Arayat Pampangga Ride Report by Pres. Jet Lim

The PBRC's ride to the Province of Nueva Ecija last November 3, 2007 marked another exciting episode of the Club. It's the first time for the Club to hit Central Luzon and got acquainted the PBRC North Luzon Area Chapter members, the host for this ride.

The group started the day by double checking the bike for this long journey. Guys from the southern parts of Metro Manila arrived as early as 6:30 am to the predetermined meeting place at Shell Gas Station in Julia Vargas corner C-5, Pasig City. When I arrived at the place at about 6:40am, I had my Bravo filled up with Gasoline and not so long I see Marjiancanya also had his Bravo filled up. Little did I know that Archer22, Mikecute, Henry and Talipandaz were already waiting at the parking area of the gas station and were calling my attention when I was parking in front of Select. When I get to near them, I saw Talipandaz in short pants and shirt. He said he cannot come with us but was just there to bid the Group for a safe journey. How kind of him. That’s how PBRC support one another. Although the southern members who listed to join the ride were already at the place, we still waited until 7am just to make sure we will not be leaving those who made a last minute decision to join.

The schedule of the itinerary indicated that the group will leave at exactly 7:00am and proceed to Monumento area to link-up with the rest of the Group who will be coming from Northern areas of Metro Manila. Using the route of C-5 – Santolan – EDSA – North Avenue, the group arrived at Monumento at around 7:20am where Coolworld and Bradc73 awaited at a nearby 7-11 store. They met us beside the Baliwag Lechon Manok in McArthur hiway where there was enough parking for all of us without obstructing traffic in the area.

As we were waiting for the last man Jay (newest member), Reklamador came to see us, and also bidding the Group for a safe journey as he can’t joined for his pre-scheduled seminar with the Couples for Christ. See, I told you this is how PBRC support each other. He has one other agenda though. He shown the group of the prototype of the bottom pan (“araro”) custom made for the PBRC. Painted in black, the “araro” fitted nicely on his Bravo but he had to cut and shorten the rear portion of the front fender to give way for it. Since it was still a prototype, there are a few improvements to be made on it. Let’s wait for its final product. Bradc73 also showed us two samples of the Logo sticker and voted which should be ordered.

Not for long, Jay arrived. Wow, he was on a different version of the Bravo amongst the other members…well, particularly on the handle bar. His was a totally pulled out handle bar and replaced with a new handle bar post that’s places the handle bar a bit backwards. It’s good if you opt to mount your handle bars lower since it will not be touching the upper portion of the cowl, so you’ll not be chopping your cowl if you opt to utilize a lowered handle bar. No customizing, just replacing with aftermarket parts.

Soon after a few hellos to newly meet members, the group departed for Nueva Ecija at around 7:45am. Traffic along McArthur Hiway from Valenzuela to Bulacan was moderate to heavy. I spearheaded the group, making sure that our pace was enough to meet our schedule and for everyone to be safe. After the hustle and bustle on every tight traffic at downtowns in Valenzuela and Bulacan and a few road repair detours and U-turns due to direction difficulties, we found ourselves reaching Pampanga safely and on schedule.

The road in the Province of Pampanga was fairly open in terms of traffic condition. This time, not much vehicles were plying and not much obstruction on the side of road. It’s time for the group to gain up speed. And in some long stretches on the open hiway, a few guys went hitting top speed. But little did we noticed the sign to San Simon, where we are supposed to make a right turn towards Arayat and meet up with our hosts, CrazyRazky and Alamus. Good thing that they were waiting for us at Caltex Station by the intersection. So when they saw us passed by and onward to the wrong direction, Alamus puts on his helmet and struggled with his red Bravo to catch up with us. Fortunately, repair was underway on a bridge not so far and caught up with us.

The group united at the Caltex station where could finally meet and shake hands with CrazyRazky and Alamus, the hosts. It was about 10:50am and right on schedule. CrazyRazky showed us his modifications made on his Bravo while Alamus showed me his unreturned chainguard of his Bravo because of his over excitement for the occasion.

After a 45-minute break for rest, rehydration and cigarette, CrazyRazky set free several homing pigeons and we made our way towards Cabiao for lunch. We got into the eatery and eat at our hearts content. Food prices were cheap and the menu was superb. I had beer to go with my Sisig. Archer, however, snobbed every one of us when he was the first to be served with his double-viand meal.

People in the area were staring at us and probably saying unto themselves, “look at these guys…so charming and macho on their Bravo motorcycles.” And we really are! Even Anna, the pretty waitress at the restaurant who Mikecute got fond of, kept staring at each of us thinking how she would be asked by anyone among us to be a backride. There was even a guy from the area who approached us and said he is a Bravo owner too. He would like to join the Club as well. We just told him to get in touch with CrazyRazky.

After that scrumptious meal, we proceeded to CrazyRazky’s place to meet his pregnant wife (their first baby). We were served with cold orange juice and hot “ginataan” filled with banana, sweet potato, cassava and sago. Had it beside the wide Cabiao River and under the cool shade of a tall-standing bamboo plant. There we held our meeting, discussing matters pertaining to the Club. Four members, namely Bradc73, CrazyRazky and Jay paid 150 pesos each to cover the 100 pesos registration fee and 50 pesos monthly dues for the month of November. Alamus paid 200 pesos to cover the monthly dues up to December. Archer, Coolworld, Jian, Mikecute, Henry and me paid 50 pesos each for the November monthly dues. So we raised a total of 950 pesos. We also discussed that CrazyRazky be the Liaison Officer of the Northern Luzon Area PBRC to organized and recruit Bravo owners in the area to join the PBRC. Not necessarily that those Bravo owners be required to join the MCP forums and Yahoo! Groups.

From there, it’s swimming time. We made our way to the Arayat National Park where we can get swimming in several pools supplied by nature’s spring water from Mount Arayat. Sad for the group, Bradc73 had to leave early after he received a message from home requiring his presence at home because his child is sick. He said goodbye to rest of the group and left alone. But everyone had fun at the park. Alamus however had not brought along his swimming attire and just stayed by the cottage. Everybody made a deep into the cold water of the pool and a small natural waterfall after downing a bottle of beer. But I had two. The “ginataan” was at anyone’s taking and newly cooked banana-que offered by a local food vendor was not spared by the hungry Mike and Vin.

And no attractive lady could get passed from the vigilant eyes of Jian and Mike. Their stare could melt the ladies like butter. So as soon as they spotted a couple on their way to the other pool, our Romeos could not make their feet to stay put. Even Archer and Henry find a way to deep to the other pool, only to find themselves beside two “papampam” in swimsuit! Grrrr….At that moment, I felt sorry for Coolworld. He was at tight perimeter defense. And no Houdini can escape the ever vigilant eyes of his wife. He however managed to throw a few smiles.

By 3:30pm, we departed the resort and bound for home. But not after taking group pictures at the parking area. At the first intersection, we bid farewell to our hosts and thanked them for the warm welcome. They sure were very hospitable. That’s PBRC!

Our way back home was different. Some may have been tired by the day’s activities and traffic was a bit tight. I let Mike have the spearhead task. No problems along the way until we were at Bulacan where Jian barely escaped injuries and damages to his Bravo when a Pajero, coming from the right side of the road, suddenly turned to cross the hiway and blocking the path of Jian who was coming in fast. Full brakes by Jian couldn’t stop the motorcycle instantly and couldn’t prevent him to crash into the SUV. However, quick thinking and helpful braking of the Bravo did not cause full contact between the two vehicles nor damage Jian’s Bravo. The only contact made was when Jian used his elbow against the Pajero’s door to brace himself. This was evident by the dent on the door. Jian only felt a slight numb on his elbow. Driver of the Pajero was responsible enough to offer assistance if ever Jian sustain any unseen injury from the accident.

Aside from that, we made our way back to Monumento at around 6:30pm after buying “pasalubong” at the border of Meycauayan and Valenzuela. Jay separated from the rest of the group in Valenzuela. Coolworld and Jian went together towards Roxas Boulevard while Archer, Mikecute, Henry and me opted to drop by Shell Julia Vargas. There, wet met “CJ_Manalo” with his charming girlfriend and “Rom_Racing” who happens to be in the business of Riding Apparels. Rom offered us discount price of 2,500 pesos for a minimum group order of 10 pieces on the fully padded riding jacket in any design we want.

Soon after, we parted our ways.

Thank you guys for the exciting ride to Nueva Ecija. Thank you also to CrazyRazky and Alamus for the warm welcome. We certainly enjoyed our stayed in Nueva Ecija. And thank you to those who paid the registration fee and monthly dues for the month of November. Be ready for your pictures for your ID card.

Again thank you to all who participated and Mabuhay ang PBRC.