Story & photos by Ronald Rey M. de los Reyes
BRAVE, mighty Achilles once blurted out sharp words that served as a timeless rallying cry seen in the film Troy, where he steered his Persian troop to a triumphant waterfront siege.
“Immortality, take it! It’s yours,” he bawled. Similarly, Asian Carmakers Corp. (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines, had their own “outcry” version—a living legacy set to outlive mortality.
As BMW celebrates a century of heritage, performance and excellence, they awed spectators at Bonifacio High Street in Taguig City with their XPO 2016, a festival like no other. And none other than BMW customers, automotive enthusiasts and the motoring public were in for a one-of-a-kind show featuring 100 years of sheer driving pleasure.
“BMW’s defining moments are anchored on innovation and progress. Every milestone, since the brand’s conception in 1916, has been about creating an effortless automotive future that does not compromise sheer driving pleasure,” ACC President Maricar Parco said. “There’s no better way to share our success story and vision for the future of mobility than through the BMW Festival XPO 2016 with no less than our customers, fans, of course, partners,” she added.
Staged during the three-day event was a slew of special automobiles that represented generations of pioneering design and motoring technology. It was an “eyegasm” of sorts—from the iconic BMW vehicles, such as the BMW 3.0 CSL, BMW Z1, BMW M5 (E28) and BMW R65 motorcycle, to the latest innovations, namely, BMW’s technological masterpiece, the BMW i8 and the quintessential contemporary luxury, the all-new BMW 7 Series.
Other than feasting their eyes on various distinctive spectacles, participants also chanced behind the wheel of some of the most celebrated BMW automobiles through brief test-drive stints, while aspiring owners of this Bavarian pride may choose from a wide range of certified preowned vehicles or the BMW Premium Selection at exclusive prices.
Motorcycling enthusiasts, meantime, also had the time of their lives with ultimate riding machines, such as the BMW Motorrad showcasing the BMW S1000XR and the award-winning BMW S1000RR in the weekend event. It was also the venue where one of our Filipino riders, 2016 Philippine Superbike overall champion, Marvin Mangulabnan, also BMW’s official Motorrad racing team rider was recognized for his sheer riding talent.
Children, as well as the young at heart, frolicked in exciting adventures with BMW in numerous ways. A fascinating augmented reality experience with the BMW Vision Next 100 concept vehicle by the BMW Vision Gate awaited junior drivers. A driving course was also made available for them as they ought to discover the world of mobility.
Fans of motor racing, on the other hand, will not only be able to admire the performance models of BMW, but also put their skills to the test in live wheel-to-wheel action with remote control BMW cars and a virtual racing simulator from Pilipinas Shell.
For fashion-trendy motor heads, a collection of apparel and unique accessories were made ready to bring them closer to the famed-BMW lifestyle with their onset shopping hub. The long-standing proud history of this brand would not have been possible without the enduring support of its valued clients. Thus, as a treat, a special BMW 3 Series was unveiled to the public that served as a collaborative art mural, where select members of the BMW community, such as their customers, left a mark by signing on the car in demonstration of their participation in the centennial celebration.
“This car is special. It is to be preserved, so it will be passed on from generation to generation,” ACC Marketing Director Karl Magsuci shared.
“We hope that our children’s children or even so on and so forth will get to see the marks we left after 100 years and even beyond.”
According to Parco, the automobile festival will stand as the largest and most elaborate representation of their strengthened commitment to delivering premium mobility today and the years to come.
“As we celebrate BMW’s successful past, we also look forward to exciting times ahead—the next 100 years,” she concluded.
Image credits: Ronald Rey M. de los Reyes