Triumph of an underdog
Maaga nagising dahil sa kaba at excitement na papalit palit.
Checkpoint 1 – QC Circle to Marilao
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BOSS IRONMAN: Triumph of an Underdog part 1/2
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UP Food Trip with my “Scooter 8”
This is by no means a comprehensive guide, but more of my experience during my most recent visit to UP Diliman. I am someone that comes from the south of the metro so by the time I arrived in UP Diliman, I was already tired, hungry, and thirsty. The steed that I brought this time around was my favorite scooter of all time – the Kymco Super 8 150 now with a new red color. I say favorite because I have been fortunate enough to own not 1 but 2 previous versions, the Orange Super 8 125 and the Blue Super 8 125. It was a Sunday morning when I started my weekend ride and since I had a scheduled photoshoot somewhere in QC, I think it would be a nice way to spend my Sunday by roaming around State U. I was not just in it for the clear roads and nice view of trees and people as I also wanted to go back to my favorite food street in Quezon City. No it is not the famous Maginhawa, but the relatively obscure J.P. Laurel street in UP Diliman. There are several small diners lined up, with some dating back to the 70’s and 80’s. There is a coffee shop, longganisa shop, Japanese restaurant, pandesal store, your regular turo-turo, shawarma stand and even a fruit shake stand.
Epic Ride: Biak na Bato and Norzagaray Adventure Ride
Epic Ride: Biak na Bato and Norzagaray Adventure Ride
On one fine Sunday I and my rider friends from Newbie Riders Club, a club that caters to training and welcoming new motorcycle riders to the world of touring, organized a group ride towards the first province up north – Bulacan. I didn’t mind waking up very early to make it to our meet-up point in Balintawak. By 5 am, I was already on my way to Shell Balintawak via EDSA as I eagerly anticipated the trip ahead. Come 6 am, most of the riders who will be part of the trip were already there and so we all started to gear up, with most being excited while some nervous as it would have been their first time to go on a long motorcycle trip. Although we were going only one province way up north, it was a challenging one for the newbies as the jeepneys and tricycles of MacArthur Hi-way are notorious for not following basic road rules, even though they are the ones tagged as “professional” drivers. Anyway, when we took off, we took the National highway starting from Monumento towards Valenzuela going to Bulacan.
Epic Ride: Baluarte
This month’s feature article is about the famous animal haven in Ilocos Sur, catering to both exotic and wild animals. It is a sure destination for anyone who is visiting Vigan, and rightfully so, as this zoo on Chavit Singson’s property is by far one of the largest you will ever see on a private property here in the Philippines and it is called Baluarte.
Exotic Nature Tripping at Jariel’s Peak
Epic Rider – Exotic Nature Tripping at Jariel’s Peak
A hidden nice, steady spot in the East, it’s not easy to find Jariel’s Peak. But for those willing to travel 2 hours uphill, and go through twisties and rough roads…with the intention of enjoying the cool mountain breeze that Infanta will give you, as well as eating exotic food after a long drive, then this one’s for you. I have been here several times and I will not hesitate to go back here again so I could enjoy once more the fresh air, exotic food and the beautiful sights and sounds I will experience along the way.
The Place called Jariel’s Peak can be accessed through the newly-developed Marifanta Highway bordering the provinces of Rizal and Quezon. It is said that it is almost always at least 15 degrees colder here than in the lowlands. For those having a bit of trouble finding this place, it is approximately 37.6 kilometers if you are coming from Sierra Madre Hotel. From Sierra Madre Resort and Pranjetto, just follow the route going to Marifanta. Roughly 37 kilometers from there is this famous resto bar. Just a caveat though, be prepared for some rough roads, or rather, a lot of rough roads and a lot of zigzags. The trip will be worth it.
Taal Sunset: Balai Isabel
Looking for a great weekend getaway doesn’t entail much effort for riders like me but finding a place that will give you peace and solitude is not that easy. Sometimes it’s not just about the food or the scenery but there is this certain kind of serenity and calmness that a certain place could give to a weary soul.
Cebu City Tour
Epic Ride: Queen City of the South
Cebu is like a second home to me, both literally and figuratively. I lived in Cebu for a few months a couple of years ago, and I still go there regularly both for leisure and for business. With that, I consider myself a regular of both Cebu City and Mandaue City so I would love to share to you guys my favorite spots in Cebu. Bear in mind that these places are my own personal picks and the ones I enjoy / enjoyed the most.
Dubbed as the Queen City of the South, it is situated by the center of the island province called Cebu. 1000 kilometers and 2 RoRo trips away from Manila via Bicol, the tedious task of going through #X provinces is well worth the sacrifice.
Epic Ride – MacArthur Shrine SOLO Ride
MacArthur Landing Park – Palo, Leyte
Hands down, this has got to be one of the more physically and mentally demanding rides that I had. The trip took me almost 2000 kilometers and 8 provinces to complete, and it was all worth it.
Marilaque over the years
Over the years, Marilaque has been a favorite weekend destination for some riders. Some even call it their playground. For some, it is a place to unwind, enjoy the scenery that the Sierra Madre has to offer, or simply just ride in a well-paved road with lots of zigzags for everyone’s riding pleasure.
Miag-Ao Church: The Fortress
One of only four Baroque churches in the Philippines recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site
The Fortress Church
Commonly known as the Miag-ao Church, the Church of Sto. Tomas de Villanueva was declared in 1993 as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Baroque Churches of the Philippines.”
Cebu Taoist Temple – Temple by the Hill
For me riding is an outlet to feel re-energized, revitalized, and to clear my mind. So during this trip I was looking for a spiritual type of feel while I was in Cebu, with my weary soul seemingly tired from all the traveling and the hustles and bustles of Metro Cebu.
Having lived in Cebu for a brief moment in time, I had the opportunity to visit some of the finest tourist spots in Eastern Visayas. Although not my favorite destination in Cebu like the Simala Shrine in Sibonga or the Yap – San Diego Ancestral House in Parian, the Philippine Taoist Temple should be in my top 10 list, and will be a worthwhile trip for some. Besides, who can refuse a good view of the city while having that calming effect on your body, mind, and spirit?
Epic Ride to Lucban – Tayabas
Epic Ride to Lucban – Tayabas
By The Pinoy Rider
It was a cold uneventful day and I wanted to eat something fresh seafood for a change. I’ve been to Real previously where I immensely enjoyed their fresh catch but I didn’t want to go to the beach again so I researched and ended up choosing this popular yet quiet restaurant in Tayabas – Lucban road in Quezon.
Finally, IRONMAN!
Pagkatapos ng 1286 kilometrong puno ng antok, pagod, malakas na ulan, nakakatakot na kurbada sa madulas na daan sa Nueva Vizcaya, rough roads in Cagayan, road repairs sa La Union, 30 kms of zero visibility fog in Naguilian, gutom, time pressure, 8 hours left at nasa Laoag pa lang, pagdadalawang isip kung tatapusin pa pero napagisipan kong mas magsisisi ako habambuhay kung di ko itutuloy. Preparation can only lead you so far, in the end it’s about pushing yourself.
Finally, 2016 BOSS Ironman sakin ka na! 1/1, 100%.
Para sa lahat ng sumuporta at naniwala!
One on One Interview with reigning Moto GP Champion Jorge Lorenzo #99
Wow what a once in a lifetime opportunity I had today. I did a full one on one interview with the 2015 reigning MotoGP Champion Jorge Lorenzo. I must be really blessed to be given a chance to do this.
This is the first time that a current MotoGP champion has visited Philippine shores let alone ride around one of our local race tracks for a good 10 laps!
Jorge Lorenzo is a 5-time world champion with 3 wins in the premiere MotoGP class.
Again, once in a lifetime!
Epic Ride: Balibago Food Trip
Some of you might be thinking why bring a very small scooter on a long ride but don’t let the small gas tank fool you though. In spite of the small 4.4 liter capacity, the Zoomer X will bring you a long way, as what I experienced during my most recent gastronomic trip to Angeles, Pampanga. Manila to Angeles via Mc Arthur Highway is about 110 kilometers one way, and believe it or not, I only had to gas up once in this long ride. It seemed like the scooter isn’t consuming any gas at all as the fuel gauge appeared to be stuck at times, only it wasn’t.
The handling of the scooter proved to be the best part of my riding experience as in spite of the different road conditions I experienced, the bike never wavered a bit.
Testing out the newly opened Muntinlupa – Cavite Expressway MCX aka SLEX to Daang Hari Connector
Nankang Roadiac – my new partner on the road
I was conscious of not getting carried away after finally changing the stock tire of my 2014 Kawasaki ER-6N with a Nankang Roadiac pair, both carrying an OEM size of 120/60x17F and 160/60x17R.
Real, Quezon – Seafoods and the sea!
I will be taking you guys to the coastal town of Brgy. Tignaoan, Real, Quezon. Instead of just riding around on a weekend, I decided to go on a food trip ride. I was already getting tired of eating the usual fastfood meals that I have everyday and I wanted to give my body a break as well so I decided to try something else on a weekend. Previously, If I wanted to just go out on a relaxing ride to a not so far away place from the Metro, my 2-wheeled companion would either take me to Tagaytay or to Marilaque in Rizal. That’s alright with me as I definitely enjoy riding whether it’s near or far however, I would almost always end up eating bulalo at Mang Vic’s in Antipolo or in Mahogany Market in Tagaytay. Although not fastfood, it is still not at all healthy for me, as bulalo would be your best source of cholesterol and fat, with all the sebo you want included hehe.
Rainy ride to Marilaque
Rainy trip…but who cares? 4 wheels move the body, 2 wheels move the soul.
Best time to ride here is on a Monday. No Racing kolokoys, only disciplined riders.
Sharing photos from my refreshing trip (both literally and figuratively!). I also had the privilege of testing out the new Honda Click 125i and Kymco Grand Dink 300i
So blessed to experience this everytime I ride. Thank you Jesus.
