LIST: Filipino personalities who are cycling buffs
In case you didn't know, June 3 is World Bicycle Day.
According to the United Nations (UN) website, the two-wheeler is celebrated because of its health benefits, critical contribution to reducing increased emissions, and road safety improvement. More importantly, cycling is equitable and cost-effective.
"World Bicycle Day draws attention to the benefits of using the bicycle — a simple, affordable, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transportation," the UN said. "The bicycle contributes to cleaner air and less congestion and makes education, health care and other social services more accessible to the most vulnerable populations."
The UN encouraged stakeholders to advocate for cycling and cities to hold bicycle rides.
Did you also know that several Filipino personalities are cycling buffs? They' don't only engage in a hobby, but also use their clout to promote physical health, environmental awareness, and better transportation methods.
Kara David
(JB Photography/Handout)
The award-winning broadcast journalist is also a cyclist, but more specifically, a triathlete.
In August 2022, Kara David won third place at the Mt. Mayon Triathlon in Legazpi City. The five-hour and 30-minute race included 40-kilometer biking, 10-kilometer running, and 1.5-kilometer swimming.
She previously told PhilSTAR L!fe that she was eyeing to participate in one triathlon a month until she reached another record.
"Sa media, ang palaging sinasabi sa amin is you're only as good as your last work. You need to be better. Galingan mo pa. Sipagan mo pa. Kasi tama yung ginagawa mo, so kailangan mo pang magsipag," she said.
Kim Atienza
The seasoned television host is also a triathlete for over a decade, and said he was cycling almost every day.
Aside from that, Kim Atienza is also into intensive workouts and golfing.
Jake Cuenca
Jake Cuenca is a cycling lover who even participated in the Ironman triathlon in 2017.
Cuenca and his showbiz colleague Gerald Anderson portrayed triathletes in the teleserye Ikaw Lang Ang Iibigin.
Mark Escueta and Jolina Magdangal
The drummer of OPM band Rivermaya shares a hobby with his actress wife Jolina Magdangal.
Mark Escueta often shares his bike rides with Magdangal on Instagram, including simple strolls on the University of the Philippines Diliman campus.
Gretchen Ho
As a volleyball player in her college days, it's no surprise that Gretchen Ho is also a cycling advocate.
She even launched a bike donation drive that catered to Filipinos affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Talking about "gaining confidence on the bike," Ho said that it does not happen overnight.
"You will have to learn when to power through, how to pace your rhythm, and when to rest and let the wind take you. Little by little, you’ll get there. But it all starts with the decision to get up on the bike, risk falling and try," she told Metro.Style.
Kim Chiu
Kim Chiu is a certified cyclist, having participated in two Ironman races: a 70.3 triathlon in 2017 and a 21-kilometer race in 2018.
She also biked 51-8 kilometers in 2019 and has since been making time for workouts despite her busy schedule.
The It's Showtime host shared last year that she biked from BGC to Okada and back for the first time.
"Somewhat scary, but you won’t know the feeling unless you try," the actress said in a post. "Face your fear!!! Sabi ko gusto ko lang ng adventure like rollercoaster pero parang 20 rollercoaster ride nasakyan ko sa kaba!!!!"