Sixteen-year-old rider Jakob Sablaya shares his love affair and journey on two wheels.

Born and raised in Antipolo City, Jacob developed his love for motorbikes at the age of 6, where most kids of his time would prefer gadgets or simply letting the time go by with an online game. With the influence of two-wheels from his father, it wasn’t surprising that Motorsports has indeed become a big part of his journey towards fulfilling his dream as the youngest rider of Honda Philippines Inc. (HPI).

His first exposure was in 2018 when he joined the Honda Pilipinas Dream Cup or HPDC, a program designed to discover young riders with exemplary skills for motor racing.

“With Jakob’s outstanding determination, discipline, and grit, it wasn’t surprising that he won for two consecutive years,” said Hervic Villa, MC Planning Department Manager of Honda Philippines Inc.

Aside from his stellar performance, Jakob’s passion and love for the sport are two attributes any athlete can’t fake. “While Honda ensures to provide an ideal race bike, rigid training, and supportive team, it’s the rider’s character that will truly stand the test of time. Hard work is always a crucial step in becoming an excellent racer.”

“Nakikita kopo ang daddy konakumakareranungbataako at lagipoakongkasamasalahat ng races nya. Habang tumatagal, napansin po nila na sinusuot ko yung boots, gloves, at helmet nya‘pag nasa karera na kami,” he recalls.

True enough, Jakob’s early exposure in the world of motor biking eventually became one of his most memorable events in life.“Hindi ko talaga makalimutan nung una ako natuto mag bike.”

In 2019, he was able to be part of the Asia Talent Cup Selection that represents the Philippines in Malaysia. But as for him, being a part of the Honda Pilipinas Dream Cup stepped up the plate as an athlete.

“Doon po talaga nahasa ang motorcycle skills ko. Nag ba-bike din po ako ngayon as part of my training kapag wala akong race.”

Jacob, who has been riding a bike since he was 14, continues to challenge himself by establishing consistent practice routines with the guidance and support of his HPI family.

Using two of Honda’s models, CBR150R and Supra GTR150 for all his races, Sablaya is quite impressed by their unique built-to-performance qualities. “Yung SupraGTR150, sobrang smooth at lakasng takbokahitnaka stock langyung bike, he affirms. 

As for another model he uses for racing, the CBR150, he mentions that its newly-released unit is a step up in terms of speed and handling. “Sobrangsarapgamitindahilnaka slipper clutch nasya, at yung shock din nya, walang hassle samgalikuan.”

However, don’t be fooled as these two champion models sell like hotcakes since they’re both enjoyable for work or play. With CBR150R’s street motorbike elevated design and technology that feels like a racer, it’s guaranteed to set the tone for an inspiring day on the road.

Meanwhile, Supra GTR150 is another model with racing DNA and sports character. True to its underbone qualities, it’s also lightweight, easy to maintain, and designed to perform at places with the twist-and-go throttle.

HPI Motorsports adviser Hitoshi Ito also affirms that this sophisticated breed of models fit the Filipino lifestyle, possesses superbly built all-around character, and is highly powerful to deliver on the road.

“Supra GTR150 and CBR150 are two popular bikes of Honda. Customers do love the speed, handling, and reliable performance. As you’d expect from both of these models, they’re also one of the most fuel-efficient road partners and guaranteed to provide the joy of mobility. With its steadfast handling and impressive features, racers like Jakob can surely expect performance at their best. Moreover, while HPI continuously commits to support and hone more potential talents, consumers can look forward to more products that are built on quality.”

Honda’s “The Power of Dreams” philosophy is rooted in its core values of creating advanced technology products and excellence to the market.