September 10, 2008 LTO Workshop... What to expect...

Good day brothers and sisters,

As part of our preparation for the September 10 workshop with the LTO, we would like to clarify some hard facts as to how this is going to be played.

For those who have kept close contact with the activities and meetings of the MAP/MRO, we have already explained the goals and intentions that we carry with us on that day. We have also done every bit of information gathering and studied every aspect of the AO. From the legal, to safety, to environmental, to rights, to self expression, fairness and down to the technical aspects of it.

For those who we haven't been able to reach out to, there has been talk of the workshop as being an open door event. Contrary to that belief, the LTO has allowed 25 slots that will consist of the Manufacturers (MDPPA), Dealers (MDAP), after market suppliers and retailers, professional mechanics, Safety and Education, apparel specialists and the community (MAP, MRO and MCP). These slots were given specific invitations as coordinated through the appointed facilitator of the meeting, Mr. Jake Swann. He was appointed by the LTO and MDPPA to head off the said workshop.

As much as we would like to bring people in, we have to keep the group small in order for us to get the work done in an orderly fashion. The different sectors of the community and the industry are already working together by coordination and transparency towards each other. After this weeks meeting with the MDPPA and MDAP, we have established the fact that we are set to one direction and goal. Because of that, we have a very strong force behind us that will be working together in clearing this AO of it's gray area.

I am speaking right now on behalf of the people who have stepped forward and has given their time and effort in doing the research, study and understanding of every bit and piece that we will be and might be talking about in the said workshop. And it is through my own eyes that I have seen the dedication and persistence of every member of the technical working group that has met every now and then in preparation for the workshop. I am proud to say that we have not let any page remain unturned and we have made sure that every ounce of info from the people we talked to, the topics raised in the forums and the opinions that were shared will be the driving force of our presentation and call for September 10.

We are now in the starting grid and we are gearing up to take the challenge of taking this race with fire and determination in our hearts. Rest assured, we will be doing everything that we can in the most peaceful and civil way possible to bring us the most favorable results. But, please, bear in mind that this will be the beginning of more things to come. And we will not stop with this AO. We will take on other things ahead as long as there is a need to face the issues being thrown at our faces.

As much as I would like to talk to you about the prime motive and subject of our presentation and directives that will be laid out on the table on September 10, we would like to keep our aces covered so that the other party will not know what we have in store for them. I humbly ask that you give us the opportunity to do what we came here to do for the community and everybody else concerned.

We would also like to ask that we keep our selves from being overcome by our emotions and let us all remain calm and wait for the outcome of the said workshop. Let us go to the LTO and enter their doors with dignity and respect so that we deliver what we have worked hard for.

Please, my dear brothers and sisters, let us have your support and your prayers that we may be successful in this fight for our rights and our freedom to express ourselves. Let us show them that we are one and that we are united in this endeavor. We don't have to be physically present but we can all be together in spirit and in belief that we shall PREVAIL!!!

Special thanks to:

Jake Swann
Bimbo Isidro
Don Pangan
Astek Ang
Arnel Cabrera
Noel Villarosa
Henry Reyes

These are the people who have given their time, dedication and effort in our preparation for September 10.

Let us give them our sincere thanks to what they have done for the community.

Kudos to all of you!

And to MDPPA, MDAP, MCP and the entire forum community who have shared all their thoughts and opinions in the threads. Thank you!

And last but not the least, to all the people who have shown support and who has listened to us during these trying times. Thank you for inviting us over your respective areas and for hearing our message that we will bring to the authors of the AO.

Thank you and may GOD bless us all!!!

Jobert Bolanos
MAP / MRO