by Marili Raymundo
Nearly 400 cyclists rode their bicycles through scenic Orange County on Saturday April 26th to raise funds and awareness for underprivileged children affected by Typhoon “Yolanda” in Leyte, Philippines.
The ride which raised more than $20,000 from registrants and donors kicked off as the sun was rising and finished around noon at the Yorba Regional Park in Anaheim. Following a heavy downpour which kept organizers up all night with apprehension, the day miraculously was at its most beautiful. Riders started to trickle in as early as 7:00 AM and were greeted by glorious sunshine and smiling volunteers led by Emelyne Carreon who checked them in, handed their rider number, and helped them get their gears in order.
A full support SAG (Support and Gear) team of volunteers including doctors, nurses, CPR-trained crew, and the ubiquitous SAG riders were on hand ready to assist on medical and mechanical issues, and monitor the route to ensure a safe ride.
The cyclists started on a downhill run along the Santa Ana River Trail (SART) towards Huntington Beach with a break at the Edna Park SAG where they were nourished, hydrated, and energized.
The ride back through the hillsides of Loma Ridge and Santiago Canyon was relatively more challenging – one replete with sweeping turns and uphill climb through Edna Park and finally to Yorba Regional Park where the cyclists were welcomed back by cheering volunteers, camera-toting family and high-fiving friends. Tess Castro who has led LA-based GK volunteers for the last twelve years and refuses to take credit says, “There is nothing more gratifying than welcoming back the riders safe and sound and seeing the sense of accomplishment on their faces.”
The finish line feast featuring hearty adobo, noodles, and vegetables, three whole delectable Cebu-style lechon, an array of desserts, melon juice, and volunteer Marian Abido’s sago and gulaman earned kudos from Filipinos and non-Filipinos alike. To take the celebration up a notch entertainers Kiko Villanueva and Alex Ocampo surprised everyone with an acoustic live performance that got the crowd grooving to familiar seventies tunes providing a fitting finale to a perfect day.
Patrick Mediran, a veteran of the last two Sikad. “I would like to congratulate all of you for putting up a very well organized event. Two of my recruits commented that all participants/volunteers were very hospitable and cheerful. We will definitely join the event again next year for the 3rd time! Keep up the good work.”
Sikad ng Bayan (Cycling for the Nation) is an annual noncompetitive bike ride that raises funds to build preschools for less fortunate communities at Gawad Kalinga (GK) villages in the Philippines. It was formed by a group of friends – Robby Villanueva, the late Sonny Gaite, Gerry Tolentino, Manolet Rodriguez, Noli Calingo, Red Sioson, Frank Lesaca, Rey Diamse, and Benjo Villnueva – who utilized their common interest – riding bikes – to raise funds and give back to the land of their birth. Now on its 9th year the event offers three routes: 22-, 44-, and a 62-(metric century) mile ride designed to accommodate riders of all skill levels and distances.
The youngest participant, Myles Rabaja rode for 22 miles for fun and realized he could have done better. He added, “I will be back next year for the 44-miler.”
Benjo Villanueva this year’s lead organizer along with wife Maricel says, “This year more than ever we are determined to meet our goal because of the devastation wrought by typhoon Yolanda. We go to great lengths to ensure that every ride is planned the best way possible for a safe, enjoyable, and rewarding experience while helping our brothers in need.”
Proceeds will go toward building a “Sibol” learning center in Goodness Rising Village in GK Tambulilid in Ormoc City, Leyte which was ravaged by the typhoon. It will help the village get back on its feet and put the children back in school. Sikad will also donate a banca to the “Bangon Estancia” project for the fishermen of the rural town of Estancia, Iloilo, also severely affected by the typhoon. “By participating in Sikad you are not only helping the underprivileged but also inspiring more people to support the cause. We hope that Sikad would translate to a deeper understanding of Gawad Kalinga and what it does to address the roots of poverty,” added Maricel.
GK Sibol (sibol meaning “to grow”) is defined by GK as a sub-program of GK Child & Youth Development. It is a community–based preschool program that serves children ages 3 to 6 years old and envisions each child to be imbued with positive Filipino values and to be academically prepared for formal schooling.
Rider Susan Deogracias a grade school teacher in Lakewood who is married to a Filipino. “We’re coming back not just because of the route prepared by the team but the people who come and the cause they embrace.”
For the organizers it’s a culmination of a year of planning and logistics and looking ahead to next year’s ride. But more importantly to thank the sponsors – Luisa and Son Bake Shop, Trek Bicycle Superstore, Tambuli Market, Zeta Beta Nu Fraternity, Forex, Seafood City, Laarni B. Diamse, DDS, Nice Big Smile – donors, volunteers, and riders and their family who participated and made this event a success.
For many cyclists Sikad is an opportunity to get in shape, test their riding skills, and enjoy the fellowship. Above all they are happy to know that their participation helped to provide life-changing opportunity to the least fortunate among us.