Ready, Set, RORO! 2008 kicks off in Bohol

Ten teams. Eight destinations. One million pesos.

The Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) turns up the heat of competition in the third run of the “Ready, Set, RORO!” DBP Interisland Race this year, an action-packed, P1-million adventure race that kicks off today, November 7, 2008, in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

 
2008 DBP Interisland Roro Race kicks off in Bohol

A six-day race that will run up to November 12, the “Ready, Set, RORO!” DBP Interisland Race – Year 3 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.

Kick off ceremonies in Tagbilaran City, Bohol will be highlighted by a motorcade and a brief program to be graced by Mayor Dan Neri Lim and DBP president and chief executive officer Reynaldo G. David. Competing teams will be presented, followed by the ceremonial flag-off, blessing of the teams, and opening games for the public.

Celebrities will spice up the competition as they join the racing teams. Teen star Ryza Cenon joins team Narra with CEOs Will Nocom and Super Perez; Arron Villaflor and siblings Rayn and Tina Yu make up team Tamaraw; and Charee Pineda unites with dating students Chad Venades and Roxy Barrios in team Anahaw. Rainier Castillo bunks together with newlyweds Jenny and Nitoi Villaflor in team Mayon, while Mike Tan joins forces with childhood friends and neighbors Tine Grande and Kat Sanga in team Sampaguita.

Also warming up for the race are PBB Season 2 big winner Beatriz Saw with schoolmates Cams Lozano and half-Japanese Kynz Flores in team Apo; Ateneo Blue Eagles point guard Jai Reyes with dating couple Derek Grey and Peaches de Guzman in team Aguila; Zaira dela Peña with twin brothers Jojo and Jedtz Tan in team Kanlaon; Viva Hot Babe Jen Rosendahl with martial arts enthusiasts Rasm Mendez and Ian Caingat in team Sikatuna; and comedian Ketchup Eusebio with longtime gal pals Edz Saguin and Toni Cañeda in team Lapu-lapu.

Designed to be a more challenging and exciting event this year, the race will see the ten teams in fierce competition to bag the prizes at stake: P1-million (grand prize); P500,000 (1st runner-up); and P300,000 (2nd runner up). Non-winning teams will not go home empty-handed, as they will receive P25,000 each.

The race will pass through eight points along the Central Nautical Highway. After the kick off in Tagbilaran City, the adventure continues in Cebu, haven of history and heritage. More challenges await the teams in the 2nd day as they battle it out in Leyte, before moving on to Northern Samar via the San Juanico Bridge. Grueling competition continues them in the Bicol region, from Asia’s rodeo capital, Masbate; the whale-shark haven Sorsogon; and the region’s commercial, educational, and cultural center, Naga City in Camarines Sur, where water sports have also emerged as an interesting attraction. Finally, the race hits fever pitch in Lucena, Quezon, where only four teams will advance as the competition comes to a close in Manila.

To catch the latest race updates and to vote for your favorite teams, log on to www.dbprororace2008.com .

Philippine Travel Blog is an official online media Partner of DBP Interisland Race 2008. Check out more photos of DBP Interisland Race 2008 here.