The winners at the Kalayaan 2025 Bike Fest in Dubai on June 1, 2025. EXPAT MEDIA/KALAYAAN 2025

Filipino cyclists turned heads and captured hearts at Kalayaan 2025 as the inaugural Bike of the Year was announced on Sunday (June 1) at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Thousands gathered for the early Philippine Independence Day celebration, which featured the Kalayaan 2025 Bike Fest — a vibrant showcase of Filipino creativity, craftsmanship, and love for cycling. Topping the awards was Demetrio Diaz’s classic light green Mini Velo, crowned Kalayaan 2025 Bike of the Year. The vintage-style bike, adorned with leather handles and a matching saddle bag, wowed judges for its timeless aesthetic and attention to detail. It also won the Best Upgrade Mini Velo award. “This year’s entries reflected the Filipino passion for cycling and creativity,” organizers Cycle2Cycle told Expat Media. Filipina cyclist Irene Mariesh Bacas emerged as the biggest individual winner with her mountain bike, taking home three awards: Best Upgrade MTB Trail, Best Upgrade Hardtail MTB, and Lightest MTB. Another notable winner was Expat Media Editor-in-Chief Florence Pia Yu, whose Philippine flag-themed folding bike won Best Upgrade in Folding Bike. The six-speed Shimano gear bike stood out with its Philippine flag-themed red, blue, white, and yellow accents, and a creative use of banig — a traditional Filipino handwoven mat — on the handle cover and rear mudguard. The Kalayaan 2025 Bike Fest was part of the Kalayaan 2025 celebration presented by Emirates Loves Philippines and co-presented by Infinite Communities and The Filipino Channel (TFC).

Full list of winners: Kalayaan 2025 Bike Fest

Kalayaan 2025 Bike of the Year – Demetrio Diaz Best Classic Bike – Mark Anthony Simbulan Best Upgrade MTB Trail – Irene Mariesh Bacas Best Upgrade Enduro Bike – John Philip Minguez Best Upgrade Mini Velo – Demetrio Diaz Best Upgrade Hardtail MTB – Irene Mariesh Bacas Best Upgrade Ebike – Oliver Gascon Best Upgrade Gravel Bike – Jaydee Tolentino Best Upgrade Folding Bike – Florence Pia Yu Lightest MTB – Irene Mariesh Bacas Best Upgrade Fixed Gear – Ferdinand Gismorio II

In pictures

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