Top rider from Ozamiz in MS Motosuit TV special

CEBU, Philippines - A young but promising rider from Ozamiz City will grace the seventh episode of the MX-RLS (Motocross Rider Life Story), the newest segment of the  MS Motosuit Motocross TV series aired over CCTN 47 every Saturday from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Replays of the weekly show are scheduled every Sunday from 10:30 to 11 o'clock in the evening.

Philip Angelo Medina Leonardo will share all his experiences and performances since he started racing at the tender age of eight.

The 13-year-old Leonardo, who also loves basketball, biking, and swimming, races under the wings of Leonardo Racing Promotions Medina College Racing Team. He got interested in motocross upon the prodding of his grandfather Ogie Leonardo, his first mentor in this extreme sport.

Leonardo, who counts Ryan Villopoto and Trey Canard among his idols, further sharpened his riding skills under the tutelage of Joe Root and his ever supportive father, Dr. Francis Philip Leonardo.

Leonardo won his first mini 85cc category championship at the Lanao del Norte racetrack. He also competed in the Kopiko Supercross Series as well as in a National Motorcycle Sports and Safety Association-organized event in Bicutan.

The pride of Medina Science High School dreams to become a pro someday and race in other countries. "But I also aim to finish college someday because education is my most important goal in life," said Leonardo, who is sponsored by Medina College, Mototech Cycle Parts, Highway 10, and Muscletech.

The weekly TV special is the latest of MS Motosuit's innovative move to further promote the sport across the country. MS Motosuit big boss Lou Ornopia said they are coming up with this new segment with hopes that more sports-minded individuals would appeciate the beauty of motocross and eventually inspire them to indulge in this kind of sport.

Some highlights of MS Motosuit's most recent events will also be featured in the show. So far, Ornopia has already staged four legs in his comeback race series this year.

Ornopia went out of the motocross scene for a year, but shot back to the limelight last April due to his flaming passion for the sport coupled with strong public clamor.

For his calendar of activities this year, Ornopia has scheduled a total of six legs spread in different areas of the province. All races under the MS Motosuit Series will be broadcast over CCTN.—EBV  (FREEMAN)