Occidental Mindoro’s Lubang Island became the stage for the country’s first-ever inter-island rally sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP), the first Rally of Lubang. Held over two days from June 27 to 28, 2025, the event featured competitive rally stages, high-stakes driving, and full community involvement, setting a new precedent for motorsports in the country.
The rally was the product of two years of planning and collaboration between the AAP and the Local Government of Lubang, under the leadership of Mayor Michael Orayani. It marked the first time that a full rally course was staged in an island setting with AAP sanctioning—adding both logistical complexity and cultural significance to the event.
Blind Rally Format Puts Teams to the Test
The competition began Friday night with a six-stage night rally—followed by another six stages during daylight on Saturday. Uniquely, the event was run as a blind rally, with no pace notes or reconnaissance runs allowed. Co-drivers navigated solely using a route map provided by organizers, requiring full trust between driver and co-driver and showcasing the raw skill and synergy of each team.
Full Island Support for Philippine Rally First
What truly elevated the event was the enthusiastic support from the residents of Lubang, who lined the roads and cheered as cars zipped through town centers and coastal roads. For most locals, it was their first time to witness a live rally—and their excitement gave the rally a festival-like energy that continued throughout the weekend.
Backed by Philippine Motorsport Leadership
The rally was fully sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP), the country’s only FIA-recognized national auto club and governing body for four-wheeled motorsports. The event was supported by AAP President Joe Ferreria, Motorsport Chairman Mandy Eduque, AAP CEO Mark Desales, and AAP Head of Motorsport Rikky Dy-Liacco.
On-ground organization was handled by rally veterans Olson Camacho and Ronnie Trinidad of the Philippine National Rally Championship and Philippine Rallycross Series, who ensured a professionally executed and safe competition across both legs.
Standout Performances Across All Classes
Group 1 was swept by Ricardo Dy-Liacco and Vince Miguel Benedicto, who dominated both the night and day stages with times of 27:31 and 22:14, respectively. Mark Desales and Ricxie Dela Cruz followed closely with two consistent second-place finishes.
In Group 2, Paul Santos and DJ De Guzman won the night leg in 27:49, but it was Louie Camacho and John Rey San Diego who struck back with a class-leading 20:35 on Saturday. Ran Ramento and Carlo Castillo secured third place in both rounds.
Group 3 saw a strong showing from Adrian De Leon and Devor Andres, who posted winning times of 26:44 and 21:48, sweeping the category.
Group 4 was led by Ricky Montelibano and Alex Gonzales, who posted the fastest overall combined times of the rally: 24:35 in the night leg and 20:55 in the day leg. EZ Ligaya and Stephen Alunan maintained second place in both rounds.
In the Open Class, Ralph Ramento and George Reboldila took the night rally with 25:09, while Aeron Jarman Rumohr and Pierro Garcia bounced back in the day rally with a winning 20:33. Anjo Perez and Randy Peragrino claimed third place in both rounds, followed by Bryan Duarte and Raymond Mendoza.
Sponsors and Partners Make It Happen
The AAP Lubang Inter-Island Rally was made possible through the support of Isuzu and Clean Fuel as title sponsors, with strong backing from Okada Manila Motorsports Carnivale 2025. The event also received key support from AC Delco, Aguila Glass, Ravenol, Method Race Wheels, Impenetra, Autoplus, Motoring Today, Turbo Zone, Autocar PH, Wheels PH, and CW Home Depot.
A New Chapter for Philippine Rallying
Beyond the competition, the event was a celebration of community, coordination, and passion for motorsport. With the roads of Lubang, the energy of its people, and the leadership of AAP and its partners, the rally has opened the door for future inter-island motorsport events across the Philippines.
What happened in Lubang wasn’t just a rally—it was a turning point. And by all accounts, it’s just the beginning.
