Grand 3-Motoring Event @ the SMX Convention Center, May 26-29, 2011

Nothing like seeing classic cars come to life!  I especially love those from the 1940's like the Oldsmobile, Chrysler Saratoga, Ford Continental, Porshe 356 and the 60's muscle cars like Pontiac GTO Coupe, the Chevrolet Camaro, Impala, and the Ford Mustang.  So it was a real treat for me when these vintage cars were put in display during the Grand 3-Ring Motoring Event at the SMX Convention Center. 

The event was actually a 3-in-one show---The 1st Philippine Nostalgic Motor Show, the 20th Transport Show, and the 4th MSCC Concours 'd Elegance.  It was an automotive Nirvana!  Car enthusiasts were practically salivating oggling 'em cars!  Sweet rides!

Abby Poblador @ the 2011 Transport Show

Phoenix Lubricants got the most number of pit stops from the car show patrons with Abby Poblador manning the display.

Book Review: "The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner" by Stephenie Meyer

Finally finished the book.  It was a short one I can tell you that! 

It was one straight narrative with no chapter separation but it was vintage Stephenie Meyer---very addictive and hard to put down.  You'll feel as much empathy for Bree as you felt for Bella.

The story covered the events that happened a week before the Victoria hatched attack on the Cullens at the end of "Eclipse".  The story was told in the perspective of Bree Tanner, one of the vampires created by Victoria, to form her "vampire army".  Bree relates the tumultuous relationship of the newborn vampires, the politics, and her shortlived second life friendships.  The book also provided the unspoken communication by Bree and Edward during Jane's interrogation. 

This book may also be the precursor to a series of Twilight offshoots with the introduction Fred, Shelly, and Steve who were to break away from the Victoria created coven.

Entertaining read!

"The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner" by Stephenie Meyer

Here's the post-Twilight novel of Stephenie Meyer!  Well, blame it on the leaked manuscript, it's not "Midnight Sun", the Twilight saga in the perspective of Edward Cullen, as highly anticipated by many die-hard Meyer fans.  Instead, Stephenie focuses on the life of the newbie vampire, Bree Tanner, who was the lone survivor in the epic battle between the werewolf supported Cullens vs. the Victoria bred vampire army.  Unfortunately, Bree did not survive the Volturi. 

The novel deals with Bree's short life as a newbie vampire and the events that transpired until her unfateful death in the hands of Jane.  It's a short life, hence, a short novel.  I just started reading it today and hope to finish it in two days.  Based on the first couple of pages it looks like an interesting read.  Feedback when I'm done.

Senior vs Junior Season 2

Well, it's still American Chopper no question about that!  But now, it focuses on the rift between father and son who are now building bikes separately.  Senior remains the OCC stalwart and Junior is now the boss of his own custom bike company---Paul Junior Designs.

Custom bikes for all intent and purpose are original and designed based on the customer's wants.  OCC started out as custom bike builders but Senior had grander ideas with regard to the direction of the company and also diversified to production bikes.  PJD is still a fledgeling company but based on the builds that they have done, Junior's creativity as a designer is once again put in the spotlight.  There's no denying it---Junior is a master in terms of bike design and the addition of Vinnie is truly a welcome development. After all, they did have a good working relationship back in OCC.  This collaborative kinship is, I should say, the foundation of PJD as a company. 

However, an excellent designer that he is, Junior should also learn from what OCC did to hasten the creative process and hire a graphic designer (like what Jason Pohl is to OCC). 

It is quite difficult for others to follow what Junior has in mind if there is no graphic representation.  You can just see how Brendan just stands in awe as Junior articulates his vision for a bike.  I'd assume that Junior looks over what Brendan is doing every so often but that's a time consuming process and susceptible to error.  From a project management point of view an ever changing design is a sign of scope creep which is the primary cause of delay.  I agree with Junior that designing is a creative process but creativity needs to stop at one point especially with a defined deadline.

Villain or hero?  Based on the last few episodes it's the former.
Is the show really showing what Senior's really like? 

Junior finally out of OCC's shadow with a couple of bike
builds for PJD.

My favorite PJD build:  Jared Allen's charity bike.
If this was colored blue---it would have been
Captain America's Chopper!

What Made the Bumper2Bumper Car Show Sizzle

Pictures are good but videos are better! 

The Gee Girls



Playgirls Part 1

Playgirls Part 2

Girlz Inc.

Bikini Show

Hotter Summer Nights @ The Quirino Grandstand-April 30, 2011 PART 4

Finally, this is the post!  The bikini show that burned down the Quirino Grandstand!  Shifting from stage to stage didn't matter.  As soon as the first model came out in her  bikini everyone seemed preoccupied as to how to best capture the moment.  Won't say anything else and let the pictures do the talking!