Category: Motoring

Solo Ride in Biliran

Biliran is an island province in the Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines. Formerly a sub-province of Leyte, it’s one of the country’s newest provinces, having only become independent in 1992. After an amazing action-packed canyoneering adventure at Sampao River ending at Ulan-Ulan Falls and island-hopping to Sambawan Island the previous days with tour operator Trexplore and some friends based in Cebu, I was on my own. So, I decided to rent a motorcycle to check out what the rest of Biliran had to offer.

01-motorcycling-biliran-travelup
Continue reading “Solo Ride in Biliran”

Baguio by Big Bike: Ride Along Motorcycle Tours

For riders, travel is usually more about the journey than the destination. Sometimes it doesn’t matter where you go. Just hitting the open road, soaking in the beautiful scenery as you drive off into the sunset is an epic adventure in itself.

Whenever I travel to a different province, I try to rent a motorcycle. Usually, it’s just whatever run-down model I can get my hands on. I’ve ridden solo in many beautiful island destinations like Batanes, Bohol, Siargao, Siquijor and Cebu. On my own faithful Yamaha Mio Fino, the farthest I’ve driven is from Manila to Bicol.

But it’s not everyday that you get to ride on the expressway up to Baguio on a Harley Davidson. Oh yeah, baby! Achievement unlocked! Seriously, just sitting on this bike gives you instant 1000+ Astig Points.

01-ride-along-motorcycle-tours-philippines-harley-davidson-travelup
Continue reading “Baguio by Big Bike: Ride Along Motorcycle Tours”

Royal Enfield rides into Manila

Royal Enfield kicked off the launch of its first exclusive store in Manila with a night of bikes, blues, and beer.

royal enfield manila store launch band

Biker clubs and bike builders came in full support last June 25 as the world’s oldest motorcycle brand opened its first concept store and showroom in the Philippines. The Royal Enfield brand has been under the distribution for a few years now under Hardcore Brothers Custom Motorcycles, Inc. Continue reading “Royal Enfield rides into Manila”

Moto Builds Pilipinas 2015

I’ve been wanting to upgrade my scooter for a while now. It hasn’t been running as smoothly as it used to no matter how many times we’ve taken it to the mechanic. Visiting Moto Builds Pilipinas was like entering a candy store when you’re sugar deprived. There were just so many awesome custom-built bikes under one roof.

01. motobuilds pilipinas 2015 cafe racer yamaha surf bike by kratos

It seems like Cafe Racer and Tracker style bikes are making a comeback in the Philippines and seeing the vintage and classic machines firsthand just reinforced my desire to switch to one. I especially liked this Yamaha Surf Bike by Kratos Customs Cycles.

Continue reading “Moto Builds Pilipinas 2015”

Nissan GT Academy turns Gamers into Pro Racers

Are you a Filipino gamer who wants a taste of life in the fast lane for real? You’ll want to join this!

Nissan Philippines Inc. finally launches its international virtual-to-reality competition known as the GT Academy here in the Philippines! Gran Turismo (or GT) is a series of popular and critically-acclaimed racing video games developed by Polyphony Digital exclusively for PlayStation systems. The GT Academy takes the country’s best Gran Turismo players and turns them into professional race car drivers.

nissan playstation gt academy philippines launch 01

Continue reading “Nissan GT Academy turns Gamers into Pro Racers”

Ford EcoSport Mystery Case Media Drive

Racing against the clock in the traffic-congested streets of Manila in the rain (during rush hour!) sounds like one of my worst nightmares. Especially in a scenario where I don’t own the vehicle and have just signed a waiver stating I will be liable for damages. The cryptic invitation for the Ford EcoSport Mystery Case had media racing around the city following clues ala Amazing Race. Though I drive a motorcycle and a (very old manual) car, I’m not exactly the racing type when it comes to SUVs.

01. ford ecosport mystery case graffiti wall Continue reading “Ford EcoSport Mystery Case Media Drive”

Road Trip: Cafe Lago & Lake Pandin, Laguna

The areas of Laguna, Quezon and Batangas are ideal for quick day or weekend trips from Manila. I usually like taking solo motorcycle rides to the Sierra Madre area (passing through the Marikina-Rizal highway) for some fresh air during the weekend. But for those who drive cars, most of the destinations are quicker via SLEX. In fact, the famed Viaje del Sol route lists many charming and unique places that celebrate Filipino culture, that you can visit on your road trip.

cafe lago ford explorer travelup

Continue reading “Road Trip: Cafe Lago & Lake Pandin, Laguna”

Binondo Food Trip with Ford

Binondo is a vibrant district in Manila and is the world’s oldest Chinatown. This historic Chinese quarter is known for its affordable eats, heritage sights and rich culture. While the place itself is very interesting, getting to and from here and finding a space to park is usually not that pleasant when you have to drive. The traffic in general and congested alleys makes Binondo one of the most difficult places in Manila to drive a car. If I have to go here, I’d rather commute or take a motorcycle instead. But a few days before Chinese New Year, I found myself driving through Binondo’s streets and actually enjoying it.

Continue reading “Binondo Food Trip with Ford”