The Montebello Villa Hotel Concours d’Elegance: A First for Cebu

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Last October 2 to 3, the Montebello Villa Hotel Concours d’Elegance, presented by Cebu’s premier car club, Performance and Classics Enthusiasts Club (PACE), is held at the lawn of Montebello Villa Hotel in celebration of PACE’s 10th anniversary.

A Concours d’Elegance, which means “a competition of elegance,” is a gathering of prestigious cars, and dates back to the 17th century when French aristocracy paraded horse-drawn carriages in the parks of Paris during summer weekends and holidays. Over time, these gatherings became a competition among automobile owners to be judged on the appearance of their automobiles.

Fast forward to the 20th century, the Manila Sports Car Club (MSCC) first organized a Concours d’Elegance in 1996, and has now become the basis for The Montebello Villa Hotel Concours d’Elegance. It will be the very first time that such an event will be happening in our very own city, plus, it will be free and open for everyone to enjoy. Taking inspiration from the Concours in Pebble Beach, California, enthusiasts can expect a display of unparalleled beauty and elegance.

The event was hosted (emcee) by Chris Tio and welcome address by Luis Martin B. Alvarez, Montebello Villa Hotel GM/President.

Winners:
Best of Show –  1964 Porsche 356 C (owned by Jay Aldeguer)
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Best in Class: Historic – 1964 Porsche 356 C (of by Jay Aldeguer)
Best in Class: Post-Historic – TIE between
1987 Ferrari 328 (of by Grand Benedicto) 1976 Lotus Espirit (of by Douglas Luym)
People’s Choice Award – 1955 Jaguar XK 140 (of by Kenneth Cobonpue)

Awards were awarded by the Concours judges, Andy Sta. Maria, former MSCC Chairman and Co-Founder and present Ferrari Owners Club Philippines Chairman; Osamu Hasegawa, MSCC Officer and Japan Classic Car Association Director; and Eddie Salonga, MSCC Chief Steward and Miata Club Philippines Co-Founder. The cars were on display from 10AM to 6PM on October 2, and from 9AM to 4PM on October 3.

Continuing the celebration of classic cars is the flag off for Tour de Cebu this October 3 at 7am at Cebu Business Park (Phase 3, back of CIC). As the country’s only 1,000-km historic sports car rally inspired by the notable Mille Miglia event in Italy, Tour de Cebu will cover both Cebu and the Negros Island Region (Bacolod and Dumaguete cities), highlighting different scenic spots with an expected participation of over 35 vehicles.

Tour de Cebu is made possible by top sponsors, Petron Corporation, Sunlife Financial, Montebello Villa Hotel, Liqui Moly; and major sponsors, Nissan Cebu Distributors, Inc., CNN Philippines-Drive, Johnny Air Plus, C! Magazine, Sunstar Cebu, Cebu Daily News, The Freeman, Y101 FM, Cebu Business Park, Chateau de Busay, Shine Brite Cleaning Solutions, Quick R Tire, Circumferential Motorsports, Automobili Detaglia, Islands Souvenirs, ECC Graphics. Café Racer, Ironman 4×4 Philippines, ERUF, Nature Spring, CDR King, Everything Cebu, I Luv Cebu, Qualiplus Intl., and KABILOG.

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