THE HUSH-HUSH TALE OF ENDURO PALAWAN 2016
By: Ione Baron-Mejia
PLAN TO PALAWAN
Weeks before the Palawan finale, i was still contemplating whether to go to Palawan or not, I've checked the plane ticket, it's expensive plus the hotel's pricey too. But when Mark Ibon, the race director in Palawan messaged me if i'm going to Palawan, i can stay in their house, i don't exactly remember what my reply was but i was thinking i won't be paying for accommodation, that's good enough for me. I wanted to see Palawan, I've heard a lot of stories about the trail there so naturally i wanted to check it for myself.
The initial plan was to bring my two daughters since they are on break. I was already talking to them about how we will be climbing a mountain that might be too difficult for them, or how we might be riding a motorcycle which might be dangerous for them, but curiously mentioning riding a motorcycle made them even more excited to go to Palawan, I have briefed them also on how mommy might be busy so they should be taking care of each other. We were all set, until we learned that University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS) won't be having a semestral break in November. My girls were heartbroken but i promised them a trip to Livestock resto in Tomas Morato, their favorite crispy pata joint, (they seriously have the best crispy pata in town) when i go back. Yes, crispty pata can be a cure for disappoints even for children.
NOV. 3, FLIGHT DAY
Thursday, Nov. 3 my flight was 9:40AM but it seems like a delayed flight has always been a part of my story, I arrived in Palawan after lunch which is suppose to be before lunch. I was famished, so i went straight to KaLui's retaurant as per Tripadvisor, while stuffing myself with tuna, fresh fruits and vegetables, Mark's wife (the organizer in Palawan) Marjory called to fetch me just in time.
THE CROCODILE SISIG
Our dinner was in Kinabuch Bar and Grill courtesy of our host, Mark Ibon. I was still full from my lunch, but Marjory, Mark's wife egg me to at least try the crocodile sisig, it tasted like pork, it's delicious but i can't seem to take another bite, the image of a huge crocodile keeps flashing on my head. But the crispy pata is sensational, except that i'm partial to Livestock's since it has become our favorite crispy pata joint.
NOV. 4, FRIDAY TRACK READING DAY
I met the riders in the Green Bamboo resto which will be our headquarter for the next two days. I was happy to meet friends from Manila, Renan Recafrente and the gang were there, you can hear the usual bantering among friends. You can feel their excitement and apprehension. They were simply a group of jolly friends bonded by enduro.
NOV. 5, DAY 1
THE TALE OF TWO GORGEOUS MEN AND A BAD BOY
HEYDAR HOSSEINI - TEAM ZERO
RENAN RICAFRENTE - REKLAMO RACING TEAM
The race in aficionado category has become interesting. It started during the Asian Enduro Series in Bohol. During the 1st day of the race, Dru Del Rosario of Team Rotten Wheels from Manila got the second place, next was Heydar Hossiene who was playing for Team Humpers that time, the 1st place was a local from Bohol, At the end of the race, the table was turned, Heydar Hossiene got the second place beating Dru Del Rosario by a mere 1 second. I think it's safe to say that everyone in Dru and Hayder's camp is expecting a fierce battle between them in Palawan. It would have been a memorable race if Dru didn't experience a technical mishap during the stage 2, which cost him the race. Then came the bad boy, Renan Ricafrente, he got the 2nd place during the 1st day of the race, the 1st and the 3rd place was from Palawan, with Dru's technical mishap, the podium is promising for Renan. Heydar did not submit his transponder on day 1 so we don't have any idea of his time. Renan was poised to get that podium, but sometimes things just don't go your way, few meters before the end of Stage 7, his tires got flat, i can still feel the disappointment in Renan's voice, shouting, Noooooo....the moment his tires burst. Ultimately, Heydar of Team ZERO (he is playing for Team ZERO this time) got the second place, Renan of Reklamo Racing Team got the 4th place and Dru of Rottenwheels still got into the 7th place. To the two gorgeous men and the bad boy, congratulations to the three of you. You guys are the epitome of an enduro warrior, fighting a good fight till the end.
Palawan has two exceptional enduro riders joining, Joseph Obra and Angelo Nick Velasco. I've seen Nick in most of our races, he's one of those you call, cream of the crop. Joseph made an excellent showing during the Asian Enduro Series in Bohol, too bad he's didn't finish it, he crashed on the second day, let's just say, we're thankful he suffered no major injury.
RYAN SOLINAP OF TEAM DIRT BROS.
CHICO LAVENA- TEAM BMC
CHINO MENDOZA - TEAM RUROK BIKE PHILIPPINES
There were high expectation for the riders of BMC, Chico Lavina and Rurok's representative, Chico Mendoza. Rurok is the first Philippine made and designed mountain bike by filipinos. There is also the ace rider, Ryan Solinap from Dirt Bros.
ROMMEL RAGASA - REKLAMO RACING TEAM
IVES TORRENTE - TEAM SIPAT DNF
"The Tank" Rommel Ragasa also joined the race, Team SIPAT's representative was there, Ives Torrente. I think i became his fan, when he joined the Enduro Pangasinan early this year, when he coolly shred those " mini red bull rampage" trail in Pangasinan while others were trembling in fear of heights .
BETTY KULLALUL FROM TEAM ZERO
Of course, the Zamboanga warriors from Team ZERO were there, Michael Hamid and Betty Kullalul.
OJ PETERSON LELINA FROM REKLAMO RACING TEAM
BRYAN KEISLER LEONOR - REKLAMO RACING TEAM
The promising young enduro riders from Manila were there, Bryan Kaiser Leonen and OJ Peterson Lelina, Alec Dy-Liacco from Reklamo Racing team also joined. Of course, other local talents from Palawan were there.
DAY 1 AND AN INTRIGUING WOMAN
Day 1, was as intriguing as it was exciting. A lady decided to join us going up the smart tower which is the Special stage 1. We welcome her of course, the problem was, she's was wearing a mall outfit, and we will be climbing a mountain of rocks. Naturally, she has a difficulty climbing up wearing only slippers with heels but she was tenacious, and just continue her climb. I admire her for her resolute, resolve to watch the riders or whatever her purpose of going up the Smart tower and joining us there. After the race, i told Marjory, whoever her significant other, (if her purpose of climbing there is to cheer) , or whoever she is cheering to, must be one lucky guy. Whoever climbs the mountain just to watch you or support you in your race, that must be the true love. To the girl in peach, I admire you, your tenacity and your determination. More power to you.
NOV. 6, DAY 2
Stage 6 was cancelled, it has become u-n-r-i-d-e-a-b-l-e because of too much mud.
Stage 7 liaison was excruciatingly difficult. Because of too much mud, the truck wasn't able to transport the riders to the starting point, they have to climb it with their bikes.
THE BROTHERHOOD OF DIRT BROS.
Curiously, among them Ryan Solinap is the only one who was able to join the race. Anyway, congratulations Ryan Solinap for being the Champion in the Elite Category and more power to Dirt Bros.
(Top) JOEL MARFORI, FIX YOU, (Front) TINTOI MENDOZA, ANGELO NICOLE (Olegna Elocin), RYAN SOLINAP, ALBERT ENRIQUEZ AND ALVIN VILLEGAS
(Top) ANGELO NICOLE, TINTOI MENDOZA (Bottom) RYAN SOLINAP, JOEL MARFORI AND FIX YOU
The Aces of DEPR meet the Ace of DIRT Bros.
From left: MIKE OZZMAN, FERNAN HERAMIS, RYAN SOLINAP AND HEINZ TABINAS
TWO FEARLESS FEMININOS JOINED!!!!
Lastly, congratulations to this couple!
LIV PONCE AND MATTHEW TOPPINGS
Thank you Liv Ponce for some of the pictures. Also thank you Antet Piloneo and Andrew Alipar for the graphics.
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