In 1973, amidst the excitement and adrenaline of the Tour of Luzon, an unforgettable moment unfolded on the sidelines in Agoo, La Union. Manong Jesus Garcia Jr., the cyclist destined to win the overall championship, stepped up to the stage—not just to receive his award, but to deliver a performance that would leave a lasting mark on cycling history. The founder of the Tour of Luzon, the late Atty. Geruncio Lacuesta from Bayambang, Pangasinan, invited Garcia to sing during the award ceremony. Rising to the occasion, Garcia delivered a heartfelt rendition of IBIG KONG MAGTAPAT (Victor Wood version), captivating everyone present.
Among the captivated audience was Mr. Nestor Del Fierra, a talent coordinator from VICOR, who happened to be a spectator that day. Mesmerized by Garcia’s voice, Del Fierra immediately saw potential beyond the racecourse. He approached Garcia, enticing him to visit Manila for a meeting with the big names of VICOR Music Corporation. It was a turning point that would see the cyclist transforming into a recording artist, creating a song that resonated with the spirit of Filipino cyclists. Garcia’s record became an anthem of inspiration, echoing across the roads where riders trained and raced.
During a bus ride back to Pangasinan, after a successful negotiation with music industry giants Vic del Rosario (owner of Viva Films) and Orly Ilacad (owner of Octo Arts International), Garcia composed the poetic BUHAY SIKLISTA. The song captured the soul of the sport, the struggles, and the passion of cyclists, blending his love for music and cycling into a timeless piece.
Garcia’s achievements weren’t just limited to the stage and the recording studio. His legendary feat in the 1973 Tour of Luzon earned him a place in the record books as the first cyclist to hold the overall leadership from start to finish in a multi-stage race—a record that would stand until Renato Dolosa broke it in the 17-stage Marlboro Tour of 1992. He was also the first and only cyclist to receive a Presidential Trophy inside Malacañang Palace, presented by then First Lady Imelda Marcos and Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile, solidifying his status as a national sports hero. Most remarkably, he became known as the country’s only recording and singing cyclist—a unique blend of sportsmanship and artistry.
In 1982, after nearly a decade of inspiring performances both on the road and on stage, Manong Jess Garcia Jr. retired from competitive cycling. Yet his legacy lived on, not just in the hearts of his fans but through the next generation. His son, Jazy Fernandez Garcia, picked up the mantle, representing Guam as a two-time Olympian and carrying forward his father’s legacy in cycling, this time on the international stage.
From being the pride of Mangaldan, Pangasinan, to making a mark in the Filipino music scene, Manong Jesus Garcia Jr.’s journey is a testament to the power of passion and talent. His story is not just about victories and records, but about inspiring a nation—both through the exhilarating rides of a champion and the soulful notes of a song that still resonates with every cyclist’s heart.
As of press time, the maverick sportsperson and Mexican-Filipino descent Garcia has organized a total of 251 local cycling races since he debuted organizing races in Pangasinan on 09 March 1974.
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