R.O.X. Empowers Local Communities Through Bayanihan Initiatives
Recreational Outdoor eXchange (R.O.X.) launched Bayanihan Initiatives last July 27 to support local communities. A small gathering was held at the R.O.X. BGC High Street store in Taguig City, where they presented the project’s highlights.
Bayanihan
(From Left to Right: Ernie Lopez, Director of Advocacy – ABS-CBN Foundation; Roberta Lopez Feliciano, Managing Director – ABS-CBN Foundation; Tiffany Batungbacal, AVP-Adventure PH Retail – Primer Group of Companies; Jonny Thai, Managing Director – Primer Group of Companies)
Bayanihan is a form of communal work practiced by Filipinos. It is also a form of civic unity, and cooperation doesn’t expect rewards to achieve a particular goal.
R.O.X. has partnered with the ABS-CBN Foundation to help communities hit by the pandemic. The renowned outdoor superstore turned over ten bikes to ABS-BN, which will be brought to Leyte to boost local tourism and rebuild their economy.
The Primer Group of Companies, which manages R.O.X., continues to work closely with ABS-CBN on several collaborations.
ABS-CBN’s Director of Advocacy Ernie Lopez and Managing Director Roberta Lopez were present during the Bayanihan launch. Primer Group Managing Director Johny Thai and Assistant Vice President of Primer Group Tiffany Batungbacal also graced the event.
“We Filipinos might not have the biggest resources or the most advantages, but with the Bayanihan spirit alive and shared in the simple things that we do, we have everything we need to take our country to the next level together,” said AVP Batungbacal, said.
Daluyong Exhibit
R.O.X. also showcased artworks from UP Mountainers under the Dalyong Exhibit. R.O.X. shoppers and visitors can view the displayed art pieces until September 4. The collection of paintings and sculptures reflects the creativity and diversity of Filipino expressionism from various perspectives.
The proceeds from the Daluyong exhibit will go to the rehabilitation of Siargao and help it recover from the effects of Typhoon Odette.
Bubuy Francisco, UP Mountaineer’s founder, said that parts of the proceeds would help build the Sierra Madre Range, the longest trail in the country.
Promoting Sustainability
When the pandemic hit, people had to step back from outdoor pursuits and stay indoors. While this helped keep the public safe, it has also affected the businesses and people in outdoor adventure sports.
R.O.X. took this challenge to pivot into a larger sphere of movement where it not only bulked up its portfolio but also helped other small businesses get started. With the problems that people had to endure during Covid, R.O.X. developed the mobility category to cater to the needs of a generation who wanted a form of escape while improving their mental and physical health.
The bicycle area on the 3rd floor diversified its existing bikes to include units for all types of bikers. This space will also have a bike service area and bike cafe. R.O.X. also doubled down on its sustainability initiatives by launching its Green Project, which focused on recycling and using eco-friendly materials and practices to keep the environment clean.
They also transformed the 2F into a hub for local enterprises with the same passion for the outdoors and sustainable practices in preserving the playground we call home.
About The Author
Adrian John Ladaga
Adrian started running in 2012 and instantly fell in love with the sport. He now frequents local road and trailrunning events. For him running is simple: "you take one foot in front of another and repeat the process over and over again." You can catch him running in the highlands of Tagaytay city. When not on his running kicks, he steps in the shoes of a content writer and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) expert.