Name: Renz Viaje
Age: 21
Sex: Male
Location: Philippines
When did you start riding?
I started riding when I was 13 years old, that was in 2000 until 2003, but I only started riding seriously in 2005, because my parents wanted me to finish my studies first, so 3 years without riding. I managed to finish my senior high. Now I can ride anytime I want.
How often do you ride?
Every night I start 7pm in my spot if it’s not raining.
Do you ride contests? What has been your biggest success?
Yes I do join contests… Recently I just joined Wild Channel BMX Flatland Windstorm competition, I got 4th place. Hazlan from Malaysia got 3rd, Calvin Tan from Singapore got 2nd and Toon from Thailand got 1st. Last year Flipbykes Flatmaster 2008 (December), I got first place and 2nd in Weapon BMX 2008 (July). Where do you ride?
Everywhere as long as there’s a flat surface and a wide enough space for me to do my combos. So far the best spot is the underground passage at Citylink Esplanade Singapore with granite flooring. But I’m cool with my riding spot in front of a bank at Makati City (Philippines), its raw concrete, which wears out my tires easily. Can you tell us a bit about the riding scene in your town?
Before it’s been more about BMX Street riding, but now I’m glad that the BMX flatland scene is growing in my country and getting recognized by organizers and sponsors. Riders are more serious about their craft. The progression is really fast. Imagine you could make a flatland world tour, which 5 places would you like to visit for riding and why?
JAPAN – I like their unique style. Ninja style.PARIS - beautiful place lots of beautiful spots (I think).USA – See all the God Fathers of Flat.ASIA – lots of riders... I want to jam with all of them. BARCELONA – I like that place so beautiful. Is there a goal you would like to reach concerning your riding?
Even though the Philippines has many islands, our (flatland riders) cause is the same... “Promote the awareness of BMX Flatland” in our country and the world. Which trick/combo do you work on at the moment?
A lot of tricks and combos. I don’t know where to start. What kind of music do you like? Tell us your 3 favourite songs...Rock n roll ,reggae, Techno music, hip hop/ rap songs"Buffalo Soldier" by Bob Marley I love tons of songs …..
Tell us 3 things you like and 3 things you don’t like...
Likes - Travel, ride BMX, eating different kinds of food Don’t like - Silence, raining, boring people What is your job/what do you study? I am sales representative for www.flipbykes.com and do their online marketing. Now I’m learning some accounting software to make my life easy in doing internet sales. What are your hobbies besides flatland and do they influence your way of riding?Music and internet surfing Music - to motivate me in riding, and to put me in the mood. Internet - to see videos of different riding styles of Pros and Non-pros. It keeps me hyped and inspired. The internet is the future!!!
Bikecheck:
Frame: Aresbykes Garuda
Handlebar: KHE Swiss Miss
Fork: St Martin champagne
Headset: Arestic
Cranks: St Martin Classic
Pedal: Ares 88
Seat: KHE Watanabe
Sprocket: St martin 16t
Front rim: DM22 gold 36h
Front hub: Geisha 36h
Coaster hub: Ares boo 2
Rear rim: Superstar lite n duty
Front tire: A-class
Rear tire: OS Brand
Bar ends: Quamen stainless
Grips: PRISM
Seatpost, chain, seatclamp: generics
This is the place for shoutouts, wise words or whatever you would like to tell the world.
First of all I’d like to thank God for all the blessings I have now. My parents, big sister, brother thanks to always support me.
All my friends you’re the best. P-rata riders of Lucena City.
To all riders here who supports me and the scene, thank you so much.To my sponsor www.flipbykes.com... thank you very much for full support of me. Thank you global-flat for choosing me for your rider of the month. MABUHAY!!!!! PHILIPPNES!!!