MANILA, PHILIPPINES, October 19, 2014 — Yamaha Motor Philippines, Inc. staged their 5th Yamaha Grand Prix Finals at the Robinsons Novaliches in front of a crowd of thousands. The best riders in the country from Santa Rosa, Antipolo, Digos, Davao, Cebu, Naga, and Clark Pampanga qualifiers have been gathered for this racing finale.
It was a hot racing day, but none were more scalding than the competition that was about to unfold in front of thousands of spectators. As riders began to slowly fill the venue, with gears thoroughly being prepared, race strategies carefully reviewed, passion filled the air. This was a Championship match between the best of the best, a rematch for some, a proving ground for others. The track filled with first timers and all timers, ready for a shot at representing the Philippines in the 11th Yamaha ASEAN CUP Race in Indonesia, a privilege reserved for the best.
Pound for Pound Host Rico Robles was the designated race announcer and all around voice of the competition. He began to pump up the crowd, excitement complemented anticipation, personal bets were made, favorites were lauded on, and supporters have taken sides. But it wasn’t all ferocity that enveloped the area; there was still fun, laughter, and entertainment that had to be seen. After all, this was still a celebration. From the beautiful Yamaha Girls to stunning Cos Players, the place was filled with astonishing beauty. Before the race officially started; the crowd was treated to a performance by the social media princess, Donnalyn Bartolome, who had a beautiful rendition of all about the bass by Meghan Trainor.
For the official beginning of the annual competition; YMPH President, Mr. Toru Osugi; gave his message of good fortune to all the riders from different regions, to give it their best and let the true champions emerge when the dust settles. Riders revved their engines to signify that the race was on, and the performances from the Up Pep Squad and the Showtime Dancers electrified onlookers from every corner.
As the flag went down, it was time to see who was the best in the categories of ACR Vega Force i, ACR Mio125 Mx i, and Sniper Mx150; Yamaha Motorcycles that were perfected for the racing scene, dominated the track with their thunderous roars. Bragging rights were also at stake when the club race category hit the track, each rider went out to represent their respective groups vying for the opportunity to be the best club group.
As riders crossed the finish line, only a chosen few would be declared as this year’s best and will be headed off to the big dance.
For the ACR VEGA FORCE i Category, representing the Philippines are:
- Champion – Mac Don Sande from Malaybalay Bukidnon
- 1st Runner Up – Fritsy Claveria from Manila
- 2nd Runner Up – Ephraim Onahon from Malaybalay Bukidnon
For the ACR Mio125 MX i Category, winners are:
- Champion – Fernando Masato from Manila
- 1st Runner Up – John Emerson Inguito from Manila
- 2nd Runner Up – Victor Laude from Manila
For the Sniper MX 150 Category, riders going to Indonesia are:
- Champion – Vingie Coloma from Davao City
- 1st Runner Up – Durraine Dan Carlos from Malaybalay Bukidon
- 2nd Runner Up – Clifford Bacus from Digos City
As the day reached its conclusion; champagne bottles were popping and graffiti began to fall on everyone in attendance, a special celebration occurred as Yamaha’s Team Philippines was finally completed and a bigger race to greatness was still to come. There was nothing but joy during the festivities; the passion for riding has one again been shared, the best motorcycles in the world had left their marks on the tracks, each rider has been glorified, everyone had Revved their hearts.