Imagine 2,000 motorcyclists from around the country converging on one city for a two-night gathering filled with camaraderie and fun moments. That is exactly what took place earlier this month in Iloilo City, which hosted the 25th National Federation of the Motorcycle Clubs of the Philippines National Convention at the Iloilo Convention Center.
The event is an annual activity that hosts gatherings across the country. The convention was held in Bicol last year and will travel to Davao City next. These “big bikers” convene to promote road safety, driver discipline, camaraderie, and professionalism.
Members come from all walks of life including businessmen, government officials, various professionals, entrepreneurs, and retirees participate in the convention.
The convention is a boost to local tourism. As mentioned in my earlier column entitled “Iloilo City hosts big bikers gathering”: “As part of the national organizing team for past conventions, my conservative calculation suggests each biker spends around P8,000 over the course of two days – that’s P20 million for Iloilo City.”
The “big bikers” enjoyed the hospitality of the “City of Love.”
Alongside Federation Chairman Emeritus Manolet Lamata, other federation officials attending the event included Rolando Ting of Cebu, Lito Aves of Bacolod City, Butch Chase of Puerto Princesa City, and Ken Angeles of Davao City. President Rodrigo Duterte, member of Davao City’s On Any Sunday Motorcycle Club, served as guest speaker.
Many of the attendees stayed at the Richmonde Hotel Iloilo and essentially remained within the facility as they enjoyed drinks at Zabana Bar and BizBar, and dined at The Granary.
Meanwhile, Thunderbugs Bacolod led by Mikey Benedeicto, Aves, Gerard Mora, and Hernan Fermin, were also present for the convention.
These are some of the bikers I welcomed to the Western Visayas./WDJ
