17 August 2015 – The editorial and production staff of Desert Riders magazine recently paid a courtesy call on Philippine Ambassador to Qatar Wilfredo C. Santos at the Embassy. Desert Riders magazine is the first and only magazine about motorcycles and riders in the Middle East.

Led by Publisher and CEO Ley Pascual, the staff of the magazine presented copies of the maiden issue of Desert Riders to Ambassador Santos. The magazine contained the activities and stories of motorcycle riders not only in Qatar but also throughout the Gulf region, including Bahrain, Kuwait and the UAE. A separate article on Filipino motorcycle riders is also included in the magazine.

The magazine is the brainchild of Ms. Pascual who has been a motorcycle rider herself back home and she continued such passion in her many years as an overseas Filipino professional in the Middle East.

Ms. Pascual disclosed that her team is planning to organize an international rally in the Philippines to be called “Discover Philippines” which will comprise of motorcycle clubs, including those from the country. The event aims to explore scenic tourist spots in the Philippines in line with DOT’s “Visit the Philippines 2015” campaign. It also intends to initiate a road safety awareness program based on international traffic safety standards. The rally could also include car enthusiasts, according to Ms. Pascual.

Ambassador Santos welcomed this proposal of Desert Riders magazine. “The holding of an international rally – the first of its kind in Asia – will not only bring together motorcycle enthusiasts all over the world to the Philippines, but it will also promote our country’s tourism potential in the Middle East,” said Ambassador Santos.

The Philippine Embassy in Doha is currently coordinating with DFA-OUIER and the DOT to flesh out the details of this proposal, including inviting well known motorcycle and car enthusiasts and groups in the Philippines to ensure wider media coverage. END