It turns out that performing on stage isn't the only way Gary V keeps those endorphins high!
Gary Valenciano has a few hobbies that keep him energized, and one of them is biking. And he swears by its benefits– from staying fit and healthy to simply enjoying the simple pleasures of life. Sometimes, whether it's to avoid traffic or for the sheer love of pedaling through the streets, Gary chooses his bike over a fancy car to get to his destination.
Just like many of us, he was fascinated with bicycles as a kid. In his teenage years, Gary was surrounded by friends and neighbors who all had bikes, and that spark of interest quickly grew into an intense passion for cycling.
In 2004, his best friend, the late Manolet Santos—a well-known DJ who also taught him how to mash-up upbeat songs and was a dedicated bike enthusiast—introduced him to the world of mountain biking. Before Manolet passed away in 2017, he encouraged Gary to buy a limited-edition mountain bike, hence the bike’s sentimental value.
Sometimes, he pedals his way to work at ABS-CBN compound in Quezon City from his house in Antipolo, and then takes the longer route on his way home. Also, one of his most memorable biking adventures was riding from Quezon City all the way to Calatagan, Batangas, which he would happily repeat if there's a chance.
While he still has his mountain bike, as he gets older, he's switched to an electric bike which he considers one of his best investments. "Ngayon, lalo na pagkatapos ng bypass [surgery] ko, pwede kong itulak ang sarili ko pero hindi na 'yung over pushing myself," he shares.
The "ASAP" mainstay still has so much on his biking bucket list, including riding in different parts of the world, inspired by a friend who went on a two-wheeled adventure in Spain, where the views were absolutely breathtaking. He also wishes to go biking in Greece and Japan. In the Philippines, Gary dreams of island hopping—by bike! He hopes to cycle around Batanes and Marinduque Islands and explore mountain trails.
"These are amazing experience I recommend that you try, if you are a mountain biker," he shares. For beginners, his number one tip is a simple yet often overlooked safety essential: "Please, always wear a helmet." He explains, "I know you should wear your shoes, the proper attire. Pero kunwari wala kayo no'n, make sure you always wear a helmet." Gary has heard too many horror stories about riders getting into accidents because they didn’t take the proper precautions, "And I don't want any of that happening to you."
"Biking is good for you. It's good for your health. It's good to ride with people. But always wear a helmet," he adds.
The most important thing to know, however, is that it's never too late and scary to start your biking journey. "Like a little kid trying to walk, biking is like that. Once you get into it, it forever becomes part of you."