We had the pleasure of
interviewing our featured retiree, who shared thoughtful insights about his
favorite hobby. He responded to several questions about how he got started,
what he loves most, and the benefits he has gained from this pastime. In the
following sections, we’ll be sharing his experiences in his own words. This
interview offers an open and friendly look into his journey, making it feel
like a personal conversation about finding joy and fulfillment in retirement.
Biking is a fantastic hobby for retirees because
it’s easy on the joints, keeps you active, and lets you explore the outdoors at
your own pace. Take, for example, Medardo Dupale or DANG to most of his friends
and former co-workers at the CSC-CO, he took up biking as a form of exercise/sport
which started only during the pandemic in 2021 when communities are already
starting to relax the restrictions of movement of people.
He started with short rides around his
neighborhood, and now, he pedals along scenic trails every time he has the
opportunity. Biking keeps him fit, gives him time to enjoy nature, and even
helps him meet new friends who also love to ride. For retirees, biking offers
the perfect mix of exercise, relaxation, and freedom—plus, you’re never too old
to start!
Q1: Can
you tell us something about yourself, your work while you were still active at
the CSC?Dang: I
retired on January 1, 2024, after serving in the Commission for 34 years,
having started back in November 1989 (though GSIS records reflect 32 years with
premium contributions from CSC). I began my career as an Artist Illustrator II
in what was then the Central Administrative Office (CAO) of the CSC. After
completing a master’s degree in public service through the CSC’s local
scholarship program, I had the opportunity to work in several offices—including
CAO, HRDO, PAIO, HRRO, and OSM—through various promotions. I culminated my career as
the Division Chief of the Strategy Management Division in the Office for
Strategy Management.
Q2: When you started your biking as a
sport/exercise, what was the bike you were using/preferred to use?
Dang: My love for biking, whether for exercise,
sport, or leisure, only began during the pandemic in 2021, as communities
started to ease movement restrictions.
My first bike was a red Merida Big Nine 400, a
lightweight and comfortable aluminum mountain bike. Eventually, I upgraded to a
Surly Chromoly Straggler, whose sturdy steel frame gave me the confidence to
explore more challenging rides. This sparked my interest in other Surly models,
leading me to add two more to my collection: The Surly Karate Monkey and a
Surly Disc Trucker, the latter being for my son and biking buddy. I also added
a Brompton folding bike, perfect for trips that require driving to distant
biking spots, as it easily fits in my car.
Q3: Where do you bike, when, with whom?
Dang: I usually bike at least three times a week—on
Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday—at the Neopolitan Cycling Grounds, owned by
Sta. Lucia Properties, Inc., next to SM Fairview. I often meet my two brothers,
who are also avid bikers, and a few other biking friends there.
I
typically leave home around 6:00 AM, and it’s a 20- to 25-minute ride to the
cycling grounds, depending on my pace. I usually bike until around 8:00 or
sometimes 9:00 AM.
Occasionally,
I’ll take longer rides to Altaraza or the Tanawin area in San Jose Del Monte,
Bulacan, or even to the UP Sunken Garden.
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| With my two bothers |
Q4: While/After biking what other interesting things
you do at said bike area?
Dang: Biking in the place is also a great opportunity
to meet new friends and ride with other bike enthusiasts. From them you
will learn different tips in biking as well as the best component upgrades for
your bike.
 |
| "Pancit Es Layf" |
 |
| With my son, IVAN |
 |
Pose before biking
|
Sometimes,
I also get to join other people who do walking or jogging as exercise.
There are lots of places available to choose
from to have our coffee and snack and even breakfast after our biking activity
around the cycling ground. This habit of eating after biking is what
keeps our tummy maintain its shape, though, hehehe...
Q5. Any significant development from the time you
started with the sport? Ano sa palagay mo ang benefits ng biking?
Dang: Actually one of my motivations to choose
biking as my preferred sports is the fact that it is believed to be a good form
of cardio exercise, among others.
Also, I was once diagnosed with osteoarthritis
giving me back pains and preventing me from doing things I normally do.
One advice given to me and as I also watched in a documentary, biking is
best to strengthen my back muscles and address my back pains. The biking
activity seems to work well in my case.
Q6. Care to recommend any entry bike for
seniors/retirees who plan to indulge in said sport?
Dang: For those who are interested in biking
activity as a form of exercise, there are different bikes available to choose
from. I recommend for those who are new to biking to choose the light
versions, made of aluminum. A decent bike with at least known good components
used will range around 10 to 15K. Of course there are cheaper bikes and
second hand bikes you can also buy.
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| Brompton folding bike |
You
may eventually want to upgrade your bike to better components which will
actually make you spend more. I hope you will not develop the sickness
that some in the biking community often fall to, the sickness called
“Upgraditis”.Advanced/professional
bikers prefer the higher end bikes made of lighter materials such as titanium
and carbon.
Bike prices sometimes also depend on the brand
the bikes carry and types/kinds and built such as, Fixie, BMX, Road, Touring,
Mountain, Gravel, Folding, and the like.
Q7. Any PRELIMINARY activity before the actual
biking activity?
Dang: Before
biking, I make sure I had properly rested or had enough sleep the night before. I do some simple stretching. I keep myself hydrated before, during, and
after biking.
Q8. What are the basic gears that you consider a "must have" before
indulging sa sport na biking?
Dang: Wear proper biking attire such as helmet,
gloves, jersey and biking shoes. Have your bike the necessary accessories
such as bike head and rear lights, bike horns, and reflectors. It is also
advisable to put on sunshield on your skin and wear sunglasses to keep you from
the scorching heat of the sun. It is not advisable to put on headphones
while biking on the roads.Other
maintenance products should be available such as chain lube, cleaning cloth,
brushes and soap. Major issues such as flats and gear tuning can be addressed
in the nearby bike shops. You can also learn this and other maintenance
job in YouTube.
Q9.
Who would you recommend the sport to?
Dang: Biking as a form of exercise is usually
recommended for people like me who wants to reduce the risk of health problems
such as those associated with sedentary lifestyle. This can also be
enjoyed by people of all ages, from young children to older adults. This
is fun, cheap and environment friendly.
Q10. Other thoughts you might want to share?
Dang: As a retiree, it pays to find and do what
gives you joy in life as a form of relaxation and exercise. While biking
or other form of bodily exercise is important specially for people our age, let
us also consider what the Apostle Paul in I Timothy 4:8 said:
“For physical training is of
some value,
but godliness has value for all things, holding promise
for both
the present life and the life to come.”
Let us enjoy our remaining life, give glory to
God, for this is our whole duty in life. God bless po!
