Mark Anthony Calimag
It wasn’t a race, but the tension inside Le Pavillon in Pasay felt like a grand prix pit stop. Tools clattered, engines roared to life, and eyes locked on the country’s finest grease-stained warriors as Shell Pilipinas Corporation staged the inaugural Shell Helix Auto Mekaniko Champions 2025 — a nationwide showdown built to honor Filipino mechanics who keep the nation’s wheels turning.
From the very first round, it was clear this was no ordinary skills test. Finalists faced three grueling stages — from complete engine overhauls to lightning-fast oil changes and a final “champion assessment” that demanded precision under pressure. Think motorsport pit crews, but with the everyday reality of keeping family sedans and jeepneys roadworthy.
When the dust settled, one man stood atop the podium. Mark Anthony Calimag of Quezon City emerged as the first-ever Auto Mekaniko Champion, pocketing P200,000 and earning an all-expense-paid trip to Malaysia to witness MotoGP up close. Close on his heels were Parañaque’s R-Jay Alvarez, who clinched second, and Manny Basong of Cagayan de Oro, who placed third.
Beyond the cash and the glory, the winners earned something far more lasting — recognition. “Our mechanics are the frontliners of road safety,” said Jensen Garcia, Shell Helix brand manager. “Customers rely on their advice during preventive maintenance, so giving them the chance to upskill and be celebrated is vital.”
For many Filipinos, mechanics are unsung heroes — men and women who ensure that motorcycles, tricycles, taxis, and trucks don’t just run, but run safely. By turning a wrench into a spotlight, Shell is betting on a future where the trade is celebrated as a craft, not just a job.
And this is only the beginning. Shell confirmed plans for an even bigger edition in the coming years, promising to bring more adrenaline, more recognition, and more pride to the men and women who fuel mobility from the garage floor.
In the world of motorsport, champions are crowned on the track. But in this arena, the victors proved that true speed and skill aren’t just measured in laps — they’re built in every bolt tightened, every liter of oil changed, and every Filipino vehicle kept safe on the road.
