In recognizing fearless Filipino souls eager for adventure, passionate with food and enthusiastic in taking photos, iconic American denim brand Wrangler once again introduced this year’s innovative digital campaign #TrueWanderer to encourage people most specially bikers to go off the beaten path and conquer new grounds.
With the support of the Department of Tourism, a bigger number of bikers around the country joined the digital competition. Known as a devoted adventurer and biking enthusiast, Wrangler’s True Wanderer ambassador is Jericho Rosales along with popular travel blogger and culture advocate Ivan Henares.
DOT Marketing and Promotion chief executive Armand Sapitan was impressed, saying, “All the pictures that I saw are breathtaking. The reason why people travel is to enrich our spirit and nothing enriches our sprit much better than meeting people along the way. More than taking photos, it’s really the immersion in the community (and) talking to people that give us the most impact – something that we will cherish in all of our lives.”
Out of the 10 finalists who finished their epic ride outs in Cebu, Bohol, or Palawan, Dundee Adriatico emerged as the winner for this year’s #TrueWanderer and brought home a Royal Enfield Classic Chrome Black 500cc motorcycle and P100,000 worth of Wrangler merchandise. The awarding took place at Brewery at the Palace, Uptown BGC last May 26.
Being adventurous is undoubtedly in Dundee’s blood – engaging in wall climbing, Brazilian Jiujitsu, surfing and wakeboarding, among many other sports. The #TrueWanderer winner shares that his passion for riding motorcycles started in high school when a ride through the rocky roads and river of his province made him realize how motorcycle riding can lead him off-the-beaten path to discover new places and experiences.
Dundee wandered to Palawan for five-days, going around the beautiful seascape, blogging every kilometer of his journey along the way. He also got the chance to try Puerto Princesa’s exotic Crocodile Sisig the unusual woodworms, tamilok, and of course, the delicious Chicken Inasal. He made his way up to El Nido and Sabang, discovered the long stretch of beach in San Vicente and had an opportunity to take in the beautiful and picturesque Honda Bay as well. “When I arrived there, the beach had yet to be visited by people,” he shares. “It was literally empty. Since no one was there, I was able to play around with my bike,” he added.
To complete the unforgettable experience, Dundee also met interesting locals with different personalities and fellow wanderers along the way. While he loves to go on adventures, he always makes safety a priority not just to avoid danger but to be able to continue doing the things he loves. The 32-year-old adventurer was really grateful for being named as the #TrueWanderer. This opportunity will allow him to go on even more adventures.
Long-winding roads and the exhilarating journey every ride brings – these are the joys experienced by the wanderers which cannot be taken away. “I believe True Wanderer would enable me to travel and see the beauty of this world and this country. At the same time, I believe it would enable me to take a step back, reflect and appreciate the things that really matter like family and friendship.”
The journey might be very tiring, but in the end, we know it’s all worth it.