6:28 PM
Ibba Bernardo
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8
SEE THEM OFF FOR A SAFE JOURNEY
The riders are riding out on Saturday, April 16, 2011, 5:00 AM in Luneta.
FIND OUT ABOUT HOW THE SOLARENERGIE STIFTUNG HELPED 10,000 VILLAGERS IN ETHOPIA!
This is what we are Riding for..
THE SOLAR ENERGY FOUNDATION NETWORK OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED AND RIDE FOR LIGHT 2011 ANNOUNCED
We would like to thank all our community, NGO and corporate partners for joining us at the launch of the Solar Energy Network and supporting our movement that seeks to provide access to solar energy to more than 5 million marginalized households in the Philippines and to more than 1.6 billion people... around the world.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Taospuso in Dumaguete
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8
RoRo Tips
We are currently on our 2nd to the last RoRo on our second to the last of our 19 day adventure. We've ridden on quite a few RoRo's on the nautical highway, the one we are on now, Caticlan to Roxas is our 4th. We thought we could share some tips.
1. Travel very light.
Bring at most 2 bags. A small belt bag or purse for valuables and a backpack or duffel bag filled with soft things and nothing breakable to use as a pillow.
2. Use the toilet before boarding.
Most of the RoRo's we've been on have been refurbished old Japanese ferries with the Japanese style toilets. Basically a hole in the ground. Speaking from experience its tricky if you've never used one and even trickier when on a rocking ship. Also I'd like to apologies to the other passengers, I couldn't figure out how to flush it so I made a bit of a nasty mess.
3. Be early
If you are loading a motorbike it pays to be in the dock at least 2 hours before departure. Depending on the port there are multiple tarrifs and fees you need to line up for. You should also position your bikes near the exit of the boat. You definitely don't want to be gearing up while all the 16 wheeler trucks have started their engines.
4. Tie Downs
When strapping your bike down try to park your bike close and angled towards. There are a multitude of places where you can strap your bike. You will have to run the ties like a triangle keeping the stress on the side stand. Also put it in first gear.
Gonna crash, will post more tips on the next ferry.
1. Travel very light.
Bring at most 2 bags. A small belt bag or purse for valuables and a backpack or duffel bag filled with soft things and nothing breakable to use as a pillow.
2. Use the toilet before boarding.
Most of the RoRo's we've been on have been refurbished old Japanese ferries with the Japanese style toilets. Basically a hole in the ground. Speaking from experience its tricky if you've never used one and even trickier when on a rocking ship. Also I'd like to apologies to the other passengers, I couldn't figure out how to flush it so I made a bit of a nasty mess.
3. Be early
If you are loading a motorbike it pays to be in the dock at least 2 hours before departure. Depending on the port there are multiple tarrifs and fees you need to line up for. You should also position your bikes near the exit of the boat. You definitely don't want to be gearing up while all the 16 wheeler trucks have started their engines.
4. Tie Downs
When strapping your bike down try to park your bike close and angled towards. There are a multitude of places where you can strap your bike. You will have to run the ties like a triangle keeping the stress on the side stand. Also put it in first gear.
Gonna crash, will post more tips on the next ferry.
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8
Good Bye Fridays Boracay
Had a pampered 1st class 10 hr stop over 330pm to 1am in Fridays boracay. They went the extra mile, arranged a 1am boat, made us sandwiches.
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8
Monday, May 2, 2011
Day 14 Good bye Mindanao
Up by 230am to be at the port by 330am seems to be the norm now and we are getting used to it. We are officially in the adventure zone.
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8
Exiled in Dapitan!
Mindanao just won't let us leave and truthfully we kind of don't want to.
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8
Philippe and Amina on a Boat
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Day 12: We are in Zambo!
This is out final southern destination. We travelled through some incredible roads from Cotabato. Lanao del Sur was an interesting part of the journey. Being Tausug it's a cool to be able to drive through the Muslim part of Mindanao, for my to compatriots, Toto from Vigan and Philippe from France it was a real adventure.
The high point of the Zambo leg was seeing my Mom, Grandma and wife. I've been feeling homesick and having them here did wonders for my morale. I'm really blessed to have such a supportive family.
The high point of the Zambo leg was seeing my Mom, Grandma and wife. I've been feeling homesick and having them here did wonders for my morale. I'm really blessed to have such a supportive family.
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Day 11: Butuan to Davao
Early day, up by 3am in Butuan to catch a pump boat to visit the Manobo in the Agusan Marsh. We then speed down to Davao and serendipitously run into some bikers from the Any Sunday Riders bike club who guide us in the right.direction towards Davao. After around 3500 kilometers our bikes get a quick look over by our friends at BMW Motoradd who flew in for the Davao bike convention. The Aguila Riders escort us to the sanctuary of their namesake, the Philippine Eagle Center. Then off to Eden Park for a great meal of organically and hydroponically grown vegies! Whew long fruitful day.
Hopefully I have net later so I can upload some pictures.
Hopefully I have net later so I can upload some pictures.
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Day 10 Good Bye Leyte! Hello Mindanao!
It's an early morning for us. Up by 230am and a night ride from Tacloban through mountains and torrential rain to make it to Li Loan by 6am for the 3 hour ferry to Surigao. What we didn't know was that the ferry actually leaves at 730am! After some instant noodles on board the ship we are going to try to get some shut eye.
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8
Posted in:
Articles for Ride for Light
The group has been featured in different local newspapers and blogs recently. If you didn't get the chance to read the articles published about Ride For Light 2011, here are the links to the features:
NextBillion.net, April 15, 2011: "19 Days, 6600 km: 'Ride for Light' Motorcycle Journey to Illuminate the Philippines"
Manila Bulletin article last Saturday, April 16, 2011: "3 bikers ride to light up poor rural communities with solar energy"
Philippine Daily Inquirer, also last Saturday, April 16: "Ride for Light kicks off today for solar power"
BusinessMirror, April 18, 2011: "Jim Ayala rides on"
Please follow our riders on Facebook!
NextBillion.net, April 15, 2011: "19 Days, 6600 km: 'Ride for Light' Motorcycle Journey to Illuminate the Philippines"
Manila Bulletin article last Saturday, April 16, 2011: "3 bikers ride to light up poor rural communities with solar energy"
Philippine Daily Inquirer, also last Saturday, April 16: "Ride for Light kicks off today for solar power"
BusinessMirror, April 18, 2011: "Jim Ayala rides on"
Please follow our riders on Facebook!
Good News, indeed: GMA Good News Feature
Here's a little bit of trivia. Did you know that, according to the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), 26.4% of the Philippine population or 1 out of 4 Filipinos don't have electricity? Which is why it is the group's goal to bring light to these communities. Here is the clip of the group being interviewed by GMA Good News before their takeoff in Luneta.
Ride For Light is featured on ANC Headstart
Ride For Light 2011 was on ANC Headstart last April 15, 2011. Watch the videos featuring Jim Ayala, Chairman of the Solar Energy Foundation Philippines and rider Philippe Saubier, Board Member of the Solar Energy Foundation Philippines talk about the Ride For Light 2011 campaign to provide electricity to far-flung communities.
Here are the links to the clips:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Here are the links to the clips:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Monday, April 25, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Day 8: We have left Luzon!
We took our first of many ferries on this trip. The day started okay, but the heat is incredible in Legazpi! Now we are soaked, tired and hungry in Samar. Still, everything's good -- the solar lamps are ready, and so are we, more than ever!
It was Toto's birthday yesterday and nobody greeted him :( -- UPDATE: We found out that people have been greeting Toto via the Facebook page! Thanks for the love, everyone!
It was Toto's birthday yesterday and nobody greeted him :( -- UPDATE: We found out that people have been greeting Toto via the Facebook page! Thanks for the love, everyone!
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Day 7: Donsol, Waiting for Butanding
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8
Day 6: Donsol Firefly Boatmen
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8
Day 6: Daet, Labor
Visited citronela farmers in the Mountains of Bicol. Thier cooperative supplies the citronela requirements of Human Heart Nature. A social enterprise we can be proud of.
The solar energy systems we donated will be used to make their lives more productive and help them navigate the hike from their homes to the coop.
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8
Friday, April 22, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Day 1 Lost and Hungry in Banawe
After a long day of riding to Banawe we get a bit side tracked and run into our support vehicle who is also lost but they have FOOD!
Thanks Ann you are a life saver :)
Thanks Ann you are a life saver :)
Day 1 Cabanatuan, Kaibigan Village Center for Community Development
Our first stop is a touching one. Kilometers before the event we see dozens of Tarps welcoming the Light Riders, how cool is that! The Solar Energy Foundation has been working with CCT to create a Solar Village.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Ride for Light Photoshoot by Tyrone Ongpauco
The Solar Energy Foundation Network officially launched and Ride for Light 2011 announced
It's official, the Ride for Light is a GO!
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the “Ride for Light” a 19-day campaign that will bring solar lighting to more than 40 off-grid villages and indigenous communities in coastal, rural and upland areas across the country. The event will also be a forum for knowledge exchange on current technologies and trends in solar energy.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
The Ride for Light 2011
6,600 kilometers • 19 days • 3 patriots
1 mission to electrify all isolated communities through solar energy
The Problem
Over 20 million Filipinos live in isolated communities without electricity. Most use kerosene, wood, and disposable batteries to meet their basic energy needs, incurring high financial, health, and environmental costs in the process. Meeting larger requirements, such as refrigeration, water pumping, or powering computers with traditional energy sources is simply not possible.
The Solution
The Solar Energy Foundation (SEF), which is being launched on March 16 in the Philippines, works globally to reduce poverty related to a lack of energy through the use of innovative solar technology solutions. Members of the SEF network work together to build "hybrid value chains" that address barriers and market discontinuities that have prevented off-grid communities from gaining ongoing access to the energy they need to develop. SunTransfer, the design and production arm of the network, produces awardwinning products powered by the sun that are specifically designed for the needs of offgrid communities. Hybrid Social Solutions, its distribution partner in the Philippines, enlists the help of cooperatives and community organizations to educate customers, then finance and service the SunTransfer products.
Ride for Light 2011
The mission of SEF is to electrify all isolated villages through solar energy. To kick off its work and bring attention to its advocacy, SEF is embarking on Ride for Light 2011, a 6,600km motorcycle adventure ride across the entire Philippine archipelago - from Manila to Pagudpud to Zamboanga and back - over 19 days in April and May. The ride will be led by Philippe Saubier, a Solar Energy Foundation board member and IronMan motorcyclist. He will be accompanied by Ibba Rasul Bernardo (photographer) and Antonio Villanueva (mechanic). The group will be escorted along the way by the
Third Wheel, part-time riders from motorcycle clubs and local communities. Our patriotic riders will conduct social and ecological missions in approximately 25 remote communities selected to reflect the different religious and ethnic backgrounds of the Philippines archipelago, with a strong emphasis on the often forgotten Indigenous People (IP), many of who live in Philippine Protected Areas that are under threat. In each village, Portable Solar Home Systems (SHS) will be donated to trusted social partners who will connect the communities to the SEF network so they have access to electricity on a sustainable basis. The Ride for Light 2011 will be carbon negative with the purchase of 4 biochar stickers equivalent to 4 metric tons of carbon sequestered.
The Route:The route of the Ride for Light 2011 represents a figure 8 across the Philippines archipelago. The riders will begin at the Kilometer Zero market in front of the Rizal Monument, and return to the La Mesa EcoPark.
1 mission to electrify all isolated communities through solar energy
The Problem
Over 20 million Filipinos live in isolated communities without electricity. Most use kerosene, wood, and disposable batteries to meet their basic energy needs, incurring high financial, health, and environmental costs in the process. Meeting larger requirements, such as refrigeration, water pumping, or powering computers with traditional energy sources is simply not possible.
The Solution
The Solar Energy Foundation (SEF), which is being launched on March 16 in the Philippines, works globally to reduce poverty related to a lack of energy through the use of innovative solar technology solutions. Members of the SEF network work together to build "hybrid value chains" that address barriers and market discontinuities that have prevented off-grid communities from gaining ongoing access to the energy they need to develop. SunTransfer, the design and production arm of the network, produces awardwinning products powered by the sun that are specifically designed for the needs of offgrid communities. Hybrid Social Solutions, its distribution partner in the Philippines, enlists the help of cooperatives and community organizations to educate customers, then finance and service the SunTransfer products.
Ride for Light 2011
The mission of SEF is to electrify all isolated villages through solar energy. To kick off its work and bring attention to its advocacy, SEF is embarking on Ride for Light 2011, a 6,600km motorcycle adventure ride across the entire Philippine archipelago - from Manila to Pagudpud to Zamboanga and back - over 19 days in April and May. The ride will be led by Philippe Saubier, a Solar Energy Foundation board member and IronMan motorcyclist. He will be accompanied by Ibba Rasul Bernardo (photographer) and Antonio Villanueva (mechanic). The group will be escorted along the way by the
Third Wheel, part-time riders from motorcycle clubs and local communities. Our patriotic riders will conduct social and ecological missions in approximately 25 remote communities selected to reflect the different religious and ethnic backgrounds of the Philippines archipelago, with a strong emphasis on the often forgotten Indigenous People (IP), many of who live in Philippine Protected Areas that are under threat. In each village, Portable Solar Home Systems (SHS) will be donated to trusted social partners who will connect the communities to the SEF network so they have access to electricity on a sustainable basis. The Ride for Light 2011 will be carbon negative with the purchase of 4 biochar stickers equivalent to 4 metric tons of carbon sequestered.
The Route:The route of the Ride for Light 2011 represents a figure 8 across the Philippines archipelago. The riders will begin at the Kilometer Zero market in front of the Rizal Monument, and return to the La Mesa EcoPark.
