FEATURE: ‘…naamiris ko nga good for health talaga daytoy biking… isu ti habit bago agtrabaho’ – 68-year-old Tabuk City Biker (Oldest 2026 LUMIN-AWA Bike Fest Participant)

Tabuk City, Kalinga – A 68-year-old cyclist from Dagupan, Tabuk City, is the oldest participant in the recent Lumin-Awa Bike Fest (LBF), demonstrating that age is no barrier to embracing an active lifestyle and inspiring fellow riders to prioritize health and fitness.

The LBF, held on February 15, 2026, gathered over 150 cyclists from across Northern Luzon—one of whom was Armando Batalla, whose dedication to cycling stood out not only because of his age but also because of his commitment to making biking part of his daily routine.

In an interview with GURU Press Cordillera, Batalla shared that he began cycling regularly in 2025 and has since made it a habit before heading to work. He currently works as a vendor at the Dagupan Public Market, a livelihood he has sustained for 15 years after returning home for good from Saudi Arabia, where he previously worked as an overseas Filipino worker (OFW).

“Actually, daytoy ket pagpa-praktisak lang daytoy—isu ti habit bago agtrabaho. Vendor ak tatta idiay Dagupan Public Market—15 years nakon nga aglaklako nanipod nag for-good ak from Saudi Arabia—maysa ak met idi nga kadagiti OFW,” he shared.

Batalla further said that he realized biking is truly beneficial to one’s health, which motivated him to continue despite his age. For him, cycling strengthens his body and helps maintain physical fitness as he grows older.

A father of four, with two children still in school, the seasoned cyclist also revealed that he has hypertension. However, he manages his condition through maintenance medication, ensuring it does not hinder his cycling routine.

“Highblood ak ngem adda maintenance ko met ketdi—haan met nga naging lapped ti panag-bike ko ta bago nga ag-alas singko ket nagtumar akon maintenance ko. Ken mayat met lang nga nirugyak ta naamiris ko nga good for health talaga daytoy biking,” he said.

He added that exercise is important, especially among the youth, noting that engaging in physical activities at an early age can help prevent illness and promote overall well-being.

Batalla’s participation in the Lumin-Awa Bike Fest not only highlighted his personal commitment to health but also reflected the event’s broader advocacy of promoting active mobility and combating non-communicable diseases through regular physical activity.