It was a tough competition among skilled professionals, but only one made history as the first-ever winner of the Shell Advance Masters Nationwide Mekaniko League.
A mechanic of five years, Arnold Openiano of ARB Motorcycle Parts and Accessories in Cebu City claimed the title of First Shell Advance Master of the Philippines. The grand finals, held at the Le Pavillion Events Hall in Pasay City on November 16, saw Openiano topping four other mechanics with equally impressive resumes in the field of motorcycle repair and maintenance.
The grand finals featured two grueling rounds of competition. The first round centered on Mastery of Error Codes, where finalists were given 15 minutes to identify and explain the error codes they found on the motorcycle unit assigned to them. The Grand Master Round put the finalists to work, as they were given only 30 minutes to troubleshoot the errors and perform proper oil change using Shell Advance Ultra with PurePlus Technology.
“Hindi ko inakalang ako ‘yong mananalo,” said Openiano. “Oo, naghanda ako kasi alam kong magagaling ‘yong kalaban ko sa grand finals pero hindi pa din naging madali para sa akin ‘yong contest kasi talagang sinubok ni Shell ‘yong kaalaman at kakayahan naming mga mekanino.”
To earn the right to compete in the finale, Openiano and the other finalists had to best over 500 participants in the Shell Advance Masters regionals, which kicked off in Cebu City before making its way to other key locations such as Metro Manila, Pangasinan, Cagayan de Oro, Cavite, and Caloocan. The event series gave motorcycle mechanics an opportunity to enhance their skills, learn new techniques, and showcase their talents in a friendly competitive environment.
“Sobrang nagpapasalamat ako sa Shell para sa suportang ibinibigay nila sa mga mekanikong tulad ko,” added Openiano who was awarded Php 200,000 in cash and a new Kawasaki Dominar 400 motorbike—a prize package worth almost half a million pesos. “Gagamitin ko itong napanalunan ko para i-upgrade ‘yong mga gamit ko sa paggawa ng mga motorsiklo.”
“Seven out of ten bikers in the Philippines rely on mechanics for the upkeeping of their motorcycles,” said Shell Advance Brand Manager, Jannah Surposa. “Sa pamamagitan nitong Shell Advance Masters, natutulungan natin ang mga motorcycle mechanics na mag-upskill at mag-upgrade. Nabibigyan din sila ng pagkakataon na magpakitang-gilas dahil talaga namang hindi biro ang maging isang mekaniko.”
“Apart from being a showcase of exceptional motorcycle mechanic skills, the Shell Advance Masters Nationwide Mekaniko League is also a celebration of the strong and enduring relationship we have with the motorcycle community—a bond forged over years of trust and shared commitment to excellence. This event is a testament to the passion that unites us and the vibrant community spirit that continues to grow within the riding culture,” ended Shell Philippines Vice President for Corporate Relations, Sergio Bernal Jr.
To learn more about Shell Advance for motorcycles, visit https://www.shell.com/motorist/oils-lubricants/advance-for-motorcycles.html.
