mMlestone race to remember

CEBU, Philippines — A memorable race for a milestone event.

Cebuano sportsman Lou Ornopia assured this as they gear up for their highly anticipated Silver anniversary race this weekend at the MS Motosuit Motorsports Park in Barangay Calambua, San Remigio town north of Cebu.

Among the highlights of the 25th Ornopia Motocross Cup which will kick off today (Saturday, April 13) is the honoring of legendary daredevils who have been part of Cebu’s longest existing racing circuit.

Set to be feted are the likes of Pepo Rubi, Jon-jon Adlawan, Jubenile and Giovanni Abellar, John Flores, BJ Pepito, Siegfred Ornopia, Denmark Supatan, Irwin Uypitching, Donkey Sanchez, Nelson Sicad, Gener Sicad, Ayen Ledesma, Roscel Gungob, Jun Enriquez, Jonathan Cuyos, Butch Flores, Rex Barbaso, Rey Querol, Jougie Basco, JC Obligado, Felipe Montejo, Dandan Gastador, Tommy Largosa, and the late Nonoy Reluya.

“Ato pasidunggan ang bangiitan natong mga riders kay kini sila maoy naghatag og kinabuhi sa atong mga lumba sa nanglabayng mga katuigan. Ato sila hatagan og importansiya pinaagi sa paghandum sa mabulokon nilang kagahapon,” said Ornopia, the acknowledged “godfather of Cebu motocross”.

Ornopia said over P150,000 in cash prize is at stake for the winners of the two-day race backstopped by Cebu 4th District Rep. Janice Salimbangon, San Remigio Mayor Atty. Al Pestolante, F&FO Motor Parts, RMO Partshoppe, NF Enterprises, Repsol philippines,Kawasaki, Kapenarra, SNR MBJ Motomaze, Shine N Style, LMO Motorparts and General Merchandise, Kier Louie Ornopia, Edwin Dilao, and Jason Maceren.

On the other hand, a brand new RUSI Moped 125cc motorcycle will be raffled off courtesy of Uypitching’s Rusco Motors.

Longtime motocross benefactor Mike Stoddart will be giving away motor parts and gears such as gloves, jackets and helmets via raffle for all participants.

Before the adrenaline-pumping action begins, a short program will take place to be graced by Engr. Susan Ornopia-Aroa, the Assistant District Engineer of Cebu 1st District Engineering Office under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Central Visayas.

“Si Engr. Susan Ornopia-Aroa gikuha natong espesyal nga dinapit ning mahinungdanon nga okasyon agi’g pasalamat sa way poas niyang tabang sa gipasiugdahan natong mga kalihukan ingon man sa akong mga igsoon nga sila si

Fiel, Boy ug Noli Ornopia,”Ornopia shared.

 “Gikan sa pagsugod, anaa ra gyud ni sila sa kanunay. Way pagbahar ang ilang suporta hangtud karon. Mao nang gawas sa mga riders, angayan lamang nga ato sab ni sila hatagan og rekognasyon kay usa ni sila sa mga hinungdan nganong taliwala sa mga kalisdanan ug pagsulay nga atong naagian, nakalahutay ta ug naka-abot niining gidugayon nga among giselebrar karon,”he added.

Grateful that they’ve reached this far, Ornopia said he and his wife Crinita, currently the Barangay Captain of Calambua and ABC President of San Remigio, want to leave a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.

“Ang proceeds ani nga event ato idonar alang sa pagatukoron namong bag-ong kapilya sa Calambua agi’g pahinungod sa minahal namong patron nga si San Vicente Ferrer. Pinaagi niini, buot namo nga mohimo og legasiya nga mahidumduman sa umaabot pang mga henerasyon,” Ornopia concluded.