The results are in! And with that, I’m proud to announce the Car Photography Club January 2012 Photo Contest winner, and henceforth, the January 2012 Car Photographer of the Month… Jay Cee, with his spectacular photo of this rock crawling Toyota FJ40 at Mt. Pinatubo.

Indeed a worthy shot for our January theme: Action Shots (or the Notion of Action where the viewer is compelled into thinking that the subject did an action prior to the photo being taken).

Join us in congratulating Jay Cee for this fantastic achievement. We look forward to seeing more awesome photos from you in the days to come.

Meanwhile, watch out for the February 2012 Car Photography Club Photo Contest to be announced soon. Stay tuned for this on the Car Photography Club group page.

Our good friend Justin Uy is here today to show us that customizing our cars by adding color to our brakes, as well as our lights (headlights, tail lights, fog lights, etc.), is not something that involves rocket science. It’s actually very simple, and can be done DIY-style by just about anyone capable of shaking a rattle and pressing the nozzle on a spray can. I’ll leave it to Justin to share his insights. Take it away bro…

When people upgrade and upsize their wheels, most of the time the brakes become more visible. For most cars, brake calipers, rotors and drums come from the factory unpainted and over time, gets coated with brake dust, grime and rust. Here at CustomPinoyRides, that is just unacceptable. Luckily there is a solution readily available here in the Philippines today.

Since brakes can get really hot, VHT (which stands for VERY HIGH TEMPERATURE) has developed a special spray paint for brake calipers that can withstand up to 900°F (482°C). The process is really simple and takes around an hour with the right equipment. The result is a really clean brake caliper that stands out even if the car is in motion.

Among other VHT products, VHT Niteshades is also a great way to customize headlights and tail lights for a more aggressive look. The smoked effect is done by spraying on a light coat of VHT Niteshades on the headlight assembly which results in a clean glass-like finish. Not to worry, your brake lights and signal lights will still illuminate in red and amber. No bubbles, melting due to heat, or chipping paint to worry about. We can’t wait to see more black cars in town sporting the “vader look”.

Mazda 6 with blacked-out headlights painted with VHT Niteshades.

Before and After:

Tail lights on a Honda Jazz. Before and after, painted with VHT Niteshades.

We’re really excited for other DIY projects we can do with VHT. Check out their website – www.vhtpaint.com – for a complete list of available specialty paints and available colors. For all of you DIY custom junkies out there, you can call the VHT Manila hotline: 643-3781, or text: 0916-270-5535.

Related Stuff:
- Read more of our How-To’s and DIY’s here.

Video by Struan Wallace / Wreckless Inc.

If you guys have been following Custom Pinoy Rides, I’m sure you guys have been checking out our coverage of the 2012 PornFest. Well then, here’s an awesome film edited by the PornFest Birthday Boy himself, Struan Wallace, showcasing the action and adventure during this spectacular event.

Here’s what Struan had to say:

I turned 30 this year and instead of throwing a big party, we at CarPorn Racing® decided, what better way to spend a birthday than to have car enthusiasts get together in one massive car festival.

I wanted to thank our sponsors for making this happen (Liqui Moly, Victoria Court, Sohotel, INTUNED online, Dri Tech waterless car wash, Rockstar, Speedlab, TOPTUL, Autoindustriya.com, V-Kool, autopartsmanila.com, and kotse.com).

An extra special thank you goes out to my fellow organizers. Ian King, Kim Garcia, Ben Ong, and Marc Ong. They really pulled out all the stops to make this the most memorable birthday ever.

Thank you too to everyone that came and celebrated with us. You guys rock! The good news is, since the event was so successful, we’ve decided to make it a regular event.

My only regret is I was hardly able to do any filming. Most of the footage is from Joseph and Jordan Distrito. I pretty much just edited everything.

Music is by Bliss N Eso ‘Flying Through the City’

Check out the video below now…

Related Stuff:
- See more coverage of the 2012 PornFest.
- Watch more awesome videos here at Custom Pinoy Rides.

It’s time to cast your votes for who will win the Car Photography Club January 2012 Photo Contest!

easypollmaker.com – get your free poll

Poll will close on the 7th of February, 2012 at 11:59pm (Manila Time).

* UPDATE (02-Feb-2012): I sincerely apologies about this guys but there is a bug with the poll/vote collecting facility and none of the votes are getting saved. A new poll will be release in a bit. Please bear with us. Thank you for your support!

** UPDATE (03-Feb-2012): Poll is now active and reset to 0. You may cast your votes now!

Cast your votes now! Here are the entries:

The Theme: Action Shots (or the Notion of Action where the viewer is compelled into thinking that the subject did an action prior to the photo being taken).

2. Jundio Salvador: Monster truck at the RFC Pampanga 2011

3. Rean Angelo Reyes Velasco: Rockstar Impreza

4. Michael Kalbo Simon: Tandem Drift

5. Trish Rodrigo: Lonely Lancer

6. John Neri Natividad: Atoy Drifting the Skyline Sedan

7. Randolph B. de Leon: Russ Swift Stunt Show 2010 (2-Wheeling Impreza)

8. Jefferson V. Livara: Sports Utility Car (AE92 Corolla Rolling Shot)

9. Iori Suzuki: RHD Civic Race Car

10. Roberto Minosa: Rolling Shot at Night

11. Mark Abergas: Rain Rain Go Away (EVO parked at BRC)

12. Carlos Benitez: 2011 American Le Mans (BMW M3 Race Car Panning Shot)

13. Andy Rodriguez: Houston, we have lift off! (3-wheeling S15 Silvia)

14. Kevin Carlos: Rocket Bunny (Motul Drift Car with Tire Smoke)

15. Jet Rabe: Honda S2000 Rolling Shot

16. Jing Gines: Mountain Climbing More Fun in the Philippines (Subysoc and FRF Fun Run to Sierra Madre)

17. Calvin Marwood: Shooting Brent Co (?) Shooting a Tandem Drift Battle at Clark

18. Dexter Lim: Drag Race at Buendia (Impreza vs 370Z vs EVO)

19. Jay Cee: The Rock Crawler. Lens flare are real. (Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser at Pinatubo)

20. The Astig Custompinoyrides: Perfect Cover Shot? (Atoy Llave doing a Tire Burnout on the Rockstar Drift Car)

21. Patrick Lauder: Porsche Cayman Rolling Shot

To join future contests of the Car Photography Club <– Click here!

Yes, we’ve featured this before. Yes, it’s had its publicity both here and abroad. Yes, it’s still one of the cleanest and dopest stanced Civics on this side of the planet. That’s why we’re showing it to you again. Looking awesome by being neat, clean, and simple is something we’ll never tire of. So cheers to Omar’s Neatcrew Honda Civic Orthia Facelift.

Related Stuff:
- See more coverage of the cars from the 2012 PornFest.
- See more custom cars from Stance Pilipinas.
- See more customized and tuned Honda Civics here.

The AE92 Toyota Corolla marked the Corolla’s departure from the rear-wheel-drive layout, and the introduction of the front-wheel-drive Corolla. Now I don’t want to start a debate around here as to which platform is better – FWD or RWD, as each layout has both their advantages and disadvantages. But either way, the AE92 Corolla has still managed to make its mark in our local car tuning culture.

Take a look at this stanced AE92 Toyota Corolla. I just love the way it has been set up. Takata green mesh wheels with polished lip wrapped with low profile rubber tucked under the fenders of the clean white paint looks awesome. It’s very rare to find a good combination of green wheels on a white car, unless it’s dressed in racing livery. But here, it’s such a stunning combination.

The bumpers have been replaced with JDM versions, and the black chin, fog lights, wagon face, roof/bike rack, and tintless windows all combine to give it a Euro-inspired look. Plus the hood scoop teases you to think that there’s probably some forced induction sitting in the engine bay. I love the complete package. Is it Euro? Is it JDM? Probably neither. This is PhDM! And I’d have to say, this is probably the best, if not one of the best looking AE92′s around. Do you agree?

Related Stuff:
- See more coverage of cars from the 2012 PornFest.
- See more Stance Pilipinas cars here.
- See more customized Toyota Corollas here.

They say that everything that happens in the past makes you who you are today…

Looking back, 2011 had been a SMASHING year for us! We’ve gained 5,000 Likes on our Facebook Page, more than doubled our readership from 2010, and have grown a lot in terms of bringing you some badass cars and taking some of the sickest photos of them.

I’m very grateful to have met a lot of awesome new friends, groups, and companies in 2011, and am very grateful that a lot of them have chosen to work with us on a professional level (that officially makes us professional photographers) through car photography services as well as website sponsorship.

Of course, Custom Pinoy Rides would not be what it is today if not for you, yes you, dear readers and loyal followers. And I promise to give you more awesome cars and photos in 2012. Oh, and how would you like a “Reader’s Rides” series we can show off your very own Custom Pinoy Rides? Would you like that? Leave your thoughts in the comments.

Meanwhile, here’s a round-up of the Best of Custom Pinoy Rides Photos that we’ve personally captured in 2011 using our continuously improving photographic talents. Pilipinas Got Talent yo! Check these out…

On the photo, model Legendair Baluyot shows off her figure while peering into the magical engine bay of this Lancer Evolution VIII.
Photographed by one of my partners in crime during our Car Photography ventures – Philip Aragones.
Original article: LanEVO Club Philippines

Legendair Baluyot posing with twin Tommi Makinen Edition Evo VI’s.
Photo by Andy Rodriguez.
Original Article: Evo VI Tommi Makinen Edition. Collect It or Drive It?

Manila Auto Salon’s “Best Body Kit” awardees for the past two years. The Nissan R33 Skyline to R35 GT-R Conversion which bagged the 2010 award, and the Hyundai Genesis Amuse which won in 2011. Both cars created by none other than Atoy Customs.
Photo by Philip Aragones.
Original article: Atoy Customs’ 2010 and 2011 Manila Auto Salon Best Body Kit Awardees

Old School Mercedes at one of the Stance Pilipinas meets.
Photo by Philip Aragones.
Original Article: Stance Pilipinas Meet at Mckinley Hill – Dec 18, 2011

HKS Super Oil Promotion.
Photo by me, THE aSTIG.
Original Article: HKS Super Oil. Now Available in the Philippines!

Ford Focus ST, fresh from a muddy fun run with the FunRun Forum.
Photo by me, THE aSTIG.
Original Article: Focus On This Ford, And Tell Me What You See…

Subaru Impreza STi, fresh from a muddy fun run with the FunRun Forum.
Photo by me, THE aSTIG.
Original Article: The Subaru Impreza STi: Mud is simply Icing over the Cake.

Mercedes Benz C63 AMG, fresh from a muddy fun run with the FunRun Forum.
Photo by me, THE aSTIG.
Original Article: Why Dirty Up A Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG?

Rolling Shot of Ezik Ulanday’s Nissan S14 Silvia.
Photo by me, THE aSTIG.
Original Article: Ezik Ulanday’s Nissan S14 Silvia

Rolling Shot of Calvin Marwood’s R34 Nissan Skyline
Photo by me, THE aSTIG.
Original Article: Rolling Shots Never Suck: Calvin Marwood’s R34 Nissan Skyline

Marlon Mercado’s 1993 Mazda MX-5.
Photo by me, THE aSTIG.
Original Article: Big Black and Manly Miata: Marlon Mercado’s 1993 Mazda MX-5

Kevin Carlos’ Vertex/Rocketbunny Nissan S14 Silvia rollin’ on ROTAs.
Photo by me, THE aSTIG.
Original Article: Kevin Carlos’ Vertex/Rocketbunny Nissan S14 Silvia rollin’ on ROTAs

Mazda Face-Off: CX-7 vs Tribute
Photo by me, THE aSTIG.
Original Article: Mazda Face-Off: CX-7 vs Tribute

Joby Tanseco’s Porsche 911 GT3 (I heard that as of this writing, this car has already been sold, and replaced with something more expensive haha!)
Photo by me, THE aSTIG.
Original Article: Joby Tanseco’s Porsche 911 GT3

Rota Grid Type-X on a Daihatsu Feroza
Photo by me, THE aSTIG.
Original Article: ROTA Wheels: Turning Simple Cars into Forms of Art (Grid Type-X on a Daihatsu Feroza)

Atoy Llave’s (of Atoy Customs) Daily Driver: R34 Nissan Skyline by Atoy Customs
Photo by me, THE aSTIG.
Original Article: Atoy Llave’s Daily Driver: R34 Nissan Skyline by Atoy Customs

Atoy Customs Genesis Amuse Vestito Wins Wildest Extreme Body Kit and Best Import Car in the 2011 Face Off 3 Car Show.
Photo by me, THE aSTIG.
Original Article: Atoy Customs Genesis Amuse Wins Wildest Extreme Body Kit and Best Import Car in the Face Off 3 Car Show

Allan Palmos’ Cosworth/Runstop Mazda 3 tuned by Speedlab.
Photo by me, THE aSTIG.
Original Article: Allan Palmos’ Cosworth/Runstop Mazda 3 tuned by Speedlab

Engine Bay of Allan Palmos’ Cosworth/Runstop Mazda 3 tuned by Speedlab.
Photo by me, THE aSTIG.
Original Article: Allan Palmos’ Cosworth/Runstop Mazda 3 tuned by Speedlab

Rolling shot of Vincent “Teng Block” Rivera’s Ken Block Ford Focus replica.
Photo by me, THE aSTIG.
Original Article: Teng Block’s Last Hurrah. Goodbye Ken Block Ford Focus Replica.

Thanks for supporting us! We look forward to bringing you guys more kick-ass photos in 2012. Stay tuned!

In the meantime, how about you guys tell us what you guys want to see at Custom Pinoy Rides this 2012? Share it on the comments below! Cheers!

The Subaru Impreza WRX is known as one of the most desired tuner cars from the land of the rising sun – Japan. With a 2.5L turbocharged engine in a compact body the size of your grandma’s Honda Civic, to the uninitiated, it’s like a wolf in sheep’s clothing… a ninja amongst a mass of humans.

Just like a Ninja, this WRX is equipped with a plethora of concealed weapons used to conquer the track. Sure, it show a handsome, well groomed persona on the outside (thanks in part to the spectacular Rota G-Force wheels), but on the inside, it’s a different story. This car has been modified where it counts.

We were lucky to have photographed Aurick’s Impreza just after he gave it a thorough workout during the 2012 PornFest, before it sped off into the darkness to reign terror through the night. And we have the red apocalyptic sunset in the background for effect.

Read on to find out what modifications have been done to Aurick Go‘s Subaru Impreza WRX, turning it into the Ninja Impreza that it is today…

Specifications

Subaru Impreza WRX

Engine
ECU Reflash
AGR Exhaust Full Turbo back custom exhaust
Sard Vacuum Hoses

Brakes and Suspension
Goodridge Stainless Steel Brake Lines
Project Mu Slotted Rotors Front
Endless MX72 Front Brake Pads
Hawk HPS Rear Brake Pads
BC Racing V1 Coilovers

Wheels and Tires
Rota G-Force 18×8.5 +38
Nitto NT555 235/40/18

Aesthetics
STI CF Wing
Juran Rubber Chin
Red Tint Tail lamp Overlay
Yellow Tint Fog lamp Overlay

Interior
STI 5MT Duracon Shift Knob
Defi-link Advance CR Boost Gauge
Defi-link Advance Controller
Napolex Broadway 300mm Blue Lens Convex Mirror

Aurick’s Shoutout:
“I’d like to thank my parents first of all for supporting me with my hobby (even if andami laging sira or glitches sa oto, they’re very understanding of the nature of my hobby) the fact that they let me go out and drive at motorsports events means a lot to me. I’d also like to thank all my friends at ACE for influencing me throughout the build my car. Lastly i’d like to give credit to Migs Herrera, Andrew Dy and the whole crew at Speedy Fix for maintaining and keeping my car running despite all the hard runs I put it through.”

Related Stuff:
- See more coverage of the 2012 PornFest.
- See more customized and tuned Subaru Imprezas here.
- See more cars equipped with Rota Wheels here.

The Chaser was a luxurious mid-size sedan produced by Toyota since 1977. The first generation Chaser, same as our featured car for today, was famous for being one of the quietest cars on the road during its time.

But the car you see on today’s feature is no longer the same as when it first rolled out of Toyota’s assembly plant. It looks similar, somewhat, but its attitude is no longer the same. Gone is the goody-two-shoes daddy-o aura of the original car. It now sits lower to the ground, with aftermarket wheels, and awesome fitment. Totally Shakotan!

It also sports one of those passenger train grab handles or tsurikawa dangling below the rear bumper, reminiscent of rebellious Japanese culture where they used to illegally take those grab handles from local trains and hang them under the rear bumpers to show-off their bad boy attitude.

Shakotan is a car tuning culture in Japan that has been around since the 1970′s. Shako means “ground clearance” and Tan means “short“. So Shakotan cars are those which have short ground clearance. Just like the Toyota Chaser you see here today. Sometimes, Shakotan cars can be seen with overfenders and sometimes even huge spoilers. Though this car doesn’t sport that, who cares. It’s neat, stylish, and slammed. The tsurikawa is there to show and accentuate the ride height.

So seeing this old school classic luxury car rolling on today’s streets, Shakotan style, is a sight to behold.

Check out the rear view below…

Photos taken during the 2012 PornFest at FTI, Taguig, during the round-up of cars from Stance Pilipinas.

Related Stuff:
- See more cars from Stance Pilipinas here.
- See more coverage of the 2012 PornFest.
- More customized and tuned old school cars here.

Rounding up the stanced cars together before closing off the PornFest. Close up photos of these cars coming soon!