21st Phoenix Trans Sport Show ushers in new generation of car enthusiasts

MANILA, Philippines - What separates a car lover from a car enthusiast? “Passion with knowledge will always set them apart” says Sophie de los Santos, President of Tradeshow International and organizer of the oldest running car show in the country, the Trans Sport Show.

“We have been staging this annual event since 1992 purposely to serve as a gathering of finely restored show cars for competition. And because the show has become a breeding ground for car enthusiasts, we feel responsible for keeping their passion alive and setting the proper direction as far as car appreciation and knowledge is concerned,” de los Santos said.  

From April 18-22, the 21st Trans Sport Show will open its doors at the SM Megamall’s Megatrade Halls and is being presented for the second time by Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc.

Keeping true to Trans Sport Show’s tagline as the “Car Show for Enthusiasts by Enthusiasts,” Tradeshow International, Inc. maintains a high standard when accepting cars for show and competition which will go under scrutiny by a panel of seasoned car enthusiast judges. 

“We do reserve very limited slots for new players in the field to help fuel up enthusiasm but we select only those who we feel have the passion to begin with or are car hobbyists with strong potential to develop into true car enthusiasts. Also, after 20 years, this is the time to usher in the next generation of Trans Sport Show fans,” enthuses de los Santos.  

There will be over 15 categories open in the 21st Phoenix Trans Sport Show Cup with two major awards which are the Best of Show-Nostalgic (for vintage and classic cars) and Best of Show-Contemporary (for newer cars).

This year’s panel of judges is headed by veteran judge Osamu Hasegawa together with Eddie Salonga, Boyer Kalugdan, John Escobar, Nilo Escalona, Pepon Marave and George Apacible. Awarding will be on April 21 at 6PM.

Part of Trans Sport Show’s tradition is to educate the public on automotive history; hence, a special highlight will be the “50th Anniversary of the MGB” display in cooperation with the Manila Sports Car Club and the MG Club. Fifty years ago, in 1962, MG introduced the sports car, which increased its fame in the 60s and 70s. It remained in production until 1980. Acknowledged as among the most popular sports car of all time, more than 500,000 MGBs were made from 1962 to 1980. The display will feature restored MGBs including a GT and a roadster. 

Other event highlights include a talk about “Collecting Vintage Cars,” a 2012 Miss Trans Sport Show pageant, the www.autoindustriya.com GT 5 Challenge, a Premiere Max Black Jack & Premiere Vixens model search, a Most Popular Online Babe contest via www.topgear.com.ph, Best Car Display via www.tsikot.com, and Best Booth Display via www.kotse.com.

The 21st Phoenix Trans Sport Show is sponsored in part by Solar Sports, Basketball TV, C!, Top Gear, Power Wheels, Radio High 105.9, Crossover 105.1, DZRH 666, DWIZ, 97 Home Radio, RJ 100, DZRJ 810, Inside Motoring, Business Mirror, Businessworld, Chinese Commercial News, Daily Tribune, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard Today, Manila Times, Phil.Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star, Malaya Business Insight, Padi’s Point, Lazer Maxx, Gotcha, Auto Review, Sunshine TV, Motoring Today, Auto Focus, Stoplight TV, Pinoy Extreme, ABS CBN TFC, Autoindustriya.com, Kotse.com , TopGear.com.ph, Tsikot.com, Autopartsmanila.com, Café Puro and Motorola.