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Sinag Drivers
Sun racers
Driver Ivan Porcalla and student team leader Robert Obiles are the young men behind the wheel of Sinag, the Philippines' first solar-powered car
Words by Paulo Rafael T. Subido; Photography by Filbert Kung
Sinag arrived at the finish line of the 2007 Panasonic World Solar Challenge ahead of a dozen competitors. In a field of forty, this was no mean feat, especially as this was the first time that the team—composed of 70 young individuals from the De La Salle University—pursued such an endeavor.
Four drivers were chosen to pilot the Philippines' ray of hope for alternative fuel sources and a greener tomorrow. Ivan Porcalla, Eric Tan, Sherwin To and Robert Obiles had the responsibility of driving 3,000 kilometers across the Australian outback. All were trained by JP Tuason of the Tuason Racing School as each had nine-hour stretches behind the wheel a day, for seven days—without air-conditioning and in the middle of the desert.
"Imagine that you are holding everything together. You have to concentrate on going straight because the car is so twitchy. If you let go of the steering wheel, the car will veer off the course," says 20-year-old Ivan. Apparently, it wasn't a piece of cake. Add this to the fact that the drivers had the weight of the Philippines riding on their shoulders.
"We simulated the actual race during the Luzon run. We assumed the worst conditions," adds 21-year-old Robert, who, apart from being a back-up driver, is also the overall student team leader of the entire Sinag project. During the actual race, they had tires explode on them. Luckily, Sinag didn't end up on its roof. Another rival team wasn't so lucky.
Surprisingly, there was plenty of camaraderie among the teams, and they would help each other whenever there was trouble. The race was also a great venue for these young men to make friends, like ambassadors of goodwill for their country, so to speak.
"The actual race was really hectic. Maraming chicks pero walang time!" exclaims Robert, who is quickly corrected by Ivan. "We made friends with the girls from Michigan—the all-girl high school team. And even with the models. Before and after the race, we had lots of time," Ivan says coolly.
Now that Sinag is a household name, these young drivers have become sort of celebrities, especially among the young college crowd. "Sa Embassy, it works when I say I'm Sinag's driver. Girls seem to think that it is cool," Ivan shares.
"Well, I am the overall team leader," interjects Robert. "The problem now isn't getting chicks. It's getting rid of them!"
Who says being modern-day eco-warriors can't be fun?
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Top Gear Philippines - August 2008
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