Members of the Filipino Randonnuers, a group of cyclists who participated in the 1,200-kilometer Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP) long distance cycling event in France in August, joined a parade of bikers around Ayala Triangle Gardens, Paseo De Roxas Avenue, Makati City on Sunday, Oct. 15.

The event was spearheaded by the Taste of France and Society Lounge restaurants, in collaboration with the Embassy of France in the Philippines and Micronesia, Makati City government, and the Ayala Land Incorporation.

Around 35 bikers, including the Filipino Randonnuers and other groups of cyclists in Makati, pedaled around Ayala Triangle Gardens in celebration of the “October Fête” during the Ayala Land’s “Makati Street Meet” initiative along Paseo De Roxas Avenue on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 14-15.

The PBP, first held in 1891, is a 1,200-kilometer cycling event where cyclists travel from Paris to Brest (cities in France) and back, which is conducted every four years, according to Randonneurs USA (rusa.org).

It was first launched as a racing event in France, which then turned into a test of endurance and cycling ability for  the participants who aim to complete the event within a 90-hour time limit, passing through several routes and hills, and facing different weather conditions in the country.

Some 82 Filipinos cyclists joined the PBP in August this year and travelled France’s western region from Paris to Normandy and Brittany. The same event will be conducted again in 2027.

The Filipino Randonnuers also shared their experiences on the PBP, which, according to them, embodies grit, discipline, integrity and tenacity of the cyclists as they enjoy the hospitality and beauty of France.

French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel, who is originally from Brittany, graced the event and waved the flag to start the parade of the Randonneurs and cyclists around the Ayala Triangle Gardens.

Fontanel told Manila Bulletin that they took inspiration from Germany’s “Oktoberfest” festival  in organizing the “October Fete.”

She said they added a French touch to the ”people-to-people” event held next to the nature, where the participants also enjoyed  delicious French food in Makati.

The French Embassy said the event featured 40 merchants, chefs, pâtissiers and restaurateurs who offered French products such as croissants, crêpes, wines, champagne and beer on Sunday.

On Saturday, the “October Fete” also featured French electronic music and a light-emitting diode (LED) wall showcasing beautiful sceneries of France.

“This is really a priority for me as French Ambassador, to strengthen the cooperation with the Philippines and to strengthen people-to-people relationships because we have so much in common with the Filipinos, and we would like to get to know even closer the Filipino culture and also for you to get to know the French culture,” she said.

Meanwhile, Ms. Chrissy Roa, group head of Marketing and Communicatios - Ayala Land Corporate, Estates and Malls, told Manila Bulletin that they started the Makati Street Meet initiative along Paseo De Roxas in 2017 but was halted due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Roa said that they restarted the initiative on pocket streets in Makati in 2020 to provide a space for people to enjoy while outside their homes, as well as to help restaurants and small and medium enterprises in Makati affected by the Covid-19 pandemic to introduce their products.

She added that this year, the initiative was first held in February and is being conducted every weekends where foreign embassies in the country also join to showcase their culture to the Filipinos.