Motorcycle Philippines

MOTOKHANA is officially over for 2009!

What a blast everyone had at the third and last edition of the maiden year of MOTOKHANA, a rider skills competition, held at Super-8 Ortigas last 08 November 2009, Sunday.

MOTOKHANA 2009 is organized and managed by the National Racing Association (NRA) and is presented by Castrol Activ Premium.

This motorcycle rider challenge is unlike any the Philippines has seen before. It is the first of its kind in the country – and in the world – and can best be described as a “maverick event” that only the NRA — and its visionary, Mr. Jake Swann — can come up with.

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Being extremely new to the motorcycle sporting scene, there were the initial, as well as the expected, struggles for the organizer to preach and spread the gospel of MOTOKHANA.

And what is MOTOKHANA?

It’s basically the development and showcasing of good rider skills, healthy competition and camaraderie among riders, and the cultivation of proper and safe riding habits — through a really fun and enjoyable event.

It’s that simple.

But not that easy.

Unarguably, it takes time to understand what MOTOKHANA is all about…

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The first event held last 19 September 2009 at the Liberty Center in Mandaluyong City — despite the awesome set-up of bright orange cones, wireless electronic timing system,  LED displays, stark green and white tents, cheerful red and green buntings, banners and streamers covering every conceivable space available, beautiful and gorgeous promo models and even the presence of the Playboy Bunny – confirmed the hesitant (and “hiya”) nature of us Filipinos about joining something novel, unproven, and unheard of.

There was a low turn-out of participants.

But the NRA, in its’ strong belief in this new and upcoming motorcycle sporting religion, prodded on, and decided to introduce the “Ano ba ‘yang MOTOKHANA?” to the public by allowing into the course track anyone (provided they were in minimum safety gear) who wanted to try it out — for free. (“Get to know MOTOKHANA everyone – and have fun!” How best to convince someone about something, if not to let them try it out for themselves?)

Pilipinas, nagagalak kaming ipakilala ang MOTOKHANA! Game ka na ba?

The second event at SM-Southmall, Las Pinas last 18 October 2009 had a much improved turn-out. After the introduction of these free and open try-outs to the public, a sizable number of motor bikers then grew in confidence to participate, and the spectator gallery increased too.

This sudden rise in numbers after the first event also substantiated another culture trait of us Pinoys – “Kaya pala nila, ‘di kaya ko rin! Join na rin ako! Kaya ko ‘to!”

By the third event, however, last 08 / 8 (November 08 at Super in Cainta, it became apparent that MOTOKHANA had an unmistakable appeal to the riders, and was fast catching on.

It was a different scene altogether.

Despite the sun bearing down all day, the spectator galleries were packed, the participant tents were elbow to elbow, and the general event area swarmed with people who came to participate, watch, and celebrate the ideals the event promoted. MOTOKHANA fever had begun!

There were the returning participants, the regulars, and the newly-converted. There were the curious, the interested, and the “mirons”.

But the pleasant surprise of the day was how a big percentage of the competitors were first-time MOTOKHANA participants.

Which mean that – Finally, more riding Juans, Pablos, and Pedros (and Maria Claras) of this world also want to show what they’ve got!

So, without further adieu, here are the official results of MOTOKHANA – III, Ortigas-Cainta Edition, last 08 November 2009 at Super 8:

The crowd was more reactive and appreciative this time of the various skills and performances shown on the challenging MOTOKHANA course.

“Oohs and Aaahs” would be heard if a rider fell, dropped a bike, or put a foot down. Cheers and claps were energetic if a participant had a very good run. Applause would suddenly resound for a rider who’d slipped, but got up again, fiercely determined to finish their run. The cult of MOTOKHANA had arrived!

Of course, there was the presence of eye candy that surely made every MOTOKHANA fan’s day.

There were the gorgeous ladies of Castrol who graciously posed with everyone lining up at their fun photo booth. There was the disarming sultriness of Playboy Playmate Bettina Acosta, who gamely modeled for each and everyone’s camera while giving away complimentary copies of Playboy Magazine (Philippines).  And there were the stunning promo girls of the new YOU C1000 health drink (coming in orange and lemon flavors) from Indonesia, who also gave away drink samples in cold plastic cups to everyone in attendance.. This product perfectly quenched the thirst of everyone baking in the heat of the day.

There were the display and retail booths also — Inside Racing Magazine with their familiar red and white colors, Station 1 Ride Gear with their various riding accessories, and of course, presentor Castrol Lubricants, with their Activ Premium Oil, together with a “Pick-a-Prize” promo to boot – a chance to win a good looking Castrol Racing black and gray windbreaker jacket with every purchase of one bottle of Activ Premium.

The support and presence of MOTOKHANA’s sponsors was strong too.

BP Philippines, Inc. Country Marketing Manager, Mr. Paul Salapantan, and Castrol’s Marketing Manager for Motorcycle Oils, Ms. Erica Esguerra, were there, and so was Inside Racing’s big wig, Mr. Al Camba, and Mo2rista’s editor-in-chief, Mr. Maynard Marcelo.

So exciting were the competitions in the four classes of Solo-Scooter, Solo-Underbone, Solo-Motorcycles, and Team, that many people continued to stay well into the night until all the competition runs were completed

Awarding ceremonies followed a few minutes afterwards, with the top 6 finishers of each class gamely posing with their jumbo cheques and posing for group photo ops.

Everyone went home tired, but very happy.

MOTOKHANA is here to stay.

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The National Racing Association wishes to thank the following sponsors and media partners of MOTOKHANA:

Teknic Leathers, Aeromed Ambulance Transport, The Manila Bulletin, Businessworld, The Daily Tribune, The Manila Times, Inside Racing, Mo2rista, Scooterista, Cruising Magazine, Manila Bulletin Sports Digest, and Playboy Magazine (Philippines).

Appreciation also goes out to Easy Trailer (distributed by New Heraldine Trading).

MOTOKHANA is a special Partner Event of www.motorcyclephilippines.com.

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Finally, much gratitude goes out to all the MOTOKHANA 2009 participants, guests, audience, friends, and to everyone who enthusiastically cheered, supported, welcomed, believed in, and promoted this new event in their own big and little way.

See you all in MOTOKHANA 2010! It’s just around the corner… so, ano pa ang hinihintay ninyo?

Ihanda na ang bike, lisensya, at gear!

Mag-MOTOKHANA ka na!

Castrol Power1 115 Grand Prix and

Castrol Power1 130 Grand Prix

Castrol Philippines is again proud to be the class title sponsors for the two GP race classes in “The third Annual Motolite InsideRACING Grand Prix” (IRGP3), an annual GP-style race event for underbone motorcycle road racing using Bridgestone tires that will take place on November 21-11 at the Carmona Race Track in Cavite.

The Castrol Power1 115 Grand Prix will be contested by Novice and Expert riders currently competing at the highest level in local racing. The motorcycles used will be based on models sold in the largest segment of the local market, the 100-115cc. They are allowed up to 115cc displacement with Open modifications based on IRGP rules. This is the most hotly contested class where almost all manufacturers have an entry.

The Castrol Power1 130 Grand Prix will be contested by Novice and Expert riders currently competing at the highest level in local racing. Using motorcycles modified up to 130cc displacement and Open machine modifications based on IRGP rules, it will be the most competitive racing class in IRGP where the top riders and teams will compete fielded by most of participating manufacturers.

Castrol is celebrating its 50 years of racing in partnership with Honda. Castrol has been active in both World Grand Prix and World Superbike road racing as well as in the World Motocross Grand Prix. The roster of world champions include Jim Redman,Luigi Taveri, Mike Hailwood, Dave Thorpe, Joey Dunlop, Freddie Spencer, Luca Cadalora, Max Biaggi and Toni Mang.

Castrol reclaimed the 2007 World Superbike Championship in 2007 with rider James Toseland aboard a Ten Kate Honda. Castrol also previously won the crown in 1997 with John Kocinski and in 2000 and 2002 with Colin Edwards. Last year, Castrol also successfully defended the World Supersport Championship with Ten Kate rider Andrew Pitt. It was the seventh consecutive World Supersport title for Castrol and Honda.

Castrol Power1 4T with Trizone Technology is a modern high quality engine oil designed specifically for 4-stroke engines. It continually protects the four-stroke bikes’ three critical zones: engine, gears and clutch, to deliver maximum sustained power. Its Wear Protection formula combined with Trizone Technology, provides continuous protection throughout the drain interval.

Todo-todo ba ang ligaya ninyo sa Liberty Center, Mandaluyong at sa SM Southmall, Las Pinas?

Puwes, ulitin natin ang saya sa Super8-Ortigas, Cainta!!!

MOTOKHANA, ang pinaka-exciting na motorcycle sporting challenge sa Pilipinas, ay babalik muli sa 08 November 2009, Sunday sa Super8-Ortigas upang bigyan kayo ng mas mararaming sorpresa at mas matinding mga labanan!

MOTOKHANA is organized first and exclusively in the country by the NATIONAL RACING ASSOCIATION (NRA) and presented by CASTROL ACTIV PREMIUM.

Para sa lahat ng hindi pa nakakasali, ang MOTOKHANA ay isang rider skills competition na kung saan ang mga participanta ay mag-mamaniobra  sa pamamagitan ng mga ibat-ibang klaseng course lay-outs

Apat na motorcycle classes ang puwedeng salihan at puwedeng mapanalunan ng sulit-na-sulit na cash prizes:

• Solo-SCOOTER
• Solo-UNDERBONE
• Solo-SMALL MOTORCYCLES

At, dito lang sa MOTOKHANA ninyo mararanasan at mapapanood, ang:

• TEAM EVENT (2 Riders in Tandem)

Basta’t meron lang kayong currently registered motorcycle o scooter, at riding license na may Restriction 1 — puwede kayong sumali!

Of course, dapat naka minimum safety riding gear po tayo: helmet, jersey o jacket, long pants, gloves, at above-ankle shoes o riding boots.

Ang top six (6) finishers per category ay makakamit ng mga cash prizes, courtesy of Castrol Activ Premium:

• 1^st – P 2,500
• 2^nd – P 2,000
• 3^rd – P 1,500
• 4^th – P    700
• 5^th – P    500
• 6^th – P    300

Madaling sumali!

Regular Entry Fee -                           P 500

Castrol Zoom Club Member –          P 300

or

Bumili ng isang bote (1 liter) ng Castrol Activ Premium thirty (30) days bago ang event, ipakita at ibigay ang resibo (dapat may pangalan ng shop kung saan binili ang produkto at serial no.) — may P 200 off na kayo sa regular entry fee!

Sa mga first time MOTOKHANA 2009 participants, makakakuha kayo kasama ng inyong entry fee, isang Castrol Activ Premium dry-fit jersey, at mga magazines galling sa Manila Bulletin Sports Digest at Playboy Magazine (Philippines).

At sa lahat ng bibili ng Activ Premium oil sa Castrol booth sa araw ng event, meron kayong chance na manalo ng isang magarang Castrol Racing jacket sa kanilang “Pick-a-Prize” promo.

Ano pa ang hinihintay ninyo?!?

Sali na at mag-MOTOKHANA!

Salamat rin sa mga ibang sponsors ng MOTOKHANA:

TEKNIC, AEROMED AMBULANCE TRANSPORT, MANILA BULLETIN DRIVE, BUSINESSWORLD, THE DAILY TRIBUNE, THE MANILA TIMES, CRUISING MAGAZINE, MANILA BULLETIN SPORTS DIGEST, INSIDE RACING, MO2RISTA, SCOOTERISTA, at PLAYBOY (PHILIPPINES).

Ang MOTOKHANA ay isang Partner Event ng www.motorcyclephiippines.com.

It was a day to show off skills of all sorts –- from the smooth (to the not-so-smooth), to the ultra-focused, to the relaxed, to the fast, and even the furious — as lots of riders (and non-riders) from all corners of the motorcycling community (yes, even big bikes were there!) gathered together under gorgeous sunny skies, red, white, and green buntings, striking green and white tents, and dozens of colorful streamers flapping in the wind, at SM Southmall-Las Pinas on 18 October 2009, Sunday, for the second installment of the most exhilarating rider challenge ever to grace Philippine shores – MOTOKHANA 2009!

MOTOKHANA is organized by the National Racing Association (NRA) and presented by Castrol Activ Premium.

People from all walks of life – motor bikers, friends, family, supporters, even the common folk – were there to participate, ogle, and cheer on many outstanding rider talents the motorcycling scene has witnessed in quite a while.

A total of thirty (30) entries vied for 1^st to 6^th places in four (4) MOTOKHANA categories, namely:

• Solo – SCOOTER
• Solo – UNDERBONE
• Solo – SMALL MOTORCYCLE
• Team – TWO (2) RIDERS IN TANDEM

After several hours of late morning and early afternoon practices maneuvering through a combination of nine (9) easy, medium, and difficult MOTOKHANA course lay-outs, timed practices and two (2) runs per participant (with their better time shaded in gray), here are the official MOTOKHANA-II / SM-Southmall, Las Pinas event results:

Motokhana2 Results

*Best Time of the Day

**Did Not Finish. DNF was given for penalties such as incorrect entry into a layout, not following path of travel and not finishing / was unable to complete the course.

(Here’s one for the MOTOKHANA (hand)books though — but it happens! One of the entries in the solo classes ran out of fuel. You all can then have a very good guess on what happened next…)

For obvious reasons, the Solo-Underbone category, which is currently the most popular motorcycle model locally, had the most entries with fourteen (14).

Competition was tight, with many of the participants seriously gunning for the top plum, as shown in their fierce attacks of the course layouts.  But despite the increase in rivals, MOTOKHANA-I / Liberty Center, Mandaluyong event champ Maverick Azurin still came out the winner with a time of 1.42.28, which he achieved on his second run on a Honda XRM110. Azurin’s closest competitor, and returning participant, Philip Bonza, riding a Kawasaki ZX130, came in second with an improved 2^nd run time of 1.47.93. First time MOTOKHANA rider Ado de Leon, also on a Honda XRM110, was third with a 1^st run time of 1.51.28.

The Solo-Scooters were also in “bakbakan” mode with MOTOKHANA-I victor Jhay Aguilar and close rival, Liberty Center/Mandaluyong edition second placer Mickey Mazo, fighting it out for first.  But Mazo took it this time, charging on a Honda Beat and clocking it at 1.41.65 during his 2^nd run. Yamaha Mio owner Aguilar made it tight for second at 1.42.09 on his 1^st try.  Jhay’s brother, Michael Aguilar, on a Mio as well, and a MOTOKHANA newbie, made it a family affair of sorts, by copping third, also with a 1^st run time of 1.47.43.

Reynan Buccat, also a MOTOKHANA novice, clocked the best time of the day at 1.37.13 on his first run. Achieving this automatically gave him the victory in his class of Solo-Small Motorcycles on board a Honda TMX150. Underbone participant and second-placer Philip Bonza, relying on his trusty Honda XR200, was also second in this category with a 2^nd run clocking of 1.52.03, while third was Wewe Magdangal, on a Kawasaki KMX Motard, with 2.13.41.

The Team Event (riders of two in tandem) was well represented with five (5) entries, considering that that this MOTOKHANA category type is the first of its kind ever to be conducted in the country.  And the participants did not disappoint!

All entries displayed quite impressive team work — some had flawless synchronization, while some had off-key moments as far as harmony was concerned.  Coming out on top was Team Toda of Underbone class, back-to-back winner Maverick Azurin and MOTOKHANA-II Small Motorcycle conqueror Reynan Buccat with a better 2^nd run time of 1.42.59. Following them were the Aguilar brothers, Jhay and Michael, representing Team Playride with 1.47.51 on their 2^nd run, followed by Team-Ba of Mickey Mazo and Ivan Bañes, with a combined effort of 1.47.89 on their first attempt.

Participants received Castrol dry-fit jerseys and magazines from Playboy (Philippines) and Manila Bulletin Sports Digest together with their Php500 registration fee.  Those who purchased Activ Premium oil at the Castrol booth also had a chance to pick-a-prize – a handsome, black and light gray Castrol windbreaker jacket, of which some were really fortunate to have won!

After the competition proper, the course was then opened for free, to everyone and anyone who wanted to try the MOTOKHANA lay-outs at the SM Southmall, Las Pinas south parking area.

The NRA would like to thank the other sponsors of MOTOKHANA:

Teknic Leathers, Aeromed Ambulance Transport, and Racegear. Media partners include IRTV, the Manila Bulletin, the Manila Times, Businessworld, the Daily Tribune, Inside Racing Magazine, Mo2rista Magazine, Cruising Magazine, Manila Bulletin Sports Digest, and Playboy Magazine (Philippines).

MOTOKHANA is also a partner event of official website www.motorcyclephilippines.com

The third edition of this year’s MOTOKHANA will be on 08 November 2009 (Sunday) at Super 8-Ortigas Ext., Cainta (beside Ever Gotesco Mall).  Registration starts at 9:00 am.

For more information, please contact the NRA Secretariat at tel. no. (02) 725 3949, mobile no. (0917) 820 2391, or email nra@motorcyclephilippines.com. Also check posters and print ads for details.

See you all at Super 8-Ortigas — and let the challenge continue!

Ride For A Cause (RFAC) is like a virus that continuous to spread among the motorcycling community. From its humble beginning and a tag line of You Ride and Help, the initial 40 Riders from its inaugural ride 18 months ago, the once a month Ride, number of Volunteer Riders continuous to increase every time there’s a RFAC Ride.

It just concluded its 18th Ride and the 6th for Season Two last October 18, 2009. The recipient was Galilee, Home for Spiritually wounded individual in Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan.

The once a month Ride cannot be stopped by any reason. Despite the country was visited and devastated by typhoons, specially the Northern and Central Luzon, these kind hearted Volunteers continuous their mission. Volunteers are eagerly waiting if this Ride will push trough because another typhoon is entering Philippines, fortunately it was in the ocean. Reminiscing, no RFAC Ride met any heavy downpour.

Galilee was revisited because it asked for assistance, since they are relying only from the donations and no support from the Government. It was learned that the Priest who head the institution was outside the country and needs medical attention, it was left to the care of the staff.

Volunteer Riders from Bulacan was tasked to do the coordination with Galilee for this mission.

At the MCP forum, volunteers are excited to be part of this undertaking. Even though that RFAC was busy doing relief operation, this once a month mission ride cannot be taken for granted.

Assembly point was pinpointed, unfortunately, there was an International Marathon Event scheduled on the same day. The Quezon Memorial Circle, the supposed assembly point was closed to vehicular traffic same with portion of Commonwealth Avenue.

The supposed 6:00AM take off was not followed because the Volunteers had to find ways to be at the assembly point. With modern communication such as SMS, the group decided to transfer location along Commonwealth Avenue. From this, Volunteers started arriving individually or by groups. These volunteers had to inch their way from the traffic caused by the Marathon Event to be at the next stop at a Gasoline station somewhere in Fairview.

Ride Officials started to bring together the volunteers for the pre ride meeting and Prayer.

As the Ride proceeded, the safety hand and foot signals can be seen from the Riders. They have to tackle different kind of road conditions, from well paved, asphalted, potholes, road construction and even land slides along the route, until the group reached their destination.

Due to the delay, the supposed Mass for the Riders was not held because the Priest has a prior commitment and no time to wait for the Riders. Only Volunteers from Bulacan who was there earlier had their motorcycle blessed.

A program was prepared by the Staff of the Galilee. The Volunteers was given a brief introduction of what this institution was all about. Three of their Residents shared the reason why they are in Galilee. With varied reasons and ages, from 53 years old to the youngest at 14, the Volunteers learned on how these residents changed their life and outlook in life inside the institution.

A Certificate of Appreciation was awarded by Galilee to RFAC.

A light moment happened, a raffle draw was made and the price was a T-shirt from Galilee. Congratulations to the winners.

COE’s was introduced to the Volunteers. Past tasks of RFAC were echoed to the Volunteers, future plans were lay-out.

The Mission ended by asking the Volunteers what are their plans. Others left for their return home, others have their side trip. Some had a picnic along the river bank.

We would like to extend our gratitude to All Volunteers, Donors and Supporters for another successful edition of RFAC – Naka Ride Ka Na Nakatulong Ka Pa.

See you All in next RFAC Ride

Happy and Safe Ride

God Bless Us All

Photos by: francismalasig, hawzwife_rider