Part II – Your Worn Out Sneakers and My Express Skinny Jeans
By: Khristine Dizon
At the beginning she run away from a family tradition that she never agreed on, and given her current age she was legally detached from such obligation. She started writing a journal after reading most of her late grandmother’s and after a few pages of full cursive penmanship, that day came. They met one lazy morning, when she decided to let the garage gate wide open. It was the time for autumn, and as the leaves falls down from the cherry blossoms, he saw him in his BMW ninja bike in his lather jacket. His dark brown hair sways as the wind blows by. His perfume was carried by the air combined with the scent of the trees.
As March comes in, the weather became nicer, the snow melted and some of the people went home to their country to their families. One by one I saw them left with their cars, and I suddenly miss the noise from each one and how pack the garage looks. Taira still lives nearby, and his family was even here to visit him. There was this car show, that we managed and it is a different type, mostly are vehicles made from Japan that was showed, and their machines technicalities was exposed in order to get the attention of the buyers. It took nearly 3 days for it to last, most foreigners bought a few Kawasaki ninja bikes, and there was this meticulous buyer where in we shipped out a few of them and a couple cars to be use in a film. One of the yakuza clan, even displayed some katana and late did we know that it was for sale. They only decided when it was the same buyer from the entertainment industry asked for it. They were not antique unlike the others in the museums. One of them even had a letter that looks like a certificate, that says “to draw the precious family treasure sword,” (伝家の宝刀を抜く) from an anonymous poet or writer, one of the idioms that native Japanese people believe in. They say in life, there different levels for a human being to fulfill and once you reach it, and once you realize it, that person will be able to correct the mistakes from their previous lives. It’s the law of nirvana for the reincarnation.
The day after yesterday, I started to write my daily journal, and it’s everything about my cars, the people, the racers and Japan. For the past months, we’ve travelled from Tokyo, Okinawa, Hiroshima back to Hokkaido. Most was about the bike show, cultural and charity events that my late grand mother used to attend with her best friends. I remember those times back in grade school, where in she was away for a number of months, and if she needs to stay in Japan till Christmas and New Year, she buys me plane ticket and travelled on my own, I was in 6th grade when that happened and I had no choice because my parent was always not around. That night of my first flight out of Manila, when I was dropped by the driver at the airport, she was at the airport and waited for about an hour and a half. I remember how ‘Kuya Driver’ was worried till he saw my grandmother. ‘Susunduin ka pala, buti naman.’ he said. How can I ever forget that time when he can’t even leave my side, and he kept saying ‘if only he’s got money to spare to travel with me.’ And while on road, he kept hoping for someone to be there when we arrive in Manila international airport. When he heard a familiar voice, shout my name ‘Kate’ he looked around and it was her smiling happily to see us. It was the first time that I celebrated Christmas and New Year outside the Philippines’ shore. It’s one of those unforgettable experiences I had with her, experiences that I will always treasure as a remembrance.
5th of March 2001
An email from my cousin, told me that they won’t be able to fly to Japan this summer because of his work with the motocross team. He started to be one of the mechanics, it was his dream to be part of the professional race club but not as a driver. Ever since he saw his son from the hospital’s nursery, he promised himself that he will never let himself be in danger while on the wheel of his race car. It took him a few years before he finally halted. There’s another car that was shipped and will be here in a few weeks with a Ducati ninja bike which needs a few adjustment for acceleration air flow.
Another day, another time is what they always say when people can’t want to push through with the plan. It was better to say, let’s re-schedule sometime but he didn’t. I always wonder how come it is still not easy for me to be in a normal relationship as other people. Why there’s always sadness in me that I cannot control, those tears that slides down my face each time I wake in morning. The feeling of uncertainly that I cannot explain. I kept remembering those years back in the days when I was still in high school, how alone it felt for each event for families held in school. I tend to stay in one of the classroom just to get an attendance point. My thoughts trailed off, when Taira came, hands full of red ginseng boxes, he arrived yesterday night from South Korea with his parents. We became very close especially during the time that I was left alone in the villa because they need to be with their families. Those days of our last race in Rizal, Philippines, how I stayed out by the pool side with my cat while I read one of my favorites for each race I am in.
“From darkness
I go onto the road
Of darkness.
Moon, shine on me from far
Over the mountain edge.
By: Lady Izumi Shikibu
10th Century Japanese”
That night, I didn’t expect that Taira was still awake too and he saw the book as well as my lat grand mother’s journal and he was holding a book in hangul. Somehow I noticed how similar we are, it wasn’t difficult for me to treat him like a brother. His thoughtfulness, kindness and honestly completely shows from his actions. There was no pretense at all, unlike myself, that’s the difference. He’s still young I guess and never experienced that much of betrayals. He placed the red ginseng boxes on the table in the living room, and pointed to a card. I knew the handwriting is from his mother, it’s a late present for my birthday. They went out for a walk and will meet a few Japanese friends from way back. They know their way in Hokkaido, and they borrowed one of his Toyota car. There were a few changes in the villa, since some of the Asians won’t be able to join this year, because of current engagements and yet I will know. There were a few surprises from last year like Tan, I didn’t expect that we are related by blood. There were a few days where he visits me and we go to places for me to explore Hokkaido the Japanese way. Their beliefs and culture are different but somehow I noticed all the similarities and was able to grasp, understood and respect their ways. He started to stay in the villa after a month of seeing me by myself. I seldom go out, I just stayed home to do more study of their native language and do my personal journals.
Each time the sun sets, I think about those days back in Manila, most people say that being away from your home country, there’ll be this moment of home sickness but I never did. There was this time when someone I know way back sent a message and asking where I am. A person who was always patient with me, especially during my busy days. It’s been months since we last spoken to each other, we always send each other letters through emails but never had the chance to meet again after he told me that her girlfriend doesn’t want him to be part of any car race anymore, because it kept him away from her. We met in a university, while in college, it was because of an assignment that I need to go their department’s library. The sticker for the race event mistakenly slip from one of my books. I was so engrossed with my reading that I didn’t notice it fell, I only realized when he spoke softly to ask if the sticker was mine. He stayed with me in the library till I finished my homework, and he asked about the car show. It was one of my late grandmother’s charity event, I know he was interested since he mentioned that he have a race ready car and a Harley Davidson from his grandfather. We agreed that he needs to share some photos and to be schedule for the vehicles check before it gets approve by my late grandmother. Once I reached home, he called and said that he lives nearby. One of the number from the sticker is one of our home land line. He’ll be dropping of a few recent photos and their specifications, for an earlier schedule of machine check. He joined the car show and in a few months we started dating, I never really thought we would be that close to the extent of sharing the same feelings for each other but I guess certain situations have their reasons for being that way and all was left was our friendship. For we never argued, there was never a time that we sulked at each other and just like water, our communication when it comes to how we feel was too fluid. I still think about him from time to time, and I do wonder how he is but I just can’t make myself initiate to send emails. The only time after 2 years that we saw each other was during my late grand mother’s funeral.
Dear Kate,
How’s it been, and how are you coping with the loss of your grandmother? I saw your cousin last week and he told me that you went away for good but never mentioned where you are. He also said that your marriage didn’t push through. But it’s not about that behind this letter. There are some things that I haven’t told you and I am uncertain when I can do so, for unlike before, time was just there. Certain things happened and I never really explained the reason why. It is not easy to tell, even when I am typing it in. There are no days that I don’t think of you, no time that I miss our conversation and how you answer my silence, the way you response to questions like a friend more than a girlfriend. What I’m trying to say is, as time flies and as hours pass by I still have feelings for you and it’s killing me not letting you know. Uncertainty of obligations and responsibilities opted my decision and that time I have no right to decline because of my age. I don’t even have an idea why I’m writing to you when we both agreed not to communicate with each other but I do miss you a lot.
Love,
Kai
When Taira left, I started to re-read his email and thinking if I should reply to him already. There was something wrong, something I can’t place my finger on. The way he constructed his sentences meant that he’s troubled and he can’t really fully put it into words because of confidentiality or sensitivity. Words started to come in when I typed in..
Dear Kai,
Everything is ok, I’m all well. Thank you for asking. And yet I miss my late grandmother a lot. The way she wakes me up in the morning, how I see her everyday. Those words of wisdom that can’t be replace and the moments that we shared while we travel. So your back in Cebu? He never mentioned it though, you two are really best of friends. It does feel that there’s no one for me to stay, there’s no reason for me to settle in Manila aside from the responsibilities that was left for me I decided it was time for me to go and be away for good. Something is troubling you, I can read it from your words. How are you? Is everything alright? There are some things in life that we take in as a responsibility because it’s obligatory and to blame that decision will be mistake. It is better to keep our minds open for other scenarios that might happen and think of a solution. There were days that I do miss the time that we spent together and those memories with my late grand mother. Partly I understand how you feel. If you have problems, let me know.
Always,
Kate
It wasn’t easy for me to type in the words, because of what we agreed on and a part of me moved on. One of the reason why I kept myself away from the Philippines, for it won’t be easy to be in the same area or even same country when there were too much pain to bear and there no place for me to be secluded to think of other things except the race. After a few minutes, I saw the envelope and a part of me knew that he replied. I check my email and there it is.
Dear Kate,
As always, you know when there’s something wrong with me. It’s just that I never expected that the woman I married is completely different from the one I dated. At home she’s completely different after a few years, I almost thought that she was pregnant and might be because of pregnancy, but yesterday when I met your cousin at one of the events for dirt race. There were some rumors about her, it was the first time that she came along for those kind of events. When we got serious about dating, she never really want to join and always say that it’ll be a drag if she’ll be there. Till the argument about my liking for the race needs to stopped because it worries her, it’s more dangerous unlike other sport. What I’m trying to say is, I think there’s another man in her life.
I never really want to loose you back then, but the family set it up and since we were still young, I never thought that I’ll like her and be serious about it. When I suddenly lost the time, when there was no way to see you other than school it was difficult. Your cousin told me not to push through best to decide early than be sorry for the consequences and yet it felt I was responsible for everything. And yet maybe it is time to let go, because I’m deciding not just for myself anymore it’s also for my children.
Love,
Kai
For every mail from him, it’s a reminder why it was difficult for me to detach from him, because he was like an open book plus we are close friends almost like best of friends. But each time that I remember how we decided it was too much to recall. There were days that I don’t want to go to school just for me not to see him. I understand the situation but I was not a pretender back then and it was not easy to betray your own self of what you truly feel. It was the start that I accepted races from other countries that I was practicing for and additional task for the other car show events that my late grandmother participated in. There was one time that my late grandmother even joke about it while on the plane that how I am is part of my trait based on my birth date. Confusing girl and not easy to understand each actions the contractions have it’s reason and somehow whatever feels right is the right thing for me but to tell me of what I should do will be the most challenging part for her. Because as a woman, there are limitations and those are set for a woman not to be taken for granted. It’s those lines from her that I will never forget and those sentences that will stay in heart. Sending messages to him made me miss my late grandmother much more and in times like this we always discuss it with her, we love listening to her opinions and we know that she’s always there with an open mind to talk about things in live that we can’t share to other people. At times when we open up to our other set of friends, their opinion was completely different, it seemed like they never listened they just heard the words that came to our mouth like they never understood the situation that we were in. It it nice to listen to honesty but with context, someone who can relate to the situation. There were some comments where in they just blamed what happened to us just to make us laugh but it didn’t because it was a serious topic and even when we told them that we are really concerned about the situation they will just say that we better think for ourselves. Well, that’s what always always, in the end it felt that the conversation never happened, it was only a few people that we spoke to when we have problems. Even I with my family situation it was the same case, not most people I know can comprehend my decision for myself. They didn’t know how unhappy I was .. no one knows. That’s why when my late grand mother isn’t around it is best not to tell a soul, just rectify the problem on my own since sooner or later I’ll be able to understand and identify what went wrong for it not to happen again. Easy to say but hard to do. But decided to reply after I prepare for a test run with Taira.
Dear Kai,
I understand what you’re going through, especially the part where in you need to decide to leave behind a family you built. The pain of relationship is something you can bare but if there were circumstances where in the children was hurt because of unjustifiable acts, it is best for you to decide what you feel the most suited for them because you are not just watching over yourself you now have special responsibilities that needs unconditional love. It won’t be easy because family might fight against in, but always remember my cousin and I are here for you no matter what.
Always,
Kate
6th of March 2001
Taira decided to let his mother cook for us since they don’t have plans to do explore the city for the day. It was a good idea because Tan can’t make it this morning and most of the dishes I have in the fridge won’t suffice Taira’s appetite. His built is different but his metabolism is noticeably fast. There were some springs that needs to be fix, and a few cylinders to adjust. The days went by swiftly, as always when they are around, I didn’t say that because of being lonely. It’s just that it kept my mind on another instead of remembering someone not best to ponder on. It’s those times when no one was really on my side when certain situations happens, it was only my late grand mother who I can speak to. Especially about the first race I had, when I suddenly smelled burning rubber. I was too fast to switch on 8th gear and the turn was too tight because of another car and as I pulled the hand break I knew right then I made a mistake but it was a learning experience from me. It was my first time glitch as I call it but it was the first time that I saw my late grandmother worried because I had to get out of the car from the my side of the window. The first time I saw my late grandmother in tears, she was so worried and was shaken, a part of me wonders when she held me tight if by chance there was the same incident that happened to her before due to her unliking for her black Ford mustang with Boss 429 V8 engine cars.
I stayed in the living room for a while, while I take notes of all the shipment that will arrive this month. Another event needs our attention and this time it’ll be mostly bikes and around 30% cars, there’s also a race that we need to check the dates for the road test, the usual routine just like last year. Tan arrived with pre-sliced sashimi and I think he caught me again in deep thoughts on memories and worries. The more time we spent together, the more he became sensitive to me. It was unexpected from him because he’s very detach to others and seldom talks about himself. His smiles tells me something especially when he just came from work, but I never dared to ask him directly. There was this one time when I need to because he was so quiet beside me, reading his journal in Katana. When I did, he said that there are some domestic issues that he needs to think through, because of unexpected informations was sent to him and he needs to do a thorough investigation before he decides. He’s presently unmarried but with children and he’s been supporting the mother and his kid. We talked about it one night when he slept over because he said he needs to, there are people that goes around that month in this area and he needs to be with me. He is scheduled to be the legal guardian of his kid in a few weeks, and as he said another set of information landed on him. When he let me read the investigations, there were camera footages, pictures, letters and documents that showed it is best for him to keep the child instead of his mother. He asked me not to tell anyone and not to worry about a thing. The child attended the car race last year and he was with Hitaro the whole time. I saw how much they love each, the kid kept close to him each time Tan approached Hitaro and he would always carry him as his form of acknowledgement for his attention. No one knows that Tan write Japanese cartoons since he was in high school, a number of stories with numerous volumes was published. He even gave a complete set of all. He said that one of his friends bought double of each and they are still in bookstores all over Japan. It was one of the volumes that his kid was holding when I first saw him at the event.
They all feel like family to me now, Kenji sent a message that he’ll be here on Saturday because of a previous engagement that he can’t get out of. Taira joke about it that it’s about another supercar for sale, he’s always interested in those but you’ll always find him at home in check of his first Nissan, the Nissan Skyline KDR30, Tomica Turbo. Same time that a car of my late grandmother which I called ‘bye-bye bluebird’; she always laugh each time she tells those stories on how I name her race cars. It is fun to remember things about before and Taira became accustomed to my sudden pauses, he started to ask if it’s a memory about my late grandmother. I completely appreciate how sensitive he is. Until now, a part of me still cries at the loss of someone dear, someone I love and someone I always depend on. Even when she’s always away, even when I became independent at a very early age I still consider myself dependent towards her. He tap my shoulder because my phone kept beeping, it’s my cousin, it’s about the cars. Taira just smiled and said that he understands the worry of shipping cars, there were times that he can’t sleep, especially the first time, he kept calling the shipping company for update. Till they ask him to call after a few weeks instead of every other day. In Manila, some people say that I am not the friendly kind, since I kept my distance in school and never really gotten close to any other school mates. They didn’t know about the responsibilities and training that I was enjoying after school. Here it was different, I am more comfortable with them and they seem to understand what I went through. I don’t even need to expound each sentences that I utter just for them to grasp the whole situation I am in. It is a difficult decision for me to settle in another country. It is not easy not to be familiar with their language, not much of a traveler that roams around in cities, and if there’s a need for me to talk to someone, at first it was not. But along the way, since our interests are the same I became more myself in this place like how I was with my late grandmother.
My cousin send some scanned documents about the cars, and their blueprints. I shared it to Taira and we decided it’s best to be a hard copy to have it ready so it’ll be easier for us to note down the changes and adjustment that the cars need. There were only a few cars that was left in the garage but the other cars that I used for practice is in the garage across this. Each time my eye met the gate across, I can’t help but miss the camaraderie that was built last year. It was really enjoyable and there were so much learnings I gained from that experience as well as new set of friends. A variety of people who knows more about cars and racing. People who treated each as family given the multi-cultural differences that we all have.
7th March 2001
I placed my gear earlier on my bed to be ready for a quick practice with Taira and each time I look at it. There always a part where I remember how it was getting ready while my late grandmother was still alive. We always talk about my future, for it seemed I was not interested in being married at all. I do wonder, why it happened that way. I just decided to became distant from other people, those people who I am not acquainted with well. Those people that I seldom see and never really had a chance to have a conversation to share our life experiences. There is also this reason of not being ready because of the hurt I felt, the feeling of betrayal triggered the aloofness and the unwanted to be close to a man. I don’t have any idea how I consider that thought of not being ready, I just know in me that I am not. There’s still a part of myself where in I prefer to be alone especially when that person doesn’t know anything about me. Being surrounded by racers and men all the time, it made me realize and see the different kinds. The different personalities those who can be friends, those who I can be interested in and those who can’t be trusted. Those people who tend to assume without asking and people who never understood how it is for us racers. The sadness that we kept behind the wheel. Just like the song of Astrud Gilberto’s A Certain Sadness. My liking for the song started when I heard it from the radio while with my closest female friend who’s a few years older than me. She was even surprised that I know the song. There’s just something about those old songs, they always sound familiar to me. And it was the song I kept listening to after my break-up with Kai, it did suit the emotions running through me, the title hit hard it did seem that there’s a certain sadness that might stay in me for I don’t know how long.
Taira left the gate open while in the middle of cleaning the cars, for he needs to get some tool from the other garage across this, I heard a bike engine, different from Kawasaki, a strong breeze of wind came and when I look at entrance I saw a BMW bike and a man in his black helmet, stepping out of it. When he took of his helmet, as I walk towards him, it’s very noticeable that he has same height as Taira, his black hair looks soft as the wind blew it off his face. Tan was inside the house, and I saw him walking towards the gate. As the man stood, he slowly opened his jacket to pull out an envelope from his jacket. As Tan calls him ‘Hong’, he handed me the envelope, it’s the formal acceptance letter from the group here in Japan that allows him to join the upcoming event. I was aware that there’ll be riders that are scheduled to arrive next week but not today. He reach out his hand to introduce himself, I shook his hand when he spoke. “You are Kate right?” “Yes I am” I said. When I saw the letter he’ll be staying to the door next to mine and it also said from his blood test results that he’s half Japanese and with a note that an additional 4 bikes of his will be delivered tomorrow morning following his arrival. I ask him about his luggage, they both smiled and Tan said, he left some clothes with me when he visited last year. He was not able to join the race because of previous engagement that he can’t get out of but he was invited for the event. I didn’t notice him. I smiled and ask him to wait for me because the keys for the door next to mine is inside the house. I walked away from them to get them and other documents that he needs to fill. The tablet is with Taira, I sent him a text message to let him know that one of the riders arrived today. While grabbing the keys, I remembered that Tan told me about a best friend of his that will join the riders this year, maybe that’s the friend that he spoke about. I’m happy for him, I seldom see him with friends, they are all busy with his business and other Yakuza related matters.
He slowly moved his BMW Ninja S1000RR towards the house, strangely the next door to mine has a place for motor bikes. As soon as we entered the place, Taira called Tan, Hong’s luggages just arrived and was brought by one of Tan’s baker and he is still in his apron. I saw a small box that seems like a container for tool, he picked it up and thank Tan for putting it inside the house. I saw that there were a few bags of salt outside the door, I never really ask for it’s purpose but I am aware that it’s a Korean tradition, one of their beliefs when moving in to another place. Tan handed him the tablet where he needs to sign a soft copy of a document as well as a few from mine in an envelope. I told him that there are 2 copies, one for me and another for him. I need to send it over to Obaasama for security and filing. I left once Taira was done because he needs to read through the contract. The day was still young so we went back to cleaning the cars, and while we were organizing the hoses, a delivery came and it’s from cousin. It’s the coilovers and springs for the cars that is being shipped. Tan and and Hong was done unpacking when I received it, and they help me with the box. They saw that it’s all suitable for bikes and cars. I told them that it was from my cousin, it was an advance order 2 years back and since I’m staying here it’ll be a waste if he cancels, the relationship with the dealer will break and no one will use it in Manila. Hong handed me a book with both of their names as authors. I was surprised with the present they gave, even the other have copies but mine they said is different, so I flipped through pages because they were waiting for what I’m about to say aside from thanking them. I saw a letter with the symbol for Tan and it tells the story on how it was stolen, and broken into pieces till he decided to do a re-write, it was devastating experience for him because it was set-up by a non-blood related relative and siblings, they even accused him of being not the writer. Hong was away that time and he has all the copies of the story, it was impossible to justify it upfront and with the markings of 2 authors, they pushed it through that it was only Hong who penned it. They were best of friends for so long and they trust each other like true brothers so how can Hong betrayed Tan. There was even a part where in Hong mentioned that Tan’s family offered him payment just to declare that he’s a fraud writer. After reading that page, I can’t help but hug Tan so tight because of what he experienced that time. It is not easy to accept and be calm of what happened to him. I wanted to ask what did he do after, but after seeing my uncontrollable emotions, he bowed down and went inside my door where he stays and for sure he went straight to the kitchen. Hong stayed out with us, I asked him if he wants to rest for a while first but he said it’s alright because the flight was short from North Korea to Hokkaido, Japan. He kept looking at me, then he asked, “is there something in your mind?” That’s an open window for me to share my thoughts. “I asked, what did he do afterwards?” Hong smiled and said, we pulled the katana where it was placed and cut them into pieces, then laughed. I told him he was crazy. He just laughed at my remark. What they did was, they asked an attorney about what to do, he advised them to publish all their written materials as soon as possible as well as the story. They did so, he said that the family now lives in Tokyo and can’t be seen near Hokkaido, they never communicate since and no one ever approached them again. It wasn’t easy for the other materials that they need to finish in just 2 weeks, and each time that they were through they kept re-reading if something was missing. Till the finalization to make the others as manga happened. It’ll be easier for them to put marking for the volumes and the reason behind why they became part of the racers group. It’s to return the favor that they asked because that time they don’t have enough money to spare to pay for their attorney. Little they know, that person was a good friend for Tan’s late grandfather, who’s a relative of my mother. He didn’t know at that time they were just waiting for the right moment for Tan to know what his family were doing to him. They all treated him like the adopted when he is not, people think that his family takes care of him but no, they did not. Till that incident came, he became part of the Yakuza and never again be separated from them. The hidden tattoo of Tan is the symbol of being the Oyabun, where in he inherited the title of his late grandfather, that can only be taken and accepted by birth and blood relationship. The tattoo was marked on him when he was 5 years old, it’s was his late grand father who requested for that to be placed on him. Over the years, when he grew up older, he adjusted the tattoo and had it fix, he didn’t expect that the tattoo shop is owned by the clan. The clan is a group of powerful businessman alike, and they all have the authority to protect and secure Tan’s safety. Hong became part of their family because his friendship with Tan. Through thought hardships, he stays and helped him finish all the stories, there was never a time that they argue except when they became hungry. He laughed again, remembering those sleepless nights. He said that he always noticed how different they are with Tan, how much he saw that treatment was for a person who is not part of their family. That’s why at an early age, Tan lived by himself, a baker took him in and let him stay in one of their rooms, as payment he worked for the bakery till he completed his college degree. The owner is the sibling of his late grandfather that he never met when he was still young. The case took years before it closed, because one of his siblings kept claiming the stories as his, no one expected that his sibling got annoyed of the questions from their school when someone started to ask about the artist and author of a manga series on their bulletin board. Tan’s sibling, kept the truth from everyone tills those people who asked the question became agitated to Tan, but he never changed until we transferred to another school in order to graduate. Tan’s features is different amongst other native Japanese, he blends in with the other Korean – Japanese. I made a bit of research and, it seems much of the Koreans have Japanese ancestor relation because of the War unlike in the Philippines, it won’t be easy to recognize. There was not much to do yet, practice will start by next week and while I wait for other deliveries at the dining table, the area became our mini office since the documents are still in boxes. Tan came in with the deliveries from one of his team, he bought a lot of ingredients, he kept stocking my fridge of food but I never complained and Hong was behind him. They ask about Taira’s other car that just came in, it’s a Toyota box type car ready, and suited for an uphill race. His Nissan B12 seems have a seized thread collars, as soon as I heard, I sent a text to Taira to let him know. In a few minutes, he came in, and said that he spoke to his uncle about it and he needs to wait. He photographed the new coilovers and springs to show him, to let him know that we have available part but we all know that we will need other parts to be purchased in support and back-up, not because that something might happen it’s because of the test drive. There were instances where in during the test drive the same problem re-occur if an intricate problem was not seen, there are some issues happened when the coilovers be replaced and those small parts which have a big impact on the mechanism of the engine flow. And yet given the mechanics that we have, we all know that I’ll be back to be as brand new as before. Kenji sent a message to me too and he said that we can have the car check as soon as possible, to remove any damaged part, there might be a thing or two that can be burned out from the engine heat. I understood what he said it’s those parts in between the coilovers and springs, as always where the air passes through. Kenji allowed us to request for a mechanic to check the engine. Hitaro just confirmed that he’s free tomorrow to be with the mechanics during their car check. Kenji thinks that Taira used the max acceleration of the box type, race ready Nissan. He told him not to use the car without having it thoroughly checked as well as reminded him that there are parts that needs replacement first before he can go for a ride. He also said that maybe he did a quick test to gauge the feel of the engine. That Nissan’s engine sound stays the same when there’s a problem unless the driver is used to Nissan engine, that person can easily notice any changes or problems about the car.
Part II – Fast Break
10th March 2001
Another week of road test is nearing, and I can’t wait to check and test other cars from the other garage. My cars are set to be on display for the even but I left my Toyota box type in Manila because of the contract with the organization. I was asked by Taira if I ever missed my home country, I always do but Hokkaido feels more like home now that my late grand mother is not with me. Through the years she was the only family that I consider for most don’t have time and I was left with her. She practically took care and watch over me till I became an adult. At times like this, I do ask myself why I never let any in that close after a few relationships. I always think it was by chance because of my schedule and I promised myself not to let any unnecessary distractions happen again. I’ll be seeing a few Mercedes Benz soon and I am required to drive one, the kind I don’t know yet.
At most when I read my journal, I kept jumping to another topic just to escape the emotional truth the I am feeling, but what can I do, I don’t think I’m ready. Will I ever be? Questions I already know the answers, I just like the escape that I have at this moment that can be for a lifetime. With all those pains from heartache and regrets from relationships, I decided to be alone and be happy with myself for a while till someone or something comes along that won’t change my but will possibly let me see the other side of life that I’ve been ignoring. Taira was the only one who asked so openly why most of the men that was in Rizal during the race were just friends, there was no boyfriend or ex-boyfriend but then they heard with the other racers about a boyfriend who’s very close to me but they suddenly didn’t saw him again, with me. They just heard that he suddenly got married to another woman. He is also an attendee of car shows and one of the other pinoy dirt car racer knows him very well, they even went to the same high school. I just smiled at them when they talk about my past, that’s how close we are, we know each other’s people and we don’t meddle in the same person as another. Just like an ideal family but we are all not blood related. We keep each other’s secrets, we inspire each other when we are down and we make sure if someone is with a problem, and just go on the track we make sure that person is not alone. But I honestly have no idea how come when it was me, no one’s there except on the third time that I practiced in tears after my late grand mother passed away, suddenly one of them was there and my cousin came in after my practice. The first was after the break-up with Kai and my late grandmother caught me on the track speeding up on the 7th till 8 gear with no adjustment, and no hand breaks, I kept on going till I heard the final screech of the back tire. Then I stop, I just knew it was time for me to slow down and to put the car at 1st gear. My late grand mother was with one of my ex-boyfriend who visited Cebu for a business and he can’t help to tell me not to race ever again. When it was just a practice and a race track check. Unfortunately my emotion were everywhere, it was the first time I ever felt that way and I didn’t know what to do. I wanted to escape the feeling and be whole again but it was difficult. I realized after a few weeks that no one can save me from that emotion except myself, there’s no one else but my late grandmother was there for me to listen. Someone who’s happy when I achieve something unlike most of the people in my family.
I was remembering those time while we had breakfast, almost all are here, and in a few day Kenji will be here too. Days pass so quickly and I never noticed how much change began from last year. It was all about cars before but now half are motorcycles. If only my late grandfather was still alive, he would love this event, that’s why we prepared his ‘offy’ as part of the history. Tan was able to borrow a few motorcycles that will continue the years how the motorcycles evolved, because they said the offenhauser engine is the same with a bike it’s just the dimensions became smaller. I haven’t really seen something like it but that what’s my late grandmother told me and I just can’t leave behind the ‘offy’. There are so many happy memories from it, and it’s the inspiration of my late grandmother. It’s been always ask by the group if it’ll be joining the event, they even took a photo of it as image to use for one of the posters. One of set of posters was delivered yesterday with other freebies for the event. We need to add the name tags for each especially for those who RSVP. As we started to tidy up the dining room, we heard a honk from the garage and call from Obaasama that it’s the deliver for 3 cars and 3 bikes, the cars was custom made for the event that markets a well known designer. She asked us to take a photo of it so we can send it over to let them know that it finally arrived since they were worried about the shipment. We captured the vehicles while in the container, and they have this certain machine that pulls the car forward to adjust the space for it to be lifted out. The space for it is completely prepared already, we’ve anticipating the arrival of those, there was even a large pulley they use in order for the cars to be place in that are of the garage, the bikes were handled by Hong and Tan, but it was lifted out to, the tired were secured in a metal for it not to fall down. I found it cute, the tires were colored and I’m pretty sure it’ll get the attention of women and children too. Max and Keji built a few small cars for the children to ride on for this even, Tan didn’t want to have a children’s bike because it won’t be safe for them unless it’s an easy rider. Both of them took care of the bikes, they even found the manuals, as instructed from the email, before the delivery guys left, we made sure to check everything, the back compartment, the engine, the seats and the tires was photographed for the client to see that everything is intact. A follow through will be sent over once the engine check is done. Several contracts came in to secure the vehicles for property security. It even has a license and certificate of design, we were instructed to have it framed, it has a seal but the originals are with Obaasama. There was a box and it says it’s for the team, they asked me to open it, inside there were clothes, shoes, bags, caps even watches from the same brand. I’ve experienced something like this back in Beijing, the look at me because I didn’t touch anything, instead I search for an envelope, it covered by a linen, inserted on the side of the box. I read to them, and it is a gift as it says in the document but we need to pay for it if something happens with the vehicle. We looked at each other and settled with a decision to just remove them from the box, and be place in a scented closet where they breath as air passes through. We didn’t remove them from their packages but we did check it out. It even has out name on a few specific items. Suddenly Obaasama called and there’s another delivery tomorrow of same kind but different brand. It’s a very meticulous vehicles, but we saw a few ones before in Beijing, it even caught my late grandmother’s eye but she never bought any since we are not allowed to do so. There’s a specific process if the event management would like to do a purchase. The client is a producer from the entertainment industry and one of their investors suggested to join the event in order to market their products.
I asked Tan about the story, their manga novel, if it was discovered by an author or publisher. It was not, they submitted it as project and part of it is to send it over to publishing companies. They waited for a few months before a response was received, there were a few changes and a little additions when it comes to the images, but the novel was discovered by one of the guest for their school. Unfortunately that thing happened, and they really love the story that they wrote together and so they decided to publish it in manga form, instead of a book. But before that, they were into bikes already and Hong still have his first easy rider a 1969 Harley Davidson, and it’ll be part of the bike show next month. They said that another set of riders will be here tomorrow and 2 of them are good friends of theirs, one is from China and another is from Vietnam. The one from Thailand called this morning and he’ll be coming in late, he’s still in Tokyo because of an event that he was invited to. They showed me a few photos, and they both are in leather and beside their bikes. They were part of the Kawasaki team for Hiroshima. I was surprised by the placed, I look at Tan. He smiled and said, Hong was born in Hiroshima, I studied there for a few years till I decided to complete my high school. Remember how disorganized my family was, so I go back and fort from Hiroshima to Hokkaido on weekends and I stayed with him for those years. We didn’t know that we were partly related till we met the attorney. When I look at them, they do have the same height, same texture of hair and same pointed nose and a bit similarity with their eyes. Hong is just much taller than him, a tiny bit like an inch. They both smiled when they caught me weighing their appearance. I blurted that the only difference was their height and they look related. There were a few things that we need to check and Hong didn’t rest till his other bikes came. It was around 3 in the afternoon when the delivery knock at our garage door, and Taira was busy with his 1995 Dodge Viper and with his white cloth on his right shoulder, he peeked through the mini screen of the camera and when he saw that it’s a delivery, he opened the gate for them. It’s a different team this time and one looks familiar he said from his message, the delivery men knows Tan. In the container, there they are, a viper v-10 dodge tomahawk, 1977 Harley Davidson and Ecosse ES1 Spirit, they are all black. Around 5:00 pm before the sun down, another delivery came and it’s from a friend of Obaasama, as soon as I saw the name on the receipt I immediately called her. Hong asked what will be the set up for the 5 bikes and 2 supercars. I told him that there was a security deposit for each and a contract, he nod and look at Tan. They both nod and walk towards the container to check on the bikes, the same as the others their tires were all secured in wood. They were usually boxed in but Hitaro and his teams makes it to a point to be in the dock because of the customs request and certifications for it to be delivered to our doorstep. The reason why we schedule them in advance and make sure that all shipments are monitored, aside from the request of keeping us up-to-date on the location while on sea. It is never easy to manage something like this, it’s more than trust that is needed. Even the cars with drivers have security deposit except mine, Taira, Tan and Hong. A letter from Hitaro was with receipt, that the Kawasaki dirt bike will be here too by tomorrow, but the delivery will be from the company and we need to accept the ID for it, there’ll be 5 IDs that will be given to secure all. Just right after we were done, placing the bikes, Tan’s Thai friends came. I saw him surprise as he raised his arms wide open, when I look behind me I saw 3 tall men, same age as Tan and Hong with Kawasaki and BMW bikes. Then it’s time for tomorrow road check with Hitaro.
11th March 2001
When I saw Hong, he looks familiar to me. Like I saw him already from one of the bike show from before. I was thinking of maybe in Singapore or here. There’s no way to confirm at the moment because I left some of the pictures in Manila. A few times I attended a number of events here in Japan with my late grand mother. And those moments, I kept meeting people who’s a motor bike enthusiast. There were even politicians with their sons and daughters, as well as businessman. They were the people with a possibility to be the investors of such events, names were really not in the invitation and flyers it was always companies, organizations or the brand and maker of the vehicles. They were kept hidden from public eye, and I never knew the reason behind it.
Kenji came in early, around 5:00 am and I was half awake when Tan knock at my door to let me know, Taira was as sleep in the living room, he needs to stay in because of some notes with Tan and Hong about the bikes. When his uncle, check his apartment, he wasn’t there so he went straight to mine another door beside mine since we stay in a villa. Kenji was sure that Taira is as sleep here but he ask us not to wake him, he just need to check and see for himself to make sure. Once he saw Taira still in his deep slumber he retaliated to their apartment to rest. We told him about the road check, he said he’ll follow once he’s fully rested, if there’s still time since he need to wait for his delivery for today as well. The aroma of Tan’s potato soup caught my attention and I know that Taira will be awake soon since he kept on moving. It was after a few minutes when he finally stood up and walk towards the kitchen. He pour coffee in his cup to start his day, “I felt my uncle came in early morning, or was I dreaming that I heard his voice?” Taira said, while he yawn. We all laughed at him, and he laugh too, “Yes he was here because you were not in your own bed.” I said. He just nod and said, “I’ll text him.” We all noticed how close they are, just like siblings. Then he turn around, with worries from his voice. My uncle left a message that his team will be here today right after our road check and my parents are here, they are staying with one of their friends to be in our event. They invited a few of their friends to RSVP because of the Kawasaki bikes. Is is true that there’ll be other Japan brand of cars that’ll be sold during the event, one of my parent’s friends is asking. I checked my phone, and yes there is. There’s been another change from the details, we need to adjust the informations that’ll be send over to the clients, “We’ll help” Tan and Hong said. We left a note for Kenjie, and Taira placed it on his bedside table, will all the receipts that includes that animated posted done by Tan and Hong. Taira said, he responded while he’s eyes closed when he talked to him but he immediately asked him to get out of his room because he’s still sleepy. As we went out, we saw Max, his wife and their friends standing outside the garage. His wife want’s to be with us for the road check. Max allowed her and everyone seems present today. On the road, Taira ask Tan about the thing with Japanese and BMW. “We honestly don’t know if there was ever a rift between the two but competition will always be there, and that’s all that we know” Tan said. We are on our way to Ororon Line – Route 232. There’ll be 6 riders and I’ll be on a Kawasaki ZX 4R same as Taira, Hong will be on Ninja ZX-14R same with Tan and the others are on Ninja e1, ZX 6R and 1100SX. Max wife decided to sit this in, she just really want to be there with us and to have a view. Taira and I were placed on the last since those upfront are experienced racers for bikes. We took off, one at a time and as we throttle our way, while we gas up the engine, I enjoyed the wind that blew across me, and as I look forward, I kept the distance the same as we started. There were seconds that I need to slow down just to stay in place. Tan told us, that once we see the end, as I count nearing the end of the road, it’s time for the fast break, to slide stop, and drop the bar for a full stop. Tan and Hong, made another short round the area, with a fast break stop that circle drifts their bikes to a full stop. Hitaro said, it really best to do another round to lower their speed a bit for a full stop. After the road check, we placed the bikes in the container that Tan and Hitaro rented for this practice. Tan’s uncle was there at the end of the road to greet us, he invited us for lunch. Hitaro can’t join us for the lunch and he allowed us to go. He sat beside the driver of the container and Max wife suggested to join him. Hitaro wants her to enjoy the trip but he agreed that it is better for her to rest a bit since she just arrived in Japan.
The time that we spent in Tan’s uncle house was delightful, he prepared lots of dishes for us to enjoy and we were even given some dishes, sushi and sashimi to take home. Their thermal bags can really let the cold stay long that usual. Hong asked about the headset I wore during the road check I told him it was given to me by Max’s wife, she was guiding me all way till the end. We became close especially when she left, there were a few email exchanges and updates. Unlike her who’s has extensive experienced in motorbike, as for me I only learned it for a few years and it’s the first time to do that road check. Hong decided that Tan and him should teach me more about racing a ninja bike. I smiled at that thought, “in between your practice for the race” he said. He saw her beside Tan’s uncle at the end the end of the road, she was with Hitaro and him and they saw that she had a headset and was talking to someone. I showed him, that we only used my mobile phone to speak to each other and I placed it on the pocket inside my suit. Taira was speaking to Kenji when he said, that while they were talking a package just arrived for me from Manila, and it’s from Kai Sanchez. Oh, my cousin told him where I am. I nod at Taira and said, yes I know him. When he put the phone down, he ask who it was. I know how Taira is, he’s like a younger brother to me now and he’ll see to it to ask it from me each hour that he remembers and everyone was waiting for my answer. So, there I told them, that he’s one of ex-boyfriend from Manila. Taira also mentioned, that in a few days 2 of his late grandfather Harley Davidson will arrived, Hitaro called him too that there’s a possibility that those 2 bikes will be on dock by tomorrow morning, because it was shipped from China. I see, he’s relatives are from Beijing. All those years I was wondering where he kept those bikes when he got married, his wife didn’t really approve of those when it was the only things that was left by his late grandparents. His car was with my cousin, all these years to safe keep. I know they’ve been keeping tags on each other when it comes to the changes and repairs if needed for the car. He told me that my cousin bought it from him, but I guess it wasn’t true. They looked surprised when I told them who Kai was. Taira asked while on the road how we broke up. If it was during the previous years, I won’t be able to answer his questions with a smile, at least now, I am ok being asked about him. So I told them our story and this is the only year that he suddenly reach out to me. They all agreed that he’s troubled and needed someone who knows him, to speak to. Taira ask if he’s the one that I was busy replying to for the past few days. I laughed at him, he is really observant. Yeah, it was him. I said. I ask him, why? “There was something different when you type in your words and how you stay serious, your facial expression didn’t show any happiness at all” he said. Oh, It was unexpected and I just don’t have an idea how to react, also I think I am still cold towards him. I’ve been detach for years and it’s not easy to suddenly be close to someone whom I felt betrayed. At least we are friends from the start and he was honest with his situation which was also the reason why the relationship didn’t last.
12th March 2001
The weather was really nice during our road check and I never expect that I’ll enjoy the ride. I am still not comfortable tho, there’s still this worry inside of me because I am used to cars but it is the engine where you can feel the speed the most. There’s a part of me that wants to learn more about it.
The night sky was more gloomy this time, there’s not much stars at all, back in Manila they say, in times like this, when the sky seems alone it might rain soon. Those were the things that I talked about with our household when I was left alone at home and during those idle months. I’m starting to miss her, but she always see to it to send me messages everyday to let me know that she’s ok and doing just fine on her own. She’s been with me for years, since I was in college, and never planned to be married. It is not easy to find someone who is trustworthy like her.
There’s a scheduled interview for Obaasama today, we need to wait for it to be through before we can decide of the layout for the cars in the venue. In a few hours a few more riders will arrive said from a reminder note left in the dining room, Tan, Hong and Max left because they need to re-stock their fridge. Taira was sitting in the living room, finalizing the set of invitations for Japan. This is a bigger event than last year, but we were able to be more on cue on changes and other situations that might arise. I asked Taira what time they left, “around 5:00 am and my uncle followed them, he said he need some things and they need to check the dock too.” We heard the doorbell around 6:30 am and we saw a group of Chinese from the mini screen, we went out and welcome them. They hand over a paper with their names with the club seal, but there’s another seal that was placed at the top left corner of the paper. I spoke aloud in my pajamas,”I know this seal. I need to check my phone for the name of the club, please make yourself comfortable” I slept late last night, I was reading a book shared to me by Hong about bikes. Behind them was a container with their bikes and cars, it was two. When Kenji walked in, he was busy with his McLaren, he guided them through their allotted parking space. Then I found the note, they are the ones that we’ve been waiting for. They’ll be staying at the back part of the garage, where there are 3 rooms. This villa has 5 doors with a 6th at the back, where in you need to pass through the garage. The interiors are traditional with the tatami mats, delicate Soji screens and warm wooden beams. The intersection across the area is the garden behind with a cherry blossom tree and stones as walk way. I never expected, there’s so many things to remember in acceptance riders, I went back to my door, to get those acceptance documents that is required by our club to be submitted today. Obaasama’s people come by to pick them up but I always fax it to her office directly first. The digital agreement is with Taira, and went I went to them to their door, they were all done with it. So I handed them the hard copy and one actually asked Taira, if he can double check if it’s the same. We showed him the digital document, the he smiled. We understand how he feels. Another asked me about the racer from last year, and he said that he’ll be coming next week for the event. But he’s here now. is really more knowledgeable about this things and he even recognize the seal immediately. I found the lantern for them a specifically crafted for each team of riders. We let them settle because they waited for their vehicles at the dock, the’ve been in Hokkaido for 5 days already. I brought them some snacks that Tan, prepared earlier before he left. Maybe that’s why I miss my house help, I’m thinking maybe I should asked her to be here so we can have someone to be there for us. I should tell Obaasama. I know my house in the Philippines will be empty but what to do, there’s no one I can trust more than her. Obaasama replied and said that I need to my house help and see if she agrees. Some of us do our laundry at night, a few at dawn and there’s no one who does their laundry during the day. For the time being, we kept ourselves busy in preparation for the practice with Hitaro after lunch, it was pushed back because of the interview, and a good thing to give us more time to wait for other deliveries and guest. Also, a number of emails we recently received and need to respond to immediately, especially those with photos, referrals and our regular guests. I never really thought it’ll be this big, it was truly unexpected but what to do, it’s about the Kawasaki bikes. The names that will join the event with their cars are Lexus, Nissan, Acura, Toyota and of course Mitsuoka Orochi. They sent the final list of vehicles to be placed in the venue this morning, in the list the security will start to guard the venue after the interview because part of it is the delivery of vehicles, that’s why Kenji took off after an hour. He was schedule to be of assistance to Obaasama. The club doesn’t want me and Tan to be seen in cameras for the mean time, they never fully explained the reason behind it, but we followed their instructions because of other important tasks that we need to do. It’s almost 7:00 am when Tan, Hong and Max with his wife returned. Taira and I help Tan and Hong organized the kitchen, while both of them prepare our lunch. We always do it in advance ready to be re-heated later, for it not to be a hassle since we have our morning routines with our vehicles. Taira was reading the email and a reporter sent a number of questions for the racers to answer but as instructed by Obaasama, we better not reply today because all questions needs to be revisited by our attorneys. This event is very important and we aren’t supposed to be careless with our actions. As we were done with the kitchen, we started identifying the guest through their identification cards. We need to match and make sure that all their informations are in one file, it took us about an hour to finish till the time that we need to send it over to our administrator for safe keeping. When I remember the box that Kai sent over, it’s full of stuff from the Philippines, lots of dried mangoes, a few of summer clothes and a lot of coffee beans. It was so kind of him to send these, I sent him an email with the photograph of the box and the things inside it. Taira was even captured in camera when he asked for 1 pack of dried mangoes. He said it was too sweet but he kept snacking it because the texture is similar to gummy bears. He smiled at the camera when I ask for a clearer photograph of him with it, I even joke that he can be a model for Cebu’s dried mangoes.
I need to search for an old ledger that Obaasama ask of me, I went straight to the storage room located at the corner of the garden where a couple of large stones was placed. The key was in one of the drawers of my dressers where she left it. She said that there’s a mark that says, accounting files from 1970 – 1977. It was something new that she tasked me to do, Taira was with me in case there’s a need for heavy lifting. As he thought, there is a box on top of it which has the name of my late grandmother. We placed a small stool near the shelves, and pull out the one on top of it, he placed it on the empty table next to it. Then he carried the box with the accounting documents on the table. The folder needs to have the dates from 1975-1977. The files was neatly organized, alphabetized so it was not difficult to find the right one. When returned the first box where it was originally placed and carried the box that we need back to the house. Tan and Hong saw us, and they noticed that it’s in Japanese, the three of them can speak, read and write Nihonggo. I took out the file, because all I can read are numbers, when I opened it. Tan sat beside me and help me through the file, it’s a documentation of all the expenses and returns from those years and there’s this one investor who is the same as the one who joined this event. We found the letter that Obaasama was looking for, she’s out at the moment and it’s been a while since the last time that they had a transaction with them. It has an agreement, and it does states that they will join all events every 10 years, from 1970. We look at each other other, I know from their faces that they were counting. It is the 10 year this year. I immediately scanned the documents, and sent it over to her, Tan even ask me to include another page, when it saw it. It’s about the proceedings and revenue for the past years that they joined. She was very happy that it only took us a few minutes to find it. We asked if it’s better to scanned all the documents for her to have a file on hand. In case that there’ll be other requests for papers that she’ll be needing. A few moments ago, Hitaro came and ask if we saw any documents because Obaasama need it for her meeting afterwards, it was an urgent and unscheduled video meeting with a very important person. But then he left and said to wait for her call instead, the practice was only with the new set of riders that came in and we all need to stay to find the documents. Luckily we did. While we wait for other instructions from her, Hong decided to help me understand more the engine of a bike. He shared to me his book with blueprints of a ninja bike race ready that he used before. Tan said that he’s a good teacher and guide for such, Taira sat beside us to look at the notes too. There were some highlights on the clutch lever, shift lever and for the throttle. It also showed the standard from first, neutral till the last gear. Then he told me about the rear break and front break pedal, which are located from opposite directions. He said it’s really different when you feel engine while on a bike, I nod my head will full understanding. I never told them tho about the shadow that follows me around while on the fastest gear, it showed during the road check and it was in front of me, till it shifted to my sides where there a space between me and Taira. There were so many things to know, and feel on the road while on a bike. The turns are really the tricky part for me, because of the fear that I might fall down on the road unlike when I am in a car, I can easily gauge my safety as well the vehicle’s but it’s how I felt the wind while speeding that lingers inside of me for days. The yearning to feel it once more that can be engulfing because of the calmness from the breeze that passes by and how much I sense the fragrance of the trees, flowers and plants. I think I really like to try it again. I didn’t noticed that they were all staring at me, ‘what were you thinking?” Taira ask. It’s the first time that you did a road check with a bike right? He followed through. “Yes, it’s just I like how the wind feels during the ride.” I said. And I think I’m crushing on Hong, my silent thought.
14th May 2001
For the longest time I remember, there was no one who really caught my attention for years. It is not that he’s completely different amongst them, but there’s something about him that I just can’t seem to ignore. His patience and honesty are the same with them, he’s also someone that you can trust in everything about the club. The same with others there’s nothing about me to hide from him too. His smile is different tho that made me look at him twice just to appreciate that look from his face.
We started to organize the boxes, just the boxes based on the dates. It is not a carbonized copies, it’s the original ones, as well as the accounting books was brought in for safe keeping and review for the upcoming audit. It’ll be 2 months after the event. As we finish the task, so it’ll be easier to find them, we also place tags on the shelf with the dates and years. There is no need to scanned the document since it was done way back when a scanner became available in Japan. All soft copies are well kept by Obaasama and it’s just the way how the club is, till now. The storage actually looks like a small library with memories from the past. It’s even categorized for some boxes that has name of countries on it. Obaasama told us, whatever we can do for the moment, she’ll check once she gets the time to do so. If there’s any other changes on arrangements, we’ll adjust. As simple as that. She also planned to place an auction for the vintage clothes that was given years back, it’s was from 1970 to present, they decided with out acknowledgement to put the new clothes on display at the event. Since we are helping the brand to market their products. To auction the clothes is not prohibited based on the agreement and the confirmation that Obaasama did, to ensure that there’ll be no miscommunication from both parties. It will also help our fund to support our vehicles needs, certificates and licenses aside from the tax that was paid partially in advance. Another investor will come in, they said the company bought a land for a hotel in Tokyo. I knew about those agreements back in the days, the reason why we get a discount when we need a venue for a stand up dinner or lunch meeting with clients, customers and racers. It took us less than 3 hours to re-organize the storage. Once were done, we went back to rest for a while, because we have a short meeting with Hitaro about the practice race that was delayed, it is their way of testing the engines of each cars that will be placed in the car show as well as the safety of the drivers and riders. But the riders went out for a road practice early morning, around 6:00 am. I received a text from Tan, not to prepare anything for lunch because they’ll be bringing some food because of the Kawasaki bikes that will be auction soon. Kenji, Max and his wife are with them while Taira and I need to stay behind for the other administrative tasks especially the email responses for the guests, but we asked permission to do a road practice later in the afternoon on the nearest race track and we were waiting for the reservation confirmation. And just when we were about to talk about the reason why a friend of mine suddenly sent over a few Cebu delicacies, we heard the sound of bike engines nearby. We were seated on a bench in the garage to relax a bit, the space has a good air circulation and the breeze is has a calming effect on us. When we heard them nearing the gate, we opened it for them, and as they enter they have plastic bags with them, it’s our lunch. Behind them is the Hitaro in a car with Kenji. We helped them prepare our meals in the dinning room, the other Chinese was really helpful. The technicians the other racers. They have a few Chinese dishes like, sweet and sour pork, egg fried rice, and spring rolls.
The morning went by after our practice race, there were only a few of us car racers, when compared to the number of bike racers. They are all complete to-count, and they’ve all been very aggressive when it comes to their daily routine, regular engine check, their throttle, the tires. Everything you can think of just like how we were last year and Tan was completely hands-on when it comes to the team. During dinner last night, they’ve been talking about the time when all of them met in a bike show in Tokyo. At the beginning they said, the reason why they stayed together is because all of them are Asians, there were a number of foreigners and they just decided that they should. From then on, they communicated regularly and from time to time they meet or be invited to the same race that made them grew closer to each other as brothers. There was even a road show in Tokyo, a couple of years back where in they were all there, a few of them was in New York recently. As we sat in the dining room, I can all see their smiles of excitement about the race. Tan, even sat beside me, it seems he knows that the conversation will last for hours. During those hours, I learned that Hong was in Singapore when I was there too, the same race event where I saw him in his gear. They talked about how quiet he was for those few hours while the car race was on going and how intense he was while he stood by the sidelines watching the cars pass him by. They even brought in a few sake, that he kept warm and a few bowls of fruits. It past 9:00 PM when the finish two small bottles of sake and I decided to go to bed, leaving them all laughing at each other. As I sat on my bed, I had to pick up my journal and pen.
16th May 2001
It’s the same feeling I felt, while behind the wheel of the Mustang GT, and as I shifted to 8th gear it felt that I was the only one on the track. The speed calms my breathing, till the sound of the engine became smooth. Something I never shared to anyone except with my late grand mother, who always understood what I try to convey. As I shifted down to slow to stop, I saw Hong from behind with his intense observation. Tan said, he’s been watching videos of my race in Manila even before we met and he never expected that we’ll meet this time of year as well as to know that I’m staying in the same country where he was born. When I step out of the car, Kenji helped me out to secure the car while Tan and Hong walks towards me. He also the shadow and he said he has his own, always when at the maximum speed. It was really unexpected to hear some things that my late grand mother used to say to me after a practice race.
Knowing that I met Hong once in Singapore that first after party that my late grand mother asked me to attend. The only non race event that I was in, the night when I was uneasy since I am not used to it. It was when they said it’ll be a full moon, but when I felt bored from the conversations and introductions. I found myself in the balcony, appreciating the night sky, like I was waiting for something or someone to be seen. Some people were laughing that it’ll be a full moon that night, because of the bright sky but when I look up, I saw a crescent moon. I suddenly remember the charm from the bracelet that she asked me to wear, it’s a crescent moon shape. Ever since that night, I kept that bracelet with me always.
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