BJ Pepito emerges double champ in Dalaguete Moto-X

CEBU, Philippines — Decorated Cebuano daredevil BJ Pepito of Team BP8 stays on a hot trail, claiming a double championship trophy in the 1st Mayor Ronald Allan Cesante Invitational Motocross in Tapon, Dalaguete over the weekend.

The ‘Wonder Boy” from Daanbantayan town north of Cebu showed he is a class of his own, flaunting his gravity-defying stunts and electrifying aerial stunts with finesse on the way to sweep the premiere pro open and expert titles.

In the battle of the pros, Pepito outsmarted Jubenile Abellar for the top honors as Denmar Supatan landed third.

In the expert category, Pepito edged Jongee Basco to snare the crown while Supatan came out third anew.

At 17 years old, Pepito takes pride for being one of the youngest expert riders in the country. He started racing at the tender age of six.

Armed with the full support of his mom Malou Pepito and dad Bill, who also serves as his coach and chief mechanic, BJ rose to the elite level with countless accolades tucked under his belt, including the ‘Rider of the Year’ of the now defunct MS Motosuit Motorcross Series and prestigious Golden Wheel award.

“Aside from self determination, the full support of family helped made me what I am now today,” said BJ Pepito, a Grade 11 student at University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu/Mandaue campus.

The other thing of beauty is that Pepito prioritizes his studies, maintaining good grades at school while excelling in his motocross career at the same time.

On the other hand, the ageless Pepo Rubi also made his presence felt by topping the executive 50-above division. He bested Jonas Adlawan and Jun Enriquez, who settled for second and third, respectively.

Rubi though only placed second to Ayen Ledesma in the veterans’ class that saw the riding doctor Ian Reyes finishing third.

Like BJ Pepito, Erjhun Codinera also got two championship trophies via the intermediate and novice divisions.

Marielle Villafuerte, for her part, reigned supreme in the ladies’ open after outsmarting Chay Lauron and Tiffany Marapao.

The other winners in the M&M-organized event were Richard Linawagan (elite), Pangky Pepito (buggy), Edwin Canlas (underbone),  Jan-Jan Hisoler (beginners),Maco Linawagan (65 cc), Jeanette Olanda (50 cc), Roscel Gungob (executive 41-49) and Nino Basco (mini). (FREEMAN)