Of fast cars and feeling the need for speed

Tires screeching, horns blaring, fast cars cutting the wind and running against time. Racers fueled by adrenaline rush and testosterone surge, feeling the need for speed. All these and more happened during the Super Sprint kick-off event of the Okada Manila Motorsport Carnivale 2025 held at Parañaque City last 4 May.

The motorsport carnivale is a project of Okada Manila in partnership with Yllana Racing, headed by actor and motor sport advocate Jomari Yllana with full support from the Motor Sports Automobile Association of the Philippines (MSAAP), headed by Ricky Dy-Liacco.

“We have prepared a couple of exciting motorsport events for everyone, and I am proud to announce that we are going to put the Philippines back on the world map of Motorsport,” said Yllana during his opening speech at the Glass Ballroom of Okada Manila.

“Together with our sponsors, we have found a home of motorsport in the biggest integrated resort casino in the country, Okada Manila, together with the Parañaque LGU and all our sponsors,” the actor added.

“I remember announcing way back in 2023 that we are going to wake up a sleeping giant. Now, that giant is awake — gising na gising siya, gutom na gutom at uhaw na uhaw (he is wide awake, ravenous and very thirsty). And we are preparing for it. We are here as proud producers coming from the industry of automotive, motorsport and entertainment. Gusto nating ibalik ang mga karera (We want to bring back racing) in the heart of Metro Manila,” said he.

MSAAP’s Dy-Liacco added, “It took us one year — for those who don’t remember, in August 2023, we launched Motorsport Carnivale. We took a one-year hiatus and now we’re back. We spent 12 months figuring out how we can maximize our resources and thankfully, Okada Manila continues to be quite receptive.”

Bringing the fast cars

What to expect, first and foremost, is the iconic backdrop of the Philippines’ premier integrated resort — and with racing action extending to the Boardwalk and Gardens, the seaside area just outside Okada Manila — this year’s edition promises more power, prestige and passion as it revs up for a thrilling celebration of Filipino car culture.

“I remember that two years ago, we developed events for the whole week. Now, we added special events. We’re focusing on the basics: 1. We’re giving back to the kids, racers, aspirants; 2. The amateur level provided by the Super Sprint. This is the modern-day slalom racing; 3. Jom’s Cup; and 4. The full-blown race — the rally of Lubang and the rally of Parañaque. We have formulated the events for summer, rainy season and we end it with the awarding this November.”

On 4 May, the action started early with a Super Sprint from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., followed by the much-awaited Grand Car Meet: Legends of the ’90s at 7 p.m. What the public experienced that day were of course, high-speed thrills and nostalgic charm for car enthusiasts and families alike.

Yllana said, “In partnership with Okada Manila, our major presenter, we’re proud to bring back this celebration of speed, style and Filipino pride. We want to rally every racing enthusiast, family and fan into one inclusive and passionate motorsport community.”

Getting faster and hotter

Race car aficionados and casuals can expect that the heat is on and tracks on fire as the Jom’s Cup happens on 31 May. It is a 1/8-mile drag racing challenge to be held at the Boardwalk and Gardens of Okada Manila. Expect intense competition across the Super Car, Muscle Car and Vintage Car categories.

During intermissions, a special EV car showcase with guest celebrities will be held, adding a modern, sustainable twist to the day’s events. Other major motorsport events will be announced soon.

The 2025 series latches on to the overwhelming success of Motorsport Carnivale 2023, which drew an impressive 2,400 vehicles and attracted thousands of spectators to Okada Manila.

“We have awakened a sleeping giant,” said Yllana. “Through this event, we were reminded of the passion that fuels our local motorsport scene — and we’re just getting started. I hope that because of what we are doing, we will get to arouse the curiosities of younger audiences and new fans and that they do not only enjoy, but they become committed and passionate as well with motorsports,”

“We’re raising the bar and bringing Philippine motorsports closer to international levels,” said Dy-Liacco.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting local partners in creating diverse tourism experiences within Entertainment City,” said Byron Yip, Okada Manila president and COO. “Motorsport Carnivale adds a dynamic and family-friendly dimension to the vibrant range of activities we offer, celebrating automotive culture, community and local talent.”