SEVEN DAYS, SIX destinations, P35,000. That was the whole challenge. The prize for doing it best: a year of flying anywhere Cebu Pacific goes, as often as you like.
Three young backpackers from Bacolod, competing as JuanTeamPH, are this year’s grand winners of Cebu Pacific’s Juan for Fun 2016 Backpackers’ Challenge, and they’re walking away with Travel-All-You-Can passes valid for one year. Yes, we died a little of envy.
The trio beat 12 other millennial finalists from four university teams in a seven-day adventure around the country on a limited budget of P35,000.
Coached by celebrity host Robi Domingo, the team of Glenn Layola, Audrey Ramos, and John Ray Blance was named the ultimate backpackers at the culmination event at Resorts World Manila’s Newport Plaza on June 29. They didn’t see it coming.
How They Won
It wasn’t easy, but it was a lot of fun, the team told local media after their win. Over seven straight days, they covered six destinations, more than any other team: Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Surigao, Butuan, and Legazpi in Albay.
JuanTeamPH enjoying their trip.
They stretched the budget to fit in as many activities as possible, tried local delicacies and a few exotic dishes, and made a point of getting to know the locals.
Their most unforgettable stop was Surigao. “The water was so clear that you can see the corals even when you’re on the boat,” Audrey said. “We also visited Sohoton Cave, where we had to hold our breaths so we could get to the other side.”
Legazpi was a highlight too, thanks to a local who went out of his way. “We met a very friendly tricycle driver there,” John said. “He offered to tour us for a discounted fee and took us to a lot of interesting places. Because of him, we managed to do about 50 activities in one day.”
What They Learned
The trip taught them about each other and their country. “One thing I realized is we shouldn’t be afraid to ask for directions. It’s a nice way to meet new people and establish a connection with them. You get insider information on the nice places to visit, too!” Audrey said.
The team’s biggest takeaway was the value of “disconnecting to connect.”
“Our generation is so caught up in technology. We spend so much time taking photos and looking at our screens that we forget to look at the sights in front of us,” Glenn said. “We should also make time to disconnect so we can connect with nature.”
This year’s official sponsors were Boreas travel gear, Merrell footwear, and GoPro. The challenge was also supported by Wenger and Dan’s, and endorsed by the Department of Tourism and the Commission on Higher Education.
For more photos and stories, visit facebook.com/CebuPacificJFF. To book your next trip, go to cebupacificair.com.