Actors, reality-show alumni, and TV personalities take on the challenge to re-discover Ilocos Sur as an adventure.
The "Traverse Ilocos Sur Adventure Challenge" aims to introduce the newest tourist attraction in the province: the Ilocos Sur Adventure Zone.
The Zone is located in the area of Quirino Bridge, by the boundary of the municipalities of Banaoang Santa and Banaoang Bantay.
"Ito ay panibagong maio-offer natin sa ating probinsya," says Ilocos Sur Vice Governor DV Savellano.
He adds, "Ang Ilocos Sur kasi ay kilala para sa mga makaluma. Ngayon, may bago naman kaming maio-offer.
"Sa tingin namin ay ito ang isa sa mga trends ngayon para sa mga bata.
"Pero, siyempre, kapag gano'n ang mangyayari, kine-cater namin ang buong pamilya.
"Ang mga matatanda gusto 'yong mga magagandang tanawin—old houses, old churches, arts and crafts.
"Para naman maisama ang mga anak nila, mayroon naman kaming maio-offer na Ilocos Sur Adventure Zone—mayroong zipline, kayaking, rappelling, Zorb, at wall climbing."
Vice-Governor Savellano adds that the newest adventure Zone would be competitive in terms of rates.
He explained, "Ang kagandahan nito, mura lang ang development nito dahil natural ito, e. Hindi masyadong malaki ang gastos ng probinsiya compared sa ibang ginagawang tourism spots."
To get the newest tourism project going, the local government invited 15 celebrities to try the facilities.
"Contest ito kung papaano sila makakarating doon [sa adventure zone], para makita nila ang kultura ng Ilokano dito sa Ilocos Sur," says Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson.
The celebrities who came included actor Emilio Garcia, Gellicious host and actress Cai Cortez, Born to be Wild host Kiko Rustia, former Survivor castaway Jef Gaitan, Pinoy Fear Factor alumni Manuel Chua and Jommy Teotico, You Tube sensation and comedian Bekimon...
StarStruck alumni Tyrone Perez and Jade Lopez, former Pinoy Big Brother housemates and couple Mickey Perz and Gee Ann Abrahan, TV host JC Cuadrado, former PBB teen housemate Jovic Susim, actress Cara Eriguel, and model Lou Muñoz.
The event was hosted by sports enthusiast Reema Chanco and Channel V video jockey Kevin Sisco.
THE ADVENTURE CHALLENGE. The provincial government of Ilocos Sur prepared "Traverse Ilocos Sur Adventure Challenge," which is patterned after the famous reality show Amazing Race.
So, on December 17, 2011, the 15 personalities were divided into five teams, each of which was given different tasks as they raced through the finish line in Banaoang.
The competing teams traversed Ilocos Sur's famous capital city, Vigan, before running to the newest adventure park.
First, they raced down the cobblestone streets of the Vigan Heritage Village to see the well-preserved houses from the Spanish era.
Then they went to the "empanadahan" located beside Vigan Plaza, where they were taught how to cook local delicacies such as empanada and poqui-poqui.
After that, each team rushed to "pagburnayan," to experience how to make earthenware jars, which are used by Ilocanos to ferment sugarcane and shrimp in order to produce sugarcane wine and shrimp paste.
This was followed by a short trip to Baranay Camangaan, where reside the famous Vigan weavers of the famous local cotton fabric, abel.
Another stop was the Baluarte Zoo. Teams had to take a pony ride around the zoo before getting the next clue.
The teams also visited the San Augustine, or Bantay, church to check for the next clue in its bell tower, which was built back in the 1500s.
Lastly, the teams proceeded to the adventure park in Banaoang, where they did wall climbing, rappelling, and kayaking.
The zipline and the Zorb were not yet available for the race.
The challenge began early in the morning and ended just before noon.
THE WINNERS. The Orange Team—composed of Mickey, Tyrone, and Jommy—surprised spectators as the first team to arrive at the last pit stop.
They beat the leading team of the first six challenges, the Yellow Team, composed of Emilio, Manuel, and Jef.
The third team to finish the challenge was also a surprise. The Green Team—composed of Kiko, Cai, ang Cara—was always in the last spot at the beginning of the race.
They were followed by the Violet Team, composed of Gee Ann, Jade, and Lou; and then the Blue Team, with members Bekimon, JC, and Jovic.
The winning team won P50,000 from the local government. The second and third placers received P30,000 and P15,000, respectively.
The "Traverse Ilocos Sur Adventure Challenge" ended with the live evening performance of the reggae band Brownman Revival.