Raul Gabane believes Filipino motorcycle riders have something deeply in common: generosity, a shared understanding that no one plans for accidents, and a genuine commitment to safety — especially when it comes to wearing a helmet properly.
As the owner of Gabane’s Moto Gear Zone, a small but impactful motorcycle gear shop in Pasig City, Gabane has built more than just a business. He’s created a movement centered on education, safety advocacy, and a growing digital presence that is transforming how riders engage with moto gear.
Gabane’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2008 while working full-time as a security guard. His first sale was a ₱2,000 helmet, and for years he juggled online orders with barely three hours of sleep each night. That hustle paid off in 2013 when he opened his physical store in Barangay Malinao — a space that still serves as the beating heart of his operations.
But Gabane didn’t stop there. Recognizing the power of digital tools, he began weaving technology into his mission: educating riders, showcasing high-quality gear, and improving customer access. This digital synergy has helped transform his modest shop into a trusted destination for riders far beyond Pasig.
Digital advocacy in action
Gabane has always believed that product knowledge is just as important as product availability. “Pagdating sa safety gears, mas lamang ka kung may alam ka,” he explains. (“When it comes to safety gear, you’re better off if you’re informed.”)
To empower riders, he turned to vlogging and social media. With over 39,000 followers on Facebook, Gabane regularly creates content that highlights product features, demonstrates proper usage, and shares behind-the-scenes stories — often with his wife, Shiela, as his vlogging partner. What started as a hobby quickly evolved into a vital touchpoint with his audience.
“People love our videos. Some even travel from far away to visit the shop after watching our content,” he shared.
By using video and social platforms, Gabane has created a transparent, interactive channel where customers not only see the products but understand their real-world value — especially in a culture where lightweight gear often takes priority over actual protection.
Bridging online and in-store: Financing made digital|
The power of Gabane’s digital approach doesn’t stop with content. To provide even greater convenience, he partnered with UnaCash, a hybrid digital-physical financing solution that lets customers apply for in-store installment purchases using a mobile app.
This collaboration perfectly exemplifies the synergy between digital tools and traditional retail. While Gabane focuses on operations and customer service, UnaCash handles financing through a self-service platform. The process is seamless: customers apply via their smartphones, and once approved, the Moto Gear Zone team confirms the transaction.
“UnaCash makes it easier for customers to access the gear they need, without delay or hassle,” Gabane explained.
It’s a small shop with a big mindset: blending tech-enabled convenience with community trust.
A two-wheeled mission of kindness
Gabane’s commitment goes far beyond sales. He and Shiela are deeply involved in charity rides and grassroots outreach, often collaborating with riding clubs such as NMax United Riders Club in Quezon City. These initiatives combine Gabane’s two passions: riding and helping others.
As head of the Region 8 Riders Club, Gabane organizes efforts to assist underserved communities, especially in provinces. In the aftermath of Typhoon Kristine, his group mobilized quickly to provide food, hygiene kits, and school supplies to families in Batangas. These efforts are also captured and shared online — not for praise, but to ensure transparency and encourage more people to get involved.
“We vlog the donation process so sponsors can see exactly how their help is being used,” Gabane said.
When he leads charity work, Gabane does more than donate — he visits communities, interviews residents, and ensures resources go where they’re needed most, even if it means leaving his shop for a while.
Blending heart, hustle, and digital transformation
Raul Gabane’s story is a powerful reminder that digitization isn’t just about technology — it’s about purpose. He has redefined what a small motorcycle gear shop can be through social media, vlogs, and tech-powered financing.
His success lies in harnessing digital tools to deepen real-world impact — educating riders, making safety more accessible, and inspiring acts of generosity that ripple through the riding community.
At Gabane’s Moto Gear Zone, the road to safety, service, and social good is paved with both human connection and digital innovation — one ride, and one kind act at a time.
