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!

I had swung by on the last day of the Face Off 3 Car Show at SM Megamall Megatrade Hall last December 23, 2011, to do a quick photoshoot of the Atoy Customs Hyundai Genesis Amuse car, and was fortunate to arrive in time for the awarding ceremony. Well, guess what? The Atoy Customs has done it again, winning the Wildest Extreme Body Kit, and Best Import Car awards!

When this body kit was first unveiled in the 2011 Manila Auto Salon, it featured SeaOil Livery and some yellow Concept One wheels. This latest edition showcased a clean white and black (more of 3M dry CF film) car, free of any livery. This was meant to showcase the lines and curves of the Atoy Customs Genesis Amuse Body Kit, and how it flows with the styling of the sleek Hyundai Genesis. Additional updates also include new front fenders that have “gills” similar to that of the Amuse rear bumper, and some all-new Concept One wheels.

Check out the gallery below to see how the rest of the car looks like…

If you’re interested in getting the Atoy Customs Genesis Amuse body kit for your very own Hyundai Genesis, contact Rob at custompinoyrides@gmail.com or via mobile at 0922-8433275.

Related Stuff:
- See more updates about the Atoy Customs Genesis Amuse body kit here.
- See more coverage of the Face Off Car Show here.
- See more awesome creations by Atoy Customs here.
- See more custom Hyundai Genesis cars here.

Once again, Filipino-Japanese drifter Toni Arakaki of Team Suicidal is back to compete, and this time with a vengeance. With recent updates to his competition S14 Silvia, what better way to hit 2012 than with more hp!

Please support the 2012 season of The Drift Muscle, and our own Filipino-Japanese drifter Toni Arakaki, who will, as always, be sporting the Philippine Flag. Proud to be Pinoy baby!

Check out the schedule below…

Toni Arakaki at The Drift Muscle 2011

Team Suicidal has been stepping up the game lately, joining various Drift competitions across Japan this 2011. And in 2012, they’ll be raising the bar and starting the year with a bang, with impressive updates to their competition drift cars.

Check out Toni Arakaki’s S14 Silvia and Matt Rawls’ A31 Cefiro as they showcase their vehicle updates for 2012, tuned by none other than Japan’s famous Speed Factory tuning shop…

R102 w/ ROTA S14 Specs (Toni Arakaki)

Greddy TD06L2-20G boost@1.3
HKS Exhaust manifold
Greddy Waste gate
Z32 air flow sensor
550cc injectors
Apex’i Power FC
Nismo Coppermix Clutch
Greddy Oil Pan
KTS engine mount
Tomei Poncams
Tomei Rokcer Arm Stoppers
KTS Engine Damper
HKS Sports Catalytic Converter
Tein Super Drift Suspensions
KTS Traction Rod
KTS Rear Upper Arm
KTS Toe Control Rod
Aftermarket Pillow Tension Rod
3UP Knuckles
KTS Tie Rod
ROTA P45R 18×9.5+20
NEXEN/PINSO Tires 235/45/18
Custom Oil Catch Tank
Custom Transmission Oil Catch Tank
KTS LSD Oil Catch Tank
Cusco 9pt Roll Cage

A31 RB25DET (Matt Rawls)

r33 rb25det
greddy td07 25g turbo
greddy twin scroll top mount manifold
greddy type c wastegate
tomei poncams
tomei metal headgasket
sard 850cc inj
hks Fcon Vpro engine management
custom welded throttle body
Unknown diff brand, 4.3 final gear
kts coilovers
ikeya formula tie rods
custom knuckles
tein tension rods
control arms custom welded by Sobe speed & machine shop (JP)
kts traction rods
kts rear camber arms
cusco 7 point roll cage
SSR professor wheels
Pinso tires
uras aero

Watch out for Toni Arakaki in the upcoming 2012 Drift Muscle series, and Matt Rawls in the upcoming Drift Matsuri at Ebisu.

More updates to come!

Related Stuff:
- More articles about Team Suicidal here.
- More custom Nissan Silvias here.
- More custom Nissan Cefiros here.

During its construction stages, the Atoy Customs Hyundai Genesis Amuse Vestito Body Kit has been much talked about and awaited by the car tuning community, and more so the Hyundai Genesis enthusiasts. Well guess what? As this car was unveiled in last week’s 2011 Manila Auto Salon, this car inevitably won the Best Body Kit and Best Sports Coupe awards! Wow! All that anticipation surely resulted in a climactic ending.

Congratulations to for the fantastic job! You will once again go down the history books as innovators of the car customization scene.

Here’s a rear quarter shot of this awesome ride…

As for those who want a piece of the pie by having the Genesis Amuse Vestito Body Kit for their own, take your Hyundai Genesis down to Atoy Customs to get a transformation of a lifetime. Call/text Rob at 0922-8433275 or email custompinoyrides@gmail.com for more details.

If you want to see photos of this car during its build-up stages, see: Atoy Customs Hyundai Genesis Amuse Vestito Body Kit – Almost Complete!

Related Stuff:
- More customized Hyunai Genesis cars here.
- See more creations by Atoy Customs here.
- See more cars from the Manila Auto Salon here.

Still quite a number of photos to churn out from this shoot. Here’s the third batch of photos. Hope you enjoy viewing it as much as we’ve enjoyed taking them.

Check out the entire gallery here…

Raceday it is!

Prepping to line up.

Patiently waiting for the martial to set ‘em free. This Mini Cooper S was seriously fast.

Go!!!

Taking the corner yo!

Me too yo!

Focus versus Fiesta, what’s your pick?

Subaru Impreza STi tearing the track.

This Suzuki Celerio was nicely dressed up.

Steelies rock!

EK Civic SiR always one of the favorites among racer dudes.

Gold Toyota Altis on gold wheels. Talk about bling!

A Mini that makes it big!

More photos to follow!

In case you missed the previous galleries, here’s Part 1 and Part 2.

Update: The final batch of photos is now available for viewing!

See more articles about Ford Club Philippines here.

Following Part 1 of the Ford Club Philippines Track Day and Tuason Racing Race Day coverage is this second installment of photos for your viewing pleasure. More to come after this particular batch. Meanwhile, check out this set of photos after the jump…

Dry Fiesta.

Wet Fiesta.

When it rains, it pours!

Love the stance on this Focus.

Monster Energy and DC yo!

Teng Block in action.

Zooms past.

Sunny side up despite the rain.

In case of an accident, this doctor can quickly get to the scene.

I bet it won’t be too long until this Ford Focus starts sporting modifications for track days like this. Don’t you think?

Ford Lynx at speed.

Zooming by.

Hyundai Genesis.

Tuason Racing Cup Race-tuned Ford Fiestas in action.

Watch out for Part 3 coming soon! And in case you missed it, here’s Part 1.

See more articles about Ford Club Philippines here.

Plug:
- If you guys want high-quality prints of these shots, please email me at custompinoyrides@gmail.com.
- The photographers behind these pictures were me (THE aSTIG), and Philip Aragones. Feel free to check out our personal websites. Thanks!

Ford Club Philippines surely had tons of fun on their Track Day at Batangas Racing Circuit during the Tuason Racing School Race Day last November 13, 2011. With multiple events in one day such as the Tuason Racing Cup, Ford Club Philippines Track Day, and Speedlab Drag Invitational, it was surely an action-packed and adrenaline-filled Sunday for all in attendance.

And thanks to Ford Club Philippines for inviting us over, and to Tuason Racing for giving us VIP passes to the event. It was a great pleasure to cover the event.

Now, here’s part 1 of the photo coverage. Check it out!

The FCP guys paying close attention. Safety is paramount!

At the paddock.

All smiles from these FCP members, as the excitement builds up as they prepare to take on the track!

Lining up at the pit lane, marshals about to release the horde.

Ford Lynx in action.

Ford Fiesta.

The Ford Focus drivers were very focused on their driving.

Ford Focus.

A Hyundai Genesis? Yes, he’s a Ford Club member. Ownership of a Ford vehicle doesn’t mean you have to take your SUV to the track. Since he owns a Genesis, there’s no question about bringing this amazing vehicle to track days like this! This car is really fast!

“Teng Block” on his Ken Block inspired Ford Focus. This is a diesel ladies and gentlemen. And let me tell you, when the ads said that the diesel is seriously fast, they weren’t kidding!

Another Ford Fiesta.

Another fast Ford Focus whizzing through the track.

Subaru Impreza STi chasing the Mini Cooper S.

Tuason Racing School Ford Fiestas.

These race modified Fiestas tore down the track like there was no tomorrow! Fantastic action! Will post more of these soon.

Yup! There were other makes in attendance too!

That’s it for now folks! Stay tuned for Part 2 coming soon!

Update: It’s now out! Check out Part 2 here!

See more articles about Ford Club Philippines here.

Plug:
- If you guys want high-quality prints of these shots, please email me at custompinoyrides@gmail.com.
- The photographers behind these pictures were me (THE aSTIG), and Philip Aragones. Feel free to check out our personal websites. Thanks!

Words and Photos from Toni Arakaki

Competing at the National stage in Japan was a tremendous experience! To drift with the best Japanese drifters from different Pro Series, such as MSC, D1, D1SL and D1LL was a huge learning experience for my campaign for next season! The experience was beyond my expectations, the atmosphere was totally different too! That world I witnessed was a level above me, it’s every drifter’s dream – “Japanese Pro Drifting”, to be able to drift and compete side by side with the best Japan has to offer was an honor. I didn’t fare well points-wise but I managed to pull an 82 for my best run and a 72 for my second best, finishing 27th out of 29 entries. My runs were horrible. I can give out so many reasons for my horrible performance but the truth is: “That is the gap I have with the Japanese Elite.”

Toni Arakaki with Team DMAX Japan

I admit I had high expectations going into round 4 at Suzuka Twin Circuit, but I could not overcome the pressure and excitement it gave me! To be honest I felt like David from the story “David vss Goliath”, going up against those drifters I faced! At first, when I got there it felt like a dream. Sure I’ve seen D1 people drift live and have drifted with them on local events but to be able to run with them and actually compete with them at the national stage with all the cameras and reporters around you was a total different story. It felt as if the whole crowd was watching this “No Name New Guy from Okinawa Japan”, sure I felt every stare down there while I was at the circuit and at one point, I felt that I didn’t belong there.

During practice session, I admit I was so nervous that I couldn’t even drift in the beginning! Reason for being nervous? Hard to explain, but do you remember those days as a child when you used to see your favorite PBA player live or see an actor or an actress pass in front of you? You just happen to stay still and try to comprehend what just happened. Lol! That’s what I felt at first, but I finally shook it off and remembered what hard long road it took me just to get at that Round.

Not many people know what hardship I had to face and how much money I had to spend just to get to that round of Drift Muscle. Most think it was as easy as buying as ice cream from a convenient store, but let me tell you this straight, I had to go through hell just to compete at that round. I spent more money than any other entrant there because it involved shipping the car as well as me havig to take a 2-hour plane ride just to get to Suzuka Twin Circuit, not mentioning the regulation requirements I had to follow which meant purchasing and installing parts as necessary to meet those regulations.

I had many sleepless nights, many headaches to endure. I did the work and installation on my car all by myself (I’m just a normal guy, who doesnt own a car shop) but I still managed to pull it off. A lot of people told me “You’re crazy to spend that much”, or “You’re insane to do what your doing”! I might be but I love drifting and its a part of me! It just gives me a reason to continue to pursuing getting a license in Japan because I want to show the world that even a small and no-namer like me can make it one day through hard work and perseverance! And of course to represent my Filipino roots as well!

I went to Suzuka Twin Circuit with just my car – Silvia S14 with a stock T28 turbine boosting at 0.9, aftermarket knuckles, KTS tie rods, aftermarket rear upper arm, traction rod, toe control rod, Tein Super Drift coil-overs, Greddy intercooler, KAAZ LSD, 4.6 final, 9-point roll cage, etc. pretty much the car is stock and it is a daily driven car (Imagine that to compete on a National Stage). I had a set of cheap but good quality tires (NEXEN N6000 and Pinso PS-91), a tent, my tool boxes, two jacks and of course my fiancee who was with me to give strength and guidance! I was my own pit crew, and I had no spotter!

Surprised? Well that is how it is done by a no-namer and low-budget guy like me. A lot of drifters in Japan are a one man wrecking team. Of course the Pro drifters have it all, from pit crew, spotters and everything you can imagine! But they were not always like that, they started the same way as me, the hard way. First rule of drifting I learned was to know your car, know how to fix it, know how to set and tune it and pretty much know how to do it alone!

A lot of people think drifting is a rich man’s sport but it’s actually not, as most drifters are broke because of their cars.

A lot of lessons learned from Round 4, now I am much smarter and wiser than I used to be. Next season will be an adventure and hopefully I can pull it off with some help and support.

For now, my season on the national stage will be concluded since I need to prepare and set my car to be at par with the Pro drifters next season, which is already closer than it seems. A lot of work to be done over the next few months, and hopefully my current sponsors would continue their support for next season and I hope other sponsors would extend their support as well!

I would like to thank ROTA WHEELS (finally we made it into the big leagues in Japan), FEDERATION D of Malaysia (lets bring FedD into Japan), B&M Okinawa (for the tires), Team Hinga (for the decals and support), PYROTECT (for the awesome helmet), NK Racing (for the blog write ups and advice), ItSaveTheRoots (for blog and website exposure), TomoDesigns (for the vinyls), Custom Pinoy Rides for the exposure and advice all throughout, Suicidal Okinawa and friends (for the support, advice and practice drift sessions), and of course my main sponsor KidsKampus! Thank you.

Here’s more action from the event:

In line with our much talked-about post about Custom Automotive Furniture, where we showed you the Atoy Design (by Atoy Customs) Chevrolet Camaro Office Work Desk, in matching Bumblebee livery, Atoy Design will now be expanding to create more Designer Automotive Furniture, such as what you see here – chairs inspired by none other than the Nissan R35 GT-R.

Check out the rest of the photos here…

Note that this is just a teaser, a mere preview before the finished product comes out. This, and other chair designs will be unveiled in the Manila Auto Salon, coming up within the next few weeks. So make sure you swing by the show to check it out!

And of course, as this is a product of Atoy Customs, the slogan “You Imagine, We Create.” will always be inherent in any product they make. So if you can think of anything automotive-based that you would want to turn into household furniture, Atoy Design is who you wanna be talking to. For inquiries, email custompinoyrides@gmail.com, or call/text 0922-8433275.

Now before I let you go, we’d want to get your feedback regarding these Automotive Designer Chairs. Please share your comments and suggestions below as to what designs you would want to see, or features you would want to have if you were to purchase one of these chairs. Your feedback would be greatly appreciated, and would help us in Atoy Design produce better products worthy of your car-enthusiast asses (no pun intended). Thank you and more hp!

Related Stuff:
- Check out other Automotive Furniture designs here.
- See other creations by Atoy Customs.