HIS dad, Noni Sablaya was known for his racing skills at the many scooter races all over the country. I met him first in 2003 at the Shell Super Scooter championships where he won the 125cc race. We connected because he admired my vintage 1997 Honda NS250R–a two-stroke road bike–that I rode to the Carmona event. In 2007, Noni was at the tail end of his racing career because his son Jakob was born. He may have planned it all, as Jakob was much influenced by Noni’s racing career.
Sixteen years later, Noni is back in racing, this time, not on the saddle but coaching Jakob. From a ripe young age of 6, when most boys are flicking gadgets or simmering on an online game, he was riding a pit bike. Growing up seeing his father race and win in motor racing events, it wasn’t surprising that motorsports became a big part of his childhood. He now races with Honda Philippines Inc. (HPI) racing events.
“Nakikita ko po ang daddy ko na kumakarera nung bata ako at lagi po akong kasama sa lahat ng races nya. Habang tumatagal, napansin po nila na sinusuot ko yung boots, gloves, at helmet nya ‘pag nasa karera na kami,” Jakob recalls as he points out how early exposure in the world of motor racing eventually became one of his most memorable events in life.
“Hindi ko talaga makalimutan nung una ako natuto mag bike,” the young Sablaya said as he talked about his first shot at serious racing in 2018, when he joined the Honda Pilipinas Dream Cup or HPDC.
HPDC was designed to discover young riders with exemplary skills for motor racing. The “dream” of the program was to handpick vibrant and potential talents who can be trained to become professional racers, with the objective of competing internationally someday.
“With Jakob’s outstanding determination, discipline, and grit, it wasn’t surprising that he won for two consecutive years,” said Honda Philippines Inc. MC Planning Department Manager, Hervic Villa. 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,” Villa added.
Juggling his time between school and practice is no easy feat, yet Jakob is managing to find a balance for both with the support and inspiration of his parents, especially his father.
Sablaya considers 2019 as the beginning of his riding career, as he was able to be part of the Asia Talent Cup Selection and represent the Philippines in Malaysia. But as for him, being a part of the Honda Pilipinas Dream Cup meant stepping 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,” Sablaya explains as he pointed out how he continues to challenge himself by establishing consistent practice routines, with the guidance and support of his HPI family.
“I am so thankful to be a part of the HPI Team kasi lagi sila naka suporta sa akin physically, emotionally, financially, and spiritually. “They help me pursue my dreams sa sports na napili ko, and they give me a lot of motivation too,” Sablaya said.
Sablaya’s arsenal is made up of CBR150R and Supra GTR150 for all his races. Impressed by the unique built-to-performance qualities.
“Yung Supra GTR150, sobrang smooth at lakas ng takbo kahit naka stock lang yung bike. Sobrang sarap gamitin dahil naka slipper clutch na sya, at yung shock din nya, walang hassle sa mga likuan,” he affirms while mentioning about the CBR150, in its latest trim. He said the newly-released unit is a step up in terms of speed and handling.
HPI Motorsports adviser Hitoshi Ito also affirms that this sophisticated breed of models fit the Filipino lifestyle, possesses superbly built all-around character, and 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 for more products that’s built on quality,” Ito expresses.
