F2 Logistics' Marano named PH Super Liga ambassador

With some 1.14 million motorcycles reported sold in 2016, the Philippines is now the second largest market for motorcycles in Southeast Asia behind Indonesia.* As motorcycles have increasingly become a preferred mode of transportation for many Filipinos given traffic and road conditions, the need for more qualified and highly trained motorcycle mechanics has come to light. In response to this need, Castrol Philippines launched the Partner for Life programme for two-wheeler mechanics in 2013. Designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of mechanics across the country, Castrol’s Partner for Life programme has, over the last four years, mentored some 7,000 mechanics from different regions and provinces.

As part of the annual programme, outstanding mechanics are given recognition. This year, Castrol’s Partner for Life programme will honor a fourth set of deserving Filipino motorcycle technicians on November 27 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

“As a brand committed to safer rides and road safety, we feel we have a big role to play in upgrading the skills of our motorcycle mechanics,” said Maria Tañada, Country Sales Director, Castrol Philippines.”

“Castrol’s Partner for Life programme gives us the opportunity to reach out to help develop more mechanics into knowledgeable, confident advisors and our partners in protecting our riders on the road,” she added.

The Castrol Partner for Life programme consists of three technical training modules held in over 100 training centers across the Philippines. The modules are conducted over a six month-period, after which the best mechanics per center are selected to compete and be named as ‘Castrol Mechanics of the Year.’

This year, the Philippines was also selected to join the Castrol Asia Pacific Mechanic Contest being held in Thailand from November 8 to 10. The Castrol Asia Pacific Mechanic Contest is a unique and innovative event that provides independent workshop motorcycle mechanics an opportunity to showcase their talent and hone their skills and upgrade their knowledge about new two-wheeler technology, maintenance and lubricants.

A total of 77,000 mechanics took part in the preliminary rounds held across six countries—Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, India, and the Philippines. The participating mechanics from Asia Pacific will be put through the ultimate test, on both their technical knowledge as well as practical tests.

The Philippine representatives are the Castrol Partner for Life 2016 Champion Mechanics Team comprising of Roel Ian Bustaleño, Joy Cabras, Joveryl Nesperos, and Jackson Li, all from LKK Motor Parts in Davao. A year into their victory, these individuals have continued to work in Davao and practice the skills gained during the Castrol Partner for Life programme in 2016.

To learn more about Castrol and its Partner for Life programme, visit www.facebook.com/castrolridersphilippines.

-o0oCastrol is one of the world’s leading lubricant brands with a proud heritage of innovation and fueling the dreams of pioneers. Our passion for performance, combined with a philosophy of working in partnership with manufacturers, customers and influencers, has enabled Castrol to develop products which are recognized globally in over 120 countries for the innovation, high performance, premium quality and cutting-edge technology.

Since 2013, Castrol Philippines has been hosting its annual advocacy programme called Partner for Life that focuses on widening the knowledge and strengthening the skills of motorcycle mechanics through a sixmonth-long programme. The programme culminates with a knowledge and skills contest participated in by the top mechanics shortlisted from the almost 7,000 participants in the Philippines. The Castrol Partner for Life Programme aims to improve the skills of partner mechanics by providing regular training and give recognition to the mechanics’ skills through a competition. MANILA -- The Philippine Super Liga (PSL) has announced the appointment of Abby Marano as ambassador of the league starting with the Chooks to Go-PSL Grand Prix, which opens at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan Friday.

Generika-Ayala will be facing Petron in the first match to be followed by the Cignal-Foton encounter. Both matches will be shown live on ESPN5, the league's official broadcast partner.

According to the PSL statement released to the media on Thursday, the middle blocker of F2 Logistics team was chosen "for her strong influence to the youth and deep love of the sport".

Marano is a member of the national women's team that competed in the Asian Volleyball Confederation-sanctioned Asian Senior Women's Championships last August.

PSL president Ramon “Tats” Suzara described Marano as the direct opposite of previous league ambassadors, such as Gretchen Ho, Cha Cruz and Mika Reyes.

“Unlike Gretchen, Cha and Mika, Abby is very vocal and outspoken,” said Suzara, an official of the Asian Volleyball Confederation and International Volleyball Federation.

“Her influence, especially to the youth, is enormous and she had repeatedly displayed her love for the sport and loyalty to the league. That’s why we decided to formally tap her as the PSL ambassador for this year," Suzara added.

Marano expressed her gratitude to the PSL for choosing her as league ambassador.

“I really have a vocal personality and I’m not afraid to speak my mind for as long as I am right. If the PSL’s image is at stake, no doubt, I will stand up and defend the league,” she said.

“I want to thank Mr. Suzara, Mr. (PSL chairman Philip Ella) Juico and the entire PSL organization for trusting me to be their ambassador. This is another step for me to influence the youth and aspiring athletes to play their best and chase their dreams,” Marano added.

Meanwhile, Marano will lead the Cargo Movers against Petron on Nov. 4 when the league goes to Bacolod City. The game will be played at the University of St. La Salle gym. (PNA)