PACE and MSCC hold first ever Tour de Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - There’s just something inherently sexy and cool about driving a classic sports car. It has the jazzy vibe of a black and white noir film and the edginess of James Dean all wrapped into one. Now wouldn’t it be a thrill to witness such style fire up the road and take us on a time-travelling trip? Fortunately for us, something exciting is revving for Cebu.

At a press conference held on November 6, 2014 at Irie Gastropubliko, the Performance and Classics Enthusiasts club (PACE), in cooperation with the Manila Sports Car Club (MSCC), announced that it is holding the first ever Tour de Cebu. This is a 3-day, 2-night touristic rally scheduled on December 5-7, 2014 covering 1,000 kilometers across the Visayas islands, as inspired by the historic Mille Miglia (a 1,000-mile open-road endurance race) in Italy.

Headed by Red Durano as president, PACE is a group of car collectors and enthusiasts, which boast some of the best classic and super cars in the country. Other members are Kenneth Cobonpue, Jay Aldeguer, Glenn Soco, Chris Tio, Jun-Jun So, Tony Lozada, Michael Lhuillier, Grand Benedicto, Dr. Yong Larrazabal III, Chris Aldeguer, Darren Deen, Luis Alvarez, Harley Yunam, Michael Jo, Harold Ong Badilles, Louie Uymasuy, Dr. Peter Mancao, and Erwin Miranda. Although these gentlemen own and drive different car brands, they all share the same passion for their beloved cars.

The MSCC is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of sports cars. Although the club was focused originally on vintage sports cars, MSCC’s roster now includes a wide variety of modern two seaters. MSCC’s events cover historic races, hill climbs, out-of-town runs, and the prestigious Concours d’ Elegance.

The main opening event and flag-off for Tour de Cebu is on December 5, 2014 in I.T. Park. From there, participants will commence with the touristic rally, and drive to Dumaguete City for an overnight stay. They will then drive to Bacolod City on December 6, and spend a night there before going back to the island of Cebu on December 7, passing through the towns of Toledo, Tuburan, San Remigio, and Sogod before driving back south to Cebu City. Being the first event of its kind, Tour de Cebu will highlight different Visayan towns and what they have to offer, and therefore shed new light on our islands being tourist destinations that boast more than just tropical paradises and natural wonders. This touristic rally isn’t all for fun, though. Part of the proceeds will go to the Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation (ERUF), a non-government organization considered one of Southeast Asia’s best emergency units.

During the two major stopovers in Bacolod and Dumaguete, participants will do a short city parade to give everyone a little show. Tour de Cebu is a regularity race, not a speed race. Unlike speed races, regularity events must be completed in a pre-defined time and not in the fastest time possible. The winner is the car with the lowest penalty score. Both driver and navigator will have to work closely together to face the challenges presented in the road book, a guide that contains details and instructions that assist in navigation. To culminate, participants will be awarded with trophies and sponsor giveaways as they arrive one by one at I.T. Park. An after tour beach party will be held at the Azure Beach Club at Crimson Resort in Mactan.

Only sports cars manufactured not later than December 31, 1979 are allowed to participate in this historic event. Over 25 participants are expected to join the event, taking cars that include the 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder, 1956 MGA, 1961 & 1963 Jaguar XKE, 1963 Kougar, 1964 Karmann Ghia, 1962 Porsche 356B, 1965 Shelby Cobra, 1966 & 1968 Corvette Stingray, 1966 MGB, 1967 Porsche 912, 1967 Alfa Romeo Duetto, 1968 Mercedes Benz 280 SL, 1971 and 1972 Porsche 911, and Morgan 3-wheelers with several coming from as far as Manila.

Catch these vintage beauties in action on December 5, 2014 at 7 a.m. in I.T. Park at their flag-off for Tour de Cebu, the first touristic rally of its kind in Cebu.  (FREEMAN)