Motorcycles
Daquigan Double
Honda Philippines’ 16-year-old talent Alfonsi Daquigan swept Round 5 of the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup at Mandalika, taking Race 1 and Race 2 to become the first Filipino rider to win an ATC race and then back it up on the same weekend. The October 4 to 5 event at Indonesia’s Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit capped a statement performance from the young Filipino.
Daquigan overcame a double long-lap penalty in Race 1 and still crossed the line first. The Sunday rematch was cleaner and just as decisive as he sealed the double, moving up to third in the overall standings after Round 5.
Honda Philippines said the result reflected Daquigan’s discipline, consistency, and drive as he battled the best youth riders across Asia while carrying the flag on the international stage.
Tanauan City, Batangas — The 2025 Regional Underbone Grand Prix (RUGP) wrapped up with a strong finish for the Honda Project M Estremo Racing Team, led by standout rider #44 Ephraim Onahon, who clinched the Overall Championship in both the Limited and Open Underbone categories.
Racing across four rounds in Visayas and Mindanao, the team showed grit and consistency aboard the Honda Winner X — a 150cc liquid-cooled DOHC motorcycle built for both agility and control. The machine’s strong acceleration, aerodynamic design, and assist/slipper clutch gave riders the confidence to take on challenging track conditions while staying fast and stable through every corner.
Despite tough competition, the team’s discipline and teamwork carried them through, reflecting Honda’s “Road to Champion” spirit. The success of Onahon and his crew highlighted how skill, preparation, and the right machine can make all the difference on the circuit.
Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI) supported the team throughout the season, reaffirming its commitment to developing local racing talent and making motorsports more accessible to Filipino riders. “Racing builds discipline and passion,” HPI said. “Through the Project M Estremo Racing Team, we continue to inspire Filipinos to pursue the thrill of the sport.”
As the 2025 RUGP season closes, the Honda Project M Estremo Racing Team celebrates not just a championship, but a journey of perseverance, teamwork, and the unrelenting pursuit of speed.
Alex Marquez delivered a masterclass at the Malaysian MotoGP, storming to victory at Sepang for his third win of the season and his first outside Spain. The Gresini Ducati rider led from the second lap onward, crossing the finish line more than two seconds clear of compatriot Pedro Acosta.
The 29-year-old Spaniard locked in his runner-up finish in the overall standings behind his brother, world champion Marc Marquez, who was sidelined due to injury. “It was a perfect race,” Alex said. “We improved the bike in the warm-up, attacked early, and just managed the tyres to the end.”
Starting second on the grid, Marquez quickly overtook pole-sitter Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia in the opening laps and never looked back. Acosta eventually passed Bagnaia for second midway through the race, but by then Marquez had built a comfortable lead. Honda’s Joan Mir finished third, completing an all-Spanish podium, followed by Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Quartararo in fourth and fifth.
Bagnaia, who had earlier won Saturday’s sprint race, failed to finish after a mechanical issue late in the race.
The Moto3 event earlier in the day saw a frightening crash during the sighting lap involving new world champion Jose Antonio Rueda and Noah Dettwiler. Both riders were airlifted to hospital but remained conscious. MotoGP organizers later confirmed Rueda suffered a suspected hand fracture and multiple bruises.
Marquez dedicated his win to the injured riders. “My prayers and thoughts are with the Moto3 guys,” he said.
Unshaken and unchallenged, Marquez’s Sepang triumph capped a strong campaign, reinforcing his place among MotoGP’s top contenders.
Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI) has crossed a major mark after surpassing 1 million cumulative retail sales from October 2024 to September 2025, reinforcing its lead in the two-wheel market and its push to bring accessible mobility to Filipinos.
Four of the brand’s top movers are built locally in the Philippines, namely the CLICK125, BeAT, XRM125, and TMX125 Alpha. These models anchor HPI’s presence in daily commuting and small business use, while keeping parts and service support close to riders.
In the automatic segment, the CLICK125 remains a bestseller with its sporty styling, fuel-efficient engine, and digital meter panel. Young riders continue to pick the BeAT for its compact size and playful look. For those who want more power and safety, the ADV160 offers long-ride comfort plus Honda Selectable Torque Control.
Underbone demand stays strong with the versatile XRM125 on city streets and provincial roads. For work and hauling needs, the TMX125 Alpha is still a go-to choice thanks to its durability, easy handling, and solid fuel economy.
“This milestone is not just a reflection of our sales success, but also of the strong bond we’ve built with our riders through the years,” said Takeshi Kobayashi, President of Honda Philippines, Inc., adding that HPI will continue to roll out reliable and innovative models for Filipino lifestyles.
HPI said it remains focused on performance, safety, and rider satisfaction as it builds toward its next million.
