Interview with Philippe, Planet Ride’s Motorcycle Specialist in the Philippines

Motorcycle travel in Asia rarely feels as immediate as it does here: mountain switchbacks in Luzon, island-hopping via ferries, and a culture where a quick fuel stop turns into a conversation. Philippe—Planet Ride’s local partner based in Manila—has been building tailor-made rides since 2012. In this interview, he shares what anchored him in the archipelago, why northern Luzon is a must for riders, and how he designs tours that combine asphalt, light off-road, diving, or volcano hikes—without ever losing the roadtrip rhythm.

Meet Philippe

Can you introduce yourself in a few words?

I’m a former corporate executive who fell in love with the country—and with discovering it by motorcycle.

• First name: Philippe
• Destination: The Philippines
• Agency opened: 2012

Why did you choose to settle in the Philippines?

It happened by chance: my IT career brought me to the Philippines. But it was the people, the mountains, and the tropical islands that made me stay. It’s an ideal country for riders who want freedom—extraordinary roads and unexpected encounters, day after day.

What makes your agency different from others?

For us, sharing the Philippines is a genuine pleasure—and the best way to do it is on two wheels. Everything is tailor-made to match what riders actually want. The same trip can be built around motorcycling and diving, or motorcycling and hiking volcanoes on the Ring of Fire. The point is to shape the ride around your priorities, not the other way around.

What’s your story—how did you start offering motorized trips in the Philippines?

After a heart attack, I stepped back from business and decided to change my life. In 2011, I joined Ride for Light, helping bring electrification to 150,000 Filipinos—using a motorcycle as our tool to reach remote areas. After that, creating an agency felt natural: I wanted to share my love for exploring the Philippines by bike.

The bike, the terrain, the way we ride

What do travelers ride with you and Planet Ride?

We use BMW G650GS Sertao bikes exclusively.

Why this model?

The GS range is perfectly suited to the kind of routes we ride here: a mix of paved roads and off-road sections. The Sertao is easy to handle, light, comfortable, and genuinely versatile—exactly what you want when the day alternates between coastal tarmac and rougher mountain stretches. And yes: the look matters, too.

Planet Ride pro tip (rhythm & safety): in the Philippines, it’s smarter to design days around real riding time rather than distance—plan for steady progress, frequent short stops, and avoid stacking “long ride + late arrival” several days in a row. Fatigue shows up faster on twisty mountain roads.

What makes a Philippines motorcycle trip unmissable?

For you, what makes the Philippines a must-ride destination?

First: northern Luzon, especially the Cordillera mountain provinces—endless, magical curves, with steep drops and rice terraces. Then: the southern island loop, a sequence of around 10 tropical islands, each with a different character. You ride spectacular coastlines, find quiet beaches, meet welcoming locals, and discover a nightlife that’s hard to beat. Finally, the Philippines delivers world-class add-ons: marine exploration and volcanic adventures that turn a ride into something much bigger.

What’s the real difference between a “simple trip” and a motorized trip?

For me, the motorcycle is freedom made real. It’s the best way to live the journey from the inside: landscapes, encounters, and the surprise of being constantly confronted with a different world.

The biggest advantage of a motorized trip in the Philippines?

We take you to places that feel unique, and we help you live something authentic—an adventure punctuated by big scenery and warm smiles.

Philippe’s favorite places (and why they matter)

Your favorite place in the destinations you offer?

Besang Pass, near Cervantes (Ilocos Sur) in northern Luzon. It’s known as the site of the final battle of World War II in the Philippines, after which General Tomoyuki Yamashita—“the Tiger of Malaya”—was defeated and later surrendered. Riding there is striking: the road is scenic, and the history gives the stop real weight.

Another favorite, showing the country’s diversity, is Caramoan in the south of Luzon—made famous after hosting episodes of the TV show Survivor (and Koh-Lanta).

A memory that sums up the Philippines

Your best Ride memory?

Crossing a landslide on the road between Bontoc and Tabuk. That’s the Philippines on a bike: you adapt, you help each other, and the day becomes a story you’ll tell for years.

Philippe’s message to future Planet Riders

A word for future Planet Riders?

Ride, fun, and adventure—we’re waiting for you in the Philippines to make you live a truly unique trip.

Good to know today

The Philippines remain an outstanding playground for riders: Luzon’s mountain roads, island-hopping routes, and the mix of riding with diving or volcano hikes still define the experience. Before you depart, verify current ferry schedules between islands, local road conditions in the Cordillera, and the practical requirements tied to your chosen riding format (guided vs. self-guided), including insurance and riding permits.

Mini-FAQ (Philippines motorcycle travel)

Do I need a specific license to ride a motorcycle in the Philippines?

Bring the license you normally ride with at home and check the current requirements for foreign riders before departure, especially if your trip includes bike rental and inter-island travel logistics.

Is northern Luzon suitable for riders who don’t want hard off-road?

Yes—many of the best days are on paved mountain roads. Off-road can be kept optional and adjusted to your comfort level.

Can I combine riding with diving or volcano hikes?

That’s one of Philippe’s signatures: tailor-made routes that balance riding days with time off the bike for marine exploration or volcano ascents—without rushing the roadtrip.