MotoGP greats grace YMPH Racing Team launch

Filipino racing aficionados were in for a treat after MotoGP icons Fabio ‘El Diablo’ Quartararo and Franco ‘Franky’ Morbidelli recently made a pit stop in the country for Yamaha’s The Apex Arrival event.

Local fans couldn’t wait for the two championship-caliber riders to land, even forming a welcoming committee at Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport as early as 8 a.m. on Friday, March 3. You can’t blame Pinoys, though— we’re talking about Quartararo, who won the 2021 MotoGP World Championship after replacing the legendary Valentino Rossi in the factory Yamaha squad, and 2017 Moto2 titleholder Morbidelli, and this is their first time visiting the Philippines.

The contingent proceeded to the Manila Marriott Hotel in Pasay for the exclusive media interview and meet-and-greet. They were joined by some of the best homegrown racing talents in ‘Rocket Boy’ April King Mascardo, ‘The Flash’ Gian Carlo Mauricio, and the first Filipino to compete in the FIM CEV Moto2 European Championship, ‘The Wonderboy’ McKinley Kyle Paz.

Following Quartararo and Morbidelli’s introduction, attendees participated in a fun trivia game that revealed El Diablo’s celebratory meal and the names of Franky’s pets.

The MotoGP heroes also answered some hard-hitting questions, before the ceremonial tasting menu of Filipino delicacies like adobo, sinigang, halo-halo, and sisig, which the two liked the most. They also received custom Funko Pops for their special appearance. Festivities resumed the next morning at the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga for the scheduled track day. Racing enthusiasts, riding clubs, and motovloggers flocked to the motorsport venue to watch their favorite Mo- toGP riders, share their love for motorcycles at the display booth, and for BluIsFast users, actually try out the racetrack. Yamaha started things off by giving select guests a chance to experience the track, followed by a talk about safety and basic racing knowledge. By noon, it was time for the unveiling of the 2023 Yamaha Philippine Racing Team, before Yamaha Motor Philippines President Mr. Hiroshi Koike officially opened the 2023 race season with a pasFMOTOGP, A3

HOUSEHOLD... FROM 2

“kasambahays.”

Rigo is hopeful that through the said activity the “kasambahays” will be given adequate programs.

“Ako usab nanghinaut nga daghan unta kamo makutlo karong adlawa nga makatabang kaninyu. Ayaw unta ninyu kalimti nga kining among opisina abli kanunay para muhatag ug dugang nga tabang kaninyu,” he said.

DOLE 11 regional director law- yer Randolf C. Pensoy and heads of government agencies that are members of TASK Kasambahay also graced the said activity that was highlighted with the “kasambahays” showcasing talents in “Kasambahay Got Talent” and won prizes and gift items.

The “Kasambahay Fun Day” aims to pay tribute to housekeepers for their contribution and also allow them to show their capacity to be part of the society.