Surviving the 1st International Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge

 

Dole and SMI Connived to Survive

Remembering Dole Philippines Inc.’s Attempt to Conquer 1^st International Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge

                     

                   It was just like yesterday that Davao had launched the 1^st International Boulder Face Challenge on April 29, 2011. The 3-day challenge is composed of exhilarating trekking trail, rigorous biking track and an overall thrilling race. The event was competed by both local and international league of respected adventurers and nature lovers. There have been international companies which are based in the country who gladly participated in the event. They supported the aim of Davao's local government and Department of tourism's aim to not just organize and unite all the adventure loving persons; but also to promote the province’s natural God-given gift breathless view of Mt. Apo’s Boulder Face.

            Dole Philippines Inc.’s Engr. Rainer Paul R. Formoso, Mr. Eric Lubos and joined by Mr. Ramil Villar (as the team’s logistics) accepted to face the 1^st ever Boulder Face Race.  Admittedly, the team was then still raw and unprepared for the competition (last minute before the race started , there have been a bad decision of replacing Dole's original racer's line-up). With lack of proper physical and mental preparation, Eric was not able to cope to the challenge half-way due to long hours of rigid biking and running, his legs cramped painfully. Instead of retreating back to the starting line; with Dole Company as his banner, Engr. Rai decided to complete the race even without the recognition ahead of him. Armed only with self-worth fulfillment of completing what has to be impossible, be possible.

Daniel Hill (team SMI) and Rai Formoso (team Dole)
reaching a Check Point on Mt. Apo's trek as one unofficial team 
 

Even with exhaustion and disappointment,
Dan and Rai still manage to pose with a smile

             Along the way, Engr. Rai met SMI’s Daniel Hill team member (one of Sagittarius Mines Inc.'s director) who in same way was determined as Rai to finish the challenge even his team member has also not survived the race early on. The two then agreed to complete the race together even coming from different teams. Though After strenuous 3-day challenge, the newly created team (though unofficially not qualified as a team and does not compete as a team) finally made it to the end of the challenge. At this point, this is not about the prize nor recognition, but the capability of surviving one of the best adventures of the year!

As the two parted ways, motivated with the enduring race, they have plans to yet participate on the next International Boulder Face Challenge. They will then make sure they are well armed with not just guts, and high spirits but with physical and mental stamina.

SMI's Daniel Hill was so nice and game to pose with Dole's banner

Also visit:

Boulder Face Challenge 2012 - official Website