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Vintage cars, good drives, great cause, and free shaves sum up our Sunday (September 25, 2022) at the Karrera Showroom in Filinvest, Alabang. Karrera–the last stop of this year's Distinguished Gentleman Drive (DGD).

What is the Distinguished Gentleman Drive?

From 13 drivers last 2021, a total of 32 drivers participated this year to raise awareness for men's health. DGD started laying its roots in 2021; thousands of drivers around the globe started their engines to drive for a cause. Funds raised from DGD go to Movember, a charity that invests in research and programs for prostate cancer and men's mental health all over the world. But what makes the Distinguished Gentleman's Drive different? They don't drive just any other car, but pre-'80s designed classic vehicles with the car owners and their passengers invited to dress in dapper attire, donate, and drive attention to men's health.

We spoke to the organizer of Gentleman's Drive, Neal Medrano, about how DGD came about in the Philippines.

"It started with 'Escoltambay', a weekly gathering of vintage cars and motorcycles at The First United Building in Escolta to save heritage buildings in Manila. Through that, I met organizers and participants of DGD," Neal shared.

Neal answers questions from The Collective.

Q: What was your motivation to join DGD?

Neal: I have a personal experience with men's concerns [men's health, prostate cancer awareness, and suicide prevention], and as the saying goes, "Helping one person might not change the world, but it may change the world of one person." This is my motivation for starting DGD Philippines.

Q: What was this year's DGD highlight?

Neal: [There's] too many to mention! The opportunity to enjoy and meet like-minded individuals is one. It's nice to be part of a community that appreciates vintage and classic cars. I also look forward to getting a message about the next DGD schedule (it's on September 24, 2023!). It's what I and most drivers are looking forward to!

Q: What do you, personally, spend most of your time on?

Neal: [Aside from] spending time with my two sons, I try to be physically fit by doing regular workouts at home and cycling wherever I feel like going. Cleaning and driving my cars around are also my forms of relaxation. I also enjoy restoring cars because it's like art to me.

It was just a laid-back event where vintage cars were displayed around the city and had their last stop at the Karrera Showroom to hang out, get some coffee, and have a good time.

Photo by Juan Carlos Paredes Rosales

To celebrate this great cause, we gave out free shaves to everyone who attended and joined the event. Featuring The Collective's Razor and Shaving Brush! For the aftershave, Evenprime's Daily Moisturizer was also in the picture.

Let's hear it from the guys!

"[the shave] It was good... so relaxing"

– Morris M.

"I like the smooth finish of the shave; I have sensitive skin so it's a big plus that it [skin] didn't react. Not to mention how refreshing it is afterward…"

– Raeven N.

We also had a booth set-up highlighting the winning Shower Trio from Firsthand Supply, Faace, Pestlo, Anessa, Alder NY, and personal care accessories like The Collective's Travel Kit.

Just like cars, it doesn't hurt to shift and turn to yourself, slow down and take a brake (get it, break) to maintain good vibrations and fuel up your well-being. Sometimes a simple shave is all it takes to unwind.

The Collective is also a proud supporter of Movember! Join our team here.