2nd International Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge promises to be more fun

The Department of Tourism, through its Davao Regional Office (DOT Region XI) and the municipal government of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur recently launched the 2nd International Mount Apo Boulder Face Challenge slated this April 28-29, 2012.

“Davao boasts of fun ‘Islands to Highlands’ Adventures that will take you from the white sand beaches, breathtaking island destinations, scenic mountain ranges, to plunging waterfalls and more,” said Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez in a statement. “Mt. Apo, the highest peak in the country, is one of them,” he added.

Dubbed as one of the toughest adventure races of the Philippines, the competition is a 24-hour extreme challenge for up to 35 participating teams. It will start from the beach lines of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, as participants navigate themselves through the town’s tough trails and raging rivers, scale the boulder face of Mt. Apo, and culminate in the skyline of the country’s highest mountain.

For four consecutive years, the conduct of the Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge has made the Davao Region the leading destination for eco-adventure tourism. It will be running on its fifth year as a local competition, and second year as an international race.

“We certainly welcome both our international and local tourists, who will come over and experience this exhilarating extreme sports challenge. As they race their way to complete this journey, they will surely have fun seeing all the sights in Davao and in Mt. Apo, at the same time experience the warmth of the Filipino people,” added Secretary Jimenez.

This extreme sports adventure will entail four disciplines: mountain biking, trekking, white water tubing, and road running. The race is open to teams with three members (2 racers and 1 logistics crew) each.

The Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge aims to create awareness among outdoor and sports enthusiasts and the people on the importance of conserving the environment, cultivating the value of sportsmanship and the spirit of camaraderie, and developing a lasting peace and order situation in Mindanao through sports.

Winning the challenge

Team Carmen composed of Jonathan Pido, Angelito Sibayan and Edwin Bueno won last year’s challenged. Their team clocked in 22 hours, 51 minutes and 42 seconds for the 24-hour ex- treme challenge and won $3,500 plus a trophy, and serious bragging rights. Team Carmen members are all local policemen who have joined trekking races in the past, but this race is their first as a team.

According to Jonathan who is also a triathlon advice is to climb Mt. Apo to be familiar with the terrain. He prepared eight days for the challenge, biking, running and swimming to keep fit. For food, he packed adobo with rice to build up on calories. He was unprepared for the chilly temperature when he reached the peak but he was bale to grab a plastic bag which he wrapped around his torso.

Jonathan Pido explains in this video how he prepared for the challenge last year.

Major supporters include event coordinator ROX (Recreational Outdoor eXchange) Philippines, Aboitiz Power Corporation, San Miguel Corporation, Hi Primer Group of Companies, Zest Air and Columbia Sportswear.

To participate, one may register online at http://www.boulderface.com.