Nay! This is not about the current heirs to the much-coveted designer bags and other fashion accessories of the top One Percent.
The offsprings here of Hermes, the Greek god of speed are that extra special kind of men who has a fascination, and yes, a love affair with their big motorcycle bikes. These fellows travel fast, furiously, and responsibly, of course, riding on one adventure after the other, with their comrades. Their bond and friendship started with that “need for speed,” adrenaline-pumped and testosterone-induced travels, on their motorbikes, and amazing adventures and encounters on the road that separate these macho papas from the boys.
Keanu Reeves, of the Matrix and John Wick franchises, is an actor who revealed in an interview during his teen years that big bikes and the men who rode them enchanted him. When he was able to afford to have his own, he became a collector of motorbikes and even gifted some of the stuntmen he worked with truly precious ones.
In the Philippines, some of the most noteworthy motorbike aficionados are actors Dingdong Dantes, Jericho Rosales, Dominic Roque, Ian Veneracion, Drew Arellano, and Xian Lim. Even acclaimed broadcast journalist Jay Taruc has a show dedicated to the motorbiking cause, including its men and muses.
Thus, it is no longer a puzzlement as to the hows and whys of the First Freedom Ride Festival, which is set to happen from November 25 to 27 at the Liwasang Ulalim, CCP Complex Pasay City.
Tony Andaya, President of Mason Bikers – Sons of Luzon says: “We are a club that started as a motorcycle group comprised of members coming from Luzon Lodge No. 57. Our members have a sworn-in obligation to honor, respect, and be loyal to Sons, take care and watch over my brothers during and every after the ride, take care of my cuts the way I take care of my bike and honor and respect the patch and the group it represents.”
With over 18 million strong motorcycle riders in the Philippines now, the community without a doubt continues to grow.
“We are aware that this is not just a barkadahan of men who have a need for speed and adventure. We have a loftier goal which is to promote motorcycle tourism in the Philippines, and at the same time, be the solid force that brings positive changes that affect all of us. And as the saying goes…. four wheels move the body and two wheels move the soul,” he adds.
Aside from Monsieur Andaya, Odhey Isip Mhel De Leon (secretary), Marco Gregorio (road captain), Dave Bedio, Charlz Adano, and Jay Ranola (officers) are present during the press conference held at Vespa Club to announce the motorbiking festival.
What can people expect from the first Freedom Ride Festival? Anda answers swiftly: “This most awaited motorcycle event of the year has a three-day run which will be participated in by sponsors and enthusiasts. There will be concerts, motorcycle clinics for kids, a motorcade, a food bazaar, exhibits, and a lot more!”
Partnering with the Sons of Luzon for this motorcycle festival is Handpicked World, an independent record label, events, and management with Elimar “Eli” Luna as its head. Their primary focus is on OPM and pop music, and currently, they are charting the musical carriers of Nemic, Denj, Last Section, and Love Eat Pray.
Rocking and rolling on stage during the first day are Mojofly, Caren Tevanny, Denj Alone, The Joyrides, Nemic, Last Section, Antipara, Martin, Pommelo, Dotty’s World, and Elliot Lemi.
The musical mojo continues on the second day with Happy Three Friends, Agos, Molay, Love Eat Pray, Gracefall, Approaching Zero, Tanakut, SundaySpecial, Supremo, All is Everything, Quatro, and Whiz.