Tambike Session

People usually say that Europe is beautiful, but it can only be proven once you experience it yourself. In this episode of Tambike Session, Buji Babiera shares his observations as a first-time tourist in cities like Paris, Rome, and Florence, particularly his thoughts on these places’ mobility aspects such as cycling, walking, and public transportation. So the question is, is this part of Europe r...

Which do you prefer, working from home or at the office? The pandemic has shown that some remote setups are effective for employees and companies alike. However, there are others who prefer the office — perhaps due to job requirements or management decisions. But really, what’s the ideal setup? In this episode, Buji Babiera discusses this topic with his friends Mike Serrano and VJ Dominguez. Tambi...

Do you know what to do when you encounter road trouble? Let’s say a car hits you or you are threatened by a motorist. Do you know how to assert your rights? The advocacy group AltMobility PH recently launched Batas Bisikleta, a pocket-size guide that assists cyclists and other road users in handling bad road incidents. In this episode, Ira Cruz talks more about Batas Bisikleta and why it's imp...

It’s been crazy hot outside, and people are still cycling. But there are some who’d want to but are afraid of getting their skin burnt, or they simply find it too difficult. In this episode of Tambike Session, Buji Babiera and Aneka Crisostomo share their experiences and suggestions for alleviating the pains of cycling under the sun.

La Union is popularly known as a surfing spot, and recently, more local tourists are coming here for fun beach getaways. There’s been a surge of good restaurants, cafes, and hangout places! But aside from the activities by the sea, Elyu has a lot more to offer. In this episode, Buji Babiera talks with local bike shop owner Geezer Laña about exploring this beautiful province and the current popular...

There’s this notion that cyclists hate motorcycle riders: they enter the bike lanes, are rude, noisy, and very inconsiderate. Not everyone’s like that, for sure, but it’s one of the struggles that cyclists face when they’re on the road. In this episode, Buji Babiera shares his reflections as a first-time rider in Metro Manila and how he immersed himself to get to know more about the perspectives o...

There’s been a lot of talk about the safety of "e-bikes" on our roads, and there are even policies banning them on certain roads. Are these electric vehicles really dangerous on our roads? Let’s delve into this topic as we discuss the various types of electric vehicles and their impacts on traffic safety and road users..

How does it feel to bike in Tokyo? Japan is renowned for its great food, impressive urban designs and efficient public transportation, among other things. Filipinos love visiting Japan as tourists, with many exploring the country on foot or using taxis and trains. However, there are some who have managed to experience Tokyo by bike. In this episode, we’ll hear from cyclists who have explored the c...

It’s cool to live in the same apartment building with friends, just like in TV shows. In this episode, we explore and discuss another aspect of urban living, aiming to lighten up the experience in this city (that can be stressful). From being bike buddies in their cycling circle to becoming neighbors in residential communities, friends Ysa Alvarez, Celine Mallari and Gabby Jimenez share tips, perk...

How’s biking in Boracay? Buji Babiera chats with Chael Partisala, owner of a bike-rental business, about cycling in Aklan’s world-renowned island. In this episode, they share lessons on bike tourism and the best spots to cycle in this tourist destination.

Many people ask me, “How do I find my stories, and what’s the process behind it?” In this episode, I share my background as a storyteller and the questions I ask myself before deciding if something is worth sharing with an audience. Recently, I won the Notable Storyteller award at the National Bike Day Awards and Recognition, inspiring me to celebrate by offering tips to those who’d like to tell s...

So many things have happened in 2023, especially in the world of cycling! In the Philippines, there’s the viral news of road rage involving an ex-cop and a bike commuter, the emergence and removal of protected bike lanes, and the rising popularity of light electric vehicles. In this era of worsening carmageddon and traffic, are Filipinos still biking this year? Buji Babiera revisits the hottest bi...

Romy Manzano was seen cycling with his two children on Mabini Bridge in Manila. He biked all the way from Paranaque, covering a 20-kilometer distance, to reach a charitable institution. He wanted to get free rice, only to discover that he missed the cutoff. Biking for around nine hours, he would now have to return home empty-handed. His story was shared on First Bike Ride and it quickly went viral...

Every fourth Sunday of November, the Philippines celebrates National Bicycle Day. In 2020, under Proclamation 1052, it aimed to recognize cycling as a significant environmental contribution. Three years later, we ask: is a bicycle worth celebrating in the country? In this episode, cycling advocate Karen Crisostomo of Bicycle Friendly Philippines shares a brief history of how National Bike Day orig...

The holiday season is just around the corner, and the cleverest way to make the most of the long vacation break is to plan for it. In this episode of Tambike Session, Buji Babiera invites his friends Ira Cruz, Job de Leon, and Jay Daligdig to share their cycling recommendations for this Christmas season. From how to spend the year-end week on a bicycle to cool destinations, gift ideas, and events...

How do you consider a person a real friend? One way to know if you’re good friends with someone is when you get invited to a wedding. Among many of their peers, you get chosen to have a seat and spend time with them at a life milestone. In cycling, friendships don’t usually go beyond bike rides, but it’s great that people, even as adults, get the opportunity to find great friendships through bicyc...

Laguna Loop is perhaps one of the most challenging cycling routes in the Philippines. One can easily cover 200 kilometers after conquering mostly flat roads of Metro Manila, Rizal and Laguna. Buji Babiera recently finished his second century ride in this famous route, but this time, he’s with other bikers. In this episode, he chats with his friends Jilson Tiu, Justin de Dios and Nemo Gonzaga where...

How do we encourage more people to keep on cycling? At the height of the pandemic, one of the most effective ways to promote biking was by organizing community rides. We have to acknowledge that there are fewer groups hosting these events now, so I decided to take the initiative. Let’s take a look back at the recent community ride organized by First Bike Ride and Esteban Cycling Community to recap...

The recent news affecting the cycling community involves climate change and impressive road infrastructure developments. From smog, traffic, and flooding to incredible road closures and the redesigning of streets, headlines for bikers have been quite exciting lately. In this episode of Tambike Session, we invited seasoned bike commuters to react to the latest issues that directly affect cyclists,...

Bikes bring opportunities. This is one of the most important things I’ve learned since I started cycling regularly. Initially, I had the idea that cycling is accessible to everyone, but after hearing stories from people on the ground, it struck me that many can’t afford to get a bike. In this episode, I want to share the beauty of providing bicycles to individuals who need them — whether it’s for...

Car-free streets are beautiful: people can safely bike, individuals with disabilities enjoy wide roads, runners can move freely, and pets can even walk in the middle of the road. In an incredible move by one of the biggest roads in Metro Manila, Ayala Avenue decided to close its entire stretch to motorized vehicles to accommodate active mobility from 6 am to 10 am every Sunday in September. It’s a...

The Metro Manila Development Authority proposed that bicycles and motorbikes should share a lane along EDSA. This didn’t sit well with mobility advocates, as they deemed it unsafe and inequitable. In a meeting with MMDA and concerned groups, road users suggested that they should each have their own respective lanes. But what do the everyday individuals using these roads think? In this episode, Buj...

What would you do if you are confronted by an enraged driver with a gun? How can you ensure your safety? These are some of the questions raised following the viral online video involving ex-cop Willie Gonzales. The former police officer struck a cyclist with his car, followed by physical assault and verbal threats with a firearm. Road rage has persisted in the Philippines for years and remains a p...

After a life-threatening incident, cyclist Mot Rasay shares his thoughts about health and life. Some people usually equate bikers with being absolutely healthy. While cycling and exercise contribute to good physical condition, they are not the only factors in achieving optimum health. In this episode, we discuss our experiences and realizations regarding living a healthy lifestyle.

Coffee shops are the typical stops and destinations for cyclists during bike rides. Undoubtedly, bikes contribute to coffee business. Throughout the pandemic, small cafes have flourished in Metro Manila, and among those that have prospered are bike-friendly shops. Buji Babiera converses with Kevin Rebolledo of Kuro and Abi Tan of 1C Coffee about how cycling helped the growth of their small coffee...