Agila riders soar high with pride

DAVAO CITY, Philippines - There are motorcycle riders in Davao City whose passion for riding is immeasurable. They soar and ride with pride with each journey. Meet the members of the Davao Agila Riders, motorcycle enthusiasts in the city who all share an intense passion for riding and who had explored every nook and cranny of the country on motorcycles. They are like the Philippine Eagle from whom the club gets its name. The members "soar and glide" on the highways, proudly bringing the city's name wherever they go. Founded February of 2002, the Davao Agila Riders is headed by its president Daniel Sunga with Rey Acosta and John Ohmar Peñalosa as vice presidents. The rest of the officers include Bidul Araña (secretary), Rene Francisco (treasurer), Dodong Bandoquillo (PRO), Joe Estavillo (auditor), Ping Buenaventura (IPP) and Boy Manaois (PP). Although the Agilas, as they collectively call themselves, do not officially and openly recruit new members, steadily increased their membership due to new riders who stepped up and introduced themselves and manifested their eagerness to join the group officially. As long as one has a 400cc (or higher) for a bike and has the skills to ride at par with the group, he or she may be qualified for membership with the sponsorship of a regular member. However, the main ingredient before one's acceptance to the group is finalized, the aspirant must be a friend first to all Agilas. The group treasures friendship, brotherhood and camaraderie like a band of brothers. The Agilas' regular activities aside from having bikers night every Thursday of every week since Day 1 of its founding, are sending delegates to the annual National Motorcycle Convention of Motorcycle Clubs in the Philippines. A total of 27 Agilas riding their bigbikes were able to attend this year's convention in Cagayan de Oro, while 13 attended last year's evcent in Tacloban City. Seven riders attended the Vigan and Laoag convention the previous year. The Agilas also recently concluded one of its Outreach Program to the Davao City Mental Hospital as part of their Civic Duty. Medicines, courtesy of Davao City Councilor Mabel Acosta, food, mats, bathsoap and ointments were donated by the officers and members of the Agilas. Regular monthly long ride around the island of Mindanao is also a regular activity of the group, especially the ride to Buda.- Sun.Star Davao