FACC: The gears that bind

CEBU, Philippines - Last week, we talked about the mother organization, the Federation of Auto Clubs Cebu (FACC), that helped bond together the different automobile clubs in Cebu.  This time, we will feature some of the auto clubs under the umbrella of the FACC:

“Because of JACKIE”

Back in April 2009, a group of Cebuano Mistubishi enthusiasts  led by Tommy Tan and Noel Pelario decided to form the Mitsugbo.  The club distinguishes itself as the most active, lively club in the history of the FACC.  They currently have a roster of fifty active members led by club president, Charlie Balbon.

When asked why they chose Mitsubishi over other car brands, they were quick to point out that the image of Mitsubishi in motorsports, most especially their participation in the World Rally Championship (WRC) fuelled their passion for the brand. 

Roy Urot of Mitsugbo added, “the presence of Jackie Chan and the (1983) Mitsubishi Starion (in the Cannoball Run 2 movie) inspired us to stick with Mitsubishi Cars.” 

This, plus the availability of OEM and aftermarket parts helped influence their decision to choose Mitsubishi over other brands.

“The presence of Jackie Chan and the (1983) Mitsubishi Starion (in the Cannoball Run 2 movie) inspired us to stick with Mitsubishi Cars.”

The camaraderie and the family-oriented approach of Mitsugbo has been the driving force behind the many socio-civic programs that the club has undertaken.  From feeding programs, to their relief efforts for the victims of the Yolanda typhoon, the club’s ongoing partnership with numerous non-government organizations has helped cement the club as one of the most active clubs under the FACC.

“The camaraderie in Mitsugbo is special.  It’s a brotherhood, (where) all (are) open to all ideas,” says Francis Lord Codoy of Mitsugbo.

Watch these Clubs and their passion in action at the FACC Inter Car Club Meet this coming Aug 8-10, 2014 at the SM City Cebu Annex Parking Lot.

“Bug Bite”

In August 1997, a group of Volkswagen (VW) enthusiasts led  by Justin Aguilar, Mark Solon, Ronnie Umerez, David and Mark Aguilar went to the house of lawyer Aven Piramide, a passionate VW person himself, to talk about organizing a club for people who share the same passion they have for the iconic people’s car.  After the meeting, they put the word out to every “bug” enthusiasts they could find.  A couple of days later, three hundred VW lovers converged at Padi’s Point in Cebu Business Part to start what was to become the Volkswagen Club sa Sugbo (VWCS).  The VWCS holds the distinction as being the longest running FACC-affiliated club.

When asked why Volkswagen, the former Sgt. At-Arms of VWCS, Neil Sy said that it has to do with the heritage and the iconic status of the Volkswagen brand. “Practically everybody had one before,” he added.  Extremely notable is the fact that a beetle is always passed on from buyer to buyer.  Its simplicity and being easy to maintain is part of the allure of the VW beetle. “I do remember buying my first beetle with my own money straight out of college. That is how affordable the beetle is,” says VWCS  Past President Sebastian Seno. President Jonathan Polo added that most of them had the VW as their first vehicles. 

“This is the vehicle that many of us  were brought to school and back with, learned to drive with and had fun college experiences with,” he said.  Most members of the VWCS proudly claim that these were the first cars they were able to buy on their own due to the affordability of the car.

Currently, the VWCS has a roster of around two hundred registered members, fifty of who actively participate in their numerous activities.  One such prominent is their Bug Run.  This is an annual drive to Mt. Manunggal commemorating the crash of the late Philippine president, Ramon Magsaysay.  The club also held tree-planting activities in Taptap, Busay, Cebu.  Last year, the VWCS also banded together to assist in relief operations for the victims of the October earthquake and typhoon Yolanda.

Despite all these activities, the VWCS, as a club, is not demanding of its members.  The atmosphere during club gatherings is very light and the camaraderie is tight.  Similar to the bond that each bug enthusiast has for their car.

Such is the passion of these enthusiasts, and it shows in their cars.  Most notably are the fully restored vintage models that some of their members proudly own.  Some of these are the 1960 VW Transporter split-window Kombi, the 1963 Karmann Ghia, the 1966 13-window Kombi Samba, and the 1973 1303 Super Beetle.

Just like the longevity of this iconic car, the officers and members of the VWCS expect the same of their club.  As long as the bug has been on the road, the bite that caused their passion for this iconic vehicle will last just as long. (FREEMAN)