By Glenn Reyes
For the seventh consecutive time, Iloilo Business Park will be the official home of Iloilo’s biggest gathering of bikers as it once again plays host to this year’s Iloilo Bike Festival.
Since 2014, property giant Megaworld’s 72-hectare integrated township development in Mandurriao district has been a pioneering venue partner of one of the Philippines’ biggest and most-awaited annual bike events, which continue to attract thousands of cycling athletes and biking enthusiasts from all over the country.
This year’s Iloilo Bike Festival is expected to draw thousands of bike riders, who will all converge through a series of cycling events, pocket activities, and feature races all happening at Iloilo Business Park from July 29 to 31.
Promoting Sustainability and Healthy Lifestyle through Biking
With sustainability as one of its core thrusts, Megaworld has solidified its position as the country’s leading developer of sustainable and environment-friendly integrated townships.
Megaworld townships including Iloilo Business Park are master-planned communities that promote sustainability for the environment. By integrating residential spaces with offices, malls and facilities for learning, worship, wellness and leisure, Megaworld’s pioneering township concept aims to reduce one’s carbon footprint by creating a walkable and bikeable interconnectivity that lessens the dependence on vehicles, which will effectively reduce the emission of greenhouse gases.
With the goal of furthering its commitment to the environment and sustainability in Western Visayas, Megaworld has partnered with the city government of Iloilo for the staging of the annual Iloilo Bike Festival.
Aside from providing a conducive and safe venue for bikers through dedicated bike lanes, bike racks and bike repair stations, as well as the biggest and widest road network inside a private property in Iloilo, Megaworld also hopes to promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage bike usage among Ilonggos and residents in the region.
“We are proud to once again host this year’s Iloilo Bike Festival and be at the forefront of the city government’s bid to establish Iloilo City as the country’s bike capital. We are fully supportive and committed to work with the city government and organizers in making this year’s festival a success as this will surely help boost the city’s tourism industry and spur economic recovery,” says Karmela Alexandra Jesena, general manager, Festive Walk Iloilo.
Bigger, Better and More Exciting Iloilo Bike Festival this Year
As the official venue, Iloilo Business Park will be hosting the festival’s major cycling events and feature races including the Iloilo Bike Festival Opening Ceremonies on July 29 at 10AM at the Festive Walk Indoor Atrium and Tour of Iloilo Double Century Race on July 30, which kicks off at 4AM at the Megaworld Boulevard near Parksquare.
Also taking place inside the township is the Criterium Race on July 30 to 31 with race start slated at 6AM at Megaworld Boulevard near One Madison. Meanwhile, young biking enthusiasts can join the Kiddie Fun Ride on July 31 at 8AM at the Parksquare.
Festive Walk Iloilo will be the venue for the Launch of the Bike Capital of the Philippines, which takes place on July 31, 10AM at the mall’s indoor atrium. Capping off the grand bike event is the Iloilo City Bike Tour Grand Fun Ride on July 31 at 430PM also at the Parksquare.
Bike riders and cycling enthusiasts are also invited to learn more about proper riding techniques and safe practices at the Road Safety Seminar, happening on July 29 at 1PM at the Festive Walk Atrium.
Exciting activities are also lined up for guests and festival participants including a Bike Expo running from July 29 to 31at the Festive Walk Garden Atrium, where visitors can shop for bicycles, biking equipment, bike parts and accessories, and biking gears while enjoying music from talented buskers.
They can also head over to the Festive Walk Mall Annex Event Center and explore the latest collection of remote controlled drones, flight simulator displays and more from the Iloilo Radio Control Sports Club or visit the Bike Exhibit at the 2nd floor of Festive Walk Mall and check out a grand display of the coolest customized bikes in the city. Participants and spectators can also visit Festive Walk Parade and enjoy a mouthwatering selection of snacks, cuisines and other streetfood at the Food Fair.
For more information, visit Iloilo Business Park, Festive Walk Iloilo and Megaworld Lifestyle Malls on Facebook or log on to www.iloilobusinesspark.com.ph or www.megaworld-lifestyle.com.