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Bike for Life 3 - Day 5: Roxas - Iloilo - Bacolod

 

Upon reaching the outskirts of Iloilo city, the B4L team biked to the Vitarich Plant at Pavia despite another day of heavy rain. We were welcomed by the staff of the plant. It was a pleasant surprise when they turned over an envelope full of donation. Apparently, they all chipped in so they can contribute to the foundation's cause. That was really nice!!!. From the Vitarich plant, 2 SARMAN employees pedalled to join us towards the Pepsi Plant at Iloilo City. We were greeted by the plant manager who sponsored our morning snacks and drinks. We needed to refill our drinks so we had to load up 25 cases of Gatorade and Propel to our support vehicles. The cancer awareness forum was held at 1:30pm at the multi-purpose gym of St. Paul University. The audience consists of 3rd and 4th year nursing students. Classes have been suspended due to the really bad weather and yet the students were there for the cancer forum. They told a lot of us that they really wanted to watch the forum and learn from it. They also said that they have been looking forward to the session. What struck the B4L team was how courteous and polite the locals are. The students smiled all the time. We felt right at home. There were 2 doctors who shared their encounters with cancer. One was even a survivor and was not able to hold back his tears when he was telling his story. 2 tatay bikers also went up the podium and shared their story and the reason why they are with us today. Everyone was moved. We wanted to stay longer and address the questions of a lot of the students but we had to leave early. According to our coordinators, the 5pm boat ride to Bacolod had been cancelled and we were forced to take the 4pm ride. When we looked at our watches, it was already 3:15pm! The group successfully reached the port with our fast track tickets secured and reached the city of smiles on time for dinner. People who made this leg successful... Julie Mae Abela (local coordinator) Rotary Club of Roxas Hon. Rommel Lastimoso (Rotary Club President) Kiwanis Club Mr. Ike Altavas Ms. Bella Vergara Atty. Marlou Ubano (IBP Capiz Chapter President) Mr. Ronald Amigo (City Administrator) Mr. Bong Maestro (City Tourism Officer) Dr. Seneres Mr. Jose Arinez Mrs. Susana Bornales (CSWD Day Care Worker) Mrs. Besana (CSWD Chief) Fe Salgado (City Health Liason) Dra. Robles (City Health Chief) Vice Mayor Ronnie Dadivas Mr. Edgar Sia Mr. John Ortiz Denis Pacis Che-che Lastimoso Thursday Ortiz Toni Yap Mr. and Mrs. Abela Thank you!

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