74th Birthday celebration at Lanai by Annabel's at Sampaloc Tanay

Wheels of Happiness

My 74th birthday celebration and the Father's day took place at Lanai by Annabel's at Km 69 in Sampaloc Tanay.  It is some 200 meters from Magnetic Climb (the toughest portion of the Sampaloc ride.   The Magnetic portion is viisble from the resto.  From here the Laguna Lake and windmill in Tanay are quite visible.

The resto was full (you have to make reservation prior) to get a table.   We met some senior execs of a universal bank beside our table.

Food was expensive (we used to eat at Turs2 with food not costing than PHP 100.00 per meal. 

It was a great experience to celebrate at such an elevated and pricey place with fam (apo included -  she enjoyed being here so much and spent extra one hour at the site playing)      

Unique birthday celebration of daughter at Barbaras in Gen Luna Intramuros

Wheels of Happiness

It was the birthday of the youngest daughter and she invited us, me and the clan (15 in all) to a dinner at Barbaras at Gen Luna St, in front of Plaza Luis (the courtyard of St. Agustine Church for a dinner celebration. 

It was buffet and pricey because there was a cultural show.  There were many foreigners, mostly AFAMs in attendance.  The venue was superb - an old Spanish type house with crystal chandelier.  The food was 90% Filipino:   paella, sinigang, papaitan, stewed vegetables with Bagoong, Filipino dessert.     And there was a cultural show:   tinikling, sayaw sa baso.  An audience participation was asked.  Our apo did the tinikling.  The dancers received generous tips from spectators.

We should have plenty  of occasions or venues where Filipino culture can be showcased to tourists like restos and tourist spots.   (Perhaps there are plenty but I have not been active in these spots)

It is a rare sight and experience for me.  For decades I have not seen a local cultural show.  I=

It was a night to remember.   Only at Barbaras.

Age number ride yesterday up to Quisao Pililla

Wheels of Happiness

I rode remembered my age with a 76 km ride to Quisao Laguna up to km 65 post.

65 -27 km reading in Angono  =  38 x 2  =  76.

I rode home via Diversion, a steep stiff ride.

I visited also the wake of the mother of former employee at Tatala Binangonan.  Also 2 km steep climb.

Happy birthday to me.  

Triple Bday Celebration at Litsunan in Pililla Today. Happy Birthday Engr June, Joel and Etoy; salamat sa masarap na handa

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines
February 4, 2018

                                            Waiting for lechon and other food to bevserved

Happy birthday to the following:

            Engr. June Francisco
            Kapadyak Joel Javier
            Kapadyak Etoy Mariposa

Salamat po sa pakain sa amin who were almost in perfect attendance:  Pres Luis, VM, Vhen, Sec. Richard, Papa Ric, Gerry Y, Gerry Cataps, Angel, Etoy,  Ed (7 days)  Chito F, Richard,  Allan, Jeff, Jess V. Meong, Pangskie, Nolite, Jimmy, Peter A, Master  me   (26 tayong lahat kangina?  Ang dami ah)

                                            Assembly at  Simples Lugawan (di tiyempo sa Fiesta Feb 7)

                                                        Si Richard nakatuwad pah...

                                                       Kasama na ako

                                                     Two seniors supervising Jeff's work

                                                     Relaxing conversing at Bukohan in OL (20 buko)

                                                Jess, Joel, Engr. June and Boks

                                        Richard doing the MC work announcing the Paoay Ride
                                                          details

                                         Vhen and Nolite being bothered by same affliction - p

Nolite Sulit celebratef his 64th birthday today with the Recyclists

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines
November 4, 2017

Nolite Sulit celebrated his 64th birthday today in his new place in Kalayaan together with the Recyclists today.  There were about 15 who arrived from Simples Lugawan in Morong Rizal at about 10:30 this morning.

Some of the important visitors included Engr. June, Papa Ric (who still bikes at the age 85) and Edgar (7 days)

   I arrived at 1230 because I still went to work.  The good thing was I had pansit and cake.  They didn't

I learned this birthday celebration from Vhen Apran whom I rode alongside from Tayuman to Montevideo   He said that Meong will text me when he reached Morong.  Meong texted me but I was busy with the meeting.

Celebrating birthday with a long ride

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines
June 23, 2017

Birthday cycling inspiration

I celebrated my 6 years after being senior last Tuesday by doing a long bike ride.  I planned to do a one way ride equivalent to my age.   So that would be riding up to Kalayaan (near the hydro power plant)  However, right after I reached Mabitac (the plain after Bugarin) it started to rain and I had to turn back.  I would have probably done only 45 km one way (21 km short)   On the way back about 11 am, it was all ready to shot.  The ride back going home took me 2.5  hours.  I got a flat tire in Calumpang.  There  was no puncture but the patches probably peeled off during the extreme heat.

The extreme heat (I all ready saw blue as I biked near home) let me decide not to join the long ride to San Felipe on Saturday

Celebrate your birthday on your bike

I had bike ride with Gelo and Reymond; friends at Wawa Ecopark

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines
April 7, 2016

We had a bike ride last Friday with some of acquaintances at Wawa ecopark:  Gelo:   a young artist with MTB (Trinx) and Reymond (who used to work at household at Forbes of the King family -  Kings Court, Anito and Victoria Court) who has a Mosso rode bike which had Durace group set. He got it from one of the King scion.  (I told him Rappler got me as an authority on Victoria court Interview by Rappler on Victoria Court

We met at 6:00 am at Shell Pag - Asa (Gelo lives at Pedro Cruz which just had a big fire last Saturday) and Reymond lives at Paceo Blanco near LTO)  I brought my SAVA bike with me.  We rode up to Maybancal Morong and had lugaw at Simples.  On the way back we rode through diversion.  There, the two left me on the second bend but I overtook them before the Crystal East entrance.  I left them also at LLDA, but they left me from Darangan to Tayuman

We then went to the place of Reymond.  Reymond used to live in Mandaluyong. they are from Puerto Princesa Palawan.   He is now a full tme student taking up criminology.  His brother bought a 4 storey house in Paseo Blanco and they are renovating the house.  His brother works at ME.  I there learned too that Gelo hails from Sabtang Batanes. (I happened to have toured with the family Puerto Princesa and Batanes.)

I requested Reymond to buy me a powerful 3,000 candle light rechargeable LED bike lamp in Quiapo.  (He told me this morning when I met him on my way back from Morong  that he bought it all ready last Friday)  Yesterday, he was at Wawa and brought the flashlight with him.

Today, Sunday is the birthday of Reymond and he invited us to attend his handa.

Happy birthday - Reymond.

Celebration of 40th birthday of Richard Ang yesterday

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines
March 1, 2016

The 40th birthday of Recyclist Richard Ang was celebrated yesterday in his house together with some 20 plus Recyclists.   They had to attend, or else.... get a punch on the thigh (as published at Facebook (lagot si Engr. June, si Master at si Joel)  Those who came:  Kuya Boy, Vhen, Pres Luis, Tito, Chito (he did not go to to work at Mit. Sta Rosa just to attend), the Zapanta brothers:    Armin and Archie, Sec Noe, Victor, Val, Weng, Gerry K, VM, Jeff, Pangskie, JB,

It was a very happy occasion becasue many attended (out of fear) not because of devotion or love of Richard) hahaha.    There papaitan, spaghetti, laing, menudo, adobo, cucumber salad, embutido.  Drinks flowed:   SML,and light brandy.

On top of that there is videoke singing, and there would a Miss Gay contest later on. (I did not see this because I left early)

Theoretically, Richard celebrated his 40th birthday.  But since it on a leap year, he celebrated this only 10x.

Happy birthday Richard.

My bike ride today, October 3, 2015

Wheels of Happiness

Angono, Rizal Philippines
October 3, 2015

Its the birthday of my late mother today.  Happy Birthday Inang.

I rode to Antipolo, heard mass at the church and then rode to Teresa.  On the way I practiced two sprints going up to Robinson land and one before descending to Teresa.  Then another sprint at Hill right after San Guillermo.

I had my lugaw at the lugawan at the kanto to the left before descending to town proper.

Let me tell you stories about some of my chases/race with some bikers:

Bike ride to Real Up to Cell Site yesterday (December 21, 2014)

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines  | December 22, 2014

                             Happy birthday Gerry

This rider unexpectedly joined Idol (Ed Valdez) and Angel Balubar in a bike ride to Real Quezon (up to the cell site tower after about a mile long steep ascent after the quarry.

I started out with a plan to only ride to Morong and probably join the group up to Pisong Kape.   I joined Master after brief stop at Sacred Heart Parish in Tayuman.  He was on ride/spinning mode and was in no hurry.  We ended up in Morong at about 7+ am.  It was the birthday of Gerry Y and all the lugaw and mountain dew were on him.

Happy Birthday, Gerry (he said the age is a secret)

My bike ride yesterday to Pililla October 3, 2014

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines  October 4, 2014

It was the birthday of my late mother and I offered a long ride for her to Pililla. I envied the time of Gerry of 60 minutes to ride to Pililla.  I was able to do 1:10 going there.   I did not stop at Morong;  I did Morong still in 40 minutes.. I left 6:10 and arrived at km 58 at 7:20.

I was in Morong by 8:30 and things began to slow down.  Val was there and we had Lomi and puto breakfast.   We parted ways and said he was going back to Angono via Teresa.

We started out past 9:00 and I was home by 10:15.  I had an appointment at 10:30 and had some minutes to spare to dress up and wipe off dust and perspiration.

Happy Birthday Joel! Engr. June ! (Where are you?)

Wheels of Happiness

Morong, Rizal  Philippines  January 26, 2014

HAPPEE BIRTHDAY JOEL! 

Many many tsalap birthdays to come.

Joel feted the Recyclists to free breakfast at Simple's lugawan in Maybangcal Morong. He must have treated about 10+:  Gerry, Edgar, Jess, VM,  Albert, Jorgeusbiker, Secx,  Chito, Jeffrey, Ven, Master, Choco2, Gerry Y  (13) It was his birthday yesterday, January 25, 2014

How old is Joel. He say he is 29.  I am sure he is lying (He looks much younger than that, maybe he is 20 years old. only hahaha)  (In reality he is a golden boy + 1)

Engr. June is supposed to be celebrating his birthday this month too.  But he is nowhere since June 2013 celeb in Los Banos

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOEL.

From Recyclists and other fans....admirers.

                                   Joel was the first to arrive at Simples lugawan

                                    Pres Luis and I wore orange jerseys

                                   Gerry Y, Jeff and VM

                                   Chito, Pres Luis, Jess, Albert, Master, Gerry and Edgar

                                         Gerry Y choosing what goes in his Lugaw

                                Joel and Secx

                                 Boyeth of Taytay had a camera on his helmet but battery is dead

                                 Pres Luis Jeff and  Albert

                                  VM  and Gerry

How I rode yesterday December 8, 2013

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal, Philippines  December 9, 2013

                                Fine view at KM 51, a great day to bike

I left at about 6:45 and passed by as usual at Sacred Heart Parish in Tayuman, Binangonan, Rizal to pray and get blessings from Fr. Willy.  It was the feast of Immaculate Concepcion.  After the blessing, "Ite missa est"  I started my ride.  A group of Taytay riders was passed by the moment I stepped out of church yard and I gave a chase.  They were not doing so fast, maybe 29 to 31 and I caught up with them near Tagpos and even went up ahead of their peloton in Bilibiran.  There I overtook Ben.  I guessed Ben did not recognize me.  Then I waited for Ben in Darangan, and he recognized me this time.  We rode slowly until Mambog.  I surged until the top.

In Cardona, Choco2 and VM caught up with us.  They were again with a group of hard riding Taytay riders and they were sweating profusely.   At Callahan, I tried to attack VM who was ahead.  I was on 50 x 19 and spun.  I was ahead until the Queen Mary hospital, Choco attacked and I tried to chase him.  Downhill, VM passed me.  Immediately after descending, at the last curve, I attacked the two and passed Choco2 who was ahead.  Near Bagombon, the duo passed me and I waited for Ben to arrive.  I was able to take his picture pa.

Then lugaw at Simples.  That was about 8:00 am .  At about 8: 15, we left for Pisong kape.    I was at the rear of the first group.  I again chased the group, and Vic was in front of him.  Past Lagundi, I overtook the first peloton, and I stopped their picture at KM 50 in Baras.  I gave a chase again, and I saw that Ernie Mariposa (the father of Choco2) and Vic lost steam and were left behind.   I did not  catch the rest.  But at km 59, I stopped, waited to take pictures of others.  I was surprised that I was ahead of VM, Master E, Edgar, Sigmond Ado.  I took their pictures.  It was unusual for me to be ahead and take pictures.

I left the group at at Pisong Kape at about 9+ to ride up to Bugarin.  I employed the large chain ring.  I pedaled at 50 x 23, or 50x25.  That made my legs and thighs cry in pain again.  But I compensated by riding slowly.

On the way back, I came across a group of 3:   one lady and 2 Caucasians all on  TT or tribikes.  I gave chase and even passed them uphill at Maybancal (from DPWH up to barangay hall).  This time I can give a chase.  I can surge and even attack.  (Yabang po)

Unfortunately, the Bugarin ride made me come late for Armin's birthday celebration.

Happy birthday again Armin, maski di umabot ng kainan.

I was able to stop and take their pictures in time:

                                       Ben at KM 44 in Morong Rizal

                                          Choco2, Chieboy and Pareng Luis at KM 50 in Baras

                                       Vic, Joseph, Gerry and Alan at KM 50

                            Edgar adn Sigmond at the last Hill Crest, KM 59 in Halayhayin Pililla

                              VM and Master E, at the last hill crest, just before Pisong Kape

Happy Birthday Armin

Wheels of Happiness

Angono, Rizal Philippines  |  December 8 2013

                                 HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARMIN; still baby face

Today is the feast of Immaculate Concepcion.

Today is the birthday handa of Armin in house in Bloomingdale Homes.   After coming from Pisong kape the group goes to the house of Armin in the said subdivision.  I foolishly climbed to Bugarin, and missed the handaan.

Happy Birthday Armin

                                        Armin with Joel Tsalap2

                                Assembly at Pisong Kape before going to Armin's place

Tomorrow, I will be 62; I will ride 62 km x 2

Real Cyclists

Tomorrow I will be 62 years old.  And I will celebrate it by riding 62 km x 2 = 124 km.  That will be probably up to Famy or maybe Jalajala Mabitac boundary.

I will not go to work and celebrate life and health

June 23 is the June birthday celebrants concelebration

Real Cyclists

Angono, Rizal   PHL  |  June 19, 2013

According to FB accounts and posts, June 23 will be the day of concelebration of 4 Recyclists who will be one year older this month:   VM, Luis, Jayjay and Jorgeusbiker.   (Richard Ang would have joined)

This will be third time that the June celebrants will sponsor and event;  we had 2 previous events:   one in Los Banos, and the other one in Villa Zenaida in Mabitac last year.

The celebration will go back to Los Banos.  So that is about a l00+ km ride and then eat and drink and be merry and maybe at 3 pm  we ride the trucks and other VM's vehicles.

Today is Earth Day - April 23, 2013

Real Cyclists

Lakeside Park, Angono, Rizal |   April 23, 2013

Today is Earth day.  It is also the birthday of my late father Amado. (Happy birthday Atang

There was an event at the Lakeside park this morning -  LGU employees, barangay constituents,  students joined the event.  There was a fun walk, run, calisthenics and a little program.

I saw Pang and Archie here.

     Archie and Pang at the Angono Earth Day Celeb at the Lakeside park

                                Earth day sponsored by the LGU

                                  Aero by ladies and gentlemen

                                   An opportunity to campaign too in the celebration

                              Police belles

                                   COCC cadets

Belated Happy Birthday to Armin yesterday

Biking and health

I was texted yesterday that it was Armin's birthday yesterday.

However, I failed to respond to that text because I had grad school class yesterday and later the Ruby anniversary (40th year) of college class of l972 in Loyola Hts. QC.  And I came home late.

Belated Happy birthday Armin. I guess, my being at your daughter's birthday could take place of yesterday's absence

So far I have not joined:   the Jalajala ride (I came home late from the Palawan trip) and the Quezon trip (I left for Palawan)

I heard the food was good and there was lot of drinking.

Richard Ang 9 years old, Invites Recyclists to a Children's Party

Bike and Save the Earth

Richard Ang who turns 9 year old on the 29th (he is really 36 but celebrates his birthday once @ 4 years) has posted in his FB an invitation  for all Recyclists to attend his children's party on Wednesday.  Like me he has not been able to join the bike to Tagaytay today.

I hope many of us can attend.  I will having a CCAC lecture at Acacia Hotel at Alabang on
Wedneday at 6 pm.

Happy birthday Richard

I Joined the Ride to Luisiana Oct 30, 2011

Have bike, we will help save the earth...

This is the second time the group went on a long ride without transpo going home.  Such a brave attempt endurance and to prepare Recyclist Bikers for stage tournament (tours)

Chronology:

This is the chronology of the ride:

5: 00 am  -  Assembly at Jollibee Angono.

5:l5  -    ride to Sacred Heart Parish to say some prayer

5:30 -   departure

6:00  -  arrive Morong

7: l0     arrive pisong kape

7:30    leave pisong kape

8:00    arrive bugarin

8:30    arrive Famy Petron station

8:45    coffee at Manay

9:00    leave Manay

9:30  arrive Pagsanjau church, leave asap

10:30  arrive Luisiana.

It took 5 hours from Angono to Luisiana.  The average speed would be less than 20 kmh.  But some guys like Joel and Richard did 47 kmh at plains and 20 kmh at Bugarin.  At Cavinti and Luisiana, which were mostly climbing, guys just did 8 to ll kmh.

A quick lunch and by l2: 00 depart for home

l:00 arrive Pagsanjan

l:45 the sweeper including me arrive at Famy Petron.

3:00  Bugarin

3:30 Pisong Kape  again.

4:30 Morong

5:30 Angono

The trip going home was 5:30 hours.  It was hot and there were lot of rests.  At Famy station and Pisong Kape

Casualties:

Alan  -  had several flat tires

Gerry Cataps gave up nauseated or low batt?  some 2 km to Luisiana

Nolite had a crash at Bugarin

Engr June had cramps at Luisian going home and had to take a ride at service vehicle.

Who joined:

 Luis, VM. Richard,Angel, Gerry Cataps, Alan, JUS, Edgar, Diego. Engr. June, Nolite, Joel, Smith, Chito Francisco (welcome sir) Joel, Tito, Master Edwin (sorry for missing him out on first post.  You always neglect the one closest to you - at the derrierre- end of the pack hehehe)

Special Event:   It was Angel's birthday

Distance traveled:  89 km one way (or l78 km)  It is almost the same distance as round Laguna Lake ride but more exacting.

Degree of difficulty:  More difficult than Nagcarlan.  As severe as Caliraya or Real Ride

Trending:

Why Engr June had cramps?

                                Master Edwin and Engr June deeply analyzing why Engr had cramps?

                           Alan was plagued by a bunch of flats;  first fix at Famy Petron