All set for 1st Bike Week

Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon congratulated Randy Earman, president of Mad Dog Motorcycle Club (MDMC) Philippines for spearheading the 1st Bike Week Philippines 2003, dubbed as the biggest international motorcycle event in the country in time for Visit Philippines 2003 and for initiating the ‘Visit Philippines First" project aimed to promote motorcycle tourism to both local and foreign motorbike enthusiasts.

The event is organized by the MDMC in conjunction with the 9th Annual Convention of the National Federation of Motorcycle Clubs of the Philippines (NFMCP) to be held starting tomorrow.

"This is an excellent means to promote the natural attractions of the Philippines and the best time to show the visiting bikers and the whole world as well that the Philippines is a safe destination," Gordon said.

"This would complement our campaign in the international scene that our country has a great deal to offer, the Filipino’s renowned hospitality and the incomparable tourist destinations in our over 7,100 islands," he added.

About 13 countries have confirmed participation and more than 5,000 delegates from all over the country are expected to attend each day of the event which will be held at the Bike Week Village in NBC Tent at The Fort and in Subic Bay, Zambales.

According to Atty. James Raterta, vice president of the MDMC, the event is expected to draw riders from as far north as Cagayan Valley in Luzon to Zamboanga down south.

The staging of Bike Week Philippines is set two weeks after the Bike Week Phuket which is now in its ninth year. Thailand used to be the only country in Asia to stage a Bike Week.

The event will also be observed in Makati City, Taguig City and Mandaluyong City. These cities have declared specific days in their calendar for Bike Week.

The event is open to all types of motorcycles whether big bikes, trail bikes or scooters. Other activities of the event include a bike conference, motorcycle rides and tours to selected destinations in Luzon, motocross competition, exhibits, stunt shows, lectures, concerts, street parties and food festival.

Major sponsors of the event are PAGCOR, BMW Motorrad Philippines, Shell Advance Motorcycle Oils, the Department of Tourism, Norkis-Yamaha Industries, Unilever, and different government agencies.

Interested parties may call Hernan Narvarez of the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corp. at tel. no. 525-9318.