ON APRIL 4, 2016, I bought a previously-owned RV in Maryland.
The project became a disaster, a nightmare.
I feel cheated by the boys I bought it with.
We dreamed of an RV life together, and we just broke up… by natural causes.
Now, I think that threesome is a bad idea. Haha.
***
One of the boys is married now.
And if the other turned out to be a prostitute, I wouldn’t be surprised.
I still talk to them.
But I’m not likely to dream of an RV life with them.
***
I was thinking of an RV life in the US.
The continental USA (“the lower 48” — if you live in Alaska) is big and wide, and drivable.
Maybe, I’ll do it in a few years’ time.
But for now, I want to go home to the Philippines, and concentrate on my real estate investments.
Maybe start a few businesses to keep me busy.
***
I really have no intention of an RV life in the Philippines.
I mean, Why?
The hotels are cheap.
Transportation is always available.
I have an old SUV that is still functional and well-maintained.
***
But then, an offer was made.
And for a good price, I think.
And when there’s a good bargain, I could be coaxed.
***
The original offer was an Isuzu Elf truck.
I said, No trucks. Not interested.
And to sugarcoat the turndown, I said, it’s not like an RV that I can drive around the Philippines.
(My big mouth should really stop with the No.)
The seller (on commission, but also a friend) was persistent—
“But we can customize it for you!”
***
Thus, began this madness.
Then, on the first day of Fall, September 22, I decided to order a custom-made RV from second-hand engines imported from, I presume, Japan.
The following day, on September 23, I wired a money transfer of 50% down payment.
I wanted the repurposing company to be happy with me.
Hoping that my punctuality will be matched with their own punctuality.
And also to reinforce the idea that ThePSN deal is a no-nonsense deal.
***
The first major concern was automatic versus manual transmission.
I have to be honest: I don’t know how to drive in manual mode.
I’ve only driven three cars in America, and they were all automatic.
My heart says Automatic, so that I can drive it in case of emergency.
But my mind listens to people’s advice.
***
Manual is much easier to maintain.
Parts are more readily available if repairs are needed.
In accidents and emergencies, manual can be easily remedied.
More Filipinos can drive it.
Manual has better torque in elevated, and rasher, terrains.
***
So, considering Philippine realities—
I’m not likely to drive it.
I can hire a driver.
I want to tour the islands with RO-RO.
Long drives.
Terrible roads.
Unreliable/non-existent professional roadside assistance—
I’m totally getting a manual.
***
I’m excited about getting an RV custom made for me.
The company that is making it is also enthusiastic.
I’m their first RV customer.
And they said that they’re gonna pimp it out to the max so my RV can serve as their calling card.
And I’m saying, Yes!
I’m saying, Do a vlog as you make it.
Work your art, and your ass off.
Make it the first, and the greatest.
Make it like your dream RV that you’d be proud to drive yourself.
***
This pandemic has taught me a lot of things:
Vaccines work.
Life is short, and precious.
Love will always be available.
Money can’t buy you happiness; but it can buy an RV, or a boyfriend, or Balenciaga.
God blesses everyone.
And I really love Life.
But if my life be short, I’m ready.
***
I have done brave things during this pandemic.
I’ve made blind investments.
I’ve trusted in God, and science.
In vaccines, and destiny.
There’s more “bahala na” in me right now than in all of my 51 previous years.
***
I’ve always believed in planning and foreseeing things.
And they served me a purpose.
I mean, I wouldn’t be this successful if they didn’t.
But at a time like this, I cannot trust only my own designs and understanding.
***
I still do a lot of things my way.
But I’ve taken major risks, too.
If life is short, and my life is threatened, I’m gonna live to the fullest.
That’s why they call me crazy.
And that’s just the way I like it!/PN
