Nobody becomes who they are on their own. Behind every version of yourself, there are people who pushed you, believed in you, or simply stayed when things got hard. Some are family, some are friends, and some just showed up at the right moment and never left. You don’t always notice it while it’s happening, but looking back, you can trace exactly who shaped you and how.
For me, it all comes back to three people. Here are the men who helped make me who I am today.
My Dad: The One Who Always Let Me Go
Every time I head out for a long ride, a race, or anything with real risk, my dad tells me the same thing: “Make sure you come back safely. But if you get hurt, don’t cry about it, you did what you love. Just get back stronger.” That one line carries a whole way of thinking.
He’s not naive about the risks. He knows cycling has crashes and motorcycles have consequences. But he also knew that holding me back would cost something too, so instead of fear, he gave me freedom with responsibility attached. Go, do it, own the outcome, and be someone who gets back up.
From cycling to the NCAA, from my first bicycle to my first motorcycle, he’s been there through every chapter. Not always front and center, but always in my corner. That’s made all the difference.
My Kuya: The One I Chased My Whole Life
It started with sneaking out my kuya’s (older brother’s) bicycle before he even knew I could ride one, and somehow that led to him eventually trusting me with his motorcycle. He let me use it, showed up to every cycling competition I joined, and cheered louder than anyone in the crowd. That kind of support is rare, and I didn’t fully appreciate it until I got older.
Watching my kuya, I saw freedom, the way he worked hard for everything he wanted without waiting for anyone’s permission. That energy made standing still feel like a waste, so I chased him. Because of that competitive drive he lit in me without even trying, I got into cycling, tried out for the national team, and eventually became an NCAA athlete.
Everything I became after that, the discipline, the drive, the hunger for the road, came from him. He never formally taught me anything. He just lived his life so fully that watching him was enough.
Gov (Edward): The Friend Who Never Left Me Stranded
His real name is Edward, but everyone calls him Gov, and there’s no one better to close this list with. He was the first person who trusted me enough to let me ride his big bike, which isn’t something you do for just anyone. Handing someone the keys to your bike is a statement of trust, and Gov made that statement before I’d even fully earned it.
When he eventually sold his XJR, I was the one who bought it, not just because it’s a great bike, but because it meant something. A 1990 Yamaha XJR 400 with that much shared history between two riders isn’t something you let go to a stranger. So it became mine, sentimental value and all.
And true to form, the XJR still throws its tantrums, old carburetors, old quirks, the kind of mechanical drama that catches you off guard on the road. Every time, Gov is the one I call. He knows where to look, what to check, and how to talk me through it, whether he’s on the roadside next to me or on the phone.
This Father’s Day, Give Back
If you have a dad, a kuya, or a Gov in your life, someone who let you go, who you chased to become better, or who never left you stranded on the road, this is your chance to do something real for them. Motoworld Philippines is running its Dad Deals Nationwide Promo, and the timing couldn’t be better for upgrading the gear of someone who deserves it. Here’s what’s included:
- Up to 20% OFF on regular-priced items
- 10% OFF on regular-priced Shoei Premium Helmets
- FREE Shoei Personal Fitting System (PFS) for a properly customized helmet fit, the most precise, comfortable, and protective fit possible
The Shoei PFS alone is worth showing up for. It’s not a basic size check, it’s a real fitting that accounts for head shape and pressure points so the helmet actually works the way it’s supposed to. If the rider in your life has been making do with a helmet that doesn’t sit right, this is the upgrade they deserve. Find a store near you or shop online at www.motoworld.com.ph.
The Road Does Not Build You Alone
People talk about riding like it’s a solo pursuit, and in some ways it is, just you, the bike, and the road. But the version of you that shows up on that road was built by people. The one who always said go, the one you chased your whole life trying to match, the one who never left you stranded.
To my dad, to my kuya, to Gov, every kilometer has your name on it.
Salamat (thank you).
Gear up at Motoworld Philippines. Find a store near you or shop online at www.motoworld.com.ph. Promo runs while supplies last. Valid on regular-priced items only.
FAQs
What is Motoworld’s Dad Deals Nationwide Promo?
It’s a Father’s Day promo from Motoworld Philippines offering up to 20% off regular-priced items, 10% off Shoei Premium Helmets, and a free Shoei Personal Fitting System (PFS) session.
Where can I get the Dad Deals promo?
At any Motoworld Philippines store nationwide, or online at www.motoworld.com.ph. The promo runs while supplies last and only applies to regular-priced items.
What does the free Shoei PFS fitting include?
It’s a professional, custom helmet fitting that measures head shape and pressure points to make a Shoei helmet fit as precisely, comfortably, and safely as possible, not just a basic size check.
What does “kuya” mean?
“Kuya” is the Filipino term for an older brother, or an older male friend treated like one.
