Buji Babiera is not your average cyclist. This adventurer has transformed his passion for biking into a movement that’s as inspiring as it is empowering. From founding the First Bike Ride community during the pandemic to creating the hit podcast Tambike Session, Buji has become a champion of two-wheeled adventures, sustainability, and forging meaningful connections along the way.
With a growing social media presence on TikTok where his storytelling has captivated millions, Buji seamlessly blends entertainment with advocacy—proving that the road to change can be both fun and impactful. But for Buji, this journey is just getting started.
From Instagram Lives to Podcasting Powerhouse
Buji’s podcast, Tambike Session, wasn’t part of some grand plan. In fact, it all started with casual Instagram Live sessions on his cycling platform, First Bike Ride. Each week, Buji would chat about biking, inviting cyclists to share their experiences in hour-long conversations. The sessions were fun, spontaneous, and influenced by TikTok content creators—especially Aling Myrna, a Filipina mom in South Korea who hooked Buji with her live streams.
The podcast took shape after Roberto Seña of the band SOS caught one of Buji’s lives and introduced him to Mel Alcaraz and Anica from Anima Podcasts. Together, they brainstormed and brought Tambike Session to life.
"The topics on my Instagram Live, which was called “First Bike Ride Kwentuhan,” varied from advocacy and multi-day rides to flirting within the cycling community. Roberto Seña of the band SOS watched these Instagram Lives and then connected me with Mel Alcaraz, formerly from Anima Podcasts. From there, Mel, her teammate Anica, and I brainstormed ideas for a podcast show about cycling, and we ended up producing Tambike Session."
Through the podcast, Buji shares unforgettable biking moments, like how cyclists form bonds at traffic stops—a kind of connection you don’t get inside a car.
First Bike Ride: One Pedal at a Time
Buji’s First Bike Ride community started as a way to keep his creative juices flowing during the pandemic when his writing and photography gigs hit pause.
"Initially, First Bike Ride was meant to tell inspirational stories and advocate for mobility. The growth of the Facebook and Instagram pages was rapid, and the group of cyclists supporting my initiatives also expanded," He shared.
He had no grand vision of creating a community, but as he posted cycling stories on Facebook and Instagram, the following grew rapidly. Cyclists rallied around his mission of promoting mobility and sustainability.
"The community aspect of First Bike Ride emerged organically. To be honest, I never envisioned it becoming a community, it was originally just an avenue for my creativity and skills. However, the group evolved, and it’s wonderful that those who join me in these activities align with my advocacy for cycling and mobility."
What sets Buji apart is his ability to turn biking from a hobby into a lifestyle. He’s not just advocating for the joy of cycling; he’s shaping a vision of a world where biking is the norm, not the exception. One of his proudest moments? Successfully advocating to keep the protected bike lanes along Ayala Avenue in Makati, preserving safety and accessibility for cyclists in the heart of the city.
Where Storytelling Meets Advocacy
While Buji might be known for his cycling advocacy, his TikTok fame also extends to thrilling storytelling. With 1.7 million followers, he’s become a master of blending entertainment with environmental advocacy. His secret? Grabbing his audience's attention with genres like horror and crime, then subtly weaving in deeper messages about mobility and sustainability.
"When I started gaining more followers, I honestly couldn’t believe how many people I was reaching. In my mind, these were just internet numbers. I was in Coron when I hit my first million followers, and something incredible happened. During an island-hopping tour, a teacher from Bohol approached me. He was also a tourist and asked, “Are you the guy on TikTok who shared the story about the oil spill?” I felt a great sense of accomplishment knowing that my stories had traveled far — the oil spill occurred in Mindoro, and it was seen by someone from Visayas who mentioned it to me in Palawan. It struck me: my advocacy stories can indeed reach a wide audience and raise awareness."
Buji’s reach goes far beyond the screen. One standout moment happened in Coron when a tourist from Bohol recognized him for his TikTok story about an oil spill in Mindoro. It was a full-circle moment for Buji, realizing that his stories weren't just viral videos—they were raising awareness and making an impact.
Living for Adventure, Building for the Future
Buji’s love for the great outdoors fuels everything he does. Whether it’s his travels, his work, or his life decisions, he’s always driven by a sense of adventure and a desire to protect the places he loves. As he continues to explore new destinations and meet new people, he’s committed to making a positive impact, not just for himself, but for future generations.
"The first thing that came to mind was that I am motivated to work so I can earn money to spend on the outdoors. On a more serious note, after a few years of being an adventurer and traveling long-term, I have developed a sense of responsibility regarding my choices. I’ve developed a connection with the places I’ve visited and the people I’ve met during my travels, and I want to protect and preserve these places for ourselves and future generations. Therefore, I want to engage in work that can have a meaningful impact on these spots and communities. In my daily life, I also want to be more mindful so that I can contribute, even in a small way, to creating a better world for everyone."
So, what’s next for Buji? He’s gearing up for a major year-end celebration with the cycling community, a fair to honor the friendships and achievements they’ve built in 2024. And with more travel and content creation on the horizon, it’s clear that Buji is far from hitting the brakes.
Keep an eye on Buji Babiera—he’s pedaling forward, and the ride’s only getting better.
Article Photo By: Miguel Mendoza
