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Club AE
Automobile enthusiasts
Did you know Club AE isn't exclusive to Corolla AE owners?
Words by Kristine Garcia; Photography by Vincent Coscoluella
The guys formed their club at one car show in November 2006. The seven nervy founders of Club AE actually founded their group at the Silver City Automall inside Tiendesitas, at a time when the now-popular venue was still relatively new.
Just to be clear, these people came to the event without an agenda. Hence, they were caught off guard. They found themselves behaving like adoring fans of the participating clubs, going haywire over the cars on display. These fanatic feelings prompted them to create a club of their own—one that would soon be strong and well-organized, pretty much like the established clubs on that day.
The founders didn’t ask for autographs. Instead, they had an online message board up and running in less than 24 hours. The name they chose is based on an engine code, and while it did mean to attract Toyota Corolla AE owners, it also created a lot of tension. Much controversy haunted existing clubs, particularly those that also represent the Toyota brand.
Within weeks, Club AE’s popularity took off. People were curious; the membership count grew; and non-AE owners signed up. Before long, AE became an acronym for ‘Automobile Enthusiasts’. There are now about 350 club members, but they don’t limit themselves. Some are into in-car entertainment and they say the Greenhills days are coming back. The aesthetically inclined take on car display showdowns anytime. They are happy to be called fashionistas, too. They are also performance freaks and exhaust themselves while surfing the Internet for engine and suspension upgrades. Of course, there are the boneheads of the club who simply enjoy their factory-spec, bone-stock rides. The club’s first-ever project was an outreach program for the victims of last year’s typhoon Reming. It is unusual that a car club wants to get involved, but it is a good thing nevertheless. Just like any car club seen on television, Club AE was grateful to have been featured in an episode of Stoplight TV in June this year. The following month, they got an invite to a car show kickoff (the launch of HK Sun Mall on Macapagal Avenue in Pasay City). The show, organized by Bridgestone Team Nitro Motorsports (which holds the most prestigious autocross events in our country), also awarded Club AE with the ‘Best Car Club’ honors.
Even to this day, the club dwells on its offbeat beginnings. Without that eagerness and spirit, they wouldn’t have reaped rewards as automobile enthusiasts. In fact, being reminded of it simply puts everything in perspective.Strength and guts count for a lot.
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Top Gear Philippines - December 2007
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