Over P1 million up for grabs in Petron, Mototesto overlanding competition

MANILA: Mototesto Overland Equipment, in collaboration with Petron Philippines, presents an adventure unlike any other at the first 2022 Petron Philippine Overland Expedition: Pacific Coast Challenge, taking place concurrently with the 6th Philippine Overland Expo.

From October 12 to 16, 30 teams will attempt to cross one of the most uncharted paths along the Pacific coast. This overlanding competition is offering a prize pool worth over P1 million.

The expedition will begin at the LausGroup Event Centre in San Fernando, Pampanga, and participants will travel a 285-kilometer stretch to General Nakar, Quezon. Teams will earn points for completing quests along the trail, which include 160 kilometers of asphalt road and 120 kilometers of gravel, sand, mud, rocky paths, and river crossings. The team with the highest finish-line score will be crowned the country's first-ever Petron Philippine Overland Expedition Champion. Outdoor enthusiasts and spectators at the Overland Expo join the teams in celebrating at the final stop.

Campers will enjoy four days and three nights of undistracted nature adventure with others who share their passion and adrenaline for the extraordinary.

Tim Tuazon, President and CEO of Mototesto, an avid overlander himself, shared his knowledge gained from years of overlanding throughout the Philippine Archipelago. "The main goal of creating this event is to showcase the beauty of the Philippines while strengthening our bond with our Mototesto customers and fostering unforgettable experiences with them," he said.

Mototesto has been an active member of the off-roading community since 2011, serving as the official distributor for Koni Suspensions, MMOV, EcoFlow, Softopper, and many other brands. The decision to collaborate with Petron Philippines is a long-term partnership between the oil company and the country's growing 4x4 community, with world-class quality products such as Petron Turbo Diesel, Diesel Max, and Rev-X.

"The Philippines has the ideal terrain and topography for overlanding, and Petron products are the ideal partners in fueling our intense love of this lifestyle." "Mototesto is honored to have them on board as we take overlanding to the next level," Tuazon added.

General Nakar Mayor Eliseo R. Ruzol, via a recorded message, expressed his gratitude at the press launch, saying that his municipality is looking forward to gaining tourism opportunities that will improve the lives of his people as a result of this event. The Petron Philippine Overland Expedition's CSR initiative includes donating excess proceeds of up to P1 million to various communities in General Nakar.

Aspirants can join by forming a six-man team comprised of three 4x4 vehicles. One of the requirements is that each vehicle be a production variant with at least 80% of its original body and chassis structure, as well as having full recovery and river crossing capability (this means, equipment such as winch and snorkels are required). Each team must also be self-sufficient, bringing provisions such as food and water, as well as a power source and critical vehicle spare parts and supplies to last them the duration of the event. This expedition will put each team's endurance, resilience, camaraderie, off-road driving skills, and survival skills to the test.

The event will also coincide with the 6th Philippine Overland Expo, where outdoor enthusiasts, spectators, families, and friends can come together for a four-day camping adventure. This campsite is also the overlanding expedition's final stop, where the awarding ceremony will take place as the 30 teams complete their journey. "We are expecting at least 300 vehicles this coming October, the merging of the two events will see the biggest gathering of overlanders and outdoor enthusiasts in the country, and we hope to show our nation that this extraordinary lifestyle is growing and will continue to rise in the years to come," Tuazon said.

Photos by Mototesto, Petron Philippines and Roy Robles

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