Christwil Villanueva vows to give best in first international race

MANILA, Philippines — Decorated Cebuano rider Christwil “Bogart” Villanueva vows to make a good representation of the Philippines in Round 2 of the Yamaha R3 Blu Cru Asia-Pacific Championship 2025 on June 27-28 at the Sportsland Sugo, one of Japan’s most iconic and technically demanding circuits located in Miyagi.

Villanueva is very proud and happy to be given this golden opportunity in his budding career.

“Una sa tanan, nagpasalamat ko ni Lord kay iya ko gihatagan og ingon ani nga talent. Iya kung gigiyahan ug gi-ubanan kanunay sa akong mga race,” said the 18-year-old pride of Talisay City.

“Thank you pud kaayo sa akong mga parents nga all-out ang support sa akong career and to coach Joey Storm Rivero who discovered my potential and molded my skills as a racer.”

From the physical to the mental aspect of competition, Villanueva shared that he steadily equips himself with all the things he needs leading to his first internationally sanctioned race.

“I’m very excited since this is my first official race internationally,” said Villanueva. “Bisan naa koy experience sa mga racetracks abroad, naa gihapon ang kakulba kay lig-on man akong mga kontra from Asia Pacific countries.”

The mainstay of Yamaha Racing Philippines said his rigid preparation covers body conditioning through cross training such as running, biking, and even riding a trail bike on unsurfaced track.

“Aside from my regular race in the MotoIR National Championship at Tarlac Circuit Hill, I also spent a lot of time to practice at Kartzone Cebu, Batangas Racing Circuit, and Clark International Speedway to bolster my training,” Villanueva continued.

Admittedly though, Villanueva doesn’t expect too much from himself in the tough battle ahead.

Nevertheless, he is ready to rise above the challenge.

“I will not promise or expect something big about the outcome because I’m up against the best riders from other countries,” said Villanueva. “I will just do my best and try to push myself to the limit. My goal really is to showcase what the Filipino riders are capable of doing on the racetrack.”