Fast Times celebrates 15 years as mobility section of The Manila Times
FAST Times, the award-winning mobility section of The Manila Times, commemorates its 15th year since inception. Initially launched as a monthly segment dedicated to motor sports, the section has evolved significantly over the years.
Inaugurated in 2003 under the leadership of Vernon Sarne, Fast Times underwent a notable transformation in 2006 when Brian Afuang assumed editorship. Afuang’s tenure saw the section expand its coverage to include motorbikes, marking a pioneering initiative for a daily newspaper. Notably, Fast Times achieved exclusive coverage of Ducati Week 2007 in Misano, Italy, solidifying its reputation for comprehensive coverage of both two-wheeled and four-wheeled motoring.
In 2010, Fast Times underwent another significant evolution, transitioning into the definitive motoring section of The Manila Times and adopting a weekly publication format. This weekly section, published in full color, covered an extensive range of subjects including motorsports, motorbikes, car launches and reviews.
The section’s commitment to innovation and excellence garnered numerous accolades, including multiple wins at the esteemed Henry Ford Awards. Fast Times clinched the title of Best Motoring Section consecutively in 2011 and 2012, and then once again in 2015, and 2016 under the leadership of Anjo Perez, who assumed the role of concurrent Fast Times editor.
In subsequent years, Fast Times saw editorial transitions, with notable figures such as Ben Kritz and Dino Ray Directo taking the reins. Despite challenges, the section continued to thrive, securing the title of Best Motoring Section once again in 2019.
Tragically, in 2021, the motoring community mourned the untimely passing of Directo at the age of 51. His legacy, however, lives on through the stewardship of veteran motoring writers Armin Amio and Conrad Cariño, who embraced the “mobility” theme of the section.
Under Perez’s renewed leadership, Fast Times embarks on its next chapter, transitioning into a mobility and connected section. This strategic shift reflects the evolving transportation landscape, encompassing a broader range of modes such as public transit, biking, and ride-sharing, while integrating emerging technologies to address the evolving needs of consumers for interconnected and smart mobility solutions.