Bikers hit the road for the Holy Child

CEBU, Philippines - More than 500 big bike owners all over the Visayas and Mindanao gathered with foreign visitors and government officials including Sen. Bong Revilla for their 7th Sinulog Street Vibrations tour from Mandaue City to Naga as their tribute to the Sto. Niño.

This yearly tradition of "earth-shaking vibrations" was organized by V-Max Owners Group spearheaded by its President Rolando Ting and Vice President Bienvenido "Jun" Mabanto Jr.

Paul Alcazaren, the VOG secretary said that their activity was a huge success, although they encountered rain as they traveled.

Alcazaren said that Revilla traveled with them but yesterday the senator together with his wife, Rep. Lani Mercado only went to their assembly area at the Mandaue Sports Complex.

"Naay diperensiya ang kamot ni Senator Bong mao nang wala siya nakakuyog namo. But nagpasalamat gihapon mi nga niadto siya," Alcazaren said.

Mabanto earlier said that they are paying homage to the Holy Child since they were saved from an impending sea tragedy a few years ago on their way to Baguio.

"Kung wala pa ang Sto. Niño, aw nangamatay na tingali ming tanan atong higayuna," Mabanto recalled when the ship they were riding was hit by a huge wave causing it to tilt.

The participants were treated to brunch at the Waterfront Cebu Hotel and Casino. They were also given free Street Vibrations t-shirts, bandanas and arm protectors.

The bikers gathered at the Mandaue Sports Complex then went to Asiatown IT Park in Lahug then proceeded with the bike parade going through Mango Ave., Capitol, then to the town of Naga.

In Naga, the bikers gathered at the Naga Port Plaza and were treated to food and drinks, after the stopover the riders proceeded with the bike rally passing through the South Road Properties, passing through Mandaue City, then to Lapu-Lapu City. After going around Mactan Island the riders proceeded to Casino Español for dinner and the all-night party.

VOG was organized in 2000 headed by former Cebu City councilor and former regional director of the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board Rogelio "Jingjing" Osmeña.

VOG aims to provide a forum for the sharing of information among its members and also to the general motorcycle enthusiast as a whole, and to promote riding safely, mutual respect and courtesy among fellow riders. (FREEMAN)