Get to know Holyos Manuel, the man known as the walking map of the motorcycle industry, and his passion for motorcycles and touring.
Don’t chase time, waste it! These are the famous lines left to us by the man, Holyos Manuel, known as the walking map of the motorcycle industry. His passion for motorcycles and touring is at par. Why is he called the walking map? What made him love motorcycles? Is traveling on two wheels hoping the Philippine island is possible?
We have the privilege of chatting with Sir Holyos Manuel. He is a volunteer contributor to the Lifestyle On Wheels’ Motourism section, a freelancer, and a certified 7th time Philippine Looper. His love of motorcycles and touring (MoTourism) made him realize, “Don’t chase time, waste it!”. His initial story, “Philippines- Ride It In 7,641 Ways”, will truly change the way we see visiting the Seven Thousand Six Hundred Forty-One islands of our country with just a motorcycle.
WHY DO YOU RIDE A MOTORCYCLE?
H: This is a way for me to travel faster, cheaper, and lighter. I can freely visit my friends from far places. It feels different when the wind hits you while riding a motorcycle as compared to the air-conditioned four-wheeled vehicle.
WHEN DID YOU START RIDING A MOTORCYCLE?
H: I started riding a motorcycle way back in 2004. It’s good for my hobby, traveling, and at the same time, I looked at it as my past time going to places like Tagaytay and Baguio.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST BIKE?
H: In 2005, I bought my first motorcycle, a 2002 Honda Wave 125S. I got it from a previous owner since I can only afford that time. I was happy with that motorcycle and it led me to associate myself with club riders on the motorcycle portal, Motorcycle Philippines- MCP.
WHICH MOTORCYCLE CLUB DO YOU GET FIRST INTO?
H: Since I live in Pasay City, there’s a club that regularly hang-out in Makati. I joined Makati Moto Club (MMC) last July 2005.
WHERE IS YOUR FIRST LONG RIDE?
H: When I became the President of MMC way back in 2006, I suggested “Let’s try Baguio?!” Although some of us already made the Manila-Baguio Ride, this time it’s overnight. That was my first long ride. It took us 12-hours since, during that time, we only relied on asking pedestrians for directions. No “Waze” or “Google Maps” back then.
WHICH OF YOUR RIDES WOULD YOU CALL AN ACHIEVEMENT RIDE?
H: North Loop. We planned out with Mr. Emman Balmes, a.k.a. Mr. Suave. He made the route plan and after 4-days of riding, we declared it as our achievement ride. During that time, riders are not that exposed to that long riding for days.
DID YOUR MOTORCYCLE HELP A LOT IN ALL YOUR JOURNEY?
H: Because of my motorcycle, I can easily visit beautiful places in our country. Especially the island of Luzon, since it was the only island that we could wander around at that time.
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU DISCOVERED ON YOUR TRIP?
H: Back then, I was not aware that by using a motorcycle, I could visit the islands of the Visayas and Mindanao. Since the Philippines is an archipelago, there are no bridges to connect islands to traverse and ride. And I found out it’s possible using the roll-on roll-off ferry, RORO.
WHEN DID YOU FIRST TOUR THE PHILIPPINES?
H: 2011, We rode as far as General Santos in Southern Mindanao and the Visayas area, particularly Cebu and Bohol. I realized the leisure of riding was then turned into a hobby.
WHEN DID THE PHILIPPINE LOOP STARTED?
H: We opened the Philippine Loop with our maiden ride together with big bikers last 2013. They’re all riding BMW’s and I am the only one riding a scooter, Honda Scoopy. We made a route plan with Sir Francis Rivera and it’s still the planned route as of to date.
WHY DID YOU ORGANIZE THE PHILIPPINE LOOP?
H: We want to encourage riders to travel the Philippines by doing what we did. It is doable. Although issues on other riders raise like budget, accommodation and its benefits. Bottom line, don’t be a foreigner in your own homeland.
PHILIPPINE LOOP, IS THERE ANYTHING WE CAN LEARN FROM IT?
H: I learn a lot from the Philippine Loop. After 7 Philippine Loop, I learned that I have a passion for knowing our history. The places and its origin. Its culture besides experiencing its best notable place, tasting the best food, and getting acquainted with the locals. But my favorite is to visit the old churches and bridges.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN IN MOTORCYCLE RIDING?
H: I learned that it is possible to be safe riding a motorcycle. From head to toe, protection is needed. And you’ll be protected using safety gear.
WHAT CHARACTER DO YOU SEE OF THE RIDERS?
H: Basically, you don’t need a group or club when riding a motorcycle. But, when you ride alone. You will see riders wave at each other. That is camaraderie. One form of expressing brother to a brother, sister to a sister. Do you see?
To Holyos Manuel, we will ride again with you soon!
Above all, continue to follow HOLYOS MANUEL’s best rides at Lifestyle On Wheels Facebook, and Instagram. Also, watch it on our Youtube Channel and on broadcast TV Pinoy Xtreme Channel. And finally, read more stories on our website.
ARTICLE: ALEX A SOURCE: HOLYOS MANUEL | MMC | ATP PRODUCTION: J AD MEDIA
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