VALENTINO ROSSI AND MAVERICK VINALES TAKE MANILA BY STORM!
Not to be outdone by rival SUZUKI, who broke a world record for number of attendees in organizing a club event, YAMAHA responded in kind, but in a larger..much larger scale. For starters, Yamaha Motor Philippines Inc. (YMPH) partnered with the Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRT) to create the Yamaha Monumento Station. Yamaha also had its own signature train that bared the designs of its latest campaign “We Are MIO”, and aesthecially owned the Monumento station by plastering the whole area, from the loading platform to the staircase with YAMAHA posters and wall stickers. This also includes a motorcycle showcase in the stair landing, while a band played alongside the whole day.
To top it all off, YAMAHA brought back MotoGp legends, Valentino Rossi and Maverick Vinales to Manila. Media and fans alike were surprised when they got off the special Yamaha train at the Monumento station, riding from the Roosevelt station to beat the traffic. Excitement ensued among the people in the station as the wonder pair posed for pictures and gave short remarks. Part of the launch ceremony was the unveiling of their very own Yamaha Star and they signed standees that bared their likeness. Throughout their short but eventful train ride, they were joined by members of the media who captured and experienced the moment alongside the racing stars.
The duo, together with various Yamaha personnel and media people, was shuttled to the party venue at 10th Street, Caloocan City. Literally, the whole stretch was closed for the occasion. Two big stages graced the street, with games and display station strategically placed. Famously known as the Motorcycle Capital of the Philippines. The 10th Avenue in Caloocan is the hotbed for all things motorcycles The entire avenue, which stretched out for 3 city blocks had its own pop-up festival to celebrate the arrival of the riders. Hundreds upon hundreds of fans formed a sea of enthusiasts all eager to see their idols.
Then, it was time to rev. Valentino Rossi and Maverick Vinales slowly ascended from under the stage to the roar of the crowd. An explosion of confetti, flashing lights, and cheers engulfed the entire avenue. The public appearance of the two riders wasn’t only massive and it was also the most intimate as well. This year, they had more opportunities to personally meet some of the Filipino fans. They answered questions from Yamaha Club members which as mixture of fun and excitement. To continue their support for the cultivation of racing in the Philippines, they awarded medals to the 12 qualifying riders for the Yamaha Grand Prix. An art contest was the opportunity for the fans to show their love for the riders on Valentines they and the top 3 designs were recognized on stage with the artists smiling alongside their heroes. They also gave away signed shirts to lucky online contestants and stayed for a while to sign helmets and other items from those in the crowd.
After a whirlwind of a time in 10th Avenue, they joined the Yamaha Dealers for the ‘Be Unstoppable’ 2018 Dealers Convention in Seda Hotel. As icons for Global Racing Excellence and the faces of the ‘Blu is Fast’ Campaign, they were living testaments for the performance that Yamaha motorcycles provide.
To cap it all off, they made sure to spend personal time with the media. They expressed how much they enjoy going to the Philippines even if it was always a short stay. And they raved about the warmth they received from Filipinos who always supported the brand and their efforts in racing across the globe.
What’s next for Valentino Rossi and Maverick Vinales? Both stated they will focus on the MotoGP season and they are powered by the joy and passion shown by their Filipino Fans.
