Providing the ‘George-power’ to MIAS
Mention the name “MIAS,” and anyone who knows anything about cars would have that look of immediate recognition. No doubt, the Manila International Auto Show, or MIAS, has become the byword for the world-class staging of an auto show here in the Philippines.
However, compared to the grand and expansive MIAS that we see today, the first edition of the auto show 19 years ago was quite modest. In fact, the term “International” wasn’t even included in its name yet. In 2005, the show’s pioneers—motoring journalists and car enthusiasts Alvin Uy, Jason Ang, and Ulysses Ang—christened it the Manila Motor Show. It occupied all 6,000 sqm of the World Trade Center in Pasay City, and attracted 68,000 visitors.
Jason recalled that the show’s first guests of honor were then Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc president Elizabeth Lee and Truck Manufacturers Association’s top guy Luie Dy Buncio.
Alvin, Jason, and Uly were inspired to set up the Manila Motor Show after their visits to auto shows in different countries. The trio then approached prominent show organizer Worldbex Services International—headed by Joseph and Jill Ang—to conceptualize a world-class auto show that would best represent the Philippine motoring scene.
The 2005 show was considered a success, and by its second staging in 2006, the name was changed to what it stands today, MIAS, reflecting the show’s growing scope and audience. Jason added that MIAS grew in area by expanding to two custom-built air conditioned tents, and the Philippine Trade Training Center. MIAS occupied more than 30,000 sqm of indoor and outdoor space.
Today, after 18 stagings of the MIAS, the show attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors, generates millions of pesos in business opportunities, and inspires the next generation of automotive enthusiasts to push motoring and mobility in the country forward in truly exciting directions.
As someone who has personally covered the MIAS every year it was staged from the very start, I have seen the show grow from strength to strength. And as far as I’m concerned, there have only been two unchanging constants—Russ Swift’s precision driving show (that guy gets better behind the wheel every year he has been a guest of the show since 2007, I swear), and the untiring dedication of its pioneers.
The sociable one
Of the three, it’s Alvin whom I consider the most sociable one, the “class clown,” if I may say so. Naturally friendly to everyone, Alvin has his network of friends, colleagues, and associates that have helped MIAS become globally recognized. Jason says of Alvin: “He has been, together with the MIAS co-organizers and the Worldbex team, working tirelessly to improve and make the show responsive to the Philippine automotive industry. Alvin has, with Motor Image helmed by Glenn Tan, helped bring the Russ Swift stunt show to excite Philippine audiences with his signature precision driving.”
In fact, over the years, Russ has become a close friend of Alvin and the MIAS team.
It’s extremely hard not to fall for Alvin’s charms. His delightful “antics” during motoring media parties are the stuff of legends, and many “day-after hangovers” have been spent in laughter talking about Alvin taking over the dance stage.
There are times when we call him “George,” because of his resemblance to the iconic screen personality George Estregan. Other times, we call him “Mr Bean” (because of his Rowan Atkinson-like wit, and yes, it’s a name play, like “Al-Bean”). And when he’s all business, we’d like to call him “The Count,” because he does resemble the Sesame Street muppet that loves to count (and we imagine Alvin counting his pesos and cents throughout the night, insert evil laughter here).
Heart and soul of MIAS
Whatever hat Alvin dons, his commitment to growing MIAS is unfaltering. Over the years, MIAS has adapted to industry trends, focusing on performance, efficient mobility, off-road ability, and new energy vehicles.
The great thing about MIAS is it hasn’t just been all about the machines. There’s a lot of heart and soul in it. The idea of MIAS collaborating with the Epcalm Adult Leukemia Foundation 9 years ago, and the help of auto industry veterans Wellington C. Soong and Danny M. Isla, when they lent their respective orange sports cars at MIAS specifically for this cause, gave the event that level of humanity one doesn’t usually see or feel in other auto shows here or abroad.
The collaboration with the leukemia foundation was especially important for Alvin as, for one, his close friend Sunny Ku was involved with the foundation. Jason said: “Alvin thought it would be a nice idea to use orange cars as highlights for the Jaguar and Lexus RCF, as orange is also the foundation’s color.”
Challenging year
This year’s staging of the MIAS is no doubt its biggest yet. For the first time in its history, the show will be held in two venues simultaneously. That in itself is already challenging for the show organizers. For Alvin, doubly so, as he revealed in his social media account that he had to be hospitalized for four months to overcome a serious illness.
The good news is, Alvin is now up and about, strong enough to attend to his pursuits. He even took the time to visit the hospital staff and personally thank those who took good care of him. “God is good and faithful,” Alvin recently posted on his Facebook page.
Alvin hasn’t kept his spirituality a secret. Tire industry veteran and car enthusiast Sam Liuson says, “Alvin has been in our Bible study group for more than 17 years, and through his spiritual journey has learned to embrace the message of Romans 8:28, which says, ‘And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.’
“That’s why in his year-long journey with a serious illness, he had peace, and continues to have peace in his heart. I’m sure there are moments that he gets anxious, but He’s living his life surrendered to God and God’s will and grace. I told him, ‘You’re a living miracle!’ And God did answer our prayers for healing and extension of his life. Praise God,” says Sam.
No good deed goes unnoticed
Inquirer Motoring and Mobility editor Jong Arcano, who’s also Alvin’s editor in the Inquirer Executive Essentials section (for luxury lifestyle) says: “Being the perfect human that he really is, the life story of Alvin for me is about good karma. I’ve been fortunate to have a workmate and a family friend like Alvin who seems not to run out of good deeds even in the worst health situation one can possibly imagine. Last year, he ran the MIAS with the public clueless that he was virtually fighting for his life, and it turned out to be as successful as in the years when he was physically able to supervise everything on site. In the course of his health crisis, Alvin didn’t stop doing something that gives him joy, which is writing things about automotive.
“The universe needs people like Alvin who can give us the teachings that we need on true faith and compassion. We can only thank God for giving Alvin another chance at life, and that means more will benefit from his goodness and wisdom.”
I myself have been a recipient of Alvin’s big-hearted deeds. Eight years ago, after my mother suffered her third and most massive stroke, resulting in her 7-month hospital confinement, Alvin called me up and offered not just prayers but financial assistance to tide our family over the mounting hospital bills. What made this even more remarkable was that, at the time Alvin was helping me, he was also busy raising funds for another friend whose wife was suffering from a serious illness.
It would have been easy for someone like Alvin, who doesn’t have a mean bone in his body, to ask God why he would be given such a cross to bear despite the goodness of his heart and intentions. But Alvin is one class act, even on a spiritual level, as he posted on his Facebook page five days ago: “Around this time one year ago, I didn’t realize I’ll be stuck in the hospital for the next 4 months. First thing I asked God was to let me know His purpose instead of questioning my circumstances. Am reminded of this again today when I read 1 Corinthians 7:17 and my discussion with Him that fateful day. And, whatever your circumstances are today, take courage, Jesus said, ‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’ John 16:33.”
Jill Aithnie Ang, managing director of Worldbex Services International, says of Alvin: “His passion and determination ignites and inspires the team to do better and go beyond our threshold. Through highs and lows (his) faith never withered.
“Let’s continue our passion in making a difference in our own little way for the automotive industry. To create a world-class auto show in the Philippines that would also be at par with, or even surpass, the other world-class auto shows worldwide. Quoting our WSI founding chair, Joseph Ang, ‘If they can do it, we can do it! And if we build it, they will come!’”
From April 4 to 7, MIAS will be at two venues, the World Trade Center and SMX Convention Center. The total space will cover over 41,000 sqm. A single ticket can access both venues on the same day. If you’re lucky, you might come across not just fantastic cars, but also the show’s pioneers. And if you bump into Alvin the man, don’t forget to ask for a little kick of that “George-power” into your own life.
