Born to Roam PH: Igniting the Spirit of Exploration Through the First Philippine Overlanding Festival

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Travel, Blogs, Nature & Wildlife, History & Art, Trip together
02 Dec 2025
10 mins
Out of Town Blog
Melo Villareal

Author: Melo Villareal

A new era of adventure travel is unfolding in the Philippines, led by Born to Roam PH (BTR), an enthusiastic community of overlanders that is making waves across the archipelago. Their recent completion of the inaugural Philippine Loop Caravan marks a significant milestone, while the launch of the country’s first Roam Fest — a lively […]

Out of Town Blog

Born to Roam PH: Igniting the Spirit of Exploration Through the First Philippine Overlanding Festival

A new era of adventure travel is unfolding in the Philippines, led by Born to Roam PH (BTR), an enthusiastic community of overlanders that is making waves across the archipelago. Their recent completion of the inaugural Philippine Loop Caravan marks a significant milestone, while the launch of the country’s first Roam Fest — a lively celebration of exploration, friendship, and the indomitable Filipino spirit of discovery — sets the stage for unforgettable experiences and connections among fellow travelers.

How It All Began

Born to Roam PH started in 2016 as a small, dedicated group of hobbyists and gained traction during the pandemic when travel restrictions closed malls and limited destination options. “We just wanted to keep the overlanding hobby alive,” said Alex Perez, the Lead Founder of Born to Roam PH. “That’s why we began organizing monthly camps throughout Luzon — to provide people with a consistent venue for exploration, one campsite at a time.”

Alex Perez, Lead Founder of Born to Roam PH

The name “Born to Roam” is deeply rooted in a global campaign initiated by Front Runner, a distinguished brand renowned for its premium overlanding gear in South Africa. This initiative found a local home with Premium Overland Outfitters, which has been serving adventurers since its 2014 founding. What began as a simple extension of that movement has blossomed into a vibrant community that warmly welcomes a diverse array of vehicles and passionate enthusiasts. Together, they embark on exhilarating journeys to test their custom builds, immerse themselves in nature’s beauty, and reclaim the sense of freedom that comes with exploring the open road.

The Philippine Loop Caravan

In the months of April to May 2025, the visionary founders of Born to Roam PH—Alex Perez, Parker Choi, Philip Tabisuara, Cris Diaz Jr., Nervin Nepumuceno, Christian de Jesus, and Jose Ticsay—set out on an extraordinary adventure: the 36-day Philippine Loop Caravan. This groundbreaking journey commenced at the symbolic Kilometer Zero in Rizal Park, Manila, and meandered through a tapestry of breathtaking provinces, including the stunning landscapes of Ilocos Norte, the pristine shores of Zambales, the vibrant culture of Leyte, and the lush terrains of South Cotabato, among many others. Accompanied by their dedicated camera crew—JC Valencia, Jojo Caburao, Lherry de Guzman, and Simon Guinto—this expedition promised to capture the essence of the Philippines in all its diverse beauty and spirit.

Unlike other touring groups focused on tourism and local government tie-ups, the Born to Roam PH Loop was about something deeper: the journey itself. “It wasn’t just about promoting tourism,” said Perez. “We were more focused on visiting shops and dealers, meeting other overlanders, and understanding the state of the overlanding scene in the Philippines.”

The experience became a story of teamwork and perseverance. “The real challenge was balancing the caravan goals, the marketing objectives, and our personal missions. In the end, it wasn’t just about finishing the loop — it was about the people, the shared struggles, and the conversations that happened on the road,” Perez added.

This very caravan became the inspiration for what would become Roam Fest. “Because of the people we met along the way — the shop owners, the local overlanding groups, the stories shared at roadside carinderias — we realized the community was bigger than we thought,” Perez said. “We needed something that could bring everyone together.”

The First Roam Fest: A Movement Is Born

The striking realization took shape during Roam Fest 2025, which unfolded from October 16 to 19 at the picturesque Camp Forest Springs in Bacolod City. The event breathed life into the expansive campsite, transforming it into a lively tapestry of camaraderie, as overlanders from across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao came together. The air buzzed with excitement, laughter, and a shared passion for adventure, creating an unforgettable celebration of community and exploration in an enchanting natural setting.

First Night at Born to Roam PH in Bacolod City

“Roam Fest is more than just an event — it’s a movement,” said Perez. “It’s about reigniting our love for the outdoors, promoting sustainable travel, and celebrating how our journeys connect us as one nation.”

Roam Fest is envisioned as an annual celebration that unites overlanders and campers from all corners of the country, transforming into a vibrant venue for connection, inspiration, and the discovery of fresh camping and overlanding destinations. The primary aim is to cultivate a thriving culture of outdoor appreciation and adventure, all while nurturing a sense of community and championing environmental stewardship. Through this gathering, participants will have the opportunity to share their passion for the great outdoors, exchange stories, and explore sustainable practices that can help preserve the natural beauty we cherish.

Overlanding as a Lifestyle

What started as a hobby for many has evolved into a full-blown lifestyle. “We used to camp alone or with a few friends,” shared Perez. “Now, people bring their partners, kids, and even their dogs. Overlanding has become a way of life — about balance, adaptability, and sharing the outdoors with family.”

Chilly morning vibes and priceless family bonding at the campsite.

Each overlander designs their own rig to fit their needs — reflecting not just their gear preferences but their way of living and exploring.

A Growing Community of Explorers

Overlanding in the Philippines has grown significantly — especially during the pandemic when people sought freedom and open spaces. “There are many of us now,” Perez said. “It became a hobby because there was nowhere else to go, but it stuck because it gave us something more meaningful — connection, nature, and peace.”

Born to Roam PH embodies the essence of a vibrant movement — an invitation for individuals to uncover their unique travel rhythms and immerse themselves in the breathtaking diversity of the country’s landscapes. Through the powerful lens of freedom, resilience, and an unwavering sense of community, we inspire others to explore, connect, and embrace the transformative experiences that travel offers.

What’s Next

Following its triumphant inaugural event, Roam Fest is poised to become a cherished annual tradition. This vibrant festival will not only celebrate the rich tapestry of Philippine tourism but also inspire a deep appreciation for the environment and ignite the adventurous spirit within all who attend.

“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,” said Perez. “All you need is time, resources, and the will to roam.”

About Born to Roam PH

Born to Roam PH is a vibrant community of Filipino overlanders united by a shared passion for exploration, sustainable adventure travel, and a deep appreciation for the breathtaking natural beauty of the Philippines. This dynamic group organizes thrilling trips, enlightening educational events, and lively festivals that foster connections among travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. Together, they celebrate the spirit of adventure and the joy of discovering the archipelago’s hidden gems, while advocating responsible travel practices that protect and preserve the environment for future generations.

Follow the Journey

Fuel your wanderlust and be part of the growing overlanding movement in the Philippines. Follow Born to Roam PH and Outdoors with Alex Perez on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for stories, routes, and upcoming adventures.