8 reasons why being a Petrolhead in the Philippines ROCKS

As promised, here’s the fight against one of my post: [https://www.carthrottle.com/post/wpr582y/]. These are the reasons why being a petrolhead in the Philippines ROCKS. I was born and raised in the Philippines. Being a petrolhead in the Philippines is hard, but it does come with great rewards. So what are these rewards? let’s start.

1. Great roads leading to Great destinations

Most of the roads here in the Philippines are either filled with potholes or obstacles (stupid drivers, tricycles, jeeps), but up north (or down south) there are great roads such as this one (it’s in Baguio). And it’s not just mountain roads. The Philippines also has great dirt roads, big deserts, great city roads (perfect for street racing) and highways (too bad their’s a speed limit: your wallet). “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey that counts” well not here. Great roads leads to great destinations.

You might think that it’s hard to get to said great roads and great destinations because of high gas prices, toll fees and expensive cars… but it’s not. Which brings me to the next one…

2. Cheap gas, foods, cars, tickets

Gas here costs about 1-2 USD per liter (depending on your location). Foods can cost as low as 1.50 USD (Rice + Meat + Vegetables). Cars aren’t the cheapest here but they are cheap enough. Mostly Japanese and Korean cars are the cheapest you could find (USD 1200 will probably get you a cheap and fast car). Toll fees (if you drove on highways) may cost about 10 USD depending on your destination. To summarize: Cheap cars and gas, cheaper food, not as expensive as f* toll fees and tickets.

3. Car communities

Car communities in the Philippines varies a LOT. They can range from Rice crews to Awesome Car clubs. The greatest thing about variety is that you can find a car community where you belong (even if you’re a RICER and Drives a VERY RICED Honda). There is a lot of RICE here in the Philippines. They’re generally accepted, but don’t expect the warmest of welcome (especially from me). There is also a lot of Car clubs and events here. 4-10 car shows a year ( that I know of) with ticket prices ranging from $2- $15. Track days are also common here, but their aren’t a lot of tracks here. Petrolheads can really express themselves here, which is the thing that I like most in the Philippines. (Being able to express yourself means you’ll grab unwanted attention and even some hate).

4. Every drive is an adventure

Even a daily drive to the groceries is an adventure. YES I said that Philippines’ roads are dangerous, but at least you won’t get bored. Almost all drivers here are either recklessly fast or dangerously slow. That means you can watch LIVE accidents on the roads (Complete with surround sounds and 3D effects). So forget your daily dose of coffee and just go for a drive, I promise you’ll get buzzed.

5. Car spotting is easy

Car spotting is easy in the Philippines. Knowing the locations is key. Highways are commonly filled with exotic, sports, tuned and sometimes racing cars. Cities such as Makati, BGC, Taguig and many others are filled with exotics or sportscar. Parking lots of Malls are also great car spotting areas. Cars can vary from classics to new and prototypes even.

6. Weather and Road conditions

Weather and road conditions in the Philippines will train a driver to become a race car driver. Conditions such as fog, heavy rains and landslides even can really teach you a lot. Road imperfections may seem like drawbacks rather than benefits, but they are what separates real racers from boy racers. Roads on the Philippines are perfect for thrill-seekers. And finally presenting the most dangerous highway in the Philippines: The Halsema highway.

Tight roads, Crazy bus drivers, Road imperfections, Crazy weather, Landslides and Fog… Need I say more?

7. Midnight is where it all starts

At night, Police here aren’t really gotta pay attention to you, Roads are almost fully empty and the air is colder and denser. Perfect for hooning around. Street races are not that common, but also not that rare. Street races vary from the usual drag races to point-to-point races. Parties at night are also common here. (includes the Fast and Furious package e.g. street cars, babes and loud trunk speakers).

8. CHEAP CAR PARTS

Aftermarket parts may not be the cheapest here, but they are cheap enough. Car accessories (pedals, shiftknobs, carpets) are usually the cheap ones. What is amazing is not the price, but the variety of available car parts here.

Thanks for reading this, it really feels good to talk good things about your country rather than the bad. So what about your country? Why is it great to be a petrolhead there?  Why not make a post about it?

Type in your suggestions or other reasons in the comments below. Pictures belong to their rightful owners.

PS: check this video out for a preview about mountain roads in the Philippines. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMhtKcPv6Bs]