It is August, and we are well within the rainy season after an unusually long hot and dry spell early this year. We’ve all had our struggles with the weather, but that did not stop team Philippine Overland Loop (POEL) from finally completing this 42-day journey through the mountains and over the waters of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Led by Jec Zshornack, popularly known in the off-roading community as “Jec Episodes”, Team POEL willed their way through an 8,000-kilometer, journey with over 80 inter-island destinations. Wherever their wheels parked and their feet landed, the team made sure to document and film each turn, every step, all the ups, downs, and sideways of this amazing, one-of-a-kind expedition.
As the days leading up to the Luzon leg approached, Team POEL felt some trepidation. The feeling of excitement might have worn off from the fatigue brought about by the first two legs in the two major island groups south of the Philippines. But, Jec and the guys quickly found out that this feeling was unfounded. Dipaculao, Aurora always welcomed them with surprises, but Baul Falls in the middle of a rainforest sure was memorable. Off-roading and a little bit of hiking was required, but the marvels of the Philippine landscape made it all worth the minor inconvenience.
Not a lot have heard or have even been to Panacpan Beach, all the way up to Sta. Ana, Cagayan, so the team made it a point to pay a quick visit to this paradise. Stretches of white sand virtually remain untouched, save for a few intrepid explorers who go out of their way and take a quick dip.
Most casual observers mostly hear about Aparri through a now defunct noontime show, but Team POEL made sure to check in at this stop. They were met by the Born To Roam Crew, Jec and his band of adventurers took a whole day’s drive to get to the La Paz Sand Dunes. Junior Fariñas of RC Adventures joined the two teams, and prepared a sumptuous meal that energized everyone for the next escapade early the morning after.
One of the most popular historical destinations in Luzon is Vigan, so Jec and the team could not drive through Luzon and miss this stop. They soaked in the sights and sounds of this City in Ilocos Sur, taking with them not only memories of the place, but also a few bottles of wine from a local vintner’s honesty store.
Part of our rich culture is composed not only of food or different destinations, but also the people who fill the tapestry of heritage in every province. One such example, and perhaps one of the best ones, is Apo Whang Od. Famous for traditional tattooing methods, this “mambabatok” is another bucket list item that everyone should have a chance to tick off. After getting the National Artist’s three dots permanently marked on their skin, the team made their way towards the next destination. This trip was not without any incidents though, as Jec and crew witnessed a massive rockslide that blocked their way. It took an energy-sapping three hours for the roads to clear up again before the team could push on towards the next checkpoint.
The group took on the challenge of driving at night through the second highest highway system in the Philippines, along Atok, Benguet, and then to Baguio City for a much-needed rest. “Bolinao or never” is a phrase often exclaimed by travelers to the north, and this is exactly what Jec had in mind. After going deep into caves and high up above lighthouses, the beaches of Patar gave the team a place to relax and unwind.
Making their way back down to Manila, a stop by Subic, Zambales was a must. With tired bodies, mentally-drained minds, and 4x4s begging for some TLC, Jec and the team were motivated by the fact that in 4 hours or so, they could already lay claim to the title of Philippine Loop Conqueror. In Manila, they wrapped up by making a pilgrimage to kilometer zero—the point where they all began this 42-day journey at 6:00am of March 10 this year.
See how man and machine made their way through one of the toughest, most grueling personal missions that could be done within the confines of the Philippines by watching Philippine Loop Series through the links below:
Episode 1: bit.ly/JecEpisodesPHLoopEp1
Episode 2: bit.ly/JecEpisodesPHLoopEp2
Episode 3: bit.ly/JecEpisodesPHLoopEp3
Episode 4: bit.ly/JecEpisodesPHLoopEp4
Episode 5: bit.ly/JecEpisodesPHLoopEp5
Episode 6: bit.ly/JecEpisodesPHLoopEp6
The seventh episode will be up on Jec Episodes’ YouTube Channel on August 10, so make sure to watch out for that! The next six installments, including the concluding 13th chapter will be published as well. It is going to be an exciting month for fans of the channel and adventurers alike.
On the surface, the Philippine Overland Exploration Loop is a fun, possibly once in lifetime experience for many. Jec’s videos show the beauty and splendor of nature, culture, the past, and possibly a bit of the future. It has its shares of triumphs and failures, of not only physical, logistical, but most of all mental challenges. It is a big shoutout to all the Philippine Loop conquerors who have mustered the courage to go through similar travails within our archipelago of 7,641 islands.
POEL would not have been possible without the support of Jec’s friends and loved ones, and especially the companies who have helped push this journey forward: Overland Kings, Nitto Tires, Shell Philippines, Method Race Wheels, FastCat, Elf Lubricants by YHI Philippines, Index Batteries, Ohlins Advance Suspension Technology, Total Hitch, Trail Gecko, myCOOLMAN, WRU GPS Fleet Management, Vinyl Frog, 510 Premium Auto Detailing and Ceramic Coating, DDPAI Dashcam, SONAX, PIAA, CTEK Battery Chargers, V-Kool Automotive Tints, COMEUP Winch, Autoclinic Philippines, Sprint Filter, IOPEDAL Pedal Box and Tuning, CarScoot, Quad Lock, and Barebones Living.
The POEL team will be back with a bigger and braver adventure, so make sure to follow Jec Episodes through his social media platforms. And like what Jec would say if he’s asked to do this again: YES, UULITIN!
