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DoT hosts Ormoc Bike Festival
Source: Manila Bulletin
Author: By Jaser A. Marasigan
Date: 2004-10-06
 
Ormoc City will witness the gathering of mountain bikers, racers, cyclists and other health and sports enthusiasts from around the country as it hosts the “3rd Terry Larrazabal Bike Festival” together with the Department of Tourism (DoT). The three-day weekend event on Oct. 22-24 will signal the start of the race season in the country.





DoT Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano has expressed enthusiasm over the bike festival, adding that, “the Terry Larrazabal Bike Festival is one big event that will surely advance the growth of sports tourism in the country. I hope this will also promote Ormoc City and its neighboring towns as key tourist destinations in the country.”



The festival aims to provide a venue for racers and average cyclists alike whose interest in the sport varies from the thrill of competition to health and entertainment benefits as well as encourage cyclists to ride responsibly and develop concern for the improvement and maintenance of viable bike trails. It also seeks to provide a venue for the launching of the Philippine Off-Road Bicycling Association, a nationwide association of mountain bikers.



Moreover, the bikefest advocates the development of cyclotourism in the Philippines. An alternative form of tourism, cyclotourism provides a unique experience to people as they use their bicycles instead of cars to explore the outdoors or tour a city, province or country. It also gives travelers freedom to move at their own pace and enjoy the scenery to the fullest. At the same time, it is healthy and good for the environment, and will surely regenerate the rural economy.



This year’s bikefest will include mountain bike races, road bike races and BMX races, which consists of national dirtjumping and park course competitions. Other events include a fun ride around Lake Danao, a night ride around Ormoc City, people’s races in the city and film showings.



“The festival is very timely. We have just celebrated the National Tourism Week which espoused the importance of sports in the tourism industry for mutual understanding and social development,” added Durano.



Conceptualized by the family of the late Emeterio “Terry” Larrazabal, sugar planter/businessman who also became OIC Mayor of Ormoc after the EDSA Revolution, the bike festival was first held in 2002 to commemorate his birth and support the activities of the Emeterio Larrazabal Foundation, Inc. The foundation conducts community development projects that benefit the residents of Ormoc City and its neighboring towns. The proceeds from this year’s festival will be used for medical missions and livelihood projects for the people of Leyte.



Traditionally held on the first weekend of April to coincide with Terry Larrazabal’s birthday on April 4, this year’s festival was moved to October to give way to the recent May elections. Interested parties may call 0921-5869968, e-mail: tlbf@pldtdsl.net or log on to www.terrylarrazabalbikefest.com.

Meanwhile, “WOW Philippines Biyahe Tayo!”, the tripartite partnership of the DoT, Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation, and Pfizer’s anti-motion sickness medication Bonamine, is encouraging thrill-seekers to indulge in water sports.



Those who just can’t get enough of the beach need not wait for the summer to enjoy the country’s wonderful waters. Go to renowned surfing destinations Catanduanes, Aurora and Siargao; windsurfing in Caliraya, Subic, Pagudpud and Anilao; or white water rafting in Cagayan de Oro. “Traveling to these spots is an adventure in itself,” said Durano.





 

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