QPR Spearheads 110th Philippine Independence Day Celebration In Doha, Qatar

It was another fun-filled weekend for the Qatar Pinoy Riders as we joined hands with the different Filipino organizations here in Doha, Qatar to commemorate our country’s 110th Araw Ng Kalayaan.

Our group took the lead on the motorcade that started from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in the early morning of June 13, 2008 going to the Hyatt Mall where a short program was to be held as part of the celebration.

No less than Philippine ambassador to Qatar, Mr. Isias F. Begonia signaled the start of the whole day event when he gave the green light and thus, 110 balloons representing more than a century of our country’s freedom were sent to the skies by the various club presidents and their representatives.

A remarkable percentage of the now 150,000 strong Filipino Community in Qatar were present in the event and were all smiles (while some teary-eyed) as there was a mixture of nostalgia and wistfulness felt as the balloons disappear from the heavens. Even so, the fiesta atmosphere was not to be denied as evidenced by the good camaraderie amongst all the participants.
When it was time for the fun walk around the parking lot of Hyatt Plaza, QPR was once again called to lead the pack. Odd as it may seem, we joined the short “alay-lakad” riding our bikes. It was the organizers idea for us to be on our bikes and it will be good for the cameras as TFC was also present to cover the event. Bandong, our fellow QPR did not disappoint the lenses as he did a fantastic burnout on Mackoy’s Suzuki RF. We’re hoping that part of the event will be shown on Balitang Middle East, a program on The Filipino Channel aired every Friday morning.
But it was truly a proud day for the throng of Filipinos who ventured to Hyatt Plaza. Inside the mall was a section where the different organizations had their own booths to display their unique brand of activities and get the chance to be known. It’s there where I discovered that there is already an Airsofters club in Qatar. There was also a car show organized by Team Gorgatz Qatar – Stage 2, a group of Filipino car enthusiasts. The car show was open to all Filipinos having interest in the restoration and modification of vehicles. Other than that our kababayans witnessed an array of musical extravaganza from heavy metal rock performances to a series of alternative and contemporary hits during the “Isang Musika” concert which was held in the night featuring Pinoy bands here.

Other than that, my personal experience in this event was just as refreshing as I discovered from our fellow kababayans that a good number of them are bike enthusiasts as well since most of them have motorcycles back home. Others told the story of how their sons, neighbors or friends are into modifying, racing or just being plain bike addicts while many took turns in posing with our MC’s for pictures “pang-friendster daw”.

I also met Mang Willie, a very down to earth Pinoy biker who by the way is the After Sales Manager of Harley Davidson Qatar. I enjoyed listening to his stories while working for HD in Canada, UK and USA. He joined us in the parade riding a Dyna Glide.

Well, it was another thriving endeavor for the Qatar Pinoy Riders. Credit goes to Sir Yadz for being relentless in making the calls to gather the group. All in all Yadzky, Maccoy, Ravenal, Bandong, Ram, Jimmy, Al, Rico, Willie, Elmer and yours truly (Bibs) came with bikes while Jjem Evelyn, Susan and Sheikh came in cages in a collective effort to make this “ride” a success.
Kudos to the 2008 Philippine Independence Day Organizing Committee for making us proud to be Filipinos by means of this wonderful event and for inviting Qatar Pinoy Riders to be a part of the festivities. This is our second year in a row as participant for the independence day and we hope to be there again next year.

More photos and stories here.