PARANAQUE CITY  - Close to 1,000 motorcycle riders gathered at the Honda Safety Driving Center (HSDC) on November 15 for a meaningful celebration of life with road safety as core issue.  The rider-participants who joined the festivities are representatives of 19 multi-brand motorcycle clubs from as far as Laguna,  Cavite,  Rizal and Bulacan. 

The momentous event was graced by no less than Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla, a rider himself and an avid advocate of road safety. 

“ I am very impressed with this activity and this facility. I hope more concerned manufacturers will follow suit.  As a motorcycle enthusiast,  I encourage the million users to learn riding the proper and safe way.  The number of accidents involving motorcycles is already something that is not to be ignored, “  said the gallant senator-proponent of the helmet and pillion-riding bills.

The Mabuhay! Safety Festival is a unique event designed to cultivate responsible riding in fun yet effective methods.   The event kicked-off with a motorcade coming from 15 points of origin in Metro Manila and nearby provinces,  where riders get to exercise safety techniques in group riding. 

At the HSDC,  there was a wide array of motorcycle activities that certainly changed the safety mindset of even the most experienced riders.   The riding competition tested the skills of the participants on balance,  throttle and brake control as each contestant traverse challenging courses like narrow plank,  low-speed zig-zag and pylon slalom.   “ This competition is a very good experience for riders like me.  I realized that I have bad riding habits that need to be changed. Also,   I also discovered that modifications to the handlebar and suspension affect motorcycle handling and balance," said a member of a motorcycle club from Rizal.  

The riding symposium was packed with engaging discussions on motorcycle safety issues as key stakeholders in the government sector,  media and NGOs exchange valuable insights.  To symbolize common understanding and commitment to road safety promotion,   a blown-up manifesto was signed to signify the beginning of various yet cohesive multi-sectoral efforts.    “  I welcome all the motorcycle issues discussed in the symposium.  As the lead government agency involved in road safety,  LTO will try its best  to deliver resolutions to the pressing issues about motorcycle use.  First and foremost to us is, of course, the safety of the riders and motoring public in general, “ said LTO chief Alberto Suansing.

Guest-riders had a blast viewing the latest motorbikes and scooters ( even a preview of what’s to come ) in the special Honda exhibit and test drive.  The shopaholics had a field day selecting motorcycle accessories and apparel at special rates.   A trial bike exhibition wowed the crowd with Motoharu Honda,  an international  trial A-Class license holder,  at the helm.

True to its aim of  “Building A Community of Safe Road Users”,  Honda ran its exciting TEENSmart Program to some 100 high school students and Sanggunian Kabataan (SK) members earlier in the day.  The said values-formation course is structured to prepare the youth for their future roles as leaders and responsible rod users.  

“ We really appreciate TEENSmart.  We now understand that having a drivers license comes with a very big responsibility.  Hopefully,  other students in our school will also get to attend this youth-oriented activity,  “  said a participant from a private school in Mandaluyong. 

The day-long festival was capped with a “no-alcohol” party where the riders danced to their hearts content.  Some went home with more than just fun and enriching experience.   Special gift items and one (1) unit Honda Bravo,  courtesy of Honda Philippines,  Inc. (HPI)  were raffled-off to the rider-guests.

Commencing operations in May this year,  HSDC  has already trained a total of 8,500 road users nationwide.  This,  however,  is a small fraction of the four million drivers license holder in the Philippines as of 2007.

“ I sincerely hope that the celebration of safety does not end with the festival but rather the beginning of it.  Honda looks forward to partnering with motorcycle clubs in bringing safety activities at the grassroot level.  I am encouraging them to spearhead safety events in their respective communities so that more riders will learn how to enjoy motorcycle use to the fullest,  “  said Kazuhiko Ikezoe,  president of Honda Safety Driving Center.

As motorcycles have become an essential mode of mobility for Filipinos,  the Festival is also aimed at enjoining riders to exert conscious efforts in respecting fellow motorists by becoming more responsible and disciplined on the road.   This healthy attitude is key to having safer and less congested roads.