CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) – A retired public servant and cycling enthusiast was given the Philippine Loop Hall of Fame award after pedaling his way around the country, covering more than 17,000 kilometers in 88 days.
At 61 years old, Carlo Gonzaga embarked on a journey to travel the country on a bicycle, a goal he set after retiring from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in 2022.
"In January 2022, I took an early retirement from PIA CALABARZON. With plenty of free time in my hands, I thought it would be a great idea to travel around the Philippines. When I discovered the Philippine Loop Adventure Tour, I registered and started my ride," he shared during an interview over the Philippine Information Agency's Usapang PIA radio program.
The Philippine Loop Adventure Tour is an accredited organization by the Department of Tourism, aiming to promote motorcycle tourism while recognizing the significance of bicycle tourism in boosting the country's tourism sector.
In December 2023, Gonzaga was awarded for his exceptional navigational skills which allowed him to travel to 45 provinces, 65 cities, and 16 regions in the Philippines, successfully conquering the challenging 17,151-kilometer Philippine Loop in just 88 days.
He attributed his success to his love for nature and his unwavering determination to achieve his goals.
"If you set your mind to something, you can achieve it without becoming bored. It's all a matter of mindset. Additionally, being socially aware of the conditions of our fellow Filipinos can provide motivation throughout the ride," Gonzaga advised.
In December 2023, Gonzaga was awarded for his exceptional navigational skills using his bicycle, which allowed him to travel to 45 provinces, 65 cities, and 16 regions in the Philippines, successfully conquering the challenging 17,151-kilometer Philippine Loop in just 88 days. (Gonzaga/FB)
Despite his age, Gonzaga emphasized that cycling has enabled him to remain physically fit and maintain good mental health.
"Riding a bike benefits not only my physical fitness but also my mental well-being. I cherish the tranquility offered by nature. It allows me to reflect on life, especially when I'm in the mountains, surrounded by the sound of birds and insects, free from the city's noise and pollution," he said.
Gonzaga advocates the use of bicycles, particularly in light of the rising fuel costs. He highlights that cycling not only helps protect the environment by reducing pollution but also provides an opportunity for exercise.
He also commends the efforts of certain local government units (LGUs) that have implemented bike lanes to ensure the safety of cyclists. "Some LGUs in the country have already introduced bike lanes, which is a tremendous help in raising awareness among drivers about the safety of bikers. I hope that more LGUs will follow suit," Gonzaga expressed.
Gonzaga's inspiring journey and dedication reaffirm the value of sustainable and healthy transportation alternatives, significantly contributing to the development of the Philippine tourism sector. (AM/PIA-4A)
Usapang PIA is a weekly radio program hosted by the Philippine Information Agency Laguna. It is broadcasted every Friday, from 11:00 am to 11:30 am on DZJV 1458 kHz Radyo Calabarzon and streamed live on the Philippine Information Agency CALABARZON and PIA Laguna Facebook pages.
