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The HOG vest is worn with pride by every member of the elite Harley Owners Group Manila Chapter Philippines |
The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), in partnership with the Harley Owners Group (HOG) Manila Chapter's PH Ride With Purpose, brought motorcycle groups together at Mauban, Quezon last June 25. This is a joint effort in raising funds for the tree planting and eco-park development project along Daang Kalikasan in Pangasinan.
In November 2021, TPB, with the Department of Tourism (DOT), launched the Philippine Motorcycle Tourism (PMT) program to stimulate domestic tourism and capitalize on the country's scenic views enjoyed by several motorcycle groups. To date, TPB and several DOT Regional Offices are building PMT circuits as a new set of tourism products aimed at targeting millions of motorcycle enthusiasts and riders across the globe.
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TPB COO Maria Anthonette Velasco-Allones welcomes the participants at the event. |
“We continue to push the limits to create new ways to enjoy safe travel because we know that traveling and adventure give us purpose and new perspectives. The success of the PMT program exemplifies the demand for exploring the country on two wheels and presenting an alternative way of traveling to entice the public to discover more of the Philippines’ interesting culture, sites, cuisines, and other tourism products,” said TPB COO Maria Anthonette Velasco-Allones.
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A sea of Harleys graced the occasion. |
The very first PH Ride with a Purpose event by HOG Manila Chapter enlisted more than 2,000 motorcycle riders and enthusiasts who gathered to rally for responsible motorcycle riding and promote the province of Quezon as an adventure and culinary tourism destination.
Most of these motorcycle riders' groups avoided the main highways to get to Mauban, Quezon from Manila. Though it took a bit longer, they took the scenic and nostalgic route through the back roads of Pagsanjan, Lumban, Caliraya, Cavinti, and Luisiana to Lucban.
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Harleys are not just for men, but for lady riders, too. |
Bringing the “Sturgis” motorcycle rally experience to the Philippines, the event showcased activities such as skills demonstration, test rides, safety riding skills training, local delicacies food tasting, and local tourism promotion among others.
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Harley Owners Group Manila Chapter President Rizalino Roxas. |
“We are beyond grateful that this partnership with TPB pushes through as we work hand-in-hand to intensify domestic tourism, promote safe motorcycle riding, and advocate for environmental stewardship. Together, let us all ride with a purpose and make history in Quezon,” said Harley Owners Group Manila Chapter President Rizalino Roxas.
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Harley-Davidson motorcycles are art pieces on two wheels. |
All proceeds of the 1st PH Ride with a Purpose event will go to the 5-hectare tree planting project in partnership with the DENR in Daang Kalikasan in Pangasinan province.
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A parade of testosterone on display. |
To date, the TPB has successfully organized ride events in CALABARZON, Central Luzon, and Bicol Regions in close coordination with DOT regional offices. The recently concluded #ExcitingBicol PMT Ride was held simultaneously in the provinces of Albay (Mayon 360 Ride), Sorsogon (Countryside Ride), Camarines Sur (Naga City Ride), and culminated in Catanduanes for the Happy Island 360 Ride that covered 11 municipalities and highlighted the province-wide celebration of this year’s Abaca Festival.
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Jay Bautista leads his team from Harley-Davidson of Manila. |
TPB has strengthened its partnership with Breakfast Ride Community, Vespa Club of the Philippines, Mindanao Confederation of Big Bike Clubs (MCBBC), Oriental Mindoro Motorcycle Riders Club (OMMRC) Inc., Honda XADV Owners Club, and Adventure Team Philippines by supporting its ride events, activities, and advocacies.
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Marites T. Castro, OIC-Director of CALABARZON and Arabelle Jimenez of Motourismo.ph |
Road-Tripping in Quezon Province
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Festive decor at theTayabas Plaza. |
The event provided the opportunity to promote Quezon as a tourist destination for fun and safe motorcycle riding. Boasting diverse tourist attractions such as heritage homes, churches, and bridges, burgeoning farm attractions, and a wide array of cuisines and delicacies, this province is a must-visit not only for riders but is a family-friendly destination for all.
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The Malagonlong bridge known for its Spanish colonial arch-stone architecture is declared a National Cultural Treasure under the Historic Bridges of Tayabas. |
The province is also gaining interest with farm to table experience that offers a unique gastronomic delight that is a must-try for every traveler. Here are some of the ones we visited over the weekend:
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Al fresco dining at Cornelia's Plate in Lucban with Mount Banahaw as a backdrop. |
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Earthkeepers Garden and Restaurant in Tiaong serves organic food and sells garden ornaments and plants. |
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Tilapia sa Gata at Linang ni LK is a farm resort in Lucban owned by Chef Francis Christian “Janjie” Ocoma. |
“We are confident that through these initiated and supported activities, we were able and will continue to regain the confidence of the public to travel domestically for the sustained recovery of the tourism industry,” COO Allones added.
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Philippine Motorcycle Tourism Ambassador, Ms. Jet Lee. |
To know more about the program, visit Philippine Motorcycle Tourism’s official pages on Facebook @PHMotorycleTourism and on Instagram @PHMotorcycleTourism.
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He is also a tech specialist, inventor, and automotive engineer. He managed the motor pool for the largest limousine company in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. He is now based in the Philippines, and together with his life partner, Arabelle Jimenez, co-founded motourismo.ph, a motoring tourism, and lifestyle news publication.
Monch
is currently the President of BuildMeUp Corp, a digital media company.
You may e-mail him at monchnrs@gmail.com
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