CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Davao’s pride Ruel “Bornzkie” Mangosong and Nueva Ecija’s fearless lady rider Clianna Patricia “Pia” Gabriel put an exclamation mark to their tag as King ang Queen of Philippine motocross with overpowering victories in the 7th and final round of the MMF Supercross 7 at the MX Messiah Fairgrounds in Taytay, Rizal.
Mangosong, whose mental toughness is the envy of fellow pro riders, turned the one-hectare racetrack into his own domain to rule the centerpiece Shell Advance Pro Open enroute to winning the 7-leg series with an overall total of 150 points.
Minutes earlier, the 21-year-old Gabriel, a mass communication student at Wesleyan University in Cabanatuan City, repulsed the determined challenges of Jasmin Jao, Quiana Reyes and Davao sensation Susi Magarang to take first place in the Ladies Class also with 150 points.
Ralph Ramento settled for second overall with 135 points, followed by Ompong Gabriel (114), CK Ramento (96) and Jolet Jao (75). Mangosong pocketed P50,000 as overall champion, plus P10,000 as 7th leg winner. Ramento took home P25,000 and Gabriel P10,000.
Known for his double-quad-double stint during the final leg, Mangosong never looked back after winning the Dunlop holeshot. Ramento had a crash early in the 20-minute lap, while new face Terrence Napat surprised the crowd by securing the third spot.
“For every round of the series, I always make sure to have an ace hidden at my back pocket like the overjumps, the sudden change of lines from the conventional outside berm lines to switching inside inside, and now the double quad double. It is done by learning the track and mixing things up to my advantage. That’s all part of my strategy for this whole series,” said the 28-year old Mangosong.
“My motivation is still the same, God and my family, for everything I learned all throughout my racing career, from my amateur days up until now God has put me in this position to be a blessing and an inspiration to others who are walking in my path,” said Mangosong.
Mangosong also sees a bright future for motocross.
“I see the sport growing and moving forward. I mean now it’s already on its stage where all want to step up on the next level,’’ said Mangosong.
Celebrity rider Oyo Sotto emerged victorious in the Beginners Open Production with 151 points and in the power enduro with 118 points. Moto king Jao secured the Veterans Open with 150 overall points, while Jojo Sayas beat the odds and took home the Executive Production with 128 points.
Amateur Open Production winners Rico Herrero and Maynard Mercado both settled with 111 points while Open Underbone champ Renato Balay Jr (102) edged Jayvee Antazo (97). Ariz Amaro (132) and Jomar Francisco (107) grabbed the spotlight after winning the local enduro 2-stroke and local enduro 6-stroke, respectively.
Shana Vernice Tamayo (139 points) outsmarted Xyxy Maximo to win the girls class (age 12 and below). Maximo bagged the 50cc class (age 9 and below) with 136 points.
Rising motocross stars Joshua Tamayo ruled the 50cc class (age 7 and below), Carl Celestino won the 65cc (age 11 and below) and Dylan Fabian topped the Yamaha PW50. Wenson Reyes reigned supreme in the 85cc class.
Organized by Pastor Sam Tamayoof the Generation Congregation, the seven-leg series attracted big names from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Tamayo, who advocates safe riding, expressed his gratitude to sponsors Shell Advance, Yamaha Motor Ph, Dunlop, Rich Bian Taxi, Fox Head Ph, Coffee Grounds, Mmf Academy, Vermosa, NAMSSA, Dans, Monster Energy, MySiP, Power Roof Construction, DG Budget Hotel, SOFT, BEST Taytay and Armed Safe.
‘‘To you Lord be all the glory and honor,’’ added Tamayo, who said it was a miracle that the series happened.
‘‘Last year after the season I told my wife @faithzjoy we need a miracle and clear direction from the Lord if we are still to continue the MMF ministry… We’ve gone through a lot of tough times during the time. Felt like an uphill battle in our quest to glorify the Lord through the sport.. Then the Lord sent @osotto and @khsotto family to affirm to us He still has a wonderful plan for the sports. Thank you Lord.’’
The series was sanctioned by the Games and Amusements Board headed by Baham Mitra.