For the first time in Philippine motorsports history, rally cars raced across an island province in an event sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP).
Held in Lubang, Occidental Mindoro from June 27 to 28, 2025, the two-day event marked a significant milestone for the sport. It was the result of two years of planning and coordination between AAP and the Local Government of Lubang, led by Mayor Michael Orayani.
The rally kicked off on Friday night with six special stages under darkness, followed by another six stages under the heat of the sun on Saturday. All stages were run on Lubang’s paved public roads. Unlike most rallies in the country, this was a blind rally, meaning competitors were not allowed to do reconnaissance runs or make pace notes. Co-drivers had to rely solely on a basic road map provided by the organizers, putting their timing, instincts, and teamwork to the test.
Lubang’s residents came out in full force, lining the streets to cheer for the rally cars as they passed by. For many locals, it was their first time witnessing a motorsport event live, and they embraced it with infectious enthusiasm.
Sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines, the event had the full support of AAP President Joe Ferreria, Motorsport Chairman Mandy Eduque, AAP CEO Mark Desales, and AAP Head of Motorsport Rikky Dy-Liacco. The AAP is the country’s only FIA-recognized national auto club and serves as the governing body for four-wheel motorsports in the Philippines.
On-ground execution was handled by the teams behind the Philippine National Rally Championship and Philippine Rallycross Series, headed by Olson Camacho and Ronnie Trinidad, both veterans in local motorsport event organization.
Rally Results
In Group 1, Ricardo Dy-Liacco and Vince Miguel Benedicto swept both legs, winning the night and day rallies with times of 27:31 and 22:14, respectively. Mark Desales and Ricxie Dela Cruz consistently finished second in both rounds.
Group 2 had a change of pace. Paul Santos and DJ De Guzman topped the night leg with 27:49, but it was Louie Camacho and John Rey San Diego who took the day rally with a quick 20:35. Ran Ramento and Carlo Castillo placed third in both legs.
Group 3 was dominated by Adrian De Leon and Devor Andres, who claimed first place in both rounds with times of 26:44 and 21:48.
In Group 4, Ricky Montelibano and Alex Gonzales delivered the fastest combined performances of the weekend, winning both legs with 24:35 and 20:55. EZ Ligaya and Stephen Alunan trailed in second in both runs.
The Open Class saw a close fight between Ralph Ramento and George Reboldila, who won the night rally with 25:09. Aeron Jarman Rumohr and Pierro Garcia, who came back strong in the day leg with a winning time of 20:33. Anjo Perez and Randy Peragrino secured third place in both stages. At the same time, Bryan Duarte and Raymond Mendoza completed the class.
Sponsors and partners
The event was powered by Isuzu and Clean Fuel as title sponsor, with strong support from Okada Manila Motorsports Carnivale 2025. Additional partners included AC Delco, Aguila Glass, Ravenol, Method Race Wheels, Impenetra, Autoplus, Motoring Today, Turbo Zone, Autocar PH, Wheels PH, and CW Home Depot.
The successful staging of the AAP Lubang Inter-Island Rally was more than just a motorsport achievement—it was a community celebration and a new chapter for Philippine rallying. With the island’s roads, people, and passion now firmly in the spotlight, the future of inter-island rallying in the country looks brighter than ever.Lubang marks motorsport milepost
