Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride: 10 years of raising awareness
WE each have our own unique reasons for riding, but one thing that unites us all is our unwavering passion for the open road.
On May 21, 2023, dozens of men and women in vintage, classic, and retro motorcycles came out wearing their most stylish outfits and joined the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) to raise funds and awareness for men’s health, particularly those with prostate cancer.
The DGR was originally founded in Australia in 2012. The first ride brought together more than 3,000 riders in 64 cities, and now, 10 years after and with more than $37.5 million raised, DGR is considered one of the much-awaited and well-attended annual worldwide events.
Inspired by the result of 2019’s successful turnout, over 2,000 riders from 30 key cities in the Philippines including Bacolod, Baguio, Batangas, Bongao, Butuan, Cabanatuan, Cagayan de Oro, Calapan, Cebu, Dagupan, Davao City, Echague, General Santos, Guimaras, Kabankalan, Kalibo, Legazpi, Lucena, Manila, Naga City, San Fernando City La Union, San Isidro, San Pablo, Tagaytay, Tagbilaran, Tagum, Urdaneta, Valencia City and Zamboanga City participated in this year’s most debonair riding activity.
In Metro Manila, participants met up at Cainta Municipal Hall past 6:00 am. The ride kicked off at Cainta and culminated at the Quezon City
Hall. Donned in coats and ties and chic dresses, participants didn’t mind the hot and humid weather and were all smiles for the camera as they rode through several streets towards the culmination point.
The spectacular parade’s final stop was at The POP Up Katipunan for a simple program and after-party. Lucky participants were treated with live band performances, raffle prizes, and freebies from supporting brands — BMW Motorrad, Structmoto, Dans, Moto Accs, Wheeltek, Moto Market, Ride Manila, Aeropak, Elf Brand by YHI Philippines Inc., Imprint Customs, VRM Helmets, Team Graphitee, Scooforza, and a lot more.
In between bike talks and enjoying each other’s company, participants were also given the opportunity to test-ride the newest models from Triumph Motorcycles, Motostrada, Yamaha, and Access Plus.
“As a sponsor, we couldn’t have been any happier with how DGR 2023 unfolded. It was back to the original parade format, and what a sight that was. Refreshing and nostalgic. A handful of cafés or better-known motorcycle-friendly establishments hosted their own take for this momentous occasion, and it was moving. We are also extremely pleased to see a significant number of Triumph motorbikes on that parade alongside all other brands,” said Miguel Dado, marketing manager of Triumph Motorcycles Philippines.
The event helped raise a total of $14,991, with Metro Manila ranked as the top contributor with $7,310 followed by Tagaytay with $1,935. The proceeds will be directed to funding groundbreaking projects prioritizing men’s health through the Movember Foundation.