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Actor Jomari Yllana, president of Yllana Racing and a long-time motorsport advocate, is revving up to make a bold mark for Philippine motorsports as he leads the return of the Okada Manila Motorsport Carnivale 2025.

The month-long festivities start May 4 at the Boardwalk and Gardens of Okada Manila in Parañaque.

During the recent media conference, the actor and motorsport advocate confidently declared, “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 in the world map of motorsports.”

The event, mounted by Yllana Racing in partnership with Okada Manila, is expected to draw thousands of motorsport fans and car enthusiasts once again—this time with even more speed, spectacle, and Filipino pride.

“Together with our sponsors, our main sponsors—of course, Okada Manila—we have found a home of motorsports in the biggest integrated resort casino in the country, together also with the Parañaque LGU, and all our sponsors,” Yllana added.

He also recalled his bold declaration in 2023 when he announced the revival of local motorsport culture. “I remember announcing way back 2023 that we are going to wake up a sleeping giant. Now the giant is awake.

”Gising na gising siya, gutom na gutom, at uhaw na uhaw (It is wide awake, very hungry, and very thirsty). And we are preparing for it.”

Motorsport festival kicks off with sprint races and car meet

The May 4 launch opens with a full-day Super Sprint event from 6 AM to 6 PM. In the evening, fans can look forward to the Grand Car Meet: Legends of the ’90s, starting at 7 PM. It’s a nostalgic celebration of vintage vehicles, offering both high-speed thrills and family-friendly fun.

This year’s Motorsport Carnivale will continue later in the month with Jom’s Cup on May 31—a high-adrenaline 1/8-mile drag race that will feature Super Cars, Muscle Cars, and Vintage Cars tearing through the scenic Boardwalk and Gardens of Okada Manila. Intermissions will feature a showcase of electric vehicles (EVs), with celebrity guests taking part in the display.

When asked about celebrity participation, Yllana said, “We are still inviting them. Definitely, we’re going to invite them. Most of yung active sa automotive and motorsport (those active in automotive and motorsport)—for some reason, they’re all based in the South. Most of them are really good friends.”

Although he didn’t name any personalities yet, he teased something exciting for their participation. “I cannot announce the names pero we have something special in store for them. As soon as yung commitments with car manufacturers, among the other sponsors (their commitments with car manufacturers and other sponsors), we are gonna give them a free ride. And we’ll see kung hanggang saan yung kaya ng dibdib nila (how far their courage will take them)!”

A new standard for Philippine racing

Joining Yllana in steering the event is veteran racer and motorsport official Rikki Dy-Liacco, who currently serves as Head of Motorsports at the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP). He brings decades of experience and global expertise, having worked as a race steward at prestigious events like 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,” Dy-Liacco said.

The 2025 installment builds on the massive turnout of Motorsport Carnivale 2023, which welcomed over 2,400 vehicles and thousands of attendees, making it one of the largest motorsport gatherings in recent years.

“We have awakened a sleeping giant,” Yllana emphasized. “Through this event, we were reminded of the passion that fuels our local motorsport scene—and we’re just getting started.”

From heritage to horizon

Motorsport Carnivale pays tribute to the golden era of Philippine racing, taking inspiration from the Philippine Grand Prix held from 1973 to 1976 in Manila—an era known for its glamor and global recognition. Yllana hopes to inspire the next generation of racers and expand the reach of the sport to a broader audience.

Okada Manila, the country’s premier entertainment destination, is once again playing a key role as venue and presenting partner. For Okada Manila President and COO Byron Yip, this collaboration reinforces their commitment to enriching the leisure experience in Entertainment City.

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

Yllana, who continues to compete professionally and was the first Filipino to earn a podium finish at the Yeongam International Circuit in South Korea back in 2014, now races as the principal driver of his own pro team, Yllana Racing.

Okada Manila Motorsport Carnivale 2025 is indeed a major milestone for the racing community in the Philippines with its top-tier races, iconic cars, exciting celebrity involvement, and a mission to elevate Filipino motorsports to the global stage. Kudos, Jomari and team!