Forecasted ruthless “Pepito” can’t stop a car guy’s weekend
Yes, we’ve all heard the news. The country is about to be battered by another super typhoon this month of November for the nth time. Super Typhoon “Pepito” (Man-yi), the country’s 16th tropical cyclone for the year and sixth tropical cyclone in less than a month is looming and is expected to make landfall on Saturday evening, November 16 (a few hours prior to this writing), or early Sunday morning, November 17.
A number of events in other industries have already been canceled. But not here in our own beloved home turf. In fact, the car industry is still swamped with events here and there this weekend. This might seem insensitive to the plight of our other fellowmen who are in direct impact of the said severe tropical storm; but in another perspective, it just shows how the industry can be resilient amid tough times such as this. For the sake of the so-called “passion” and dedication to the industry we hold dear, organizers still pushed through despite the harrowing weather forecast; and, in turn, visitors, or shall we say car enthusiasts, still complied and attended these events amid the predicted “hazards” of going out.
Hence, here are several events that have braved and faced the upcoming storm head on.
Mazda Fan Festa PH 2024
Mazda in Japan has been holding its Fan Festa at the Fuji Speedway in Shizuoka Prefecture since time immemorial. It’s been the carmaker’s way of connecting and gathering loyalists of the brand from all over Japan and enjoy their shared passions altogether.
As our own way to uphold and emulate that spirit of “Jinba Ittai”, Mazda Philippines held the first-ever Mazda Fanfest at the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga last year.
As a sequel to the said affair, the second staging is being held this weekend.
“It’s a unique event for Mazda to gather together for just once a year,” said Mazda Philippines, Steven Tan.
“Despite the forecast of the typhoon, you can’t keep them away,” he added.
According to him, it has been running for two years already and it’s been an “Everything Mazda” event. Here, enthusiasts and racers all come together, from the smallest to the biggest cars of Mazda.
“We do this because they want it. And we will keep on doing this every year. We love the camaraderie.”
It is said that over there at Fuji Speedway, they gather about 14,000 attendees.
“Here, we’re good with 500 or just 400. We’re happy,” shared Tan.
2024 Motul Manila Auto Salon and Sport Truck Show
The 2024 Motul Manila Auto Salon and Sport Truck Show opened last Thursday, November 14, and will run until this Sunday, November 17, at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
Organized by Tradeshow International, the show has been a “go-to” affair for car enthusiasts everywhere.
In its 29th year, the affair showcases the evolution of car customization and modification. Filipino talent and creativity through these vehicle crafts are all witnessed here.
Other events
Over at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, the Auto Focus Test Drive Festival is underway. Here, over 20 car brands are participating in the pre-Christmas special. Meanwhile, in the U.P. Town Center in Quezon City, Lexus Philippines Road Show is likewise being held.
As you can see, you can’t just easily dampen the car guy’s spirit, especially on a weekend, made for them by them. Be it strong winds, storm surges, downpour of floodwaters – come hell or high water.
