By Elreene Venice C. Hufana

If given the chance, would you have the courage to be a Philippine Looper? How about doing this using a motorcycle?

Not everyone can be a Philippine looper. While not everyone can face the uncertainties of looping around the country, we have someone at NLEX who did this. Sector 3 Patrol Crew Carl Patrick Bada, native of Zambales, did it in 21 days — and it was truly an adventure ride! He enjoyed the thrill, the view, the bond, and most of all, the pride. 2023 was the year of this incredible ride. 

Love what you do and enjoy the process. This would define PC Bada’s journey as a rider. Starting his riding journey in 2010, he slowly made his spot in the riding community for 15 years already.

Before his life at NLEX began in 2019, he dedicated his time and efforts for charity. While extending his hand to those in need, he also received the hands of those who shared his commitment. From a regular rider, he became the president of his charity group, leading his team to remote places unreachable by regular assistance. The most memorable one is passing through rivers in Zambales just to reach the locale. It was a tough ride he shared with his wife, who accompanied and supported him for the cause. As he reminisced, the smiles, warmth, and appreciation of the locals, especially the children, created a sense of fulfillment. Rides for charity are immensely close to his heart.

In helping the community, PC Bada created his own group of riders. He connected with different people, even icons in the riding sector, who opened doors to the start of his endurance rides. His favorite and unforgettable ride was the Philippine Loop Adventure Tour in 2023. He toured three days in Luzon before riding the waves in RoRo ships, hopping into the islands of Visayas and Mindanao. He experienced being stranded, savoring delicacies and specialties, while sharing stories with the natives. If Luzon is beautiful with its mountain provinces, exploring Visayas and Mindanao had its share of amazing places. He felt the solemnity of Ground Zero in Marawi which is a reminder of the siege in 2017. He was also amazed by the Pink Mosque, one of highlighted places in Mindanao. He surely basked in the beauty of the Philippines and the kindness of fellow Filipinos.

Thereon, being a Philippine Looper is one of his proudest moments. An experience he would try again because there are still places, he wants to visit. As a looper, he can affirm that it is more fun in the Philippines.

Being an endurance rider since 2017 with the help of gracious sponsors, PC Bada had joined more than a dozen exciting drives. He emphasized that an endurance rider is not about racing against fellow riders but competing with yourself, testing limits of the body, stamina, and agility. One of the drives he joined was the BOSS Ironman Motorcycle Challenge in 2024. The challenge was to finish the 1200 kilometer-route around Luzon within 24 hours. Though, he had a minor accident near Pagudpud, he still completed the trial. Invest in your safety. This was a principle he learned from a mentor. That belief protected him during the endurance challenge.And as a rider without a team during that period, he was aided by Kapampangans he met during the event. That friendship helped him finish the route. This proves that friendship among riders is undeniably valuable and sincere.

PC Bada, for so long, has experienced diverse kinds of trips – touching, spooky, and risky ones. He had ridden through storms, thousands of kilometers, in limited times, from north to south, to test his ability. He made this with the guide of his faith: pray with his family before leaving the house before leaving Zambales; and another prayer before the jumpstart of each event. He made many memories with his fellow riders. Every place gave him new cooperations with other riders. Every touchdown was an opportunity to show his wife and six-year-old daughter all the wonders he reached. Riding is a passion he wishes he could do forever.

Patrol Crew Bada is fortunate to have a family that shares his love for riding. Finding a partner that prays with you every time you embark on a journey lightens the load of uncertainties. Becoming a partner and a parent requires a lot of sacrifices, and giving up the things we are so passionate about due to the demands of family is expected. More so, being a father. Fathers, in prioritizing the family they love, willingly give up a part of their freedom.

Patrol Crew Carl Patrick Bada is truly blessed that his freedom to ride never stopped.

His next goal? To circle the country again, either solo or with his family, hopefully, bearing the symbol of NLEX. He is also encouraging everyone to go for that one unforgettable ride of our life. May we all gather the courage to go and drive, like PC Bada.

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