Bautista: Fun run

THIS is a fun run like no other. I run a lot, it is always fun, until I get blisters.

Other than running for public office, all other elections thus far have been fun. The newspaper, the foundation, the diagnostic center, the bank, the police advisory council, the Boy Scouts, the Jaycees and Senate, Rotary Club and Lion's Club, boxing and basketball in the national and international sporting stage plus of course the family corporations.

Now you see why I would rather just run around. Feel the cool breeze, see the beautiful sights, explore and wander, even when it hurts or after. It is all worth it. The other running was also the same for some time. I had fun. Really. The elections and campaigning used to be fun. It is not the same anymore.

A trip to Cebu has recently brought out the fire in a run. It is not what Juan would expect. It was fun. It involved something that I had always had the passion of. Cars.

As a young boy I already fancied cars. I learned to drive at a very early age. I applied legally for a drivers license and it reflects the year I had it and until now the first numbers 86. The year I had mine. It is still the same. It has been 32 years since.

I have never had a speeding ticket. I have been flagged down by the highway patrol though for many many times, one was serious the others just fishing. Anyway that's another story.

On a recent trip to Cebu, I was fortunate to have met some Juans who have the same passion I may have. These were gentlemen who were way older than I was but had more also of the passion that I have.

They are all leaders in their own industry. All reputable. Respectable. I call them my Titos. I met some of them one Sunday ago. In another trip to Cebu for the police, I so happen to bump into them. At the Marco Polo where we had a function, my attention was towards some cars parked at the front of the hotel.

I find them in the coffee shop, normally it is for coffee or beer at times. But they don't drink alcohol. But what was surprising was that they also don't drink coffee. They were just having service water. Yup.

They asked for free biscocho, the staff would readily give them. I ate and drank water with them.

They only talked about cars. Maybe timepieces. Then cars. They would share pictures and videos of cars from their smartphones. I would too at times. I was the youngest. They know my Dad more. But it was always like this. I'm used to it. Dad would always tag me along with his friends. They already knew me from when I was a young boy. Now I still get to hang out with them drinking the same from many years back. Just water and biscuit.

This is every Sunday. It so happens that I will be there for a Sunday. It was obvious. Except this time I without a steed will be offered for one.

The choice steed was a Porsche 997 911 Turbo. That's all the numbers I will share for now. Other than it was the youngest like I was and also the strongest, like I am. Maybe that was the real plan for me. Maybe they wanted to test if I could pace myself with the big boys. Maybe.

Their choice is the safest car of the lot. It had the most power but the biggest brakes and it had all wheel drive. I was never worried. I had read all about it even before. I also had dreamt of driving one someday. Then dreams do come true.

We set off after some small briefing and rules are made. Respect every Juan on the road. Share the road. No dangerous moves. Wear seatbelts. Communicate constantly to every Juan for anything. The reason why radios were given and Enjoy and have Fun.

It was a three-hour drive to Hagnaya Port from where people and vehicles can be ferried to Bantayan Island.

The conditions were wet on twisting, narrow, uphill and downhill roads. It was very foggy. I never thought in a place like Cebu for this. It was just right up my alley. My backyard. Baguio driving. I never felt so at home and in such conditions.

All before this I thought I will just tag along, ride shotgun. I don't mind. I also thought that it involved driving around the city to display their chosen toy for the day. Then coffee or food after. Maybe some beers before heading home. Not at all.

These Titos drove their cars like it should be driven. Never a dull moment. I would have wanted for them to slow down since these were expensive and collectible toys. I also would have wanted to take it slow since I was just lent one and not my own.

They drove it to speeds I would have never imagined. On the defensive and ever alert. Heart and adrenaline pumping, I was having so much fun. We reach an area where we could safely park our cars and rest. We check the cars for some minor adjustments, these Titos would even tinker from one’s car to another.

I lost track of time from having so much fun, I wished it not, but it was lunch. With this guys I thought of having seafood and beers by the beach and having people take pictures of us and the cars. We were in a garage lot, exchanging experience from the drive and the effects from the cars before lunch of Skyflakes and bottled water was served. Wow.

I had reminded them that I had to be in the airport by seven in the evening. So 6 was the best time that we had to be back at base (Marco Polo) for my trip of an hour to the airport. They say it's a Sunday so no worries. I'm not worried. In fact, I don't want it to end. Except the guys also had to be home for dinner with their families, so all will go well with my time.

A little past 4 it all ends. I am asked to join in with the Titos, they say I have much time. They order Caesars Salad with Grilled Chicken and Alfredo Pasta with Coke. They get me a taxi, I hop in and just sat down and couldn't stop smiling. That was a fun run.