Globe Arakan XC2: Pushing Bikers to the Limit

Eric Bergavera from Globe Davao at last year's Arakan XC

Eric Bergavera, 47, Security Manager at Globe Telecom’s Davao office, has been biking since 2003. When he heard about Globe Arakan XC last year, he was ready to step up to the challenge. “I’m big on supporting activities that help the environment,” he says. “It’s also great exercise, and of course, I wanted to support Globe.”

Globe Arakan XC was challenging for him, to say the least. He shares, “Mahirap, maraming uphill, tapos mahirap din yung downhill.” (It was hard; a large part of the trail was uphill, and going downhill was also tough.)

He didn’t let this get to him, however. In fact, he pushed himself to the limit to make sure he completed the trail. “After 20 to 30 kilometers, gusto ko na sumuko, pero determinasyon lang talaga. (After 20 to 30 kilometers, I wanted to give up, but I was determined.) Gusto ko umabot sa (I wanted to reach the) finish line, so I didn’t mind the tiredness. I just admired the scenery, and nag-enjoy din ako (I enjoyed myself).”

Eric not only made it to the finish line, but he even made it to the top 10. Completing the trail in four to five hours, he was the first among the Globe volunteers. “Siyempre (Of course), self-fulfillment!” he shares when asked how it felt to cross the finish line. “I was able to overcome 60 kilometers at my age!”

“I really recommend joining Arakan,” Eric says. “Makatulong ka na sa (you get to help the) environment, and it’s good for your health.”

Now on its second year, Globe Arakan XC2 is set to push bikers to their limits. To be held in Davao City on October 13, it’s a 60km loop ride starting from the Philippine Eagle Center, leading to Salaysay, and heading back to the center.

Funds raised will be donated to the Philippine Eagle Foundation’s (PEF) Forest Corridor Development Program, which helps protect the home of the Philippine Eagle. The program seeks to provide educational and livelihood support, as well as Paralegal and Raptor Management Training to the communities that act as stewards of the forest.

Interested bikers may sign up at http://globe.i-volunteer.ph/register and input this information in the following fields: 1. Skills: Select Fundraising; 2. Time Availability: October 13, 2013; 3. Previous Volunteering Experience: Globe Arakan XC2.

Registration is P1,000 for Globe subscribers, and P1,200 for non-Globe subscribers. Meanwhile, bikers who register in groups of five receive a 20 percent discount, while students are given a special price of P800. All proceeds will go to the Philippine Eagle Foundation.