2011 Cebu Pac Backpacker Challenge

Time flies so fast that it was already a year since the blogger tandem of When In Manila and Lets Go Sago took the 1st Cebu Pacific Backpacker Challenge. And now on it’s second year, things just leveled-up!

From the Philippine Cebu Pacific destinations which include Davao, Iloilo, Cebu and CDO, the challenges now went international to Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia!

Still on a 5-day journey from September 19-23, the schedule is more relaxed this year as the first and last day is allocated for preparation and awarding ceremonies, respectively.

Sago readies for the next trip

So technically, it’s just three days of grueling travel, backpacking activities, and cheapskate spending while enjoying the trip.

I’ve been to Kota Kinabalu once, and it was just last year. However, we just did a Kota Kinabalu City Tour and didn’t go the outskirts except to visit the monkeys.

In short, we’re not really that prepared; but me and my partner Joba from Manila Standard newspaper will do our best.

Trael Gears for CebPac Media Backpacker Challenge

Packing the Travel Gears

It’s that pre-trip routine of packing which gets a mixed reaction from travel bloggers – some like it, some dread it.

For this trip, I’m loving it because of my newly purchased Fila trekking shoes and the Wenger backpack I got from Tripologie in Eastwood City.

Trekking Shoes

I really wanted to ge the one from Merrell but it’s more than twice this Fila trekking shoes which was on sale more than 50% off at only P1499. The promo is ongoing in all Fila shoe store until the extended promo period.

Back to the shoes, the purchasing point was on the stone-resistant sole. Being a trekking shoe, it was made with the mountain rocks and streams in mind. It was designed to be less slippery and minimal foam was use so as not to retail water. I like the design too.

My Awesome Wenger Backpack from Tripologie in Eastwood

Wenger from Tripologie

After shopping for my new shoes, I went straight to Eastwood upon the invitation of Tripologie to check out their travel bags and luggage shop. At the end, I left the store with a personally chosen orange Wenger backpack.

I gave myself a personal challenge to fit my 5-day worth of baggage in this small backpack. This is a “backpacking challenge” after all. In fact, this is the smallest backpack I’ve ever had. My teammate and I agreed not to check-in anything and travel light for contest purposes.

With careful and strategic planning , my 4 set of clothes, iPad2, netbook, and other travel stuff all fit! Amazing. This is the first time I’ll be traveling this light. 🙂

My small Wenger backpack was able to fit my 5-day worth of baggage! 🙂 Backpacking Indeed!

Sago - Packed and Ready for the Challenge

Tripologie is a travel gear partner of Lets Go Sago! for this trip. Visit them in any of their two branches in Metro Manila – Eastwood City and Alabang Town Center. Stay tuned for the full article feature on Wenger Backpacks and Tripologie soon.

Canon cameras and a DSLR will also be provided by Canon Philippines and will be used in the 5-day challenge.

Cebu Pacific flies to Kota Kinabalu every Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays ETD 15:50; ETA 17:40. Kota Kinabalu to Manila are the same days ETD 18:15; ETA 20:10.

Please do wish us well on the 2nd Cebu Pacific Backpackers Challenge and that Kota KInabalu will have a good weather during our stay!