MANILA, Philippines – Entering the wide doorway to the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) is like breaching a portal to another world swathed in beams of light and populated by hundreds of sleek, shiny cars.

From April 4 to 7, this automobile wonderland will be open to all at the World Trade Center and Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City.

Organized by Worldbex Services International, MIAS prides itself in being the biggest annual motoring event in the country for the past 9 years.

Here are 10 reasons why you should visit MIAS 2013:

1. Over 300 cars are on display

No car enthusiast will pass up the chance to ogle at hundreds of cars in all shapes, sizes, and colors. There are sexy sports cars, vintage cars, spacious family cars, economic cars for people on a tight budget, trucks and — a first this year — bad-ass Harley Davidson motorcycles.

Some of the car brands on display are Ford, Subaru, Isuzu, Mazda, Maserati, Honda, Chery, Mini, Peugeot, and Jeep.

2. See new car models

Models that have never been seen on Philippine soil were unveiled at the MIAS opening on April 4 at 10am.

Ford raised the curtains on its all-new Ranger Wildtrak pick-up truck while Mazda launched its new Mazda6 executive sedan. Subaru launched the Forester which features a new fuel-saving turbocharged engine technology and all-wheel drive system.

There were also launches by Mini Cooper, KIA Motors, and Dong Feng. Visitors who drop by MIAS get to see these new models up-close.

3. Test drive hot wheels

Some 6,000 sqm of space in the event venue will be used as test drive and stunt performance areas.

This is a chance to take your dream cars for a ride and get hands-on experience of their new technology.

4. Exhibits and programs

Aside from real, drive-able cars on display, enthusiasts will also enjoy a toy car exhibit within the show’s premises.

Programs and fun activities lie in store for the visitor. On the night of April 4, Car Awards Group Inc (CAGI) will award the Car of the Year and Truck of the Year. The 18^th Annual Motorsport Awards will be held on the night of April 5.

Enjoy a meet-and-greet with Playboy Bunnies and Playmates on April 7, the exhibit’s last day. MIAS will also award winners of the Custom & Car Competition.

5. Get discounts

Want a car badly? A visit to MIAS can help you get started.

Visitors can avail of special deals on cars and accessories through the BPI Autoloan booth.

6. Meet the people behind the brands

If you’re a big fan of a particular car model or brand, this is your chance to rub elbows with the people who know the most about them. Present at the opening day were top dogs from Ford, Subaru, and Mazda, among others.

You can ask them how to make the most of cars you already own and what other exciting developments are in store for the brand.

7. Meet car lovers

If you’re the type of person who gets blank stares or monosyllabic answers from people when you talk cars, now is the time to indulge your gift for auto-gab with people who share your passion.

Get your fill of car lingo as you join fellow car enthusiasts dissect every inch of the most exciting cars in the show.

8. See cars “undressed”

Cars are not only valued for their sleek outer shell but for their complex, hi-tech innards. The show displays cars with their turbo-engines open to all eyes.

This gives visitors the chance to appreciate the technology and research that goes into making fuel-efficient yet ultra-fast cars. What’s more, engines that incorporate new-and-improved green technology will be on display.

9. See the car-inspired fashion of the ladies

Car shows aren’t complete without a bevy of well-dressed, well-heeled ladies smiling coyly beside the automobiles.

From glittering floor-length gowns to short, skin-tight numbers, the girls are as stylish as the cars they are presenting.

10. Watch Russ Swift drive

If you’ve never heard of Russ Swift, you better hold on to your seat. Sixty-two year-old Swift holds 3 Guinness World Records for stunt driving and precision driving.

The famous British driver has done more than 8,000 shows in 50 countries and has performed stunts using Peugeots, Subarus, Land Rovers, Vauxhalls, and even 13-ton lorries!

Each day of MIAS, visitors can watch Swift’s thrilling exhibition of precision driving using the new Subaru BRZ. – Rappler.com