The historic Summer Capital of the Philippines, in the tree-clad mountains almost a mile above sea level, Baguio City in December saw the first National VW Meet to be held outside Manila after 30 years in the capital city.
The Thing joins other VWs in Burnham Park, central Baguio
Air-cooled Volkswagens of every description thrashed their way up the twisting roads to the Grand Cañao at Baguio, and were treated to traditional Ilocano hospitality, including a pig slaughtered on the rally field by loincloth-clad tribesmen: fresh meat for the rally feast. C&SC contributor Malcolm McKay, a guest judge for the concours, found the standard of restoration of the cars attending was outstanding, with many superbly-finished original-spec cars (including a split-window Beetle) as well as some ingenious and eye-catching customs and rat-looks. Beetles were assembled in the Philippines in the 1960s and imported cars from Brazil as well as Germany; while Beetles were in the majority, there was a healthy turnout of Kombis, a few Brasilias, Squarebacks, Notchbacks, Cabriolets and individual examples of The Thing and the Australian Country Buggy.
Brasilia leads VW parade through Baguio City
