Story & photos by Ronald Rey M. de los Reyes
THIS writer was just in awe when Yamaha Motor Philippines Inc. (YMPH) pulled off a recent winning stint in their Time 2 Rev event held exactly on February 14—Valentine’s Day. Then, their most prized racer “The Doctor” Valentino Rossi, whose very name was inspired by the said special day of hearts, visited the country together with teammate Maverick Vinales a.k.a.“Top Gun.” Not only did they graced Yamaha’s first-ever The Manila Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 train station in Monumento, who left behind their handprints like famous Hollywood celebrities and rode our own local public transport that went viral over social media, but the two even dropped by the famed 10th Avenue of Caloocan, where their legions of fans feverishly welcomed them with open arms.
I don’t know if all these were just unsuspecting coincidences but for sure—the motorcycle company had one thing in mind, all of these were meant to “Rev Your Heart”(the brand’s slogan).
First, the order of the day started with the milestone event partnered with Light Rail Manila Corp. for its three-year naming rights of the facility.
Yamaha is the first company in the country that has committed to a long-term investment on the LRT 1 station. The said station accumulates the highest foot traffic at more than 50,000 daily average.
“This is our latest milestone, a unique brand that showcases our passion for riding. One that we can share to the Filipino community every day. Here you can see all our latest campaigns, our products that drives individual to pursue a new culture for riding, a culture we are proud of,” YMPH President, Toru Osugi stated.
The facility was redesigned to showcase the Yamaha brand and its newest campaign “We Are Mio,” featuring the country’s No. 1 AT. Now it stands as the company’s very own landmark that cultivates passion and inspires a community to ride. Featured, as well, is Yamaha’s own train, which bears its design on the facade. More than just added swagger for the brand, the good thing here is that revenues from the Station Partnership Program will fund its service for improvement, which includes lighting, roofing and the overall cleanliness and maintenance.
The launch was historic with the attendance of Yamaha MotoGP riders Rossi and Vinales. They also got to experience a train ride and enjoyed a few sights of Manila before they headed to Caloocan, wherein thousands of riders, enthusiasts and admirers covered over three blocks just to see them.
“We are dedicated to give you the best. That’s why we brought our best riders just for you,” YMPH Sales and Marketing Manager Kaoru Ogura shared in a speech to the crowd.
Here, they were evidently showered with love on Valentine’s Day from loyal fans while they gave love back by giving a special recognition to the Yamaha Grand Prix riders who won the overall social-media votes for Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao, as well as for the wild-card entries. They also gave away signed t-shirts, and enthusiastically answered questions from their audience. With the introduction of their latest campaign We are Mio, Yamaha also paraded their automatic motorcycles: the all-new Mio Sporty, Mio I 125 Mio Soul I 125 and Mio Aerox.
The long day was then capped by an entertainment from the Miollennials; Boy Band PH, Nadine Lustre, Matteo Guidicelli and Drew Arellano—who all have the same passion for riding in every kind of lifestyle.
“Today’s event is of course a celebration of Valentine’s Day,” YMPH Motorsports and Safety Promotion Head Jordan Cornista doled out during an exclusive interview.
“The real main objective here is our love for our ever loyal riders who have been continuously supporting us. They have been using our products and this is our way of giving it back.”
Image credits: Ronald Rey M. de los Reyes
