I’ve never viewed a question as a command, well with a few exceptions as in the Navy when the Commanding Officer would ask me; “Senior Chief, that project will be done by Friday, won’t it? Or my wife asking me; “Paul, you will be back home by supper, won’t you? Well I guess questions for the most part can be commands.
Here in the Philippines I’ve been careful about asking questions, as I’ve found that a question asked may sometimes throw a wrench into the middle of the works.
Last week on Wednesday I took Mayang (Mrs. Thompson) into town to run a few errands and drop my car at the shop for general maintenance, as in an Oil Change, Cooling system flush, and Tune-up. As I pulled into the bay at the shop, Kuya Greg came over to the car to greet us along with our regular mechanic. The young man took the keys and popped the hood and started the car while I explained the work I needed to have done to it. The New Old Honda, fired right up but I noticed it was vibrating in an odd way, so I asked him to drop it in to gear and the engine shuttered and move backwards a half an inch.
Kuya Greg and I both signaled the mechanic to shut it off, and I looked towards Greg and said; “Looks like a broken engine mount!” Nodding heads and the mechanic was rapidly scratching his head, asked me how I knew that? I smiled and said; “This ain’t my first Rodeo.” The head scratching became more energetic. But we all agreed that, that indeed was the problem.
Kuya Greg wrote up the work invoice, and we were off to see Lolet the parts lady, to see if the mount was available. Oh come on, did you think I thought it was? I knew it had to be ordered from San Fernando Pampanga. My wife was talking to Lolet as and over the years they had become friends, So now comes the part about the “ASKING OF THE QUESTION”, Not thinking about the problem I would be causing, I foolishly turned and asked Lolet; “What does the motor mount cost? I then went back outside and left Mayang to get the answer for me. Oh by all that’s holy, when in my life will I stop rushing head long into situations, and just stop one time to figure out the ramifications, before I do these things!
Once in awhile I remember where I am and also remember how things can quickly go awry. I quickly go back in and found just what I thought was going to happen, had happened. Mayang and Lolet were discussing how they would talk or text that after noon and get me the price of the Engine mount. No the engine mount would not be ordered until foolish Paul had the price and approved the purchase of said item.
I quickly intervened and to not undermine either of the ladies added the caveat to Lolet; “”Lolet no matter what the cost is, order it anyway, as the car really needs it to run.” Or the part would have one more day on the shelf waiting for my price approval. That made sense to both the ladies, and reminded me once more, to be very careful when I ask any question.
The following day the phone rang, and I’m informed that the other two engine mounts are very much worn also, and should be replaced with the broken one. Now for 16 years Kuya Greg and the guys have been servicing my cars. Not once have they ever steered me wrong, so I told them to replace them all. By the way I still haven’t received the price quote for the first one, so I was wise to order it anyway. The car will remain in their able care for the next couple of days, but I had no plans to go anywhere so that’s fine with me.
While writing this I got to wondering what a 1996 Honda Civic was worth (VTI engine w/Auto/Trans) and of course great air. And to my surprise listed in sulit ph.com they had over a hundred listed 90% with manual Trans for between 194,000 to 300,000 pesos. Which means my New Old Honda is so valuable I can’t afford to not fix it. Plus the fact that Mayang likes the car so much she doesn’t want to sell it. Last year I had a dream about a new car, but alas it is nothing but a dream.
I just called the shop at 12:30 Friday, and yes my car is done, but it’s not ready for pick-up today. It seems that Lolet is not working today and since she’s the parts lady, she’s the only one who can figure the bill. So I asked to speak to the big boss, who came on the line and parroted the same line to me. So I asked if he had a date tonight and needed to borrow a car. Then I proposed another question, similar to the one that started this sorry; “Sir, if Lolet is not there, why in heavens name did you bother to open today? If a customer came in today to buy a tire, they couldn’t pay until Saturday? What would happen to your business, if God forbid, Lolet never came back?
But it was explained that because my parts came from out-of-town, only Lolet knew the price. I’ll assumed the manager had no idea where or how parts got to his shop, until I realized that he was the boss’s son. I had that Edison moment, when the light bulb went off, and I remembered talking to him in the past. “Okay fine, I’ll see you guys early Saturday morning!” I said and hung up. Mayang asked me about the car, and I just smiled and said; “Honey-Ko, it’s not ready yet!” Why you might ask did I let it slide? Because I had no plan to go anywhere that Friday and Saturday was good enough for me, so why get upset and cause a ruckus? Besides I knew I wouldn’t win.
Saturday morning in the AM, I rode a Brown Jeepney to town, walked across the market and had a Big Breakfast at MacDo’s, then I went out the back door and over to the Victory Liner Station, where I caught a Blue Jeepney to Garbes Dion’s Good-Year repair shop, I had a cup of instant coffee in the back with Kuya Greg and the boys while Lolet worked up my bill. Greg looked at me and tried to apologize, but I held up my hand, and started laughing, at that time Greg and the boys joined in. They had been dealing with the boss’s son, far more than me, and I could feel their pain. Greg told the guys in Tagalog that he had never seen me lose my temper, and that they should run if I ever do.
I got the New Old Honda back, now it’s running like a Swiss watch again, or maybe like a Seiko watch I should have said, The sun is shining, I’m in a great mood, and the world is still spinning on its axis at just over 1000 miles per hour at the Equator. I’ll go up the mountain at a lot less speed than that; I’ll park the car in my carport, call a buddy and have a few beers this afternoon. It truly is more fun, in the Philippines. It’s our job to keep it that way!
Hey Paul..How’s things?? My sister-in-law in the Philippines has a boyfriend who is a good Mechanic but he used to walk or get the Jeep-ney to work carrying his tools every where..I thought if I get him a used motor-cycle for work he could be my Mechanic one day..I know he can keep the motor-cycle in good shape and also find me a Multi-cab in good condition when we go over there…I will buy him a Compression Tester to make sure we get a good engine…Great Page…
Hi Bobby;
Surprisingly most mechanics don’t drive as they can’t afford to. But repair things they can and do, very well. A compression tester is much better than holding your hand over a spark plug hole; let’s see if they use it. I’ve found that the cost of keeping a car in good running condition if far cheaper than buying a new one. Some day when you have the time look over his tool kit, and you’ll be shocked at the little amount of tools he owns and the shape they are in.
Wow, $4850.00-$7500.00 for a 96 Honda? I didn’t realize cars cost that much there.
Rick;
They don’t cost that much, it’s just what the Filipino thinks they are worth, if you make a fair offer you can usually buy it for a lot less, or two years later you’ll run into the guy with the same car still asking the outrageous price for it. But do remember that do to living on islands most cars here have very low mileage on the odometer, my New Old Honda is a 1996 and still has less than 70,000 true miles on it. If I ever sell it I’d ask $ 1,5000.00 and be happy with that.
I’d love to bring my Z28 Camaro if I move there but have heard that’s quite expensive to do.
Rick, There is also an age restriction on how old the car is. If I remember correctly, You are not allowed to bring in a vehicle Into the Philippines if it is over 5 years old. Someone correct me if i got it wrong!
Shipmate;
I’ve never heard of that rule, is it a new one?
The year rule is four years, as I have recently checked. On top of that, there is HUGE taxes on importing what is considered a luxury vehicle.(Anything over 200cc’s) That tax is 100%, then add on another import taxes, yada, yada, yada. In the end, unless it is something that is less than four years old and you ABSOLUTELY LOVE the vehicle… sell it and buy here. I personally plan on buying something about ten years old… maybe older if I can find one in good shape.
Scott;
Noe you have a good plan, it’s not worth the hassel or the money to ship it in.
Rick;
You can ship it here, but the problem is the customs duty you will have to pay. If the engine is a v-8 it will cost a fortune to bring it in. Best to sell it, and search the Islands for a project car that you can rebuild, since it’s here and the taxes and duty have been paid the sting won’t be that bad. Here in my area due to the old Air Force and Navy Bases, all the American Iron pre 1990’s that the service people had to abandon after the Pinatubo evacuation there are still plenty here. Last week I saw a 1964 Thunderbird Convertible really cherry condition, and my buddy has a 1957 Chevy BelAir with a V-8 that he will rebuild when he retires in a year or two. I’ve never heard of an age restriction on a personal car being shipped in, but there is a definite cost restriction but to the taxes and fees.
Thanks Paul. I just finished rebuilding this one from the frame up. I can always start on another one though. Nice to hear there are some available there.
Rick;
Go on line and check out some of the car clubs here, the Pinoy has gasoline fever as we do also. There are some sweet rides hidden around the Islands.
OK Paul and Rick, I would not find the original link that I saw the restrictions on, however here is a link that gives Philippine customs regulations and restrictions and it is pretty Thorough and detailed.
Joe;
I think the five year rule applies to the wholesalers who bring in used cars to auction, not for the person bring one car for their own use. In 1994 I was going to ship a 1982 American CJ7 Jeep, until they told me what the duty on it would be, I could have bought a new one here for that much money. But someone will chime in and give us the answer..
Joe;
I read the link and 5 years old is what it said, they must be recent rules, it differed a few years ago.
Paul, aren’t service members exempt from customs duty? My younger brother who was then in the Marines brought in a ’67 Mustang when he was stationed in Subic in the 70s. As far as I know, he got it shipped there like household. The Mustang was a V8 mint condition, and PInoys outside the base wanted to buy it.
John;
They were duty free, unless the car was sold to a local, then the duty had to be paid. I know of 3 or 4 Mustangs from the 60’s that are still scooting’ around town plus Rrans-Am’s and Cameos. A few big block Fords and one 1978 Lincoln Mark IV, but the all time best is a 1939 Cadillac fully restored, I stop to look at it every time I see it.
LOL, a 1939 Caddy fully restored? That’s a sight to behold in Olongapo! How about a 49 Mercury lowered to the ground with rear skirt and spotlights on either side of the windshield, seen one? That was my first car in America.
http://www.angelfire.com/on4/zambalesforum/JRreminiscences.htm
Ha Ha John
I had a 50 Merc. Convertible all leaded seams and painted dull black prime. My friend borrowed it to take his girl to the drive in and ran the battery dead, so he went outside and stole a new one, and hooked a 12 volt up to my 6 volt system and burned out the secondary wiring harness. And no I’ve not seen one here…YET! (Neat Picture of the 49)
I have always wanted a pre-1940’s four door. I dont’ know if they exist in the PI, but if I do find one… my wife might find me buying it. 🙂
They are here, but hard to find, as I said above contact the Car Clubs here online, and they can help you.
I Have had similar experiences In nearly every business I have dealt with Here in Ozamis. I try to remain mute but lack the ability so I manage to prolong my own wait most of the time. Still I cant get angry with them since it is always something I ask about that send them running here and there to get answers. I just can’t seem to get the hang of being silent In a store ore service shop.
Joe;
I’m pushing 20 years here and still keep doing it to myself; you would think that with that much time I’d have learned my lesson. But I do it a lot less now, and catch my error quick enough to stop the upcoming problem.
I have to bit my toungue and go for a walk at the check out in the supermarket or the mall. Have to leave the paying to the dear mahal.
John;
And that also is a great idea, it is better to sneak out and have a beer than to get caught up in that high finance stuff.
I going back to your plan.
Paul, you dropped off the Honda at Kuya Greg’s for general maintenance to begin with but got sidetracked by the engine mount problem. You didn’t mention if the maintenance got done while the Honda sat in the garage waiting for the engine mounts to arrive from San Fernando.
Interesting to know that plenty of those pre-1990 cars abandoned by service personnel due to the Pinatubo eruption are still around. Funny how I have this attachment and fascination for the Subic – Olongapo area since childhood even though I never lived there nor have I served in the U.S. Navy. The only significance being that it is a town I must pass through on my way to and from my hometown in Zambales. I think that although a lot of things have come and gone in the Subic-Olongapo area since the bases pullout, the legacy of the bases is still being felt today. If you live there full time, you probably will hardly notice it. But for occasional visitors like myself, the American imprint on the town is still pretty strong. With tricked out cars driving around, Amerasians walking around, and honky tonk bars lining the highway, it has, to me, a feel of a small town USA.
John;
The finished up everything I wanted and the 3 motor mounts that were my bonus to keep the New Old Honda maintained.
It used to feel pretty americanized but now with the influx of Europeans and Australians the face of the city has changed and adapted itself to accommodate everyone. The Barrio is where you see the clubs and bars along the road, they are owned by conglomerates from over the pond and down under. There are very few American owned and they are the tiny shabby ones off on the side roads. All the bars are regulated now, those heady Wild, Wild West days are long gone. The resorts now cater to a family friendly type of clientele
But you never answered your own question. How much does a motor mount cost?
David;
P 1,800 each (3 required)
Change oil/filter
Change coolant
Tune-up
Clean fuel Injector
Total parts and labor P10,965 or US $269.56
Not bad compared to other places I’ve been
Paul,
Not a bad price considering all the labor required. Thats one big advantage there. Cheap labor costs, which can really be astronomical in the US. Anne want to get a new Honda CRV when i get there. They are nice little SUV’s. My father has one. I usually drive it when i visit in Ohio. She will be able to ride in it when she visits Ohio to see if she likes it, pending her Visa approval. Take care.
Paul,
Great article! I would have made the same mistake. How much? Not knowing it would hold up the repairs for a day for them to find out. I’m used to walking into a shop, they say this/that is broken, and the estimate is $X.
It’s going to take some getting used to. I hope I can change my temperament. I spent too much time in a volatile environment, where it is either a lull, or blown-out frenzy. I’m usually pretty calm… except when I drive around idiots here in the U.S.
Funny thing is… I drove in the PI, and loved it. I can apparently adapt to driving against all reason while honking my horn! LOL
Thanks for sharing. Oh… one question, any advice on how to avoid buying a car/van that has been flooded before? Any sure signs of this on a vehicle?
Scott;
The sad part is I should know better then to ask, but I still do it once and awhile. After Manila floods (weekly during the rainy season), about a month later the cars appear around here for sale, I bring a trusted mechanic with me when I look at cars. He’ll know. But it is something people should beware of.
I’m with you, I learned the no rules driving during my 10 years in Puerto Rico, and like you I love it. And a ticket is around 500-1000 pesos not to bad at all, if you ever get one that is.
Remember that n o-rules driving means that your driving needs your full attention. No cell phone or other distractions when in any traffic at all. A three hour drive between Subic and Manila used to completely exhaust me when I lived there in 1972. It’s probably worse now.
Larry;
I remember those trips to Mega Manila back in the 70’s when a 4 lane highway became an 8 lane highway because no one would stay in their lane. But for the last few years with the new toll road starting at Subic Freeport and ending as you enter Manila can be done in 1 and ½ hours to two, but once you have to enter Manila it’s the same as back then, another 3 to 4 hours to the airport.
As for cell phones mine stays in one spot in the house and never moves. I check it every few hours for miss calls or a new text. It never is near me during nap time. My friends know to call my wife’s phone if they really need to talk to me.
I rebel against electronic leashes. Just before I retired in Puerto Rico the Command Master Chief issued all Senior people a pager. I wore it on my uniform only. Two weeks it never went off until I was at Happy Hour at the Chief’s Club and it started buzzing. I removed it and dropped it into the pitcher of beer in front of me and 25 to 30 other Chief’s applauded me. They never replaced it!