Tovic Salvador

Meet the "Live to Defy" ambassadors of Yamaha Motor Philippines, Mika Salamanca and Ruru Madrid. Photo source: Yamaha Motor Philippines, Inc.

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<div style="line-height:1"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177423597132101 1.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Meet the &quot;Live to Defy&quot; ambassadors of Yamaha Motor Philippines, Mika Salamanca and Ruru Madrid. <em>Photo source: Yamaha Motor Philippines, Inc. </em></span></span></span></div><p style="line-height:1">The heavy traffic in the Philippines has taught riders how to navigate tight spaces. Street-savvy and quick on the throttle, they stay focused on reaching their destinations. They are a constant presence on EDSA, side streets, and even the narrowest alleys. Motorcycle riders are everywhere, doing side hustles, heading to class, or arriving at work on time.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">For this Japanese motorcycle company, riding goes beyond traveling from point A to point B. It represents innovation, performance, pushing beyond conventional limits through self-expression, and the courage to carve an individual path rather than simply following the crowd.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">After weeks of cryptic signals and disruptive visuals spreading across its platform, Yamaha Motor Philippines, Inc. primed audiences for a revelation that was impossible to ignore. Anticipation surged as Yamaha Motor Philippines, Inc. set the stage for its next era. Across SM by the Bay and the MOA Globe, the area itself became enveloped with glitched screens, disruptive visuals, and pulsing lights, signaling a return to Yamaha Motor Philippines, Inc.&#x27;s defiant spirit and bold direction.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">For Toni Acuesta, Marketing Brand Execution Senior Section Manager, defiance means pursuing goals and pushing personal limits on the road and beyond.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">&quot;Yamaha does not stop at just riding a motorcycle. What we want is for every Filipino to understand that defiance does not revolve around reckless rebellion. We want this to serve as a symbol of purpose,&quot; said Acuesta.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">&quot;Life is always changing. We want to empower every Filipino rider to recognize that wherever they are in life, there is always something to look forward to. We do not want them to remain where they are. We want them to create their own experiences.&quot;</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">For Yamaha Motor Philippines, Inc., &#x27;Live to Defy&#x27; centers on purpose, perseverance, and progress. The campaign positions Yamaha not merely as a motorcycle brand, but as a partner that supports riders in building their own paths and lifestyles.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">&quot;Every Filipino deserves a motorcycle that can help them reach their own success in life. We want to go beyond what motorcycles traditionally represent,&quot; explained Acuesta.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><div style="line-height:1"><strong>Boldness and individuality</strong></div><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">The spirit of boldness and individuality carried into the night&#x27;s entertainment. Reflecting the campaign&#x27;s message of carving one&#x27;s own path, the program opened with a live performance by Bamboo, with his hit songs &quot;Noypi&quot;, &quot;Hallelujah&quot;, and &quot;Mr. Clay,&quot; among others, setting an energetic and defiant tone for the night ahead.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Drummer Kenji Junalve followed with a drum performance that heightened the energy of the night.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition Big Winner Mika Salamanca and actor Ruru Madrid were introduced as &#x27;Live to Defy&#x27; ambassadors. Their message emphasized boldness, authenticity, and forward movement.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">&quot;For me, being part of &#x27;Live to Defy&#x27; means showing everyone that defiance is not about breaking the rules. It is about breaking limits. It is about moving forward with courage, even when the road is not perfect. Life often brings uneven paths. As an ambassador, I want to encourage others to keep challenging themselves and never settle for the ordinary, just like Yamaha,&quot; said Madrid.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">&quot;&#x27;Live to Defy&#x27; is about living boldly and authenticity. It is about embracing challenges and proving that we can shape our own path. As an ambassador, I feel proud to represent that. Being considered for a campaign like this is empowering. I am proud to help inspire others to live beyond restrictions, shift perspectives, and challenge expectations. That is what Kuya Ruru, Yamaha, and I stand for,&quot; said Salamanca.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><div style="line-height:1"><strong>Beyond individuality </strong></div><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Community-building plays a central role in the campaign. Yamaha Motor Philippines, Inc. highlighted its offline rider clubs and its digital platform, the Yamaha Motor Rev PH app, which connects riders nationwide and provides updates on products, announcements, and events.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><div style="line-height:1">&quot;It begins with building a community. We want riders to feel a sense of connection when they see a fellow Yamaha rider, not only because they own the same motorcycle, but because they belong to the same network. Our goal extends beyond individual riders. It is about building a strong and connected community,&quot; said Acuesta.<span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177423581243902 1.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Riders check out the features of the all-new Lexi of Yamaha Motor Philippines, Inc. <em>Photo source: Yamaha Motor Philippines, Inc. </em></span></span></span></div><div style="line-height:1"><strong>Meet the new Yamaha LEXI</strong></div><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Yamaha introduced the new Yamaha LEXI, a 155cc AT motorcycle designed for riders looking to upgrade from 125cc motorcycles. It is designed for riders who continue to show up every day, balancing their responsibilities while building toward something greater. More than an upgrade, it stands as proof of progress and readiness, embodying Yamaha&#x27;s campaign message, &quot;You&#x27;re Up Next&quot;.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Following in the footsteps of his father, Manny Pacquiao, the rising boxing talent Emman Bacosa Pacquiao was introduced as new Yamaha LEXI ambassador. For him, a motorcycle symbolizes progress. Pacquiao values practicality, functionality, and efficiency, qualities reflected in the New Yamaha LEXI as a partner for everyday riders.</p><div style="line-height:1"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177423558577720260303070320_10.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">The new ambassador of the new Yamaha LEXI of Yamaha Motor Philippines. <em>Photo source: Sarah Herrera, ABS-CBN News </em></span></span></span></div><p style="line-height:1">Key features include:</p><p style="line-height:1">- 155cc liquid cooled 4-value blue core engine with variable valve actuation</p><p style="line-height:1">- LCD meter panel with Y-Connect</p><p style="line-height:1">- LED headlight and taillight</p><p style="line-height:1">- Spacious footboard</p><p style="line-height:1">- Long seat</p><p style="line-height:1">- USB-ready power socket</p><p style="line-height:1">- Iconic front face</p><p style="line-height:1">- 14&quot; tubeless tires (F&amp;R)</p><p style="line-height:1">- Compartment</p><p style="line-height:1">- Stop &amp; Start System</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">At an introductory price of P99,900, the new Yamaha LEXI is available in Black and Matte Green.</p><div style="line-height:1"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177423555069220260303070320_11.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Meet the new Yamaha LEXI of Yamaha Motor Philippines, Inc. <em>Photo source: Sarah Herrera, ABS-CBN News </em></span></span></span></div><p style="line-height:1">&quot;Every Filipino deserves a motorcycle that helps them move closer to their own version of success. Yamaha is not simply a machine. It is a tool that helps you live to defy. No matter who you are or where you come from, keep moving forward and create your own path,&quot; concluded Acuesta.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">To learn more about the Yamaha Motor Philippines, Inc.&#x27;s LIVE TO DEFY activities, visit their <a href="https://www.yamaha-motor.com.ph/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">website</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/yamahaphilippines" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>. </p><div style="line-height:1"><br/></div>

<p>To 'Live to Defy' means choosing purpose over fear and pressing forward despite obstacles and that is what a motorcycle brand is pursuing – to give individuals the courage at every stage of their journey.</p>

To 'Live to Defy' means choosing purpose over fear and pressing forward despite obstacles and that is what a motorcycle brand is pursuing – to give individuals the courage at every stage of their journey.

Beyond limits: The drive to 'Live to Defy'

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Beyond limits: The drive to 'Live to Defy'

Yamaha Motor Philippines

Published March 23, 2026 03:44 PM PHT

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