THERE truly was strength in numbers as 10,200 Suzuki Raider riders filled the World Trade Center in Pasay City up to the brim for this year’s gathering of the annual iconic Raider R 150 Summit. Through the gargantuan crowd, the whole Team Suzuki family was able to collect funds for the fast rehabilitation of Marawi in their donation drive done in partnership with ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Inc. (ALKFI).
The impressive record number of attendees for 2018 amassed over P2.6 million for the “One Suzuki for Marawi”, which for them tells not just a story of the brand’s legendary supremacy, but talks about the amount of heart which is imbued in every Raider rider.
“We’re very much impressed with the sheer number of attendees this year. And we’re all doing this for the people of Marawi,” said an elated Suzuki Philippines Inc. (SPH) Managing Director Norminio Mojica during an exclusive interview when asked about their campaign in giving aid to the said recently war-torn city in the South.
Through the Raider R150 Summit, SPH aims to commit itself for a meaningful advocacy campaign as part of its yearly corporate social responsibility activities. With a mindset of creating a positive impact in society, it was to be remembered that back in 2017, the so-called Underbone King focused its efforts in underscoring the importance of road safety awareness to its riders by holding hands-on seminars. With the event, they were able to place the country in the map of the Guinness World Records with the largest global road safety seminar in one venue alone for gathering 4,200 participants.
Back then, with unprecedented sales of 30,785 units in 2016 and thus topping the Underbone 150cc category data of the Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association, the Raider has proven that its sheer dominance goes beyond just sales numbers.
This year, they came to the rescue of the ravaged city of Marawi in Lanao del Sur when it was held under siege in a crushing five-month-long warfare. Suzuki Philippines, together with its riders, dealers, trade partners and employees, all aspire to free Marawi from the shadows and shackles of ruin and misery.
Suzuki and ALKFI placed a donation station during the Raider R150 Summit wherein members of Team Suzuki family were encouraged to place their cash donations. With more than P2 million collected, proceeds will be used in ALKFI’s Sagip Kapamilya operations which will be dedicated this time in the long-term rehabilitation of Marawi—now beleaguered with unsurmountable amounts of damaged properties.
The donation was turned over by SPH executives led by its President Hiroshi Suzuki, SFI President and SPH Managing Director Norminio Mojica and SPH Motorcycle Sales and Marketing General Manager Jun Bulot. Accepting the pledge were ALKFI’s Managing Director Susan Afan and Marketing’s Rino Ramos and Sheryl Gabuya. Kapamilya star and Suzuki’s newest brand ambassador Liza Soberano together with Enrique Gil were also present to inspire the thousands in attendance.
“We would like to thank everyone who attended and for all your heartfelt donations for the rehabilitation of Marawi,” enthused lovely and jovial Soberano.
“Please continue supporting this campaign.”
Aside from the “One Suzuki for Marawi” campaign, Suzuki also prepared loads of treats for its riders with its signature contests and entertaining production numbers. The event was hosted by Roxanne Barcelo and Suzuki’s Alvin Lumawig. Special guest and calendar girl Myrtle Sarroza was also present to entertain the audience. Completing the pool of guests were LTO Director for Law Enforcement Service Francis Rey Almora and Suzuki Philippines Marketing Manager Monch Bontogon.
“We have about more than 200 clubs present here at the World Trade Center. And we have a lot in store for the all the riders,” shared a quirky SPH President Hiroshi Suzuki, who also swept the crowd off their feet with a spectacular song-and-dance number.
“We hope everyone enjoyed their time with us.”
Image credits: Ronald Rey M. de los Reyes