They’re the coolest biking duo we've seen hitting the road lately. Riding either a Honda ADV 150, KTM 390 ADV, CF MOTO MT800, or CF MOTO NK 450, they've embarked on exhilarating journeys together, exploring various scenic routes, including Cebu, Negros, Bohol, Madrid, Surigao del Sur, and Siquijor loops.
Meet motorcycling enthusiast Kevin Joseph Obejero and his faithful companion, the pomeranian Cory.
The 34-year-old Obejero, who hails from Cebu, adopted the cute furball from a previous owner in February 2022. Cory’s former pet parent had to find a new home for him when he moved into a condominium after getting married.
The Cebuano dog lover tells us he wasn’t particularly fond of small breeds at first. “Ang favorite dogs ko before were Siberian Husky, Belgian Malinois, at American Bully. Pero nung dumating si Cory, nagbago lahat,” he says while affectionately petting the adorable pomeranian on his lap. “Imbis na 'yung husky ang tumatabi sa amin sa bed, si Cory na. Si Cory kasi, mas prefer niyang nakakasama ang tao kaysa kapwa aso.”
Obejero began riding motorcycles in 2018. “For me, outlet siya,” he tells ANCX. “Hindi ko naman ikinakahiya ito, isa kasi akong recovering drug addict. Na-rehab ako. Nung natapos ako sa program ko sa rehab ng 9 months, nag-relapse tapos nag-rehab ulit. Hanggang nag-volunteer akong mag-work sa rehab. Ang naging outlet ko ay pag-aalaga ng dog at pagmo-motor.”
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Initially, the Cebuano biker would ride his Honda alone or with his partner. But he entertained the idea of taking his pet pooch with him when he noticed Cory's excitement, closely observing him as he mounted his bike. “Gusto mo bang mag-ride?” he asked Cory.
The dog appeared to be enthusiastic about the idea, wagging his tail in response. So Obejero chose to take him on a short ride. “First time niyang sumakay ng motor, he was in front of me, wearing a harness, parang siyang lumalangoy sa hangin. So I thought, Cory was enjoying the ride,” he recalls.
This marked the beginning of numerous short bike journeys they would take together, during which Obejero also trained the dog to relieve himself during their stops.
When he thought Cory was ready for a longer ride, he decided to join the Bohol loop with him. “Umikot kami sa Bohol mga 600 kilometers' yun. Natapos niya,” the biker proudly recounts. “Hanggang sa nasundan nang nasundan.”
During our interview, Obejero and Cory proudly wore their finisher's shirt, proof of their successful completion of a two-day journey through Negros.
We ask how he trained Cory to behave while the bike is on the move. “Pag si Cory walang suot na riding gear, normal na aso siya na malikot. Pero pag sinuutan ko na siya ng carrier, goggles at helmet, automatic ride mode na siya. Hindi na siya malikot kasi alam niyang magmo-motor na kami,” says the pet owner.
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Obejero also noticed that Cory is attentive and responsive to his commands. “Pag sinabi kong ‘stay,’ nakikinig siya. Sabi nga ng iba, baka Cory is a rider in his past life. Kasi gusto niya talagang mag-ride,” he says.
The biker and his pet have participated in tours organized by the Philippine Motorcycle Tourism. Obejero says he gets a sense of fulfillment traveling the country on his motorcycle and promoting local tourism and advocating the Animal Welfare Act.
More importantly, this hobby has played a crucial role in sustaining his recovery. “Five years and five months na akong clean,” he proudly shares. “Isa si Cory sa nakatulong para [mag-recover ako from drug addiction], aside sa partner ko at circle of friends ko ngayon.”
Their journey is not just about motorcycles and the open road. It’s also about the transformative power of companionship and the boundless potential that can be discovered in the simple joy of adventure.
As Obejero puts it, “Whether it's under the scorching heat or pouring rain, we finish the loop together.” Their story is an inspiring example of perseverance, recovery, and the unbreakable bond between a man and his dog.
Photos courtesy of Moto Doggo Facebook account