Day 33 & 34: Iba-Balanga (Bataan) - Manila

I left Iba at 6 am yesterday accompanied by 20 Kabayan Motorbike escorts. We reached Olongapo at 10:00 am and proceeded to the Columban college where we were welcomed by the school officials and given snacks. At 10:45 the Kabayan bikers went back to Iba while I continued biking towards Bataan. At 12:15 I reached Roosevelt park and was welcomed by a group of bikers, police motorbike escorts, Knight Riders and provincial tourism officials. A large streamer was prominently displayed welcoming me. After a brief lunch, we proceeded towards Balanga. There were more streamers displayed at each town that we passed. More bikers joined us including Abby and her friend Arlene. Abby, a member of the Pinoy MtBikers forum had taken a leave from her work to join me. Even after biking for over 6 hours, I felt energized biking beside the pretty lady bikers. We reached Balanga at 3 pm and was welcomed by the parish priest, Fr. Perry, who had organized everything. At 5:15 pm, I concelebrated the Eucharist with Fr. Perry and preached the Gospel of Life and peace to a church that was full. After the mass, we went to Bishop Socrates Villegas' residence and had dinner with him and Msgr. Romy Banaban. I was impressed by Bishop's Villegas simplicity and his support. After dinner, he gave me an envelope with a rosary and a generous amount for my traveling expenses.

Early this morning at 5 am, Abby was on hand to say goodbye. She couldn't join me since she was still recovering from a cold. There was one lone road biker who joined me as I left Balanga - Jojo. After an hour four more bikers joined us until San Fernando, Pampanga. Then I continued to bike alone towards Manila. I was was nearing Bonifacio monument, I was drenched by a heavy downpour. I continued biking until I reached the CBCP compound at 3 pm, in time for the press conference organized by the staff of Msgr. Pepe Quitorio, of the CBCP media relations office. I read the content of the letter that I was going to deliver to Malacanang. After the presscon, I proceeded to Baclaran where I was welcomed by my confreres. Bobby, a member of the Pinoy MtBikers arrived later after trying to catch up with me.