Street photography of scoots & riders!
One project of the Vespa Club of the Philippines for the year 2010 is the Portrait Session with our members posing with their respective scoots. As the local Vespa community is full of talented photographers and photo hobbyists, pulling together this undertaking wasn’t very hard to do. Two early morning shoots have been scheduled and done so far, and I believe that there are a couple more to follow. It’s a fun bonding activity for members of the club where ‘models’ also stand in as ‘lightsmen’ when it’s not their turn in front of the camera.
Let me introduce some of the people behind the our club through this photo essay. You may click the photo to view the entire gallery where the particular image is lifted from.
photo by: Darwin Andres (aka vespasol)
This is Kat Manahan (aka vespinaasa) — our very efficient club secretary, a Noynoy Aquino volunteer, and significant other of Rob Martinez (vespaasa), the frontman of Milagros Dancehall Collective. Read more…
a Chinese New Year ride!
The Chinatown Ride is the very first group ride I joined when I got my scooter back in 2006. It has since been an annual city ride adopted by the Vespa Club that has taken the me and my fellow riders to various Chinese restaurants in and around the small and narrow alleyways of Binondo, Manila’s very own Chinatown.
The ride was scheduled a full week ahead of the Chinese New Year/Valentine weekend to avoid the traffic in the area around that time. Members who joined the ride were encouraged to wear red.
It was also the first time that this annual joy ride/ was scheduled around lunchtime. But since I was tired coming from overnight diving trip the night before, I thought I wouldn’t be able to make it this time. But I’ve joined this food trip ride the past three years, and I wouldn’t want to be stopping now… not when it involves lotsa EATING!
I missed most of the photo ops the convoy had along the way, but in the end, my tummy couldn’t complain. 
Above is Wawel who brought along his teenage daughter, Therese, as his backride. His account of the ride (and a few other photos) after the jump. Read more…
The unveiling of Manny’s Lammy!
Soon after the Vespa Club‘s visit to the headquarters of Laguna Choppers in San Pablo City in Laguna, Wawel (our club president) quickly arranged for the unveiling of Manny’s Lammy (The Manny Pacquiao-themed Lambretta) here in Manila, before being transported to GenSan, the boxing champion’s hometown. The scoot made its inaugural debut last week in-between sets of the mod/soul band Juan Pablo Dream which has a regular Thursday night gig in Eastwood City.
Transporting this one-of-a-kind scoot has been a logistical challenge, but Wawel did it despite the time constraints. Since our president was out-of-town the night of the unveiling, I was tasked to emcee the simple ceremony. Tops — our ride director — has been tasked to take the official photos which you’ll see here.
from left: Elmer Reyes of Laguna Choppers, Warren Manilay who commissoned this project, and me! 
Read the project brief:
A successful entrepreneur in General Santos City, who was originally from San Pablo, Laguna, decides to give Manny Pacquiao an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind gift, and comes up with the idea of a custom Lambretta upon learning of his town mate Elmer Reyes’s exceptional work at Laguna Choppers. He commissioned Elmer to restore and customize a 1962 Lambretta Li 150cc Series 2, with it’s engine upgraded to 175cc.
The result is a true masterpiece! Elmer features the life story and career highlight of Manny Pacquiao until his devastating knock out victory over UK’s Ricky Hatton. The Lambretta is full of jaw-dropping details, and filled with artworks. The inside of each cowl and the bottom of the floor board are painted with artworks, too. Elmer himself did most of the paintings on this scooter, then later was assisted by two other artists. The leather seats were hand-embroidered by the barong artisans of Lumban, Laguna using the same technique that they used on barongs, applying it this time, on leather. Amazing!
The Lambretta was commissioned by power couple Warren and Sarah Manilay. Warren and Sarah own and run Goldenstate College in General Santos. Warren was the former Tourism Officer of GenSan, and is the brains behind the Tuna Festival, which has become key to promoting General Santos as a top tourist destination in Mindanao. Warren is also Chairman and CEO of Golden State Colleges. Together, Warren and Sarah have steered their Golden State Colleges towards achieving phenomenal growth in the past 3 years, gathering numerous awards, forging partnerships with facilities in Singapore, and transforming the school into a world class educational institution for the youth of SOCSARGEN.
Warren and Sarah are avid car restorers as well and have a 65 Mustang, a 62 Falcon and two Lambrettas, while their only son John has restored a 1917 General Motors truck.
It was the couple’s friendship with Manny Pacquaio that prompted them to have a Lambretta custom-made for the Pound-for-Pound King. Like Warren and Sarah, Manny is deeply committed to the people of General Santos, investing heavily in the city and promoting it as a tourist destination. Manny’s Lammy is in fact, destined to be delivered to General Santos City, where it will surely add color to streets of this fast developing community.
Last Thursday was my first time to watch JPD’s gig in Eastwood City which started this year. The band has always been supportive of the local scootering community so it’s easy to understand the support it gets back from the riders. By accounts of Bing Austria (JPD’s frontman) and Bryan Garcia (the band’s manager), last Thursday’s gig has got the biggest scooter turn out thus far. The special parking near the stage is pack as seen in the following pics. Read more…
Logo Gallery – Vespa Club of the Philippines
Vespa Club of the Philippines artwork collection
Just thought of compiling the assortment of artworks done since our club’s foundation in 2006. I plan to add to this gallery if and when a new design comes up in the future.
A little backgrounder for each design are detailed after the jump. Read more…
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:
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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.
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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…. Read more…
Birthday Wish!
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)
I’m taking you for a ride!
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
Vespa: How It’s Made
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).
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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…
Pyke’s (Vespa Pilipinas) Makeover
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…
Valentine Blogpost: for Vespa lovers the world over!
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
