Wheel power: Jojo Silverio

Sporting aluminum magwheels from Jojo Silverio’s factory is a fashion statement. Like deluxe shoes for cars, these shiny spinners define the trendy drivers who want to look good and be different. Adorning vehicles ranging from Accords in Baguio to taxis in Cebu, magwheels from the Rallye wheels line are supplied by our bachelor through his 120 distributors.

With 80 employees to help him out, Jojo, 41, manages the company that his father, Dante Silverio, started in 1986. Jojo understands cars. He is a champion race car driver. As he competes on the Asian circuit this season with the fastest car he has ever used, Jojo feels confident that this Formula 3 event will crown his racing career. Thanks to the sponsorship of Pagcor, Filipinos now have an entry prepared to win.

What is your greatest fear?

To fail. I am not that courageous. Being scared is a good thing. It makes me aware of my competitors and prevents complacency.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

I am trying to remedy my unreliability but it might be part of my charm.

How do you start your day?

My little Jack Russell terrier, Charlie, jumps on my bed at 6 a.m. We chat. Sometimes I play golf with my dad and since we are not business partners anymore, there is no pressure between us and we can enjoy each other.

What is your motto?

Take care of my employees first.

What is your current state of mind?

Quite pleased. Despite the hardships our country is going through, I have been blessed with the people I work with.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Enjoying my friends’ company at my beach house in Tali.

What is your most fervent wish?

To be successful and comfortable.

What sports do you like most?

Motor racing is my passion.

Where are you most comfortable?

Inside a race car. We have race tracks in Subic and Batangas. Both of them are good.

If you could date any celebrity in the world, who would that be?

My all-time favorite is super model Christy Turlington.

Which historical character would you like to have been?

Ayrton Senna, the late Brazilian racer who is my hero. He is a legend. He had passion and was the fastest racer. He was also a hero in Brazil with his foundation to train street kids in sports in return for their getting good grades. At the height of his career, he died in an auto racing accident at the age of 32.

Name a moment that brings back happy memories.

I am so thankful when I see my parents, Belen and Dante.

What does your dad often say to you?

Be organized. Prepare.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Being near the ocean, on the beach with my friends.

Which famous quotation would you have wanted to be the author of?

To win without risk is to triumph without glory.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Self centeredness.

What is your favorite journey?

Getting there is always the fun part. The journey is more important than the destination.

What is your greatest regret?

Not going abroad to see if I could succeed as an international race car driver when I was invited to go to the States at 21.

What do you most do with your hands?

I am always fiddling with my autos and model cars... always tinkering with machinery.

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E-mail babycamp2 @yahoo.co.uk