South Korea’s Joo Dae Yeung and Standard Insurance Philippines (SIP) emerged as the biggest winners in the Tour of Luzon 2025, which made a historic comeback with over P7 million in cash prizes—all distributed in full on Labor Day, May 1.

With a total of P1,022,000 in earnings, Joo dominated the individual general classification, cementing his place in ToL history. His haul included bonuses from Stage 1 where he swept the Yellow, Most Combative, and Sprint jerseys. The eight-stage race was presented by Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) and organized by DuckWorld PH.

The Perpetual Trophy went to MPT DriveHub, which also took home P1 million in cash. But it was SIP, led by team principal Ernesto “Judes” Echauz, that bagged the largest overall team prize of P1,628,500. Filipino cyclist Jan Paul Morales, who finished just six seconds behind Joo, earned P500,000, helping boost SIP’s team total.

“Saying that they smiled their way to the bank isn’t the right phrase for the cyclists in this Great Revival,” said Patrick “Pató” Gregorio, DuckWorld PH chairman. “The cash was handed out the same night—every centavo of it.”

Prize Highlights and Social Impact

• Total pot: P7,031,500, raised after sports patron Manuel V. Pangilinan (MVP) doubled the top individual prize from P500,000 to P1 million.

• Distribution: Done in full and in cash during the closing ceremony at Camp John Hay, attended by 400 members of the ToL community.

• Social impact: The race drew over 100.3 million social media views and engagements across platforms, amplifying its success.

Top 10 Individual Cash Earners:

1. Joo Dae Yeung (GPCT) – P1,022,000

2. Jan Paul Morales (SIP) – P581,000

3. Jonel Carcueva (MPTD) – P401,000

4. Nichol Pareja (VSPCT) – P239,000

5. James Paul Ryan Escumbien (G4G) – P201,000 (Best Young Rider)

6. Jeremy Lizardo (SIP) – P131,000

7. Joshua Pascual (ENCT) – P114,000 (Eagle of the Mountain)

8. Rench Michael Bondoc (7RP) – P113,500

9. Ronald Oranza (SIP) – P91,500

10. Jerico Jay Lucero (G4G) – P82,500

Team Earnings Breakdown:

• SIP: P1,628,500

• MPT DriveHub: P1,557,000

• Gapyeong Cycling Team (GPCT): P1,062,500

• Go for Gold (G4G): P850,000

• Victoria Sports Pro Cycling Team (VSPCT): P589,500

• (Full breakdown available in the official summary)

The event featured 17 teams, including local squads and international delegations from South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. No registration fees were collected, and doping tests were implemented in Stages 5 and 8 in partnership with the Philippine National Anti-Doping Organization.

A Festival of Grit and Glory

The Tour of Luzon 2025 began with a solemn opening ceremony at Paoay Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and concluded in grand fashion with Ben&Ben electrifying the closing ceremony. The event was praised for its efficient prize disbursement, professionalism, and unwavering support from MVP and MPTC.

“The Tour of Luzon is back. Cycling is back—in warp speed,” said Gregorio.