As I wander around the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), I stumbled upon the display of restored vintage cars right beside the modified cars exhibit. Personally, I am more captivated by the looks of restored cars than those of the modern ones. And I guess that makes me a modern Tita, a young lass with a heart for old vehicles.

And here is a compilation of restored cars that caught my eye and easily landed a place in my heart:

Mini Cooper

This one’s an ultimate favorite for me. Growing up, I was a Disney channel kid. And one of the shows that I’ve grown up with is Mr. Bean. That iconic green car is the reason why I have always wanted and dreamed to have a Mini Cooper of my own.

Porsche Targa

Now this one is another ‘ultimate Tita car’ for me at MIAS. That hot pink paint job can match the newly polished nails of high school and college girls back in the early 2000’s. And as the millennial Tita that I am, this car also reminds me of Sharpay Evans played by former Disney star Ashley Tisdale in the High School Musical movies. It’s just fabulous!

Volkswagen Squareback

When they say that orange is the new black, it certainly can be. I can image driving this VW to the beach, pretending to be a beach babe who can surf. Well, a girl can dream. The color also makes it stand out among the other cars. I would to drive this around the countryside with the windows down, listening to old songs as I head down to a beach undiscovered by the tourists.

Volkswagen Kombi

Somebody call the Scooby-Doo Gang! Of all the restored cars at MIAS, this one’s color is absolutely my favorite. It is very easy on the eye. Whenever I see a Kombi, it reminds me of the time when people went on road trips and have the adventures of their lives. Too bad it won’t work nowadays, I don’t think the air conditioning system of the Kombi can handle the current Manila heat.

Dodge Colt 

This oldie but goodie is not only noticeable among the dads at MIAS but also to the young Titas. It’s the type of car badass ladies drive around to show that they, too, can drive wheels as hot as this one.

Volkswagen Karmann Ghia

I would love to ride a Karmann Ghia to a Drive In Cinema. Too bad they don’t do much of those things nowadays. I certainly think that watching Titanic with your date in a Karmann Ghia would be a #DateGoals.

Toyota Land Cruiser

The sturdy look of the Toyota Land Cruiser says it can be driven around by sassy Titas of Manila which only proves that a lady can drive big cars without the help of a man. The color of this Land Cruiser can also perfectly match sun dresses and the very common shawls among Titas.