 100 families that need most assistance. This Barangay is still submerged in flood water as of this writing. To have an organized distribution of goods, Sir Extremevelocity issues claim stubs for the first 100 and a reserved 50 stubs to be distributed on site.

November 21, 2009 was purchasing and repacking day. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Volunteers, to many to mention, but you know who you are for your unwavering support and extending your helping hands in repacking relief goods.

This relief mission was set on November 22, 2009. There were two (2) assembly points for the Volunteers to meet. Unfortunately one of the Volunteer suffered a mechanical problem with his bike and the supposed merging of two groups didn’t happened.

The main group from a Gasoline Station along Macapagal Blvd., in Pasay City headed their way to Cavite at around 6:15am to be met by contingent from Cavite. After a brief rundown and inspections of motorcycles they proceed to their destination. A Red Ribbon was attached to the Volunteer Motorcycles for easy identifications. The group traversed along Aguinaldo Highway then left to Governors Drive to meet the contingents from Laguna headed by PSRC-Laguna in Bi?an, Laguna.

In a gasoline station, Volunteers from Laguna were already together with the jeep loaded of relief goods driven by Tatay Totoy, Father of COE Sir Alvin who is overseas. there waiting for the Volunteers from Manila .

The Volunteers headed to Elementary School of Bi?an. A miscommunication happened when one rider volunteered to spearhead the group, instead of going to the above mentioned school he went to Brgy. De La Paz. A commotion almost happened when the residents of this barangay learned that the jeep is loaded with relief goods and they are asking for relief goods. We can’t blame these people for there were not receiving any assistance. The said school was chosen to prevent such thing to happen.

At Bi?an Elementary School, some members of PSRC-Laguna were already there to prepare hot water for coffee and breads for the Volunteers. They also donated 50 packs of relief goods.

The relief goods were distributed without any untoward incidents. Because the school was also a relocation area, we have to cordon the area to have proper distribution. Fortunately, the supposed first 100 and 50 from PSRC, and the extra packs of relief goods able to sustain the number of families that needs to receive the donations.

Oranges and apples were also distributed to the children.

To the Volunteers of RFAC, to the Donors and Supporters, especially to Ms. Danica Salazar and the people of Spain who extend their help, Thank You is not enough, may you receive folds for your good deeds.

God Bless Us All.

Photos by: francismalasig and hauzwiferider

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