Philippines Bikes for Water: LTdF 2011

Last April, we took part in the Le Tour de Filipinas Cycling event. It's a 4-stage cycling event wherein cycling teams from different Asian countries competed. In this event, we have aligned our advocacy of protecting the environment and providing everyone an access to clean and safe drinking water -- the Philippines Bikes for Water.

Stage 1: Manila (April 16)

It was Rahim Emami of Azad University (Iran) who won this stage.

 Mayor Fred Lim

 with my officemate Kris

 Mr. Cayton & Ms. Patricia Hizon awarded the winners

chillin' by the Manila Bay

Stage 2: Bataan to Zambales (April 17)

It was Kazuo Inoue of Bridgestone Anchor (Japan) who won this stage, however we weren't able to join the group this day.

Stage 3: Zambales to Bataan (April 18)

Mirsamad Pourseyedi Golakhour of Azad University (Iran) won this stage, but we didn't make it here because it's just the morning that we left Manila. We proceeded to our boss' rest house instead for a meeting and a bit of unwinding.

 Our boss' rest house. It's "antique"-themed

 i enjoyed swimming at the pool during sunset

 while resting on the hammock

the beach with dark gray sand 

Stage 4: Pangasinan to Baguio

The final stage! We witnessed the cyclists as they rode up to the high lands of Baguio City. I really admired their determination. We stopped by a few spots to cheer for Team Smart (Philippines). It was Rahim Umami of Azad University (Iran) who crossed the finish line first. And after the long journey, it was Team Azad University (Iran) who won 1st place, 2nd was Team 7-Eleven (Philippines), and 3rd was Team Smart (Philippines).

After the race, we had lunch at Rose Bowl and proceeded to Microtel. We attended the awarding ceremonies and party at night. We also had late dinner and drinks at our company president's resthouse in Camp John Hay, then we headed back to the hotel. The next morning, our bosses just attended a couple of meetings while Kris and I shopped in the  Baguio City Market. Then we headed back to Manila. But since it's already Holy Week, our bosses had their own family reunions in their respective provinces on our way home.

 before stage 4 started

Our team :)

 at work in the hotel

 Mayor Domogan of Baguio City at the center

 Team Smart

 proud!

 fireworks!!!

 Don Podring band

 Microtel

 late lunch in Pangasinan