Here’s where you can find it
Remember when you were young and you imagined your living room as a race track—or maybe as a jam-packed stretch of EDSA? Whether you were doing that with your favorite Hot Wheels toys or living the moment with a huge box, the thrill that comes from riding definitely made your childhood colorful and adventurous with every swerve and turn that’s happening only in your head. Now you can relive your childhood fantasy at this outdoor crazy cart drifting in Cainta, Rizal.
First established as a cart-selling brand, Driftito Academy became a full-blown attraction at Robinsons Metro East Mall. Led and owned by Tee Jay Jamlang, the outdoor cart drifting was launched last June. But with the ever-changing community quarantine status in Metro Manila, they had to hit the brakes on its operations. Now it is back and invites families and barkadas to discover the fun and exciting experience that comes from motorsport racing.
“Driftito is actually my social media alias at first. I just use it for my crazy cart contents to attract customers,” Tee Jay tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “Then Robinsons noticed us and asked if we can bring the crazy carts to its East Deck and that's how Driftito Academy started.”
A true family business, the team behind the academy with Tee Jay are his siblings, close relatives, and friends. Together they set up a space at the mall’s roof deck that is dedicated to pure adrenaline. Tires of black and yellow are lined up to create tracks fit for riders’ oversteering. While it could be nerve-racking, Tee Jay says that one doesn’t need to know how to drive to enjoy or master the crazy carts. After all, there are only three elements a rider should pay attention to: the steering wheel, the throttle that makes the cart go fast, and the drift bar for the maneuver.
“It’s a kid’s toy so kahit bata madali nagegets kung pano gamitin yung mga (even kids can easily learn how to use the) crazy carts,” he says. “People should also know that these are not your ordinary go-carts, these are drift carts. Kaya sobrang saya niya i-drive and magpa-ikot-ikot unlike ‘yung normal go-carts na medyo nakakatakot and need ng experience sa pag-drive (That’s why they are so fun to drive and go around unlike the normal go-carts, which are a bit scary and require experience to drive).”
Of course, Driftito Academy also follows health and safety standards. According to Tee Jay, they sanitize the carts and helmets after every use. They also encourage everyone to register online first for bookings to avoid overcrowding and queues. Cart rentals range from ₱200 to ₱650 depending on the time. While on weekdays and holidays, prices go from ₱220 to ₱700.
“Maraming nagsasabi na bumabalik sila sa pagkabata (Many are saying that they remember their childhood) when they drive it,” Tee Jay muses. “If you are a fan of ‘Mario Kart,’ ‘Need For Speed,’ or ‘Initial D,’ this is definitely a must-try!”