Matteo Guidicelli, Dominic Ochoa join PACE’s first Tour de Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - We all know and love Matteo Guidicelli as an actor, model, host, and singer who, as a young dashing bachelor, makes every girl swoon. However, before his career in show business skyrocketed, Matteo was initially known for his racing career, having started at an early age of 11. He won the Philippine Karter of the Year three times, is the only driver today to clinch both the Junior and Senior Karter of the Year award in the same year, and is the first Filipino to join the Italian Karting Championship.

Now, he’s going back to his first love and returning home, as he joins the first Tour de Cebu organized by the Performance and Classics Enthusiasts club (PACE) in cooperation with the Manila Sports Car Club (MSCC) this December 5 to 7.

Also joining Matteo is fellow celebrity, Dominic Ochoa, who is no stranger to every kid who grew up in the 90s with nostalgic TV shows such as the teen drama “Gimik,” the soap opera “Esperanza,” and the sitcom “Whattamen.” Unlike Matteo, not very many know of Dominic’s love for cars and racing. He was greatly influenced by his late father, motorsports icon Jose “Boy” Ochoa, who was given the posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award last February 28, 2014 at the 11th Golden Wheel Awards, an award-giving body for Philippine motorsports. As a member of the MG (Morris Garage) Owners Club, Dominic has an affinity for classic British cars such as the Mini Cooper, Land Rover, and the English Ford Escort.

The main opening event and flag-off for Tour de Cebu is on December 5 in I.T. Park. From there, participants will commence with the touristic rally, and drive to Dumaguete City for an overnight stay. They will then drive to Bacolod City on December 6, and spend a night there before going back to the island of Cebu on December 7, passing through the towns of Toledo, Tuburan, San Remigio, and Sogod before driving back south to Cebu City. During the two major stopovers in Bacolod and Dumaguete, participants will do a short city parade to give everyone a little show. To culminate, participants will be awarded with trophies and sponsor giveaways as they arrive one by one at I.T. Park.

Catch these passionate enthusiasts with their vintage beauties in action on December 5 at 7 a.m. in I.T. Park at the flag-off for PACE’sTour de Cebu, the first touristic rally of its kind in Cebu. (PR) (FREEMAN)