The biggest motorsport event to be held in the Philippines in years flags off on August 2 at the gardens behind Okada Manila. Known as Okada Manila Motorsport Carnivale 2023, the 5-day sporting event consists of a rally sprint kick-off on Aug. 2 to be called the Jun Espino Memorial Rally, which is expected to gather around 50 racers that will motor to Bataan and back. Also on tap is CART, a Car Meet in memory of Eduardo ‘Mang Ed’ del Rosario, founding father of Cavite Auto  Racing Team. The event is estimated to gather collectors of rare racing cars and motorsport gadgets; an Autocross Race, featuring at least 150 cars on Sunday, complete with matching champagne popping. Awarding ceremonies will be held at Okada Manila on August 6. Okada Manila Motorsport Carnivale 2023 is spearheaded by Paranaque City Councilor Jomari Yllana, a long-time racing enthusiast, who hopes to bring back the glory days of motorsports in the country, in reference to the time when the Philippine Grand Prix was being held in Manila from 1973 to 1976. That series of events came to be known for its prestige and grandeur. Yllana says he wants to encourage Filipinos to embrace the rich history of Philippine motorsports by rallying all racing enthusiasts and fanatics into one community. “We want to encourage audiences, families, to come and watch this event as a fun family festival that they can look forward to every year,” he says. No stranger to the sport, Yllana has figured prominently in several local races and is the first Filipino podium finisher at the Yeongam International Circuit in South Korea in 2014. He is also the principal driver of pro racing team, Yllana Racing.