Off to the Gulf

Flickr Update of this event here. Thanks for looking.

In the coming days, I shall try to post pictures and notes of the 15th Asain Games to be held in Doha, Qatar. I am off to Qatar this afternoon to do race committee work on the Sailing Event. Like my stint in Sydney Olympics six years ago, this should be very very interesting and a lot of fun. I look forward to take you to this journey and document as much as I can for everyone who is curious to see this rare occasion.

Cheers.

Zamba in Zambales on Caramel

Last weekend, I was very fortunate to be invited by Ron Soriano, collector of all things vintage, including of course scooters, to a unigue ride up north to his beautiful rest house in San Antonio, Zambales. Realizing it was good opportunity to test my newly rebuilt Vespa, hence I happilly complied.

Ron's backyard. One has to see this house up-close to fully appreciate the work done to build it to his specs. The details and history of every post, beam, grill, etc came from different old houses in the vicinity...

Limay, Bataan. Kahit mainit pose pa rin para sa camera. :)

En route to Mount Samat Shrine, our "detour educational stop". Lambrettas are fantastic specially when they are running and being used in rides like these.

But the best one is this genuine vintage 1961 LI150 Lambretta with a PM tune pipe and a new carb. Rusty, as we call it, is as authentic as a lammy can get.

Thank you very much to Kap Bobby and Charly Gaw for the pictures. To see more of Kap's outstanding quality pics, click here. For pictures of our ride and Ron's house click here. Best to see the pics in slideshow. Cheers!

Roma is Caramel

Finally! Caramel formerly Roma, my Vespa PX150 has been restored to specs. Here she is with Baccarat, Charlie's PX200 at a construction site.

Details make your scoot unique... check out the brown grip!

A hint of my other passion sport...

Geetee and Caramel happy together. :)

Custom S/S PIAGGIO V.E. logo and S/S screws complete the package. Notice how sweet Caramel really is , wasp on the floorboard. Hehehe

Saving Private Roma

Many a restorer will agree that resorrecting a classic piece of engineering is organized chaos. Say for example this Vespa PX150, a classic Italian scooter that came out in the Philippines in the 90's. Working on putting her back together took one expert mechanic, two assistants and one supervisor running around our yard the whole of last Saturday. Preparation and cleaning took 2 days prior though.

When I found her, she was being riden by a cool 72 year old man in a not so appealling state. I mean, check out the fridge crate on the makeshift front rack, complete with costum crash guards, extended rear bumber and that towering backrest. KOOL!!! But see her upclose and the scoot had potential, very good potential!

She was completely intact in the mechanical department.
All the major body parts are present. Simply enough, all it needed was a straight forward paint job and a little detailing work on her parts.

Fresh from the oven and into our yard to put her back together again. Had all the bits and pieces cleaned off of dirt, grime and sprayover from the shabby paint job of the previous owner.

Taken from the morning after...almost done! Looking forward to riding her down MetroWalk on a Vespa Night Out...

To see more pictures of the restoration, click here.

You gotta go to Amici

At the intersection of Pasay Road and Pasong Tamo in Makati, neatly tucked in a Boys High School, a Printing Press and a Church, is a unique yet so very geniune Italian Canteen that serves good pizza, pasta and gelato. AMICI di DON BOSCO or Friends of Don Bosco, is an Italian restaurant opened in the 90's by Italian Salesian Priest Father Gainlugi Colombo. I still could not believe I found out about this cool place just two months ago.

Don't expect fine dining! Amici boasts reasonable prices but it's still a canteen after all, ...rather a great Italian canteen with a touch of Pinoy. The aroma of burning wood and the distnct smell of crisp pizza cooking in that specially made oven will hit you as you walk from the parking lot to it's back entrance. Prepare though to literally serve your self with, not just your food, but your plates, spoon and fork, your water, ice, everything. Yes, you thought right. It's self service to the bone. I like it! :)

Wends' best friend Architect Chiqui Tronco with Jamby, Jet and I enjoying our dessert. The espresso was great too! It will surely give Starbucks a run for thier dinero.

Step aside Haagen Daz, move over Ben and Gerry's, Amici's Gelato is all we'll ever want! For only P35 a scoot... oops, a scoop rather, and lots of flavors to choose from, it is for sure the best ice cream in Manila.

Amber from the burning wood inside Amici's oven. Imagine the smell of pizza in there. Mmmm.

Happy Birthday Wendy! Loves ya! Thanks for dinner.

Speaking of Jim

Speaking of Jim Morrison, poet, song writer, vocalist and seldom sober lead singer of The Doors, died in Paris, France 34 years ago, today (actually tomorow yet, I just love saying that). His remains lie in an ancient cemetery were Chopin and an assortment of century old French Kings and Artists rest. In this blog though, are a few of my thoughts and remembrances of this musical genius and my last trip to Paris with my wife Wendy. Bonjour!

An old picture of Jim's gravesite care of Michelle Campbell. His site has the most comprehensive collection of stories, picture etc on The Doors. Here's the link to his site. Thanks Michelle!

A bit disapointed when we found the gravesite...barricaded and off limits to visitors. Two French guards stand in the area to deter pilgrims from vandalizing his resting place. Or maybe they are simply fed-up with fans pouring drinks on top of Morrison's headstone. Apparently, his is the most visited grave of this prestigeous cemetery.

Underground is to London as Metropolitain is to Paris. The walls of Pere-Lachaise Cemetery at the back of Wendy and the subway's entrance. Morrison and Morrison. Check out the side mirror...

Just thought I'd share this with you. It was very nice to see something like this in the middle of the Eiffel Tower park - 'swimming in the fountain is allowed'! Back to Jim...

Riders on the Storm with out Jim Morrison

New... check MCP Web Master BoyG's take on this ride, the Lambretta and Kap Bobby's pics, here.

I didn’t realize, up until this-my latest scooter run, how enjoyable it is to ride in the pouring rain on a countryside road, like in Rizal and Laguna national hi-ways. These roads cover a big part of the north side of Laguna de Bay and, full of twisties with sweeping vistas like for one, the lake’s flat embankments. Fresh mountain air and clean rain water feels good to the bone. Here are some pics that will speak for it self. Click this link for the video too!
Take a good look at these guys above because this is the last time you'll see them with a "fresh-n-clean-straight-out-of-the-shower-look". Hehehe. By the way, big hello to Mang Gerry (5th from left) of Sta Rosa Laguna. Thanks for coming out and seeing us off. Next time, we will passby your place instead...

Halayhayin Point, I think, :) of Rizal. Just a few kilometers off Pililla is a viewpoint worth stopping twice or maybe more. It has a breathtaking 250 degree view of Laguna lake, pretty hard to ignore when you happen to pass this mountain road.

Same place from a different angle. Checkout the clouds on the mountain peak. The rain kept pouring but we still manage to stop, enjoy the view and eat pugo and chitcharon.

Leaving Pililla wet is the last thing in these guys minds...four of the five vintage Lambrettas rode with us in the rain. And here, they're enjoying it as much. Lammies!...now I know these classic scooters are not only cool to look at but are actually very dependable.

Gang of Fourteen at the ID6 Run

Just came home from the very first "Independence Day Rally to Sierra Madre and Back". A quick ride up and down the mountain ranges of "Bundok ng Susong Dalaga". Sierra Madre, part of this mountain range is a scenic get away and an easy ride even for newbie scooterists. The roads bank on the right curves and free of obstacles. No Jeepneys, Minibuses kahit tricycles.

A favorite stop among all motorists passing this route is this viewdeck of Garden Cottages Resort. To appreciate this spot more, click here to see the vid.

Here's a vespa accessorry you won't find anywhere anymore. Is it a whisky flask? No! A camel back? N0! (its not even a camel front!) A reserve petrol tank? Disco! That's right, its a nice flush type reserve gas tank designed by Piaggio for Vespa SS 90. Nice one Phil!

Masaya mag "Vespa" (at pati Lambretta, at Piaggio). The Gang of Fourteen from left; Boyet, Teng, Jon, Mike, Ruell, Bobby, Raffy, Ron, Phil, Gerry, Manolo, Gene, Joseph (seated) and the Author.

Vespa't Lambretta sa Calatagan

There are many scooter riding destinations out of Manila. None are better than the other but all are unique in their own right. Here in Calatagan, Batangas where the South China Sea bounds this great coastal Province rests a beatiful resort that has no name.

Desitination Calatagan Beach ...or somewhere there.

Vintage scooter enthusiasts hot on a trail for a great ride and a cool beach. Hear the roar of their Lambrettas and Vespa in this vid as they take off from under this century old tree.

Loui 'Hot Racks' Abad, Charly 'ride lang ng ride' Gaw, the Author and Eddie 'Kulot' Manuel. See this video showing the beach and our scoots. Music was courtesy of the karaoke machine behind me.

Here's one for the press! The author in his racing form. I know this has been done before...just couldnt resist when I saw that cycle.

President's Cup Regatta Photo Ops

For days now, I am being grilled by friends and crewmates to show/send them pictures of the last regatta in Subic. Hence, here are some of them and more on the links below for your viewing pleasure. Watch out for the Russians...have a good feeling they'll be back next year.
Three, Two, One, Go! The countdown to the starting signal is one of the most spectacular sites in a regatta to spectators specially. This is the closest the competitors get to be on the water. After that the boats kinda separate to find their own clean air. Not in our case on the last day though...

The Russians have taken over the regatta...in THONGS! These guys are awesome. Cartwheelin Alex (on the helm) is their skipper with the most outgoing attitude. He's just full of wild antics. Cute daughter too. They came to Subic from the China Sea Race from HK yet before that, 2000+ nautical miles from north eastern Russia. See more thongs here.

Hike Out Guys! One of Frank Pong's big boats, Jelik on port tack in the first day of the regatta. See more awesome shots of the Race Day 1 here.

This huge Maxi is called Boracay and yes, another boat of Hong Kong tycoon Frank Pong. He just loves racing in the Philippines. You the man, Frank. Check out Race Day number 2 here.

Thanks again to Avery for the awesome pics. See race days 3 here and 4 here. To see the parties and awards night, click on this.

Wednesday is the new Tuesday

I went to Metrowalk before Holy Week to meet my friends in High School (Above counter clockwise are; Lilian, Arnel, Joy, Jong and I). To my surprise, also found my good old scooter buddies hanging out on a Wednesday night instead of Tuesday like all the wasps use to do. Here are some of the pics for your perusal...

Enjoying a good hang with Gerry, Carol (fresh from the Hobie Challenge), Manolo, Jason, Charly and Gene. Why, because we had the whole of Metrowalk parking to ourselves. NO BIG BIKES that Wednesday. Maybe it is true...Wednesday is the new Tuesday for wasps and lammies.

Gerry admiring Manolo's Lambretta TV175, faitfully restored. Recently rode to Tagaytay with him...the scoot is fast, Man.

Showdown on Subic Waters

Rockstars and Racer Chasers abound the 14th President's Cup Regatta in Subic Bay last week (18-21 April 06). All the attention went to Centenial and Karakoa on the final day when both boats, tied at four all, had no choice but to engage each other on the water...and ENGAGE they did! (pictured above are Karakoa far left, Drumstick and Madrake both from Hong Kong)

Being a crew of one of the top boats in the IRC division gave me a chance to be at ringside of one of the most spectacular tacking duels in all of the 14 years of the President's Cup. The whole fleet literaly came to a halt to watch us battle it out to the finish. Our skipper Olympic Silver Medalist Steve Benjamin and Centenial's Jamie Wilmot gave everyone an absolutely fantastic final day's race that will surely have a place in this regatta's history books.

It was indeed my priveledge to be on Karakoa. Big thank you to owner Ray Ordovesa for the opportunity. I look forward to see these guys in action again on the water. Check out cool pics and more stories here.


Karakoa on a downwind run with Centenial keeping its pace at the back...not leeting us get away to far to maintain its handicap lead.

Thanks to Avery Avecilla Datol for the officail pics of the 14th President's Cup Regatta. For more awesome action shots, visit this site.

Vespa Rider Hurt in Roxas Blvd caught on Video

12 April 06 - I was tinkering with my video cam last Wednesday while watching the early news on GMA when the anchorman blurted out a "motorcycle accident in Roxas Boulevard involving a pedestrian and a certain, Cocoy Dalupan riding a Vespa... Hey wait! I know that guy! So as they say in the movies... "Keep the cam rolling!"

Let this be a reminder to all Scooteristas that somehow somewhere, there will always be a stupid pedestrian that will jump out from under a bush and cross any street, worse a hi-way with no pedestrian lane, and raise his hand to forcebly stop you even if your running 60 to 70 kph. "Bahala ka, basta tatawid ako kung saan at kelan ko gusto! Tabi dyan!"

For what it's worth, Cocoy showed exemplary manners on tape and showed the viewing public what a responcible rider he truly is. He was clad in proper safety armor, masked and wearing a proper helmet. That's the first thing my wife, Wendy noticed of him on TV. Sad he broke his right shoulder in the crash. But as of Saturday, Cocoy was on high spirits already when I called to check on him and ask for his permission to show this tape. Get well soon, Dude.

Okay! Enough talk, here's the video guys.

And, here are pics of Cocoy and Chocolate (his Vespa) in 2005 MAP Toy Run to EK... Just look for the guy on the Cholocolate PX.

Vespa Manila Historia

Many a nights ago in a street corner somewhere in Manila, a simple and honest man named Julianito Montana, popularly known as "Mang Titing" labored on Lambrettas and Vespas with passion and vigor. His shop was informally named Scooter Center and eventually was moved to Cailles St, Bankal, Makati. The year was 1960 and these are some of his photos...

I can imagine how they marvelled at every new model that comes out in the market those days. Must be the same when we are in awe of the new LX, GT and Catalized PX models.

Fast forward to the millennium, now, today, Dong’s Scooter Center, still unregistered, is thriving in it’s own right. Without advertising campaigns, no email, no text nor forum promotions, this shop has succeeded with regular and loyal costumers despite sometimes, shabby work. Perhaps, it is a Montana charisma that draws scooterists, collectors and even newbies to this “underground layer”. Cheers mate!

See how the shop looks like now here.