Jomari Yllana, Okada Manila to fete PH motorsport community via carnival

 

Jomari Yllana

Actor and councilor Jomari Yllana believes the current generation will produce the greatest Pinoy drag racer in history.

He said so at a recent press conference tendered for the Okada Manila Motorsport Carnivale 2025.

This is why Jomari is coming up with a documentary on the sports. He said that while it would be more "commercial" to do something like "Fast and the Furious," tracing the "rich" roots of drag racing history here is more inspiring and empowering than any fiction.

One of the reasons, though, that the documentary is taking so long to finish is that most of the footage will have to come from abroad where international races are held. Still, Jomari believes it can be done in time.

In a separate interview, he pointed out that contrary to popular notion, drag racing is not as expensive sport as many think. There are categories and one of these doesn't even require for car to be customized before it can be used for racing.

Jomari was the first Filipino podium finisher at the Yeongsan International Circuit in South Korea.

Bigger, brighter

In support of the burgeoning motorsport scene in the country, Yllana Racing in partnership with Okada Manila is bringing back the most anticipated racing event beginning May 4 in Paranaque City.

This year's edition of Okada Manila Motorsport Carnivale is set against the backdrop of the resort, with racing action extending to the Boardwalk and Garden (these are the seaside area just outside Okada).

The motorsport community will surely enjoy the series of events dubbed "Super Sprint," "Grand Car Meet: Legend of the '90s," and "Jom's Cup" (Super Car, Muscle Car and Vintage Car categories).

A special EV car showcase with guest celebrities will be held during intermissions.

The festival is co-led by Rikki Dy-Liacco, a champion racer and Head of Motorsports at the Automotive Association Philippines (AAP), the country's official representative to the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA).

Byron Yip, Okada Manila President and COO said: "Motorsport Carnivale adds a dynamic and family-friendly dimension to the vibrant range of activities we offer, celebrating automotive culture, community, and local talent."