[ Click here to view our photo gallery for this event ]

SUMMER is always a time for sun, sand and surf. It is also a great time for shows, car shows to be specific. And, as if on cue, the Manila International Auto Show (Mias) opened with a wonderful treat for car buffs yesterday at the World Trade Center.

Entitled “Crossing Boundaries,” the Mias 2010 highlights the unparalleled capabilities of today’s vehicles as they give better performance and fuel economy. With displays from almost all of the different auto manufacturers, Mias has established itself as one of the biggest car shows in the country today.

Featuring a comprehensive display of the latest offerings from the top car makers in the country, it allows the consumer to take a look under the hood of the latest models and significant concepts from the Philippines’ premiere automakers.

Joseph Ang, head of Mias, says they have compiled a goodly set of activities for visitors this year. “There are a lot of things to do for our visitors this year aside from looking at premier cars,” Ang says.

For starters, auto loans sponsor PS Bank offered special deals and quick approval for qualified buyers who wanted to buy a car right from the Mias floor. It was pretty exciting to see guests lining up to see if they can actually buy a car there and then.

For people who love to see action, Russ Swift, the precision driver known for his tight J-turns, two-wheel maneuvers and meticulously planned stunts, again wowed the crowd with his performance. This is the third year Swift has performed in Mias and the blue Subaru he used is the same Subaru he has been using since.

On another end, sustainable transportation students flocked to Sikat, the second-generation solar car produced by De La Salle University which was on display at the Mias. Other displays include vintage vehicles, some 20 to 25 big bikes, a party van/bus, classic and new-generation Mini Coopers and the Chevrolet’s Cruze Touring Car.

A new feature at the Mias is the Custom and Classic Car competition where the winner will get tickets for two to the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix. There will also be a custom bike competition, as well as a photo competition by Nikon.

The MIAS will run until April 18 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

[ Click here to view our photo gallery for this event ]

[ Click here to view our photo gallery for this event ]

Leder Interia's president, Mr. Lorenzo "Babes" Rojas had a an experience of a lifetime - he took the opportunity to watch and experience the very much awaited 2010 Formula 1 Malaysian Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit, Sepang, Malaysia last april 4, 2010.

Sebastian Vettel, who started third, effectively won the Malaysian Grand Prix by out-dragging his polesitting Red Bull Racing teammate Mark Webber and second-on-the-grid Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg into the first corner.

The trio at the top in the tropics stayed where they were to the finish of a 56-lap saunathon held in searing heat and sweltering humidity. Plenty of overtaking was guaranteed with four of the fastest cars, the McLarens and Ferraris, starting near the back of the pack after being caught out by the torrential downpour that caused chaos in qualifying.

But after the initial flurry of action that brought the foursome up to the tail end of the front-runners, among whom the status quo prevailed, the race tended toward tedium and would undoubtedly have benefitted from the cloudburst that was forecast but never materialized.

“It’s very hot here — I didn’t stop sweating. It’s very physical and at some stages I was hoping for rain just to get a bit of a cool down.” said Vettel, who led the first two races of the season before being waylaid by mechanical problems.

Seven cars failed to finish here, including that of Michael Schumacher, whose Mercedes stopped with a loose wheel nut.