Motorcycles have been crucial in addressing the needs of the Filipino people. It has served as a courier for e-commerce platforms to deliver food, groceries, and other items ordered online, a fast mode of transport, and a hobby for motorcycle enthusiasts.
Motortrade continues its tradition of offering a diverse and impressive range of motorcycles that cater to these needs as they recently celebrated an important milestone—the grand opening of their 100th Honda store in the Philippines, located on East Avenue in Quezon City.
In its grand opening last Oct. 20, the shop, which also serves as Motortrade’s second Honda Flagship Store in Metro Manila, displayed its wide array of high-quality motorcycles that caters to riders of all preferences and skill levels.
Sleek scooters and powerful bikes such as the Honda Africa Twin and CRF series and the Honda CBR series will truly excite customers and motorcycle enthusiasts who are looking for the perfect ride.
“We are incredibly proud to reach this significant milestone of our 100th Honda store opening, and we couldn’t have chosen a more fitting location than Quezon City for our second Honda Flagship Store. This store is a testament of our commitment to provide the best options and services to our valued customers,” said Motortrade Nationwide Corp. president Paulino Ongtenco.
Executives from Honda and Motortrade, as well as Quezon City government officials, attended the store’s grand opening that featured a ceremonial blessing, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a grand motorcade, and other various entertainment, surprises, and prizes for attendees.
A MEANS OF LIVELIHOOD
Representing Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Juan Manuel Gatmaitan, Head of the Quezon City Local Economic and Investment Promotions Office, expressed his congratulations to Motortrade and Honda for this important milestone.
“The Quezon City government is always delighted to welcome new companies and celebrate the expansion of businesses in the city,” he said. “As the Department of Trade and Industry’s most competitive highly urbanized city, we are committed to develop a conducive environment for all types of businesses. From MSMEs to large corporations, everyone is welcome in Quezon City.”
Moreover, Gatmaitan stressed the importance of motorcycles and how these have become an integral part of the country’s business communities.
“In 2022, there were 7.8 million registered motorcycles and tricycles in the Philippines. While a percentage of those are used personally, we are seeing the growing trend of motorcycle riders who use these vehicles as part of their livelihood,” he said.
Gatmaitan concluded by saying how the Quezon City government looks forward to partnering with Motortrade and Honda when it comes to giving job opportunities and being able to teach riders proper safety measures when it comes to riding motorcycles.
“We look forward to working with Motortrade in our city’s development endeavors. Mabuhay tayong lahat,” he said.
A VISION FULFILLED
For his part, Ongtenco looked back on how his father, Vicente Ongtenco, has pioneered Motortrade and how he continues the fulfillment of this vision even today.
“Today, we provide our country with safe and affordable motorcycles and services so ordinary people can travel to and from work or become an entrepreneur by starting their own businesses,” he said.
Furthermore, Ongtenco recounted how Motortrade’s partnership with Honda began in 1969, when his father started selling motorcycles in his hardware store.
“Look where we are now—a big space for customers to look at and feel the motorcycles, a well-lighted interior that could give our clients a sense of security, and top-of-the-line service at the hands of our Honda factory-trained team,” he said. “We hope that our customers will appreciate this exclusive, safe, and reliable experience.”
With Motortrade helping Filipinos have more access to motorcycles for their everyday needs with Honda’s 100th store, Ongtenco could not help but feel grateful that his father’s vision back in 1969 has carried on in present time.
“I cannot help but be grateful for my father’s vision to make motorcycles accessible to Filipinos. What we are seeing and what our customers may experience as they come and visit us here at our flagship store is what Alagang Motortrade is all about,” he said.
A STRONGER PARTNERSHIP
Sayaka Arai, president of Honda Philippines Inc., said the opening of Honda’s 100th store promises to bring Honda motorcycles closer to its customers.
“Together with our dealer partner, Motortrade, we will continuously strengthen the Honda brand image and bring our products closer to you to experience the joy of riding a Honda motorcycle,” she said.
In addition, she looks forward to a stronger partnership with Motortrade, saying she is confident that more Honda shops will open in the future.
“Motortrade is a big part of Honda’s success. Together, let us expand the joy of mobility and comfort for all Filipino customers,” she said.
Apart from a wide range of quality motorcycles, the new Honda Flagship Store also provides access to authentic Honda motorcycle parts and comprehensive after-service care by its hardworking team. From purchase to maintenance, customers are assured that all their motorcycle needs will be expertly met under one roof.
Throughout the years, the Motortrade-Honda partnership has given outstanding results not only for themselves but for the Filipino people.
The new Honda Flagship Store is a testament to the two companies’ dedication to the motorcycling community, promising to become a new hub for riders and enthusiasts in Metro Manila. – Adam Laurena
***
For more information on Motortrade, please visit www.motortrade.com.ph.