A Motorcade for a Fallen Comrade
“Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!” by Juan Pablo Dream
Juan Pablo Dream (JPD) is a indie band that plays retro-sounding music influenced by the Mod lifestyle as characterized by slim-cut Italian suits, bowling shoes, distinct period hairstyles with Italian scooters as their favored mode of transportation. JPD is a local band which actually looked the part.
At dawn of January 16, Weslu (aka Luis Guiang), drummer of JPD was on his way home (after a Monday night gig at Inihaw Republic at Katipunan Ave.) on the pillion of a Vespa ridden by Glenn Formoso when an Elf truck (not a bus as previously reported) suddenly cut their lane to make a U-turn in EDSA along Muñoz/Balintawak area. Weslu passed away two days after due to complications sustained from the tragic accident.
Last Friday (Feb. 2), a motorcade was slated as a precursor to “WESLU… a Tribute” — a benefit show held at Center for Arts in Timog Ave. participated in by different bands which Weslu has participated in or has helped in one way or another, including Put3Ska which reunited that night in memory of their original drummer.
I have never met Weslu when he was alive but his untimely death due to an avoidable road mishap is a cause worth stressing out. All drivers should treat motorcycle riders and pedestrians as equals. There is no heirarchy when it comes to road safety. Being big doesn’t make anybody king of the road. It’s all about respect. So the Motorcade for Weslu was one ride I participated in.
The convoy of 1 Lambretta and 7 Vespas started at Hotrocks in Libis then proceeded to Katipunan – Xavierville – Kamias – EDSA then Timog. The group hang out outside Center for Arts before the show started and then decided to ride again along the Scout area (Timog – Rotunda – ABS – Morato – Roces). The ride was smooth and the mood was relatively fun. But just as we entered Roces Ave., a grim reminder of the very cause why we were riding that night presented itself. A fallen motorcyle and the vehicle that must’ve hit it stayed motionless in the middle of the road. There were people of the side of the street but we didn’t see the driver nor the rider. But the image speaks the load message why we were riding that night.
a group shot with Bing Austria (vocalist of Juan Pablo Dream) after the ride
It is indeed sad that another life has been lost due to a motorcycle accident but all is not lost.
Ride safe.
-o-
{▫}
J0HNRANA
john[dot]rana[at]gmail[dot]com
amen brother….that’s why we have to be extra careful on the road, no more fancy moves…..
nice one john
.. hope the motorcade made an awareness for us riders… but we need much bigger event/drive for awareness of the public. hay, sana maging considerate sila sa atin…….
Bakit sa fancy moves na naman bumagsak, Bimbo?!! hahaha!
Agree, Mario. Btw, thanks nga pala for the scan of the flyer.
As this new saying go… Nevermind your Pride, Defensively Ride! copyright to euna hehehe
it is a terrible incident… but we have to move on for a much safer road ahead for motorcyclist. i think media will have much more impact on distributing information on road courtesy, especially on our fellow drivers (large vehicles). i think motor companies must invest on their after market customers by advertising that motorcycles exist on the road and given a chance to have a safer ride for us not just by their income sales.
Some 4 wheel drivers does’nt know the feelings of a motorcyclist. I also did not know the guy but as a rider I felt sad about what had happen. Condolence to the family. For us who always ride everday, take extra carefull (paalala lang po). And for some 4 wheel drivers “Pagbigyan n’yo na po kami” wala talagan kalaban laban ang mga motor kaya lang it is the easiest way to get early in our job.
ALAM NATIN NA WALANG MAGALING SA PAGMAMANEHO 4 WHEELS MAN O MOTORSIKLO!
RIDE SAFE, DRIVE SAFE, RIDE AND DRIVE SAFELY!
Thanks!
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