Teenage dream: Meet Team Honda PH's young racer

MANILA: Most six-year-old children prefer to bide their time through online games. But Jakob Sablaya took a unique interest in motorcycles as he watched his father compete in motorcycle racing. 

Sablaya recalled that as a child tagging along to his father's races, he regularly tried on his father's racing boots, helmet, and gloves for size. 

However, what really sparked the desire to race was the first time he learned how to ride a motorcycle, Sablaya added. 

Now at 16 years old, this teenager hailing from Antipolo is "one of the young riders to (watch for)," according to local Honda motorcycle distributor Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI). 

Sablaya first honed his riding skills at the Honda Pilipinas Dream Cup (HPDC) in 2018. The HPDC discovers young riders and gives them the proper training for professional racing — hopefully to the international level, too.   

In 2019, Sablaya represented the Philippines in Malaysia as part of the Asia Talent Cup Selection. 

“With Jakob’s outstanding determination, discipline, and grit, it wasn’t surprising that he won for two consecutive years,” HPI Motorcycle Planning Department Manager Hervic Villa observed about the young talent. 

The HPDC champion's inherent affection for the sport contributed to his stellar performance, HPI believes. 

“While Honda ensures to provide an ideal race bike, rigid training, and supportive team, it’s the rider’s character that will truly stand the test of time. Hard work is always a crucial step in becoming an excellent racer,” Villa added. 

The young racer rides a CBR150R street motorbike and Supra GTR150 underbone for all his races.

Sablaya likes the smooth performance of GTR150, while praises the CBR150's speed and handling advantage brought by its slipper clutch and sport shocks.  

Meanwhile, Sablaya, who is juggling both studies and racing, naturally expressed gratitude to the team that is helping him live his racing dreams. 

“I am so thankful to be a part of the HPI Team (because they always support me) physically, emotionally, financially, and spiritually," he said. 

Photos from Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI) 

Also read: Honda PH introduces 'touring-slash-commuter' CB500F