A lot of people have been asking on how to financially contribute to the foundation. Instead of coursing it through any of the volunteers, donors can now donate via the following:
You may deposit your donation to any of the following banks:
1. BDO (BANCO DE ORO UNIVERSAL BANK) Account Name: CANCER WARRIORS FOUNDATION INC. Branch Location:DPC PLACE-DON CHINO ROCES MAKATI Current Acct. # 00540-800-8808 2. METROBANKAccount Name: CANCER WARRIORS FOUNDATION INC. Branch Sea Front- Baclaran Branch Current Acct. # 007-1685092- 40 3. RCBCAccount Name: CANCER WARRIORS FOUNDATION INC. Branch Location: DON CHINO ROCES AVE (formerly Pasong Tamo Extn.) MAKATI Current Acct. # 02-888-037-81
You may also donate from your mobile phones:
1. Globe G-CASH (for Globe and TM subscribers) From your mobile phones type: DONATEAMOUNT4 DIGIT PINCANCERKIDS Then send to 2882 Ex. DONATE 1000 1234 CANCERKIDS Then send to 2882 * Globe and TM Subscribers must first enroll their account to G-Cash. Here is the link to view instructions on how to enroll:: http://www.myglobe. com.ph/gcash/ about.asp 2. Smart Money (for Smart Subscribers) From your mobile phones type: CANCERKIDSAMOUNT Then send to 270 Ex. CANCERKIDS 1000 Then send to 270 ** Must activate the Smart money function found on the sim menu. For more info on smart money, pls visit: http://www.smart. com.ph/Corporate /Services/ SmartMoney/ ActivateSmartMon ey.htm
You may also drop your donations directly to our office located at:
Unit 15 Patio Madrigal Compound, 2550 Roxas Boulevard , Pasay City , Philippines Telephone Nos.:Landline: (+632) 551-4588 Mobile : (+63917) 848-5258
Every forum, the CWF presents a video summarizing what the foundation is all about. Please watch this special presentation prepared by friends of the foundation.
By the way, today is the foundation's executive director's birthday... Happy Birthday James!!!
Please keep posted for some more updates per leg, the laptop of Ms. Carmela Serina got locked when Mr. Boy Siojo tried guessing her password, hence, the delayed updates. Ms. Serina is currently at Subic for the White Rock Triathlon 2007 tomorrow. Let us please pray for her success!
Meanwhile, please allow me to say a few (many, actually) thanks to all those who have helped us in making Bike for Life 2007 a success, especially those whom we have not yet mentioned in the daily leg update. Please continue checking this blog and the Cancer Warriors website www.c-warriors.org for updates on Cancer Warriors Foundation activities. There are some exciting activities in store for everyone and from what I have heard... there will be another bike activity in the near future! Bike for Life 2007 may be over but the journey continues... Hope everyone won't get tired of helping, let's continue to fight until the last "c" falls.
Bike for Life 2007 Local Coordinators
1. Batangas - Ms. Lety Chua 2. Calapan, Mindoro - Mr. Augusto Acedera 3. Roxas, Mindoro - Dr. Anthony Cruzado 4. Kalibo - Caca Carillo 5. Roxas - Atty. Julie Mae Abela and Mr. Dennis Pacis 6. Iloilo - Ms. Aris Cristales and Ms. Lalaine Nolasco 7. Bacolod - Mr. Genesis Bolauro, Mr. Albert Lozada and Mr. Archie Tragko 8. San Carlos - Mr. Joe Alingasa and Mr. Oscar Tarosa 9. Dumaguete - Ms. Michelle Villanueva and Mr. Chad Acabal 10. Cebu - Mr. Ursulo Dimpas, Jr. and Ms. Gelena Asis and Ms. Libeth of Sarman 11. Cagayan de Oro - Ms. Maite and Dr. Ratchito Abellanosa and Mr. Boy Neri of Sarman 12. Malaybalay - Mr. Paul Donato M. Quinto and Mr. Kiwong of Vitarich 13. Quezon - Mr. Vincent S. Chan, Fr. Mindo and Councilor Joel Sy 14. Davao - Ms. Yvonne Lucindo-Biyo and Mr. Bong Denolan of Sarman
Special (personal) thanks to the following:
Ms. Jalu Go Mr. Dennis Gutierrez and the rest of the CWF volunteers Ms. Rocky Tirona Ms. Rodora Angeles Mr. King Bernas Mr. Redg Plopinio Mr. Kram Berry Melia Tara Fajardo at Joseph Palayon for their donations through Ms. Nicole Reyes
Dr. Joel Jose Yap of MEDTREK Bacolod Mr. Jens Funk of Cebu Fr. Amado Picardal www.amadopicardal.blogspot.com Mr. Teofilo Ponce, Jr. (Imay's, Greenwich and Jollibee Bacolod and Check Inn Pension Dumaguete and Bacolod) Mr. Jay Jalandoni Ms. Bijares of ABS-CBN BCD Mr. Ian Sepulveda Mr. Eunel Matula Mr and Mrs. Henrik Yu (Bigby's and Bo's Coffee Cagayan de Oro) Mr. Rino Avila Ms. Sinag de Leon-Amado Ms. Ani Karina de Leon and Senator Pia Cayetano Mr. and Mrs. TJ Manotoc Ms. Judy Ann Santos and Mr. Ryan Agoncillo Ms. Carmel of Greenwich Gaisano & Ms. Gesila Jollibee East (Bacolod) Ms. Cherie of Check Inn Pension (Dumaguete)
The Bike for Life Manila Team
1. Mr. James Auste - Cancer Warriors Foundation Founder / Executive Director "THE MAN" / Loyola Mountaineers & Gaia Exploration Club +c 2. Mr. Ramon "Boy" Siojo - Bike group Head Marshall / Marketing / Bike mechanic / UPM & Eco-rescue 3. Mr. Cesar I. Tablante - Logistics / Sarman 4. Mr. Edsel M. Ramirez - Advanced team / Driver / Ford Everest lender / Photographer / Spokesperson / Loyola Mountaineers Founder 5. Ms. Nicole Reyes - Advanced team / On-call nurse / Driver / Loyola Mountaineers 6. Ms. Carmela Serina - Biker / Chronicler / Team David's Salon 7. Mr. Eric Reyes - Biker +c / On-call medic / Firefly Brigade 8. Mr. Jan Gabriel Cabanos - Biker / Videographer / Gaia Exploration Club & UPM 9. Mr. Ricky Pineda - Biker / Photographer / Firefly Brigade 10. Ms. Carol Gaw - Admin support / Firefly Brigade 11. Ms. Rose Ann Alvaro - Admin / CWF 12. Mr. Gerber Casihan - Admin / Sarman 13. Mr. Joe Toledo - Revo Driver 14. Mr. Wilmer Goleta - Innova Driver / CWF 15. Mr. JR Abdulla - Logistic support 16. Mr. Ernesto Fabi - Logistic support 17. Mr. Jerome Victor Bernas - Bike for Life 2002 Head Coordinator / Biker / Loyola Mountaineers 18. Ms. Careza Reyes - Biker / Loyola Mountaineers & Gaia Exploration Club 19. Mr. Vic Virtucio - Biker / CWF volunteer 20. Ms. Denise Margaret Matias - Bike for Life 2007 Head Coordinator / Loyola Mountaineers
Tatay / Tito of Kids with Cancer (All Bikers)
Nino Galleon Romeo Patnugot Jay Suansing Renato Bayhonan Pablito Paradilla Vic Reyes Rowell Arroyo Nordie Paglicawan Jose San Juan Eduardo Vergel
Sarmiento Group of Companies, Vitarich, Luz Farm, Supercool, Sarman (and many more...)
Tita Mench and Tito Jun Mr. Loreto Rico and Mrs. Cora Rico of Sarman Group Mr. Boy Miralles of Vitarich Mr. Manuel Fronda of Vitarich BCD Sir Manny of Vitarich CDO Sir Niki of Sarman Mr. Mej Morales of Sarman ...and others whose names I missed
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Bike for Life ends its ride at Davao
From Ayala Town Center to Batangas City to Calapan, Caticlan, Kalibo, Roxas, Iloilo, Bacolod, San Carlos, Dumaguete, Cebu, Bohol, CDO, Malaybalay, Quezon... The Bike for Life project finally ended its journey last Sunday, Sept 30 at the Davao Medical Center where the riders arrived at 2pm escorted by hundreds of local riders led by the cycling priest, Fr. Picx Picardal. The final cancer forum was immediately held at the DMC grounds after the arrival of the riders.
The Bike for Life Team officially arrived in Manila on October 03, 2007. The Bike for Life Team and the Cancer Warriors Foundation would like to thank everyone who gave their support to the journey.
To our major sponsors, 7-11 Sarman (Sarmiento Group of Companies) Vitarich Medityre (distributor of Supercool) Pepsi /Gatorade
Sulpicio Lines Campaigns Social Response Philippine Star Radio Partners: 105.1 / 88.3 / 89.9 / 99.5 / 103.5 / 89.1 Spyder Ayala Town Center Terry Larrazabal Bike Fest Waypoints.ph King's Bike Shop
To our local coordinators who arranged for the forum, at every stop, To the people who sponsored our meals and accommodations, to the local bike clubs and bikers who rode with us, to the many old friends who welcomed us warmly and to the new friends we have met along the way. MARAMING SALAMAT PO SA INYONG LAHAT!!!
To GOD be the Glory!!!
Please watch this short Probe feature to remind all of us what ride was all about.
You can still give your donations to the Cancer Warriors if you wish, through the following:
1. RCBC Account Name: CANCER WARRIORS FOUNDATION INC.
Branch Location: DON CHINO ROCES AVE (formerly Pasong Tamo Extn.) MAKATI
Current Acct. # 02-888-037-81
2. BDO (BANCO DE ORO UNIVERSAL BANK) Account Name: CANCER WARRIORS FOUNDATION INC.
Branch Location:DPC PLACE-DON CHINO ROCES MAKATI
Current Acct. # 00540-800-8808
3. METROBANK Account Name: CANCER WARRIORS FOUNDATION INC.
Current Acct. # 007168509240
4. G-CASH DONATE AMOUNT 4 DIGIT PIN CANCERKIDS and send to 2882 Ex: DONATE 1000 1234 CANCERKIDS and send to 2882
Distance covered: 75 km Total Time Spent: 3 hours and 55 minutes Total Riding Time: 3.5 hours #of Intentional Rest Stops: 1 # of Unintentional Rest Stops: differs according to each individual # of Core Riders: 6 # of Tatay Bikers: 3 Start Time: 6:25 am End Time: 10:30 am
Highlights:
The Bike For Life team met up with 10 Malaybalay bikers at the city's plaza. According to locals, today's bike ride will be relatively easier compared to that of yesterday's. True enough, we all had a nice time tackling the rolling terrain. There were a lot of uphills but they were gladly attacked by the group together.
In the middle of the ride, we encountered some minor setbacks. One of the tatay bikers suffered from leg cramps. It was a good thing that Eric Reyes was just riding nearby and he attended to the "patient" asap. Boy's chain was cut during one of the uphills.
The local riders from Quezon, Bukidnon met up with us and accompanied us towards the city proper. Next thing I knew, there were around 30 bikers riding with us.
We arrived at the City Government of Quezon, Bukidnon way ahead of schedule. We were warmly greeted by Councilor Sy, who prepared a sumptuous morning merienda of local fruits and dishes. He then led us to a place near a tilapia farm to have lunch.
From the tilapia farm, there was a wash area for trucks and bicycles. We took the opportunity to do some bike cleaning before the last leg of the tour. It was nice seeing the tatay bikers and the B4L team do this together.
The group also took the mayor's invitation to try out the local pools in Luan-Luan. This was really inviting since we wanted to cool down and relax. We spent the afternoon dipping in the cool fresh water and devouring on the abundant supplies of rambutan and mangosteen. We were trying very hard not to think about the bike ride tomorrow. Yikes!!!
During dinner, Father Amado "Picx" Picardal joined us. He left Davao at 6am today and arrived at Quezon at past 5pm. He reminded us to take extra caution for the ride tomorrow and he suggested that we don't ride the entire route since the priority is to reach Davao on time for the cancer forum. There was a loooonnnnngggggg discussion between James, Boy and Fr. Picx tonight.
We ended the evening with a small marang festival at the pension house we were staying. We devoured the 5-peso marangs that Edsel bought from a local vendor. Parang ma-ala-Last Supper ang dating! Hehehe... James sent out a text message that made me nervous about tomorrow's ride. He said:"Road nfo to davao from Wilmer (one of the drivers who drove from Quezon Bukidnon to Davao this afternoon) - 0 to 3.6km flat, 3.6 to 5.5 uphill, 5.5 to 9.2 downhill, 9.2 to 15.9 rolling, 18.5 to 30 uphill, 30 to 33 downhill, 33 to 46 uphill, 46 to 67 uphill with zero visibility, 67 to 73 downhill, 73 to 74 uphill, 74 to 84 downhill, 84 to 68 uphill, 86 to 100 downhill, 100 to 134 relatively flat." Yikes!!!
#of Intentional Rest Stops: 2 # of Unintentional Rest Stops: differs according to each individual
# of Core Riders: 6
# of Tatay Bikers: 3
Start Time: 6:15 am
End Time: 1:10 pm
Highlights:
The B4L team was up at around 4:30 am to get ready for the most gruelling and last three legs of the tour. We met up with local triathletes Pong Miñoza, Al Manaloto and some other local riders. The bike ride started with some minor rain showers. I was praying for good weather the night before and kept my hopes up until the end of today's ride.
True enough, we were blessed with perfect weather for cycling. At noon, it wasn't as hot as we expected. We were able to enjoy the scenic views. We passed by Atugan Bridge, one of the highest bridges in Asia at 215 feet. We were lucky enough to see a portion of Mt. Kitanglad. We were able to enjoy the picturesque mountainous terrain and the lush countryside.
Enjoying the downhill...
It was noted that the highest point we reached today was 3000 ft. above sea level and that today's route was 70% uphill (Yikes!). Everytime we tackle a difficult hill, I can't help but be grateful that we can still put a smile on our faces. Smile and fight pa rin ang team!
UP Mountaineers Oldies Boy and Chichi
In all the bike legs we have gone through so far, the CDO-Malaybalay leg is the most "helpful". Helpful in a sense that most of our powerful riders helped push the ones who get left behind the pack. It was amazing to watch them do this effortlessly. Ganyan pala ang training nila dito...
No wonder Pong is the #1 Ironman in Cagayan De Oro
It was such a relief for everyone when we saw the first intentional stop of today's ride. We were all to regroup at the Halfway House in Bukidnon, replenish our hydration packs, have some snacks and prepare for the other half of the route.
Jan, Ricky, Me and Pong
1472 km from Manila
Weeehhhh!!!
When we were around 20 km fro Malaybalay, around 15 Bukidnon-based cyclists met up with us and accompanied us as we entered the city. We met young cyclists who were as strong as horses! When we reached Malaybalay, Bukidnon, it started to rain and we were drenched by the time we reached our late-lunch venue. Nonetheless, we all had a great time today. It was one of the most difficult legs to date but it was nice knowing that we all tackled it in the company of good friends. =)
The 2pm forum was held at the San Isidro College multi-purpose gymnasium. Despite the heavy rains, it was jampacked by students from gradeschool, highschool and college. What stood out in the forum is the game organized by Bants and Jaja Reyes. It was nice to see the active participation of students which showed how attentive they were during the talks.
The People who made this thirteenth day a Success:
The Cancer Warriors Foundation would like to thank the following people from Malaybalay:
This article was released on September 26 from Bacolod City, Philippines. Special thanks to Alex Pal, author of the article! Dumaguete Connection with Alex Pal
Biking for Life
It's not only because I have some difficulty walking these days (signs of arthritis?) but the constant morning rains (and a few other excuses) had effectively gotten me away from mountain biking for a good three to four weeks. But last Sunday, Irma and I had to go biking come hell or high water. It was the day the Bike for Life came to town.
Bike for Life is a project that aims to raise funds for cancer patients. The concept is that bikers will pedal from Manila to Davao and sponsors will donate funds based on the total distance covered by the cycling caravan. For every place they visit, local bikers will join them and bike with them for the last 10 kilometers or so in order to help drum up awareness of the project, as well as the Big C. This was the sixth leg of the Bike for Life 2007.
Our group, which until now is nameless (we've been trying to crack our brains for a good name), joined the scores of local bikers who welcomed the Bike for Life caravan. I was pleasantly surprised to see that there were over 100 mountain bikers from Dumaguete who heeded the call. I've never seen that many mountain bikes gathered in one place in Dumaguete. As soon as we met up with Kevin Zerna, Jasper Maypa, Renclar Jadloc, Cobbie and Dessa Palm, Karl Villarmea, and Dale Law at the Provincial Nursery, after 1 pm, we rode out to Ajong, Sibulan, the site of Jo's Inato by the sea, a good 12 kilometers north of Dumaguete, where we would join the B4L caravan.
Dale came in a solo bike. We missed the chance of having two tandem bikes join us that day. Rosita Law was almost convinced by hubby Dale to come along (they ride a tandem bike everywhere they go). And the other tandem bikers, Terry and Maria Havraneck, must not have been informed of the activity. The ride to Ajong was reminiscent of our road biking tour of Siquijor island last year. For one, it was the first time we biked together (minus Glenn Fernandez who had since immigrated with his family to the cold city of Calgary, Canada) in the blazing afternoon sun.
There must have been 30 or so bikers who had come along with the Bike for Life caravan from Manila. it was kind of difficult to tell who from what (everyone was in colorful jerseys). All of us, for that brief moment, were united by our common cause--we were biking against cancer.
We rode back to Dumaguete, passing through some busy thoroughfares, eventually ending at the Silliman Hall where a cancer forum followed.
All bikers also posed for a group photo with the historic Silliman Hall in the background. The photo, which was graciously emailed to me by Carmela Serina, one of the B4L organizers, will definitely make another interesting collection to our photos at our favorite painitan of Deling and Saning Villegas at the Valencia Public Market.*
The B4L team biked around the city of CDO today with some local bikers. There were only 6 local bikers who joined us due to some rainshowers in the city. It was another day of leisure riding. We all tried to enjoy the last easy ride for this tour. The next three legs are said to be the most difficult. May anxiety attacks na ata kaming lahat. We are all VERY apprehensive about these next legs. Bahala na... Fight na lang!
The biking ended at the City Government's office where Mayor Jaraula honored us with his presence. After much introduction and welcoming remarks, the mayor excused himself for awhile and returned with a check for the foundation! It was such a pleasant surprise! He further discussed on cancer and the importance of prevention. The key to prevention is healthy living and he commended the group for promoting cycling and spreading the awareness about this disease.
The team then headed to the 2pm cancer forum at the training hall of the Civil Service Commission Office. The forum's targeted audience are college students from different universities in CDO. Mr. Nordy Pagdikawan, a tricycle driver and one of the tatay bikers based in Mindoro Occidental, shared his 1-year old child's battle against leukemia. Mr. Rowell Arroyo, the 21-year old father and youngest among the tatay bikers, also shared his 2-year old's struggle against leukemia. He also took the opportunity to thank CWF and the Sarman Group.
Mr. Ben Boiser, a teacher from Xavier University and a health advocate based in CDO, shared his knowledge on the preventive strategy against cancer. He touched on education/awareness of the disease, correct eating habits, and engagement on physical activities such as cycling. Dr. Chichi Abellanosa, an ultramarathoner and our local coordinator, shared the importance of clean organic food and the benefits of tanglad tea as a preventive drink against cancer. Ms. Nebrea also took the stage and shared her current fight against breast cancer and her advocacy on helping locals who are afflicted with it as well.
Mr. Eric Reyes, one of the core riders who suffered from 3 separate bouts of cancer (stomach, kidney and colon), ended the forum with the following message: "With cancer, there has to be hope. With cancer, there has to be something to look forward to beyond the pains and treatment. Only then you will have the will to fight the disease and have a new perspective on life." INDEED.
The Bike For Life team then headed to the Limketkai main office to receive a donation from the Limketkai family. It was again one of those surprise donations that makes our day. Maraming Salamat po!
The People who made this twelfty day a Success:
The Cancer Warriors Foundation would like to thank the following people from CDO:
Dr. Chichi and Maite Abellanosa (local coordinators)
The B4L team took the 8pm roro from Cebu to CDO last night. Everybody agreed that we all had one of the most relaxing boat ride to date. To our delight, we all slept soundly last night and we were all very comfortable in our bunk beds.
We arrived at around 830am at CDO today and was welcomed by the Sarman Group, Ironman Pong Miñoza and ultramarathoner and triathlete Chichi Abellanosa and wife, Maite. ABS-CBN was also present to cover the arrival of the team at CDO.
It's another non-biking day today since we have again sponsor commitments to attend to. The group arrived at the Pepsi CDO plant at 10:30 am for a warm welcome led by the plant's general manager. We also reloaded our supplies of Gatorade, bottled water and Propel. The team then moved on to the Vitarich CDO plant at 11:15 am to pay our respects.
The B4L team was then treated to an Eat-All-You-Can lunch buffet at Consuelo's. Imagine the smiles on the faces of our hungry riders Boy and Ricky. (Hehehe...) We were all shocked at how cheap the food is. Lunch and Dinner buffets were priced at 49 pesos per person! If you want the roast beef and the steak included in the buffet, it's just 99 pesos per person! Grabeh...it was another 'lamon' day for the group. No wonder we're not losing any pounds despite the long distances we bike. =P
On a scarier note, Ed Garcia just texted and sent me the altitude and climb profile for the last 3 legs of the tour. The last 3 legs would cover Cagayan De Oro to Davao. We were all warned by local cyclists on how difficult the climbs would be. The first leg, the Cagayan De Oro to Malaybalay, Bukidnon, is around 90 km which climbs up to 3000 ft above sea level. The second leg, Malaybalay to Quezon, Bukidnon, is around 70 km and is relatively easier compared to the CDO-Malaybalay leg. The third and most difficult among the 3 is the Quezon to Davao route which is around 134 km which also climbs up to more than 4000 ft. above sea level. Good luck to us...
Today, we received some sad news about Jay Suansing's (one of the tatay bikers) one-year old child afflicted with leukemia. Ayen Li is now in critical condition and the group felt that Jay should be with his son. He left the group today to be with his family. Let us all pray for them.
# of Intentional Rest Stops: 0 # of Unintentional Rest Stops: 0
# of Core Riders: 4
# of Tatay Bikers: 4
Start Time: 7:30 am
End Time: 8:45 am
Highlights:
The B4L team took it easy today. The group was joined by around 30 local riders. We kicked off at around 7:30 am. It was a leisurely ride around the beautiful city of Cebu which ended at the site of the Magellan's Cross. The core team suffered its first casualty today. Boy Siojo was down with a fever and opted to skip the ride. Hmmm... probably because of too much cholesterol from the past few days?
The morning seemed like that of the Tour of the Fireflies in a sense that there were different looking bikes present. There was a makeshift chopper bike with a veeerrrryyyy long fork. There was also a cute tandem bike. There was a bike with a makeshift baby seat at the back. There were also serious riders present who have been actively competing in triathlons and road races. They had the most intimidating bikes I've ever seen.
James and some of his friends joined him for a courtesy call at the Mayor's office at around 10 am. He met up with Mayor Osmeña, who boasted of the city's programs to help Cebuano kids fight cancer via Cebu's own version of Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko.
On a different and sad note, let me share with you an account of what happened when Eric Reyes, Ricky Pineda and Boy Siojo brought the bikes for some minor repairs at a bike shop in Cebu. Almost all the local cyclists we've talked to was raving about this bike shop...
The B4L team had a frustrating experience with a local bike shop in Cebu. Ricky Pineda, Boy Siojo and I brought in 3 of the team's bikes to the YKK Bike Shop for much needed repairs... and we were refused service! Their reason? We didn't buy the bikes at their shop! We explained that we were just passing through... part of a cycling caravan traveling from Manila to Davao, that we were volunteer riders, part of an awareness program for indigent children supported by the Cancer Warriors Foundation.
Despite the help of a local sag who spoke the local dialect, our pleas for help didn't make much of an impression with the staff and owner. We were even scolded for bringing the 3 bikes into the shop, curtly being told to leave them outside by the staff & shop guard.
We were fortunate to find a nearby store who accomodated our immediate request. The Wellson Bike Shop around the corner readily took on our emergency repairs, to the extent of pending 2 bike assembly orders! Our gratitude to this shop.
The People who made this tenth day a Success:
The Cancer Warriors Foundation would like to thank the following people from Cebu:
Dondon Dimpas and Gelena Asis (local coordinators)
Today is the first official rest day. The B4L team took the roro from Dumaguete to Santander, Cebu. Santander is just 130km away from Cebu City. It would have been great to bike that leg but due to a previous commitment to our sponsors, we had to forego the bike ride and ride with the support and gear vehicles towards Cebu City.
Boy, tama na yan...
The group stopped over at Carcar to have a sumptuous lunch of lechon and chicharon. It was such a sinful meal! Everyone had a feast specially Ricky, Edsel and Boy! We warned them and reminded them of their diet but all they had to say was... "What diet?"
The whole group proceeded to the Pepsi plant of Cebu to pay our respects to our major sponsor. We also replenished our supplies. Maraming salamat sa Pepsi, Gatorade at Propel! It was interesting to note that the plant manager's sibling died of cancer as well. He said that it was easy for him to relate with the group's cause.
The entire group then headed to Cebu City for their much-needed R&R. Later that afternoon, James, Boy, Densio and I proceeded to a local radio station for a short interview at Y101.1 studio. What actually made my day was a surprise donation given by a good friend, Andy Mendiola. Maraming salamat!
That night, everyone had the chance to gimik out and enjoy the night life of Cebu. Sa uulitin!
Distance covered: 85 km Total Time Spent: 5.75 hours Total Riding Time: 5.5 hours # of Intentional Rest Stops: 1
# of Unintentional Rest Stops: 1 # of Core Riders: 6 # of Tatay Bikers: 3 Start Time: 9 am End Time: 2:45 pm
Highlights:
Today is the first day of sunshine and no rain (Yahoo!). The B4L team tackled the rolling coastal terrain of the road from San Carlos City to Dumaguete. The climb profile isn't as difficult as that of the Bacolod to San Carlos leg but the headwind made us exert more effort. Much to Boy Siojo's annoyance, I LOVED drafting and singing my lungs out behind him. (hehehe...)
It was another picturesque ride with the Mt. Talinis mountain ranges on our right and the Tañon Straight on our left. Further beyond the waters, we can see the mountains of Cebu's southermost tip. There were a lot of mangroves as well which reminded me so much of Ecorescue's mangroves tree planting activities in Pangasinan.
Our local mountaineer friend and Greenpeace representative, Albert Lozada, boasted of the twin lakes hidden in those mountain ranges. Dumaguete is also famous for its beautiful dive sites and abundance of dolphins in the region. A return to this place is a must in my book.
The B4L team had lunch at the town of Sibulan, 10km away from Dumaguete. We were met up with the local riders from Dumaguete. There were more than 100 of us who biked towards the city and to the next forum. It was such a festive scene since the locals provided a band similar to that of the atiatihan. Energy levels were increasing.
The biking ended at the beautiful grounds of Siliman University. The 3:30pm forum was held at the historical building inside the campus which was built with the original Spanish architecture still intact.
The forum has been one of the most positive so far. There were a lot of cancer victors present... down from the emcee, a volunteer biker, a Siliman University highschool teacher, the school's secretary and the pastor... all survived the big C. Dr. Macalua emphasized the importance of attacking cancer wholistically... not just touching on the medical aspect but rather the spiritual aspect of it. It is important to include the psycho-social impact of everything that's happening for the cancer patient.
Pastor Andrew Villegas shared his view about cancer. What struck me the most was when he said something like, "God's power is made perfect in my weakness." Every patient has a special connection with the Lord. We all left the forum with a stronger belief that what we are doing is truly worthwhile. Dumaguete...maraming maraming salamat!
Pumapayat na ba ako?
The People who made this eighth leg a Success:
The Cancer Warriors Foundation would like to thank the following:
Total Riding Time: 6 hours # of Intentional Rest Stops: 3 # of Unintentional Rest Stops: differs according to rider # of Core Riders: 6 # of Tatay Bikers: 3 # of Flat Tires: 2 # of Blown Exterior: 1 # of Broken Chains: 1 # of Broken Derailleur: 1 Start Time: 7:30 am End Time: 4 pm
Highlights:
highest peak: 2680 ft.
The B4L team met up with the Bacolod bikers at 6:30 am at Jollibee East. We were again pleasantly surprised with the turnout of riders. There were around 50 of us composed of different Bacolod bike groups. I was again happy to see 3 female riders join the peloton. The MedTrek riders also gave their donation at the meeting point. After the briefing led by Dr. Joel Yap of Medtrek, the group pedaled of at 7:30 am towards the city of San Carlos, Negros Oriental.
There are actually 2 routes going to San Carlos. The first option is a 144-km coastal road ride. The other one is a 90-km road traversing mountain ranges. According to local riders, the second option is more picturesque and would definitely be more exciting compared to the first option. Second option it is then! We chose the second option since there was no forum scheduled for this day and we can easily spend the whole day biking.
We passed through sugar cane fields with Mt. Kanlaon on our right and the ranges of Mt. Mandalagan on our left. We also passed through water falls that’s even bigger and taller than the Ma. Cristina Falls of Iligan. There was also Negros’ very own version of the chocolate hills. It was indeed a picturesque route.
However, it was also the most difficult and the most challenging one since we started this project. On one of the long and steep downhills, one young rider went over his bike and off to the gutter while he zigzagged downhill. He suffered from deep cuts and wounds. He was rushed immediately to the hospital to be treated right away. We just hoped and prayed that he didn’t suffer anything serious. On a lighter note, I suffered a seemingly minor accident as well. I was talking to and stopped for awhile only to realize that I haven’t taken off my clipless shoes from the pedals. Looking back, it was really funny to imagine falling sideways in slow motion. (Yikes!)
This ride has been the most grueling rides since we started. But then again, the views were breathtaking. We noticed the change in vegetation as we go through the course. We passed through areas with tropical trees. And then there were vast sugar cane fields. Later on, we passed through grasslands. And as we increase elevation, there were a lot of coniferous plants around. It was simply amazing.
As I write this blog entry, Boy Siojo and I can’t help but be impressed with how nice and hospitable the Bacolod riders have been. They have welcomed us warmly and supported the B4L team’s cause more than we could ever imagine. The MedTrek riders have been supportive since Day 1 and were the single-point-of-contact of the team to other local bike groups. Lily Sy brought boxes of asado rolls and napoleones. Those pastries were such great comfort food to boost the morale of the riders when tackling the uphills! Junjun Ponce and Jay Jalondoni sponsored the big group’s yummy meals and entertained the group untiringly as well!
We will forever be grateful to the warm people of Bacolod. Maraming maraming salamat po!
Boy Siojo... halfway down the route
The People who made this seventh leg a Success:
The Cancer Warriors Foundation would like to thank the following:
Albert Lozada
Jay Jalandoni and family
Mayor Lawrence Marxlen J. dela Cruz
Dr. Joel Yap and the rest of MedTrek bikers
Negros Occidental Cycling Federation
Team Papa Bird
Archie Trangko
BJ Tulod
Bacolod Biker Babes or B3
Lily Sy
Thanks to Edsel Ramirez for the pictures!
Trivia:
# of Gatorade bottles consumed by Ricky Pineda: 8 # of water bottles consumed by Ricky Pineda: 6 # of Asado Rolls eaten by Ricky Pineda: 7 # of Tanduay shots drank by Ricky Pineda: 2 # of Gatorade bottles consumed by Boy Siojo: 6
