First Ride of 2012

Posted by Jayem on Jan 1, 2012 in Family, Happenings | 1 comment

We started 2012 right by biking around UP.

12 B4 2012

Posted by Jayem on Jan 1, 2012 in Happenings | 0 comments

Sendong

Posted by Jayem on Dec 20, 2011 in Happenings | 0 comments

Last December 16, Mindanao was hit by Typhoon sendong that left 600+ dead and thousands homeless. My bike group (TSP) organized a charity ride to collect donations and bring it over to the dropoff center at Ateneo.

My share.

Loaded and ready to roll. (You gotta appreciate how spacious the back of a Hyundai Getz is.)

Met up with Mike and Haze at U.P. ahead of time and had quick dinner at R.O.C.

Noel Colet, playing Jewel Mische’s dad at Maria del Barrio, was there to too.

On their way to Ateneo.

Double A ride (Antipolo-Angono)

Posted by Jayem on Dec 18, 2011 in Happenings | 0 comments

So many firsts in this ride:

First long ride with Tiklop Society of the Philippines
First long ride with Toge
First ride while raining
First time to see Hinulugang Taktak falls
First time to see Angono Petroglyphs
First time to eat a frog
First time to eat a cricket

Ride leader Ronx, showing us the hand signals.

First emergency stop, a couple of KMS after passing the Valley Golf gate. One of us got a flat tire. Good thing we have 2 bike mechanics with us.

Along Magsaysay Avenue.

Finally made it through our first checkpoint. Never been here so I was excited to see the falls.

I almost fell bringing Toge down to the falls. The view is worth it. Good thing you can’t smell the water from the photo.

Next stop, Ynares Center.

Antipolo Cathedral.

Toge and Harabas (Marlon the Bike Beautician’s Jetstream)

Another emergency stop due to a flat tire. We had a total of 5 flat tires and a derailed chain emergency throughout the ride.

The way to the Petroglyphs is between a long downhill ride. We actually enjoyed going down around 40KPH that we missed this. Paid the price by climbing up the hill back to the sign.

The only offroad part on this ride. Short but sweet. I’m glad to say that the Schwalbe Marathon Racer (20″1.5″) held nicely on the entire trail

To get to the Petroglyphs, you will need to pass through a short tunnel.

Sir Roy’s Tron Bike, a LED adorned Strida SD, lit the whole tunnel blue.

The light at the end of the tunnel.

The Petroglyphs, the oldest known work of art in the Philippines. Dating back to 3000 BC.

Rain and fog covered the nice view of the mountains and river.

The long way up.

Toge and the higantes (giants).

Our last checkpoint. Here you can order exotic foods like frogs and…..

crickey!

The restaurant is a tiklop (folding) bike friendly establishment.

Back to point A after 10 hours.

If you have a Runkeeper.com account, you may view the details by clicking on the map. Check out the sudden drop between KM31 and 33!

U.P. Lantern Parade

Posted by Jayem on Dec 16, 2011 in Happenings | 0 comments

First time to see University of the Philippine’s annual lantern parade. Well, I wasn’t able to really see the entire parade since my bike club joined in it together with the UP Mountaineers.

We met at the “paper planes” waiting shed.

Striders leading the pack.

Every TSP ride is not complete without food. Here’s the class picture at Kabab Korner.

Toge

Posted by Jayem on Dec 14, 2011 in Happenings | 0 comments

Meet Toge, A Dahon Jetstream P8.

Tribute to Nightcrawler

Posted by Jayem on Dec 6, 2011 in Happenings | 1 comment

After getting Mongo, there isn’t room at our house for two 26″. Unfortunately, I have to let go of Nightcrawler and get a smaller folding bike. Here’s a collection of our adventure together.

Birth of Nightcrawler, Dahon Jack D24. I named this bike after the teleporting mutant because of the cobalt blue color.

Break-in ride with Biton and Ashley.

First time the quartet rode together.

At Sir JR’s place. Kamuning Road, QC.

Overpass at Quezon Avenue, QC.

With Pubik at UP Diliman, QC.

Almost all stock parts.

After some upgrades.

Nightcrawlers setup when riding around with Margaux.

Solo ride at UP.

At the 1st Bike Adventure Race, Clark Airfield, Pampanga.

At the Socobia bridge.

On the way to Kamikaze West Airfield

Group shot after the race. We were the only all-folding-bike team to join.

Tune-up at Junni’s after the adventure race.

Thursdate at UP.

Start of “2nd Araw ng Siklista” a 116KM bike ride around the 17 municipalities of Metro Manila.

Stop over at Manila.

Enjoyed a little program while resting.

Pinaglabanan Shrine, San Juan city.

Mandaluyong City.

Makati City.

Nightcrawler with CYCAD’s SAG vehicle at Paranaque City.

Laguna de Bay, Bicutan.

Taguig City

Libis, QC.

End of the ride at QC City Hall.

Last pic before we ride home.

Back at sir JR’s place.

After the Bike to Light ride, Camp Aguinaldo, QC.

Nightcrawler and Mongo

It fits perfectly in my Getz.

My last photo of Nightcrawler.
I will miss this bike for sure.

Mongo The Black Bike

Posted by Jayem on Dec 4, 2011 in Happenings | 0 comments

Santa came early to see me this year. Alright, I demanded for it when I saw that this was available from my local bike shop (LBS).

Mongo is a 2012 Mongoose Fireball 26″ dirt jump bike.

Side by side with Nightcrawler, a Dahon Jack D24.

First upgrade, white Jagwire cables for both brakes and derailer

Replaced it’s short seatpost with a 350mm x 27.2 Raceface Ride.

At Nissan, Quezon Avenue

At the Delta area overpass

Break-in buddies.

At Glorious Bike Shop, the birthplace of all my bikes so far.

At Charlie’s Pritchon, along Kalayaan.

Merienda break at Stop Over Tummy, Panay Avenue corner Timog Avenue.

Like my Jack, it also fits nicely inside my car… sort of.

Netsuite Kiddie Party

Posted by Jayem on Dec 3, 2011 in Happenings | 0 comments

It’s the time of the year again when Netsuite invites it’s employees kids together with the less fortunate’s to have an early Christmas celebration.

Daddy and Margaux with the big Christmas tree.

Mommy and Margaux with a bigger tree.

Mommy showed us her work area.

Jolibee was there.

As well as his cohorts.

The party was held on a half-furnished floor. Margaux had a blast exploring the unfinished area.

Margaux also enjoyed the view from the 27th floor of RCBC Tower.

She’s not afraid of heights…. yet.

After the party, we went to Resorts World to have a late lunch with some friends.

Bike to Light

Posted by Jayem on Nov 30, 2011 in Happenings | 0 comments

Bike to light is a program to promote solar-powered bulbs. Cyclist’s were invited to participate on this campaign by delivering these from Camp Aguinaldo to San Juan. A short ride for a great advocacy.

Loot bags containing a complete solar-powered light bulb. Bikers will carry one of this to San Juan City Hall.

Ni Hao Davao!

Posted by Jayem on Nov 24, 2011 in Happenings | 0 comments

OK, forget about the title, Davao is no way Chinese. I just couldn’t think of a clever title. Every year, during Thanksgiving, we take a little vacation out of town. This year we went south.

We’re thankful for the good weather during our flight.

Touchdown at Davao International Airport

After checking-in the hotel, we had our lunch here. They said that this place was famous.

We then headed to the turtle sanctuary. While we didn’t saw any migrating sea turtles, this view is reward enough after the short hike.

We also visited the Davao National Museum to have some culture.

This is the reason why we had a vacation here.Well, at least for me. Crabs!!! Crabs all you can!

The next day, we went to Crocodile Park for our white river rafting.

The starting point was a hour and a half long ride via our jeepney from Crododile Park

The starting point

The paddlers

Our river guide.

After several rapids, we reached the part where we can have our lunch. Adobe with egg and fried fish fillet. Yummy!

Another calm part. We were then able to borrow our spotter’s kayak.

Finally reached the end of our 10KM river adventure.

All of our adventure were captured on film, via my own POV.

On the third day, we transferred to a more posh hotel, Davao Pearl Farm Island resort. We had to aboard a boat to get there.

The main island was superb. Truly relaxing. The staff are all friendly and courteous too.

The beach was awesome.

Margaux’s first time to see a chocolate chip starfish.

After we settled in, we went to, Malipano Island, the resort’s second island, for a swim.

At the Malipano Island.

We can’t believe that it’s already our time to go home.

At least we got a nice sunset to end our Davao vacation.

2nd Araw ng Siklista

Posted by Jayem on Nov 20, 2011 in Happenings | 0 comments

Cycling Advocates’ (CYCAD) araw ng siklista is mass critical ride around all the 17 municipalities of Metro Manila. That’s a whopping 116km ride. It aims to raise awareness for bike-friendly roads and clean air. It starts from Quezon City up to Valenzuela then Navotas down to Malabon then Manila and so on….

Quick speech and briefing at QC Memorial Circle before riding out.

First stop at Malabon City Hall.

Next, we stopped at Manila for some short program for all the cyclists.

Getting here at San Juan was a bit of a challenge, thanks to it’s hilly terrain.

Passed through Mandaluyong roundabout.

Finally, a brief lunch break at Makati City.

No stop till Las Pinas. We weren’t able to catch up with the peloton. Here we are, resting beside the road and figuring out our Plan B.

CYCAD’s SAG Vehicle.

John and Pubik hopping on the SAG vehicle due to posing leg cramps.

Start of my solo ride, Laguna lake at Bicutan area.

Waiting for the others after an uphill at Taguig City.

Quick rest at Eastwood, Libis area.

At last, back to QC after almost a whole day of biking.

Certificate or recognition for completing the ride.

Amen!

1st Bike Adventure Race

Posted by Jayem on Oct 29, 2011 in Happenings | 0 comments

My friends and I joined the 1st Bike Adventure Race at Clark Airfield, Pampanga. Imagine a team of four, on bikes, doing “Amazing Race” stuff.

While waiting for the race to begin.

First control point.

The names of the captains are found on the bodies of these aircrafts.

Next control point, find a certain tombstone and take note of the dog’s name buried underneath it.

Here, we were asked to carry a cup of water to a certain point just by using this handkerchief. Each one of us is only allowed to hold a corner of the handkerchief to lift the plastic cup. Teamwork was the key.

Trying to figure out where we are and how to get to Socobia bridge.

Mike rapelled from the bridge to get a stamp from this control point.

Haze’s tasked was to carry this sack of water on her head from point A to B and back. John, at the background, providing moral support for Haze.

Though we ran out of time to finish all 15 control points, we’re still glad that we were recognized for being the only all-folding-bikes team that joined.

Me, Rhecel and Margaux the day after the race. We stayed overnight at Fontana.

Gone Biking

Posted by Jayem on Oct 2, 2011 in Happenings | 0 comments

Here is what kept me busy the recent months

My first bike, a Dahon Jack D24. A full-sized 26″ folding bike being setup at the bike store. I named it “Nightcrawler” because it’s cobalt-blue color reminded of the teleporting mutant.

Nightcrawler’s break-in ride at U.P., together with Mike’s “Ashley” and Hazel’s “Biton”

Our first time to ride together at BGC. We have all Dahon’s possible wheel sizes Biton 16″, Pubik 20″, Ashley 24″ and Nightcrawler 26″.

Our bike group’s first Mass Critical Ride: Livestrong Ride 2011. We stopped here, to take photos of landing planes.

What I took using my phone.

Mark and Marvie’s Wedding

Posted by Jayem on Aug 6, 2011 in Happenings | 0 comments

Animated WACKY shots at Mark and Marvie’s Wedding

Shootout

Posted by Jayem on Jul 10, 2011 in Happenings | 0 comments

We’ve been wanting to try shooting a firearm for a long time now. Good thing JR, got a discount voucher at Stronghand. This includes a “The Proper and Practical Pistol”" lesson and 20 rounds of live firing. We also got to try this out in a nice fully air-conditioned and toxic free shooting range.

Aside from a shooting range, they also have a cafe, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. For me this is nice, especially if you have someone waiting for you.

Following the rules here can be the difference between life and death.

Firing a gun is simple. Firing a gun with safety and responsibility in mind, that is something you will learn from this seminar.

The firing range. Notice the soft and even lighting they have.

My First 5 rounds at 10 meters. The green circle is not a bulleye, it’s just a reference point. As long as all shots are in the Alpha zone, which is the center part of the target board, you are good.

Their HS9 9mm pistol. Made in Croatia.

I also tried their “de bola” .38 revolver. It’s harder to aim with this than the HS9. You can also try their .40, .45, .308 pistols and their strongest on, the .44 Magnum.

Compare notes.

Overall this is a nice learning experience for all of us. If you wish to try this out, just call their office number below.

Stronghand Shooting Range
La Défense Building,1660 E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, Quezon City
For reservations, please contact:
Phone #: (632) 721-7174, (0917)424-3855, (0947) 286-6955

Balamban Liempo

Posted by Jayem on May 13, 2011 in Happenings | 0 comments

Lechon + Pesto = Balamban Liempo. A fresh taste for the usual roast pork.

Shot at their branch along Kamuning Road (between K-D and K-E street), QC. I believe they are still on soft-opening. The place still smells paint and they have to buy the rice and drinks from a nearby karinderia.

Farewell Lola Ched

Posted by Jayem on Mar 11, 2011 in Happenings | 0 comments

You will always be in our hearts.

Collin

Posted by Jayem on Feb 26, 2011 in Happenings | 0 comments

Hello Baby Collin

He’s just 4 days old

Congrats Mommy Chill.

Little Tokyo

Posted by Jayem on Feb 26, 2011 in Happenings | 0 comments

See Google Maps here for the exact location.

The place is actually a collective of smaller restaurants. Our friend recommended to order from Hana and to try out their Takoyaki.

There is also a market where you can shop for imported Japanese goodies.

We decided to eat outside since we felt like having a picnic. Should you choose to eat indoors, be prepared to smell like what you ordered when you leave.

Takoyaki cooked outdoors

The Finished product

Gyoza

Uni Sushi

Marvie’s Bento Box

Special Hana Bento Box (500php). The set is big enough for two… just order an extra rice.

More photos below

Legaspi Sunday Market

Posted by Jayem on Feb 13, 2011 in Happenings | 0 comments

We’ve always been curious on what we’ll see at the Legaspi Sunday Market. Thanks to the last minute invite by our friends, we were finally able to go there.

Here is what I’ve seen during my quick photo walk around the venue.

I was told that these were organically grown.

My Lunch. Bockwurst with cheese sandwich.

Overall, the place was great to have get-together with friends over food….

or just to have good times with the family.

King Leo

Posted by Jayem on Jan 16, 2011 in Happenings | 2 comments

This is the first time I’ve seen how a tattoo session is done up close. My brother-in-law had a Lion’s face with an old-school mic on his right leg. This is his 4th piece.

Mark’s B-day

Posted by Jayem on Jan 10, 2011 in Happenings | 0 comments

Happy Birthday Dude! Enjoy your party.