Mazda Philippines has always tried to bring the very same passion and atmosphere to the local Fan Festa edition. What started out from truly humble beginnings has blossomed into a full-bore local motorsports gathering filled not just with activities but also oozing camaraderie and mutual love for all things Mazda.

2026 brings in a new era for the Mazda Fan Festa Philippines series. Leg 1 saw Mazda pivot from track racing to sim racing, hosting it at the Mazda Center of Excellence. All racers were invited to prove themselves in the virtual world, and it added a new dimension to an already successful event, bringing motorsports not just to the racers themselves, but opening it up to more people.

Leg 2 at the Clark International Speedway (CIS) saw the Fan Festa finally go racing; while the actual racers were out on track, the e-sim spirit lived on through the media challenge. Media representatives (like myself) signed up to partake in a time trial competition. We were set to do our fastest possible laps around a faithful render of the Batangas Racing Circuit in MSCC Miata Spec Series cars.

While the actual racers sped past the pit straight of CIS, the media were locked into an intense battle of their own. Despite the virtual nature of the competition, our competitive tendencies took over, with each representative trying their very best to outdo each other. In the end, Mazda’s eSports media competition fostered a friendly feeling of competition beyond the racetrack.

The excitement about the return to track racing for the 2026 Mazda Fan Festa was palpable; Mazda owners from all clubs showed up bright and early to partake in the celebrations. I personally appreciate the inclusiveness of the whole event, from the humble 90s 323/Familia sedan to BT-50 pickups, and even the crossovers and SUVs were present during the event. These owners are not merely spectators; Mazda prides itself on all of its products exuding driving fun, thus allowing all Mazda makes and models to drive the track and for the owners to enjoy their cars in a safe, controlled environment. Apart from the time trials and races themselves, the event is always capped off with the sunset laps, where all participants from the racers to the car owners drive around the track, a truly symbolic display of just how passionate every Mazda owner is.

Fan Festa has always been a community-building event; at its core, its hosting is Mazda’s way of fostering a better connection between the customers and the brand, giving all Mazda owners a sense of pride that they’re not just buying any other car from just another brand. It isn’t just about the racing out on the track; it brings together all enthusiasts from all walks of life to celebrate what it means to be part of the Mazda family.

Through Fan Festa, Mazda’s motorsports DNA is on full display; the actual MSCC Miata Spec race cars are carefully set up and built to their best potential, already building upon the vaunted MX-5/Miata sports car heritage.

In a bid to further display its commitment to the local Fan Festa event, Mazda Philippines gave everyone a sneak peek at its newly built Mazda paddock at the Clark International Speedway. The new paddock is a showcase of Mazda’s continued goal of helping foster not just the community but also grassroots Philippine racing. It’ll serve as ground zero for all of Mazda’s trackside activities moving forward.

Mazda’s always been about the “Joy of Driving,” and after listening to the race car drivers talk about their on-track battles and the car owners beaming after a few hot laps on the track proves that no matter what Mazda you own, it’s a driver’s car through and through.

Fan Festa is a reminder that the love of cars is a collective experience shared by all; no matter what type of enthusiast you are, this event belongs to everyone.