Driving down the open road, feeling the rumble of the engine beneath you, and blasting your favorite tunes on the car stereo. For a group of friends who share a passion for cars, this isn’t just a fantasy, it’s a way of life. Meet Nate, the founder of BURNT, a collective of car enthusiasts who have turned their love for automobiles into a community of like-minded individuals.
The story of BURNT began during the pandemic when the world seemed to be on the brink of collapse. Nate and his friends were looking for a productive way to pass the time and connect with others. They started by writing about cars that they loved and sometimes owned, and creating videos for their YouTube channel centered around their love for automobiles.
The Flame Tribe
They started organizing small car meets at different gas stations, inviting fellow enthusiasts to come together and share their own car stories. What started as a small group of friends quickly grew into a community, spreading like wildfire. They realized that it wasn’t just about the cars themselves, but the adventures and the people they met along the way.
As a collective, BURNT has expanded beyond just car meets. They have ventured into clothing and creative media production, with the goal of creating quality merchandise for their community. Nate and his team found inspiration in their surroundings and the energy that surrounds them. They call themselves the “Flame Tribe,” a group of vagabonds, drifters, and nomads always searching for the next big thing.
Sparking Creativity and Inclusivity in the Local Car Scene
The car scene in the Philippines is still fairly young compared to other countries, but it holds great potential. The country has become a mecca for car enthusiasts, with unique and impressive builds. BURNT aims to locally affect the car scene by sparking the creativity of car enthusiasts and creating a more inclusive and expressive community.
Owning a car is not just about having a means of transportation. It becomes a part of your identity, a living entity that you build a relationship with. It’s about the adventures, the problems, and the fun that comes with it.
The love for cars is a constant chase for the adrenaline rush. Car enthusiasts are always striving to be the quickest, the fastest, and the strongest. It’s a love-hate relationship, but the passion keeps them going. Nate’s advice to those who don’t share the same passion is to take a minute and listen. Spending time in a car, whether it’s stuck in traffic or going on a road trip, gives you a whole new perspective on life. It adds excitement to the mundane moments.
BURNT: UNBOUND
Last August 10, BURNT hosted its first-ever brand launch event at Apotheka Manila. What started as a small car meet has now evolved into a high-quality event for the community. The event featured a car simulator by Apex Racing PH, showcasing the Akira Bike piece made by Marian Dacanay, and a showcase of the builds by the crew. BURNT has decided to open up this experience to the public, as they believe in sharing their love and creativity with the world.
For this group of friends, cars are more than just machines. They are a way of life, a means of self-expression, and a catalyst for building meaningful connections. BURNT has created a community that goes beyond just the love for cars. It’s about the adventure, the camaraderie, and the shared passion that binds them together. So next time you see a group of friends with a shared passion for cars, remember that they are more than just enthusiasts, they are a family.
Ride with the mob and follow BURNT’s journey by checking out their Instagram page and YouTube channel.
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