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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Shifting gears, breaking barriers: Filipina teen impresses in Indonesia drift

Shifting gears, breaking barriers: Filipina teen impresses in Indonesia drift

Published Aug 6, 2025 07:38 pm

At A Glance

  • When it comes to sports, most Filipina kids gravitate toward volleyball, basketball, swimming, gymnastics, football, badminton -- and now, with its growing popularity, tennis. But that's not Bella Cañete's cup of tea.
Bella Cañete is making waves -- and burning rubber -- in the car drifting scene. (Bella Cañete Facebook)
Bella Cañete is making waves -- and burning rubber -- in the car drifting scene. (Bella Cañete Facebook)
When it comes to sports, most Filipina kids gravitate toward volleyball, basketball, swimming, gymnastics, football, badminton -- and now, with its growing popularity, tennis.
But that’s not Bella Cañete’s cup of tea.
 The 13-year-old standout prefers a different kind of thrill: she eats adrenaline for breakfast, discipline for lunch, and a stack of knowledge and skill for dinner. It’s all in a day’s routine for Bella, who’s currently making waves -- and burning rubber -- in the car drifting scene.
As a member of the Akuma Drift Team, Cañete recently made a bold statement behind the wheel of her Yakult-themed BMW E36 by dominating the third rounds of both the Indonesian Drift Series (IDS) New Gen Category and the Women’s Drift Challenge (WDC ProAm) held in Indonesia recently.
The promising Cañete also earned the Top Qualifier award in WDC, complementing her victory in the mixed gender division and completing a remarkable three-peat in the motorsports tournaments.
With her incredible performance in the two Indonesia meets, the San Fernando, La Union native just added another milestone to her growing list of accolades -- including a historic triumph last year where she became the first and youngest Filipina to win an all-women’s difting crown overseas.
She also became the youngest drifter from Southeast Asia to secure three straight titles, thanks to her dominant performances in the earlier stages.
It was a major triumph for the Filipina, who began karting at the age of seven in her hometown -- a journey that led to her winning the Cadet Expert Championship title and geing honores as the Cadet Karter of the Year.
The Philippine Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia honored her achievements.
“This latest success matches her performance in Rounds 1 and 2. Her consistency and skill distinguish her as one of the most successful competitors in her category in the Indonesian Drift Series,” the Embassy stated on its website.
“The Philippine Embassy commends the dedication, discipline, and sportsmanship Ms. Canete continues to demonstrate and looks forward to supporting her future milestones,” it added. “Mabuhay ka, Bella! The nation is proud of your achievements.”
From karting prodigy to emerging drift queen, Cañete -- the lone Filipino-blooded member of Akuma -- has proven she possesses a drive and determination well beyond her years, a trait recognized even by foreign racers.
Her impressive display of skill and brilliance on the track is a strong testament to her potential as the next rising star in a sport still largely dominated by men.
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