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| (From left) Cielo Roberedo, Jomari Yllana, Ricky Dy-Liacco and Victor Galzote |
Paranaque City Councilor Jomari Yllana wants "to give back to the sport that's been good to me" by spearheading the biggest motorsport event to be mounted in the Philippines in years, Motorsport Carnivale.
Flagging off today, Aug. 2, at The Boardwalk in Okada Manila, Motorsport Carnivale 2023 is a five-day sporting event topped off by a Philippine Rallycross Series that is expected to gather over 50 racers en route to Tarlac and back.
"The vision is to wake up motorsports in the Philippines. The mission is to make it prosper. Our driving force is passion," he said at a recent press conference.
No stranger to the sport, Yllana has won and placed in several local races. He is the first Filipino podium finisher at the Yeongam International Circuit in South Korea in 2014. He is also the principal driver of pro racing team, Yllana Racing.
With Yllana at the conference were Cielo Reboredo, Okada VP for Sales and Marketing; Victor Cesar Galzote, Director for Property, Marketing and Branding; and Ricky Dy-Liacco, Head of Motorsport Automobile Association Philippines.
Yllana recalled that organizing Motorsport Carnivale started "over a cup of coffee." Wanting to catch up with Ricky, one of his closest friends, Yllana invited Dy-Liacco to hang out with him early 2023 during which they ended up talking about the revival of the glory days of Philippine motorsports.
Recall that the Philippine Grand Prix was being held in Manila from 1973 to 1976. That series of events came to be known for its prestige and grandeur.
"We want to wake up the sleeping giant," Yllana said. "Higante ito na natutulog pero pag ginising mo ay dragon pa din ito."
He wants to encourage Filipinos to embrace the rich history of Philippine motorsports by rallying all racing enthusiasts and fanatics into one community.
"We want to encourage audiences, families, to come and watch this event as a fun family festival that they can look forward to every year."
Other highlights of Motorsport Carnivale 2023:
* CART, a Car Meet in memory of Eduardo "Mang Ed" del Rosario, founding father of Cavite Auto Racing Team, estimated to gather collectors of rare racing cars and motorsport gadgets; an Autocross Race, featuring at least 150 cars on Sunday, complete with matching champagne popping.
*Awarding ceremonies of Philippine Motorsport Heroes at Okada Manila on Aug. 6. Among the awardees are Matteo Guidicelli, Richard Gomez and Michele Bumgarner.
Motorsport Carnivale 2023 is open to the public. The view deck is from the gardens behind Okada Manila.
"I hope there will be good weather on opening day so the people can enjoy the sunset at the venue," Yllana said. "Manila has the most beautiful sunset in the world."
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