Castrol Philippines recently concluded its 2017 Partner for Life Program at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, awarding Cebu-based mechanics from Drakes Motor Parts as the 2017 Castrol Mechanics of the Year.

Mechanics Julius Maranga, Georekey Cantabaco, Gabriel Hidalgo Jr, and business owner John Ceniza were hailed the winners of this year’s competition, beating over 100 teams from across the country. They were recognized for their skills in troubleshooting, theoretical know-how on motorcycle mechanics, as well as teamwork.

As this year’s Castrol Mechanics of the Year title holders, Team Cebu will continue to train with Castrol to represent the Philippines at the 2018 Castrol Asia Pacific Mechanic contest to be held in Vietnam next year. The regional competition will see action from several countries including India, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

“On behalf of Castrol Philippines, I would like to congratulate the team from Cebu, our winners in this year’s Partner for Life Program.  All the participating mechanics drew from experience and the training we gave them during the program.  These teams are an inspiration to their colleagues and fellow mechanics,” said Maria Tañada, Country Sales Director, Castrol Philippines.

“Castrol is a brand committed to road safety and we recognize the vital role that mechanics play in ensuring the safety of riders on the road. We thank the business owners who are supporting continuous learning for their mechanics.  This encourages us to keep this program going to reach more mechanics across the country,” she added.

The Partner for Life Program Awards Night caps Castrol’s annual search for the country’s best mechanics. With ‘innovation’ as the theme, some 100 teams composed of mechanics and their business owners were tested in a series of theoretical and practical challenges around two-wheelers, engine parts, and lubricants. The competition which began in May, tested the participants’ learnings from the six-month intensive training that covered three key modules: proper motorcycle tune-up, customer service / Motorcycle Trouble Shooting, and Scooter Lubrication. Shortlisted teams underwent a practical maintenance exam on the Honda Wave 110. This round was adjudged the most challenging segment of the competition that put mechanics through the ultimate test.

Also honored during the culminating program were 2016 Castrol Partner for Life Champions Joveryl Nesperos, Joy Cabras, and Ian Bustaleno who competed in the recently concluded Castrol Asia Pacific Mechanic Contest 2017 in Pattaya, Thailand. It was the first international competition for the three-man team representing the LKK Motor Shop in Davao City.

“Team Philippines did us proud at the recently-concluded Asia Pacific regional competition. I am sure they will agree that it was an inspiring learning experience. I am glad mechanics from the Philippines had the opportunity to showcase their world-class talent, ingenuity and resourcefulness on the regional stage,” said Tañada.