29/04/2026
5 years ago, this car was just sitting on the side of the road, forgotten.
Some of you already know my Civic hatch, but here is the story behind it.
I first saw this car parked outside a house. The paint was faded, full of dust, windows open, and in really bad shape. The owner told me it was not running for 2 years.
But I still wanted it.
I knocked on their door and asked if they would sell it. It was not easy. I kept coming back and asking again and again for about a month. Finally, they said yes.
I bought it for ₱70,000.
At that time, I did not have extra money. I had to sell my first car, my Lancer Boxtype, just to afford this one.
And that is where everything started.
I built this car step by step. Interior, exterior, engine rebuild, wiring, detailing. I did almost everything myself, with a little help from my friends and fellow car guys.
This car gave me more than just a ride.
It gave me memories, new friends, and a lot of lessons.
There were times it broke down. Times I got tired. Times I felt like giving up.
But I kept going.
Because for us, this is not just metal.
This is therapy.
This is happiness.
This is something that heals our inner child.
No VTEC. No turbo. No crazy setup.
Just a simple car that brings real joy.
And honestly, that is enough.
The project is still not finished.
And that is the fun part.
There are still many plans. Still many things to improve.
Because a project car never really ends.
As long as you have passion, it keeps going.
Every project car has a story.
This is mine.
To all car guys out there, here is a reminder.
There will be days you feel tired. Days you lose interest. Days you do not even want to drive your car.
That is normal.
But do not give up.
Do not let your car sit and rot.
Do not let it collect dust.
Start it. Drive it. Work on it little by little.
Give it time. Give it love.
Remember why you started.
“Passion first. The rest will follow.”
