Lorenzo Vega shares the process of creating the Siklesa, a vehicle that adds modern style to the traditional Filipino carriage
These days, innovations are happening at a crazy fast rate, especially in our neighboring countries. Cool gadgets, high-technology appliances, and cutting-edge automotive technologies are everywhere. While it may seem easy to take these advancements brought by other nations, young entrepreneur and inventor Lorenzo Vega defies this trend by developing a homegrown idea. He has revolutionized the classic kalesa, infusing it with a modern twist that nevertheless honors the ride’s rich history.
A closer look
The Siklesa is an impressive innovation that exquisitely updates the traditional Filipino carriage. It’s a visual treat for sure, but it’s also a masterwork of practical design. Capable of seating up to eight people, this vehicle easily evokes the classic charm of traditional kalesas while adding its own brand of ease to every journey.
The first Siklesas were powered by a motorcycle engine modified to operate on gasoline and skillfully installed in a custom frame and chassis. But, the newest version of this automotive marvel has an electric powertrain, showing that this ride is not only a revolutionary work of engineering, but also a wonderful display of eco-consciousness.
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Driven by passion
Lorenzo has always been fascinated by the excitement of discovery and the challenge of creating something new ever since he was a child. He has always been more interested in finding ways to push boundaries and drive progress forward. “I have always loved the idea of creating things and spreading them around to as many people as possible and not keeping it isolated from everybody else,” Lorenzo mentioned. Therefore, it’s no surprise how this entrepreneurial young man successfully paved the way for a whole new age of innovation and opportunity in the Philippine transportation industry.
A legacy that lasts a lifetime
Lorenzo recalled how his lola would pick him up every weekend, and how one particular Sunday stands out in his memory. It was the day when his grandma showed him a kalesa unlike any he’d ever seen before — one driven not by a horse, but by a motorcycle engine. It was originally planned for a local festival, but it did not go through at that time. But, Lorenzo never lost faith in the idea’s potential and persisted in his pursuit of it. After getting approval from his grandmother, he set out to make this dream a reality, and his success in doing so is clear and unmistakable. Even though Lorenzo’s grandmother has already passed away, her legacy lives on through the Siklesa.
Revving up against the odds
As this was a completely new undertaking, Lorenzo faced an unprecedented challenge. With no prior reference or blueprint to draw upon, he had to create a new course from scratch. He made a lot of phone calls and looked into every possible option to bring this revolutionary idea to life. As soon as Lorenzo had the concept, he did not waste any time in sharing it with one of his great friends, Architect Jaime Recto. To this day, Lorenzo remains deeply appreciative of Jaime’s constant support and for quickly believing in the potential of his idea. Although the initial versions were far from the masterpiece that it is today, Lorenzo never wavered in his determination to encapsulate the essence of Siklesa ⎯ to bring the past, present, and future of transportation in one design.
For it was a bold and unconventional idea, Lorenzo Vega shared that another hurdle they had to, and probably still do, face was convincing others that this ride was worth taking. “One of the biggest struggles is to make people understand the vision, the borderline delusional idea of this is something that will fundamentally change, not just our country, but everything around,” he shared.
The rise of a cultural icon
“If we do not push our country forward, who else is gonna do it?”
For years, the Filipino jeepney has been the undisputed king of the road. Yet Lorenzo yearned for more ⎯ something that would not just be another mode of transportation, but an icon of our country. He also shared that he considers this creation as a symbol of Filipino ingenuity and an example to the limitless potential of our people. Lorenzo added that this invention was not intended to replace the traditional kalesa, jeepney, or any other car on the market, but Siklesa is proof that Filipinos are capable of producing our own distinctive and world-class creations.
Photos from LORENZO VEGA
