What are these numbers? Speedo reading? Well, not exactly. 730, is actually the days that Xplorers Philippines had existed. Who would’ve thought that a simple z200 users’ get together initiated by Muska at the Motorstar Thread of Motorcycle Philippines would flourish into a club, of whom, now celebrating its 730 days of existence.

What exactly made its 730 days remarkable? Did 730 days of existence made any significant change in people’s lives? Let alone, the motorcycle community? These are just some of thoughts that came to my mind, as I am composing this article at 4:20am. I am not with Xplorers Philippines all those 730 days; I was in fact with Xplorers Philippines for only 615 days; so, to have a truthful opinion, I can only speak of those 615 days. Where they worth it?

When I joined the club, there weren’t many expectations on my part, what was on my mind then, was to ride and to ride, and to lastly to ride; well then again, that what was all we actually did. We took rides after rides. We burnt rubber.

My first ride was the MCP Toy Run, where we met with orphans, gave away those toys and gave the young ones and not so young ones a chance to experience pillion riding. Then, there was this ride to Subic, then an assembly up in Tagaytay, then a really rough experience in Majayjay, plus a cowboy luncheon in Real, then back to Subic, quickies in Marilaque, and the most memorable ride to the Chosen Children foundation in Cavite, where we reach out to special kids, who in turn touched our lives instead. The ride list just goes on an on, one after the other. During those rides, I knew then that I was developing my riding skills; I’ve learned how to play on the twisties, speed up safely, and through the group, many riders have become conscientious and educated riders. Safe and cautious. Responsible.

Worth it? every minute.

I never worry whenever I am in the road. Why? For one, should I encounter a problem, XPhils-NCR’s over a hundred members are there to lend a hand all over the metro. Should I get lost on my way to Bocaue come new year for “fireworks” shopping, Xphils-Bulacan can help me out. If and when, I break my throttle cable in buying the best tocino in San Fernando, Pampanga, my cabalen Xphils-Pampanga will be in my rescue. Tupig anyone? That famous delicacy can be served by Xphils-Tarlac. How about those Strawberries, and that infamous Naked Man in Barrel for pasalubong, Xphils-Baguio can show you where to buy cheap. Pretty ladies Bay? Dong! Xphils-Cebu is the man. Ever tasted Cagayan De Oro’s Lechon? Have lunch with Xphils-CDO; nothing however can beat those fresh oysters that Xphils-Cavite can offer though; likewise that famous Bicol Express that Xphils-Bicol can cook up. Sight seeing you say? Hook up with Xphils-Laguna and have them bring you to that man made Lake Caliraya.

My notion then was that I was only developing my ride skills, what never occurred to me that I was developing too, quite a number of friendships; treated as brothers, but existed as friends. That friendship forms that Big Family of Xplorers Philippines. Quite big in fact, that it existed all over the country. That friendships bonds’ is stronger than that of real brotherhood. We are better than brothers, for brothers are born by fate, and had no choice but to be. Us, on the other had a freewill who to befriend, we chose Xplorers Philippines; we chose to be friends; we chose to be brothers, we chose to be a family.

My wish for our 730th day, May our family grow even more, and hopefully in the days to come, we would have chapters from Xphils-Apparri to Xphils-Julo as well; in addition, I hope too that the new members of XPhil, will experience too that brotherhood that I experienced, and all members whom are lost renew that bond. And as I lift from my older article:

“I have known members of whom, who have upgraded their bikes, for a time it was mostly z200s, now our brothers have upgraded to a Bandit, Xanthus, ZZR and maybe Gixxer soon; but none have been known to have upgraded his Brothers… Xplorers don’t walk out on a fellow Xplorer. Through thick and thin, Xplorers Sticks Together.”

Through bliss and trials, let us not forget to thank our best buds, ride buddies, friends, bro, dre, pare, mare, sir, kuya, ate, tol, sis, atcheng, manash, and watchamacallit, who were and will always be there beside us. Most of all let us give thanks to our greatest Spearhead, for protecting us from overshooting in the twisties of our lives, likewise spearing our lives in the right path, and giving us the bright Star who enlightens our nights.

Congratulations Team Xplorers. Happy 730 days, and more days to come. Live Life. Ride Safe.