Have you ever imagined a Pinoy tricycle running on the streets of California? It sure crossed the mind of Filipino-American Ryan Sotto!
In an interview with “Global Pinoy Unlimited,” Ryan shared that his fascination with motorcycles started two years ago. But even before that, he was already exposed to the tricycle because his family runs a vulcanizing shop in the Philippines.
At first, he just wanted to ride the vehicle because it reminds him of home.
“At the beginning, I decided to use my tricycle as a hobby. Then, I decided to bring my home, Pinoy Tricycle from Mariveles, Bataan,” he said.
Then, he used it in every means possible.
“I’m just using it to pick up my daughter from school and going to the palengke to buy the things that we need every day,” Ryan added.
Because it is something that you do not see often in the States, many Filipinos were surprised and enthusiastic seeing the Pinoy tricycle touring around the city.
“They’re nostalgic about the vehicle. Because some of them have never been [to] the Philippines for so many years. So, they are very happy to see the tricycle.”
“There’s a lot of Filipinos who want to rent my tricycle but I refuse to give them a quote. I’m not trading anything. I let people ride my tricycle but I don’t let them drive,” he added.
Ryan also shared how foreigners react seeing the vehicle.
“Foreigners stop me especially when I [put] gas on my motorcycle. Some Americans ask me for a short ride.”
It may look simple but how did Ryan bring the 3-wheeled vehicle to California?
“You have to meet up the requirements of the country, especially the emission, the EPA (Environment Protection Agency). You have to pay the taxes, the duties at Customs, and then you have to pay the shippers.” he explained.
Although the process was hard, it was all worth it because driving the tricycle in a foreign land meant something deeper to Ryan.
“I’m promoting the Filipino culture here in Los Angeles, to promote Filipino ingenuity,” Ryan said.
Seeing how the community accepted his idea, Ryan has proven that Filipinos are always ready to support one another – something that makes them #StrongerTogether.
For more inspiring stories like this, watch “Global Pinoy Unlimited” on GMA Pinoy TV. Visit www.gmapinoytv.com/subscribe for more details!
