Epic overlanding concludes
In the name of all that is breathtaking and exhilarating, Mototesto’s Petron Philippine Overland Expedition and Philippine Overland Expo 2022 ended its journey last 23 October with a bang. With over 50 nature-loving campers, and more than 80 4x4 vehicles conquering the 285-kilometer-long challenge, it will be the benchmark of a lot of overlanding events in the years to come.
The natural jungle of General Nakar is a raw and harsh terrain as it is. With the recent devastation of Typhoon Karding, coupled with heavy rains during the event weekend, the trail was even more challenging even for the sweeper marshals who were able to survey the place multiple times previously. One of the major obstacles faced by the competitors was a rigorous two-kilometer stretch, which the rigs treaded for four hours. As one participant pointed out, it was an ordeal that they found extremely difficult and exhausting, yet, ultimately fulfilling. Indeed, a test of endurance and camaraderie for each team.
The campers began their journey on 21 October with a warm welcome from Mayor Esee Rozul of General Nakar. Jeep Club off-roaders, Atkimson Kua and Rhod Ang, headed the trail that went through four hours of various terrains and river crossings. The trail-masters made sure everyone arrived safely at the campsite — a vast space of greenery where the campers spent three days mingling and relaxing with like-minded individuals.
Competition director, JR Bartolome, made sure that despite the extraordinary challenges the participants faced, every point and every second were well-accounted for from start to finish. Among the 25 competing groups, Team Ironman Philippines emerged as the winner. Finishing the challenge in 2 hours, 17 minutes, and 29 seconds, the team took home the grand prize worth P500,000.00. Team La Union 1 and Team Giba 1 finished second and third, respectively. No one went home empty handed as Petron, Motolite, CST Tires, and Mototesto generously rewarded all PHOX participants with quite a number of exclusive freebies.
Tim Tuazon, CEO of Mototesto Overland Equipment remarked: “It is an honor to be able to bring the overlanding community together in this one epic event. All the long hours, sacrifices, and hard work paid off when we saw the smiles and laughter of the competitors and campers. Truly, this event perfectly resonates the essence of competition, camaraderie, and passion for overlanding and this lifestyle; that was our goal from the very beginning.”