Mt. Apo Challenge promises to be more fun

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Tourism, through its Davao Regional Office and the municipal government of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, will hold the 2nd International Mount Apo Boulder Face Challenge on April 28-29.

“Davao boasts of fun ‘Islands to Highlands’ adventures that will take you from white sand beaches, breathtaking island destinations, scenic mountain ranges, to plunging waterfalls and more,” said Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez.

One of the toughest adventure races in 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 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 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 Jimenez.

This extreme sports adventure involves four disciplines: mountain biking, trekking, white water tubing, and road running. The race is open to teams of three members – two racers and one logistics crew.

The Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge aims to create awareness among outdoor and sports enthusiasts 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.

Major supporters include event coordinator ROX Philippines, Aboitiz Power Corp., San Miguel Corp., Hi Primer Group of Companies, ZestAir and Columbia Sportswear.

“It’s more fun in the Philippines, and especially in Davao, as the 2nd International Boulder Face Challenge promises to be an unforgettable adventure experience,” said DOT Region XI director Art Boncato.

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