On the racetrack, only one thing matters. But beyond the checkered flag, it’s the many conversations that keep the sport going.
This is exactly how the latest Rolling Stone Philippines Social Club with ZYN went on August 24. The evening, held at Antonio’s at PGA Cars, brought together key figures from different corners of the local motorsports and automotive communities.
Graced by guest of honor Milo Rivera, the dinner celebrated the multihyphenate motorsports driver and his perspectives not only as a racer, but also as a mentor and motoring journalist.
Rolling Stone Philippines Chief of Editorial Content Jonty Cruz opened the evening by reflecting on what it means to be truly present in a world that rarely slows down. “In a world of constant noise, being truly present has become a luxury, something people yearn for but aren’t able to always have,” he said.
That idea also shaped the message from ZYN Brand Manager Anton Rodriguez, who spoke about the increasingly divided nature of everyday life where attention is constantly pulled between different responsibilities, distractions, and demands.
Aside from a limited edition can of ZYN set for an October release, he also left the room with another event everyone can look forward to. “ZYN has an official global partnership with a brand you know well,” he said.
Rivera then shifted the conversation to what lies at the heart of racing: the preparation, mindset, and discipline behind performance.
“We often think it’s the cars that make the race, but it really does go way beyond the machine,” said Rivera, whose work has gone past the tracks.
As a coach and mentor to the next generation, Rivera sees to it that mental preparation is on par with physical preparation, helping them understand that performance begins with having a clear and composed mind.
That clarity allows competitors to trust their instincts when it matters most. “In crucial moments, be it on or off the track, a clear mind can make all the difference. Being in the moment and taking yourself to that flow state allows us to make the right calls when they matter most,” he added.
For a room filled with people who spend their time chasing tenths of a second, perfecting a build, or simply finding the next road worth driving on, the idea of staying in the moment felt particularly fitting.
FUEL FOR THE NIGHT AHEAD
The pace of the evening shifted from the track to the table, where conversations continued over a thoughtfully crafted menu, a reflection of the quality long associated with Antonio’s.
The evening began with skewered wagyu tongue served alongside a duo of mussel escabeche and squid ink beef tartare with ponzu and kombu, complemented by Chenin Blanc Chardonnay. A richer second course followed with legris oyster and lobster in dashi cream topped with caviar and chicken skin. The succeeding crisp greens of Antonio’s smoked duck breast salad offered a lighter contrast.
The main courses soon followed, starting with Chilean sea bass served with an Avruga Caviar scallop sauce and Terre di Valter Greco di Tufo 2024. This was followed by tender Tajima wagyu, served alongside an umami-rich shredded oxtail croquette and a crisp, burnt onion, accompanied by the full-bodied Bodegas Piqueras VS 2018. Two fruit-forward desserts closed the dinner: yuzu granita balanced by tarragon espuma and honeycomb, followed by strawberry and lychee mousse paired with calamansi-infused mascarpone.
MOMENTS UNINTERRUPTED
In motorsports, complete focus and a clear mindset are key. For one night, these people used to taking control took the backseat; it was a moment to step away from the track and simply be present with the people and converse about their shared passion. With ZYN, the night created a space for the community beyond the thrill of racing.
The track may be where the clock matters the most, but the culture and passion surrounding Philippine motorsports have never been measured in lap times alone. Its identity lives in the people, the stories shared, and the communities that continue to show up.
For one evening at Antonio’s at PGA, the race could wait, because all that mattered was staying in the moment.
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