[RE-POST] Just Drive: My Version of 'Gran Turismo'

If you are living in the Asian tropics, then you must have felt by now that it is almost SUMMER!  As I was thinking about putting the word 'SUMMER' in this post, my mind was effortlessly retrieving a memory of Olaf's In Summer from the movie, Frozen.  

If you have not been going out for a drive along the country side, this is a better time to plan a bit and drive!  

I posted this article in my old blog back in 2012, and now I'm posting it again with some updates. I wrote this during the time when I could not rationalize how I was able to enjoy (not endure) a 12-hour drive to amazing Pagudpud in the northern tip of the Philippines.  I just love to drive!  I still do, always will.

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[RE-POST] Just Drive:  My Version of 'Gran Turismo'

From my old blog

June 14, 2012

Warning:  Driving, speeding, and motor racing are potentially hazardous activities.  Those who wish to engage in these activities must observe safety measures at all times.  This post does not intend to glamorize over/speeding.  This has been posted as an attempt to describe my thoughts about driving and speeding.

“How fast can you drive, Ann?” 

If only cars could talk, my car would be asking me this question. 

Please let me insert another disclaimer here:  driving fast and violating traffic rules are two different things.  =)

I drive to work 5 days a week via expressway, that one which does not have a speed limit (no speed limit yet back in summer of 2012).  I get my adrenaline fix almost every morning, just before I engage my mind with anything work-related.  Adrenaline is like a very potent drug, derived from this concoction:  fast car + fast lane + really good music (preferably rock or alternative) + fuel with nitro.  Give it over a 100 kph, and the adrenaline level is as good as ‘high’. 

Occasionally, I would drive a long course up north to Baguio City.  This year, I made it as far as Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte.  This is what we call - road trip!!!  The scenic drive to the country side and pristine coastline make up for a lovelier experience, double up the fun with the company of well-meaning friends. Long drive is therapeutic for me and for my favorite road trip buddies, as well.  We’ve been going on road trips at least once a year since 2006. I also received invitations to road trips in the South (Leyte and Davao); and in CA/NE in the US.

When there’s too much craving for adrenaline - this is when things are better taken care of inside a legitimate race circuit for a safer run - car or kart.  =)

SCTEX - Gateway to Central and Northern Luzon

Along the coast of West Philippine Sea, La Union.  

Bangui Wind Mills, Ilocos Norte:  With my car Sofie. 

View from the soft rolling hills of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.  

Patapat Viaduct, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.  This is a rewarding view for driving to the northernmost tip of Luzon from Manila.  

Marcos Highway, Baguio City, Province of Benguet, Northern Philippines.  

San Juanico Bridge, Province of Leyte.  The longest bridge in the country, connecting the provinces of Leyte and Samar.  I was on my way to Caluwayan Resort (kayak!!!) in Marabut, Samar from Tacloban City, Leyte.

Davao - Bukidnon Pan-Philippine Higway.  Next stop - Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos, Davao City.

 Tagaytay Highlands, Cavite.  Cool breeze, gentle slopes...perfect for a weekend getaway, just 1 to 2-hr drive from Manila.

Seemingly endless miles of desert, en route to Las Vegas, NE from San Diego, CA. 

Driving to the outskirts of the Metro on a typical week night.

Karting, when not running:  speed therapy after office hours.  :)