MC Clubs Meet to Discuss New LTO Rules

Different motorcycle clubs in the city met last Aug 28, 2008 at MTS to discuss steps to address the new rules that the Land Transportation Office was reportedly planning to implement related to motorcycles and motorcycling.

There were no objections against rules requiring proper riding attire or having only one back-rider. But singled out as unreasonable (or the product of sheer ignorance) among the new rules were the banning of half-faced helmets, the prohibition against loud pipes, and the requirement of having modifications approved by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) or the LTO.

As an initial step, the various clubs and their members decided to be co-signatories of a letter that the Davao Agila Riders was sending to the Regional Officer of the LTO asking for clarifications and detailed guidelines on the controversial (and obviously stupid) new rules.

Some participants in the meeting voiced their suspicions that these new rules were a ploy to raise more revenues for the LTO and fill the pockets of corrupt LTO enforcers.

(This just in: President Daniel sent a text message saying that the letter, with signatures from different clubs and riders, have been sent to the LTO. He also received information that the police were instructed not to make apprehensions based on the controversial and disputed new rules.)

Agila Hosts KK in a Kadayawan Street Party

Last Kadayawan, the Davao Agila Riders hosted the Kagayhanon Krusers to a real street party – the drinking venue was on the street (not just the sidewalk) fronting Dad’s bar at Rizal Street. The mood harked back to older days when we would drink and have fun in the street fronting the house, while people milled around enjoying the sights and sounds of the fiesta.

So between parked cars and motorcycles, a table was laid out filled with food and beer, while the bikers drank and talked the night away. It was a fitting end to a truly pleasurable week.

Other MC Clubs at Kadayawan Parade

The On Any Sunday Riders and the Black Hawks from Cotabato City also participated in this year's Kadayawan Parade. And of course, the blue boys of the Traffic Management Group were also there.

I am told that riders from Cebu and Cagayan de Oro were also were in the parade. And for the first time so were many dirt bike, scooter, and underbone clubs.

More Kadayawan 08 Parade Pix

Yvette Passes Career Executive Officer Exams

Congratulations to Ma’am Yvette, President Daniel’s better half, who recently passed the Career Executive Officer Exams conducted by the Civil Service Commission and the Career Executive Service Board. Yvette successfully hurdled a tough four-stage examination process that included a written test, an assessment, an interview and a validation. She was granted the CEO eligibility by the Civil Service Commission and the Career Executive Service eligibility by the Career Executive Service Board.

Ma’am Yvette can now be appointed to executive/managerial positions in government. She took her oath for her new eligibilities last Aug 5, 2008.

Yvette is currently the chief of staff of First District Councilor the Honorable Mabel Sunga-Acosta.

Kadayawan Parade 2008

It started on time. Once it got started, the stops were bearable. And since we were near the head of the parade, the Kadayawan 2008 parade was soon quickly over for the Agilas. But not before Dodong crossed club lines and had his pictures taken with the ladies of the Flying Squad MC club.

It was not yet 9AM when we sped towards Gorio’s Café, had hearty breakfast and loud conversations.

Maam Yvette should have pictures of us riding the bikes during the parade (which I will post the moment I get copies of those pictures).

Ping and Bdul Bday Party

Sir Ping and Bdul celebrated their birthdays with the Agilas last Aug 21, 2008 at Matina Town Square. The Agilas and their lovely wives came in full force to greet and have fun with the celebrants who were finally saying goodbye to their teenage years.

The highlight of the night was the Agilas’ unveiling of their gifts to the celebrants. Each celebrant received T-shirts spray-painted with their likeness. The T-shirts were very much appreciated, especially by the celebrants (maybe because the drawings looked better than the real thing.)

Financial System Failure and the Paradox of Thrift

This is obviously not about bikes, but I feel obligated to pass this excellent and very readable article on why the US economy is currently in a mess. The ideas apply to us in the Philippines, too. Wonder why economists complain that our economy is consumption-driven (all those OFW earnings being spent on cell phones) and not enough investments being made? This article should help deepen our understanding of these things. The article.

Calinan Fiesta Parade

Founding President Boy Manaois invited the Agilas to join the Calinan Fiesta parade last July 31, 2008. A spirited run to Calinan (clearly a poor substitute for a long-missed long ride – damn these expensive gasoline prices! – but fun nevertheless), a hearty breakfast courtesy of Sir Boy, and it was off to the slow moving parade. Another hearty brunch and it was back to Davao to work. Sir Boy was happy and we got to see Agila Rider Julie and it made the morning worthwhile.