PVB hosts first Victory Day Bike Ride honoring WWII veterans
In Photo: Philippine Veterans Bank’s first vice president for marketing and communications Mike Villa-Real (second from left) announces the inaugural Victory Day Ride in Baguio City slated on September 3, 2023, in honor of the sacrifices of World War II veterans and to raise awareness about Yamashita’s surrender and Philippine Victory Day the same day in 1945. Far left is race director Ian Alacar with Philippine Veterans Affairs Office assistant secretary Restituto L. Aguilar in a Press Conference on August 14, 2023, at Camp John Hay. (Photo by FNS/Merriam del Rosario)
BAGUIO CITY – Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) proudly announced its pivotal role in organizing the inaugural Victory Day Ride, scheduled for September 3, 2023, in Baguio City.
The event is poised to unite cycling enthusiasts and history aficionados, paying homage to the sacrifices of World War II veterans while shedding light on the significance of Baguio Victory Day.
Collaboratively orchestrated by PVB, the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), the City Government of Baguio, Wartime Heritage Guild Philippines (WHG), Without Limits, and Salgado PR, the event is poised to be a meaningful undertaking.
In a press briefing held on Monday, August 14, 2023, Mike Villa-Real, PVB’s First Vice President for Marketing and Communications, elucidated the historical context.
He said that September 3rd holds a distinctive significance as a special working holiday since 2018, designated by RA 11216.
“This day in 1945 is clearly a significant historical event marking the success and along with it, the toil and sacrifices of the soldiers of both the United States and the Philippines,” Villa-Real said.
However, he acknowledged that September 3rd, while pivotal, is not as widely recognized as the annual “Araw ng Kagitingan” (Day of Valor) on April 9th each year.
The Victory Day Ride serves a dual purpose: to enhance understanding of Baguio City’s pivotal role during WWII and to foster active participation in cycling across various age groups and backgrounds.
Inspired by the annual Ride for Valor, which retraces the notorious Death March, the Victory Day Ride follows a distinct route that spotlights Baguio City’s historical sites linked with WWII.
Importantly, the event also carries a philanthropic aspect, aiming to raise funds for the preservation of the country’s historical markers and other WWII heritage sites.
Starting at 7:00 am on September 3rd, participants will embark on a 44.5-kilometer route, commencing from the Baguio City Hall and concluding at Camp John Hay.
The bike ride is a non-competitive event and will have five pitstops:
• Pitstop 1 – Camp Allen
• Pitstop 2 – USAFIP-NL Marker
• Pitstop 3 – Sablan View Deck
• Pitstop 4 – Fort del Pilar
• Finish Line – Camp John Hay
A mechanic will be on standby to aid cyclists with mechanical issues while roaming marshals will ensure the riders’ progress.
Villa-Real clarified that support vehicles are permitted, though riders may use them only if opting out of the event.
The ride extends its invitation to fully vaccinated cyclists, welcoming all types of bicycles equipped with brakes.
Registrants will enjoy exclusive perks, including an official event shirt, a race bib and passport, a take-home bag, a post-ride meal, and a commemorative medal.
The registration fee is Php600.
Individuals interested in participating can register online at https://bit.ly/victorydayride-regform, while groups may reach out via email to rideforvalor@gmail.com.
Registration remains open until September 1, 2023.
PVB, a private commercial bank, is owned by WWII veterans and their families.
The bank’s ownership spectrum has now expanded to encompass Post War Veterans and AFP Retirees. ### Merriam del Rosario // FNS
