The lucky winner of the brand-new 2022 Mazda Miata MX-5 wasn’t even present when his raffle ticket number was called at the general membership meeting (GMM) of the Automobile Association PH last August 10.
On the phone, Brian Rivero Donato explained that he had seen Facebook announcements of AAP about to raffle off a Miata and a 2022 Suzuki Grand Vitara AllGrip, but he thought it was all a scam.
He discovered only afterwards, when he checked the AAP website, that AAP’s grand raffle during the GMM was genuine and really happened.
The president of a metal fabrication factory in Muntinlupa City, Donato, 41, lives in the Donato ancestral house in Meycauayan, Bulacan, with his wife, toddler son and another baby on the way. He owns two cars, one of which is a 1989 classic German sedan.
“I love anything and everything with wheels, from bicycles to motorcycles to cars and 4x4s,” Donato said. “And the reason I joined AAP is for peace of mind on the road. Driving classic and project cars, you never know what will break down.”
He added that as a hobby, he also restores and builds cars.
So, with two luxury cars in his garage, what does Donato plan to do with his AAP Limited Edition Mazda Miata? “I will give it to my son as a gift,” he replied, admitting that it will be many years later since his son turned two years old only yesterday. It looks like the boy will be a car enthusiast like his dad – and who wouldn’t if you’re given the keys to a bright red Mazda Miata sports car as soon as you’re old enough to drive?
Meanwhile, AAP has announced that next year, there will again be two cars as the grand raffle prizes. The first vehicle will be raffled off in April and the second in November 2023. All AAP members are eligible to join the raffle.
