Miracolo Italiano | Italian Miracle (Damián Ortega, 2005)
Above is an installation art by Mexican artist, Damián Ortega, who deconstructed this Vespa PX (more photos here) and suspended it’s every component like a 3D version of the spareparts diagram in an owner’s manual. I find the concept innovative, humorous and very technical at the same time. Below is a bit about the artist who created it:
The sculptures and environmental installations of Damián Ortega transform the traditional idea of sculpture from something static and solid to something dynamic, almost as though it were the transformation of a word into a play of words or an image into a performance.
This kind of artwork obviously eats up a lot of space in a gallery. If you think a Vespa is too simple a machine to deconstruct, wait ’til you see here the artist earlier work where he disjointed a Volkswagen Beetle into its individual parts and suspended them up in the air in perfect symmetry. Read the rest of this entry ?
This series of print ads was done for Colorado Vespa by McClain Finlon. The ads are actually quite simple with crop-outs and close-ups of different parts of the scoot for each ad which were primarily targeted to a younger demographic. Here’s how the ad agency described the series:
Ahh, the Vespa. Baby Boomers loved them because they looked swell in Fellini films. Now twenty-somethings love them because of this fun-loving campaign. So much so that sales shot up after the ads ran.
Take a look at these ad layouts:
[copy] Never have to help your friends move again.
It’s got that 20-something sense of humor and laziness, isn’t it? See the other two ads. Read the rest of this entry ?
Part of a being married to a Chinese is a regular trip to Binondo — Manila’s Chinatown. On our way there yesterday afternoon, I suggested that after we finish our errands, we head to Escolta and finally take the Pasig Ferry ride which I have read about in the newspaper.
We arrived at the ferry station at dusk and was still able to conveniently parked our car just beside the station. The riverbanks of that side of Pasig River now looks great with cobblestone sidewalks and benches. The imposing view of the Manila Central Post Office in front and the neon-lit Jones Bridge(to the right) and Quezon Bridge(to the far left) reflected on the water were sights we don’t see everyday. True, there were floating rubbish around and the occasional whiff of the wind brings a not-so pleasing smell, but I could see that there’s still be hope for this dying river. I was actually glad to see it’s murky brown waters than it’s former black! It’s not exactly a sight I love to show my daughter, but it seemed that she has already expected it and was more excited to experience this new ferry ride. She even forgo her regular kalesa ride whenever in Ongpin. It was really kinda cool that its all our first time to see Manila to Makati in this perspective. Too bad we didn’t have a digicam on hand to take clear shots but the phonecam came handy for some shots.
the lighted sign at Escolta on our return trip
The fare was P25 per person and the station’s waiting area is air conditioned. There are seats inside the station but not enough for all of the ferry’s full capacity of 150 pax. But since the Pasig River Ferry hasn’t been promoted yet (aside from features in the papers), the passenger turnout is expectedly low which was actually good in our case since we took the ride for a tour more than anything. By the way, there are toilets in the station and benches outside which is very convenient for smokers. *hehehe* I asked the guard and he told me that their highest passenger-turnout so far is 89. Not bad. Read the rest of this entry ?
Since this coming Sunday is already Mother’s Day, allow me to share this awesome photo of a Vespa and its young in the wild. Yes, you heard it right. Not because they’re machines doesn’t mean aren’t able to take care of future Vespa generations. How do you suppose those new models come into being? It precisely because of this inherent maternal instinct that our Vespas are able to take care for thier owners. Neglect them and they will surely conk up. Below is the rare photo of the Vespa and its calf. I really do hope National Geographic will be able to make a documentary about these elusive creatures in their natural habitat.
Since this shot was taken from a Vespa sanctuary, they photographer visibly took this shot from afar. The next photograph shows vivid details of the mother and calf. Zoom lens perhaps… Read the rest of this entry ?
If you haven’t heard of this US-based (San Francisco Bay Area), all-Filipino band before, maybe sharing their music video would be a better introduction of the kind of music that they make. This one is called video for “Blue Sky Propeler” which features a couple of mod-style, vintage scoots festooned with numerous headlamps. Listen to the song (it sounds more like Brit-pop more than American Top 40), and see if you can figure out the band’s musical influence.
Nice song, right? The track came from the band’s sophomore outing called Whatever You Wonder released in 2003. Their debut album, Starmaker, came out in 1998. Contrary with what others may think, the band doesn’t have a member named Julie. The group is actually composed of Des de Leon-Nicolas (vocals); Jay Averilla (bass); Terry Nicolas (guitar); and Rob Uytingco (drums). They say their songs are a combination of 60’s pop, 70’s rock to 80’s new wave and 90’s britpop. Quite simply, that kind of musical hodge-podge is better known as: alternative. Read the rest of this entry ?
I intended this post to be fun, but I felt a pinch of sadness by the time I finished. May this bring smile to the faces of grownups who still know how to imagine like a child.
rider’s name: Giffy Mimi also known as: Mother Giffy ride: “Vespie,” the pink Vespa
homebase: our bedroom job: my daughter’s travel companion & sleeping buddy
See the other two ads. 
released in 2003. Their debut album, 
