It’s broadcast journalist Karen Davila and singer Lyca Gairanod’s birthday today, November 21. They celebrated by giving 45 bicycles to residents of Tanza, Cavite.
“Bakit bikes? Kasi ang bikes, sa pananaw namin, ito, nakakatulong ito sa pagbibigay ng hanapbuhay,” Karen said on her latest vlog. “Kapag nag-bike kasi, pwede kang magtrabaho. Maging messenger, mag-negosyo. Ang dami mong pwedeng gawin, kikita ka talaga.”
Why are people excited about this day? Three months ago, Karen’s vlog went viral because of her dramatic reaction when she learned that she had the same birthday with Lyca. The journalist uttered the words, “Oh my God! Liar! Birthday ko ‘yon!” The singer answered with a surprised facial expression which fascinated the netizens.
Many Filipinos, including us, are looking forward to this day, anticipating today’s birthday celebration. It turned out awesome — they said that they don’t want this day to be about themselves and instead gave focus to Caviteños who needed help to improve their livelihood.
One of the recipients of the celebrants’ bicycles is a lady who sells Filipino desserts and works as a baranggay official. She tells Karen that the bike will be helpful because she’ll use it in peddling her goods and it will serve as her service. Other beneficiaries said that they will use it for livelihood and for running errands, among others.
Rome, who paints for work, said that the bicycle that he received will be a great help.
“Kaya ito po ang pinili ko kasi may carrier po siya, lahat ng gamit ko mailalagay ko sa kaniya,” he said. “Malaki po ang dinanas kong hirap. Sa pamasahe po doble. Ngayon po, bagkus ako’y makatipid, eh halos kalahati lang ang naiuuwi ko sa pamilya ko.”
Karen asked how much will he be able to save now that he has a bike. Rome replied, “Malamang po ang limang daang lagi kong pamasahe ay maidadagdag ko na po.”
The two were joined by broadcast journalist and cyclist Gretchen Ho and celebrity vlogger Small Laude. Aside from bicycles, they also gave away Cycling Matters’ safety manual for bikers, visibility vests and helmets. They also gifted smartphones with loading kits, units of pocket wifi, stuffed toys, shirts and food, among others. Lyca sang the song “Kabilang Buhay” in front of the crowd.
The birthday celebration was documented in Karen’s latest vlog. As of this writing, her video has already been viewed more than 1 million times.
Karen and Lyca celebrate their 51st and 17th birthdays, respectively. Indeed, it’s really awesome to give bicycles to people who are in need. Happy birthday from First Bike Ride!
Screenshots are from Karen’s vlog.
