Power Wheels Magazine A Notch Above
Now on its fifth year, the Philippine leg of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Drive or DGD 2025 was held on September 28, 2025 with more than 50 participants registering their cherished classic cars that are 40 years old or older. To raise global awareness for men’s health, classic car owners around the world are enjoined to register with the DGD, pledge a donation, don their finest attire like gentlemen (and ladies), and drive their cherished automobiles on the last Sunday of September every year.
The DGD 2025 “early birds” included five Beetles, a Celica, an MR2 and a box-type Lancer.
Old School Japanese calssic cars are joined by a 1951 GMC pickup truck, a 1954 Mitsubishi military jeep and two Minis.
Da Volkswagen volks came wid their vintage wagen.
DGD 2025 Philippines organizer Neal Medrano hands out the route map to participants, including a dapper-attired Orlando “Orly” Santiago.
Despite a forecast of rains, the DGD 2025 participants started arriving at an open parking area along Macapagal Avenue in Pasay City and by 8:30 AM, gathered enough classic cars to start the convoy. From Macapagal Avenue, the convoy turned right on Buendia Avenue and drove straight until they crossed into the Makati business district, where the avenue’s name changes into Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue. The convoy of classic cars caused quite a stir as it passed through the streets of posh Legaspi Village before exiting into Ayala Avenue.
Marc Martinez drove his 1976 Mercedes Benz W123 extended wheelbase limousine out of the open parking area…
… to join the convoy lined up on Macapagal Avenue led by DGD 2025 organizer Neal Medrano in his 1988 Toyota MR2 AW11.
Waiting in the convoy was retired pilot Captain Miguel Gomez in his 30th Anniversary 1989 Mini, that was parked in front of the Mini Cooper S of Darwin Angeles…
… who was wearing a vintage police colonel’s uniform and was busy “arresting” another Mini owner, who was imitating a “ghost flood project” contractor. All in good fun!
Orly Santiago’s 1967 VW Beetle stopped traffic with its “rat rod” look.
From Pasay City Thru Makati into the Ayala Malls Circuit
From Ayala Avenue, the convoy drove straight down South Avenue until it reached Ayala Malls Circuit, the former Santa Ana Hippodrome that has been developed into a mall, commercial center, and residential/condominium complex. DGD 2025 Philippine organizer Neal Medrano has arranged for the use of the entire covered parking area of the Circuit for the participants. Once their cherished classics are securely parked, the participants went into the mall, posed for a souvenir photo and then went into the B Billiard Hall & Bar.
Illac Diaz and his wife, Ami Valdemoro Diaz, enjoyed the Sunday morning drive in their 1960 VW Beetle convertible.
Rodger Yu’s 1928 Ford Model A joined regular Sunday traffic after the intersection of Buendia and Taft Avenues, followed by Oliver Herrera’s 1954 Mitsubishi military Jeep, Alfred Perez’s 1951 GMC pickup truck, and Reph Bangsil’s 1969 Ford Mustang Coupe.
Nope, it’s not a remake of the iconic 1960’s movie “The Italian Job”. It’s just DGD 2025 cruising along Buendia Avenue.
Rodger Yu’s 1958 Ford Fairlane glides by the Finman Centre along Tordesillas Street in Legaspi Village, Makati.
Pedestrians walking around Legaspi Village were amazed with the sight of vintage cars parading through the streets.
Dave Galvez enjoyed getting stuck in vintage car traffic with his 1978 VW Kurierwagen (a.k.a. The Thing).
After the customary welcome speeches by Neal and B Billiard Hall & Bar proprietor Jimmy Barinaga, Neal called upon Atty. Robby Consunji, a trustee of the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP), who also heads the Philippine arm of the vintage car committee of the Federation Internationale d’ Automobile (FIA). Atty. Consuji spoke about the upcoming April 2026 deadline of a provision of the 3-year-old Vintage Car Law, where owners of vintage vehicles 40 years or older with missing or lost registration documents can legally process and update the registration.
After driving straight through South Avenue, the DGD 2025 convoy crosses into the Ayala Malls Circuit complex.
The classic cars lined up to get into the covered parking area of The Circuit.
This 1977 Toyota Corolla SR perfectly represented the old school vibe with its stock body, lowered stance and 13-inch Enkei Apache wheels shod in low profile tires.
Old School guru Manny Martinez and his pristine 1987 Mitsubishi Lancer GT has been attending the Philippine DGD since the first drive in 2021.
Convertible VWs were grouped together for this DGD 2025 souvenir photo…
… and of course, we have to have a group photo of those mighty Minis, too.
Refreshing Camaraderie After the Political Storm
Neal also called on several DGD 2025 participants to speak about their experience as AAP members. Jess Nuñez spoke about how AAP carefully transported his cherished 1972 Datsun 240Z while Reph Bangsil explained how important AAP membership is, especially for car lovers who own old cars. Reph also stated that he can drive in different countries because of the International Driving Permit (IDP) that he got from AAP and how he can actively compete in racing events since he possesses a Racing License courtesy of AAP. Neal highlighted the support of Landco Pacific Corporation and mentioned the invitation to visit their Casobe beachfront project in Calatagan, Batangas, extending privileges for the DGD 2025 participants to visit as a group with family and friends.
DGD 2025 Philippines organizer Neal Medrano welcomes the participants upon arrival at the B Billiard Hall & Bar.
B Billiard Hall & Bar proprietor Jimmy Barinaga appreciated his establishment having been chosen as the venue for the DGD 2025.
AAP trustee Atty. Robby Consunji spoke about the impending missed opportunities if the IRR of the Vintage Car Law is left unattended by the concerned government agency.
After the speeches, the participants ordered filling lunch from the B Billiard Hall & Bar menu while some played a game or two on the pristine billiard tables. And before leaving, everyone truly appreciated the treats and free battery check-up courtesy of Motolite Philippines. The camaraderie among the classic car owners was a breath of fresh air after several frustrating weeks of foul stink brought about by graft & corruption in government, ghost flood control projects and billions of pesos pocketed by contractors, DPWH district engineers, congressmen, senators, and unnamed higher government officials.
Illac and Ami Diaz in their dapper native attire and their cool two-tone 1960 VW Beetle convertible.
Entrepreneur, model & motoring personality Reph Bangsil and his lady might have forgotten about the “dress dapper” part but they didn’t forget that DGD 2025 is all about classic cars like his 1969 Mustang Coupe.
Kindred spirits: B Billiard Hall & Bar big boss Jimmy Barinaga, the author (Lester Dizon) and 2NER’s Andy Rodriguez were avid motorcyclists. And they still are.
The DGD 2025 participants posed with their Motolite loot bags in front of the B Billiard Hall & Bar, covering the 1928 Ford Model A behind them.
DGD 2025 was supported by Automobile Association of the Philippines, B Billiard Hall & Bar, Motolite batteries, Landco Pacific Corporation – Casobe / Nautilus, and Ayala Malls (Circuit). Founded in 2021, DGD raises awareness and funds that are invested for research and programs for prostate cancer and men’s mental health. To date, more than 6,000 drivers have participated in nearly 200 drives in over 60 countries around the world to raise funds for DGD’s charity partner, Movember.
Awesome story to tell
Thank you sir.