In honor of today, I finally took the time, on my day off, to get my butt over to the Department of Motor Vehicles to finally acquire my New York State Motorcycle License. Motorcycles have always been a part of life since I could remember. Both on my Mother’s and Father’s side of the family. It’s not till the age of 25, technically today, that I was able to finally get my license. After seeing and hearing the history and heritage of what two wheels and an engine has done for my family here in America but especially in the Philippines, I couldn’t wait any longer to start this so called journey. Motorcycles, abundantly more common in Asia due to the lack of road space as well as it being the more economical option, has been a constant aspect in my life. I’m grateful to have waited till now to finally pursue this mode of transportation (or way of life for some), had I attempted this when I was my younger, more daring self, who knows what trouble I may have gotten myself into.
With my father who rides, his brother, as well as my mother’s five brothers, and my Grandfather and all the cousins in between, it’s only right that I finally take on this “right of passage” and carry on the family tradition. Motorcycles, at its basic purpose to get you from point A to B, seems to be more than just a means of travel, but more so a reason to bring people together. It brings together friends, family, and even strangers. Whether it’s to get around more efficiently in some of the worst traffic in the world, or to get a group of friends together to enjoy each other’s company, the winding hills through backcountry, or just being alive and free, no matter what, it’ll be something special to each and every person.
Here are some photos of the annual motorcycle show in the local town of Taytay, Rizal, where my parents grew up. I managed to land the day before and made it just in time to attend the following day. Congratulations to my cousin Louie for winning 3rd place for in the classic Honda Cab category! I owe a big thanks to my Uncle Boyet for bringing me around (on that back of a bike of course) and my Uncle Jimmy and his motorcycle group, Hanep, for putting this show together. Of course and to my Grandpa for starting it all within the family. The amount of enthusiasm, creativity, passion dedication only opened my eyes to another world of riding. That energy is exactly what I hope to bring back to others here to America.
After my trip to the Philippines, I guess you can say I was inspired and challenged to take on this task. I’m eagerly looking forward to my return home so I can ride through the tropical mountains, alongside with my family. Here I am once again, in search of not only a destination, but the journey along the way. Here’s to open roads, wind blowing in your face, through your hair, not trying to die so soon, and in those moments, not having any cares in the world.
Thanks for reading!
-Stephen (Joey)
P.S. Watch out for motorcyclists on the road! You never know, it might be me! :P
