The start of the ‘ber months is upon us once again. Christmas is just around the corner. While this blogger turns 37 today.
‘Di tatakbo, sasakay lang. 
~Abet Rana (aka the blogger formerly known as John)
This blog has existed since October 2006. It’s been neglected for several months. Personally, I feel it needs some serious attention and redesigning. Change is forthcoming….
Stay tuned!
~from the blogger formerly known as John Rana
I know it’s been a while since I’ve posted here. There’s really no other excuse but the fact that micro-blogging (aka Facebook | add me up) happened. 
Anyway, just wanna share this video for those who have yet to see it. I first heard about it when I got the press release from Piaggio USA in my inbox last month. Here’s what it said:
VISIT THE VESPA PRODUCTION PLANT IN ITALY FROM THE COMFORTS OF YOUR COUCH.
SEE HOW YOUR VESPA IS MADE.
Tune in to the Science Channel and watch “How It’s Made”
Friday, July 24, 9:00pm EST
Check your local TV listings for broadcast schedule and channel
For those of you not familiar with the program, each segment serves as a mini-documentary on the manufacturing process of a product generally known to the public. In this episode viewers will see first hand how a Vespa is produced; from the beginning stages of development where the steel monocoque frame is welded together straight through to the finished product.
Please check the Science Channel’s website and your local listings to see the numerous broadcast times (The Vespa segment is episode 13 of How It’s Made 6).
- – - – - – - – - -
I have actually forgotten about it until a Vespa buddy of mine (thanks Jon!) posted a link of the video in FB. Now the video is loading sooo slowly, most probably due to the undersea cable disruption which slowed down internet connection Asia-wide. So while waiting, I decided to go back here and share the video.
Let’s watch it together, shall we? read more…
Since I’ve posted Pyke’s then impending repainting , I feel that an update is in order for readers of this blog. Here are some pics taken by photographer, Carlo Cecilio of Imagine Nation Photography one afternoon before the adidas House Party in Manila.
close up of Vespa Pilipinas’ legshield
Pyke’s rear and the reflective Vespa Club flag
Now see Pyke in full view after the jump. read more…
It is a given that Vespa enthusiasts love their respective scooters. That is to be expected. I’ve even heard of stories from riding buddies with significant others getting jealous with the attention they’re giving their beloved steeds. There’s even a tale going around where the wife threatened the husband to sleep in the garage since he loves his Vespa more anyway. bwahaha!
May the clip below remind us to give the one we truly love the attention she deserves, especially in a day like today.
Director: Massimo Sbaraccani
Editor: Massimo Sbaraccani
Art director: Sara Scamarcia
But of course, my real Valentine’s Day message can be found here.
Happy Valentine!
-o-
{▫}
J0HNRANA
john[dot]rana[at]gmail[dot]com
1. Get the Golden Ticket
Last week, the 20 Golden Tickets (admits 2 pax/tix) was sent to me for distribution to interested Vespa Club members.
This week, they texted me for to ask around for anyone who’s willing to lend their Vintage-looking (I suppose they meant PX or earlier models) and show-quality (any color) Vespa scooter. It will be displayed at the House Party at Embassy on Feb. 27-28 from 10AM of Feb. 27 until 3AM of Feb.28 (17 hours total). No monetary return, only bragging rights! The owner of the scoot will also get the House Party pack (woven bag with a limited edition shirt, sticker and a golden ticket inside). Email or text me if you’re interested. 
2. Buy adidas Originals
Cumulative purchase entitles the customer a House Party Pack with the Golden Ticket as an invite to the grandest celebration of 60 YEARS OF SOLES AND STRIPES. Invite is good for two persons.
3. Join the Vespa Design Contest
“Celebrate Originality” and customize your Vespa anyway you want. If you think it already is of show quality, then join!
Aside for the free pass during the House Party, here’s what the winners will get:
- 1st Prize – Php 16,500 adidas Originals voucher + entry to the Area Grand Finals
- 2nd Prize – Php 9,900 adidas Originals voucher
- 3rd Prize – Php 6,600 adidas Originals voucher
Area Grand Finals is the next and final level participated in by the Vespa Design Contest 1st Prize winners from these participating countries: Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines.
- Area Grand Prize – 3 days / 2 nights Trip for 2 to Italy (the Vespa motherland!)
Read the mechanics here: read more…
adidas Originals celebrates “60 Years of Soles and Stripes”
[PRESS RELEASE] MANILA, Philippines, January 16, 2009 – 2009 marks the 60th anniversary of the adidas Originals iconic 3-Stripes Trefoil mark introduced by company founder Adi Dassler. To celebrate this colossal anniversary, adidas Originals will host the 6009 House Party Celebrating Originality on February 27, 2009, 7pm @ Embassy Superclub to kick-start a year-long celebration of Originality. Four other countries – Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore – will also host their respective local House Parties concurrently with Manila’s event.
For the last 60 years, the adidas Originals products and people who wore them have cemented the Trefoil as the icon of sport style around the globe. In Spring/Summer 2009, adidas Originals truly celebrates the past 60 years of originality in different interpretations of products, offering a broad spectrum of highlight themes including an anniversary range of “60 Years of Soles and Stripes” plus a captivating Women’s Collection topped off by a new partnership with Italian pop icon scooter manufacturer Vespa. read more…
It’s been almost three years since I acquired PYKE and I feel that it’s time to sport a new look especially with the rust and corrosion that’s starting to show at the floorboard and glovebox. I had fun with my black & white theme but it’s time to try something new.
The design that I thought of was inspired by the numerous Vespa Italia and Vespa Union Jack paintjobs I’ve seen online. But my particular color scheme was of course based on the Philippine tri-color (red, white & blue) with the three stars & the sun.
Here’s the left perspective.
(click image to enlarge)
I did the design in photoshop using three identical press photos of three Vespa PXs in while, blue and red. I just added the racing stripes, the sun and the stars.
The right side would look like this. read more…
Fastest Vespa ever zooms into maxi scooter category with timeless Italian style and craftsmanship
[PRESS RELEASE] NEW YORK, January 16, 2009 – Italian manufacturer Piaggio, renowned for revolutionary ideas in personal transportation, announces the U.S. debut of
the 2009 Vespa GTS 300 Super, the newest evolution of its best-selling mid-size scooter, the GTS 250. Sporting a new high-displacement engine and a collection of racing-inspired components and exterior treatments that complement its high-performance character, the GTS 300 Super has been designed to set pulse points pounding whether in motion or at rest.
As the fastest Vespa in the company’s U.S. product portfolio, the new GTS 300 Super is always ready to stir up excitement. New styling elements that signal its sporty intentions include an eye-catching side grille on the rear engine panel, two-tone alloy wheel rims, a racing red suspension cover on the front spring and a black-rimmed headlight. A new front shield features a stylish chrome air intake, reinforcing its sporty personality and stylish stance.
“The GTS 300 Super doesn’t just stand out in the crowd – it gets you out of the crowd,” says Paolo Timoni, President and CEO of Piaggio Group Americas. “Whether you need to accelerate away from traffic or take advantage of parking spaces that others only dream about fitting in, the GTS 300 Super does it with Vespa’s unique mix of Italian attitude and style.”
Vespas have always been the preferred scooters for those who want to send a message about the importance of personal choice, freedom and authenticity. The company has produced over 17 million scooters since its debut in 1946 and the brand has been immortalized by artists and individualists through the decades. read more…
As Vespa Club’s very first ride for 2009, the new officers organized and open breakfast ride to Sierra Madre via the Marilaque twisties. It’s a short out-of-town ride scheduled on the first weekend after the first workweek of the new year. We were actually expecting a turnout of 20+ riders based on those who signed up in the forum. And boy, we were sooo wrong!
I’ve joined several Vespa rides to Sierra Madre in the past, but last weekend’s turnout was the biggest I’ve joined so far. Forty two riders showed up and that’s not counting the dog who tagged along with its master and sat comfortably on the scooter’s floorboard during the ride. Here’s our group shot.
Can you spot the doggie?
Aside from our club members, Vespa groups from Makati, Binondo, Angono and Las Pinas also joined us that chilly morning. Some even jokingly dubbed the ride as Vespa Attack 4.1 with the number of scoots that time. The club treated everyone for a free breakfast and coffee! What a great way to start the new riding year!
You may view the numerous pictures taken that day posted in the following albums: read more…
