MANILA – The top five student teams that set off on Cebu Pacific’s Backpacker Challenge last June 24 are set to return after nine days across six destinations in the country and abroad.
The winning teams will be awarded on July 2.
The teams were tasked to experience as many fun activities as they can on their MYR800 (approximately PHP10,900) and PHP30,000 allowance, and to win as many special challenges as possible.
The trio with the most number of fun activities out of their given budget, and the highest standing in the special challenges, will win the competition and score awesome prizes to go on even more exciting trips. Prizes include 12 round-trip tickets to any Cebu Pacific international or domestic destination of their choice, plus over Php150,000 worth of other exciting prizes such as Canon Powershot SX510HS cameras, Vaude Sapporo Carry-On Trolleys, and Vaude Hogan Ultra-Light Tents among others.
Teams also had the chance to win additional prizes during the special challenges prepared by Cebu Pacific and its campaign partners in each destination.
Five personalities known for their love of travel acted as adventure coaches to the teams: Volleyball star Gretchen Ho, internet celebrity Bogart the Explorer, sportsman and TV host Paolo Abrera, champion surfer Luke Landrigan and travel writer Jude Bacalso. The coaches mentored each team during the course of the challenge. They stayed in touch with their respective teams and cheered them on through social media.
“The Juan for Fun Backpacker Challenge is an exciting opportunity for young Filipinos everywhere to discover just how much they can learn from traveling. We want everyone to realize that you can go on an adventure and have a lot of fun, without having to spend a lot of money,” said Cebu Pacific vice president for marketing and distribution Candice Iyog.
The Cebu Pacific Juan for Fun Backpacker Challenge 2014 is co-presented by Jack ‘n Jill Magic Crackers, with the support of Vaude, Merrell, Canon and the Department of Tourism, and the endorsement of the Commission on Higher Education.
Below are the top five teams who participated in the challenge.
Team Juanabees is made up of Cams Abandula (19, UP Diliman), Kirk Coronel (19, University of San Carlos Cebu) and Gian Paglinawan (19, UP Mindanao). This unstoppable trio representing schools in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao are passionate about meeting new people, discovering new wonders, and enjoying every second of life. Giving them sage advice and travel tips is volleyball star and TV host Coach Gretchen Ho.
Liang Borlagdan and Mara Sy (21, Ateneo de Manila University) and Julia Negre (21, UP Diliman) of Team Juanderlust are banking on their individual strengths to win the competition and take home the big prize. Best friends since they were little, this all-girl team will be paired off with dynamic travel writer Coach Jude Bacalso.
Phoebe Alba and Cyp Basa (18, UP Visayas), and Gail Dela Rosa (17, Filamer Christian University) are ready to march to adventure as Team Suldado De Dora. Their journey will surely be a barrel of laughs as they get paired off with funnyman and YouTube sensation Coach Bogart the Explorer.
Team Tuklas, composed of Esme Escoto (21), Floyd Patricio (22), and Gab Saplagio (23) of UP Diliman, share a love not just for science, but for travel and adventure as well. This witty and wacky trio is all set to form their game plan with Coach Paolo Abrera.
Paul Garcia (22), Kae Lao (20), and Jehanna Huyo-a (21) of Cebu Doctor’s University and Informatics Cebu make up Team Watermelon from the Queen City of the South. Always raring to try new things and explore their limits, this team believes that having the right mindset and being with the right people are all it takes to have a fun adventure. To help them make waves in the challenge, they will be mentored by Coach Luke Landrigan.
