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 October 23 with a bang! With over fifty nature-loving campers, and more than eighty 4×4 vehicles conquering the 285-kilometer challenge, it will be the benchmark of a lot of overlanding events in the years to come.
With the recent devastation caused by Typhoon Karding, the trail in General Nakar became more challenging even for the sweeper marshals who had already surveyed the area multiple times. 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 October 21 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 terrain 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, they took home the grand prize worth Php 500,000.00. 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 exclusive merchandise.
“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,” remarked Tim Tuazon, CEO of Mototesto Overland Equipment.
Official roster of winners:
1ST PLACE – TEAM IRONMAN PHILS #158
Prize: Php500,000
- Jay Bryant Villaroman
- Bomvet SJ. Santos
- Michael Mendoza
- Car Michael Santos
- Jherico Lara
- Jayvie Dumlao
2nd PLACE – TEAM LA UNION 1 #174
Prize: Php200,000
- Marc Ortega
- John Paul Bucat
- John Carlo Marzo
- Ian Peralta
- Alejandro Garzon
- Winston Labis
3rd PLACE – TEAM GIBA 1 #172
Prize: Php100,000
- Jassoren Flores
- Freddie Garcia
- Hermie Raboy
- Alvin Constantino
- Jess Mendoza
- Carl Andrei Sabariaga
The Petron Philippine Overland Expedition 2022: Pacific Coast Challenge was made possible by Mototesto Overland Equipment, Petron, Motolite, CST Tires, and the Municipality of General Nakar, Quezon Province.