Actor-politician Jomari Yllana has a new vision to revive motorcar racing through the inaugural Motorsport Carnivale, an event happening at the Okada Manila Boardwalk until August 6.
The Motorsport Carnivale holds a special significance as it pays tribute to Eduardo del Rosario, also known as Mang Ed, who is revered as the founding father of the Cavite Auto Racing Team.
“Expect an impressive gathering of rare racing car enthusiasts and motorsport aficionados at the event which will also feature an exciting auto-cross race on Sunday,” said Yllana during the Motorsport Carnivale’s media conference held at an Okada ballroom on Tuesday.
On its last day on August 6, the public can also expect an impressive lineup of at least 150 cars, accompanied by champagne-popping celebrations. Additionally, there will be an entire day dedicated to drifting exhibitions.
The biggest motorsport event to be mounted in the Philippines in years flagged off on August 2 at the gardens behind Okada Manila in Paranaque City. Presented by 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.
Spearheaded by Paranaque City Councilor Yllana, a long-time racing enthusiast, who hopes to bring back the glory days of motorsports in the country, in reference to the time when 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.
Okada Manila vice president for sales and marketing Cielo Reboredo, Okada director for property, marketing and branding Victor Cesar Galzote and head of Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP) Rikki Dy-Liacco are working with Yllana on the project.
“Part of the thrust of Okada Manila is we do collaborations. We did a lot of beauty pageants in the past – Miss World Philippines, Miss Earth, Miss Universe Philippines. We try to expand the collaborations because we have to target and touch different market segments in the industry. One other potential market segment that caters to our business interest is actually the sporting industry that is aligned with our strategy,” Galzote said.
Yllana, on the other hand, wanted 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,” he stated.
Motorsport Carnivale is Yllana’s way of giving back post-pandemic. It aims to support motorcar racing and acknowledges that everyone is starting from scratch now. Yllana believes in equality and wants to contribute while he still can.
“It’s time to give back. Above all, we are doing charity work for the sport we love. This is our support for motorcar racing, while our bodies are still capable. Now is the perfect time.”
No stranger to the sport, YIlana has won and placed in several local races and 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.
For details, please follow YIlana Racing on Facebook and Instagram, Motorsport Carnivale on FB, Jomari YIlana IG, [email protected] or call Benyric Ilagan 09562440160.