Raul Gabane believes Filipino motorcycle riders have the following things in common: they are generous, that no one plans on getting into an accident, and those who take safety seriously better know how to properly wear a helmet.
He is the proud owner of Gabane’s Moto Gear Zone, a small shop in Pasig City that has gone beyond the usual selling for accessories to motorcycle or moto riders. For him, it’s more so about educating people on safety and showcasing his deep commitment to the riding community, both of which have quietly translated to a solid following.
Gabane started the business in 2008 while working as a security guard, with his first sale being a helmet for ₱2,000. The first five years saw him operate his online business and only get three hours of sleep a day. His sacrifice paid off in 2013, when he was able to successfully establish a physical store in Barangay Malinao, which stands to this day.
Digital advocacy for rider safety
Being a part of the community, Gabane said, made him more aware of rider safety, which he has been consistently advocating to his customers and his online audience — now at over 39,000 on Facebook.
“Huwag dapat ipilit kung anong mayroon na product, lalo na kung para naman ito sa safety. Pagdating sa safety gears, mas lamang ka kung may alam ka. Ang kagandahan kung rider ka din, mas alam mo kung paano magagamit ang safety gears sa pagkakataon na magra-rides ka, hindi lang benta ang purpose,” he shared.
(“You shouldn’t force a product on a customer, especially when it comes to safety. The good thing is, if you’re a rider yourself, you’ll know better how to use safety gear when you go on rides, where sales is not always the primary purpose of running the shop,” Gabane shared.)
Gabane stresses that his shop’s products offer more than just good looks; they provide crucial protection. Recognizing that many Filipino riders favor lighter fabrics, Gabane saw an opportunity to educate the public on safety proactively, rather than waiting for accidents to occur.
“Ginagawa ko kasi, more on vlogging para maipakita ang mga products. Maganda ito kasi nakikita na agad ng mga tao kung ano ang mga products namin, kung ano ang advantage namin kung dito sila bibili kung ikukumpara sa ibang shop,” Gabane shared. “Madami din po natutuwa dahil sa vlogs namin ni misis, na hobby lang dapat noong una, pero ngayon may mga pumupunta na dito kahit malayo kasi natutuwa sila sa amin.”
(“What I do is, it’s more on vlogging to showcase the products. It’s good because people can immediately see what products we have, and what our advantage is if they buy here compared to other shops,” Gabane shared. “Many people also enjoy our vlogs, which my wife and I started just as a hobby. But now, some even travel from far away to come here because they enjoy watching us.”)
Powering rider convenience through in-store financing
Even with the success of a physical store, Gabane balances this out by leveraging the business’ social media presence to bridge the online success and in-person service. This dedication to accessibility and customer convenience led Gabane to team up with UnaCash, an in-app and in-store financing solution. This service has a similar approach, balancing both physical and digital.
Gabane explained that convenience was the main reason for this partnership. While he’s busy managing the business and serving many customers, the self-service system of UnaCash has proven helpful.
Customers can complete their applications themselves, and once approved, Gabane’s team simply confirms the application. This way, with the contribution of the partnership, the products can be easily accessed by more customers.
A two-wheeled advocacy
Gabane’s passion for riding safety extends far beyond his business. Together with his wife Shiela, they plan to remain deeply committed to helping others within the riding community and beyond.
He shared: “Sari-sari ang tinutulungan namin…Katulad ng pagkakaroon ng isang beneficiary kung saan ito ay isang collaboration kasama ang mga NMax United Riders Club sa Quezon City. Kumbaga, nakapag-rides ka na, nakatulong ka pa sa iyong kapwa.”
(“We help all kinds of people…Like having a beneficiary which is a collaboration with the NMax United Riders Club in Quezon City. So, you get to ride, and you also help your fellow men.”)
Gabane also leads the Region 8 Riders Club, a multi-chapter group of motorcyclists who are also dedicated to assisting those in need, particularly in provincial areas. Last year, the group quickly provided basic necessities, hygiene kits, and new school supplies to about 200 families that were affected by a destructive mudflow in Belete, Batangas after Typhoon Kristine wreaked havoc.
The club also has an annual tradition of self-funding food packs for adults and the elderly, and providing school supplies for children.
“Mayroon din na nag-sponsor sa amin, yung mga nag-abot ng tulong sa Facebook. Vina-vlog ko yung proseso, para transparent, na kung ano man ang binigay nila, makikita nila na ginagamit namin ‘to para sa mga nangangailangan.” Gabane expressed, emphasizing that no help is ever too small.
(“We also had sponsors, those who extended help through Facebook. I vlog the process to be transparent, so whatever they give, they can see we’re using it for those in need,” Gabane expressed, emphasizing that no help is ever too small.)
“Sinisigurado ko talaga na kapag ako yung utak sa likod ng pagtataguyod ng isang charity, pinupuntahan ko talaga ang mga lugar upang mag-interview ng mga tao upang maintindihan kung ano ang mga kailangan nila,” Gabane proudly said. “Ako yung nag bahay-bahay, minsan naiiwan ko ang shop, iniisip ko na lang na ayos lang basta makatulong lang tayo doon.”
(“I really make sure that when I’m the one behind organizing a charity, I personally go to places to interview people to understand what they need,” Gabane proudly said. “I go door-to-door, sometimes I even have to leave the shop, but I just think it’s okay as long as we can help those who are in need.” )
Raul Gabane’s story shows us that when you build a business on good values and a real desire to help, it can become a unique way to make a difference — one ride and one kind act at a time.