Caught in a rad bromance

Relationships are like engines. Once it starts getting dirty, it won’t be optimum anymore.

This, and more life-altering eureka moments, was what I was exposed to at the Formula One weekend in Singapore, where speed freaks gathered in the name of racing. Racing is one of life’s most intriguing metaphors and since I am an avid student of life, I make sure not to miss this yearly big race, now in its fourth consecutive run. Why? Because life gives us so many profound lessons while we’re on the road. Stop, the race continues, and you get left behind.

How to make sure we’re not left behind? Well, we have to be equipped with the right machinery. In F1 terms, that calls for the right car. The right car must have the perfect engine, which calls for the most scientifically advanced formulation of fuel to give it the best performance. The synergy of all these factors, plus of course, the proverbial moment, results in what we see happening right in front of us during a race. It’s not all glitz and glam, I just realized. It’s science and sexuality.

Each year, Shell invests more than 21,000 working hours in a partnership that’s seen Ferrari achieve 10 Formula One Constructors’ World Championships and 12 Formula One Drivers’ World Championship titles.

Why sexuality? Well, it seems Shell has this rad romance with Ferrari; the two highly admired alpha males enjoying each other’s company since the flames of bromance-hood sparked between the two. I am fortunate to be a member of #SVPChamps on twitter. Sportscaster Jinno Rufino, driving aficionado Beeboy Bargas, blogger Patty Laurel, marketing man Jiggy Cruz, Top Gear editor Vernon Sarne, and myself comprise Team Philippines.

“Engines are high maintenance, so you need high-quality fuels and lubricants,” was what stuck in my mind during our first day together before the F1 race qualifiers. And lest we think the road is paved the same, not all fuels are created equally, thus my preference for Shell V Power.

Through the scientists that were with us throughout the afternoon, I personally saw the “fingerprint of the fuel” and how it affects the engine and I must say that Shell V Power is it. The bromance works, I guess. Shell V Power Unleaded is formulated with a unique double-acting formula designed to actively clean the engine and protect vital engine parts throughout the life of a car. In short, the gas is good for the engine. How would I know? Well, if you spend an afternoon with scientists building an engine, wouldn’t you know what’s good for it? Well, we did.

Off-track Entertainment

It wasn’t all science at our #SVPChamps F1 experience in Singapore. Off-track entertainment was also in full force. I party hopped between new Singpaore hotspots Avalon and Pangaea, where the best parties happened the whole weekend. Boy George and DJ Vice, both former Manila visitors, were on hand to take the decks for a spin, making it harder for me to get up in the morning.

The best after party happened at Amber, which is a traditional thing to do for the drivers and the people who love them meet and match. My match for the night? Cristalle Belo Henares, who was with Ruffa Gutierrez watching the race. Guess who was sitting next to our table? My idol Richard Branson with Miss Universe candidates, Miss Angola, this year’s top winner (as if we didn’t know that) were within an arm’s length. I couldn’t resist asking for a photograph. She didn’t have an interpreter. I don’t remember if we understood each other.

Aside from the man who wants to bring us to the moon and Miss Universe, I also spotted Sen. Bongbong Marcos on the way to the race, as well as Pinoy superstar Aga Muhlach, nightlife king Louie Ysmael, real estate visionary Kevin Tan with girlfriend Mitch See. I made sure also to meet up with Karylle Tatlonghari, who is headlining The Kitchen Musical, a TV musical a la Glee that’ll premiere on Asian TV sets very soon. Pinoy pride, represent!

Speaking of representing, Charice Pempengco did us proud by being one of the chosen performers to be on the same stage (not at the same time though) as Shakira, Linkin Park among other global superstars. My highlight? Nope, not Boy George, but Rick Astley! He sang all his hits and I felt like I did a speed trip back into my childhood. Guess I’ve been Rick-rolled.

This whole Supreme spread features the inner workings of the Formula One, the making of a car, an engine, the best fuel to fuel you.

Are you ready to speed up?

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Countdown 84 days to Christmas. Ready, set, tweet me at twitter.com/iamtimyap