Carlos Celdran should have been a History Teacher. Maybe then, students can appreciate not only History but about being a Filipino! The indefatigable guide of everything Manila organized a bike ride for helpDOT to promote not only biking around Manila but also promoting the country’s tourism after days of depressing national news.
Bikers (and runners!) turned up for the event in the wee hours of September 5 in front of the Manila Film Center. It was a cool 17 kilometers around Intramuros with the prominent landmarks like Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, Puerto Real, and Fort Santigao looming over the bikers.
A prayer was said for the victims of the hostage taking a couple of weeks ago.
I didn’t know that Roxas Blvd was such a happening place on an early Sunday morning! Groups of bikers were zipping around while groups of exercisers moved to loud pop music by the bay.
I loved it when Carlos said, “We should be the tourists not only in our own country but in our TOWN as well.” It also surprised me that many bikers who resided in Metro Manila have NEVER been to Intramuros!
Veterans and newbies, young and old, boys and girls, roadies, mountain bikes and foldies, runners and even Alay Lakad participants composed our group of ”tourists” for that day.
The group ended the tour in Luneta where Carlos graciously posed with the participants.
Our group decided to eat at the famous Aristocrat along Roxas Blvd. to savor their famous chicken barbecue with java sauce! Yum!
Enjoy more of this historic place by joining Carlos Celdran’s “If These Walls Could Talk” tours or follow him on Twitter.
For more pictures, visit our Flickr Set.
Finally, tourism on bikes! A couple of years ago, i brought my foldable bike from toronto to manila, hoping that i could at least bike from my home to salcedo market. It was death-defying! I have brought the bike back since. Hopefully, with carlos and bikers like you, manila will realize that bikes are the transpo alternative our city needs. And actually the best way to see this wonderful city of ours. Keep riding!
Truly a breakthrough idea!!! Well Carlos does a lot of breakthrough things. I just hope that there are more pushes like this and my group will definitely support this.
Kudos to Carlos!!!