The Department of Tourism SOCCSKSARGEN Office (DOT-12) launches SOX Moto Adventures – the biggest motorcycle tourism event in the SOX Region. Set to happen this November 2022, the series of events was made to develop, promote, and expand the motorcycle tourism sector in the SOX Region as a way for the tourism industry to recover from the pandemic. The said initiative kicked off in the middle of 202, led by then SOX Regional Director, now Department of Tourism Undersecretary Shalimar Hofer Tamano.
SOX Moto Adventures is comprised of a series of moto-riding activities. These activities include the region-wide SOX Moto Adventures Festival photography contests, video-making competitions, and a Regional Circuit Tour to promote several tourism routes for riders coming from various entry points in Mindanao. The said project also provided assistance related to activities of several bicycle and motor clubs in the SOX Region that further promote safe riding and moto-tourism.
SOX Moto Adventures Festival
SOX Moto Adventures Festival headlines the event, happening on November 11-12, 2022 at Robinson’s Place, General Santos City. It is anticipated to be the biggest moto-riding event in the whole region this year with over 250 riders from all over Mindanao (and some from the Visayas), joining the 750-km Endurance Fun Ride, motor show, and motor convention.
A Motor Convention will also be organized wherein invited speakers will talk about relevant topics such as road safety rules, safe motorcycle riding, and emergency response procedures. Some invited professionals will also conduct photography and motovlogging workshops to help interested riders enhance their skills in content creation. The organizers assured that the event would be fun-packed, at the same informational, with activities and programs prudently curated to help draw crowd attendance during the two-day event.
Being the key event for motorcycle tourism in the region, the 750-km Endurance Fun Ride stands as the pre-ride activity for the week-long Philippine Motorcycle Tourism (PMT) Anniversary celebration happening from November 20-26, 2022.
The endurance fun ride will journey around scenic destinations in the four provinces of the region, namely Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, Cotabato, and South Cotabato, including the host city, General Santos. The 750-kilometer route will also cover some areas of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). As with most motorcycle events, expect a host of motovloggers to join the ride. Jet Lee, an ambassador of Philippine Motorcycle Tourism and a known moto-influencer, will also be attending the event.
“This will be a fun ride where participants will be visiting 8 beautiful tourist sites that you never thought existed and are best done when riding motorcycles,” said Mr. Jong Co, organizer of the 750-km Endurance Fun Ride.
“Other endurance rides give more emphasis on the technical side. Ours is more on giving a fun vibe, relaxed and rejuvenating to the soul,” Co added.
With the ongoing initiatives to rebuild the tourism industry, DOT-12 Officer-in-Charge Engr. Armin Hautea said that holding this event is timely and relevant in boosting travel within the region.
“We are confident that the SOX Moto Adventures project will contribute to increasing the traveling public’s awareness of the attractions and activities they can experience in the SOX Region, and ultimately increase patronage and tourist arrivals as well. Thus creating economic activities to the benefit of the host communities that were heavily affected by the pandemic,” emphasized Engr. Hautea.
The SOX Moto Adventures Festival is the Mindanao-wide Motor Show Competition. The contest categories include Thai Concept, Malaysian Concept, Modified, Stanced, Dirt Bike, and Classic Big Bikes.
A Motor Convention will also be organized wherein invited speakers will talk about relevant topics such as road safety rules, safe motorcycle riding, and emergency response procedures. Some invited professionals will also conduct photography and motovlogging workshops to help interested riders enhance their skills in content creation. The organizers assured that the event would be fun-packed, at the same informational, with activities and programs prudently curated to help draw crowd attendance during the two-day event.