Philippine Overland Loop: A 42-Day Expedition Through Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao

August has arrived, marking the peak of the rainy season following an unusually long hot and dry spell earlier this year. Despite the weather challenges, Team Philippine Overland Loop (POEL) successfully completed their 42-day journey through the mountains and waters of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Led by Jec Zshornack, famously known as “Jec Episodes” in the off-roading community, Team POEL embarked on an 8,000-kilometer journey, covering over 80 inter-island destinations. The team documented and filmed every step, turn, and experience of this extraordinary expedition.

Luzon Leg: Mountains, Beaches, and Historical Sites

As the Luzon leg approached, the team felt a mix of excitement and fatigue from the earlier legs in the southern island groups. However, their apprehension was soon replaced by awe and adventure. In Dipaculao, Aurora, Baul Falls offered a memorable experience despite the off-roading and hiking required to reach it.

In Sta. Ana, Cagayan, the team visited the virtually untouched Panacpan Beach, with its stretches of white sand. Aparri, often known through pop culture references, was a notable stop where they met the Born To Roam Crew. Together, they ventured to the La Paz Sand Dunes, joined by Junior Fariñas of RC Adventures, who prepared a meal that energized everyone for the next day’s journey.

More photos here

The POEL crew braved the Laoag Sand Dunes with their own SUVs, and their visit to Vigan, a city rich in history, was a highlight. They immersed themselves in the local culture, taking home memories and a few bottles of wine from a local honesty store.

A visit to Apo Whang Od, the traditional tattoo artist, was another significant moment. The team received the National Artist’s three-dot tattoo and then faced a massive rockslide that delayed their progress by three hours.

Driving through the second-highest highway system in the Philippines, they reached Baguio City for a much-needed rest. The beaches of Patar in Bolinao, Pangasinan, provided a relaxing respite before they continued their journey back to Manila. Subic, Zambales, was their final stop before returning to Manila, where they concluded their journey at kilometer zero, the starting point of their expedition on March 10.

Visayas Leg: Island Hopping and Brotherhood

The Visayas leg posed challenges due to the frequent inter-island travel, requiring the team to drive on land and board ships. Despite the logistical hurdles, the bond among the team members made every challenge worthwhile.

More photos here

Mindanao Leg: Tough Terrains and Resilience

Mindanao’s treacherous terrains tested both man and machine. However, the well-equipped rigs, built to handle the toughest conditions, survived with minimal damage, thanks to the support of various sponsors.

More photos here

Watch the Adventure Unfold

Experience the highs and lows of this grueling journey by watching the Philippine Loop Series on Jec Episodes’ YouTube channel:

The seventh episode will be available on August 10, with subsequent episodes following soon. This month promises to be exciting for fans and adventurers alike.

A Journey of Triumphs and Challenges

The Philippine Overland Exploration Loop is more than just an adventure; it is a journey through the beauty and diversity of the Philippines. It showcases triumphs and failures, physical and logistical challenges, and most importantly, mental endurance. It is a tribute to all Philippine Loop conquerors who brave the archipelago’s diverse landscapes.

Acknowledgments

The POEL journey was made possible by the support of Jec’s friends, loved ones, and the following sponsors: 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.

Stay tuned for more adventures from Jec Episodes, and as Jec himself would say: YES, UULITIN!