Huwag Kang Mangamba star Eula Valdes has found her antidote to stress and anxiety with motorbike riding.
Eula’s first exposure to motorcycle riding was in the late ‘70s when her brother got into a buy and sell business. Her sister was already an enthusiast back then. They would watch motocross events in their hometown in Cabanatuan, thanks to her cousin (Paolo Ballesteros’ father) who was a former President of Philippine Motocross.
Her mom never allowed her to get her own bike when she was younger due to fear of accidents. Later on, Eula won’t allow her age to limit what she can do. “It’s now or never. Kailan ko pa ba ‘to gagawin, eh matanda na ako? So bumili ako ng bike ko.”
For the veteran actress, motorbike riding helps her beat anxiety. There’s fresh air, a full view of nature and a sense of freedom (especially when crossing highways where there are no traffic lights).
However, freedom on the street is also limited. “Akala mo ‘pag naka-motorsiklo ka, eh singit ka lang nang singit basta may espasyo kang nakita, mali ‘yun,” she said. To know the rules, Eula would suggest enrolling in a riding school as she did.
“Akala mo kasi marunong ka na ‘pag napaandar mo na ‘yung motorsiklo. Mas marami ka pang matututunan ‘pag nag-aral ka nang formal sa riding school. Kailangan alam mo rin kung ano ‘yung safe para sa may sasakyan na malaki at motorsiklo,” she added.
Most of all, remember that safety first, “Wala kang harang, so ‘pag nabunggo tatalsik ka agad, ‘yun ang delikado. So kailangan aware ka sa safety mo at safety ng ibang motorist.”
Eula’s longest ride so far was to Batangas City. Her Huwag Kang Mangamba co-stars Dominic Ochoa, Kyle Echarri, Seth Fedelin, and RK Bagatsing are big motorcycle enthusiasts as well and she hopes to join them in their rides.