a Manny Pacquiao themed scooter!
With the start of the new year, comes a new ‘resolution’ to get back to traditional blogging. I honestly don’t know how this pans out, but this is a step towards it. I have to admit that micro-blogging (read: facebooking) is fun, having to simply type a random thought in just a few words and easily get some responses from people you actually know. But blog-blogging like this has a different feel altogether. You sit down, gather your thoughts, and type away (of course, with a little editing here and there, along the way).
The fact that I was voted as an Envoy (sort of the PR guy) of the this year’s set of Servant-Leaders of the Vespa Club of the Philippines made my decision to go back to blogging easier. At first, I was reluctant to accept the position and felt that a year of serving the club as President was enough. But duty calls. I’m actually amped to be part of this year’s team which is composed of the following hardworking clubmates:
- Administrator – WAWEL MERCADO (Italix) – our president elect!
- Cashier – NELYO ALIVIO (NELYO) – veep slash treasurer
- Scribe – KAT MANAHAN (vespinaasa) – our first female official in the 4-year history of the club
- Envoy – yours truly (bartmaniac)
- Ride Planner – TOPS MARIN (bosero) – this early, he’s sharing a lot of safety riding info to the members
As the Inaugural Ride for 2o10, the group decided to do the Laguna Lake Loop. 18 riders joined. I’ve excerpted here of the Ride Report filed by Wawel:
- – - – - – - – - -
After the riders briefing and prayer, took off in three small groups and rode convoy. Took the East Service Road, turned right at Sucat, then onwards towards Filinvest and Daang Hari. Had a 2 stops along the way to regroup.
First stop, buffet breakfast at Jospehine’s, Tagaytay. Arrived at 8am, right before the morning buffet crowd. Took too much from the buffet table, pigged out.
Then on to San Pablo City. Went down a beautiful winding road to Talisay, Batangas. This was certainly the most beautiful section of the ride. Natural water curtains, lush vegetation, cliff side roads, panoramic view of Taal lake, natural crystal clear springs, cool Tagaytay breeze, all on a gentle, winding road. Talisay > Tanauan > Sto. Tomas, and we were in San Pablo (Laguna) by 11.30 after 2 stops to regroup.
Highlight of the trip was the certainly the visit to Laguna Choppers of Elmer Reyes in San Pablo. Seeing the Manny Pacquiao Lambretta was a real treat. Walang sinabi si Paul Sr. (referring to the patriarch of OCC -Abet) at the amount of customization Manny’s Lammy underwent. Lunch at nearby Palmeras Garden was delicious and filling! Double thumbs up for their crispy tilapia!
After lunch, we headed back to Manila via Calauan, then right towards Sta. Cruz> Paete> Famy> Mabitac until Antipolo. Fuel stop after Pagsanjan, and one regroup stop in Antipolo, then off we went on our separate ways. The ‘matics had their day at the twisties. Incredible riding, too, from Amber. I got home by 7:00PM.
- – - – - – - – - -
Here are some images that Wawel took of that Pacquiao-themed Lambretta with tons of airbrush artwork. He calls it “Ang Pambansang Lammy.” 
and here are more pics….
Leg Sheild detail
fender detail
inside right legshield and floorboard detail
Pacman's MP logo above the Lammy marque/badge
Mr. Laguna Chopper himself! (Elmer showing the hidden inside artwork airbrushed on the left cowl)
more photos of this ride if the following links:
More drool-worthy custom restorations can be seen in the Laguna Choppers’ Multiply page.
Happy New Year, everyone!
~ABET
john[dot]rana[at]gmail[dot]com
hehehe…Idol na Idol po natin si Manny Pacman Pacquiao ah. Napakaganda po ng pagkakagawa ng picture ni Pacman sa scooter na yan.
Iba na talaga nagagawa ng karisma ni Pacman! Cheers!