From rebel to role model
Actor-turned-racer Jomari Yllana is on a mission: to bring racing back to the Philippines—loud, proud, and perfectly legal.
“The industry is really big—Filipino car culture that’s waiting to be recognized, waiting for a venue,” said Yllana, president of Yllana Racing, explaining the revival of the Okada Manila Motorsport Carnivale this year.
The event, which kicked off on May 4, runs throughout the month, offering a series of races and car showcases at Okada Manila’s Boardwalk and Gardens. The opening day featured a 12-hour Super Sprint and a “Legends of the ’90s” car meet, attracting motorsport diehards and curious spectators alike.
A major highlight of the Carnivale is the Jom’s Cup, a racing series backed by the Philippine Drag Racing Federation and the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP). Scheduled for May 31, the event will feature a 1/8-mile drag race across Super Car, Muscle Car, and Vintage Car categories.
Also on the same day is a special EV showcase, complete with celebrity guests, aimed at introducing electric vehicle innovations to the local car scene.
“This preparation took a while,” Yllana told Lifestyle during a recent media gathering. “We wanted to do it in 2024, but it took two years. We’re OK now. We’re complete in terms of sponsor support—they’re the best at what they do.” He added that more activities and race formats are already in the pipeline for the rest of the year.
Long-term plan
But the Carnivale is more than just a revved-up party—it’s a movement. Yllana sees it as part of a long-term plan to organize and elevate local motorsports. Now something of an elder in the community, he’s focused on mentoring the next generation of drivers.
“We’re paving the way, opening races that have been banned for so long. Legally, we’re bringing back rally racing, slalom racing, karting series. Let’s build an army of racers so we can create future champions,” he declared.
Yllana began racing in the 1990s, first informally, then as a licensed competitor. Today, he continues to lead Yllana Racing as its principal driver, viewing the Carnivale as an accessible entry point for beginners and hobbyists alike.
All participating drivers will undergo safety briefings. “The races are professionally managed, with race lights and safety barriers,” Yllana said, emphasizing the event’s focus on minimizing risk. “We’ll take care of everyone. It will be very, very safe.”
The Carnivale is also designed with families in mind. Okada Manila offers hotel accommodations and activities for nonracing guests. “Parents can leave the kids at the play area, enjoy the races, then relax after,” he said.
The event is supported by international race steward Rikki Dy-Liacco, head of motorsports at the AAP, who has worked with prestigious events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Formula 4 Middle East. “We’re raising the bar and bringing Philippine motorsports closer to international levels,” said Dy-Liacco.
Motorsport heritage
The 2025 edition builds on the success of Motorsport Carnivale 2023, which featured over 2,400 vehicles and drew thousands of attendees. Inspired by the “Philippine Grand Prix” held in Manila from 1973 to 1976, the series aims to reconnect younger audiences with the country’s motorsport heritage.
According to Yllana, expansion is on the horizon—with hopes of eventually hosting international participants and sending Filipino racers abroad. “We were reminded of the passion that fuels our local motorsport scene—and we’re just getting started,” he said.
Safety, as always, is top priority. “There are driver briefings, professional lighting setups, and contingency days built into the schedule,” Yllana said. “All the races are designed to be safe. Professional drag racing can’t happen in the rain, which is why we gave Jom’s Cup an extra day.”
And Yllana speaks from experience—he’s had more than a few close calls. “I’ve had really major ones,” he recalled, referencing a 1997 crash during what was then called the Philippine National Touring Car Championship. But like many racers, he views these experiences as transformative. “The ending would always be that the driver who crashes and recovers becomes a better driver. That’s what happened to me.”
It’s a full-circle moment for someone who started racing illegally at 18. “[I was] one of those who got caught racing in San Juan!” he said, laughing. He turned pro in 1996, thanks to the late motorsports legend Boy Ochoa, who mentored him. “My story was similar to ‘Fast & Furious.’ It started with illegal drag racing.” That rough start eventually sparked a lifelong advocacy for road safety and a mission to make motorsports accessible to all.
“There’s a misconception that motorsports is expensive,” he said. “But it has categories. I’ve seen someone bring in a 1980s Mitsubishi Mirage and race. We guide them. There’s always a fit for your machine,” Yllana recalled.
Ultimately, for Yllana, it’s not just about speed—it’s about legacy. “We’re giving back to the sport that’s been good to us,” he said. “We’re setting up the platform for the next generation. This isn’t a business—it’s an advocacy.”
And in case you’re wondering if the local industry has the horsepower to make this happen, Yllana has this to say: “The circuits are there—Batangas, Carmona, Clark. But the goal now is to bring the excitement back to the heart of Metro Manila.”
Yllana, who continues to race and has won or placed in several local events, was also the first Filipino podium finisher at South Korea’s Yeongam International Circuit in 2014. And he’s still at it—driving the movement forward, both literally and figuratively.
