*** MX-5 Miata Of the Month ***
July 2007Collin S. Yap
Congratulations to Collin Yap on the selection of his Miata as the MCP's Miata of the Month for July. |
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July 2007Collin S. Yap
Congratulations to Collin Yap on the selection of his Miata as the MCP's Miata of the Month for July. |
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I used to Work with Gulf Air as an Operation’s Support Analyst in its Information Technology Department for thirteen years. During my stint there, I was allowed to embark on free vacation trips on unlimited travel to any destination. I used to use up those trips for vacationing in the Philippines, but I also went on vacation in Europe and other countries. There are two memorable incidents I remember during those trips. One was meeting face to face with no less than Mikhail Kalashnikov, the inventor of the most popular assault rifle in the world (AK-47). But the other one left a far more lasting effect on my life: encountering the Miata.
I was on tour in the financial city of Frankfurt, Germany on a summer rendezvous with my wife when I saw a group of charming two-seaters in a convoy. The drivers had nothing but fun written on their faces and I wanted some of it painted on mine. I promptly decided to own one. It was not the quality German wagon, to be sure, nor did it have the bravado of the Italian cars. But ? and a big but ? it was one assembled from the technical might of Japan. Having been working in the Information Technology of Gulf Air for years based in United Arab Emirates I knew that I would be able to get a MIATA for myself one day. A reliable roadster with a simply amazing built and design is a prize I deserved for accumulating my share of wealth from that oil-rich dessert estate once I returned to Manila. It was not hard to decide on this, but things ended way easier for me, for I was blessed with a wife who knew what her husband wanted. When I took my next break from work abroad, lo and behold, a red MIATA was waiting in our garage!!! How lucky could a man get? As many other pleasurable experiences, however, the bliss of driving of my dream car was short-lived as I had to return to my post. But distance did not constrain me from enjoying the benefits of owning a Miata. Through the wonders of Internet, I was able to locate the homepage of the Miata Club Philippines in the country. After informing then Club Secretary Chito F. that I was interested to join the Miata Club, after exchanging emails I was welcomed as an honorary member for the first six months. I knew that beyond the benefit of driving enjoyment, owning a Miata would bring to me a more important thing: new friendships. True enough, upon my return to Manila, I was granted full-membership along with the unlimited privilege of being with my Miata as an all-around sportscar. I became part of a wider circle of sports car enthusiasts from different walks of life. With my Miata, I even got involved in beauty pageants when the Miata Club would be named as official car club during their parades and travels to different parts of the country. Definitely, the camaraderie during the regular fun runs to Subic, Baguio, Tagaytay, Batangas Racing Circuit and other memorable destinations gave me more than the thrills of having a sports roadster. Yes, I hope to join in the future fun runs in the countryside as we broaden our shooting skills in our Camera Club. Yes, we also have a Miata Camera Club. It’s as good as it gets. Through the years, I turned my Miata into a much hotter-looking roadster. From its original red, I enhanced to it to a Ferrari-red. From its 15” mags to 17” Euroheart mags, I also added a racing beat body kit. But that transformation is nothing compared to what I’ve become as a Miata owner. Having been actively involved in the Miata Club earned me a surprise, an award as a “Knight Commander of Miata Club.” And on my second year in the Miata Club I was elected Club Secretary. During the 10th year anniversary of the club, I was honoured with “Jack-Of-All-Trades” award. Thanks to my Miata then that I have seen all this mileage of life. Yes of course, I am not the typical one making a mistress out of a favourite car. On a serious note, my wife who gifted me with my Miata enjoys the benefit of being my lady co-captain-cum-muse during our regular club road runs -- a privilege she deserves for making my dream come true. For all the excitement, thrill, and fun I’ve gotten from my Miata and our club, I can’t ask for more. See you around in my Miata roadster. I’ll be glad to offer you a rewarding ride of your life. Collin S. Yap |
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