Team Agila flies high in Masbate; Team Lapu-lapu gets rolled off!

After almost 20 hours of nonstop travel on land and sea from Samar all the way down to Masbate, teams disembarked from the Montenegro Lines ferry in Masbate City, still weary from running the length of San Juanico bridge in their previous leg, but nevertheless ready to face their next challenge in the Ready-Set-RORO! DBP Interisland Race.

Team Agila leading the Race

Teams were brought to the Rodeo Filipinas paddock, where Masbate’s rodeo festivities are held. Cattle-raising is a centuries-old tradition in Masbate, going as far back as the Manila-Acapulco trade when cattle and horses were brought in from Acapulco, Mexico. Vast pastures were opened, starting with few pure-blooded Spanish rancheros, until the cattle grew in number and the cattle industry thrived.

Local rodeo riders demonstrated techniques in lasso-throwing and whip-lashing, while the teams watched and practiced with apprehension, knowing these activities would be part of their next challenge. After
several minutes of practice, team representatives were released one at a time around the paddock.

Team representatives had to successfully lasso a cow, after which they  had to run back to their teams to carry a 35-kg load across a long field. Finally, teams raced on foot to the provincial capitol, where they were welcomed by Masbate Governor Elisa Kho and DBP provincial head Nathaniel Relavo.

Team Agila in Masbate

Team Agila celebrity member Jai Reyes of the Ateneo Blue Eagles was the 2nd team representative to lasso a cow, but successfully rallied teammates Derek Grey and Peaches de Guzman in the foot race to the pit stop, securing the first victory for their team.

“In the previous legs, we’ve always come in 2nd or 3rd or 5th. It’s about time we finished first,” states Derek.

“This is definitely the toughest challenge we’ve had to face yet, and we’re happy with our success in this leg,” notes Jai. “It changes our game plan too – we’ve always had to catch up with other teams, but now
that we’re #1, the hardest thing will be to stay on top of the competition.”

Meanwhile, Team Lapu-Lapu’s representative, comedian Ketchup Eusebio, had a difficult time with the lasso, in addition to their 15-minute lag as the last team released.

“It took a long time to rope the cow, and by the time I did it, my energy level was running low, but we still had to finish the race,” reports Ketchup.

“We have no regrets. We’ve had a good run and we did our best,” finishes team members Edz Saguin and Toni Cañeda.

For race updates, or 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.

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