I still remember the smell of burnt rubber, mingling with the scents of Pinoy street food and someone’s strong sunblock. Engines roared as several Toyota Vios OMR (one-make-race) units zipped by, along the newly built streets of Villar City. “Here come the fast cars, Mama!” yelled my almost-3-year-old daughter. The Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Philippine Cup, formerly known as the Vios Cup, held its second race weekend for 2025 last May 24 and 25, in spectacular fashion – returning to a street race format for the first time in seven years (the last one being in Filinvest, Alabang back in 2018).
Over 12,000 people gathered to witness some Waku-Doki (heart-pumping action) on the makeshift 2.4-kilometer circuit, carved out of a burgeoning cityscape just south of Manila. With 14 prominent turns, including hairpins and six chicanes, the street circuit promised drama – and it delivered in spades!
What makes the TGR Philippine Cup special isn’t just the competition of speed; it’s that anyone – yes, anyone, even your neighbor or officemate – could be a part of it. Filipino racing dreams that may have once felt out of reach are now a reality, thanks to Toyota’s commitment to making motorsports accessible. Admission was free. And the one-make-model is a humble Toyota Vios – an everyday sedan turned track warrior!
The race series is now in its 11th year; and it proves that you don’t always need a very expensive car to live out your racing fantasies. I remember that the Vios Cup has always been about democratizing motorsports, and the rebranded TGR Philippine Cup continues this legacy with pride.
Divided into four classes – Novice, Sporting, Super Sporting, and Legacy – the competition brings together first-time racers, seasoned track junkies, and even legends of local racing. Even TMP’s very own President, Masando Hashimoto, buckled into a Vios OMR car as part of the Novice Class! And in a moment that left everyone holding their breath, Hashimoto’s car clipped the barriers during the final laps, flipping upside down in a dramatic crash.
Spectators gasped and safety marshals rushed. But within seconds, the crowd broke into applause as Hashimoto emerged, unscathed.
“My car flipped upside down and became immobilized,” he later shared. “While the tires and engine sustained significant damage from the impact, the cabin remained intact and completely clear, allowing me to escape without even a scratch. I loved my beloved Vios #4, but it saved my life.”
He also furthered that “We racers experience crashes all the time, many times, which is part of racing, but I have seen first-hand the wonderful fact that Toyota cars are safe, robust and keep the drivers protected.”
Hashimoto’s words were also a testament to the spirit of the sport – its risks, its rewards, and the fellowship it builds.
Each Toyota Vios that participates in the TGR Philippine Cup has been modified to fit racing standards. This includes the installation of a roll cage and racing seat with 5-point seat belts. Racers are also equipped with fireproof racing suits, gloves and helmets with Head and Neck Support (HANS) devices.
And while the races thrilled, the entire weekend offered something for everyone. There were sim racing rigs for digital adrenaline junkies, gymkhana exhibitions for stunt driving fans, drag races that lit up the streets, and even special displays of Toyota and Lexus vehicles that were available for test drives and with event-exclusive promos for potential car buyers. This was also a reminder to visitors that racing technology eventually benefits everyday drivers. Furthermore, original Gazoo Racing merchandise flew off the shelves, while food trucks kept families fed and festive.
One of the weekend’s biggest surprises came in the form of nostalgia and innovation. During the drag race exhibition, a modified Toyota Tamaraw Dropside – dubbed the Tamaraw Racing Concept – made its debut, symbolizing Toyota’s continued push to blend heritage with performance. It was a playful, powerful reminder that the thrill of driving should never be boxed into expectations.
In my opinion, one of the weekend’s most significant highlights was its accessibility. Free admission with only simple online registration required, opened the joy of motorsports to people and families who might never have experienced racing’s visceral thrill. The sight of parents lifting their children for better views, the sound of excited conversations in different Filipino languages, and the smiles on people’s faces throughout the crowd painted a picture of motorsports returning to the people.
Meanwhile, evening entertainment amplified this community spirit, with OPM rock legends Rico Blanco and Parokya ni Edgar performing on Saturday, followed by Ely Buendia and Bamboo on Sunday. The combination of cars and familiar Filipino music created an atmosphere that was uniquely our own – motorsports with distinct Pinoy flavor.
And for anyone who missed the action, full recordings of their livestreams are available on TGR Philippines’ Facebook and YouTube channels – because no fan should be left behind.
Ultimately, the Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup – sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines and supported by partners Petron, GT Radial, Villar City and Brittany – has created something precious: a pathway for ordinary Filipinos to experience extraordinary thrills.
