Carspotting – Philippines

Published by F31roger

2 weeks before I had planned my 3 weeks in Philippines/Japan….

We had a family emergency to go to the Philippines. It was definitely dire and expensive, but my mother in law got her pacemaker. While I was there mainly for support, I did go around and started taking pictures of cars and vans I found interesting and in a sense we don’t see in the US. It was something to occupy my time while there.

I’ve always enjoyed the Philippines car culture, even though it might be questionable at times. I also fell in love with the 90s Nissan Urvan that is plentiful there. You see, Van function in the Philippines is to be a people mover, so it’s not uncommon to find a van that can sit 12-18 people. Nissan Urvan falls in that category. 2.7 Diesel, manual transmission and low HP… I love it in all it’s goodness.

 

The first few days, I was in BGC, Bonifacio Global City. Upscaled area in Manila that is heavily tourist/investment attraction. It is also well maintained and clean. While I admire it, it does give a false sense of how Manila really is. BGC is like a walled off neighborhood. Once you go outside, you will see the real Philippines.

With it being foreigner influenced, so are the prices are a bit elevated. But not too bad.

 

After my mother in law was discharged, we headed home in Malolos. I started to take pictures of the vehicles I wasn’t familar with. That’s when I looked at the Nissan Urvan following us and fell in love! I also noted the Toyota Hiace Commuter (which I found out later) because it didn’t look like the typical Hiace van.

 

As we were going around to malls and other places, random pictures. Banaue (car parts in Philippines)

 

 

As I mentioned, I love different cars that are part of that country’s car scene.