Club Feature: Miata Club Philippines

The Miata Club Philippines was established in August 1997, not long after the Mazda MX-5 better known as the Miata was introduced to the Philippine market in 1996. The objective of the club is to give its members the opportunity to enjoy their cars together with other Miata enthusiasts.

The Miata was launched in 1989 and was already hugely successful by the time it was made available locally. In the US, Miata enthusiast have been racing their Miatas in a one make series sanctioned by the Sports Car Club of America called Spec Miata.

The lead foots of MCP staged the first Miata Cup race in 2000. That makes 2009 Dunlop Miata Cup Championship (sponsored by Bosch and Dolan) the 10th edition of the clubs racing tradition. The Miata Cup has been blessed to have as its most distinguished competitor, the legend, Pocholo Ramirez. The first race for the 2009 will be called the Pocholo Ramirez Memorial Race in honor of our beloved friend and mentor. Read more

New Mazda MX-5: the Sporty Roadster Just Got Even Better

It was in 1989 when Mazda MX-5 was launched at the Chicago Auto Show. Known as Mazda Miata in North America and Roadster in Japan, the two-seater roadster sports car built by Mazda in Hiroshima in Japan became the fastest-selling sports car in its generation. It was hailed as the most popular open-top sports car in the world. The second generation Mazda MX-5 was launched in 1998 featuring a more powerful engine and external styling cues. In 2005, Mazda unveiled its third generation and in the following year, Mazda MX-5 Retractable Hard Top (RHT) was launched featuring a button that would enable the driver to enjoy the comfort and convenience of a hard top and the exhilaration of a convertible in just 12 seconds.

Fast forward to 2009, Mazda Philippines recently gave the Miata Club Philippines a peek at the New Mazda MX-5 during the club’s monthly meeting at the Manila Polo Club. Miata club members were in awe at the sight of the New Mazda MX-5. Mazda Philippines Brand Manager Prudz Castillo summed it best about the Mazda MX-5 facelift, “The New Mazda MX-5 RHT is the epitome of Mazda’s stylish, innovative brand essence and the realization of Zoom-Zoom spirit Mazda is known for.” Built with the principle Jinnba-Ittai or “the car and the driver as one”, the Mazda MX-5 is indeed a car that proves to be the most fun to use, to drive and to own. The New Mazda MX-5 proves that genuine roadster thrill still exists. The latest Mazda MX-5 enhancements indeed cement its reputation as the most enjoyable lightweight two-seat sports car. Read more