MARC SOONG: Riding Beyond the Horizon
Marc Soong’s riding story doesn’t begin in childhood—it starts just last January 2020, when he first got on a motorcycle and promptly mistook both hand levers for brakes. “I remember going to the Yamaha school run by Mel Aquino at the time and just struggling for a few days wondering if I would actually ever learn to ride,” he recalls. Even in those early days, though, he saw the magic in it: how the simplest of tools could create so much joy.
Where It All Began for Marc
That first, awkward experience could have been enough to discourage anyone, but for Marc, it lit a spark. Riding quickly became more than just a skill to learn—it became a gateway to places and moments he’d never imagined. From his earliest days on two wheels, he discovered that motorcycles weren’t just about speed or distance, but about exploration, freedom, and connection.
“Everyone has a story to tell-
and I try to pay more attention
to the small things I learn
from everyone.”
Favorite Ride, Favorite Dream, and the Yamaha That Fits
Marc’s most unforgettable ride in the Philippines took him and his crew along two relatively unexplored trails: The Mighty Gates of Tacadang and The Great Pacific Trail in Isabela. “This for me is the definition of a true adventure,” he says. “You don’t know what to expect and you don’t know how it’s going to end.”
The ride of his dreams? A full Philippine Loop, complete with plenty of off-road side trips—a journey where each day brings something unexpected.
Ask Marc about his go-to Yamaha and he doesn’t hesitate: the Ténéré 700. “It has been a great adventure bike and has given me zero problems,” he says. Reliable, versatile, and capable—it’s the bike that fits his style of tackling long rides and unpredictable trails.
Unforgettable Adventures Everywhere
When it comes to challenging rides, Marc remembers a trail in Tanay, Rizal known as Tatawiran. He first took it on while he was still learning, and it pushed him to his limits. The technical terrain tested his skill and patience, teaching him that the best growth often happens when you’re just outside your comfort zone.
Hidden treasures aren’t always far from home, either. For Marc, Tanay and General Nakar are two such gems—close to Metro Manila but still full of untapped adventure. “It still surprises me how many have not explored these areas yet,” he says.“
What’s Important, What Matters
Marc rides by the ATGATT rule: All The Gear, All The Time. “I feel naked if I ride without complete gear,” he says. His setups vary depending on the ride, but the principle is constant—prepare for every possibility and ride safely.
Some rides stand out not just for where they take you, but for what they mean. For Marc, the Himalayas will always hold a special place in his heart. It was only his second long ride, and it came at a time when he was still grieving the loss of his mother. “It was unreal,” he remembers. “That’s when I realized riding as a tool for healing.”
Inspiration, for Marc, doesn’t come from one person—it comes from everyone. “Everyone has a story to tell,” he says. “I try to pay more attention to the small things I learn from everyone I come across in chance encounters and find inspiration from there.”
A Better Riding Future
Marc sees room for growth in the Philippine riding scene. He believes more motorcycle tours would not only open up the country but also build the riding culture. For that to happen, he says, “The laws are old and outdated; they must be looked at and overhauled.”
The Adventurer
Marc Soong proves that it’s never too late to start an adventure. From discovering his love for riding just a few years ago to exploring some of the country’s most remote trails, he rides with curiosity, respect, and a hunger for the unknown. For him, every journey—whether it’s the quiet roads of General Nakar or the high passes of the Himalayas—is an opportunity to learn, to heal, and to connect with the world in a way only two wheels can offer.
