Tambike Session

Let’s face reality: bike commuting in Metro Manila has become more challenging. It’s disheartening to acknowledge that the progress made in enhancing cycling infrastructure in the Philippines during the pandemic is now being undone. In this episode, Buji Babiera engages in a conversation with bike commuters Justin de Dios and Jilson Tiu, discussing their cycling struggles in this so-called ‘post-p...

One of the things cyclists try to avoid is falling from their bicycles, but it has to be said that these stories are quite interesting to tell. Lester Babiera looks back at his memorable “semplang” moments — from a terrible downhill accident in Quezon Province to a careless fall in Malabon — and shares his reflections on cycling and life after these mishaps.

The friends we make in the cycling community make the whole biking experience more fun and exciting. But as adults, how easy is to make friends through bicycles? In this episode, cyclists Miguel “Mignac” Nacianceno and Timi Abutog join us in an insightful conversation about friendships formed because of bikes, on defining boundaries and the friendly dynamics among cyclists online and offline.

We always have that ‘budol buddy’ when it comes to things that we like. And when it comes to biking, perhaps the ultimate guy to talk to is Marlowe Apeles, also known as Budol Buddy in the cycling community in the Philippines. He joins us in this latest episode of Tambike Session to talk about how his small project of assembling bicycles grew. He also shares his latest adventure in the United Stat...

Joining a reliable and safe community enhances your cycling experience, providing a sense of belonging and camaraderie. In this episode of Tambike Session, Lester Babiera talks with Juancho Agoncillo from Everyday Cyclist PH and Jay Daligdig from Esteban Cycling Community. They look into the strategies and experiences behind building and managing their successful bike communities. Follow Lester&#3...

Lester Babiera recalls his 229-kilometer bike ride last December when he cycled the challenging Laguna Loop. It took him 21 hours to finish the ride, and he accomplished it solo. In this episode, he reflects on what happened during his trip, the lessons he learned, and the things he looks forward to as he plans another Laguna Loop ride — but this time, he’s wiser, and he’ll bring friends. Follow L...

In general, cycling communities in the Philippines are very inclusive. Our roads and bicycles don't recognize gender and sexuality, after all. However, we must acknowledge that others still feel unsafe in this male-dominated sport and activity. In celebration of Pride month, Tambike Session invites Trissa Miguel and Marron Santillan to share their experiences biking in different bike communiti...

The state-weather bureau Pagasa has announced that it's officially the rainy season in the Philippines. While many people think that it’s not good cycling in the rain, Filipinos have been doing it for the longest time and it’s possible. In this episode of Tambike Session, Lester Babiera talks with seasoned bike commuters Eli Go Tian and Jeza Rodriguez about their experiences biking during rain...

Lester Babiera and Marti Salva look back at the good old times when they were regularly cycling outside Metro Manila. Now that the pandemic has eased and everything seems to be busier, how can people still get back to the saddle and do longer rides? There’s a bonus in this episode too! TikTok superstar cat President Leet graces us with his presence!

Recently, news about road crashes and unfortunate incidents in the country are all over the news These involves vulnerable individuals like cyclists, pedestrians, traffic enforcers and bystanders. From May 15 to 21 this year, we observe the Global Road Safety Week initiated by the United Nations. In this episode, Lester Babiera discusses road safety in the Philippines with Tina Batalla from Make I...

More people are getting folding bikes because it’s probably one — if not the best — of the top tiers bicycles that anyone can use in the city. It is efficient, a space-saver and it’s just a fold away to convenience. In this episode, ka-tiklops Justin de Dios and Cola Cobarrubias join Lester Babiera in a fun exchange of their experiences as foldie users in Metro Manila. Follow Lester's cycling...

Lester Babiera, host of Tambike Session, discloses a major life decision in this episode. He recently moved in to a new place because he wanted to live independently and with him are his bicycles. He gives tips on how to find the perfect home for you and your bicycles. Follow Lester's cycling Instagram page:  @firstbikeride Tambike Session is an ANIMA podcast.

With over 240,000 subscribers on Youtube, vlogger Ger Victor continues to expand his reach and influence in cycling communities across the Philippines. After almost six years of creating content — from blogging to storytelling on video, what makes Ger Victor consistent with his uploads? In this episode, the cyclist shares his struggles, tips and secrets to those who are interested in getting into...

Is it really dangerous to bike when it’s really hot? Medical professionals who ride bicycles weigh in on this question in this episode of Tambike Session. Lester Babiera talks with physician Ian Braga and Emergency Medical Technician Nix Tupas about the necessary precautions, misconceptions and important health issues related to cycling in hot weather. Follow Lester's cycling Instagram page:  ...

From making the roads of Makati’s Central Business District safer, the movement that stopped the removal of bike lanes along Ayala Avenue has evolved to extend its help to other parts of the Philippines. After keeping the protected lanes for active transport in Ayala Avenue, the Make It Safer Movement was born. But who are the people behind this group and why do these individuals continue to advoc...

Over the past few years, more women are biking in the Philippines. While cycling can be fun and convenient, there are unfortunate realities that women bikers face on the road. In this episode of Tambike Session, cyclists Aencille Santos and Aly Pabellano talk about their experiences on the road — the good, the bad and their everyday struggles. Follow Lester's cycling Instagram page:  @firstbik...

Learning to balance on a bicycle can already be hard — but it’s more challenging to ride a bike along with cars on the big roads of Metro Manila. In this episode, Lester Babiera talks with couple Jilson Tiu and Alyosha Robillas on how the former taught his girlfriend to confidently cycle in the city. From balancing sessions on an empty parking lot to riding with friends and coffee dates, they tell...

We’re celebrating the first anniversary of Tambike Session and in this episode, it’s best to talk about “tambikes.” We invited urban cyclists Reine Bantang and Blu Gonzales to discuss their favorite hangout spots, what it's like to meet friends on a bike, the community built in these bike-friendly places and their dream destinations. Follow Lester's cycling Instagram page: @firstbikeride Tambike S...

Horror stories about cycling seem to be popular nowadays — even if we’re still a few months away from Halloween. In this episode, Lester Babiera shares some spooky biking stories that he experienced, made up and as well as narratives from his friends in the cycling community. Follow Lester's cycling Instagram page: @firstbikeride Tambike Session is an ANIMA podcast.

When it was announced that bike lanes along Ayala Avenue will be converted into sharrows, a movement sparked. The Make It Safer, Makati movement has mobilized hundreds of cyclists and commuters who went online and to the streets to protest against the decision of removing the dedicated lanes to active transport. How did it start? In this episode, Lester Babiera talks with mobility advocates Tina B...

For a few non-cyclists, protected bike lanes are seen as something that takes too much space on the road and even brand it as a nuisance. Why is it important? Active transport users expressed their dismay when Make It Makati announced that it will be removing the dedicated bike lanes along Ayala Avenue, forcing them to dangerously mix with motorists. In this episode, Lester Babiera talks with cycl...

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and it’s best to talk about something close to our hearts — love. In this episode, Lester Babiera talks with cyclists Dyl Mesina, Thysz Estrada and Ian Agustin about the dos and don'ts of flirting in the cycling community. Listen closely as they give tips on how to date, court and make cyclists fall in love. Follow Lester's cycling Instagram page: @firstbi...

Cycling has been getting a lot of media mileage lately — from improving bike infrastructure, dissent towards bike lanes and biking programs. And we’d like to know how bike commuters think about the attention that their form of transport is getting in both mainstream and social media. Lester Babiera talks with mobility advocates Eli Go Tian and Jash Manuel about their reactions with cycling in the...

On our last episode, bike commuters Justin de Dios, Eugene Cañelas and Nemo Garcia talked about their stories biking around the biggest city in Metro Manila. In the second part of this podcast about cycling in Quezon City, we reviewed the six different districts in terms of being bikeable based on our experiences — the best, the worst and what needs to be improved. Follow Lester's cycling Instagra...

Quezon City is the largest city in Metro Manila in terms of land size and population. We’ve seen how its bike infrastructure improved over the years with the local government promising that it would further develop and connect its cycling network. But is it really bikeable in QC? In this episode, we asked residents and bike commuters Justin de Dios, Eugene Cañelas and Nemo Garcia to share their ex...