Who rides a Vespa?

Before I start talking about the Independence Ride we had in our club, let me first share with you this clip of a poignant and reflective rendition of our national anthem “Lupang Hinirang” (Chosen Land) which is traditionally played as a march.

The version below was sung acapella by the Loboc Boys Choir. Created by advertising director Mae Paner, I first saw this via the PAGASA community which my wife & I have been privileged to be a part of through the invitation of Dale, another Vespa buddy.

Here’s the video:

For more details about the above clip, just click ‘more info’ in this YouTube page.

Now about our ride…

Our destination is the Aguinaldo Shrine (the ancestral home of the first Phil. president) in Kawit, Cavite. It’s the site where Philippine Independence was proclaimed back in June 12, 1898. During that date each year, the Philippine flag is raised by the incumbent Philippine President (or his/her representative) to commemorate the event.

We went there a good three days before the actual day since June 9 (Monday) was declared a non-working day and a perfect time to get there when security isn’t too tight yet. It’s relatively a short ride from Manila, yet the most relevant destination for the occasion.

When we got there, preparations for the June 12 event (it’s the 110th Independence Day celebration) was well underway. A stage was being set-up fronting the house while some media people were also there getting some footages.

Thirteen riders joined and here’s our group shot infront of the Shrine.
(Pic courtesy of JC. Click image to enlarge.)

Red, white & blue Vespas side-by-side reflecting our national colors.

Lastly, Pyke sporting a mini-flag I borrowed from my daughter’s study table.

After the shrine, our group headed to another equally significant Cavite landmark nearby: the original Digman Halo-Halo in Bacoor Cavite was the next stop in itinerary to sample this famous Pinoy dessert/refreshment right out of its “national headquarters”.

More images from the ride in these pages:

• JC’s Multiply site
• Mario’s Multiply site

Maligayang Araw ng Kalayaan!

-o-
{▫}
J0HNRANA

john[dot]rana[at]gmail[dot]com