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April 21, 2008Ten years as a whole is a definite milestone for any undertaking. And much more if those ten years have been spent advocating for a very worthwhile effort to save the environment and promote the bicycle as a mainstream mode of transportation for the masses.
The Fireflies were once again at the pole position in yesterday’s Tour of the Fireflies. They have been doing this for the last ten years and this time, all expectations were met and even surpassed. Estimates from the media ranged from five thousand to more than six thousand, counting too, the provincial participants who staged simultaneous rides in Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod and Baguio.
A short program was held where costumed participants were presented. Each of them explained the idea behind their costume. One of them had an idea of protesting against the conversion of arable lands to subdivision lots which contributes to the perceived current food crisis. Another one proposed eating bananas as an alternative to rice and corn. His costume consisted of real bananas hanging all around his bike and banana leaves wrapped around his body. An Elvis Presley impersonator also performed for the bikers and was well received.
The Tour’s kick off was initiated by a ten second countdown, led by Karen Crisostomo, who also emceed the program. At exactly 7:00 am the bikers pedaled towards the Julia Vargas exit of the venue.
Upon return to Tiendesitas at a little after twelve noon, the bikers were greeted by a shower from a fire truck. Several bikers welcomed this and let themselves be soaked wet to cool down.
There were some minor mishaps along the way but these did not deter anyone from enjoying the whole biking experience.
At the end of the Tour, a raffle was held. The major prize was a brand new bike. Some of those whose names were drawn have already left and thus forfeited their prize. Several awards were also given such as the youngest participant, a five year old boy, as well as the oldest biker, the largest contingent and of course the best costume.
Please read my e-article featured in the Firefly Newsletter distributed to Tour participants here.
From the Firefly Brigade, we thank all those who promoted, participated and volunteered in this year’s Tour. We look forward to seeing you next year!
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wooow! saw your article, very moving & inspiring! keep it up ruralpinoybiker! i’d be hanging a lot here more often now!
Rino, congratulations for a successful staging of the Fireflies.The number of participants is just amazing.I know you put a lot of time and effort into it. I look forward to riding the tour next year.
Thank you very much Kris. We owe it to people like you to keep it going and successful each year.
Thanks Banggigay. You’ve been here before di ba? Looking forward to your visits then!
Congratulations for a job well done!
Sorry, I wrote the wrong url of my blog. Have just corrected it. Thanks!
Thank you, Jaydee. See you on the next Tour of the Fireflies!
hey congrats Rino…hope all went well for you…
Rino,
I never knew your full story. What a wonderfully inspiring account you’ve written!
I imagine it was terrifically hard to ask for financial help, but you live your life as such a blessing to others, my friend.
Hi Heather,
Thank you very much for these kind words.
are there photos
Hello Kengkay,
. Search mo sa youtube ang tour of the fireflies for videos of the event. Marami namang nagpost don. Meron din sa flickr at multply site ng firefly brigade. May link sa fireflybrigade.org.
Hindi na ako nagpost ng pictures kasi mauubos na space ko sa server e…
hi webbie, I was searching for staging info and found you on google. I real the Successful Staging of the 10th Tour of the Fireflies | A Pinoy Biker’s Philippine Rural Adventures on google and had to check out on Wednesday. I went back the next day to re read the post as after reading more about this topic I found it to be a valid post. I have added you to my simpy account!