Island Adventure starts today

A whooping P1 million is up for grabs as adventure enthusiasts navigate the scenic spots of the country starting today in the exciting Island Paradise Adventure Race-Visayas Leg.

Kicking off in Manila, the competition is a project of Department of Tourism headed by secretary Ace Durano to promote the domestic tourism and attract not only to local but foreign enthusiast as well.

Inspired by successful staging in Luzon leg last May, which the Vudu-sponsored Cebuano team won second place, the race will now focus in the islands of Visayas as teams travel from Manila going to the Southern Luzon provinces of Laguna, Batangas, Puerto Gallera, Mindoro, Boracay, Capiz, Iloilo crossing the Guimaras strait through Negros to Bohol before it winds up in Cebu on December 18.

Each teams composed of two members will traverse around 50 destinations at the designated Pit Stops (PS) located in the different local attractions highlighting the culture, traditions and tourist spots. Teams can choose to travel the Strong Republic Nautical Highways using the RO-RO shipping facilities if the need arises.

Activities requires physical and mental challenges which includes trail running sections, rubber tubing, trekking, swimming, paddling, rope sections, and traditional games as participants race on stage format with a different start and finish everyday.

Around 30 teams, including two Cebuano groups, are vying in the cash-rich event, which will run for nine days.

The runners-up will pocket P200,000 and P100,000, respectively.

Triathlete Niño Abarquez, a member of the Carrera Habagat 2004 champion and Leo Oracion, member of the First Philippine Mount Everest expedition, will banner Cebu under Team Vudu leads the Cebu squad along with Team Scuba composef of are Rico Valentin and Rodolfo Verdida, Jr.