By: Khristine Dizon
This story is about:
At 46 Kate is still unmarried and without children, she called it a hassle free lifestyle. Being a rebel has been her trademark for following her grandmother’s footsteps. Until she needs to run away from her family because of an arranged marriage that’s been going on for years. A promise what made with her grandmother, that at a certain age; she’ll be lifted off from the tradition. After her late grandmother passed away, there are many obligations left behind for her to attend to but one of them is a gift. That made her embark in an unfamiliar territory with familiar people. Until they met, both a rebel and a racer.
A letter:
Dear Kate,
The time that you’ll see this letter is when you start to unpack your clothes, wherever you are. At a time like this no one was able to run away from our family obligation to stay in tradition. We may not always talk because of what happened 2 years back after your late grandmother’s death but I do wish you well. Remember when we had an argument because of a shirt that you gave to my husband which was mistaken as a flirtatious act, I was pregnant back then and didn’t recognize the act was because of your tradition of giving gifts every August. You even said that the only reason why I was not able to remember is because of your skin tone. Since you are the only one with a tan skin tone in the family. Your cousin and I had an argument and he left the house for 2 days straight. If not for you, he’ll stay with his friends for a week. But you never spoke to me again after that. I’m writing this because my husband gave me your gifts for our first born. He said that you’ve been saving for months just to complete the telescope set, children’s science books that he can use as reference in school. Even the foreign published books of Ang Ibong Adarna, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.
There are some questions that we all hope you’ll be able to answer. You two are friends, right? Some pictures showed your closeness with him. We all thought that the relationship was going well. Why the sudden change of mind? We all want to listen and understand what went through. There’s even a letter about the tradition that you declined following, this is irreversible. We are forced to accept your request.
Please take care.
Best regards,
Mei Mei
____________________
While reading the letter.
In truth, that tradition isn’t for me. When grandma died, it passed me. That’s the agreement I had with her. It always happens to him, since we don’t have the same skin tone, we can easily pretend to not to be related. Even when there’s nothing more to it. That sudden outburst was due to the effect on emotion, the pregnancy heightened the jealousy trait. His friends don’t like her much, because of all the wrong accusations she made while they were unmarried. I can’t really say that he is too submissive when it comes to traditions, a part of him truly loves her dear. Those books are our grandparent’s favorite. But for the questions, I’d rather not say. It is best to keep it in me for the meantime till they find it out for themselves, or maybe will just give a hint. My cousin knows the reason for everything, especially his friends. It is a good thing to leave Cebu. That letter will only show once I reach the age of 46, now I’m 46. If only they knew how much grandma disliked that tradition. I took care of her, I just went to Seoul to handle some engagement for Lola; to meet her friends and give them their presents since she knows that it can be her last year. Once I returned to Cebu, she’s in the ER. We all knew that she only have a few months left. Someone should have called me when my cousin was with her all the time. I already know how he is.
I will not answer your letter Mei Mei, not yet.
My secret hiding place used to stand in the smallest business district in Manila, Philippines. Where there’s a coffee shop with the burger named Sydney, the condominium building was surrounded with a nail spa, Subway sandwiches and another coffee shop that serves ‘salabat’. A place where you can walk around and window shop in half a day. An area where I used to live.
Coming back to this place have memories, where me and my late grandmother used to stay. An easy access for her to go around places, no need for a car. And all friendly security guards.
The sky turned dark, I checked my watch, there’s 10 minutes left so I asked for the bill before I towards the parking lot. The waiter smiled at me, seems like he’s used to the hours I stay there with nothing to do, not meeting anyone. I stood up and about to cross the street, the lights are all on now, this city is alive at night. I walked past Mark’s & Spencer and Starbucks, went through inside the newest mall and took the elevator going down. My anxiety came in as I took out my car keys, if I could manage to be in the music club alone. I took a deep breath and said to myself ‘why not?’. I started the engine immediately as I sat, its a manual type of engine, not an automatic. I was taught to listen to the sound that it produce, to hear the health and be as one with the machine. I turned on my radio, and they just shouted the invite for their show tonight. It’s DJ Rox on the mic, saying non sense. We’ve been friends in school and he’s one of those who utter non sense things with under linings.
I parked my car where I can still walk towards the bar. I thought it was too early, and so is the band. There’s not much people yet, or maybe they were waiting for the band schedule on the last set. Some people do that hear, they will only show during their favorite band’s set. That’s the underground life. I decided by the bar, my usual table since I know the bar tender for so long. Actually, since started college and I even brought my late grandmother here. She enjoyed herself, and even jam with one of the bands. It’s our little secret and the reason behind they were there during her funeral.
There are still wooden tables outside, right under the night sky. Where she takes her tea with a smile. I can taste our favorite snack “champoy” each time I’m here. One of the waiters approached me, handed their menu, I smiled when he handed me the bar list and ordered my usual, Absolute Kurant.
Suddenly some of the band members for started to prepare on the stage, some are tuning their guitar, another was on the drums and last was checking their synthesizer. I sat there thinking of how my late grandmother would describe it. She always tell this tale, that no musician is supposed to be seen tuning their guitar in public but nowadays, it seems accepted my the fans. She always mentioned that during her time, there’s always a part of her that step back. Not to over power another guitar. The bar tender asked if I need another glass, I shook head. He smiled and said “a promise is a promise”. He was the witness of her during that night.
It’s my flight out schedule tonight, and staying in Tokyo for I don’t know how long. I had to swing by this area to speak with the sales manager. My late grandmother bought 1 condominium unit aside from the one I own, and now are being rented for over 10 years. It was the place we stay when we come to visit this area. I just need to tell him, he’s an ex-boyfriend but, we are friends. When their first set was done, he walked towards me with a smile and asked.
“How’s life Kate?”
“Same old – same old” I’m leaving for Tokyo tonight, I need to swing by this area for the last time. I’ll be gone for good.”
“He smiled and said, there’s always a pen and paper where in you can share your thoughts to.” Seriously, I thought your getting engaged?
“Nope, not to that someone.” Nah! Shaking my head.
“That’s a strong, no!”
“Yup”
“Last he said, don’t go on a car race without me.” “They always think you have tricks up your sleeve.”
“Uh -huh” “But actually, I don’t.”
“Where’s the car, anyway”
“ I left it here in Manila, that’s why… I need to ask a favor. It’s parked at the basement of the condominium where my grand – mama’s unit is. It’s actually the extra parking space that you used to borrow a lot.” “You know what to do. Take good care of her, you know she’s old.” Time to head out.
So I left, with my old express straight cut denim bought by my late grandmother. My ex-boyfriend’s driver will drop me off at NAIA terminal 1. Now I sat here at Haneda Airport, waiting for a hotel service car. I depart at 11:25 pm and arrive at 4:45 am. It looks like an almost empty airport, with nothing to do.
——————
I look around my tiny little place and thought this will do for a short stay and might as well fly to Hokkaido as my last stop. The ticket I used was long planned by my late grandmother. It was her birthday present. I kept staring at my straight cut jeans that reminds me how much fun it was to travel with her. When I saw my luggage and have not unpack. I immediately turn on the TV and Inuyasha was on. I let it played for a while till I’m done with a few of my clothes and finally relax and nap.
I woke up from the alarm on my phone, I bought a new set with sim to use here in Japan. That’s why I had to swing by Tokyo. The alarm said, that I only have 15 minutes before my complimentary breakfast. There’s my denim, and a shirt then grabbed a jacket to keep me warm. There’s always a miso soup for breakfast and I need it.
When I entered the hotel’s restaurant the spread looks inviting, there was steamed rice, miso soup, grilled salmon, mackerel, tamagoyaki, umeboshi and fufujinzuke. As well as a sushi spread. There were also western breakfast like sausages, bacons and scrambled eggs.
With just a miso soup and matcha tea, my mind went off to the window, and stared at the garden just beside the hotel restaurant. It looks calm, serene and peaceful. “I guess that’s how my late grandmother feels now.” When a man suddenly approached and asked; “from which asian country are you?” I smiled and told him “I’m from the Philippines” and I asked back, he replied “I’m from Shanghai, China” We talked for a bit, and realized his brother do car racing, professionally. I looked familiar to him because of a photograph he shared in his social media for his fans 3 years ago. We were in Singapore back then. He told me about the race event that will take place here in Tokyo in a few days. When he knew that the reason I have staying here is to celebrate my late birthday and because my grandmother passed away. He gave me his card and a flyer about the car race. There are some who’ll do a show on drifting.
I went back to my room, the information was inviting but I am not in the mood, and even when I do want to watch the race my plan is set. Best not to change a thing.
The night was still and the unfamiliar breeze was soothing as I entered Haneda Airport again going to Hokkaido. While waiting to onboard, my phone rang and it’s my best friend. Who is very much interested to watch the Tokyo race event with my cousin who just flew in from Cebu. He said, he’ll be staying in Manila for a week or two. With that, I said “Please don’t forget to call your wife to tell her that plan.” They were best of friends since grade school. Oh, I need to text him another reminder, like who is he with. My cousin is actually the technician, he was taught by my late grandfather a mechanic and chemist. He suddenly replied that he needs to check the IRS, braces and monte carlo bars. But everything in-check and maintained. I replied with “Thank you. I did a bit of a quick view on it too. Don’t forget to tell her what your up to.” With his last reply of, “I just want to see this old lady for the last time.” “I’ll see her run when you get back.”
I was typing it in my phone, as I recall, when I saw the time that it’s a long walk, about 15 minutes walk. As I grabbed my stuff from the chair, I saw a white worn out sneakers beside me, I looked up and saw an unfamiliar face. The thing is he looks so Korean. He smiled, then walked past me. When I came across him again in Terminal 1. He asked “Are you going to Hokkaido?” I said, “Yes” with a smile. I was just behind him, and there were other Japanese nationals who looks like celebrities from my end. Not an actor, they look like musicians. He looks like from Imase, their “Night Dancer” is one of their songs I’m so fond of. I didn’t saw him again, when I sat on my plane seat.
The next few hours I’ll be in Hokkaido and while I sat on the plane. I took out my late grandmother’s notebook with notes about a car engine, with Japanese engineer names. Then there’s was this symbol that looks like a katana. An old man sat beside me, I looked up then bowed my head as a sign of respect. When he settled in his seat, a few minutes after the take off. While the aircraft has calmed, he spoke to me and said. “You were staring at a katana drawing.”; I told him, “Yes, I was and it does really look like it.” He asked again, “What does the notebook say?” I replied, “It’s about a car engine, that I haven’t seen.” It’s my late grandmother’s old notebook that she gave to me before she passed away. He asked if I’m a mechanic. I told him, I am not, I just know bits and pieces about car engines. Knows the basics, about the tires, carburetors, breaks, shifters and accelerators. There was this one time when we had to remove the vehicle battery from a home made jeep in order to have lights while there was a black out.
_____
Hokkaido is known for it’s cuisine, landscapes, forests, wildlife and winter drift ice.
It was pretty cold when I arrive in New Chitose Airport. Before I stepped out of the plane, I put on my trench coat even when I have sweater on. The old man, wave at me to say that he’s going ahead. I bowed to him in acknowledgment. I walked straight to international terminal building, it’s my visa for Japan that I need a stamp on again. After a few minutes, I walked towards the exit, my car service is waiting. Another text from my cousin came, “I sent you a video, go check it out.” As I checked, it made me laugh, It’s a McLaren M7A, finally it came out. It’s been a while since we saw, there must be a car show near the reason why my cousin is in Manila.
I got in the car and the driver mentioned, that I’ll be staying in Kitanomine as stated in my itinerary. These was all prepared by my late grandmother’s best-friend. When I sat, opened my bag and took out my taoist prayer beads, placed it on my left wrist now act as a stopper for my watch. It became a habit, because each time I go to Hokkaido with my late grandmother, she asks me to do so. I asked the driver if we can visit a Chitose Shrine to pay my respects. When I ask for him to turn the radio on, it’s “Parrot” one of the songs from the South Korean drama “Princes Hours.” I told him not to switch the station, I like the sound of it’s electric guitar play. He look back at me and smiled.
As I entered the temple, I left my shoes out and bowed a few steps back before a stepped in. When I stepped forward I did 2 bows, a clap and another bow. I prayed for a bit as my sign of respect. Then left, I look back for the last bow. Afterwards, it took me a while to proceed to it’s Temizuya. There was a cat that followed me around, it was during my prayer. When I opened my eyes, it was beside me. It’s one of the shrine cats, I let it accompany me along. I do need someone with me right now. I said to it “I’m very grateful to your hospitality.” Next is the Main Hall where I gently toss a coin. Lastly. I rang the bell to say I visited. As I walk past the gate, the cat stopped behind me. I look back again to bow as gratitude and respect. I told it “I’ll swing by again.”
On the road to the place I’m staying, I know what’s next in a few a days. A divination with my late grandmother’s best-friend. There was really something about it, always about love life. And it does make me smile most of the time. I was surprise to see that she was there to welcome me at the place I’ll be staying. She looked at my luggage and said “That’s too small.” I smiled and said, I’ll shop for my clothes here. I don’t have much of winter clothes. She nod and smiled as she guide me through the bedroom. She left and told me, she’ll call for lunch.
Time pass, as I was waiting for her call by the living room. I saw her outside the garden, talking to a man. When she saw me, she called me out. As I approached her, It’s the one who I saw at the airport. As I thought he’s from South Korea but half Japanese. I told her that I saw him at the airport in Tokyo. As I am in my worn out express jeans, she asked me to change to lunch clothes. I bowed and went to my bedroom. I put on a simple mix of winter tights and an oversized shirt with color and sakura print. It was her Christmas present to me. In my house shoes, I went back to the living room and looked for her, they were at the living room. He also changed his denims to a simple black slacks and stripes sweater. I didn’t notice till now of his long legs. He is tall. We talked a bit while we wait for the table to be set, we both offered help in unison but she said no. His name is Jeong but his name in Japanese is Taira. He said it’s not the translation, his Japanese name was given to him by his grandfather’s younger brother who lives in one of the Shrines here in Hokkaido.
During lunch she serve caviar, then there’s Eryngii Suimono, a sashimi platter with uni, hotate, ikura, zuwaigani, botan ebi and ika somen. Then, the grilled lamb, king crab and Mackerel. There was small bowls of steamed rice and seaweed salad. We enjoyed the food with small conversation. We talked about how I was in Cebu and what’s my plan for this travel. I told them that will stay longer this time, a year or so. Then he told us about his. He’s was asked by his grandfather to stay in Hokkaido for now, he’s been living in Tokyo. Her mother lives in Gwangju and doesn’t want to travel at all. She just like to stay in South Korea. With that, the fruit platter that have the strawberries, melon, muscat grapes and my favorite mangoes. I smiled when I saw the mangoes, it makes me feel happy each time I see one in a foreign country. It was served with green tea. Then the doorbell rang, we both stood up in unison again, and Jeong and I laugh at each other. She said, we better sit. Let her serve since she’ll only be able to stay for 3 days. Jeong said, that he’ll be staying at the next door but this is the biggest house of a 5. Grandma lives in the 4th house, but since they have beliefs on the number they changed it. I let him tell me stories about her, of how much she misses her best-friend. How long she waited for me to stay here in Hokkaido. “My late grandmother always talks about her and you. I suddenly remember a young man who send her letters every month. She received the gifts.” I grab my phone and let him look at the photos from my late grandmother’s birthdays and Christmas. She always ask me to take photograph of her with those presents. When he held my phone, he smiled and said. There are some photographs that she emailed before, a few are in my device. Then he showed me that he saved copies of it. He even created a mobile app for them to have an easy sharing of photographs and messages. Suddenly he looked at me and said, this is your late grandmother’s phone. “I said, yes it is.” Then he asked, “You know about, their plan?” “Yes, she let me read about it.” They never want an arrange marriage for both of us.
When she came back, we were laughing at each other’s photographs. She said, “Good thing, you arrived at the same day” There’s another guest coming in next week, they are siblings and one of them is a professional car racer.” I suddenly remember and mentioned, that I met someone at the hotel while having breakfast. His name is Ming, his brother is a professional racer, he recognized me from a photographed in Singapore. She said, “Yes, that’s him.” The door rang because of a phone call. We both stood up, he needs to fixed some stuff in his space. He said, he’ll text or knock at the door right after because he’ll be having dinner at my place tonight.
My late grandmother’s best-friend owns a villa and she’s very hands on after her corporate career and meticulously choosy of visitors.
Then I’m alone again, just like the song of Gilbert O’ Sullivan. I tuned on my iTunes and played the Princes Hours drama soundtrack. “I’m finally home.” I said aloud.
Part II – Perfect Fit
April 22, 1972
It’s past my bed time and done with the last assignment for school. My father placed me on probationary because of my grades as a college student. It’s a class for English Literature, I am well versed in Spanish and my major is Finance. I will try my best to meet his expectations even when he’s away all the time. Yesterday, I was in my best friend’s house for breakfast. When he saw my new red Toyota Corolla Sprinter. It’s a two door, four seater fast back coupe, with a wheel base of 89.96 inches. The 5 speed manual with the independent MacPherson strut front suspension and semi-elliptic leaf spring rear suspension. A down draft carburetor and a mechanical pump mounted right on the side of the engine block that pushes fuel back and can do up to 160 km/hr. My grandfather gave me as college present an Ford mustang with Boss 429 V8 engine. He used to do professional car racing and used a car he calls “Offy” but after he changed to STP – Paxton, he decided to retire. It’s one of those afternoons where in we can check the engine at the nearest empty area near out home. There’ll be no other vehicles aside from ours.
A journal entry of my late grandmother, I like mind traveling through her words when there’s nothing to do. It’s her love for cars that makes me miss her more. When the doorbell rang. It’s Oh-bah-ah-sahn, I immediately walk towards the front door to greet her. I bowed my head and said good morning. She smiled, and said “no need for that”. I’m in kimono that she gave because it’s about to snow. She saw that I was holding her journal and she ask me to accompany her to the room where we leave our jackets. There’s a box with my name on it, I took it out of the closet and place it on the living room table. When I open the box, it’s the other journals of my late grandmother. She said “I read almost all of it, just to remember my friend.” It’s all about the car engines that she likes and the subjects the she hates.” You’ll notice the dates, she started around late 60’s then she stopped journaling around 1979, when her ex-boyfriend left the Philippines for America. You met him before, during the funeral. He mentioned you in his letter and he sent an email today that he was seated beside you during your flight to Hokkaido. He lives here now. She brought me breakfast, when she saw the fridge she smiled. All the fruits are well kept and sliced to our liking. I told her that Taira left late last night and helped with the fruits. You mentioned about the car show in Tokyo. We’ll be having a car race event after winter, but there’ll be a car show this week. Another guest will arrive, he’s a Filipino – German who race too. You might know him, because he knows you. His name is Vince, he owns a Porsche 964 Carrera with 05 as plate number. She showed me his photo. I gasp, I do know him.We raced together before. I asked, if they are all for the car show. She nod her head with a smile and said ‘ You are invited.” I asked, how about Taira. “His cars just came in today.” Oh! I smiled when she said that. While I help her with the breakfast, my cellphone beep, Taira is at the door. When we walk towards the kitchen, we help her. She suddenly ask, who won the race. It was a team car race that night, and grandmother was there. The last race I entered. While we sat for breakfast, she told us about the last person on the list that will stay in this villa and he’s another South Korean. You both will meet the others within this week, they are from China, Thailand and Japanese of course. After the meal, we went out to check the cars, for they need to be check of their specifications and health before be insured. Taira helped me place away the boxes for safe keep when he by my night stand another journal, same front design, with the same signature. He asked me about it. I picked it up and show it to him. When he saw the architectural designs of the car, “this is not a classic but it’s like a combination of a Jaguar and Mustang” I know with multiple controls.” In unison, can be a plan for an automatic type. “It’s just thing one design, with a marking”, my thought was, maybe this was design by a group of friends from years ago. He placed the journal back on my night stand as we walk towards the dining are where she waits. When we mentioned about the design, good thing you mentioned that. But best to wait for the mechanics.
When we enter the garage, I was the only one without a car and yet, they all look beautiful from where I stand. There’s always about the dark colors that catches my eye, my grandmother never really approve of my liking for I’ll be one with the night, as she said and it worries her. When I tried driving a dark vehicle with my mother, she said the feel was like I was running with someone fast while were by our selves on a race track.It was even a slower pace because of the weight for two person. As my mind went back to the garage, people are checking for their condition, they started with an Aston Martin DBS – 2006, Ford Mustang Saleen S281, from Manila a modified 1959 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Convertible, my late grandfather’s “Offy”, a Harley Pinhead Chopper, Kawasaki Ninja H2R, I’m looking for a bicycle. This type of set is familiar, like the last one I was invited to. While on that memory, I saw someone who looks like Vin Diesel beside a 6th generation Camaro ZL1. He bowed to obaasan as a greeting, then she calls me while I was across a McLaren 675LT. I smiled at him and we shook hands, his name is Max. He stays in a house beside the villa where Obaasan’s vacation house is. She introduce me as the grand daughter of her best friend, then he opened the hood. His machine looks familiar, there’s a page from the old journal with similar engineering. I stepped back when the appraisers with mechanics from the insurance company walks in. It has a horsepower of 650 and lb-ft of torque, as look deeper with them, I said it out loud, “it looks modified” that can do an estimate of 800 to a thousand. I smiled and said, “it just seemed” and it’s a beauty!. It has a pack of more than 11 coolers. I asked if it’s still an 6.2 liter. Max laughed at my question, obaasan smiled and the appraiser looked at me. I suggested if it’s alright for the hood to be up on the show. I laugh then left, sometimes I see things.
Then there they were; Audi R8, Hennessy Venom F5-M Roadster, NILU Hypercar, Pagani Utopia, Dodge Hellcat and Corvette CR1, Lamborghini Gallardo, McLaren F1, Gordon Murray GMA T.50 and Aston Martin Vantage. As well as Nissan GT-R, Acura, Mitsuoka Orochi. When I look back, Taira and the two Chinese are with Obaasan and Max. Now, I miss my old lady car. It took them half a day to do. There are so much to think about in preparation for the car show, but it seems very organized. My thoughts was stopped when a server gave me a bottle of tea and when I look at him. It’s Taira who I thought is still with them. It’ll be the manual cars next, we have a checklist to read through” Taira hand it over after the.bottle of matcha tea. We talked about the mountain race after winter, the checklist even have a schedule that there’s even a car engine test on a race trace months before the actual race. ‘Kate, they haven’t decided if it should stay on the race track,” I said, maybe they should. I haven’t been in that mountain. We need to check the routes first. He said that Max and my Uncle needs to be with us when we do so. Max has been one of their drivers for sometime now. He’s a Japanese – American, born in Japan but raised in both countries. His uncle is a pure Japanese but raised in Japan and America, a racer too he’s one of the closest racer to your late grandmother’s ex-boyfriend. You’ll see he looks just like one of the actors from Fast and the Furious. He was discovered by my late grandmother’s ex-boyfriend. I smiled at the new information I received.
July 19, 1973
The night was dark, and it was a bit lonely without him. I became a bit aggressive than usual that make my heart skip a bit for that milli-seconds. I placed the gear on neutral, stepped on the breaks pulled the wheel to the left then let it slowly return as my hand rest on it, I tap the clutch to slightly remove the load from the front tires, till I was clear from the road track. It with a speed of 150, it’s an uphill race. I waited for the car to stop, when I checked the tires, it was worn out. It was during the downhill lap. It was an accident that I placed it on neutral, at the back of my mind, if the road is like a like a slide even when it’s on neutral gear it’ll move naturally. While I step on the breaks lightly, I can’t do a full stop, there’s not much space on the road. My friends was waiting down the hill, it was not safe for me to bring it home. I borrowed their spare tires to replace mine just to be home. They followed me till I reach our house just to be sure I was safe. My father didn’t came home till today, he was out for a week and I was left with our house-help.
At 9:00 PM it’s time for dinner and Taira’s uncle is with him, he was tasked to review the documentations for appraised cars with Max. They decided to dine with us as and while we wait we were talking about the cars.
“How may more should we expect to come for the show, Okasa?” There should be 7 more and 16 to 22 cars. She winked at me then ask, when will your cars be here Kate? I smiled at her, I am not sure of that idea. Presently, my cousin and I who is my mechanic have a bit of dilemma, plus there’s no money to spare at the moment to have it ship here. “What’s your car?” Taira’s uncle asked. I actually have three. My late grandmother gave me her Boss 429 V8, 1965 Ford, we call it “old lady” an 80’s modified Toyota Celica and another modified Toyota Sprinter which I only use for show, the black one as I look at Obaasan. Then she asked about “Night” oh, yes the De Tomaso Pantera which I seldom use and lives in Manila with the “old lady”. When her best-friend, my grand-ma past away, I had them live at the building that we bought. Max and Kenji look at each other. “When was the last time you drove them?” Max asked. Taira kept looking at me, like “Whaat?” I smiled again, it saddens me. On a weekly basis, they rested tho for a month and a half because of the funeral and some things. I don’t stay long in Cebu, most the time I’m in Manila. To attend and address most of what my late grandmother’s obligations. I love running with them at night, but at day time to warm it up, my friend and I go to a race track. It’s a bit difficult since I need to do a car at a time. But if they were in the province like before, it’ll be often. Did they attend any events, Taira for pictures. Yes they all did, the four of them. A charity event of my late grandmother’s. The iPad was on top of the table behind me, I was about to get up to show it to Taira when we were called that the dinner is ready. Obaasan, go continue in the dining room. Taira grabbed my iPad and sat beside me at the table. He asked, why did I named it “Night?” It’s a funny story, it was only because I’m always in the wait for “Night Rider” tv series, and I even thought that her car also talks when I was a kid. Aside from being dark blue. They were all quiet in respect of Obaasan, but Taira and I kept on talking while he slide his fingers on the iPad to check the photos. He saw the time when my two precious went to Singapore for an event. A few months before she left us. He asked how’s the fee, it was ok. There were sponsors for the shipment and hotels. I look at Kenji, maybe I should let them be here, but I just can’t use them for anything else for now. They all smiled, and said “Alright!”. With that, while at dinner table, I sent an email to my cousin to have both cars be shipped to where I am. It’s been a while since I had this conversation with people who race. It’s been sometime… while holding my tears back, Taira asked. “Are these before you left for Tokyo?” Yes, I have to check both before I leave, the last photo on carlo bars was from my cousin. Max, ask Obaasan if she’ll check the hill what will she ride? She’s drive a Jaguar XJ220, she have time to study it with a very close mechanic friend of mine. Obaasan suddenly look at me with serious eyes, “If you are not ready to join the race, it’s fine. Just check the roads for the racers.” I just said, ok and thank you. Taira, still sitting beside me and he returned the iPad. He suddenly asked, why can’t she race? I said “There’s this emotional thing for racers, it’s very important, if that calmness in mind is not there best to sit it in.” “The speed of the engine of a car can put you in trance.” He smiled and said, from the five cars, two are mine. They are not manuals tho. “Don’t tell me, yours is the McLaren 675LT?” He laughed then asked “how did you know?” “The color suits you and actually, you can’t leave her alone.” We laughed at each other on that remark. His uncle said to him “You know you can’t use that uphill.” Taira nod and said yes, I know uncle. Then they left us and they discuss the appraisal review in the dining area. He asked if I watch Fast and the Furious. Then I told him about what I saw from National Geographic about crimes in Brazil, it reminds me of the film. There were similar situations that happened. Then he said, “I better search that online. But you know how films are, some have bits and pieces that will remind you of what’s happening in the world.” When my phone beep, it’s from Obaasan, she ask us to join them. We stood from the couch where we were seated and went straight to the dining room.
Morning came and a text from Obaasan, says that my grand mother’s ex-boyfriend will be here after breakfast. She makes me laugh, each time she address him that way. There was a journal about him but it’s in ’81.
July 25, 1974
I’m on my third year of college and I can’t help but laugh about the first time I tried uphill race a year ago. I had a talk with my grandfather, he’s staying with me for a while because my father decided stay in Davao because an obligation. There was a letter left on my night stand, that my mother didn’t die from a car crash. It was a difficult pregnancy as he wrote it, and even when the doctors tried to save us both, she did not. Enclosed with it is a piece of news paper article about her , a katana pendant, and a letter from her. With a cup of warm hot non-fat milk, at 5:30 AM getting ready for school. My grandfather walked in, I was in the kitchen reading. He peeked behind me and saw my mother’s hand writing.. “In time, I know you’ll be interested in car race through the influence of your grand parents, it’s also inevitable since it’s in your genes that lies the curiosity and adrenalin to be a racer. Always seek guidance from them” “With love, Mom” Tears starts to flow as my late grandfather reminds me of the time for my school; came home after lunch that day for there were only three subjects in my schedule. It was the time when my grandfather and I had a talk about car race. He noticed some wrong modifications, especially the wrong tires after I park the car by our front yard. He told me that he’s willing to help to modify my corolla but he asked me to study the engine and do more drive practice. He was with me in a race track to do a maneuvering drift just to make sure that I’ll be comfortable for an uphill. For a while I sneak at night just to join my best-friend’s race. For the first time ever, I was caught by my grandfather.
I was awaken by a call from my cousin at 4:00 AM, he’s in Manila South Harbor to shipped the cars with him. Caught unguarded by it, with a sleepy head I sat up and ask if his wife allowed him. He just need to be with them till I get them. Mei-Mei is with him, he gave him the hand set and told me he’ll be in Hokkaido for a week and will be back in Cebu. They were in Manila since last week, for their son’s school applications. He got accepted and will be staying in Kaloocan City for the mean time with Mei-Mei’s parents. It’s the place where they met. There’s a house built by my late grand parents in that area, where I always stay and a part of my childhood. I couldn’t sleep knowing my cars will be coming next month, I miss them and I miss her… but it’ll take two to three weeks to get here. I need a distraction, I walk towards the kitchen to make a cup of coffee, and the journal for I need to do some review since the mechanic will swing by today.
Around six in the morning, I got a text from Taira that a Jaguar came in. His uncle was up 4:30 AM pacing around, woke him up and ask him to make snacks. The McLaren is not really his, he was teasing his uncle. His are Chevrolet Corvette C8 Stingray and a modified Audi R8. My thoughts went to my childhood, while I read an entry from my late grandmother, thinking if she should buy a 1982 Pontiac Trans Am. I laughed, it’s “Kit”. The car from the TV series, when I grew older, that’s the only time I was able to do a search that it was modified for the show. I was distracted by an email from Obaasan’s secretary that a few more cars will arrive today, and they’ll be staying at the back. They are three hybrids, another set of supercars, a yellow one reminds me of the same car I saw in Manila when I decided to take public transport.
Around 9:00 AM my late grandmother’s ex-boyfriend came. When I saw him, he is the one who sat beside me from the plane in Tokyo to Hokkaido.
March 25, 1981
My boyfriend who’s a mechanic left for America two years ago, and I heard he’s making a name for himself in car racing. He was discovered by a Japanese-American friend. It’s worries me. We both started here, and there were days when people look up to him but there are some who hates him. Those negativities was never a hindrance to him, and any form of emotional baggages. At most times a day before the our drag race, he always share what happened in his family, the doubts and accusations that kept lurking around. While in school with the same major as I do, he always took the top spot in class even with those family problems. I even saw him got slapped by his mother for no reason.
We went at the back garage of another villa, which was across where I was staying. There she was a 1982 Pontiac Trans Am beside Jaguar XJ220. His friend gave him the name Haruto. He introduced me to the Pontiac, with a four speed manual with an adjusted fuel delivery and some adjustments like the lean mixture screw, rich mixture screw and idle air bypass screw for the controls due to the computer generated carburetor. We need to warm up both cars without riding them for the mean time, while I prepare for two days for the uphill drive before the snow comes. I asked if he knows the time they do the check, and he said “sweetheart, it’s early morning” “Will the road be damp, because of the winter smog?’ I asked. “That why you need to ride the Jaguar, Kenji and Max will be there with you. You’ll be fine.” It’ll be the first time that I’ll be driving a Jaguar XJ220, for years it’s always ford mustangs. He look at me with a smile and said “there’ll be three road checks, in two day is the first, second is when it starts to snow and third is a day before the race. I nod on that, and said “ok.” Then I took out the journal from my small body bag. “I was waiting for you to show me that.” Then I smiled at him. We talked about it on a bench, there were four mechanics that my late grandmother are close with, one is from a Yakuza clan, Chinese, Myself a Filipino and an Italian. I suddenly remember and asked him if he met my late grandfather who was a professional racer. Haruto nod as a yes. He introduced me three times to a Japanese and it was always during my birthday. The last time was in Kyoto. I was always there with my late grandfather each time they talk about machines and their engine. I know he’s an engineer. The time ended at 3:00 PM, then we did a bit of a test drive, more of horizontal, parking, maneuvering. To keep in check the wheels. Then I saw a covered car like Mustang GT. He said, we can take a look of that after your uphill road check. We went back to the Villa, straight to the front garage. Kenji bowed to him, and hugged him like they’ve known each other for so long. I saw Taira, walking towards me with Vince. They both wave and I saw that Vince brought his cousin with him, she rides a Ferrari F430. Saw her vehicle beside his Porsche. Another Filipina racer who’s always been in the shadows, there are some people who like to keep it a secret but when they are in foreign countries, they chose not to hide their truest selves. Those two are inseparable. They huddle us up, when I suddenly noticed an American-Korean, who I met while in Kuala Lumpur and he’s with the same male friend who raced from before.
The day of the uphill road check…
We were all up at 5:00 AM, getting ready for the road check. I had to leave early and Taira waved and said “Be back soon.” I gave him a thumbs up. My heart keep skipping, like when I used to do skipping rope. When I entered the garage where the car I’ll use, Haruto was there earlier than me. I asked if he’ll be riding with me, and he said yes. The interior reminds me much of motorsport, the driver’s seat is on the left. I waited for him to get in. Then I turn on the engine, he asked me to gas it a bit and so I did. Then, it’s time to drive, press down the hand-break and place the gear on neutral, just to get the feel of it till I slide to push the gear on first then second and while moving pushed it down to third, while we go out of the garage. I usually push the gear on the 2nd then 3rd. The test is familiar, it’s to check my control of the pedals. There there were, 2000 SVT Cobra R, I was in front of 2000 Saleen SS281 and Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Then I think we all shifted to 4th gear as we climb up. Then they started started to speed up, when I felt that it was almost the end of the road and we are on our way down. I heard Haruto said, “time for side drift” I adjust the gear till I pushed it back to neutral, guiding the panels as I move, my left palm rested on the wheel with a soft grip as my right hand on the hand-break. I kept looking at the cars beside me making sure that the space is wide enough to maintain the distance from them. Till we are all down the hill.
When the day was done, at bottom of the hill we celebrated the first road check with a cup of warm matcha tea, but the men had drinks. It was a beautiful view from where I stood.
Finally the day when my cars came in, and Taira kept teasing me about it. My cousin looks so tired from his travel, and he went straight for a nap with a side comment “my alone time suffice my need to think” I left his room and went back to the living room where Obaasan was waiting. “Is he asleep now?” Kenji asked. “Yes, I said. He looks so tired.” I left him a note by the bedside table once he wakes up. They want to move your car to with the others. “Oh, yes, I have the car keys with me.” They left the container since they know Obaasan. I was smiling, then handed Kenji the car keys. He gave one to Max. Haruto is still inside the container with the cars, checking the engine and your cousin handed him his notes. He said, that’s what he checks during the freight travel to Hokkaido. We all walked towards the container, as Haruto was helped to get down from it. The two racers prepares the slides. Haruto said, her cousin restore it to stock height. I know the 2nd training will start soon, I can see from the look on their faces. Taira’s stance was so hilarious, “You let them drive your cars?” “It’s been on a ship for almost a month, and they are equipped when it comes cars.” “Equipped????” Replied by Taira. Hahaha! Seriously, your uncle is a mechanic engineer as well as Max. “No, that’s not it, they don’t want you to drive a Ford.” “What?” I said, then I asked why? Max’s wife is a friend of a producer, and they needed a story. A person submitted a novel with addresses and other information. As a student, they didn’t it was a trapped, the checked the addresses hoping to find someone they can interview for that. To cut it short, good thing they have their cars with them, parked a bit away from the place, they run towards it to escape. She’ll be here by tomorrow, she’s his mechanic. “Did something serious happen?” “That’s something they never tell.” Oh! When we look at them, they were gassing it up, afterwards. They got of the car and open the hood. Kenji said, the oil needs to be change. Haruto did the rest. Kenji said to Obaasan with a bow, “She can’t use this for the 2 road check.” “It’ll be the Mitsuoka Orochi then.” It’ll be in two weeks, right before November. When her secretary walks towards us, with two women, I know them, they are married and it’s controversial since once is a transvestite and a another woman. It’s his husband who race, he ride the 996-Gen Porsche 911.
December 15,1975
Things have changed in the house. I don’t sneak out at night, I can easily share questions and concerns about cars and racing. An unexpected turn of situation, and yet my father seldom stays home. One night, I saw my grandfather talking to him but didn’t heard much. But there was this day on a race track without him. While practicing, I accelerated a bit more, it got me scared so I hold it in, and place to feet on the break, when it slowed down I pulled the hand break while guiding the wheel. The sound of the screech and when I saw fogs from the tires the car suddenly stoped. It’s my favorite black Camero. I learned a lot from him, my grandfather. At times I do wonder how my late grandmother felt all those years, she seems a happy person but each time I flip the pages of her journal, inks are smudged by something like tears.
For days, I’ve been practicing with the guys. I decided to put on my express skinny jeans and it’s a perfect fit. I put the gloves Kenji gave me in my back pocket. It’s be a downhill road check. Max’s wife came in with her Blue 1970 race ready Dodge Challenger and a friend a who laughs a lot with Taira because of their jokes. But a news came from my cousin that someone used my name in drag race. When I walk out of my room then towards the living room, after I sat on the couch. For sure I’m not late at all since we haven’t had our tea, “We read about an article online that your cousin shared this morning.” Kenji said. He asked if I’m alright to drive. “He told me about it yesterday, before he slept and we both have an idea who the person is.” “He drove a familiar Honda Civic Hatchback then an Toyota GR86.” He was the one who I beat on a street race years back.” He asked for a second race, so we did but he lost again, the thing was there’s no money involve “always” when I do. I sat in for my cousin, he was arguing with his wife the whole time. Then came Obaasan, and I know she heard everything. Like she waited for me to stop, after I showed them photos of those two cars with their plate numbers and the driver. Haruto, looked at me and just said “Lets go”. Before I left, Taira asked “where did you get these photos?” It was given to my by my cousin, with the article. It’s actually a school news bulletin and on the gossip column. I went to that school. Taira, turn the back, the date is last month.
As we all walk towards our cars in the front garage, a McLaren P1 is at sight. Then someone from behind called, it’s my friend from Hong Kong. He waved and said “I’ll see you later.” I smiled, then I noticed the damp road. I waited for Haruto to get in, but he didn’t. I was still warming up, when Kenji starts to move. From neutral I slide to 1st gear, then push it to 2nd. As I slowly moved, I saw Taira behind me and Max beside him. Then we started to run towards the downhill road. On the 4th gear, I need to tap the gas a bit more than the other cars. I notice we are nearing the hill because Kenji started to move faster, I followed his lead and I heard the sound of the engine and it needs the 5th gear, but not yet. So I counted and let the engine runs through as I become one with the machine. With a quick move right sliding it on 5th gear, I pushed it back to 3rd then neutral, we are sliding down the hill. The movement to drift became natural for the vehicle because of the dimensions of the road.
As we all pull to a stop, I saw Obaasan, Hatori and someone in Kimono. When were all round up, Kenji ask if I saw a black shadow beside my car. “It’s always there when I place the gear on it’s fastest.” While removing the gloves that he gave me, then place it in my back pocket he saw the samurai pendant in gold chain on my right wrist. He look at it and said, “You weren’t wearing this when we did the uphill road check.” “It felt I need to. Like a sign of respect towards the car.” He was about to say something, when we saw that the Japanese shook hands with Obaasan. We all bowed to greet him. After he bowed back, Obaasan called me to be introduced to the man in kimono. It’s a modern kimono that he was wearing in dark blue. Obaasan said, the last would be on a race track it’ll be for 2 days and all is invited to join. When we look at Taira, he was busy with his phone. Then he look up and smiled, that the Filipinos’ cars are now complete. There’s a Ferrari 849 Testarossa, Pagani Huayra, Ferrari F40, McLaren Speedtail, McLaren P1 GTR, Lamborghini Murciélago and Revuelto and your cousin’s Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita.
When I returned the car in the garage. Haruto approached me and said, you need to try the Pontiac today. I nod and ask, now? “Yes” he said. I walked beside him and as we cross the street, he told me that he’ll check the engine first before I get in. I followed him and look to know more about the engine. I put on my glove while he place the hood down. He got in the car and the seatbelt is now two, he gave me my helmet to put it on as he put his helmet too. I looked at him and he smiled beside me. I start the engine, place down the hand-break, still in, then pushed the gear on 2nd, we slowly moved, on 3rd we are out of the garage. I saw all of them watching. Haruto said that the road is closed. I tap the gas, bit by bit to accelerate, placed it on 4th. Then I heard the engine, nothing else. It felt like there’s no one beside me, but I keep in check. “Use the gas” when you need to. I shift it to 6th and a quick on 8th. I listened to the engine then shifted back to 7th, then back to 6th. “U turn drift.” It felt like it was Pushed it on the 5th then turn, guiding the gas and my right hand pulled the hand break to a full stop.” Haruto clapped with a smile. Then we return on 4th gear. When we got out of the car, it felt like I want to do it again. I think I miss race.
They were in the middle of conversation talking about Vince and his cousin that they switch cars when they race. They all laughed then the announcement for the venue is told. They have this plan of a “road kill” where all the cars for the show with their drivers be run towards the building where the car show be. When my cousin walks in the box type is ready to be set-up.”When did you get those photos?” I ask my cousin. “It was given by the writer of the article.” Obaasan’s secretary walked in, “there’s a 1995 Volkswagen Jetta that just came in” We all walk out, and saw that it’s also a race-ready vehicle. The owner sent a letter, Obaasan and Hatori smiled after reading it.
June 6, 1976
It was the night of the race and my grandfather seated by the corner with a book reading. My siblings are in the bleachers waiting for the race to start. While I pace around, and can’t even know how to keep my adrenaline down. I am finally in uniform, it took us years before he allowed me to wear his number 7. What I did was, check my shoe laces, the my clothing and helmet. Oh, where’s my helmet I asked myself out loud. When my grandfather spoke. It’ll be given to you by one of the engineers. They need to do a mic and earpiece test. Just pace around, he said. Till you remember that sometimes, you just need to take a seat and breath. Till christmas and new year came; there was no letter from Tris.
Suddenly I realized I need my racing glasses and saw in a cabinet with glass door beside my helmets. I played with my hair till, my alarm rang. I tied it low, and took my shoes from the rack. It’s my yellow mustard racing shoes that suits the black driver’s gloves Kenji gave me months back.
When we first went by the track to check the dimensions, before we schedule all the racers to be in. I guess with all the racers, I’m left behind for kept staring at the bleachers and track. When I remember that we rode with Boss 429 V8. “Let’s run a bit.” I said to it. I opened the car, then sat on the driver’s seat. Seatbelt on then my left hand on the wheel. I pressed down the hand-break, tap the gas a bit, let it warm a few, slide it to 2nd then I move, shift it to 3rd, I ran, placed it on 5th. When I turn, I glide on my side while I shift it to 4th. Then the last turn, where I did’t put in on 5th. Place it on 4th till I go to a slow stop. Then I saw Max, arms crossed staring at me. While his wife gave me a huge smile and a thumbs up. Kenji walks towards me and help get out of the car. He drove the car back when I saw a while limited edition McLaren Spyder. “A South Korean will use the track and you don’t have your safety gears” Kenji said. He came in the day before, when he bowed at me and I bowed back, walking towards the stands.
They asked me to drive the Pontiac and I was the 2nd one to try the track. It was a slow movement of cars as we enter, till we started to gas up till we are all on 5th gear. It wasn’t race, it fun driving along racers in a non competitive way. There were a few reporters that we saw from the stands. The security started to tighten a week before this road check, that must be it. I didn’t know that there was a reporter when I played around once without safety gears. After this, it’s time to rest and focus on ignitions, carburetors, accelerators and the invitations. There’s a list of RSVP that we need to stay in contact with at all times. We started to check the RSVP responses to ensure the counts and make a list of their guests or plus one. When the night came in, I was left alone. When I walk towards the living room, with a journal and a tablet in my pajamas. Kenji was still in the living room, arranging the furnitures. It’s a modern-traditional Japanese house, still with sliding doors for the bedrooms and zen architecture and design. Boxes came in today and I thought Taira was the one who was left. He said that he’ll finish it soon. I offered to help but he said no. I sat on the couch and research on the engine from my late grandmother’s journal. He sat beside me once his done, he asked what I was doing research on. The journal open, resting beside my right side. I picked it up and showed it to him. I started to notice some sweetness from Kenji. Tiara just turned 30 and his uncle is around past 40 and so am I.
I remember the night, when my friends asked if I was home. They are in Makati City, Philippines and my ex-boyfriend will play in an hour. I’m staying in South Kalookan that time. I’m driving on my way back from grocery shopping, called our house help to meet me outside and ask for an oversized off the shoulder stripes blouse hanged nearest to the side of an open door, I told her it’s a red and white stripes. And my red pumps. I changed my shirt in my 2L 2004 red Honda accord, I settled with my skinny pencil cut denims.
Our clothes for the event was brought to the venue hours before we walk towards our car to drive on the road. It was past 6:00 PM when we started our engine. There were 15 drivers, 25 cars and 5 bikes. The head lights are on, roads closed then were off. The first set of cars half are for sale, the early RSVP guests saw us driving the car in the venue. There were red carpet where the tires were cleaned enough not to print on the floor. The black Camero, with an open hood was placed at the center and other movers helped in placing the cars. All keys had identification numbers and locks. Duplicates are with Obaasan, Hatori and the Japanese in traditional Kimono. We have a priest guest, I saw him greeted us when we entered. Another show will be held tomorrow. Kenji, Max, the American-Korean and my friend from Hong Kong left. After I change to my evening clothes, they brought in square pants. They changed their clothes. Taira was always with Obaasama and she kept an eye on me from a far. I just kept on walking, checking the cars and greeting the guest, till I get tired. Went out for air and sat on one of the benches where cars were parked. When I look at the glass, someone was in keen eye of the Pontiac. So, I look away and just wait for a text from my cousin. He asked to be left in the garage with the other drivers. Some doesn’t like this kind of event, they prefer to be in a race. After tomorrow’s event, in two months will be the real race. I’ve been waiting for the list of confirmed cars for registration, if it’s still the same then nothing will change. When a man in a tux, got out of a Ninja ZX-12R. He smiled when he glance at me and slightly bowed. I smiled and bowed too. I saw his photo from the RSVPs. The son of a Yakuza businessman. While outside, I remember how different the driver’s are, Kenji’s pedals and wheel technique, Taira’s drifting and Max’s acceleration. There’s still so much to learn.
The following night, there were children guests and added securities. After the event, when the lights went off and the cars was back to the garage. It’s almost 2:00 AM and the silence of the night is so serene.
Part III – Imprints of Rubber
August 18, 1977
My niece is now 3 years old. I do wonder what will she be like when she grow up. We are here in Kyoto for Christmas as a request of my grandfather. There was a Motor Show in Tokyo a few weeks back that my grandfather was invited to then decided to stay till the New Year her in Kyoto.
We started to plan our holiday gathering to match the season, and it started snowing. As we brainstorm of our agendas before the 24th of December, as Filipino tradition we hanged ‘parols’ or Christmas lanterns outside the doors as lights to our paths. It was filled with dancing lights, we had it shipped from Cebu and Davao, Philippines. While putting it up, my American-Korean friend who is actually also half Japanese prepared Korean dishes for us, there’ his specialty, a beef stew with similar taste to sukiyaki which is Bulgogi Jeongol and prepared some side dishes, like cabbage kimchi, sunomono, goma-ae and tsukemono. His best friend from Hong Kong prepared steamed fish and dimsum. The Malaysian and Thai handled the snacks there were Taurus Sumbat, onde-onde, tod mun pla and khanom krok. They decided to held the Christmas dinner inside my house that have the biggest dimension amongst 5 doors. We agreed that it’ll be more suitable if it’s in the garage, where there’s a wider space but the snow is starting and weather wise, it won’t be doable. We’ll be all freezing, and the food will get cold fast. When Max’s wife walks towards me on a bench, wrapping presents. She said “hey, Taira told me that, he told you of a story” I look at her while she sat beside me, “Yes, he did” What did Taira said” I told her that, it was about a time during your college days, when you need to help a friend to find people to interview for a play-write. And there’s a story you found with all informations like addresses of shops as well as contact numbers, but you all got into trouble like it was set-up by that writer, whoever wrote that. He didn’t mentioned the connection of Ford Mustangs. She took a deep breath then she ask, “have you ever heard of such stories?” “No.” I said. I look at her and she was like waiting for me to ask, so I did. “What happened? Is it really true? Because I do believe Taira.”
She started to share the tale “It was actually my brother’s penned story for his elective subject and it was stolen somewhere in that school. We were all in school back then, and my brother is a novelist. He was a graduating student of English Literature, when he started to travel for research. It was the last country that he went to. We were all with him that month, he got accepted to do a research for that school in that country. He’s smart, very smart, intellectually smart but someone doubted his materials. It’s a research with truth. It was this one single moment, in the afternoon, when we were waiting for him to walk out of the building. We saw a man from the same school bump him from his right side, they were arguing, till my husband saw that he took his paper when it fell, then run. We really thought is was a research for a story, we didn’t know that he was working with a professional novelist. He’s doing research for him to have additional money to spend on school. Someone we know was waiting at the parking lot, he saw him with his paper and that man from school who took his paper rode a Ford Mustang Shelbys. We told the novelist, because they were helping each other to do the research in the same country, and the reason why we only paid half of the price for the plane ticket. Then that novelist is working for a manager, then that manager is working for a producer. They helped us find the person; sooner than we thought, the story came out, with messed revisions and crazy informations like as you said, address and contact informations. We sent them a message to meet, just to be able to get the copy from them. That time there was no social medias, blog sites or cloud where you can easily have access for back-up. We were able to get it back, but true we need to run for our lives. But when we got to talk to the producer. It is not their first time, their way is familiar, very familiar to most people in that city. Same thing happened during the time of our late grandparents.” “Is the person that your brother came across in school was there? I asked.” No he wasn’t, he told us that, they bought the copy from someone they know. We asked for their information, the person or people who brought it in. We actually paid for it as well. The story which cost so low and they won’t able to use it because no one was interested, there are some phrases, sentences that seemed familiar; they said the writer have a trademark and we need to be careful who to sell it to. We got the copy, address and the contact number of that person who sold it to them, it cost us. After, we drove straight to the address which took us an hour, the Shelbys was there. We snooped around, till we heard gun shots, the reason why we run for our lives. One of our friends was on standby and took photos using a digital camera of the location and their house. We went straight to the police station where my brother and his manager were. That’s the end of the story.” My brother still works with him, he was able to support us because of his writing, I became a mechanic no one ever know what happened next. While Max has his own reasons, it looks like the same Shelby’s someone dear to him had lost, along time ago.
Early morning at 5:30 AM I was practicing by myself, at the end of the turn I’m on 7th gear, tap the clutch, then quick shift to 8th, drift slide side turn, slide shift to 6th, as I feel the turn, release the wheel while my left palm guiding it, quick release of gas, tap the gas. They asked myself why I was on the 5ht the first time, they saw me playing around on the track. First was, I just want to feel the speed, as they say I was just fooling around back then and each time that I feel two shadows on both sides I had to stay on 5th gear. The article lingers while I was in the car back then, the worry of the charities. They helped me to reach out to all charity sponsors to explain what happened. Given that it was only my Toyotas that was used for some of their flyers my attorney and I decided that I need to stay hidden behind the wheel. The response of they attorney was, the incident has a minor impact because the first street race where in I replaced the driver due to uncontrollable circumstances was covered by the writer. As well as there’s was no incidents prior and after the issue. They released another article, as an apology that mislead the readers of the school paper. I slowed down on the 3rd gear, stopped on the 2nd and a deep slow movement when I slide it back to neutral.
The day after Max’s wife shared their story while wrapping presents in cloth, a night before going to bed. And after I do a self study on the engine from my late grandmother’s journal with Kenji. He found it similar to Jaguar but there’s combination with the compression, cylinders and gaskets. It became more often that he stays behind. Taira always left us alone. There was even a time when Taira, fell asleep in the living room. I only noticed, when I heard a knock at the door. Kenji woke him up to rest where they stay.
As a read another entry, there’s a similarity.
January 16, 1978
It’s my first time to travel for 16 hours with a layover, we didn’t stepped out. We waited for the next take off. It’s my first time here in America and I can’t wait for the race that I was invited to. But there was this woman whom I spoke to. That told a tale to me and grandfather about a racer who authored novels during the world war against the British. The woman said, during his spare time he would write the tales that was left by his grand father who also race. “How did he lost his manuscripts?” He wasn’t able to tell, but it was after he retired. He brought it along, every game and it’s always there where he left it. “Is he here?” “He’s in mustard yellow racing shoes.” She said.
It’s almost Christmas, we just need to do some final retouches and set the table later. There’s something similar with the journal entry of my late grandmother to the story that was shared by Max’s wife. While on that topic, came Taira to ask me to join in to to check the cars because it’s snowing. We plow the front yard everyday to clear the pathway from snow. I started to wear puffy jackets but most of the time, I’m in kimono because it keeps me warm, while the layer underneath is a long sleeve, collar free shirt. They were all covered with cloth, we check their batteries, no need to change oil since we don’t plan to use them, and check the indoor storage’s temperature. While in the garage, I saw the Kawasaki parked beside my fords, when Tan walks in. He’s the son of a Yakuza, the grandson of the priest. We shook hand, then I saw the same symbol from his ring. “I brought in two bikes, and you should try one soon.” He said. I asked, where he parked the others. He was about to reply when my American-Korean stepped in. “Dude, why are you here?” “My parents have other plans for the holidays, I’ll be left alone and Obaasama invited me over.” Once done, we went where the bikes was parked. He gave a helmet, “I’ll take you for a spin.” As we were ready to go, the American-Korean asked our jacket, it was replaced by a bigger size that fits us both. Hold on to him, and be quick. We nod our heads in unison, because we know that some roads might still have some snow. I place my arms on his wait, and he zipped the jacket. It felt my friend know how I am, I always move on the separate direction or keep steady as much as possible, when I ride a bike with someone. It was the first time when I rode a bike, my American – Korean friend gave me a spin and he said it was a bit difficult to control but it kept him steady on the accelerator. He turn it on, warm it up, release the clutch, and crank it up while his right palm twisting the throttle. We started to run, I have a funny, then turn to stop we suddenly leaned forward while the end tired was slightly up, as he did a half swing of the bike. Then we rode off, along the way he said, he need to check my grip that time. “It was too loose.” He said. We went back shortly, there was a turn where in our knees was a 5 inches above the ground. It is fun sometimes to feel the speed even when you are not leading the wheel.
The time came for our night before Christmas dinner. Everyone was dressed in their kimono, Obaasan looks elegant in silver gray. A wide variety of dishes across Asia was spread on the table and before we knew it. We were all holding an incense as thanks to this bountiful feast. It is a celebration for family and for the past few months, friends became closer to each other, new acquaintances becomes friends and close friends now seems like family. As I look at the smile from their faces, this place became my home and so as how the house gives out to us. I ended the night alone with a song from the radio “Finale.”
I will be by the sidelines for this race, I decided not to join. The final list for the race came in while I was on my study. Derby race list, Kenji with his Corvette CR1, Max, his wife, Taira, then from Philippines, HK, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea , Japan, Taiwan and China. It’ll be a friendly race, then a ninja bike race list, Philippines, American-Korean, Japanese, Thailand, China, South Korea, Malaysia, HK and a British-American. The last is a drift race, Philippines, South Korea and Japan. At the end of the email, digital sakura petals floats from the letter and at the signature, as I look closely there’s the katana symbol.
As the days past, the people became busy, my cousin left for Manila, Philippines a week before Christmas. I was left alone, looking around the place, when I remember that there’s this closet with clothes of my late grandmother that I haven’t place in a box. I those who were left that I’ll be doing some cleaning while the race will be in the next two weeks. I took out two empty boxes, packing tapes and a pair of scissors from the storage and went straight where the closet is. As I checked, them, there are evening gowns and dress pants. I fold them neatly before placing it in the box. When I saw Kenji behind me, startled with his look. “What are you doing?” He asked. “Obaasan asked me to box them when I have free time.” “I’ll be done soon!” Once done, I walk straight to the living room, and told them where the boxes are, wrote my grandmother’s name on the box and the date today. It’s still freezing this time of year, and when they ask if I want a cup of hot tea. I went straight to the kitchen after saying “yes, I do.” Then I returned to the living room to get updates about our upcoming race. When Kenji, called me with Haruto. “Bring a pair of your racing shoes.” Kenji said. I run to my room, took the nearest from the door which is my red racing sneakers and grabbed my glasses.” Haruto was holding a different helmet and when I look at the car it’s the ford mustang GT in stock-race-ready. They asked me to try it. I open the front door from the driver’s seat, sat and put on three seat belts. The pedals are small, when I peek through, the gear wasn’t replace, still not the bar type. I slide it in 2nd before I flip to track mode. Slowly I started to move towards the gate, till I was out. I warm it up, clutch then as it run place it to third gear, on the count of 4 place it to 5th gear, place it to 8th gear, as I run with it on a straight road, I felt the shadows get in and I pulled the hand-break for a U turn drift, press on the break, release the breaks then immediately return the wheel to place the tires straight then drive it back. The wind is really freezing. When I return, they all clapped, and behind me is the son of a yakuza in hi Kawasaki bike. The weight of the wheel is heavy, can it be loosen a bit? I asked. “No, it’s best that way.” Haruto said. I’m thinking that the driver of the car is a man, aside from the possibility that it’s fixed through a magnet.I bowed at Haruto for letting me drive that vehicle. Kenji, walk beside me towards the villa, asking me for a race. I know I kept saying no. “After the actual race.” I said. Suddenly there’s the sinigang aroma that fills the air, from the smell of it. It’s “sinigang na hipon” the tiger prawns here in Hokkaido is really tasty and they even have a larger size. We went straight to the kitchen and saw that there’s even craw fish. It’s the Filipino lesbian couple who prepared our late lunch today. There was even grilled seafood, meat and vegetables. They used fresh tamarind for the soup base. It was a fun lunch with them, Obaasan wasn’t here today. She said she’ll swing by after a short call meeting this morning and there’s so much to do afterwards. Because of an email that was sent by our attorney that I need to come home for for a one day race, as a show stopper for a charity event that will act to claim damages from the article that was released last year and the racer will be there too.
June 17, 1978
The racer author was really very helpful during my race. I even embarrassed when he spoke on the mike while I was on the race track. I followed his instructions as I pulled the hand-break for a turn without lowering the gear. Till the end of the race it was his voice that I heard. I finished the race on 3rd place and still on 8th gear. We had a picture taken with him and my niece who’s turning 4 this August. He’s got green eyes that looks like emerald at sundown. He even explained to me that some genes, when sunlight flashes the eyes, it turns purple.
It was those nights when I need to think about what’s going to happen next for after this upcoming race, I need to be in Manila for mine. My stock Toyota cars are ready and being shipped to Manila, they are in Cebu when I left. So that my cousin can still look after it and run it if needed. And I need to find another driver. When I received a text from him “You want to se-up the accord?” We have 3 weeks, all it needs are some adjustments and new tires.” “I’ll shoulder the expenses, I will email you shortly the details and blueprints for all the cars in a link.” Kate and you should tell your parents.” “Go ahead, do what you need to do. Thank you. And I’ll think about it if I should.”
I didn’t grew up with my parents, at the of 5 years old they were always away till they decided to send me to Cebu, Philippines, My father is her youngest son and we never really got along, my mom always complained about my skin tone back then, as well as my relatives. I was always being compared to another cousin but we never talked about it. We all let them talk about us most of the time. I am closest to his brother, strangely. When I turned 6 years old, grandmother brings me along in race track, always on the side lines. I saw pictures she kept, and I was with the crew, holding their tools or sometimes seated on a tire. The most was they made the tire as my bed, I was only 4 years old back then. From the pictures it seems my first toy was plastic wrench set and Japanese toy those snap-together Mini 4WD race cars. I even have this Masudaya battery operated 301 racer and an “offy” that never leave my sight.
I went back to the garage to check on them, an Ashton Martin Vantage GT3 stock and race ready. When I walk towards it, the driver walks towards me. As I look at him, he’ got green eyes. “Hi! I’m Dylan and I’m not American – British, just British.” He said. I laughed at his remark, then I introduced myself. The son of Yakuza walks in and smiled at us both. Then we left, because he was covering his car due to the weather. Kenji, gave us a wave for he will change the temperature for the cars.
As the day ended, we realized that new year is nearing I found a journal entry in the ’80
August 8, 1980
Another niece is born today, and I am very happy not to have any schedule for today. The sun is down, and it’s almost twilight. As I peeked through the window of the nursery. I saw her crying like asking to get out. When a nurse runs towards the room. She looks at me on the other side, showed her to me and on her wrist is a chain with a pendant. The nurse took it off, a letter that fell when he carried her was handed over by the nurse. We’ll name her Kate.
I never thought that there’s a journal entry about me. I was always looking for stories about her, experiences, emotions, and how she handled difficulties while racing. I look up to her as a grandchild and as a racer. Her being a rebel as most relatives would say didn’t show from her writing. All her entries have question, and those questions was never answered. That’s why it is difficult to think about what just happened, the investors from the charity, it is this one charity organization who supports school scholarships, orphans and unclaimed children from hospitals. Someone from them was informed by my attorney, and they want to give that other filipino street racer who’s in manila the third chance that he was asking with agreement. I read the agreement, he needs to use his own name in all games that he’ll play. I decided not to tell my parents, they never appreciate my love for racing and they always have something to do. Tried for a number of times, but they weren’t there. It is not as important compared to tuition fees for school as they said before.
At the dining table there were spread of Japanese bread, I was the one who opened the door for Taoka. He brought it from their bakery and he said that he always opens the door for their workers at 3:00 AM. “Are all your workers, yakuza too?” I asked. He smiled, “No, not all of them, but they are all from close families, we even have a South Korean pastry chef.” He said. I helped him with the others, the baguettes are all in the oven, 5 for each tray. I left 3 dough, molded in the freezer in case. He handed me a half of a slice of their matcha milk bread, and it’s still warm and a cup of coffee. By 5:30 AM they started to come in, Taira was first. He send a text to all that breakfast was ready. Max and his wife brought in some spam and sausages. They even laughed as they said that they know there’ll be tamale roll ready. We brought their plates in the living room since they can seat on the floor and use the wooden center table and a few benches inside the room. There was matcha, lemon pan, Yakisoba panini, French toast and he separate the tuna, egg and chicken spread. There’s even a few soufflé pancakes, that Max, Kenji and Taira likes the most. As for me, it’s always soup for breakfast, Taoka reheated a freshly cooked clam and vegetable soup. When Dylan, came and sat at the small table beside a window, he was with a bowl of soup and yakisoba bread. “Is there any sinigang leftover?” He asked. I smiled and said, we can have it prepare again.
Another year is about to enter, we started to prepare for the New Year, Filipino races Vince and his cousin, helped in preparing “bibingka and puto bumbong” and as requested, “Shrimp sinigang”. The filipino tamarind shrimp soup is for lunch as dinner it’ll be a spread of Japanese cuisine in respect to Obaasama. There were japanese tea cakes for breakfast from Taoka. He brought in his workers that will help us in preparation as well as Obaasama’s house help. Even when it’s snowing, they place a grill out in yard, then we saw that even our neighbor five houses away do the same. The aroma of Japanese grill fills the air. As I cut and fold the mixture for the bibingka, a message came in. It’s done and ready, so I pick up my phone, and had to read it through my iPad. Kenji was beside me when he saw the blueprint. They already know of my obligation after the real race. He saw that the parts is ok, everything is set but I need time to check the engine and do a test drive especially at maximum speed. He agreed to be my partner for the race. Since the other Filipino drivers will join the race. Mine is a one on one, but since it’s an event, an actual race to raise charity contributions for the upcoming school year is needed, which is March and they need to pull before a month before. There’s an application form attached that allows even the people I am with can join, there’ll be not much of money. The RSVP list is already included and there are the diplomats, Cebu and Davao governors and congressman. My cousin, is on it’s way to Manila with the cars. For the cars to have room for adjustment, a few parts for the Honda was delivered to my house in Kalookan City. The garage can handle 3 cars the least, but there’s only 3-2 inches space in between to squeeze them in. He said that my neighbors was really helpful. They waited from Manila South Harbor to bring it to the house. Most are tricycle, pedicab and jeepneys drivers who saw me grew up as I age and very close to my grandmother. As their tradition, they plan to grilled pork belly, tilapia, bangus, hito and stuffed squids in front of my house. They always ask permission before doing so and my house-helps are there who’s been with me for sometime now. I plan to have it rented by next year or maybe a dormitory for students, I laughed at the idea because there are only three bedrooms to use.
It was time to celebrate the new year. We divided our groups, the 1st was early morning to visit Kamikawa Shrine which I am part of, the 2nd group is at 1:00 PM. I was asked to ride with Taoka,he brought a red Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. Obaasama is at the back seat. Hatori will join the 2nd batch. The area was vast and with snow, I can imagine how children play around the area. When I saw two playing with cats. As we enter, and as I pray with my incense. I felt something from my legs, when I look down it’s a cat’s tail with white, black and orange colors. It stayed till I place on the burner. “Thank you for your guidance.” I said to the cat. When I look at Taiko, I saw him carrying a cat with white and gray patterns. We proceeded with the next steps of giving respect till we rang the bell. I bought Goshuin for myself, I started to collect personalized shrine stamps.
The dinner came and we celebrated the new year in our kimonos, presents from Obaasama and Haruto. The scent of sakura, filled the villas and the smell of roasted coconut shreds and bibingka surrounds the kitchen. It’s the same place where we celebrated Christmas. It was nice to see smile on their faces.
As the snow melts, each time the sun rises it’s the sound of the car engines that surrounds the area. They are in their mechanic coveralls and keeping ready of their machines for the race in a few days. Their hoods are up, some are elevated and a number of tiles on the asphalt. Cloth are on top of the cars and and leather suits everywhere. There were even helmets on the bench, like they did an early morning run while there’s still fog that surrounds the track. It became a tradition in our house to share their cuisine for breakfast or lunch. Then came Dylan with eggs and soldiers as their snacks, while greening at me. When he was done with the tray, my grandmother’s house-help follows, with other trays to serve them. They gave me a cup of green soup, I asked Dylan “what is this soup?” “It’s fish-soup Avgolemono and we finished your squash soup early morning before the ride.” He said. I took a sip from the cup, it warms me up. I walk towards an empty bench, with just a helmet and a cloth resting, sat on the side. It is nice in an early morning to watch racers do their own handy work. Their faces is gleaming with excitement, they were smiling at each other and handing tools at one another. When I saw the bikers came in in their leathers. As they pulled in, I saw Taiko in Black, silver, white and yellow leather racer suit. He came in a few minutes after the other. As he walk towards me, I saw that he was carrying a bag that looks like a pet carrier. I was surprised to see a black tail peeking out of it. As he handed me the bag, and said “The priest wants you to have him.” I opened the bag and saw the cat with the same patterns, white, black and orange. “He’s a Japanese calico cat, he’s been waiting for you to visit the shrine since.” “They notice how much he misses you, he even sleeps behind the entrance of the shrine.” I took him out of the bag, carried him a bit and place him on the asphalt. He jumped on my side where there just a small space, I moved to my right a bit. He stayed beside me laying down as I sat on the bench.
The day of the race came, and we were all dressed in leathers. It’s time to ride towards to Tokachi Speedway. As they ride out, it was a colorful parade of cars. I place the cat in his carrier to watch the race, Taoka gave him a collar with a shrine design pendant and at the back, there’s his name “Iro.” When we step out of the car, I told them I’ll check the track, Kenji took the car keys from me with a laugh. From the sidelines, I saw the newly painted Start Line.
They started to line up side by side, my heart starts to skip a beat, slowly I breathe in and breathe out. Obaasama and Hitaro are on the sidelines patiently waiting for the race to start. Taoko holds up a sign with 30, seconds to warm up. I was counting in my mind, when Taoko starts to walk towards the sidelines, that’s 15. From the large clock, it starts to tick, to 5-4-3-2-1. It’s an 80 laps race as suggested by Obaasama. There was no pit stop, they need to change their driver and cars after 40 laps. After Kenji, it was Taira. Then it was the ninja bike race. I am always amaze about their movement. How they glide to turn, knees almost touching the track. It was a fun event, and for the first time I saw drivers hugs each other after getting out of the car. This actual car race is an extension of the car show. I thought it was finished, when I saw Ford Mustang Boss 429 V8 engine and Taiko’s Ninja ZX-12R. We were practicing for I don’t know why for sometime. He walks towards me and said, let’s keep the same speed. I zip up, put on my helmet and we walk towards our engines. We warm up our engines, and he was on my right. We did wore the same color. We started as one, but I let him begin, following his lead, till he accelerate, I followed then I was on his right side as we turn I was on 6th gear. I gas up, he was on my left, I was on 8th gear as we glide towards our right. We only did a 10 laps and for the final, I let him lead, till I drift full turn moving slowly sideways as I go I shifted immediately on the 5th, as his did his end. When he landed safely on the ground it was the last lap and we made a full stop in unison. I saw 2 shadows with him too. We run at each other after what we accomplished. Then we laugh once we let go.
After we return the car, since it’s not the typical race. We were all invited for lunch, we first return our car and use an SUV to be in groups. As we entered the restaurant in our denims, they all clap and we were all smiling. It’s a traditional Japanese restaurant with wooden tables and zaisu. We occupied the whole restaurant. While we sat, we turned on our camera monitoring from our iPad and mobile devices. Taiko sat beside me as we watch the camera video. He pointed at someone who is his brother and the south korean pastry chef. Max’s wife stayed with the cars. She never attend any after party. They say it was the first time that they saw a race without any competition. We were all happy when they said that and took a photo of our group. As well with Obaasama, and Haruto. Taiko never joined in, but we did have our photo taken with Obaassama and our cats. The gathering went well, there no sake left. They even gave us presents wrapped in cloth with sakura prints. They gave us an identification card of our selves with a seal of the same drawing I always see from my late grandmother’s journal. I always wonder what it meant before. It’s for a group of racers.
It was the date as we embark for Manila, Philippines. Kenji studied all the blueprints, photographs captured by my cousin and mechanics. Taira will do a drift show as well as the British. Taiko needs to stay behind. We pack our luggages, a couple of boxes was shipped months back. Tools for the car because, I earned a small amount from the race. The other Filipinos went home ahead to prepare their cars. Kenji decided that he’ll ride one of my Toyota, the oldest one. When everyone was ready, we seek blessing from Obaasama then we left. I need to be back soon here in Hokkaido. My flight back is on the last day of the car show. It’ll be a three days event, the same event that we organized. When my phone beep and it’s from Vince’s cousin that they arrived safely in NAIA, now on their way to KRB MX Dirt Race, they all decided to use their box type race ready vehicles.
Here we are, seated at the boarding area of New Chitose Airport to onboard PAL executive class, Obaasama shoulder the expense but we all want to use my milage for a discount, that card that was given to me by my late grandmother have conditions, that only for travels and accommodations, late did I knew that it was a shared card and Obaasama have the extension. I never knew who pays for it, till now. But each time I race I make to a point to pay the minimum amount. For I always receive this bank statement that said, it’s been paid. I never got the change to ask her for it was my attorney who handed it to me after she passed away with three sets of leather and three pairs of shoes. There was no note about it but I knew that it’s for my race expense, all those years she shouldered my travel expenses before we receive the payment for the cost made prior to the race. I wasn’t able to complete a particular course like others, I just finished English Literature. While sat on the plane, another message from Vince this time, that her cousin is maneuvering the people who’s skimming the dirt. It’ll be less dirt for cars. The flight will take about 6 hours, and when a stewardess checks on us. I saw Haruto, he bowed. I bowed to him. Once we took off, the others are asleep except me. The stewardess was my school mate, she started me with a question that why am I still awake. I smiled at her, and shook my head as to say nothing and ask for a bottle of water. I tried to nap, and so I did. Till the airplane food came. In a few hours, we’ll arrive in Manila When an email came in, the first who RSVP is the child of Vince, with his cute photo. He’s only 6 years old but he knows a lot about cars and bikes. I smiled at his note, a question “What’ll be inside my goody bag this time Aunt Kate?” I replied. “I have no idea, it’ll be a surprise. You’ll get it soon.”
As we arrived in NAIA, the sun was up and there a lots people around, waiting for their family to depart and arrive. There are some who’s arms are around their family and they were crying. It is really not easy to bear knowing that one of your family needs to leave the country for a better opportunity. Their voices lingers, that they should take care of themselves, not to be too much thrifty with food, better cook you own than buy from fast food since their mother won’t be there to cook for him. I saw that he wave his hands for his family to see and smiling. When we walk past the people, the driver was waiting for us beside a black Hyundai SUV. There were three SUVs waiting for us, for the other racers to be in. As the vehicle run past, Manila Bay. Memories came, Aristocrat, Pancake House, Manila Hotel and that Chinese Restaurant where we always go to. When we made a turn to Korean town, it became a tradition to visit the nearest church, once I arrive in the Philippines. There’s a Shakey’s nearby and they turn their heads to it. I know they are a bit hungry. We need to wait because my house-help and cousin made some preparations in the hotel that we are staying. I need to make sure they are all checked in before I go home in Kalookan City. Once we entered the Malate Church, I told them they can seat on the benches or they can join me to lit some candles for the deceased. I went straight to their votive area. They joined me at the candle shrines and candles were lit, we put a few coins in the donation metal slot. “So this is why we need to exchange a few coins.” The British whisper. The candles are all white, then he asked it’s purpose. “They say, white candles means, purity, peace or general guidance.” But since there’s only one color, we just pray to whom our prayers what to be to.
Afterwards, we went straight to Manila Hotel with their luggages. Some didn’t notice that we pass it because they were napping, but they did read the itinerary I gave them. By 3 pm we need to check the dirt track. I left them in the hotel, since we need to move to another hotel in Rizal. I left for a quick check on the cars in Kalookan, Kenji is with me. He wants to see the cars. As we reach the house, there’s only an hour left before it’ll be put in a container for the race. The first race will be tomorrow, a one and one and a derby. I’ve spoken to the investors on a video call, days before I left Hokkaido. Two of my cars will be for another racer, and I’ll be riding one of the investors’ Toyota. Kenji was surprised that there are four cars in our garage, while the Honda is parked outside our gate. Kenji took a peek of the engines of all four cars. And while checking the Honda, the containers came, they were 30 minutes late. We waited for the them to place 2 cars in one container. Then they took off, they’ll be on their way to Rizal. We know the drivers of the container. As they go, one of the cylinders was mentioned by Kenji, that it’ll really boost the air in from the Honda accord. He decided to ride the Honda for the final list that I need to submit tomorrow. The others was picked up by Vince to check their cars and now waiting for us to return to Manila Hotel for us to be all in the same vehicle going to the speedway location.
We went back to the hotel, and ride the SUV. On the road, they took a nap and so as I. When I awoke, we were in one of the private villas that filipino races go to. Their garage is behind the villa, an entrance door is inside the house. The racers went straight to the garage when two containers came in. Max is already in the villa, they help in driving the car down the ramp, out of the container. We check in the cars in the garage, check the gas but Kenji, suggested that we need to do so for the Honda. When my cousin walks in after he pays the drivers, the “Honda really needs that and I did a test run yesterday.” he said.
On the road, the heavy traffic started and we took Sumulong High-way. We dine in Gerry’s grill, where the best singing in sumulong is. It was a long road trip when it comes to hours but worth it. When we arrived at the dirt track, there were sign on going adjustments from a construction company. We walk around, and check the space. They are starting to place some bleachers for the audience to stay and saw a few snack booth. The track was being flattened by a truck and Max was driving it. We all laugh when we saw him greening at us with a wave of a hand. Then I heard a child’s voice, it’s our RSVP. “I knew you’ll be here.” He said. As he run towards us, Kenji immediately carries him on his shoulder. I was carrying his goody bag, wrapped in cloth with sakura prints. While we wait, he talks about a Yamaha bike that he saw last week on this track race. When Max walks in he shook hands with him. We noticed he kept looking at the British green eyes, and he keep smiling at him. All the racers gave him miniatures cars before he left. As the night came in, good thing the weather is cool and it’s not summer. We went back to the villa, while all of them were resting. It was fun and tiring day. A few of my closest friends came in and brought some food and we placed it in the fridge. There are a few kaldero’s with beef kaldereta, pork and chicken adobo, a small jar of atchara, marinated beef. For deserts they brought in mango, cheese, use ice cream and suman. They even brought presents, rosary for each in a box with clear cover. “Just one color, huh?” I said with a smile. It was all white and tied in threads. Orphans in seminaries usually make this kind of rosary as I check a tiny box. We placed it all in a container to be put in the fridge, except the adobo that stayed in the pot. We reheated it for a few minutes and we never took off the lid. While I stare at the night sky, I remember how rough it was to slide drift during practice earlier. I stayed by the pool are to appreciate the dark sky above me, as the cool breeze touch my skin.
August 10, 1977
While in Kyoto, I was left with one of my grandfather’s friend. His name is Hiroshi, he was kind and fun to get along with. He told me about his work, he draw when he was young, just plain black charcoal, thill he decided to put colors. While he was creating an image of a vehicle, someone knocked at the door. I peeked through his notes and it was sakura trees, with a bench under it and seated there is a woman in kimono with long straight hair. I asked who she was when he came back. He said, it was his wife who past away from giving birth. It was after the war. Even when people thought it was done, still there were people who was caught in between. He bowed his head, so I didn’t ask more. At the end of the night, before going to bed, he gave me a notebook with katana markings on the right end of each page and his name signed on the back page of it.
When the morning came, we need to get ready to go to the race. It’s only 5:30 AM but everyone was up. Some were having breakfast by the pool area. They re-heated the beef nilaga in the fridge, and some suman are in a steamer. The race will start by 10:00 AM.
As we enter the track, there were crowds seated on the benches. I was getting, when I noticed my cousin staring at someone. It’s the street racer and he’ll be using a toyota too. It makes me smile when I see his game face. Our cars was placed side by side and the race is about to start. I sat in, check my seat, place the helmet, glasses and the seatbelt. Then they handed me the wheel, “lock” it said. I saw the clock at five, when it starts to count. At three I pressed the clutch while on neutral, turn it on, warm it up. At one and place the hand-break on mid. I accelerated as he did. It’s a 10 laps race, he was in front of me, on the 2nd turn I slide drift, saw him from my left and went straight ahead. At the end of it, my car was in front of him at 6th gear to the finish line. The next is another two cars Taira and another street racer, he’ll be driving one of my toyota, the 3rd is the British and last is Kenji with Honda Accord. We won the race, it’s a clean slate, fair and square. At dinner, we were invited to gather with the competition in an open air set-up. Where banana leaves was placed on top of the table as dining mats but it was a buffet not a boodle-fight. They were surprised that the soup was being heated in a claypot, “that reminds me of cauldron” the British said. Then a new announcement, that there’ll be no car race tomorrow but there’ll be bikes for show. We look at each other but didn’t say a thing till we reach home. My attorney came in and the case is now closed. It was never a big issue, it’s because of the written agreement. The car show will start tomorrow, and some are already in the venue, especially the Honda Accord. I just sat there to listen. Then he asked if they want to join the charity. The schedule will be based on their availabilities. “We’ll think about it” they said, while reading the agreement. When I look at them, Max and the others agreed. “How often do you attend charity event” He asked. “For them twice a year.”
I always place a cushion that I bought from a store as bed for Iro, I covered it with a towel since we won’t be staying long. But each morning, as I woke up, I see him by on my bed by the corner. And when I sit on the bed, he’ll walk towards me to cuddle. Our flight back to Hokkaido is tomorrow, the British is flying back to London, today we’ll be going to Antipolo church and Iro will joining us. The weather is too humid compared in Hokkaido, they gave us new a set of soft cotton shirt from Bench and Penshoppe.
When we pulled over from the parking area of the garage, the aroma of cashew nuts fills the air. A variety of snacks that being sold by the tindera on the corner are ripe mangoes, buko, suman sa ibos, kalamay, coco jam and latik. We bough each a scapular, it’s in brown thread and the pendant is cloth like with the virgin mary image embedded, the British is scheduled to be in Rome and he bought another for a priest. We bought it from the church office, right beside it. After a bit of a walk, we went back to our vehicle to have lunch with the other filipino racers in The Burrow Café at Antipolo Beehouse. While seated with them, waiting for our meal to be serve, I started to reminisce those moments in Clark International Speedway, Batangas Racing Circuit, Cebu Kartzone Track, Motocross Dirt Race Track Cebu, Davao Circuit Racing Academy and Ciudades Racetrack Grounds. There’s always fun memories when we compete with one another to be pick for races. There are some endorsement models who’s part of the club and the relationship stays the same for years. To help each other came natural for us. We even did probono races a few times. Want to a few after parties, race just to practice our pedals and acceleration. We even tied to drive each others car just to feel the difference of each. We became close through the years, and so when someone need help from each of us. We were always ready for one another.
The day of our flight going back to Hokkaido came, we’re booked for Japan Airlines, 11:00 AM with a layover in Tokyo before proceeding to Hokkaido. NAIA feels the same, the manila traffic will never change but the music the most people listen to never changed to. I will miss this place, so much but I need to stay in Japan for a number of years. Hokkaido became my second home, I’ve thought about this a lot of times till I made the decision to stay and settle there. Deep in my thoughts I saw Iro, looking at me, with wondering eyes. I pet him a bit at the check in area and told him, that he needs to stay separate from me with other pets for 6 hours till we arrive in Hokkaido. He lay down like he doesn’t want to, but when he look up, it’s an ok from him. After checking him in. We proceeded to the x-ray area till onboarding place. Where in, I sat on the same seat back when I flew in to Tokyo months ago.
When we arrive in Hokkaido, I feel my steps move faster while Kenji and Taira was behind me. I watch people pass by, with sadness and smiles on their faces. When I saw Royce’ Chocolate World and Hokkaido Ramen Dojo. “Have you been in a dojo house?” Kenji asked. “Not yet.” I said. As I pass by establishments that reminds me of the time I walk on this marbled floor months ago, excitement came in me. Till we walk towards our exit and we saw Taira, Obaasama and Haruto was waiting by the exit to welcome us once more. I took Iro out of his carrier and watch him as he walk straight to Obaasama. In the garden I sat on a cushioned bench with Iro by my side, and new notebook. Time to start my own journals.
-The End-
♪(๑ᴖ◡ᴖ๑)♪