As car enthusiasts, we often find ourselves immersed in a world where the beauty of an automobile extends beyond its size, form and metallic sheen, ultimately reaching into the realm of shared experiences, camaraderie and lifelong friendships.
This year, Grupo Toyota, one of the longest-running Toyota car clubs in the Philippines, celebrates its 20th anniversary, a testament to the enduring power of this shared love.
GT began as a small circle of friends united by their passion for the Toyota brand. Today, it boasts over 27,000 members on Facebook, a proof of its expanding reach. Far from a typical car club, GT’s ethos is grounded in friendship and the joy of shared experiences rather than business or politics.
Like a lot of brand-centered auto clubs, Grupo Toyota has an all-encompassing love for every Toyota model. What started out as forum members hanging out in real life to an ownership movement that moves more like a large barkada than a formal organization, GT has Toyota’s vehicles as the foundation for its existence.
From classic Corollas and Celicas to the rugged Land Cruisers and more modern metal such as the Toyota GR Yaris and Mk. V Supra, the club welcomes every Toyota enthusiast. This inclusivity has led to a vibrant and diverse community, where knowledge and experiences are shared freely among members.
A CIRCA 2004 photo of one of the club meets features Corollas that are now considered old school.
Robert Tan, one of the club’s founders and a driving force behind its longevity, along with his wife Jill Elicano-Tan, has been instrumental in maintaining this ethos, fostering unity and passion within the club despite the inevitable challenges. “GT is about friendship and brotherhood,” Tan says, his words echoing the club’s unwavering spirit. Robert is well-liked, and his charisma and involvement in motorsports and the local car culture has given him more than just plain clout in his role of leader. Jill, who is charismatic and congenial, has impeccable organization skills that go well with her husband’s energy in leading the group.
Their infectious energy and passion for the club continues to power the group, but as Robert mentions, the future of the club lies on who they can pass on the baton to.
Over the years, GT has evolved, creating symbiotic relationships with relevant businesses, not as corporate partnerships but as friendships built on mutual respect and love for the automotive industry and car culture.
This approach has earned them support from the broader industry, including the Toyota Manila Bay group of companies and Toyota Motor Philippines. To be recognized and supported by the brand they represent is a validation of their efforts, and an achievement for the whole club.
As with any journey, GT’s 20-year history is marked with milestones that encapsulate its essence. From the sorrowful loss of members, to fun times during regular meets and to the establishment of an amateur race series called Super Sprint, these moments are etched into the club’s collective memory. The race series, originally exclusive to GT members, has since opened to the public, underpinning the club’s commitment to inclusivity and the ethos of learning and fun over competitiveness.
GT’s members are as varied as Toyota’s models, ranging from young enthusiasts to seasoned veterans, including women and entire families. Regular meets, car display events, and educational clinics form the bedrock of their activities, strengthening the bonds of their automotive fraternity.
GROUP meets can easily overwhelm a venue due to the sheer size of its membership.
One of their most memorable traditions is the “Suck & Blow” game for new members, a humorous and enjoyable ice-breaker during GT Christmas parties that epitomizes the club’s warm and welcoming nature.
The club’s influence on local car culture is undeniable. As the most popular brand in the country, Toyota’s presence is ubiquitous, but Grupo Toyota elevates this popularity, showcasing exceptional car builds, stories and performance demonstrations that have become a cornerstone of the local scene. Beyond their love for cars, GT’s members are equally committed to their social responsibilities. They support small, impoverished communities in Paranaque, a project initiated by the Tan couple. Proceeds from merchandise fundraising activities are directed towards this cause, further solidifying GT’s role as a community pillar.
As GT cruises into its third decade, it remains a beacon of passion, friendship, and community spirit. Its enduring legacy, built on a foundation of shared love for Toyota, serves as an inspiring reminder of the beautiful intersection between automotive enthusiasm and human connection. Here’s to many more years of driving friendships, roaring engines, and the unifying power of the Toyota brand.
