A new cycling event called FunRide PH is set for Saturday, December 19, at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila. The Department of Tourism and the multimedia company Myriad signed a partnership for the event on Thursday, October 29. The department announced it in a press release that the Philippine Information Agency published on November 3.
The event is led by the actor Alden Richards, whom the release calls a cycling advocate. GMA News reported that Myriad is his company. The theme of the event is “Moving People, Inspiring Change.”
Three distances for different riders
The department said the event welcomes both experienced and first-time cyclists. There are three categories:
- Beginner: 5 km
- Intermediate: 10 km
- Advanced: 21 km
Participants may use road bikes, mountain bikes, folding bikes and electric bicycles, the release said.
The proposed route passes Intramuros, Rizal Park, Roxas Boulevard, Manila Bay and the National Museum Complex. The department described the route as proposed, and the release did not include a map.
Richards told GMA News that the roads from the Quirino Grandstand, Luneta and Intramuros will be closed for the ride. He also said that FunRide PH is a community event and not a competition.
What the organizers said
Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said the event aims to show Manila’s attractions from a fresh point of view and to encourage healthier, more active lifestyles. She said it also promotes cycling as a form of transportation that can help reduce pollution and carbon emissions.
The secretary said every corner of Manila has a story, and she named Intramuros, Rizal Park, the Manila Bay shore and the national museums.
Richards thanked the department. He said the partnership widens the message of the event, which is also about valuing the heritage and public spaces of the city. GMA News reported that making roads safe for cyclists is one of his causes.
More rides planned for 2027
The department and Myriad said they plan to bring FunRide PH to other places in the country. Richards called the Manila ride a kick-off. He said that next year there will be several FunRide PH events in different provinces and cities, with the message that all cyclists deserve respect.
The Daily Tribune, which reported the launch on October 31, gave the same date, starting point and distances.
What is not yet known
None of the three reports gave a start time, a registration fee or instructions on how to sign up. Riders who want to join will need to wait for the organizers to announce those details.
Readers new to city riding can see the Pedalan guide to bike lanes, helmets and the law. Other rides are listed on the events page.