Ready, Set, RORO interisland race kicks off at Siargao Island

MANILA, Philippines - The Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) turns up the heat of competition in the fourth run of the “Ready, Set, RORO!” DBP Interisland Race this year, an action-packed, P1-million adventure race that kicks off on May. 15 in Siargao island, Surigao.

A six-day race that will run up to May 20, the “Ready, Set, RORO!” DBP Interisland Race - Year 4 will test the brain, brawn, and mettle of 10 teams as they go on a treasure hunt for products of national pride, while conquering various mental and physical challenges.

It is an action-packed adventure race that will feature favorite and interesting summer island destinations in the country using the Road Roll-on, Roll-off (RORO) Terminal System (RRTS) – a nationwide transport system that significantly reduces the cost of travel for passengers.

The RRTS is a major component of the Bank’s Sustainable Logistics Development Program that is aimed at modernizing the country’s infrastructure and logistics system for the efficient transport of passengers and basic commodities.

Kick -off ceremonies in Gen. Luna, Siargao will highlight a motorcade and a brief program to be graced by Surigao Gov. Robert Ace Barbers and DBP president and chief executive officer Reynaldo David. Competing teams will be presented, followed by the ceremonial flag-off, and opening games for the public.

Celebrities spice up the competition as they join the racing teams. Pinoy Big Brother housemate Cass Ponti joins team Flipflops with best friends Dino Gilladoga and Ace Cu; PBB teen housemate Josef Elizalde and running photographers Trisha Halili and Lea Aspe make up team Aquaholics; and Eda Nolan unites with dating couple Jo Ignacio and Marf Marfori in team Heat Blasters. Danila Barrios bunks together with Cebuano sweethearts Mike Gatchalian and Tine Naranjo in team Wave Catchers, while Rodjun Cruz joins forces with engaged couple Joaqui Tupas and Jana Estrevillo in team Surf Riders.

Also warming up for the race are Thou Reyes with girl buddies Joei Calixto and Chal Lontoc-del Rosario in team Summer Breezers; Viva Hot Babe Hazel Cabrera with uncle and nephew Tunat and Nat-nat Hildawa in team Beach Squad; PBB Teen Housemate Nicole Uysiuseng with surfers Jp amd Aston Sarmiento in team Fun Explorers; sporty Reema Chanco with cousins Ira Dy and Jet Tan in team Beach Hotshots; and child star; Serena Dalrymple with Taj Almonte and Kixs Lagria in team Island Hoppers.

The race will feature 10 teams in a series of challenges across specific points in the race route, including Surigao del Norte, Leyte, Cebu, Negros Occidental, Iloilo, Aklan, Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, and Batangas. Winners shall be determined through their performance in a series of challenges. After each leg, the team that incurred the lowest score or was last to finish a task will be eliminated, except on predetermined, non-elimination legs. Only four teams will advance to the finals that will be held in Manila.

A grand prize of P1 million awaits the winning team, while the 1st runner-up and 2nd runner-up teams will win P500,000 and P300,000, respectively. Each eliminated team will get P30,000. All cash prizes are tax-free.

To catch the latest race updates and to vote for your favorite teams, log on to www.dbprororace2009.com.