MANILA, Philippines - Pharmaton, the leading multivitamins plus minerals brand, recently wrapped up the first-ever Pharmaton MVP Unleashed Challenge. This is the brand’s month-long quest for an outstanding person who possesses both physical and mental strength via a unique adventure race.
Covering all three major island groups in the country, the Pharmaton MVP Unleashed Challenge brought together five determined individuals — Anthony Cuerpo, TJ Isla, Chock Martinez, Popo Remigio and Monica Torres — in a fierce battle that put their fitness and wits to the ultimate test. Each participant with their extensive training in running, swimming, biking, trekking, mountain climbing and adventure race embarked on an epic journey filled with challenges far removed from everything familiar and comforting. The five traversed 3,176 kilometers of the archipelago for 30 days.
Apart from the gruelling physical tasks, the challengers also had their share of light moments as they engaged in some mind games. For one, in Vigan, the participants took part in an Amazing Race-inspired challenge wherein they also had to put their strategy-planning skills to the test. But just like conditioned warriors, the participants took every challenge in stride and pushed themselves to the limit.
The final tally
After completing all tasks, the challengers’ cumulative time were tallied to determine the winner. Isla emerged on top followed by Torres, Remigio, Cuerpo and Martinez.
Apart from the bragging rights of being the first-ever Pharmaton MVP Unleashed Challenge winner, Isla took home the P500,000 top prize. Torres, Remigio, Cuerpo and Martinez each won P250,000, P150,000, P100,000 and P50,000, respectively.
Isla comes into the competition with a string of awards gained from some of the toughest competitions here and abroad. His interests reflect his passion for the outdoors – he’s into adventure racing, mountaineering, rock climbing, surfing, and, of course, marathon. When not in competition mode, Isla loves to relax and spend his time with his wife and their pet dogs. His dream is to qualify in the Ironman World Championship.
With a very active lifestyle, Isla admitted that it takes formidable discipline to excel in his physical pursuits while maintaining an eight-to-five job. He added that time management is key and, not to mention keeping a healthy lifestyle and a healthy balance between among work, family and sports.
In addition to the cash prizes, Pharmaton also awarded an additional P50,000 to Isla for being the Pharmaton MVP People’s Choice Award. He gained the most number of votes in the homebuddy promo.
Synergy of mind and body
Summing up the experience, Isla admitted that he gained more than just another feather to his cap. He related that he also bagged valuable insights from the race experience and other challengers.
“A healthy mind and body can get you through any challenge,” Isla stated. In addition to his fitness regimen, Isla said that it is also important to condition one’s mind. It is vital to stay positive and determined to accomplish any given task.
Pharmaton was on hand to give Isla and the rest of the challengers get that extra boost needed to complete the challenge. With its unique Ginseng G11 formulation, Pharmaton does not only provide the necessary health supplement the body needs but also makes the mind alert and more responsive, allowing the body to function completely. Sustaining themselves for one month proved to be a huge challenge in itself but with Pharmaton, the challengers were able to get through the tough times.
As for the others who wish to emulate their remarkable accomplishments, the challengers had only encouraging words to share.
“Just go for it!” beamed Torres. “Educate and train yourself. If you have the passion you can overcome the fear.”
Remigio further said that those who wish to join adventure races should plan carefully and strategically. “It’s all about thinking ahead so you can be prepared for anything,” she declared.
And it is equally important to undergo proper training. As Cuerpo and Martinez simply put it, “Practice consistently, improve your weak points, conquer your fears, and don’t forget to take Pharmaton every day.”