Yamaha and Gilas Pilipinas champion the Filipino’s passion and grit
If there’s one thing that Yamaha Motor Philippines, Inc. (YMPH) and Gilas Pilipinas have in common, it would be their enduring pursuit for the Filipino’s dreams and passions, together with their relentless spirit of “Never Say Die.”
Yes, the two have been championing that “unbreakable” force that has driven both the motorcycle brand and the basketball team to new unprecedented heights.
“We have always supported the passion of Filipinos since the company was first established in the country,” YMPH president, Hiroshi Koike said in his speech during a meet and greet event it hosted for members of the newly-crowned Asian Games champions, a feat which the Philippine men’s basketball team last pulled off back in 1962.
“Now, we, as a brand, have truly been ingrained in the Filipino culture and we know how important this game of basketball is to everyone in this country,” he added.
“From the World Cup qualifiers to the games here in Manila, all the way to the Asian games they truly showed their toughness.”
“Play your Tough’’ Yamaha Mio Gear Campaign
Speaking of “toughness,” Yamaha’s support to Gilas is in line with its campaign of promoting its new scooter, the Mio Gear.
The ‘Play Your Tough’ campaign is “an encouraging push to ride through every challenge, master the hustle, and forge your way to an unbreakable lifestyle.”
The Mio Gear is an urban scooter built to be functional and resilient, one that can help the rider conquer city streets with its blend of style, convenience and usability.
“We have been to various places from Manila to Visayas, and even Mindanao with our ‘Play your Tough’ campaign for the Mio Gear,” YMPH marketing section manager, Toni Boi Acuesta, meanwhile, said.
“We’re here to show everybody that no matter the circumstance you face everyday, we’re here as a brand of motorcycle that can give you confidence to push you to your limits.”
With this, Yamaha had its Mio Gear Playground featuring various sports and exciting activities, from 3×3 basketball, to Spartan courses and Call of Duty mobile challenges. They were first staged in SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, then in Cebu and in Davao.
“We’re here to show how tough Yamaha is,” he continued.
“Everyday we challenge. Everyday we always play your tough.”
Partnership rooted in ‘toughness’
When it was announced that the country would be one of the host countries and main tourney location for the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Yamaha Motor Philippines immediately grabbed the chance of lending its support to the Gilas Pilipinas Men’s Basketball team.
Officially named as the Lifestyle Motorcycle of Gilas Pilipinas, Yamaha Motor Philippines has established its passion for supporting the Filipino athlete and the toughness it requires to achieve success.
For Yamaha, it goes beyond being one of the partners on just ad placements, as it embodied the characteristics of those willing to push themselves beyond their limits to chase greatness.
“This partnership can really go a long way,” Acuesta continued.
“Here, we have seen that Gilas, no matter the obstacle they have faced from the FIBA games and the Asian Games tournament, have strived to overcome everything that has gone against their way.”
“Now, after 61 years, they have achieved the gold in the Asian Games,” he added.
“That’s what toughness is all about.”
Unity through basketball
Meanwhile, for his part, Gilas Pilipinas assistant coach, Richard del Rosario, shared: “We’re excited to show to you and the whole country this gold medal.”
“Yamaha has been supporting Gilas when times were tough. The road was not easy. We had to battle a lot of adversity. And now it’s only just fitting that you celebrate with us when times are great. So, we would like to Thank You,” del Rosario added.
“We’re able to unite everyone through basketball.”
