EVERY member of a motorcycle club has at least two things in common: their love of riding and opportunity to help the community. Some join because they look for a variety of fun things such as the experience riding with groups, while other people join because they want to learn from others; safety tips, techniques and best routes.
Founded in 2009, the motorcycle-riding group MIO Touring Club Inc. (MONC) has expanded its organization from 15 to 300 members all over Northern Mindanao in various chapters in Bukidnon, Balingasag, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and Marawi City.
MONC president Herbert Cuaton said the mission of the group is to gather all motorcycle enthusiasts and promote safe ride, peace, understanding and mutual respect between groups and individuals within the motorcycle culture. In over 11 years of existence, the group has vowed to help other people through community services.
Each member of MONC CDO chapter has felt the breeze of love, kindness and generosity sweep through. As such, in the month of January, each member had conducted series of feeding outreach programs for homeless families and children living in the city streets.
Recently, the organization had conducted a tree planting activity in line to its values, which is to raise awareness to the society in the essential of planting and saving trees and express their love to the environment.
MONC vice president Carlo Go said that apart from doing activities for the environment, the group also intends to build healthy culture that will nurture among its members shared values as well as team concepts and rapport.
The group also aims to become a family-oriented club, and impart knowledge where club members can interact with each other to gain support, advice or practical tips on how to improve their riding abilities.
“I am really hoping that each of us can gain knowledge and interact with other members on how to drive safely.” Go said.
MONC has various activities lined up this year, such as feeding program, tree planting, clean up drive, Brigada Eskwela and a lot more. They also participate in giving relief goods during calamities.
Every month of November, the group gathers and celebrates the club’s anniversary and be followed by an Induction of officers.
Cuaton said regardless of your profession and social economic status, the treatment of this group to its peers and members are equal and fair. They embrace each other’s uniqueness because they are a family.
To be a member, you must have an MIO brand motorcycle, up-to-date driver’s license, good attitude, and ride along with the members in a span of six months. When completed, the board, which convenes every November, will decide if one can be accepted as a member.
Cuaton said the group grow their numbers not by invitation or recruiting but from those people who shows interest through inquiry.