The buggy run

Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) got extended to May 15, 2020 - these means more days to do housework, office work at home, market buys, cars, and motorcycle maintenance runs, and of course, our hobbies to keep us sane.

After a week my Shopee package arrived, and in it are a pair of glow plug starters.  I bought two since its cheap (and as with the EDCer in me goes - "one is none, two is one"), one is a standard rechargeable and one is wired with some kind of resistors so I just have to connect it to the batteries of my starter box and run the usual 1.2V needed for the glow plug.  This is a more longterm use compared to a standard rechargeable Ni-cd glow plug starter.

So I got the buggy out from storage, installed the shocks, tires, and all other components.  Brought everything to the roof deck, fired up the buggy and it started!  As with any other motorized engine, I was expecting differently.  After a few minutes of warm-up, I was doing circles and eights!

I may have done 2 tanks before I packed up. I removed the components and prepared them for storage again.  Time very well-spent.  And now, I'm sure to bring it over on my next trip out of town for some bashing.  Or maybe do a quick trip to CV tracks again if I should have more time with the New Normal.  Keep safe!

The next level of EDC - owning a firearm!

As I get deeper into the EDC lifestyle, I get to acquire the tastes and preferences of the community.  And the inevitable has come - I am now looking to own a live firearm!

The basic question is, what do you need the gun for?  The basic answer - for home defense.  The next answer is to discover its world!  We'll get to this some other time.  For now, I'm doing my work in finding gun ownership's pros and cons. And as it is with how I go about the things that interest me, I do my research.  And so far here's what I got as I go through the License To Own and Possess Firearm or the LTOPF: 

1. There is an online site by the Philippine National Police Firearms and Explosive Office Office (PNP-FEO) where you can send requirements for online assessment.  This lessens the hassle of going back and forth to FEO because you have the wrong requirement
2. I need to undergo Gun Safety and Responsible Gun Ownership seminar and I have found a gun club where I can do this.  To me, this will make or break my intent to go through gun ownership as my questions can be answered here.  I'm looking forward to doing this.
3. Online application of PNP and NBI Clearances - meaning I will not have to spend a whole day for these.
4. Neuro-Psychiatric and Drug Tests are done in Crame and the results will be uploaded in the FEO account - this further lessens the waiting time as I just have to do the tests and leave immediately to do other things
5. The rest of the requirements should be easy as these are standard identification and proof of income.  These two are needed so PNP knows where the gun will be kept and if the applicant has the capacity to maintain the firearm.  This varies depending on the status of the applicant, so check out the full details here.
6. After all the requirements are done, that is the time that I'll schedule appearance to FEO in Crame to submit all the hard copies of requirements.  LTOPF will be released that day.
7. As for the costs, as of writing these are what I found that fit my classification, so this will vary per individual.  I also may have missed some fees and requirements, I'll be working on this continuously.  Best to visit this site for more information.
   

The LTOPF is just one of the prerequisites in owning a gun.  There are still the Firearm (FA) Registration and the Permit to Carry Firearms Out of Residence (PTCFOR) that you'll go through once you have a gun.  And these I think are best answered by gun stores and gun community.  But before a gun store talks to you, I would imagine that with so many people who "like" to have a gun but are too timid to go through the licensing process, gun stores will most likely entertain you better if you have an LTOPF.  I'm not sure as I haven't talked with any gun stores yet, but I came from the service industry and I know how to value their time in talking to people who are inclined and in this case qualified to buy.  We'll get through these as we first go through with the LTOPF.

So what's keeping me from getting the LTOPF?  Aside from the ECQ so I really can't do anything, these are my current inhibitions:

1. Once I dive into this, I have to do the LTOPF process every two years!  its not really a money issue, but more of a time and effort issue.  
2. So I dove in and already bought a gun.  In my limited knowledge as of now, I can only get a Permit to Transport (PTT) from the FEO for P200, valid for only 1 day to transfer the gun to the range and back.  Getting a PTT is again, as you guessed it, will take time and effort to physically travel to get it.
3. So I get PTCFOR for P6,200 so I don't need to get a temporary permit, but the application for one is much stricter and with a somewhat similar requirement as the LTOPF with the NBI Clearance, Neuro-Psychiatric and Drug test so again - time and effort.
4. I already have a PTCFOR, but its validity is for ONE YEAR, and I have to repeat the process and again, time and effort.

I understand that gun ownership is a privilege and not a right.  And I do get that stricter application requirement is needed to establish the qualified people to be allowed to own a gun.  But with today's technology, there are a lot of ways to improve the process to make the process more efficient to both parties.  

I also understand that gun ownership is a serious matter.  That is why I'm weighing in on this heavily.  I want to be 100% sure before I make the jump.  And one way to decide on this is to ask gun owners about it, which is what I'll be doing in the next days.

Did you go through the same concerns as me?  Let me know what made you go for it, I'll be most grateful to get first-hand info.  Cheers!

So far the closest to the real one that I have held - an Airsoft GBB

Pocket knife or a multi-tool? A question I go through as I go about my day

We are still in ECQ, I have already done quite a number of things to keep myself busy and now getting a bit bored. So I thought of doing some cleaning of the already clean knives and multitools that I have.  And while my computer is here why don't I write about the question I ask myself every morning as I prepare myself for the day.

From top left to right - Spyderco Pro Grip, Kershaw Shuffle 2 (with a NiteIze pocket FL) Leatherman Wingman, SAK Classic, Swiss Tech Micro Plus 9-in-1 and Pocket Multi-tool 12-in-1 and the CRKT Folts Minimalist Bowie

1. Spyderco Progrip - this is my oldest knife, I don't remember when it was handed down to me, but I remember putting it in my very old toolbox for my then hobby Tamiya Mini 4WD back in the early 2000s.  It stayed inside toolboxes of about 3 different cars and about 2 years ago when I started carrying it in my bag.  I may carry it but perhaps on a few selected occasions when I know the possibility of it getting lost is very small.
2. Kershaw Shuffle 2 - this is my newest knife.  I bought this during the ECQ to match my blue NiteIze pocket flashlight.  And since I have started carrying a knife in my pocket every day, I decided to get a budget knife instead of the Spyderco so it wouldn't hurt as much if ever I lose it.  This is a nice knife with a bottle opener and a screw head that are practical tools to have aside from the knife.  This will be in the pocket every day.  
3. Leatherman Wingman - this has everything that I should need in situations that require quick fixes.  The scissors and the knife gets the most use.  This is a bit heavy to carry daily so I bring it on days where I know there's a higher chance of it being used.  As I bring it, I make myself extra aware that it is still in my pocket.  I am so scared of losing it that it becomes one of the reasons that I don't carry it as much.
4. Swiss Army Knife - I have 3 of these, 1 stays in my office drawer, 1 stays in the car
   
   and the other one in my pocket organizer.  I bring it when I have to do quick trips out of the office along with a power bank, a USB-C cable, business cards and of course, a flashlight.  I don't bring a folder as even with the pocket clip, I don't want to have any problems with authorities in my destination.
5. Swiss Techs - These just stay in my motorcycle EDC as I don't usually bring a knife when I ride.  Again, I don't want to have any problems should I run into anything while on the road.  Carrying a bladed weapon is still against the law.
6. CRKT Folts Minimalist Bowie - I used to carry this as a neck knife when I bought it in December, 2019.  I love it but hanging them on my neck in my office seems to be a bit too flagrant even if it's hidden.  I pocketed them but the folders with their pocket clips make them more practical than this.  I gave this to the wife for her to carry in her bag for "just in case" use.  I found her using it frequently for quick food preparation in the house.  She now knows why I always carry one in my pocket.

As you can see, this is not a review, as I am not that critical of these tools.  I simply like having them on me "just in case" and I don't push these too hard as I understand that there are the right tools for the right job.  Also, I work in corporate, there are very few instances where I can push these to their limits. 

So when you see me, don't hesitate to ask for help from me to do some cutting or screwing, I will be more than happy to help! Cheers! :)

These stay with me, always! :)

Things I learned in my first year of owning a motorcycle

The enhanced community quarantine has been extended to April 30, 2020, so the supposed long weekend this Holy Week just got longer! 

I have mentioned that its been a year since I got the Vespa.  And looking at it as I have just recently washed it for storage, got me thinking of the things I have learned about motorcycle riding and ownership of the Vespa.  Let me list it down below in no particular order:

1. It serves its utilitarian purpose - I guess this does not apply to all motorcycles - as I have been also checking out my "next" motorcycle (I'm talking about a Kawasaki Z400 naked bike), and at first glance, you know that you can't hardly put anything on it, let alone place top box storage without looking stupid.  My pet food ride yesterday I was able to place 6kg of assorted bird feeds in the top box and 4 cans of dog food in the under-seat. Utility and style for the Vespa.
2. The heat is not so bad - For all riders, this means as long as you're moving you can get good ventilation.  To non-riders, this is one reason why you see riders fighting through that small space in between cars during traffic.  Another way to do this is by using the right gears.  This is where riders differ - proper motorcycle gears have armor AND extra features like mesh for ventilation.  Majority of the riders you see use the common jacket.  I have tried the latter, and I had to be extra fast for me to keep cool.  And that is another reason why you riders moving between traffic a bit faster and kamote-like.

   

   How many cars can fit in this row?

3. Parking is a breeze - and it comes cheap, too!  Most decent malls provide adequate-spaced motorcycle parking slots.  I haven't experienced one where I had to go around in circles to find a slot, compared to when I use a car on weekend mall visits.
4. Motorcycle riders can be a-holes - I know this is true with 4-wheeled vehicles.  But there was once in my newbie motorcycle rides where I didn't want to ride during rush hour because riders do not care!  They are aggressive with 4-wheeled vehicles but they are MORE aggressive with co-riders.  They will cut you off with no signals whatsoever.  I really don't understand such rudeness in some of these riders.
   
5. You can never have too many gears - This is different from some riders who can never have too many stickers or lights or blings.  Part of me being and EDC-guy is that I want to be ready for anything.  Apart from my Everyday Motorcycle Carry in my other blog, I also have 2 helmets (3 if I decide to use the Gringo), 2 mesh jackets, 2 pairs of gloves, 2 sets of helmet communicator for mix and match.
6. Learn to anticipate everything around you - this means more than just minding your ride, is staying focused enough to be able to check the road ahead, watch out for cars that may not be aware of your presence, pedestrians who seem to think you can always stop for them, or motorcycle riders who will pop up on the wrong side of the overtaking lane.  Key is to be focused, more than if you're riding 4-wheeled vehicles.
   
7. Motorcycle events are notoriously cramped - In my one year of ownership, I have just been to one motorcycle event - the Inside Racing Bike Festival 2019 at the World Trade Center.  I had to return on Day 3 in the afternoon as the line was extremely long!  There were truly good deals and bike displays and activities (and models), so it's understandable that riders line up for it.  You really have to give it time.
8. The lifestyle that comes with it - there is more to Vespa than just a scooter.  Aside
   
   from its strong history, owners have that discrete yet elite vibe!  I'm not elite, but I do get that wanting to be different.  You can buy a more powerful, modern bike with the price of a similar Vespa, but I guess riding a slow, heavy and expensive scooter to maintain is more acceptable than being part of the many. There is such a thing as "not for everyone".  But I am also a member of other motorcycle facebook groups.  And camaraderie and brand loyalty among them is strong.  There is truly more to motorcycles than just machines.

If you're a rider you may agree to these and maybe have your own points.  If you're a non-rider and thinking of getting one, I hope this helps in giving you ideas of what to expect in one.  My advise - go for it!  But learn the proper way to ride, and don't skimp out on gears!  Ride Safe!