Sophia’s Last Dance

My Vespa PX 150 Millenium edition was named “Sophia” after the Italian icon Sophia Loren.  Her original paint is officially cherry red that was a few shades closer to maroon, my college alma matter’s color.    She came after my first scoot, “Indira” out of India.  There are a handful of Millenium Editions in country that was a cherished gift from my favorite Uncle out of Indonesia.  We started riding in 2002.  

Through the years, she was with me to work, weekend rides all over.  She was pretty, reliable and an apple of the eye on the road.   One time we went to Bicol, we clocked in 800 km without a hitch.

Life happened, Sophia aged.  Another scoot came “Cherie” my LX 150 that bore the brunt of my two-wheel transportation.   During the pandemic, she and the others were garage beauties.  They hardly got out and I still tried to maintain them as much as I could. 

It took years to get Sophia back in the game.  Issues with parts and diabolical and/or underqualified mechanics were the main challenges.

I signed up for the GYEON PH Vespa Days 2026 a while back.  This is my fourth go with Vespa Pilipinas events. Like the last trip in Mindoro, though I also did not finish this one but you will soon read why I still consider this as another riding adventure.

Headed out, donning my signature militaria themed riding look.  Took of at 4am from the meet up place in Mistubishi Valenzuela.  Most participants, did not bother to ride out in unison and just hit the road.  A group of Mindoro vespistis launched and invited me to tag along.  Unfortunately, Sophia was the grand lady and could not keep up the pace with the younger, more agile GTV’s, Sprints and Primaveras.  Barely out of Valenzuela, I was solo, again.

Sophia was in top shape, this was her first long ride in a long while.  On the road it was reminiscent of her youth with the vibrations and purr two stroke machine.   She was running even better than when we took Bicol more than 15 years past, I zoomed past the Shell gas station at the diversion exit where coincidentally, my LX Cherie busted her fan belt in the 2025 Tourism rally.  I think I should have took that route but missed out of Valenzuela.  Oh well, being still under the cover of darkness, I pushed on.  We were out of the city by dawn.

My Italian Babe was doing well for an older gal, cruising at 60 kph and pushing even more on straight aways.  She still had some spunk in her.

By 6 am I stopped for breakfast and drinks at Jollibee in Gapan.  Drank about a liter of fluids and topped up on my fuel.  In a hundred kilometers she consumed 3 liters, not bad.    After about 100 km, I was at McDonald’s in Villasis, Pangasinan.  I had a bio break and took in even more fluids.  By then the heat was sweltering.   

It was from Villasis en route to Kennon that was about 60 km away that trouble started.  Sophia began sputtering.  I knew it was not fuel because she would have at least a couple of liters in her belly.  After again missing the group jump off point for Kennon at another Shell station, I pushed on.  

At the foot of Kennon I stopped, consulted my mechanics and did some things with the fuse.   This is when I still chose to take her up.  About 15 km before Baguio in Station 6, she died.  Electricals were gone.  I still tried and after stopping at a roadside Igorot house, I had to quit at another house barely a hundred meters away.   

There was no shade, the heat was too much.  The Igorot tribesmen were very accommodating and helpful.  They tried to diagnose the problem, nothing was working.  Along with heat, was desperation creeping in.  Mobile signal was erratic being on the side of a mountain.  The Igorots even let me use their phones to call contacts, SMART signal was way stronger in Station 6.

It was my first time to interact act with these indigenous people of Benguet.  Most of theme were there to mine gold.  I was amazed at how accommodating they were to try and help me with my situation. 

I also wondered why they had lipstick on, only to find out that they were chewing tobacco with beetle nut, limestone and leaves.

As I tried to seek help, I set my cowls down on the road, helmet was down as well.  In old Vespa language, that meant a rider needed help.  All the others that passed did not seem to know that old “code”.   They must have been way much younger to know.

Help came, an old college friend rustled a van and brought me to John Hay.   After about 5 hours waiting in the sun and getting rained on in the late afternoon, the transportation finally came.

By the time I got to John Hay registration was long over.    I got to my assigned room and crashed. I woke up and tried to make it to the dinner at the Convention Area but it was all over.  Good thing that some food was left and it was really good.   I managed to check the classic Vespa displays and the new 180 cc model on display.

After dinner, I decided to take a stroll and have a couple of beers to adjust my attitude somewhere nearby.  Ended up in Nevada Square right outside the John Hay area.  After a few bottles, still feeling flustered with my ”misfortune”, I chatted up these guys wearing something like “2T Smoke Rider” on their shirts. 

Thinking they were PX Vespa riders that joined the event, I chatted them up and as it turns out, they were a local band of 2T “purist” rider cum mechanics that hung at that moto inspired bar called Moeging Bar.  They were known as 2T Baguio, and were truly classic two stroke meisters.

Led by Moeging Bar owner cum Master Chef Vonn Esquivel, these guys are the real deal with old school 2T knowledge, willing and able to lend a hand to riders in trouble up in Baguio. 

Over drinks, I told them what happened and they were generous with their expertise and even brought me back to the hotel to check on my Sophia.  They guys also told me how “nice” Igorots are, willing to help people in such situations.  I will never forget that.

As it turns out, the findings of the Igorot tribesmen and the 2T Baguio masters were correct.  A ground caused by a ground at the ignition coil.  The screw came off losing its thread due to the extreme vibration.  Sophia has not done this kind of tango for quite some time.  As a result, the fuse blew, the battery died because of a severed ground wire. 

My chief mechanic went up for repairs and rode her back to Manila for more diagnostics.  She is now running again.   

While waiting in distress at Station 6, I pondered.  I was thinking that Sophia being an “elderly” scoot should quit.  She had many dances.  This should be her last.   I myself will be quitting soon because of my age.  In the heat, getting wet with rain there was also sadness of these realizations going through my head.  I also though of Cherie, my 2013 LX 2v, one of the last of her kind that also has had her own “dances”.

The next morning, bushed and having no scoot, I missed breakfast and all the other scheduled PH Vespa Days events.  Boarded a bus back home and ride was smooth and comfortable. 

In between naps I was re-thinking my options about Sophia. She was on the road with my tech, running smoothly again as reported on the fly.  The classic scooter clocked 609 km for the MNL-Baguio-MNL legs, not bad for an old lady.  Not bad at all.

As I rode back recalling the breakdown, heat and stress that I had to endure, I repeatedly asked myself, “Should this be Sophia’s last dance?”

Nearing Manila, it was like that there was a voice in my head that replied -“Not this one.” 

 

The next adventure is on with my babe Sophia. We will ride up again, soon.

 

Looking forward to the next Vespa Pilipinas rally in 2027!

 

Many thanks to:

- Vespa Pilipinas for another successful GYEON PH Vespa Days, to all the sponsors like Full Print MNL. 

- AJ of Vespa Pilipinas for giving me the kit from Mindoro (I still hope I can get the one from Baguio).  

 

Thanks as well to:

•       the Igorot tribesmen that were so helpful and really tried their best to get the scoot to run again. 
•     Chef Vonn Esquivel & the 2T Masters of Baguio 2Stroke/Moeging Bar.
•       Louie Pawid for the rescue and trying to get other help from locals

 To all who read this, you may take note of the following contacts in case of any roadside emergencies going up to Baguio.

PNP Green Valley Outpost

(074) 442 7944, +63 998 598 7762

BCPO Kennon Hotline

+63 9985987758, +63 9985997759, (074)6208753

The Station 6 Igorot Gold Miners– Victor, Jenwel Camitan, Sherwin Salango, Cyreljeff & Marshal Estimada

+639637363797

 

Chef Vonn Esquivel & the 2T Masters of Baguio 2Stroke/Moeging Bar in Nevada Square. 

Riders can contact them for motorcycle technical assistance - 09195289985 &+63 956 450 6759

My 2026 Mindoro Vespa Escapade!

This year’s GYEON Vespa Pilipinas Tourism Rally was truly one classic escapade!

On the day of the departure for Mindoro, I was really early because I wanted to be sure to get there on time. Waited a few hours at the launch point. This was the maiden long voyage for “Imam” my all-stock black LX-150 2v. I just restored her about a year ago. Waiting for the take off to the port, I had great time meeting Jojo, a veteran rider and drone meister. He enlightened me with his years of riding experience. His drone shots were simply amazing too.

The RORO was waiting; we loaded quickly and we casted off our lines. At that point I could feel the excitement building up. All the rally participants were raring to go. The sea was cool and calm. It was nice to have fresh sea air before the ride. After landing at Abra de Ilog, we proceeded to the first stop for lunch at the NGV Farms, a sprawling glamping resort cum quasi golf course. The place was majestic, surrounded by hills. The host, Mr. Nestor Venturina was kind enough to serve us with that refreshingly scrumptious tender beef stew lunch pack. A kind resort staff helped get access to a socket to charge my phones. Because of the relaxing vibe, I fell asleep on a lounge chair while charging my phone. I woke up and only a few Bulacan riders were left. Ended up riding with them to Mambuarao.

We got to Mamburao for registration. Far from chaotic, the Tourism staff welcomed me with their beautiful smiles and made sure I was equipped and knew how to get to my assigned hotel. Too bad I didn’t get a kit. Rested after checking in Isla Del Oro hotel, a rustic establishment with wide widows in the rooms, capturing the cool island breeze. A welcome merienda pancit pack was served upon arrival. After a few hours, I headed to the dinner the atmosphere was festive at the Capitol. The sponsors already had their merchandise on display. The food was overflowing and filling too. Took another rest at the hotel and after topping up on my gas, just as scheduled, the ride was on. After last minute reminders, the Vespistis, almost 300 strong took off around midnight, Feb. 7, 2026.

Imam was all good to go. Into 80 kilometers I noticed all the emergency and police personnel strategically positioned on the route to San Jose. In the whole route I took the roads were free, wide and bright and most of all clear. There were hardly any potholes road obstructions and hazards like stray animals. Those solar posts illuminated most of the way. I heard it costs about PhP 28,000 each. Truly, a good safety investment if you ask me. To say Mindoro was a safe place to ride in would be an understatement. Totally safe. After fueling up a second time en route to the San Jose, we had about 80km to go to the checkpoint. At a stop, I noticed the smell of gas and saw my scoot Imam was leaking. I thought it was just over flow. My fuel then drained quick. I chanced upon a rider to ask directions. He stopped ad pointed to a strong gas leak. I noticed I was almost running on empty barely an hour after refueling.

Turns out, these guys from Binondo Wasps turned out to be my saviors. Armed to the teeth with tools and know how. Dan (GTV300) & Mike (PX 150) helped patch me up and we went together from there. We stopped at a 7-11 to grab a snack as riders passed us. Little did we know that wee missed the first checkpoint after an hour en route to Roxas. We turned back. Mike was looking or a pair of glasses. We learned that the San Jose checkpoint was already closed by that time and despite all efforts scanning the area we passed Mike’s glasses we gone as well.

Going to Roxas, Mike went ahead. Dan took point. About an hour before Roxas I was giving in. The body of half a century plus change was not what it used to be. It reminded me of how it was at the tail end of the last rally, somewhere by Subic where I almost overshot to a cliff edge. Dan was feeling tired as well. We stopped at a road side house where a Manang not only let us rest at her porch but also offered some coffee and let me use her phone charger complete strangers welcomed by a very cheerful and accommodating old lady. As a seasoned and experienced rider (with PNP-TMG rider training and certification), Dan suggested to take a break, rest up in a hotel nearby. I totally agreed. It would be not only be the most logical but also the safest option. We inquired for hotels at the nearest PNP station, a rider cop even escorted us to a nearby hotel but was closed due to power failure. I mean these locals have initiative in serving tourist in their area. We ended up in Ace hotel in Roxas. the owner was a kind Mason that gave us a great rate and entertained us. He says he met many of our kind of riders in the past. He even mentioned that I looked very much like a BOSS rider he knew. We slept a few hours. That was the deepest sleep I had in a while. By 5pm, we checked out, a quick coffee and got our motors running back to Mamburao. We stopped at that same 7-11 going to Roxas chatted up some locals about the ride and then rain started. This is where it gets hairy. We suited up after a drink. My rain gear tore up after a few minutes on the road because it was that old and already decomposing. I was getting sleepy again but this time due to the cold. the slight drizzle never became a total downpour but it was cold, the wind chill made my hand freeze even with gloves on like a frost bite sensation. Imam was holding her own. No mechanical issues the whole time. We loaded up on fuel somewhere by the time we were in Bulalacao, after the BUCOR bypass that we did not pass going to Roxas, my fuel was getting danger close. About an hour to go to hit Mamburao there was no open fuel station in sight. My warning lights were blinking brighter and brighter. We chanced in a roadside store that was like a 7-11 sar-sari store. The owner offered a liter of gas that he siphoned from his bike himself and refused payment. I insisted and he bid us a safe journey.

After eight hours we landed at midnight back in Mamburao. said goodbye to Dan and thanked him for being a great, generous and kind tandem. Crashed on my bed. Still freezing, I just opened the room windows and let the fresh cool air in again. No dinner. Woke up to a ghost town. Only a pair of riders from Taytay remained at the hotel. Chatted with the Taytay couple over breakfast and found out more of what happened on rally day. Though it was unfortunate that I did not finish the rally. Then again, we found that the tour was cancelled due to inclement weather. The next day I saw on the news that the shearline caused massive flooding in Puerto Galera and Abra de Ilog. That was a good call by the organizers. Safety is paramount. It was also a good call for Dan and I not to push it. That would have been catastrophic. This event is memorable because it showed a true community. From the locals that infected us with their welcoming smile at the capitol, the hotel and on the road, the Vespa Pilipinas organizers that were effective in managing the event to the generous sponsors, Mr. Venturina, our gracious lunch host to the provincial government and all the rally participants.

Yes, I did not finish. but man, this rally was surely “one for the books”. One hell of a of a 600 km ride! As I sailed back, I look behind the port where we landed. It was a bit sad for this adventure to end. As I turn to the fore, I smile. Going home is not so bad because it means another escapade is waiting. I will definitely come back to Mindoro and soon. Again, on my Vespa. Much thanks to the organizers-Vespa Pilipinas, our sponsors, the Provincial Government together the wonderful people of Mindoro, Dan & Mike of Binondo Wasps and the entire Vespa community! Looking forward to the next high-octane, action-packed Vespa Days in Baguio come May with my Italian babe -“Sophia”, my PX! Ride strong, proud and SAFE! Martin