Ibay

Ah. Ibay. My steel ride.

Ibay's a pre-owned 1999 Piaggio Vespa PX 150E that I bought three years and 10,000 or so kilometers ago from a Buy & Sell ad that I stumbled upon. She's now permanently here in Metro Manila after spending a good year under the blistering Paniqui, Tarlac sun.

A plain-jane silver scoot until 2003, Ibay is still a basic stock deal with no essential modifications save for exterior embellishments that attempt a subdued "practical mod" look. Many thanks go to Nong Guyjoco and the boys at 2211 for an outstanding paint job - the end result of an uneventful oil spill encounter with Magallanes Interchange asphalt. Chromework is courtesy of frequent collaboration with Mr. Vespanatics himself, Bryan Laxamana (who incidentally rides the most mod Vespa scooter on local shores). Ibay may not be as mod-dingly daring as Bryan's ride, but her purpose as a reliable daily commuter never fails to disappoint this rider and draw the occassional compliment from onlookers nevertheless.

I hope that I manage to take care of Ibay in the same vicinity as to the degree to which she takes care of me. It's doubtful that I will, owing to the Vespa's legendary reliability, but I can certainly try. Our relationship is a work in progress and I learn new things from her everyday.