Manny Martinez of the Old Schooler Auto Club with his ’70s Toyota Corolla.

MANILA, Philippines — If you need an indication of the pulse of local old-school motoring, all you have to do is attend one of the many numerous club meetings around town. Just a few weeks ago, the Old-Schooler Auto Club celebrated its 8th anniversary, and the number of cars in attendance at the open parking lot of Ortigas Home Depot was staggering. Almost every mainstream automotive brand that was popular in the ’70s and early ’80s was represented—from immaculately restored examples, right down to daily-driven rides that their owners expose to the elements (and traffic) without fear.

Cars were arriving in waves from the early morning until late in the evening. At the event’s peak, over 120 cars were present, each with owners just sitting back and shooting the breeze.

A parking-lot meeting has a completely different vibe from a formal car show, and it is in this laid-back environment that you can get to really know some enthusiasts personally.

Among the attendees were folks promoting their restoration shops, suppliers of rare parts, and manufacturers of reissued parts. Others who showed up were just curious, perhaps even just starting out with the hobby and eager to pick up some tips or locate hard-to-find parts.

Many just wanted to show off their rides and see what other restorers are up to. Of course, numerous car clubs were also welcome during this celebration. It is true that with one text from Manny Martinez (the organizer of this event), enthusiasts will bring their cars out for a day of camaraderie. This is because everyone in the scene knows him as the go-to guy for anything related to the lifestyle.

Casual observers will wonder why there are guys (and girls) who keep rust buckets running, when brand-new cars are so affordable nowadays. Well, the answer really depends on whom you ask. Enthusiast Budoy Arle, who drove all the way from Las Pinas, says that there is something special about driving an old car. He reasons that there was a time when these cars pretty much disappeared from the road, and drivers who missed them decided to just bring them back.

Wilson Sy shares that it is really nice to see an old car that was brought back to running condition. It is common to see an old car falling apart, but when there is a parking lot full of original and restored classics, the sight is something else altogether.

Maybe the fathers of these enthusiasts used to drive these old cars, so it is normal for the sons to want a car just like what dad drove. Or when car enthusiasts were younger, they wanted a certain car, but couldn’t afford it when it was brand new. Now, attaining one will be easier.

In my case, I love the smell of gasoline from a carburetor running on the rich side, and the sound of an older engine. I enjoy the visceral feeling of driving an older car. And, after all of the time spent restoring my ride, I would want to get on the road and drive it as often as I can.

Regardless of the reasons for wanting to get into the hobby, there are some common sense tips to keep in mind, of course. If you want to be technical about it, a ride is classified as an old-schooler if it was manufactured before 1987.

Before jumping into the hobby, make sure to choose a car that you really like or have an emotional attachment to. That way, you will be more motivated to finish the project. You must also be wary of some so-called experts. Ask around and do some background checks before dealing with certain shops. It is during old-schooler meets that you can get a handle on who you can trust.

Finding parts is getting harder and harder nowadays. Perhaps the most important thing to remember is to have fun. Do what makes you happy, regardless of what others think.

Ultimately, you are the one who drives your old car, so don’t let the scene dictate your tastes. When you are cruising along and folks give you a thumbs-up, there is a good chance that they appreciate the hard work that goes into putting an old car together. And with more people learning how to appreciate vintage metal, we don’t see this hobby disappearing anytime soon.