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Car Club of the Month
The Breakfast Club
They were strangers with nothing in common except their choice of SUV
By Dinzo Tabamo; Photography by Chino Acosta
There are people who see things as they are and ask, "Why?" And there are those who think out of the box and see more. Their question is, "Why not?"
Hyundai Pasig Sales Manager Darwin Mercado saw his boss, Roswell Bonifacio, happily enjoy being a member of the Porsche Club Philippines and an idea formed in his mind. If Porsche can have a car club why not Hyundai?
Darwin chose the Hyundai Tucson, one of their best-sellers, to be the basis of the car club. He believes that "the Tucson is one of the most promising vehicles to come out of Korea."
After an initial meeting with just six pioneering members, they had their first fun drive last September 2006, a Sunday morning cruise to Josephine's Restaurant in Tagaytay. Top Gear went along for the ride.
We joined the Tucson Club that historic Sunday morning. After rendezvousing at the Hyundai Pasig brnach near the C5 flyover, the 15 Tucson owners who attended drove off in loose convoy towards the South. We stopped at a gas station after Alabang and took photos of the cars parked side by side. Then it was straight on to Tagaytay. Along the way it was obvious we were not the only group of enthusiasts on a weekend fun drive. We saw all manner of cars, including exotic sports cars going up the winding road.
When we reached Josephine's we partook of the yummy breakfast buffet they offered. During the meal the camaraderie among the members was slowly being forged. A light buzz of conversation permeated the long table.
After we've had our fill we moved to the airy veranda with a view of Taal Lake for the election of the first batch of officers. Voted President was Alvin Miranda, Vice President was Jonas Lucena, and PRO was Allan Florendo.
After some planning for future activities the meeting was adjourned, and everyone returned to their vehicles, free to go back to Manila or explore Tagaytay some more.
It was a humble beginning for the Tucson Club, but clearly the passion for the car is there, and that's all they need to go the distance.
For more information and membership you call 672-3801 to 04 and look for Darwin C. Mercado.
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Top Gear Philippines - March 2007
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