Three in one happiness
Car shows and test drive events serve as organized public exhibitions where vehicle owners, manufacturers, and enthusiasts gather to display, judge, and celebrate automotive craftsmanship, as well as for the public to try the cars’ capabilities, features and performance.
In car shows, owners show off restored vintage cars, exotic sports cars, or heavily modified custom builds featuring unique paint jobs, engine upgrades, and custom interiors.
Sanctioned shows, for one, feature formal competitions where judges evaluate vehicles on paint quality, cleanliness, engine bay detailing, interior condition, and authenticity to hand out trophies and awards.
These venues provide a central space for automotive fans to connect, share build stories, network with industry professionals, and engage in a shared hobby.
As for test drives events, there are targeted marketing and experiential activities organized by car manufacturers, dealerships, or industry groups which allow prospective buyers to experience multiple vehicle models firsthand. Here, they let consumers move past online specs, brochures, and static showroom displays to experience a car in the real world.
For this weekend, there are three slated car activities for the public to enjoy: the Manila Auto Salon, the Auto Focus Test Drive Festival and the Liberty Walk (LBWK), an event organized by the local partners of the world-renowned Japanese automotive tuning and wide-body styling company.
2026 Manila Auto Salon
The Manila Auto Salon is widely regarded as the country’s premier and longest-running automotive aftermarket, custom styling, and tuning show.
Started in 2007, the event is locally dubbed as the “Philippines SEMA or Tokyo Auto Salon”. Even local builders see it as the “ultimate launchpad and benchmark” for custom car builds, restoration projects, and performance engineering.
For this year, the Manila Auto Salon is happening from November 13 to 15, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center Manila Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.
Organized by Tradeshow International, this three-in-one automotive aftermarket weekend combines three major events.
First is the 30th Custom Car Show, showcasing bespoke custom builds and standout projects, such as Angie King’s Subaru-powered Volkswagen Kombi and custom 240Z/Mustang builds.
Next is the 31st Sport Truck Show, highlighting modified trucks, 4x4s, and rugged utility builds.
Lastly, the 34th Trans Sport Show Cup Competition pits top-tier automotive restorations and styling entries with each other.
Showcased booths feature aftermarket parts, car care products, specialized builders like Atoy Customs, and other players.
Test drive festival
The Auto Focus Test Drive Festival started in 2014 with the purpose of better connecting the manufacturers’ products to the consumers. Here, participants get to test first their aspired vehicle, giving them more options for their next owned vehicles.
For this year, a total of 21 automotive brands are showcasing their latest internal combustion, hybrid, and fully electric models at the event.
Japanese and Koreans brands present are Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, Subaru, Hyundai, and Kia.
American and British-heritage Brands have Ford and Morris Garages (MG).
While Chinese and emerging electrified brands are BAIC, BYD, Chery, Dongfeng, GAC, Geely, GWM, iCAUR, Jetour, Lynk & Co, Omoda & Jaecoo, Radar, and Xpeng.
Test drives have been happening from November 13 to 15, Sunday.
East meets west
The core concept of Liberty Walk (LBWK) is a bold, uncompromising blend of Japanese automotive subcultures—specifically shakotan (lowered cars), kyusha (old-school classic cars), and group A/silhouettes racing aesthetics—applied to modern supercars, JDM legends and luxury vehicles.
Founded in Japan by Wataru Kato, Liberty Walk operates on the philosophy of creating custom styles with a “ free spirit to bring excitement, art and emotion to car culture rather than just traditional track performance”.
The signature look features exposed, bolt-on or riveted-overfenders that drastically pump out the width of the vehicle’s bodywork.
For extreme low stance, cars are dropped aggressively close to the ground, frequently utilizing air-ride suspension systems (such as AirBFT) for a dramatic parked posture.
For aggressive aerodynamics, designs include race-inspired front diffusers, prominent ducktail spoilers, massive GT wings, and custom rear diffusers.
Moreover, Liberty Walk takes high-end exotics (like Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and McLarens) and traditional Japanese street-racing or vintage styles, treating even multi-million-dollar supercars with a fearless, cut-and-rivet custom approach.
After reading this, if you love cars and have time to spare, do drop by these car shows this weekend and just simply enjoy.
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