From a simple suggestion of one Rider from Motorcycle Philippine a forum for motorcycle enthusiasts a group named Ride for A Cause (RFAC) was formed and concluded its 9th Ride for a Cause held last January 17 and 18, 2009 and the chosen beneficiaries were the children from Shepherd of the Hills Children Foundation Inc. in San Antonio, Zambales
Right after RFAC 8 held in Tagaytay City, Cavite, and these kind hearted riders planned the next RFAC. It was agreed to have the next RFAC be held overnight that includes bonding moments for Volunteers.
Numerous places were suggested and it was the above mentioned orphanage to be the beneficiary. Sir Lance27 was the person responsible in finding this orphanage. He was also who took charge in purchasing the needed provisions and most importantly the breakfast waiting for the Riders upon their arrival from Monumento Circle as the starting point.
The scheduled time of departure of 12:15am was delayed for more than an hour from various reasons, some riders suffered mechanical trouble going to the meeting place but due to their eagerness and dedication they find ways to fix their bikes.
One of the Volunteers who cannot join the ride went to the meeting place earlier to distribute a reflector sticker to be attached to the helmet of the riders for easy recognition during the ride. Because of the location of the meeting place was dark he decided to look for a well lighted placing that cause confusion to the riders. The main group from Monumento of 16 riders left past 1:00 am and met with the other group of 8 riders and 2 pillions in Malolos, Bulacan.
First stop was a flat tire in San Fernando, Pampanga, waited along the roadside with cool breeze…not again, same bike suffered another flat tire in Dinalupihan, Bataan the previous vulcanizing shop didn’t remove splinters. From then on aside for gas stop we had a smooth ride to our destination in San Antonio, Zambales where a hot meal was waiting for us.
After a sumptuous breakfast the group headed to the beneficiaries that are eagerly waiting for our arrival. The children welcomed us with big smiles in their faces and courteously greeted each one of us good morning. The orphanage is situated in a compound with lots of mango trees and houses for the children; they even have a concrete fish pond for their needed fish requirement.
Ms. Neptalie Justiniano the orphanage head welcomed us, and gave brief background about their orphanage. The children are all orphans and they have a program in educating the children sort of a school curriculum handled by house mothers that are volunteers too.
The children are so excited because some of the riders showed some magics. They even tried to mount in our motorcycles. Miss Justiniano joking asked if we can donate a motorcycle because their only means of transport was a bicycle. They toured us around their houses and compound.
Before we left, they say prayers for our safe journey back home…
We would like to say thank you to all Volunteers with or without us during this ride for a cause for another successful edition.
Till next Ride for a Cause
Happy and Safe Ride
