My daughter thinks Miatas sound like bees.
As the grid of race-prepped Miatas zipped past the long straight of Clark International Speedway, her little hands gripped the fence while her eyes were wide with fascination. “Mama, they sound like bees!” she giggled, completely captivated by the sound and speed.
In that moment, as the red Miatas became her proclaimed favorites, it became clear to me: This was a celebration of joy – for all ages.
Mazda Philippines’ first Mazda Fan Festa for 2025 gathered not only the country’s most loyal Miata owners and enthusiasts, but also the families, partners and friends who form the solid backbone of this passionate community. And while the celebration of the Mazda Fan Festa has already been a running tradition in Japan for some time, it has now found yet another warm and enthusiastic base in our country, with none other than Mazda Philippines’ President and CEO, Steven Tan, leading the charge – quite literally, in a Miata during the opening ceremony parade.
The inaugural Mazda Fan Festa in the Philippines was held last November, also at the Clark International Speedway. It marked a milestone not just for Mazda Philippines, but also for the culture it inspires. Unlike other high-octane car meets that sometimes intimidate casual fans, this type of gathering was designed with inclusion at its core. So whether you come for the racing or the camaraderie – or even just the random prizes or the sim racing rigs – there is something here for everyone.
Racing, Rivalry, and Respect
The day’s official program was as packed as the paddocks. It featured two exciting races each, for the Miata Cup and the MSCC Miata Spec Series, plus a 1-hour Mazda Endurance Cup friendly challenge. In between the races were Track Day sessions, where pre-registered Mazda owners could drive their own cars on the track.
During the races, the drivers pushed their cars with purpose and precision, but also with respect – a hallmark of Miata races, as each one is also often referred to as a ‘gentleman’s race.’
I asked Eddie Salonga, the founding president of the Miata Club of the Philippines, what remains the same and also what is different about this year’s Miata Cup. And he shared, “We celebrate the same camaraderie, the same gel that sticks everyone in this community together! And this is already our fourth year running! So what’s different is that the racers have matured… they love to take risks and dice it out but still respect certain limits in extreme racing.”
He went on to explain that racing is in fact, “the ultimate enjoyment of having a sportscar.” And that it is one of the tasks of the Miata Club to “add as many avenues as possible for its members to enjoy driving the Miata.” And so, the Miata Cup is very much about club racing.
For the drivers, and the dreamers
For visitors who did not participate in the races or track day sessions, there was a large tent that housed several booths. Many of the booths sold Mazda aftermarket car parts at special prices. The parts for sale were for performance upgrades, styling enhancements, as well as maintenance items. Customers could shop for car horns, brake fluids, suspension systems, tires, alloy wheels and many more. Shirts and caps were also for sale at the AutoExe booth.
At one booth, my husband found his thrill behind the wheel of a hyper-realistic racing sim. And at another, our family posed for a photo while donning silly wigs and props. The photo would later be printed out as a magnet which served as a nice souvenir. There was also a booth that offered visitors the opportunity to drive RC cars within a bordered track.
And then there was the crowd favorite: the ‘Human Claw.’
In a hilarious twist on arcade tradition, brave participants lay flat on a moving plank, suspended over a pit filled with treats and toys. My toddler squealed with delight as she ‘scooped’ her way to victory… hugging her newly won plushies and chippies.
The Miata – Bringing people together
The Mazda Fan Festa is a joyful expression of what happens when a car brand builds not just great vehicles, but genuine relationships – with its customers, its clubs, and its fans. And this is only the first of four Fan Festa legs scheduled in the Philippines this year – the next three legs being on July 5, September 20, and November 8. All Fan Festa legs will coincide with the legs of the Miata Cup and the MSCC Miata Spec Series.
Clearly, the Miata is at the center of these occasions. It is after all, the world’s most loved roadster… not because of blistering speed, but because of how it makes you feel when you’re behind the wheel. And unlike most sports cars that seem out of reach for the average dreamer, the Miata remains relatable and accessible. It is nimble, balanced, and impossibly fun to drive! It reminds us that driving, at its core, is supposed to be joyful.
