With good governance comes good economics.”  “With good economics also comes good branding.”

“And when the Philippines rises, it rises along with an iconic brand…so what can be iconic than the Harley-Davidson!”

This was the statement of Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, the architect of the country’s successful tourism program, in welcoming the entry of Harley-Davidson’s first dealership in the country after 110 years of existence of the motorcycle icon.

Believing that Harley riding promotes tourism, Jimenez associated the robust economic growth of the country to the arrival of the legendary American motorcycle that only fits the tough and elite breed of riders.

The big celebration held at the McKinley Parkway, Global City was attended by top Harley-Davidson executives that included Marc MacAllister and Frank Albrech, Asia Pacific vice president and managing director, respectively.

In his speech, MacAllister welcomed the Philippines as the latest addition to the Harley family.

Also present in the event was Felix R. Ang, president of American Motorcycles, Inc. which has a dealership beside CATS Motors along EDSA in Quezon City. “Nothing beats the kind of freedom riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle gives you,” he said. Mr. Ang added that there are some 1,000 Harley owners in the country.

Greg Yu, chairman of CATS Motors, was among the VIPs who toasted the arrival of Harley.

Before the rock music performed by General Luna, The Jerks and The Dawn reverberated at the event last Saturday, Harley-Davidson of Manila dealership allowed film and commercial director Mark Querubin to take the center stage and ride his 2013 Black Softail Slim on a ramp down to join the celebrating crowd. He was the first buyer of a Harley from the Manila dealership.

Proud of his new Stallion, Mark admitted that he almost bought a Harley in the US last May. But after learning that a dealership will open in Manila, he opted to buy his prized cruiser here.

Starting out riding a Vespa scooter and a 600cc Honda Steed, Mark can’t wait to mount his 1690cc metal knowing that it’s covered with three-year warranty offered by HDM. “It’s worth the wait,” he said.

During the launch, it was not only Mark’s tail that was wagging out of excitement. The tattooed members of the Mad Dog Philippines were also among the special guests.

Among them were the Sportser, Dyna, Softail, Touring Model, V-Rod and CVO or Custom Vehicles Operations. Price starts at P600,000 for the Sportster.

Just below the stage, a full range of Harley-Davidson models that are available in the Philippine market were parked for appreciation of a big group of motorcycle fanatics.

HDM executives said that their service technicians were trained at the Harley-Davidson Asia Pacific in Singapore.

“Beyond the ‘roar,’ the kind of freedom Harley-Davidson represents includes the freedom of thought, adventure, and self-expression,” Ang said, “And more importantly, it’s about brotherhood.”