Motorcycles: Early Racing Days, Recalled[1]
Early Beginnings: Some made
humorous remarks with bit of significance on it that motorcycles are bicycles’ closer
relatives. Let us try to ponder it rationally how come the two are consanguine
when motorcycles are powered by two or four stroke gas-fed engines to generate
combustion and power while bicycles need only a human power equivalent
approximately to three/fourth [¾] horsepower to propel them. Well, maybe they could
be considered relatives because by geometry or structural design they somehow
look similarly in appearance – have two wheels parallel to each other, cross or
curve handlebars for steering instead of wheels, driven by rider by mounting on
preferably at the center of its gravity and needing precise balancing; and certainly
would easily crash when driven carelessly.
Had the bicycle not
been invented first, perhaps German Inventor Gotlieb Daimler in 1885 would have
not been able to conceptualize and ultimately made his first prototype
motorcycle out from a wooden frame patterned from a bicycle structure.[2]
So, long before motorcycles came, bicycles had rolled already along city
streets and in the country-sides though how crude maybe were they yet. But the
first two-wheeler human powered machine was neither called as a bicycle nor was
it known as a bicycle because the word never even existed in the minds of
people. This first two-wheeled human powered vehicle, which rolled in the parks
and city streets of Europe, was called as “velocipede” or “wooden-saddle horse”.
It had a basic component of a bicycle, of course, there are two wheels, one
upfront and the other one at the rear end of the structure; and its rider would
just mount or seat on the center of the wooden frame and exert effort to move
the “velocipede” by anchoring one foot to the ground and pushing it hard
against the surface to create an Inertia of Motion per the theory of Sir Isaac
Newton, which indeed was universally accepted and became the Law of Inertia
that for every force exerted there is always a counter action or force. When
the rider moved his feet the “velocipede” moves and he would steer it to where
he wishes to direct since it has a steering bar, but it has no axles, pedals
and brakes.
With the creativity
of men, the “velocipede” was improved and finally in the 17th
century Kirkpatrick Macmillan developed a much practical human-powered machine,
the forerunner of the modern day bicycle because it employed axles, bearings
and pedals to initiate movement. But before the bicycle comes in this Common
Era, it is worthy to note that the almost likely today’s classic bicycle, a
two-wheeler human-powered machine appeared and it was known as the “boneshaker”.
Although it had two wheels, the front
wheel however is bigger than the rear; and it had cranks or pedals attached to
the front wheel, which resembles a bicycle for kids. The cranks or pedals
really generate thrust, thus a repeated cycle of the cranks make the “boneshaker”
move.
Out from the
concept of Macmillan and the crude existence of the “boneshocker”, the first
modern bicycle came and later on was continuously improved by company bicycle
makers through continuous trial and error experimentation.
The practical use
of bicycle as well as motorcycles came when Dunlop crafted or invented the
rubber tubes for tires. The mobility of these two-wheeler was greatly
revolutionized and improved. Bicycle could travel longer kilometers with some ease
and motorcycles surely can do the same even for countless kilometers so long as
it has gas on its engine. How superb were the two-wheeler by then!
Before the turn of
the mid-20th century, bicycles and motorcycles played greater roles
in the Great War. In Europe, countries on war had capitalized much on the
practical use of motorcycles with the introduction of sidecars. As could be seen even in war movies, WW II
motorcycle-sidecars were armed or mounted with machine guns. Motorcycles served
as transport of couriers and escorts of convoys, aside from the fact that they
too went to war.
On the other hand,
in the Asian war theater, bicycles in some instances were used to move troops. Hundreds
or thousands of bicycles were used by crack Infantry men in Great China and they rolled
along dirt roads to carry the soldier-rider to his objective.[3]
Motorcycles and bicycles may have been equated by some as equivalent to donkeys
and horses during the time of antiquity, in medieval period and even today as a
simple mode of an inexpensive way of transport.
Perhaps the above
presentation may tie up their relations as closer relatives. Bicycles as
ordinary human-powered machines and motorcycles evolved into funny big toys for
grown-ups when they become machines for recreations.
Early
Motorcycle Shops or Stores, Motorcycles and Clubs in Cagayan de Oro and Nearby:
Motorcycle
Shops and Stores in Cagayan de Oro City. Unfortunately, we
could not really pinpoint when motorcycle shops or stores started business in
Cagayan de Oro. We could have those data from the Local Government because the
Mayor’s Office issues Business Permits while the Treasury Office collects
business taxes and fees. So in principle, they could provide us the data, nevertheless;
we are afraid that due to the passing of time and acts of nature those valuable
records could not be made available by now; and we wonder too if they were
encoded in a computer’s data base more so that there were no computers during
those times yet.
So, maybe it may
sound fair if we just would base our essay on oral traditions or declarations
given by people who have credible knowledge on the subject because in their
younger days even till now they are really motorcycle enthusiasts. At least
they know the “in’s” and “out’s” of the motorcycling world in Cagayan de Oro;
and for all we know it was chartered as a city in 1954. In colonial Spanish
Philippines, it was called as Cagayan de Misamis and the center of governance
for the Second District of Mindanao, whose jurisdiction cover from today’s
Magsaysay town or Linugos in Misamis Oriental up to Dapitan [before it was
separated as a Commandancy of the Spanish Army sometime late in the 19th
century], including of course, Bukidnon, Iligan and the coastal areas of Lanao,
Misamis or Ozamis and the areas along Panguil Bay, and lastly the island
province of today’s Camiguin.
An accepted
tradition in Cagayan de Oro says that the first Chinese store or business was
established in 1850 yet along Del Mar or currently Don Apolinar Velez St.,
which is just one or two blocks away from the Divisoria.[4] The family business was on general merchandising,
so practically their store may have a bit of everything essential and necessary
items, but it was not selling motorcycles, spare parts nor it offered repair
services to motorcycles.
There was a store
at Tiano Street near Lourdes School of the RVM sisters; and like most Chinese
stores they were in general merchandising and had few displays of motorcycles.
The motorcycle shop or store was ATCO; its proprietor was the owner of BIGMA, a
big rice and corn mill along Pabayo and Cruz Taal Streets that later on was
transferred at Corrales Extension because of zoning ordinance since the
downtown of the city was and still is designated as areas for business and
residential areas. Thus, heavy or light industries shall occupy other areas far
and away the downtown area.
One shop was
located along Corrales Street and fronting the Ateneo de Cagayan Gymnasium,
where in the early 1960’s it was venue of not only basketball, but as well as
big cultural affairs such as the rare visit and performance of the Bayanihan
Dance Troupe in Cagayan de Oro, and other subsequent cultural groups and stage
or theater plays because it was the only nicest and decent venue the city could
offer during those times, as there was no other bigger place to host grandiose
activities. Goking Motorcycle Shop had its store there and was engaged in
Sales, Parts and Service.
Not far from Goking
Motorcycle Shop as well as from the Ateneo Gymnasium and was just on an ideal
walking distance, was another big shop or store, Solomon & Bros. Store
located at JR Borja Street, a main thoroughfare like Apolinar Velez St.[5]
Their store was a bit farther from the business area of Divisoria, but it was
closer to Cogon Market area.
Solomon Sia was the
proprietor and general manager. Their store was beside Gala Theatre and indeed
it was considered as the biggest insofar as motorcycle dealership was concerned
during those times perhaps in Northern Mindanao. It was also engaged in general
merchandising and hardware.
We would like to believe
that the owner of the acclaimed Centro which was founded in 1850 and Solomon
and Bros. belonged to the same clan.[6]
Motorcycles: In my
own experience as a kid while in primary grades, I remember a group of
motorcycle appropriately named as Scooters cruised to our place Balingasag, some
50 kilometers away from Cagayan de Oro. Travel during those days was harder,
the fact that the highway had more potholes because considerable portion of the
highway were not asphalted yet.
The group of
scooters counted to more or less fifteen units were ridden by riders in
half-faced helmets with riding goggles, and clad in jackets and sweatshirts in
gabardine or denim and not in cover-all or riding suits. The scooters’ color; its
bulky body since the engine was attached at the rear end; the sound of their horns
and the wail of the engines in revolution; and the cuteness of the machines in
entirety, made us thought that we could easily ride on it since scooters are designed
in smaller structure than classic motorcycles. It has smaller tire diameter
though their tires are extra bigger than motorcycle tires.
We guess all the
riders hailed from Cagayan de Oro and not from Italy, for scooters originated
from there. They did not stay longer in Balingasag and left for Cagayan de Oro
passing the old national road. I reckon the year was 1964.
This time four
prominent Japanese motorcycle firms competed already, of course, Honda had its
smaller version of engines the Honda 50 Sport, Honda 55 Nixon, the 65 and 90 cc
Sport, while Yamaha had the 70cc and 80cc in two-stroke engine. Suzuki and
Kawasaki had their own models, but unfortunately we could not recall the
earlier models, however we are sure their machines were highly competitive with
the former two other motorcycles brands. One thing we remember, of the three
motorcycle brands, only Honda has 4 stroke-engines; the rest are in 2 stroke
engine or those which has 2T oil, aside from the oil engine-Oil 40. We have
this so called “autolube” the repository of the 2T oil; the motorcycle oil pump
directs the oil flow to the cylinder where they are mixed with gasoline to
create combustion and ultimately power. Honda in those times had even a jingle
aired in radio ads all over the archipelago saying “isang putok dalawang ikot, ‘yan ang 4stroke Honda.”
Whenever one
motorcycle company releases its new model, for sure their counterparts had
their own contra-version of said models. As such, Yamaha L2 100cc has a
counterpart, Honda 90cc. Not much longer, Yamaha had Enduro 90 Trail, while
Honda had the Scrambler 90 and later on XL 100 & 125 cc model were released
not to negate the presence of their 180 cc Scrambler. Kawasaki had KE models,
which Jessie Pulido [Kawasaki Rider] introduced in the late 1970’s aside from
the HD machines that were already in the market. For Suzuki, we have the 120cc
and of course we would not forget the TS 125, whose muffler or exhaust tube
looks like an attacking snake.
Insofar as we can
recall, in 1965 Honda had in the market their smallest model Honda P50. The
engine was at the rear-left side of the motorcycle and it can travel at top
speed of 50 kilometers
per hour. It could have travelled even faster had shock absorbers been
installed at the rear end of the motorcycle particularly at the seat stay or
the down tube. The front fork had two coil springs which acted as suspension,
while the driver’s seat was fixed too with cushion on its saddle and it had two
springs to carry the weight of the rider. The back-rider’s seat was actually a
flattened engine tank and had no suspension. So on top speed on dirt road where
there are plenty of potholes, the back-rider usually suffers pains in the
floating ribs section because there is no suspension system at the rear
structure of the motorcycle to absorb the impact of the rolling of the tires.[7]
Motorcycle
Clubs: Well,
the undersigned is afraid and many will not abide with him if he says that
motorcycle clubs are not formed just for racing alone. We believe clubs are
formed because man is a social being and he seeks for camaraderie - for friends
and he wishes to enjoy life after a week’s heavy and stressful work. He needs
to recreate, thus being an enthusiast on a two-wheeled machines, motorcycle
clubs exist.
During week-ends or
on some Holidays, usually clubs have their ride; and it all depends on them
whether it would be a longer ride so that all the gas in the tank would be
exhausted, or just on a mere nearby stroll that does not require longer riding time.
If there are races,
those are just incidental activity to prove or assess one’s ability and guts,
and not all club members would go to racing. They would be at the racing field,
and they come as motorcycle riders, but perhaps majority of them would just be
spectators because it does not follow that when one is a club member he shall be
compelled to join races. Though many are non-competitive riders of the club,
they would still attend to races not as competitors, but spectators and
importantly they are the morale boosters of their riders. They cheer in big
shouts and boisterous laughter, they support financially their riders; and they
are proud club members whenever their riders would be at the podium, garnering
the major places on any of the events.
Yeah! It always
feels good in the company of friends.
In
Cagayan de Oro before 1970’s there were already four motorcycle clubs, namely
Cougar Squadron headed by Arnoldo “Dodong” Villarin; Mustang with Fernando
“Nanding” Zamora heading; MisOr with Dondon Abas, their ace rider/stuntman
[forgotten who’s their ClubPres]; and Goking Honda Team, of course with
Santiago Goking as Team Owner and Manager.[8]
We do not know if
we got it rightly and if our resource persons had been correct in telling, for
we would like to mention a few of the riders and please apologize us if we are
incorrect. These riders were Sonny Zamora and Alexis Yamut riding for Mustang;
Dondon Abas who was with CEPALCO riding for MisOr; Bill Amora for Goking Honda
Team; and Cougar later on in 1971 with Crisanto Pabelonio. Many aspired to
become riders, in fact they trained hard to become top seeded riders and due to
their numbers, names could be forgotten, except for a few who really had
excelled their counterparts in skills and performance. It is always a fact in
motorcycle racing or on any races that machines or equipment could be a great
contributory factor in winning the race.
Our resource
recalled that he competed in Pagadian City in 1967 riding on a Yamaha 80 cc
stock machine for his Club [Buffalo
Motorcycle Club Iligan City with Manny Piῆola]
on an Oval or Flat Track Race with the Tamayo brothers of Davao. Reynaldo
Tamayo and his younger brother Ernesto rode for Honda Team Davao and they were
all good riders in the oval race as well as in City Scramble Race [colloquially
known by riders], which was modified into more extreme racing and turn-out
later as the MotoCross Racing.[9]
Oval race was still prominent, but there was a shift of momentum to Motocross
Racing later in the mid-1970s.
The
Iron Cross Motorcycle Club of Malaybalay: Organized or established likely in similar time
when Cagayan de Oro Cougar Squadron, Mustang, Goking Team Honda, MisOr, and
Iligan City’s Buffalo Motorcycle Club. Iron Cross had Carlitos Fortich, as the
pioneering president, a sportsman and in the latter years a revered public
servant.
From the scenic countryside of Bukidnon, motorcycle enthusiasts and hobbyist, or plainly motorcycle week-end warriors fielded the Iron Cross Club. The club encompasses membership not only from Malaybalay alone, but practically from all parts of Bukidnon. From Impasug-ong, there was Jun Tan; Paco Puertas from Bangcod whose origin in the maternal side is from Balingasag; Gil Defarenneri from Mailag; and Atty. Benjamin Estrada, who newly had just dared to ride and tried to master his big machine in a fashion like the daredevils or should we say he had been doing it smartly.[10] There was only one club in the beginning and Malaybalay; the provincial capital became a melting pot of tough and leisure riders.
Of course, Rudy R.
Mercado from Balingasag who just married Madam Tits, the younger sister of
Atty. Estrada, joined the Iron Cross though at first he was inclined with Cougar
being a resident near to Cagayan de Oro. Nevertheless, Carlitos Fortich told
him to be with the Iron Cross because anyway he would sooner choose Malaybalay
as his residence; and certainly it is true Rudy has his residence in Malaybalay
and used only to visit Balingasag where their ancestral home is, from now and
then.
Despite Malaybalay
was not a city yet at that time, it had in 1968 humbly hosted an Open
Invitational Race during the headship of Carlitos Fortich. It was a big motorcycling
event, the Tamayo brothers of Davao were
there, Buffalo Club Iligan, Goking Team, MisOr, Mustangs and Cougar [Cagayan de
Oro], Butuan Team, and Iloilo Team including of course the host club Team Iron Cross
Malaybalay joined. Rudy Mercado, who hails from Balingasag and by virtue of his
marriage with the lovely daughter of the Estrada’s of Malaybalay, became an
adopted son of Malaybalay, rode for the
Iron Cross. His machine was a 450cc Honda.[11]
Standard
Motorcycle Race Events and Categories: Including
the race in Pagadian in 1967, wherein our resource from the Buffalo Club competed
and won, despite the Tamayo of Davao bagged the Championship in the oval race,
other standard motorcycle minor events were taken or won by other motorcycle
clubs, thus it allowed everyone to bring home a trophy though in itself not a
major one, but the endeavors involved in acquiring it was really superb.
Minor events usually
follow or were staged in intervals before the Oval or Scramble Race began. We
have the Slow Drag [one should stay longer in his bike balancing well so his
foot would not touch the ground until he would hit the finish line on a longer
time]; Plank or Bridge Race [rider shall maneuver his bike to pass board of
2x4x8 – the longer would be the board the better]; Drum Race [motorcycle shall
push the drum to the finish line]; Drag Race for bigger motorcycles; and the
highlight of the Motorcycling Event is the Oval Race [elimination of
semi-finalist in several hits and one final hit shall be done to determine the
champion]. Every Invitational Race usually had these categories, unless otherwise
the invitation was solely for Dirt Oval Racing.
As earlier said, in
1968 Malaybalay Invitational Race, the Flat track race or the oval race was held
at the wide open grounds of the local airport where the Reynaldo Tamayo of
Davao dominated the event against riders from Iloilo like Francis Daba;
Crisanto Pabelonio of Buffalo Club from Iligan, and riders from Cougar
Squadron, Mustang and Mis.Or. Other standard motorcycle events were held at the
grounds of Bukidnon Normal School, now known as Bukidnon State University.
In the early days,
as a standard race procedure in every Motorcycle Race, machines are
classified in category; thus, 50cc motorcycles would compete with similar
horsepower, or even a bit higher than 50cc but below 100cc. 100cc machines up to 200cc are classified as another
category, and race machines above 200cc stock or modified are grouped into one
category.
Since MotoRacing
was and still is a major sport people would like to see, key cities in Mindanao
and some sporty towns had motorcycle races, nevertheless; we could not narrate
what transpired there because our resource persons had not participated in all
those races.
However, In 1971 a
rider from Cougar Squadron-Cagayan de Oro took third place in Butuan City
during the Mindanao Federation of Motorcycle Clubs; and he consistently held
that rank or place in 1972 Dirt Oval Race held in Butuan City on May 13-14-15[12].
Mindanao
Federation of Motorcycle Clubs: As early as 1971, Federation Races
began - meaning Motorcycle Clubs all over Mindanao and in some instances even
part of Visayas such as Iloilo even came to join the race. For two consecutive
years Federation Races were held in Butuan City and latest of which was on May
13-15, 1972. Bangcasi served as the race course of the Scramble Race.
Cotabato Motorcycle
Club bid for the hosting of the next Mindanao Federation of Motorcycle Clubs
race in Cotabato City and all the motorcycling clubs present in Butuan race
jubilantly welcome the idea as they were all eager to see Cotabato City.
Precisely three
months later after the Federation Race in Butuan, Cagayan de Oro had its First Invitational
Motorcycle Race in 1972. It was a three-day race on the occasion of the
celebration of the Feast of San Agustin on August 26-28, 1972. The race course was
a bit farther from downtown because it was in Calaanan [sitio of Barangay
Canitoan]. Purposely the venue was there since the topography or natural
terrain of the place suited much for City Scramble Racing, the term they
adopted in this kind of event. Tracks were constructed along mountain slopes,
of course there were steep ascends and dreadful downhill, not to mention yet
the technical drops and hairpin curves in this spacious flatlands where humps
and other obstacles were made to measure the riding abilities of the riders,
thus making the event more enjoyable for them and the spectators as well.[13]
The race course was
in Calaanan because Pedro Oloy Roa, City Mayor [who then became a Governor of
Misamis Oriental, later on as Congressman of Cagayan de Oro City] was the owner
of the vast track of land in Calaanan; and he offered it to serve as race track
area. Oloy Roa totally supported the event together with the business community
or establishments in the city. The race bikes were even supplied with
high-octane fuel by prestigious oil company that has a bulk plant in the city,
even today.
After the First
National Invitation Motorcycle Race in Cagayan in 1972, the Federation Race in
Cotabato City did not push through. It was not materialized because of the
unstable peace and order situation not only in Cotabato, but in most parts of
Mindanao as well. We remember there was an on-going rebellion by the
Cessationist Movement in Mindanao, the MNLF, the Buldon Offensive, and
everything. There was also a conflict between the Ilaga and Blackshirts or Barracudas
that started in the early 1970’s which escalated into a better arm conflict in
Cotabato and parts of Lanao between two groups, nevertheless; we believe the
conflict was not centred, or rooted in religion, but was more on
agro-economic-political respects.
Had the Mindanao
Federation of Motorcycle Clubs’ Race in Cotabato been staged or pushed through,
riders from Cagayan de Oro or from Northern Mindanao including Butuan and
Surigao, [the latter two provinces which were still politically attached to
Region 10 before Caraga became another region later on]; they could have met
and tested the riding prowess of the riders of Koronadal, South Cotabato called
“Zafratt Motorcycle Club”, where one of their Ace Rider hails from Balingasag,
Misamis Oriental, who is an intimate friend and race buddy of the undersigned,
Roger Sinogaya Mangubat.[14]
The silence of
Federation Races did not deter Motorcycle Companies to introduce new top of the
line racing machines. We recall Jessie Bulido, a national rider of the Kawasaki
Team was in Valencia, Bukidnon promoting Kawasaki 2Stroke Racing Machine V3.
Sadly, the yearly
Federation Race beginning 1973 ceased and long been silent due to litany of
constraints. Some clubs laid-low, old riders retired from racing, but on the
contrary however new clubs also were organized as well as new riders emerged. Had
the Federation Race not been suspended or deferred, riders all over Mindanao
could have tested their abilities as early as 1973.[15]
Though that was the
grim reality of MotoRacing in Mindanao, In Cagayan de Oro City however, a new
motorcycle club was organized.
Abog
Motorcycle Club: Occurring even earlier or before the ZEBRA
Club was organized in Balingasag, the Abog Motorcycle Club gained prominence of
the sport. It was based in Cagayan de Oro City. There were three riders from
Balingasag who joined Abog Motorcycle Club. They were Boy LLausas on Yamaha
Enduro 125, Ningning Sausa; and Lolly Pabualan on a red XL 100cc. These riders
competed for their Team in races held in Cagayan de Oro and other cities such
as Iligan and in the progressive towns like Malaybalay and Valencia.
From the mid-1970’s
up to early 1980’s, Manny Neri, was acclaimed as the Ace Rider of Cagayan de
Oro City, and his fame was not only confined within in province, but all over in
Mindanao and of course all over the country being a national rider later on.
Indeed he competed fairly, squarely and smartly in every race. During his time, he managed a Motorcycle Shop
exclusively on dealership of Yamaha, as he was cradled as one of their ace
Riders. Yamaha at this time produced YG as their racing machine; Honda had
designed a two-stroke engine they called it as Honda-Elsinore while Kawasaki
had its KE and KX race machines; and Suzuki had its RM race machines.
Under the headship
of Manny Neri together with other prominent riders from Cagayan de Oro to
mention a few like, Johnny Pascual, Lando Manseguiao, Boy Lapuz, Roberto
“Boying” Abogado, Lolly Pabualan, Boy Llausas and others, Abog as a motorcycle
club gained prominence. Their club’s
name went meaningfully and certainly was associated with the sport they dearly loved;
it was neither a name of horses nor of other animals or places, but it was just
merely “Abog” or dust. Abog’s race track was in Patag, Cagayan de Oro
City.
Whenever their
racing machines occupied the starting area of the race track and their riders
kicked the starters to initiate contact or ignition, ultimately the engines
would whine and howl, as if shuddering the grounds upon receiving the first
burst and roar of the engines in fury; and dirt flew when these dirt bikes
passed by.
Town’s
Motorcycle Clubs: In Balingasag for instance, with the entry of Ace
Rider Cris Pabelonio to Cougar Squadron in Cagayan, three other motorcycle
freaks from Balingasag joined Cougar.[16]
Ultimately, a local motorcycle club was organized in Balingasag named as Zebra.
Regardless of what motorcycle or engine one had, membership was open so long as
one loved motorcycling and its races. So, there was a sorties of Yamaha 80cc,
L2’s, Yamaha Twin Jet Engine 100cc, Enduro 90; Honda Scrumbler and Benly, or
Sport 90cc, Honda 50 Sport, Honda 90 Cab Automatic; Kawasaki HD; Suzuki; Miyapet;
Italian Garrelli, and so on, excluding of course, those with TAS Engines and
the Velo Solex[17];
were accepted to the club.[18]
In 1974, Zebra Club had
its first invitational race with the participation of other nearby clubs. Rudy
Mercado participated and represented Iron Cross. Riders nearby Boy Azcuna from
Jasaan and Jojo Bagayna of Claveria were there; and some members of the Abog
Team headed by Manny Neri joined too.
The race was just a
modification of scramble; the race course was at the open area of the municipal
park. The park was not wide, but humps and obstacles were aptly provided for
the bikes to maneuver. Other events were likewise officiated; there was a
plank race, slow drag, and drum race.
In 1977 during the
fiesta in January, there was an Oval Race at Balingasag Central School ground.
Abog Cagayan de Oro, riders from Malaybalay and Valencia, as well as riders
nearby like Jasaan and Claveria competed.[19]
With Rudy Mercado’s
contingent, we were surprised to know that our relative from Malaybalay joined
the race. Victor Cadiz competed for the Beginners Category, still young but
appropriate to be in that sport.
The
Shift Deterring Factor to MotoRacing: In the late 1970’s,
the prominent riders from Cagayan de Oro who seriously continued their
endeavors in motorcycling trainings in the roughest terrain along the tricky
off-road of Lumbia to Talakag were Manny Neri, Johnny Pascual and sometimes
Jovy Saulog came to train with them. The latter was their junior partner
probably a novice yet, or in a much advance category.
Nevertheless,
Johnny Pascual love of speed prompted him to switch to car racing like the
Indianapolis, Daytona or those in Nascar Racing. Since he had the means to this
very expensive sport, he trained. It is said that he went abroad to train, however
in one inopportune moment while he was negotiating the winding road in Lumbia,
Cagayan de Oro City; his car collided with a truck, which was arbitrarily
obstructing the narrow road. The accident was a lethal one.[20]
The 1970’s ended
and marked the coming of another decade, and it is a fact that in the early
1980’s most places in Mindanao, arm confrontation between the Guerrillas and
Government Forces started. It ceased significantly sometime in the 1995, though
fighting happens still until now and continues in sporadic degree.
Well maybe because
of that concern, Motorcycle Racing seemed to diminish or it had shy away in
favor of a new sport, Mountain Bike Racing; despite, the sports was introduced
late in Cagayan de Oro City.
For more than two
decades, the cousins of the motorcycles – the mountain bikes dominated every
city street, the back-roads and countrysides, even without established road the
bikes roll on every single tracks, or on no tracks at all and conquer the
mountains of every biker’s dream as one could see them slowly pedalling because
of hunger and thirst in search of full-adrenaline adventure.
Another speed craze
sports developed, Mountain Bike Downhill Racing kicked off and the cycling
communities appreciatively welcome it. It did not scare daring men to ride and
test fly their bikes as if they were on CRF’s,
YG’s, KXF’s, & RMG’s racing machines in the sport of Mountain Biking.
Motocross
in a Not Much Recent Time: After a considerable absence of MotoRacing
in the 1980’s, Pelaez Center or
popularly known as the Palaro since the Palaro Games was held thereat sometime
ago; was the venue of a superb Supercross Invitational Race in 1993.[21]
Insofar as our resource
persons remember, the race was organized under the leadership Director Raffy Abrogar
of the Department of Labor and Employment in his capacity as a motorcycle enthusiast,
or perhaps as a rider in his time, in fact he had an Elsinore; and of course,
he tapped the support of the members of the defunct earlier clubs. The
undersigned happened to be an anxious spectator of the race and observed that
various humps in single, doubles and triples; table-top, small humps lesser
than a wheel intervals were there. Practically, the grounds of Pelaez Sports
Center looks like a motorcycle-stadium similar to what saw in ESPN or Fox
Sports, a place where there were plenty of humps for jumps, sharp curves, or
all other man-made obstacles to make the track more difficult to ride.
It was an open
Invitational SuperCross Race, and we could not identify who the riders were in
their full-face helmets and riding suits, but we know that some of them came
from Malaybalay, Valencia, Butuan, Iligan, Cagayan de Oro and other towns
nearby. One remarkable rider Cagayan de Oro produced during this time was Donky
Manseguiao from Nazareth, Cagayan de Oro. The competition was a whole day affair. The race took
place days before the fiesta of Cagayan de Oro City.
Again motorcycle
racing was still after the 1st SuperCross was held.
But In 1997,
another SuperCross happened in Cagayan de Oro and this time, it was even a
bigger race, more fearsome and national in scope because national riders like
Glenn Aguilar, Jovy Saulog, and many more acclaimed riders competed. Racing was in its best as one of the
breath-taking leagues of Camel Motocross visited Cagayan de Oro at the race
track in now Pueblo de Oro Township along the National Highway and Macapagal
Avenue.
There was no SM
Cagayan de Oro yet. We observed Jovy
Saulog had a plastic stool with his left foot on it as a starting pad. It was a
very entertaining race because all the riders daringly shown their expertise in
the doubles, triples and table-top jumps.
An ambulance, fire
truck, and police cars were stationed thereat; and all available space
surrounding the race track was occupied not only by people, but by vehicles grabbing
every available space for parking. The race ended with Glenn Aguilar declared
as Champion of the Cagayan de Oro Camel MotoCross League. He had increased his
points, and gaining more of it at the end of the league shall mean bagging the
cash prize and honor as the Camel MotoCross Champion in 1997. Indeed, he was
the Champion in 1997 with Saulog tailing.
Local
MotoRacing and Its Race Tracks in the 2000’s: Every sport which
is deeply rooted in the hearts of those who loved it never dies. It may have just lay
low, maybe passive for a longer time, but like a tiny mustard seed when
triggered or fed by nutrients, watered well and exposed with sufficient light,
the cycle from being a seed into a plant begins.
The fate of
MotoRacing seemingly goes with nicer times when opportunities for sponsorship
or fund sourcing are there. To stage a Motocross or SuperCross is no joke
though enthusiasm among riders or club members is overwhelming. A birth of a
race track signifies a rebirth of nicer days of the sport. We know the sports dies
when humps on the tracks are already flattened and thickets abound.
The one in Calaanan,
which the riders used earlier and in August 1972 as the race track of the City
Scramble on natural terrain of ascends and descends because of the topography of
the place, was long abandoned. The flat open areas are now made as re-settlements
of Typhoon Sendong survivors and other informal settlers of the city, whose
dwelling units were demolished as results of road widening; judicial order to
vacate private and titled areas used illegally by settlers; and natural or
man-made calamity such as fire.
After the Calaanan
Race Track, Abog had designed a wider or similarly wide track at the Army
Reservation area in Patag, Cagayan de Oro City. It was too dusty during summer
and fittingly defined the Club’s Name as “Abog”. Every or whatever club name a
group may have and carry, it symbolizes toughness not only physically, but as
well as psychologically; and every rider may have this trait even maybe just in
a little degree in comparison with those who are not indulged in the sport.
It was in the
tracks of Patag in Cagayan de Oro where Manny Neri had tamed all the extreme
humps and made history of himself as a rider; and not only him had made that
glory, but all other riders even if unnamed such as the landmark or monument at
Divisoria honouring Unknown Heroes.
Another Race Track
was designed in Barangay Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro and our group from
Balingasag had approvingly commented jokingly “Yap! Nice wide race track, roomy
even for MG-20 Attack Chopper could just fly overhead and turn around with ease
within in the race track. Awesome!” Yes,
it was awesome in some sense because it had a pool accidentally created when
tons and tons of soil were excavated from it. The open pit became a pool when
heavy rains occurred; and it had served its undeserved purpose when an overshooting
rider manoeuvring the longer table top could not make it and landed to the
pool. The bike could not swim so the engine would cough because of mud and it surely
drowned.
Aside from the race
track in Kauswagan, another track was designed and constructed in Tablon like
in Cagayan de Oro City. Riders could be mistaken and we as well are no
exception, but most riders say the rebirth of motorcycling races in this part
of the land i.e. in Cagayan de Oro City and nearby towns; took off again in 2005. The race track in Tablon was constructed
in that year and likewise the one in Balingasag. All these two places have
similar patronal feasts, so it is just a matter of days when races on each
places are held because it is certainly impossible to have the race
simultaneously on the same day because riders have only one able body though
they rode on two or three racing machines on one motorcycling race.
Tablon had its race
track at an open space fronting Nestle Plant and until today the track is still
there and serviceable, however its grand utilization usually happens during the
patronal feast of Tablon on the third Sunday of January as it is their Feast
Day of the Sto. Niῆo, which Balingasag
celebrates, too. The area is spacious and its accessibility on the points of
view of spectators if it would be graded from a scale is “1 to 10”, certainly a
scale of “10” could be Tablon’s evaluative mark or rating. It is just a ten or
fifteen minute ride from just a minute ride from the city proper going east.
The first race
track in Balingasag was constructed in Barangay Cogon, and it was here when the
1st Invitational Motocross was held under the newly organized club, Balingasag Motorcycle Club or BMA and the Dimaporo Riders from Sultan
Naga, Lanao del Sur was there. Marcos Dimaporo, the manager and father of
Jallal and Jamal, who during the early
2000’s were our racing friends in Mountain Bike races with their acclaimed team
named Zoombies.[22]
From then on, it seemed there had been a “motocross fever” because most of the
barangays in Balingasag more so the bigger ones held races during their fiestas.
Although the same was not a full-scale motocross because there were no racing
machines, at least the motocross spirit was there, smaller motorcycle having
125cc engines usually were the ones competing.
As we have said
there has been a “motocross fever” and it spreads not only in Balingasag, but
it goes eastwards. Lagonglong a town 7 kilometers away from Balingasag to the
east had its 1st Motocross in 2007 and it was a big race. Riders
like Salvador Echem, Allan Bigcas, and so on participated.[23]
For Balingasag, Motocross
Race is consistently held every January each year since 2005 as a fiesta spectacular
event. It thrills always the public so the Local Government always set funds
for this activity each year.
In Recent Times: It would stay as a
fact in the hearts and memories of old riders or should we decently say
“Veterans” and enthusiasts that Butuan
City was the hub of MotoRacing in the early 1970’s because it hosted for two
consecutive years the Mindanao Federation Races in 1971 and 1972.
Despite
maybe Cagayan de Oro City had the most number of Clubs at this time – Cougar,
Mustang, Goking and MisOr, however it was not able to host the Mindanao Federation
Race unlike Butuan. Nevertheless, we would not say Cagayan de Oro was a “nobody” in MotoRacing because it had in
1972 staged an Invitational Race for three days in August; and a souvenir photo
of Crisanto Pabelonio says in its caption that it was a “First National
Invitational Motorcycle Race”. So, it must have been a bigger race. However, we
could not in detail say who joined the race and from where the riders came from
because of scarcity of records and lapses of memory of the persons whom we asked
to shed some light on it.
Since we
are talking of MotoRacing in recent times, the biggest race held in Cagayan de Oro
was in 2014 when Kopiko SuperCross roared in city’s uptown area.[24]
The race track was in Pueblo de Oro near SM Mall. But previous to that there
were Supercross Races held at the open area at Lim Ket Kai Mall and JR Borja
Extension near Sacred Heart Montessori School in Barangay Gusa, and in Barangay
Cugman, excluding of course the races we mentioned which were staged in Kauswagan
and Tablon in the 2000’s.
If this
is how Cagayan de Oro had been faring in MotoRacing, Bukidnon too is not
dormant with it. Indeed, MotoRacing is always a highlight in the Kaamulan
Festival in August each year aside from cultural activities. Younger riders
emulating the traditions set by their elders or the “veterans” such as Rudy
Mercado, Boy Mityam, Boy Lapuz and many more, new set of riders emerged to
mention a few like Bembem Mercado, Glen Lapuz and Junjun Tekyo; and these young
men are doing well in the sports, in fact they have been the aces of MotoRacing
in Bukidnon just as their mentors or parents had been before.
Well,
going on the other side of Cagayan de Oro to the West or in the provinces of
Lanao, we would honestly say that they have excelled much in propagating the
sport of MotoRacing. Unlike in the 1970 when the lone motorcycle club in Iligan
was the Buffalo, today groups whether formal or informal and certainly lovers
of the sports are there and bonded enthusiastically because of one common
aspiration – motorcycles.
With the
inspiration of Iligan City’s earlier riders to mention a few, Alan Galan, Manny
Piῆola, Jun Casiῆo,
Bonie Baῆo, William Yang and
others, who now maybe are still active or inactive,[25]
and through the able leadership of the incumbent young Governor of Lanao del
Norte, Hon. Khalid Q. Dimaporo; the Province of Lanao particularly the town of Tubod
has been placed to limelight as the “Motocross Capital” of the Philippines.
There are reasons why fittingly such honor could be accorded to them; firstly a
vast open space on a hill-side was developed as a Motocross or SuperCross Race
Track area. A sports center or grand stand in concrete was constructed fronting
it where spectators could watch the race safely on bealcher seats. One could
enjoy seeing the race without necessarily going to where the action is, because
the race course could be viewed conspicuously at the grand stand. The race
track is on the hillside and spectators below can see it well.
Lanao
del Norte has been able to host an International Motocross in the past years
and hopefully it could stage similar event again. In International racing,
Filipino riders raced with other nationals and they had tested themselves well
whether or not their skills are at par with them; and this is one valuable way to experience or feel what an
International Competition is all about. Local riders could somehow access and
experience it should they dare to compete because Tubod has the facilities to
cater international MotoRacing events.
If there
are places and events like this, surely the sports would be always alive.
Concluding the Theme: The
undersigned fells that there would be no definite answer or projection on how
MotoRacing would be in the years to come because one determining important
factor to consider for the sports to last longer would be its social
acceptability by the public. So long as
the whines and roars of a Racing Machine engine thrills and entices everyone,
peoples’ appreciation to MotoRacing seems to be limitless.
We
observed that in Cagayan de Oro City alone motoRacing has always thrilled people and of course, we wish to believe that it is similar in other cities similar. In the late 1990’s and predominantly in the
year 2000 to 2005, MotoRacing was barely noticeable because races were seldom and
what was frequent with an average of one race each month was Mountain Bike Racing.
Many young men dared to go into Mountain Biking since it is fun and one could
meet friends in competition. Mountain Biking dominated the two-wheeled sport, but
since there had been a shift in trend somehow in 2005 or 2006 in Cagayan de Oro
City alone, from Mountain Biking it moved to MotoRacing again.[26]
A new genre evolves and this is MotoTrail. With the addition of MotoTrail to
MotoCross or Supercross, today, Mountain Bike racing is seldom than it was in
the early 1990s to the mid-party of 2000s.
Most people
today for reasons of economy and mobility prefer to own motorcycles rather than
wait for public transport. Motorcycle becomes an alternative means of transport
and indeed they are effective in various terrains. It is a poor man’s transport
that would carry him to places where travel of public utility is not opened
because of poor road. Motorcycle is always there as an answer to the problem.[27]
Motorcycle industry at the turn of the 21st century has turned
significantly as indicators of sound development. Not only are the four
originally earlier Japanese motorcycles are the only ones known today in the
market, but as well as Asian-born motorcycles and the expensive Western
motorcycles such as the Harley Davidson, the European brands - BMW, Ducati,
KTM, Aprillia and the British Triumph.
The
thrill of motorcycling more so in MotoRacing would never stop so long as there
would be men who are willing to risk arms and limbs, or even one’s life just
for the love of the sports. Despite how
responsible and prudent are these riders, accidents inevitably happen, for risk
is always associated or a component to the sport. Even if the winnings or
prizes are much lower than in other sports, still one would see riders happily
compete, because it is not the winnings that count much, but the thrill and
fulfillment that one has the courage indeed to join the race, which greatly had
separated him from the rest of macho men.
In
closing, the inter-relationship between the bicycle and motorcycle never stops.
It would always revolve. Some old motorcycle riders or the veterans who are retiring from the sports would shift to bicycling
while some bicycle riders would cross-train to MotoRacing. Shifting from
Motorcycling to Bicycling maybe not in a stricter sense of the word marks the
end of youth because there are younger motorcycle riders who shifted to
Mountain Biking or Bicycling. The shift from Bicycling to MotoRacing means only
one thing, the quest of endless thrill does not cease because a bicycle offers
also similar thrill more so if one is indulged in MTB Downhill Racing and
Extreme Cross-Country Mountain Biking.
A few
friends of mine are examples of what the undersigned has just said, my good
friend, Luis Cariquitan shifted from MotoCross to MTB Cycling [GORBAC], Eric
Neri [relative of Manny Neri] from MotoCross to Cycling [CAMBIA]; and our
mentors in Motorcycling Rudy R. Mercado and Crisanto Pabelonio from MotoCross
to Cycling.
On the
other hand, the shift from Cycling to MotoRacing could be seen in fulfilled
athletes too like Roel Tan, a Marlboro Tour Veteran who now shifted to
MotoCross and MotoTrail, Wally Veronilla, Darwin Emata, brothers Rosauro and Karlo Valmores,
Salvador Co, Joseph Cuerquez, Jonel Quilacio from BULLETS Mountain Bike Club to
MotoRacing either in MotoCross or MotoTrail.
Although
there might be no definite concrete similarities between the two sports because
the other one is propelled by a gas engine, while a bicycle by human power ¾
horsepower, they complemented out with each other despite of dissimilarities. We
know one could never ride on a motorcycle unless he has mastered the bicycle.
Finally,
despite it may chill us to the bone to remember some unsavory moments in the
sports of MotoRacing because accidents inevitably happen resulting to temporary or total infirmity, or even fatality of a rider or
riders; of course, this we pray fervently to Divine Providence that the lives
of these daring young men would be spared and no harm would come to them in the
sport they choose to love, live and die for.[28]
For
those who live but limp a bit and suffer some disabilities, we know such was
just a little misfortune in life. The bigger fortune that one had indeed got,
is the fame he earned; the thrill he had experienced and gained; and the
excitement he had endlessly tendered to every spectator in his nerve rocking
jumps, stunts, and tricky maneuvers in the prime years of his life in
MotoRacing.
A few Good
Men are in this sport and we salute every rider on track and trails battling
against fear and risking everything just for the sake of a fair and adventurous
game.
Our
endless reminiscing for those who ultimately faded away. A saying goes on “old soldiers do not die, they just fade away”.
Certainly, they would never fade away in the memories of those who love MotoRacing
dearly. We would never forget their trail and passing. Every roar of a race
bike’s engine on a track or trail always compels us to give
our final salute to them forevermore. Broom!
oOo
NOTES
[1] For
this essay, the characters either in their real names or
nicknames; the business establishments; the story and all other mentioned
events evolved in Cagayan de Oro and places nearby. Primarily, It is based from
interviews of riders like Crisanto Pelabonio,
former member of the Buffalo of Iligan City and later on joined with Cougar
Club, Cagayan de Oro, for reasons of transfer of residence; Rudy Mercado, Iron Cross of Malaybalay
City; Rogelio Mangubat, ZAFFRAT,
Koronadal City; former Zebra Club of Balingasag
Members Theody Tagarda and Carling Hojas; current BMA [Balingasag Motor
Association] members/riders Jonel Quilacio, Nelson Uy, James Casenillo, Efren
Dadang, and Nestor dela Paz; and Jose C. Go, former local bike shop owner, who
likewise provided me inputs with regards to the location and ownership of some
early motorcycle shops or stores in Cagayan de Oro City.) (Annotation mine.)
[2] Wikipedia, Bicycle accessed on July 10, 2015. Daimler
motorcycle had two main wheel and two other smaller wheels at the rear wheel of
his machine serving as outrigger. His son tested it successfully by travelling
some eight kilometers away and back to Daimler’s shop. The motorcycle had .5hp
single engine and fed with petrol.
[3] Wikipedia,
Bicycles accessed July 10, 2015. The Japanese
Imperial Army during the invasion of China in 1938 used 50,000 bicycles for her
troops.
[4] The
establishment has a business trade name now as Sentro. In the old days, it was
a panciteria and today it is a place
of fine dining and not far from it or located within the block or compound,
Alfonso For related readings about early local Chinese
merchants, please refer to Rex R. Valmores’ Goggle Plus account “Brief Study of
the Early Chinese Merchants in Balingasag.”Sia’s son named
Juan is a prominent name in the business community as well as in the city
government. (Annotation mine.)
[5] Solomon
& Bros. was a general store and owned by Solomon Sia. We guess he and Juan
Sia are relatives. Solomon & Bros. was engaged in hardware, electrical,
plumbing and likewise was on motorcycle sale, parts and servicing. It was the
biggest Motorcycle Shop in Cagayan de Oro, if not in Northern Mindanao in those
times. __ From an interview with Jose C. Go, on May 15, 2015.
[6] For related readings about early local Chinese merchants, please refer
to Rex R. Valmores’ Goggle Plus account “Brief Study of the Early Chinese
Merchants in Balingasag.”
[7] Balingasag’s oldest motorcycle was a black 250 cc
Harley Davidson owned by Absalon Roa, Sr. It was an axle driven motorcycle with
a hand shifting stick at the front right side of the motorcycle machine. (Annotation mine.)
[8] Arnoldo Villarin
was a prominent businessman in Cagayan de Oro City. Their family owned the
former Ambassador Hotel along Del Mar Street or Don Apolinario Velez now,
fronting East City Central School. In one event during the reunion of the
Buffalo Club of Iligan and with the clubs of Cagayan at Igpit, Opol, Misamis
Oriental, he rode his BMW and did his usual stunt by standing on his bike while
taking pictures of his buddies with his Kodak. His bike hit something hard, was
it a pothole or stone, they did not know what it was, but one thing they were
sure Arnoldo’s bike crashed and he fell badly on the asphalted road. From that
incident he sustained a broken spine which compelled him never to race or ride
motorcycles again. Nonetheless, he was an active club officer, in fact the
President of Cougar Squadron, instead of motorcycle he used to go with his
group on long ride on his sports car. __ From an interview with Crisanto
Pabelonio. (Annotation mine.)
[9] In 1967
Crisanto Pabelonio resided in Iligan City though he is a native of Balingasag.
He rode with Buffalo Motorcycle Team of Iligan. In the Pagadian Race, he placed
third on his Yamaha 80cc stock machine, next to the Tamayo brothers in the Oval
or Flat Track Race. (Annotation mine.)
[10] In mid-1970’s Jaycees International sponsored a Tour dubbed as “Bayan
Muna Tour”to promote local tourism. Motorcycle clubs all over the Philippines
represented by their officials joined for such purpose. Atty. Estrada and Rudy
Mercado joined the Tour. From Cagayan de Oro Joe Supilveda, who is good on the
piano joined the tour. The tour covered major key cities in Visayas, Luzon and
Mindanao, the last league of the tour. __ From an interview with Rudy R.
Mercado.
[11] Rolando “Rudy” R.
Mercado pioneered the use of bigger motorcycle in Balingasag. He first owned a
Honda 450cc Standard, thereafter he switched to two-stroke engine where he had
his Yamaha 250cc, which he used to ride regularly during week-ends or his
off-days from Malaybalay to Balingasag and vice versa. He was the third
President of the Iron Cross and held his post for a much longer time. In his
marriage, he has a son fondly known in Malaybalay and Balingasag as well as the
rest of racing communities of Northern Mindanao as Bembem. Like his father he
rode well and could have been the riding partner of Juvy Saulog in the National
Team in the 1990’s, had he not met an accident at the Kaamulan Race. Bembem was
out of the sports for almost a year after undergoing major operations and
medical therapy during recuperation. Today, he still rides his motorcycle and
sometimes do practice track racing Supercross the event he dearly loved, which
nearly curtailed his life. (Annotation mine).
[12] Crisanto Pabelonio won third place. He is presently residing in Barangay
5, Poblacion, Balingasag, Misamis Oriental. (Annotation mine.)
[13] One rider who joined the event was Theody Tagarda, he
said that it was a very exciting race and there were many participants.
Aviation Gas or high-octane fuel was provided by the sponsoring group, thus his
race bike’s tank was always full up to its rim. (From an interview with Theody
Tagarda on June
11, 2015, Annotation mine.).
[14] He was born in Lunao, Gingoog City and raised in
Balingasag, Misamis Oriental. In 1973, he migrated to Koronadal for work, thus
he worked with Panlaque Marketing [dealer also of motorcycles]. Thereafter, he
joined ZAFRATT Motorcycle Club in Koronadal. He was Champion in the Novice Category
Flat Track Oval Race for 100-125cc in Cotabato and Koronadal respectively. In
1978, he joined in the National Flat Track and Motocross Competition in
Zamboanga and was a qualifier until the semi-finals because the field had many
tough caliber riders. (Annotation mine.)
15] This does not however mean that riders from Mindanao were not able to meet each other at all in races because of the suspension of the Federation Race. Indeed, series of national races each year were staged in the mid 1970’s and riders from Mindanao were qualified as national riders, so from Bukidnon we had Boy Mityam; Manny Neri for Cagayan de Oro; Davao, Tamayo brothers Reynaldo and Ernesto, and Boy Rabor; Tagum, Davao del Norte [not a city nor there was COMVAL], Boy Pineda; Mati, Davao Oriental, Rabat Bros.; Digos, Rudy Roperos; Cebu, Pipo Bros. – Pipo and Andot Rubie; Cotabato City, Ricky Ty; Marbel or Koronadal, South Cotabato, Etik Misperos; Butuan, Boy Lim; and others. [memories just failed to recall their names.]. Of course, these mentioned riders knew each other well in the race track.__ From mobile phone interview on May 29, 2015 with Roger S. Mangubat, former Barangay Captain for three consecutive terms in Barangay Sarabia, Koronadal, South Cotabato and one of the pioneering members of the ZAFRATT Motorcycle Club of Marvel, South Cotabato. (Annotation mine.)
15] This does not however mean that riders from Mindanao were not able to meet each other at all in races because of the suspension of the Federation Race. Indeed, series of national races each year were staged in the mid 1970’s and riders from Mindanao were qualified as national riders, so from Bukidnon we had Boy Mityam; Manny Neri for Cagayan de Oro; Davao, Tamayo brothers Reynaldo and Ernesto, and Boy Rabor; Tagum, Davao del Norte [not a city nor there was COMVAL], Boy Pineda; Mati, Davao Oriental, Rabat Bros.; Digos, Rudy Roperos; Cebu, Pipo Bros. – Pipo and Andot Rubie; Cotabato City, Ricky Ty; Marbel or Koronadal, South Cotabato, Etik Misperos; Butuan, Boy Lim; and others. [memories just failed to recall their names.]. Of course, these mentioned riders knew each other well in the race track.__ From mobile phone interview on May 29, 2015 with Roger S. Mangubat, former Barangay Captain for three consecutive terms in Barangay Sarabia, Koronadal, South Cotabato and one of the pioneering members of the ZAFRATT Motorcycle Club of Marvel, South Cotabato. (Annotation mine.)
[16] Theodore
Tagarda, Marciano Montes and Carlos Hojas joined Cougar Club before the local
club in Balingasag was organized. (Annotation mine.)
[17] TAS is just actually a
machine which is attached to a bicycle. Its engine is mounted below the top
tube of a bicycle’s frame and a chain is connected with the gear-drive of the
TAS engine and further is connected to the rear tire of the bicycle in order to
run. The Solex’s engine is mounted on
the upper area of the front tire section of the motorcycle. It has no chain
connection from where the engine is mounted unlike TAS. However, they are both
two-stroke engines, but Velo Solex is a belt-driven vehicle. (Annotation mine.)
[18] The
three local boys which joined Cougar Squadron as recruits of Cris Pabelonio
were Carlos Hojas, Marciano “Sesing” Montes and Theodore Tagarda. Together with
Cris Pabelonio and Rudy Mercado they organized the local Zebra Motorcycle Club
of Balingasag. (Annotation mine.)
[19] The
Flat Track Oval Race in Balingasag was organized by Roger Mangubat in
coordination with the People’s Organization and
with the assistance of the Local Government Unit. (Annotation mine.) Earlier in
September 1976, an Oval Race was staged in Iligan City, the Tamayo’s of Davao
and Manny Neri of Cagayan de Oro competed. (From an interview with Max Quina on
August 1, 2015.)
[20] The car was totally wrecked, it
was a fatal accident, and Johnny lost his life. Johnny Pascual married one of the daughters of Oloy Roa. __ Information provided by Totus Mendoza, a
resident of Capitstrano-Luna Sts. Cagayan de Oro on May 22, 2015 in Balingasag
during an interview. (Annotation mine.)
[21] In the
late 1980’s and early 1990’s local riders in Cagayan de Oro City bonded
themselves again and had their trail rides usually on weekends. They called themselves as Sunday Dirt Riders.
One motorcycle shop [Motormate under Boy Malazarte] in the city was so
supportive of their endeavours. Eventually the 1993 Supercross was staged and
some local Beginners and Novice riders either had joined the race or became
race officials and marshals like Kenneth Malazarte, Loloy Flores, Julius
Torreo, Donkie Mansequia, Jun Labanon, Loloy Alas-as and others more. (From an interview
with James Casinillo, a Flagman during the Supercross in 1993; on June 29, 2015).
[22] To mention a few of
the BMA club members namely: Babam Pabelonio, son of rider Crisanto; Jonel Quilacio; James Casinillo; Roel Tan; Nestor Dalapag; Nelson Tan; Salvador Co; Darwin Emata, and
many more. (Annotation mine.)
[23] On June
22, 2014 Lagonglong had its first MotoTrail on cross-country race. The second
MotoTrail was staged on July 1, 2015. This time it was a circuit race on trail,
and tracks. With the assistance of the LCRO staff and a few motorcycle
enthusiasts working at LGU-Lagonglong, the undersigned was able to organize two
trail races. (Annotation mine.)
[24] The Champion in the Expert/Professional Category was
Bornok Sarongsong from Davao City. He was able to outsmart legendary rider Glen
Aguilar, who faded sooner during the excruciating laps and another young rider
from Cebu, placed second. The versatile
and long veteran Glen finished as Third. (From an interview with Nelson Uy, a
rider and businessman who presently is based in Balingasag on July 10, 2015.)
[25] Names of riders were provided by Max Quina, a resident
of Iligan City on personal interview on August 1, 2015. (Annotation mine.)
[26] Aside from Motocross and Supercross, Marathon and Triathlon are growing
sports in the city. (Annotation mine.)
[27] To
a less travelled road by public transport or on the most rugged terrain devoid
by transport a motorcycle is always there as a poor man’s transport. In Misamis
Oriental and Bukidnon, they are known as “Habal-habal” and what an incredible machine,
they can carry at a time (4) or (5) passengers excluding the driver and its cargoes.
But what is more awesome than the “habal-habal” is the motorcycles in the Monkayo-Diwalwal
areas called as “Skylab”. They can carry up to (13) passengers at a time
because a steel bar is laid across the motorcycle, where on each side (4) passengers
can be seated comfortably on the bar with back rest, foot rest and hand rails.
Three (3) more passengers would be seated as back riders and (1) passenger
would be seated on top of the gas tank to counter balance the heavy load at the
rear area of the motorcycle. Not only people are transported by them but also
cargoes. (From an interview with Reby Cablinda of Lagonglong, a former driver
[Skylab] in Monkayo, Comval to Diwalwal Mountains on July 27, 2015.) (Annotation mine.)
[28] While
on practice sometime in 2014 at the race track in Davao, the
younger brother of Bornok Sarongsong had the final jump of his life when he
miscalculated a triple jump and landed badly on front wheel first. A terrible
crash happened, his machine’s handlebar slammed hard his chest which caused
internal bleeding. Though efforts were made to transport him to a nearby
hospital, he gasped for a bigger breath while on the way and faded into eternity. (From an interview with Jonel Quilacio in May 19, 2015 (Balingasag) and recently with Dan V. Onahon, Jr., Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. Annotation
mine.) Another tragic incident occurred
a little more than five years ago when one of the riders under William Yang’s
group collapsed due to severe exhaustion and dehydration while on an extreme
long distance MotoTrail in the mountains of Iligan City. The rider never regained
consciousness and hadn't stayed with his friends. (From an interview with Max Quina of Iligan City on August 1, 2015,
Annotation mine.)
ooo
RexRValmores
82015
balingasagmisamisoriental
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