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Not-So-Modest RideBy: Cynthia Barcinas
You
can't begin to fathom the art of customizing a
vehicle unless you approach it with a zealous
attitude. Just ask Angelo Balmonte, proud owner
of a bedecked 1998 Honda Civic, that captured
third place in the Auto Jam 2002 Small Compact
category. Balmonte, a member of the "Kaotik Auto
Club," worked vigorous hours on his car two months
prior to Auto Jam 2002. Since then, he "drives
his car and does not leave it parked" just anywhere.
This
22-year-old had entered his car into the annual
Auto Jam competition for the past couple of years.
The pecuniary investment he made, totaling over
$20,000, has finally earned him a coveted title
in this year's show. So what does his ride have
that sets it apart from the rest? How about the
lavish interior that sports a Playstation 2? With
a power converter, one can play games or view
DVD's til it tickles their fancy. Balmonte's car
sports a Panasonic CD player that is amplified
by Pioneer speakers, balanced with a Crossfire
Equalizer. The headrest monitors allow for private
listening while the JL Subs provide for some heart-thumping
base.
The
exterior specs on this vehicle are to boast about
as well. Balmonte takes great pride in his car's
under-carriage chrome illusion and 17" black opal
rims. Other haughty features include a buddy club
front and rear ends as well as carbon fiber dual
wing, hood, mirrors, and taillights. The engine
make-up on this car consists of an Air-intake,
headers, pulleys, sprockets, and an MSD ignition.
Balmonte,
a modest guy with a far-from-modest car, wishes
to share the thrill of victory with many who helped
him with the paint job and the car's interior:
Kevin Mesa, Jun Erne, and Jomar Madarang. Additional
thanks to Charles, Jerome, John, Kent, Mike, Pedro,
Shirley, Richard, and the rest of the Kaotik Club
members for the assistance rendered to him to
gain the distinguished award at the Auto Jam 2002
Show.
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