Philippine overlander hit the road, building a stronger community
Overlanding in the Philippines has grown into a lively community of travelers who love open roads, nature, and exploring on their own terms. What started as small weekend trips has grown into a nationwide network where people share tips, help each other out, and form lasting friendships.
From swapping stories at campsites to tackling long-distance routes together, the community has built a culture of camaraderie, adventure, and a shared love for discovering the country.
Born to Roam PH (BTR), a rising hub for Filipino overlanders, took things further this year with its first Philippine Loop Caravan and the launch of the country’s first Roam Fest.
BTR began as a small group of hobbyists in 2016 and expanded during the pandemic, a time when travel restrictions limited destinations.
“We just wanted to keep the overlanding hobby alive,” said Alex Perez, lead founder of Born to Roam PH.
“It wasn’t just about promoting tourism,” Perez added. “We were more focused on visiting shops and dealers, meeting other overlanders, and understanding the state of the overlanding scene in the Philippines.”
Regular campsite gatherings around Luzon helped sustain interest and gradually strengthened the community. The name “Born to Roam” came from a global campaign by Front Runner, a South African overlanding gear brand distributed locally by Premium Overland Outfitters.
What started as a local extension of that campaign eventually grew into an independent community welcoming a wide range of rigs and enthusiasts.
From April to May 2025, the group’s founders—Perez, Parker Choi, Philip Tabisuara, Cris Diaz Jr., Nervin Nepumuceno, Christian de Jesus, and Jose Ticsay—along with their camera crew, completed a 36-day Philippine Loop Caravan. The journey began at Kilometer Zero in Rizal Park, Manila, and covered several regions, including Ilocos Norte, Zambales, Leyte, and South Cotabato.
The caravan focused on meeting fellow overlanders, visiting shops and dealers, and understanding the current state of the overlanding community.
Perez described the experience as a test of teamwork and adaptation, noting that the trip became as meaningful as the destination. Encounters with local groups and shop owners along the route shaped the idea of creating a nationwide gathering.
This idea later took form in Roam Fest 2025, held from Oct. 16 to 19 at Camp Forest Springs in Bacolod City. The event brought together overlanders from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, turning the campsite into a shared space for outdoor enthusiasts.
Perez said the festival aims to function as a movement promoting sustainable travel, outdoor appreciation, and nationwide connection among travelers. Organizers intend for Roam Fest to continue as an annual gathering that highlights new destinations and encourages responsible exploration.
Overlanding in the Philippines continues to grow as families, couples, and pet owners join trips that once involved only small groups of friends. Customized rigs show how people adapt to life on the road, while the open-air nature of travel has drawn more enthusiasts over the years. And Born to Roam PH has become a central part of this growth.
With strong turnout and enthusiastic participation, Roam Fest is set to continue as a yearly tradition promoting Philippine tourism, environmental appreciation, and the spirit of adventure.
“If you want the ultimate Philippine adventure—one that challenges you, strengthens your bonds, and makes you fall in love with your country—this is it,” Perez said.
Born to Roam PH continues to encourage exploration through trips, educational events, and festivals that unite people with a shared interest in travel and the outdoors.
