Allianz PNB Life unveils bike rack art installations in Manila

MANILA: Allianz PNB Life, together with Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, inaugurated new bike racks that were designed to bring back memories of growing up in the city of Manila.

Crafted to promote cycling among Filipinos, each bike rack was artistically designed to showcase the culture of the place on which it will be installed.

In a statement, Domagoso said, “Kakaiba ang proyektong ito dahil sa bukod sa ito’y kapaki-pakinabang, ito ay may mga disenyo na may kabuluhang kultural, maaaring maging tampulan ng atensyon ng ating mga bisita, lalo na ng mga turista. (This project is different. Not only is it helpful; the design has a cultural significance that can get the attention of visitors, especially tourists).”

The bike rack art installations were unveiled during the commemoration of the “Araw ng Watawat” (Flag Day) at the Kartilya ng Katipunan in Ermita. The event also marked the beginning of the 450^th founding anniversary celebration of the city of Manila.

Domagoso was joined by Manila City Vice Mayor Maria Sheilah “Honey” Lacuna-Pangan, MD, FPDS; Allianz PNB Life President and Chief Executive Officer Alexander Grenz; and Allianz PNB Life Chief Marketing Officer Gino Riola.

Also present in the event were German Embassy Deputy Head of Mission Laura Oexle, Philippine National Bank (PNB) Luzon Group Head Bernie Punsalan, PNB North Metro Manila Region Head Carlos Leytte, Intramuros Administration Administrator Atty. Guiller Asido, Department of Tourism Director for Culture and Arts of Manila Charlie Duñgo, Department of Engineering and Public Works Director Engr. Armando Andres, Parks and Development Office Director Giovanni Evangelista, and Department of Public Services Director Kenneth Amurao.

The program started with an opening prayer led by Manila City Council Majority Floor Leader Joel Chua. It was followed by the raising of the flag by the Manila Police District. After the singing of the national anthem, Vice Mayor Lacuna led the patriotic oath.

The bike racks in other locations across the city were also inaugurated on the same day, Allianz PNB Life Digital Brand Management Head Kenneth Yu led the launch of the Alon bike rack at the Rajah Sulayman Park. He was joined by Amurao and Evangelista.

Meanwhile, Allianz PNB Life Bancassurance Distribution Partner Head Bernadette Jalandoni-Pantoja, together with Asido, led the ribbon cutting for the Kalesa bike rack at Plaza Roma in Intramuros. Allianz PNB Life Vice President and Bancassurance Head Carol Bernas and Andres led the launch of the Maya bike rack at the Liwasang Bonifacio in Ermita.

Grenz said, “I’m very proud that we’re able launch it here today, and I’m even more honored that we also have the opportunity to add art to this beautiful city and help bring it back to the old glory. Again, big thank you to the city of Manila.”

The bike racks were designed by Manileño artist and street art advocate Mark Wesley Pahate. He was born and raised in Tondo and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Advertising Arts from the University of Santo Tomas in España, Manila. Pahate previously worked as an associate creative director at McCann World Group and Harrison Communications. He now works for his own boutique agency, Eggshell.

The Tabak bike rack at the Kartilya ng Katipunan was designed to honor the heroism of the Katipuneros. Meanwhile, the Maya bike rack was inspired by the little bird that used to fly over the city’s parks and churches. The Alon bike rack was strategically placed at Rajah Sulayman Park that gives a view of the Manila Bay. The Kalesa bike rack, meanwhile, serves as a reminder of how the horse-drawn carriage used to rule the city’s streets.

“Biking is one of the most sustainable means of transportation. It’s a small action to address big challenges. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions, it’s healthy for body and soul. It reduces traffic congestion and it reduces the risk of exposure the virus but of course, it has to be safe. The installation of bike racks is an excellent way to encourage more people to ride their bikes while increasing their safety. Installing this bike rack here in this historical and cultural place is a great way to bring this to the people, to entice people to come here to experience the rich culture of Manila and also a small piece of German history here,” Oexle stated.

In 2020, Allianz PNB Life launched the Ride Safe campaign that aims to promote the use of bicycle as a sustainable solution to the mobility problem caused by the pandemic. As one of the world’s most sustainable car insurance providers, Allianz has continued to advocate for healthier and more eco-friendly alternatives of transport.

Grenz said, “We are very proud to be one of the most sustainable insurance companies in the world and we have a clear sustainability program in our DNA. Also, here locally, we had a lot of campaigns in the past. But then the pandemic came. For a lot of tragedies, there are also opportunities. We saw cyclists coming out. Bicycling became the new means of transportation, even better and sustainable. Sustainable mobility is environmentally friendly, and we’re very happy to see when we saw public transport coming back, we still see and I guess we’ll see even more bicyclists every day.”

Allianz PNB Life has also donated personal and health insurance to 500 city hall employees and frontliners of Manila, including personnel under the Office of the Mayor who are on the frontline of the districts. They received accidental death, dismemberment, and disability benefits and a coverage of up to P100,000.

Photos from Allianz PNB Life

Also read: 8 bike safety tips for newbies taking to the road