Fueled by Passion: Jomari Yllana and Okada Manila ignite Motorsport Carnivale 2025
The rumble of engines will once again echo across Parañaque City as Yllana Racing and Okada Manila team up to present the Okada Manila Motorsport Carnivale 2025, kicking off tomorrow, May 4. Against the striking vista of the Philippines’ premier integrated resort, the roar of competition will extend onto the Boardwalk and Gardens, the open-air space bordering Okada Manila. This year’s event promises an amped-up celebration of Filipino automotive culture, fueled by horsepower, status, and deep enthusiasm.
The day begins with a Super Sprint, a full twelve hours of on-track action from 6 AM to 6 PM. As dusk settles, the energy shifts to the Grand Car Meet: Legends of the ’90s at 7 PM, a gathering designed to evoke both speed-induced thrills and a comforting sense of automotive nostalgia for enthusiasts and their families.
“In partnership with Okada Manila, our major presenter, we’re proud to bring back this celebration of speed, style, and Filipino pride,” declared Yllana. Their aim is clear: “We want to rally every racing enthusiast, family, and fan into one inclusive and passionate motorsport community.”
The pedal-to-the-metal excitement continues on May 31 with Jom’s Cup, a 1/8-mile drag racing showdown set against the backdrop of Okada Manila’s Boardwalk and Gardens. Expect fierce battles among Super Cars, Muscle Cars, and Vintage Cars. Adding a contemporary spin, intermissions will feature a special electric vehicle showcase with celebrity guests, highlighting the future of sustainable motoring. Further significant motorsport events are slated for future announcement.
The 2025 series builds upon the significant success of the Motorsport Carnivale 2023, an event that saw an impressive turnout of 2,400 vehicles and drew thousands of spectators to Okada Manila. It earned widespread recognition as the largest motorsport gathering in the country in recent memory, definitively proving the vitality of Filipino car culture.
“We have awakened a sleeping giant,” Yllana reflected. “Through this event, we were reminded of the passion that fuels our local motorsport scene—and we’re just getting started.”
The spirit of Motorsport Carnivale draws inspiration from the golden age of Philippine motorsports, including the Philippine Grand Prix held in Manila from 1973 to 1976, a series celebrated for its prestige and grandeur. Yllana’s aspiration is to reignite that same fervor today, particularly among younger generations and those new to the sport.
Driving Philippine Motorsports forward alongside Yllana is Rikki Dy-Liacco, a highly respected champion racer and the Head of Motorsports at the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP), the nation’s official representative to the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).
Dy-Liacco brings a wealth of international racing knowledge and standards, having served as a race steward at prominent global events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, GT World Challenge Asia, Formula 4 Middle East, and the Macau Grand Prix. “We’re raising the bar and bringing Philippine motorsports closer to international levels,” stated Dy-Liacco.
Byron Yip, Okada Manila President and COO, emphasized the broader impact of the event. “This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting local partners in creating diverse tourism experiences within Entertainment City,” he said. “Motorsport Carnivale adds a dynamic and family-friendly dimension to the range of activities we offer, celebrating automotive culture, community, and local talent.”
With its unique combination of high-octane action, nostalgic appeal, and top-tier entertainment, the Okada Manila Motorsport Carnivale 2025 is set to be a memorable experience for families, dedicated fans, and the aspiring racers of tomorrow.
