The third Shopwise Bike Fest at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus attracted over 3,200 participants, setting a new record and cementing its status as one of the country's premier community cycling festivals . What started three years ago as a modest cycling initiative has evolved into a large-scale movement advocating active lifestyles and meaningful outdoor experiences.
A Record-Breaking Celebration of Health and Community
The third staging of the Shopwise Bike Fest reached a major milestone, attracting more than 3,200 participants as it kicked off at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub, underscoring the event's rapid rise as one of the country's premier community cycling festivals . Organized by Sunrise Events Inc. (SEI) and backed by Shopwise, the event continues to attract cyclists of all ages and skill levels, from competitive riders to families and first-time participants . The strong turnout further cements the bikefest's reputation as a growing platform that promotes fitness, healthy living, family bonding, and community engagement through cycling .
Mayor Alex Advincula emphasized the event's broader impact on the community, saying the bikefest promotes not only fitness but also stronger social connections and sustainable lifestyles . The event's inclusive atmosphere and family-oriented concept have played key roles in its steady growth over the years, with organizers positioning cycling as an alternative to sedentary habits and excessive screen time, especially among children.
Races for Every Age and Skill Level
The festival featured four adult ride categories – 15km, 30km, 45km, and 60km – catering to participants with varying levels of fitness and cycling experience . Individual and group divisions are also available, allowing both recreational and competitive riders to take part . One of the festival's biggest attractions remains its children's categories, which include the Kids and Family Ride, Tricycle Kids Ride, and Push Bike races for youngsters aged two to seven, with distances ranging from 100 meters to 500 meters .
Organizers believe these family-centered activities encourage discipline, confidence, and physical activity among young participants while steering them away from excessive gadget use . Parents, meanwhile, are given opportunities to bond with their children through shared outdoor experiences . To ensure participant safety, organizers strictly implemented a "No Helmet, No Ride" policy across all categories, while the use of aerobars and fixed-gear bikes was prohibited.
Celebrities and Community Support Elevate the Event
Adding excitement to this year's edition was the participation of several celebrities, influencers, and fitness advocates whose presence drew even more attention to the festival . The celebrity lineup included GMA Artist Center's Aira Lopez and Alou Lopez, along with award-winning broadcast journalist Kara David, plus fitness personalities Selena Reyes and Faith Garcia . Their involvement strengthens the festival's advocacy of promoting wellness, discipline, and active lifestyles among Filipino families, particularly the youth .
The event was supported by the Lungsod ng Imus, Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub, Vermosa, Manila Bulletin, Tempo, Santé, and Sportograf.com, with additional backing from Gatorade, Century Tuna, Dizon Farms, Milo, PediaSure Plus, Summit Water, and Rexona . As SEI president Princess Galura noted, "Shopwise Bike Fest is a celebration of healthy living, inclusivity and community. We want families, friends and cycling enthusiasts to come together in an environment that inspires people to embrace wellness while creating meaningful experiences on and off the road".
