PADYAK GC 2.0
A life with time doesn’t have a brake and could be challenging, just like unceasingly riding a bicycle with two wheels. Nevertheless, there’s always a route to success.
PADYAK GC 2.0 has finally happened earlier today, February 19th, for the second time, as it is part of the GC Founding Anniversary celebration this year. The said event was organized and operated by the officers of the GC-Supreme Student Council as well as the Alumni Association of Gordon College (GCAAI). Also, a big thanks to all the sponsors who made this event more special and exciting.
In an interview with the Forefront, GC-SSC Chairman Richelle Joy Galaraga said that they aim to advocate for sustainability within the campus. Last year’s PADYAK project was participated in by numerous cyclists, which urged them to continue the project and promote eco-friendliness through cycling. “We aim for this project to promote sustainability within our school since alam naman po natin, from the previous project of PADYAK, maraming mga students ang nag participate, so we want to continue promoting sustainability inside our school and to promote a healthy or an environmentally friendly way of transportation papunta po sa institution natin,” she said. Galaraga emphasized that they also aim to support the project of GCSSC, which is the Gordon College Bike Park. Galaraga said that the event is inclusive of all cyclists in Olongapo City and is free of registration. “Open po ang PADYAK sa lahat ng rider or bikers po sa Olongapo City basta willing po sila to support the agenda of this activity, and it is also free of registration. “We are promoting a donation drive through this activity,” she added.
The cyclists put in a lot of effort to pedal, showing their participation and enjoyment all throughout their ride. Along with it, they managed to go to their routes, from Gordon College to SM through 10th Street, Magsaysay Drive, Rizal Avenue straight to Ulo ng Apo Rotonda, then Mabayuan via Mabayuan Bridge, straight to Balic Balic, turning left to Tabacuhan, and turning right to Memorial. Going back, they again passed Rizal Avenue, Ulo ng Apo, left to St. Joseph, and then finally Harris to GC.
Thankfully, no harm or accidents happened during their ride trip as marshals guided and protected them.
What was even more exciting about this event was that there were prepared raffles and awards for all potential winners, including Ganda and Poging Siklista.
Maan Rivera, a participant who won the Gandang Siklista Award, said she joined the event to encourage the younger generation to indulge themselves in cycling. Rivera felt delighted since the cycling event gave her the opportunity to meet the cyclists around Olongapo City. “Supportive kami sa mga ganitong events. Maglolook forward tayo sa mga ganiyang mga na events na dadating pa,” she added. Meanwhile, Nathaniel Alta, a participant who won the Poging Siklista Award, said he enjoyed the event. He said that winning the award was unexpected, although he felt honored. He is also looking forward to the event in the future.
Additionally, Galaraga is also looking forward to the event and is optimistic about having more cyclists participate in the succeeding years. “We hope for this to continue po sa mga next year po ng anniversary ng institution natin, so hopefully, since we are on the second year, hindi na siya mag stop at magtuloy-tuloy and mas mag grow po siya into [having] more participants. We also aim to collaborate with different municipalities po na malapit saatin sa Olongapo,” Galaraga said. Nicole B. Marcial, PIO of GCAAI, said, “This year’s Cycling Motorcade has been a great representation of our community’s passion for sustainable transportation and the active lifestyle that cycling promotes. “It is a reminder that we are not the only individuals who are part of a larger community working toward a common goal.”
Besides, Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr. and Olongapo City Councilor Tata Paulino were present to give their support for the PADYAK event.
✍️ : Desiree Capitulo | Features Correspondent
: Isiah Aquino | News Correspondent
📷 : Alejandrian Rodavia & Lauren Louise | Photojournalists