Chic Speed

2/25/2012

The Last Action Hero

It seems heroism has been forgotten in this country. Even the make-believe industry of entertainment has forgotten it. In fact, the only thing they can do for an action movie comeback was to 're-create' an old film that has been revived repeatedly & made the latest version still looking like it was produced from the last century. People who have missed the genre from local films openly welcomed a retired old timer (who's always been a villain) to do the lead part because they know there's no one else to portrait the part. Quel dommage! Maybe the show business has finally succumbed to Hollywood. It can't compete.

Original film 1961 December 2011

Same goes with Philippines' automobile industry. After the Toyota Tamarraw FX hit the road and changed (most) commuters life forever, no vehicle has become a hero yet. If one can't afford to take a cab, the FX will save you from the sweltering heat, the smoke, the dust, the noise you are to endure riding a jeepney or a tricycle. I'm more than happy to see other xuvs & vans followed its lead. But I'm hoping the Tamarraw FX will not be the last action hero on the road.

Besides, there are not enough trains to surrender to.

2/19/2012

Toyota vs. Toyota

I believe if you like the safest car choice, you go to a Toyota dealer. You're not gonna go wrong with a Toyota. Among your local peers, they most likely own one or two, even more. If you need something from a car, Toyota has the car for you. But, if you WANT something from a car, you look at other brands.

The other day, I overheard someone, a mother who's in 'need' of a people carrier. Her brand of choice: a Toyota (not a suprise). Torn between a Hiace GL Grandia & an Alphard.

These two shouldn't be compared. But then, you can only compare a Toyota to another Toyota. Otherwise, it seems unfair. She's eyeing the GL Grandia as it's more spacious. More people, more stuffs, 'homey', she continued. I'm guessing it's also because in Metro Manila, it's a popular car of choice, just like its brother Fortuner. But the thing is, here's a madame who's not bothered by all the bells and whistles the other car brands are offering & now, she's also to put herself (& her family) in a giant moving fridge while on the road? Oh mon dieu!

I'm hoping she ends up with an Alphard. It's a bit modern. It looks like a car & it feels like a car. When you want to feel at home, then don't get in a vehicle, stay home. It is a minivan with no stunning exterior beauty. But it gives its passengers a comfortable ride to their destination with a little touch of luxury, without looking like they have just stepped out of a giant 80's refrigerator.

Whichever she choose, one thing is for sure, the dealer's happy. As I said, it's a competition only between Toyotas.

2/16/2012

How Does This Make You Feel?

Photo taken by a friend. Real sign in an English countryside.

2/14/2012

Rolls Royce et Chanel

What do these two power brands have in common?

Yes, both have been an inspiration to a lot of us to do very well in life; to have the iconic arm candy & to travel with THE car mascot, I mean, ornament. I refuse to call it a 'mascot'. In my time, mascots are ridiculously looking big things with silly moves.

What else do they have in common? An inspiration from an affair which both ended in tragedy:

Coco Chanel's classic flap bag or the 2.55 ( february 1955) wasn't only made for her convenience of not having to carry the purse on her hand all the time. Not only she can turn it into an instant shoulder bag, it also hid her love letters in its secret compartment. For she was having a hidden love affair with her boyfriend's best friend.When they can finally be together, Chanel's lover ( & benefactor) died in a car accident. Tragic.

Rolls-Royce's Spirit of Ecstasy (the flying lady on the bonnet, kids) begun from a client. The editor of The Car Illustrated magazine & a future baron, thought his Rolls Royce's hood lucked a little oomph. So, a sculptor was hired & the sculptor was inspired, by his client's secretary who's also his mistress.

It was doomed from the start. A forbidden love affair not only because of marital bond but of aristocracy. She gave up their daughter for adoption. She died in a shipwreck. He was saved. Life went on...But the lady's spirit still lives as she quietly travel on the hood top of the most luxurious car brand in the world. And nowadays, she's never been more in demand...

Bonne Saint-Valentin! Happy Valentine's Day!

2/12/2012

Time Out For A Knock Out

Valentine's day is approaching, along comes the 'special' dramas. My petrolhead gents, here's an application game for your passenger lovahhh when she won't let you drive in peace. Let her play & beat you...hard. We all know how arguing inside a car can turn the driver into a madman.