Brethren, who are into biking for exercise and recreation may want to join this year's Tour of the Fireflies.
This is a yearly event which calls attention to the alarming pollution of the air among other things. This will be on April 19, take off time is 6:30 and will once again start from Tiendesitas.
As in the previous years, the route will take us around Metro Manila on a 50 km leisurely ride which even children (and 75 year olds, mind you!) have taken to.
If you want, we can all ride together. Let's set an assembly point in Tiendesitas. Bring your helmets and sunblocks. Tara na mga bro! Shake the web off them legs!
Fraternally,
Teddy Lopez
Bagumbayan Lodge # 4 GLP
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According to Wikipedia, "The Firefly Brigade is a Philippines citizen's action group formed in 1999 to work for clean air and a habitable, people-friendly environment in our cities.
"The fireflies have fled the city because they could not stand its dirty air. All of us cyclists, pedestrians, commuters, even those who ride cars who live, work and raise families in the city may suffer the same fate. We continue to dirty our city's air with polluting vehicles and factories. As a result, we also risk disappearing like the fireflies. Why resign ourselves to this fate? We have a choice. We can fight for clean air and bring the fireflies back.
"The group organizes an annual cycling caravan known as the Tour of the Fireflies. The tour attracts bikers from all walks of life and of all ages for a treat of a bike tour around the cities of Metro Manila; as well as promote cycling as an environment friendly and healthy form of transportation around the cities."
According to Clean Air Initiative: "The Firefly Brigade is a non-stock, non-profit, and SEC-registered citizen’s volunteer action group which works for clean air and a habitable, people-friendly environment in our cities."
While it is considered a fun ride, there is somewhat a serious purpose to this yearly event; much like the monthly San Francisco's critical mass bike ride. The group [which was also known as Manila Critical Mass] was started by artist Mary Katherine Sta Ana.
Links:
www.tourofthefireflies.multiply.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/alienscream/sets/72157610253524617/
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2 comments:
kuyang, i took part in the tour last sunday. were you there? i suppose there are other brethren who took part as well. maybe we could organize a small meet up with other brethren during the next tour? or maybe facilitate fielding an official contingent from the grand lodge?
fraternally,
pj villarta
nilad lodge #12
Kuyang PJ,
I wasn't there since I am based in Sydney, Australia [moderator, Bro M Baylon Jr]. But I believe Bro Teddy Lopez was there.
Great that you supported this worthwhile endeavour. If you have any pictures you can email it to me at baylonmjr@gmail.com and I will publish them.
Regards,
Bro Mar
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