Thousands of Suzuki riders gathered at the Raider R150 Summit 2023, creating history for the Raider motorcycle’s 20th anniversary in the Philippines last July 16, 2023. Celebrating Two Decades Unrivaled in the Underbone Sport category, the World Trade Center declared foot traffic of more than 8,000 during the event, wherein the riders were treated with the signature Suzuki Raider Summit’s remarkable experience.
Two decades reign celebration
The excitement for the big comeback of the Raider R150 Summit was noticeable because even during the afternoon of July 15 (the day before the event), riders from as far as Bicol and Pangasinan had already started coming to the venue. The rain did not stop our riders from 156 clubs nationwide to come and join this historic event, which also served as the brand’s grand reunion after almost a 5-year pause due to the pandemic.
Joining the grand celebration were Suzuki Philippines’ executives: president Koichiro Hirao, general manager for motorcycle sales and marketing Jun Bulot, assistant general manager for finance and admin division Cathy Magtibay, assistant to the general manager Daigo Morikawa, marketing manager Nenuka Guba, and the rest of the management committee. Also present were Suzuki Motor Corporation (Japan)’s chief engineer for motorcycles Hideshi Morii, group manager for motorcycle design Shinsuke Furuhashi, delegates from Suzuki Japan and Southeast Asian markets, as well as dealer partners, media and vlogger friends. Also in attendance was Atty. Hector Villacorta from the Land Transportation Office.
It was a fun-filled occasion which commenced with a fun drone shot inside the World Trade Center. The halls of the venue were then filled with the cheers of the riders as the program began with the Raider Roar contest, which heard the club chants of our Suzuki Raider Clubs, and was won by the Raider All Star Nation.
Next were the signature club contests. The Face of the Summit for the most swoon-worthy lady representative of clubs was awarded to Noelyn Abejero of R150 Tondo Manila Riders Club. The Astig Rider who serves as a good example among the riders was awarded to Ronaldo Visda of ROCI Pasig Chapter. Lovers of the Summit for those with a long-standing relationship was won by Edgar and Monaliza Paxidio of ROCI. The Talentadong Riders who showed the heart-stopping dance moves of club representatives to the tune of the Raider jingle was won by KYCKZ Familia by RTMRC of R150 Tondo Manila Riders Club.
One of the most popular and anticipated contests from every Summit is the Raider Custom Bike Contest which highlights the creativity and good craftsmanship of the owners in modifying their motorcycles. The winners were: Steven Delos Santos of Team DLS as the Best Custom Bike for Fuel Injection and Mauro Adriano Jr. of 5J Customs as the Best Custom Bike Carburetor. The Best Engine Tune-up was won by veteran John Ibasco of Johnworks Racing Team, while the Special Award Best Thai Concept was given to Adrian Arayan of Boss Erick Thai Parts all the way from Bukidnon. The Best Paint went to Jerick Waje of 5J Customs, while the Best Chrome was given to Louie Lucas of Allenwerks Custom. Crowd favourite Marvin Torbiles of Ararworks got the Rider’s Choice award, while Jomarvin Rodolfo of Thai Enthusiast PH took home the Media/Vloggers Choice award.
The brand also showed why the Raider R150 Fi is the best of both worlds, highlighting the fuel efficiency of the known motorcycle for speed. Suzuki showcased the results of the recently concluded series of Fuel Econoruns held in Luzon and Mindanao of 128.2 km/L and 98.91 km/L, respectively. Mindanao winner Karl Diaz shared on stage his techniques for achieving the numbers with proper riding posture, braking, and throttle control.
The Raider R150 Summit is a celebration for the whole Team Suzuki, which was further highlighted when other Suzuki motorcycle owners joined the event and danced to the Oras na Para MagMotor jingle. Suzuki’s complete line-up of motorcycles, from regular to Big Bikes, were also available for viewing for riders who want to get their next Suzuki. FREE Test rides of chosen Suzuki motorcycles were available for the Avenis, Burgman Street, Burgman Street EX, V-STROM 250 SX, Gixxer 250, Gixxer 250SF, Burgman 400 ABS, SV 650/A, and the newly launched GSX-8S and V-STROM 650DE. FREE FI was also offered to the first 40 attendees of the Summit.
Showing appreciation to its riders, Suzuki also gave special recognition to selected clubs. Hailed as winners of the Raider Club Awards were: Biggest Delegation for Club – ROCI, Biggest Delegation Chapter – Raider R150 Laguna, Farthest Delegation – Raider 150 Bataan, Earliest Delegation – ROCI Bicol. For other Suzuki Club Awards: Biggest Delegation for Club – Burgman Street Elite Riders Club, Biggest Delegation Chapter – Smash 115 Club Philippines.
Oldest Suzuki Raider motorcycles were also awarded: Oldest Raider model was awarded to Jess Colasi with his R125 model year 2001, while owners Mylene Cecilia and Rio Chavez won the oldest Raider R150 for their unit with model year 2003. Winners of the Grand Raffle Prizes of 3 V-STROM 250 SX were Roland Odango, Grace Delos Reyes, and Maria Pauline Baroro.
Underscoring Suzuki’s strong relationship with its riders, both renewed their pledge of commitment to each other in a very heart-warming segment led by the Suzuki club presidents and Suzuki Philippines’ club relations lead Sherwin Florendo.
Celebrating in true fashion, the event was filled with celebrities who performed and partied with everyone. Multi-talented actress Arci Munoz jammed with the riders with her singing prowess, DJ Tanya Chinita did a playful number to the delight of the audience, while promising talent Tricia Meraki did a string of special performances with her band. Capping the festivity was the rock band Kamikazee, whose act made the whole World Trade Center sing in chorus. The event was hosted by the witty and charming MPL host Mara Aquino and DJ & Alamid frontman Carl McFly, with Darbz of Real Talk Darbz as the crowd correspondent.
Supporting the Raider R150 Summit 2023 were trade partners who provided raffle and freebies to the riders: AV Moto Tuning Sales and Service Center, Canley Traders Corporation, Ejeas Philippines, Evo Helmets, Faito Philippines, IRC Tires, Overdose Moto Products, Racing Boy Philippines, RK Racing Chain and Sprocket, Shih Fa Tires, Spyder Philippines, Suzuki Genuine Parts, Team Graphitee, ThreeBond, Triumph JT Marketing Corporation and Turbanrider.
