Adventures on a motorcycle

You’ve been missing multi-awarded broadcaster and motorcycle rider Jay Taruc, haven’t you? Jay’s show Motorcycle Diaries folded up after six years but he’s making a comeback (with a vengeance) still astride on his now-iconic motorcycle in Ride Ph with Jay Taruc which premieres on Sunday night, Aug. 20, still on GMA News TV.

The half-hour tele-magazine show focuses on everything about motorcycles. The Rider’s Profile and My Ride segments feature riders and their exceptional love affair with their bikes. Biker groups share their club’s experiences in Bike Tribes. In the Motor Issues segment, the latest motorcycle products, models and services in the market will be showcased while relevant issues concerning motorcycle riding are discussed.

“Ride Ph promotes ‘moto-tourism,’ with Bike Stops and Bike Routes which feature hangouts and routes around the country,” said Jay whose docu-traveler side comes out in Jay Riding as he discovers compelling stories during his rides. “One of the features to look forward to in the first season is the historical Himalayan Team ‘Pinas adventure ride.”

Advocating safety riding, Ride Ph aims to be a platform for educating the riding public about road safety. A staunch safety-riding advocate for two decades now, Jay shares his passion with the growing community of two-wheeled riders in the country. In the past few years, there has been a rapid shift in the Filipinos’ transport practice and the motorcycle has increasingly become the preferred ride due to road congestion. In fact, motorbike sales spiked up to 40 percent the previous year.

“We cannot stop the increase in the number of motorcycle riders,” said Jay who owns six bikes. “But they should be reminded na hindi lang puro saya ng ride, they should be responsible not only to themselves but to other people on the streets.”

On Season 1, Ride Ph will dart from one end of the country to the other to participate in the largest motorcycle gatherings, discuss urgent motor issues and practical tips to everyday riding glitches, and of course, the coolest bike tribes and hottest bikes.

The show is sponsored by Dickies, BMW, Shell Philippines, Spyder, Uratex, Loctite, Big Bike Tech, PTT Oil, Ducati Group and many others.

A Masscom (Broadcasting major) graduate from Centro Escolar University (CEU), Jay is one of the four children of well-respected veteran radio icon Joe Taruc. Jay’s two brothers are into business while their youngest sister takes care of their parents.

Born on Jan. 26, 1973 (Aquarius), Jay stands 5’10”; and wears L/XL-size shirt and size-10.5/11 shoes.

Why did you choose the motorcycle as your means of transport in your quest for stories?

“Everywhere we go, there will always be motorcycles. And motorcycles will take you to the farthest places where you will find the most interesting stories and meet the most interesting people.”

Why did you choose Dickies as your official dresser?

“Dickies is an American brand known for its reliable work-wear line. It is also affordable so, a practical choice for me, especially when, like me, you are exposed to the elements when riding a motorbike. Matibay siya, bagay pang-motor.”

To what do you attribute the popularity of your show?

“Motorcycle Diaries ran for six years and I attribute its longevity to the thousands of motorcycle riders and enthusiasts who follow and watch our episodes. With Ride Ph with Jay Taruc, we rely on our core audience and the growing population of motor-bikers out there.”

Were you influenced by your dad, The Great Joe Taruc, into following in his footsteps?

“My Dad was a great influence. At first, he did not want me to become a broadcaster. Alam niya mahirap at dadaan ako sa butas ng karayom. But when I showed interest early on, when I tagged along to his radio-anchoring duties in the ’80s, he then saw my potential in the broadcasting field.”

Tips and reminders from your dad?

“My dad gives premium on ‘integrity’ and ‘loyalty.’ And he would always remind us, ‘A clean name and reputation’ is very important, especially in this business.”

Any risks involved in the pursuit of your job?

“When I was just starting out, as a young producer, the challenge was to seek out the most interesting stories that had yet to be told. Kailangan hangga’t maaari, ‘yung hindi pa napapalabas o yung istoryang hindi pa nagagawa. The search for these types of stories took us to the most remote places in the North all the way to the South, around the islands, where traveling from one place to another can be considered risky in itself. Job-related risks when we were young were so appealing to us, until magkaanak na, magkapamilya, it will slow you down naturally.”

Name three of your most memorable and controversial topics.

“My first memorable topic would be my first I-Witness episode which was a documentary about the use of landmines in Mindanao. We documented the process of how landmines were scoured through the vast farmlands in Maguindanao, detected and diffused by an elite military bomb disposal team.

“Second memorable story would be an episode where I ate batchoy or pagpag, shadowing a family for hours who would collect scraps or pagpag then re-cook them for a new and warm meal.

“Third memorable story would probably be that Motorcycle Diaries episode where I was able to ride with our current president, Rodrigo Duterte. It was a very memorable ride within his balwarte in Davao City.”

Hosting a show like yours is physically demanding. How do you keep in shape?

“I used to go to gyms. But now, I prefer to ride bicycles. Have to keep the heart pumping really well. Managing time is most difficult. I have two kids, Luis, 14 and Sofie, 8. They are both home-schooled by Mommy June. I make it a point to spend quality time with them when I’m not traveling or working.”

How’s your diet; what’s usually for breakfast, lunch and dinner?

“I like sweets! Which is so bad for me because my parents have diabetes. I am a light breakfast eater. I usually have a bowl of oatmeal with milk or just coffee and a banana. Pero hataw na sa lunch and dinner. I try to cut down on rice pero depende sa ulam. I drink a lot of water every day. Maybe more than eight glasses a day.”

What workout do you do?

“If I can’t ride my bicycles outdoor, it is stationary biking for me. Cycling would probably be my most favorite physical activity.”

What part(s) of your body need improvement?

“My tummy and muscles all over my body.”

How much sleep do you get per night?

“An average of six hours of sleep every night is probably not enough.”

Aside from your celfone, one thing that you cannot do without?

“I must have a charger always. A motorcycle is another must for me.”

How do you unwind, cope with stress; how do you spend time away from work?

“Plan a nice short ride outside the metro. There are a number of choices where to ride to. It relaxes me to just ride and breathe in all that fresh air. Rejuvenating.”

Last thing that you do before you go to sleep?

“I pray.”

First thing that you do as soon as you wake up?

“I plant a kiss on the cheeks of my son and daughter, saying thanks that I get to live one more day with them.”

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