The Rosales Festival which is the IBTOR Challenge was once again making its way to be known not only in the province of Pangasinan but in the entire Philippines. Just recently, during the 11th Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) National Convention, IBTOR Challenge was awarded as 1st RUNNER UP in the 2010 Search for Best Tourism Event under the Sports/Adventure Category conferred by the Department of Tourism and the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines.
From more than 30 entries submitted, IBTOR Challenge was able to bag an award knowing that it is a newbie in the tourism field. Since IBTOR Challenge was only launched last December 2008, there are more upcoming twists that people should watch for. This was the second award of the festival and indeed a great accomplishment not only for the Local Government of Rosales but most of all for all the people who have supported the event.
The IBTOR Challenge is a triathlon match with a local twist of the three sport disciplines: swimming, cycling, and running. The term “IBTOR” is an Ilocano word that connotes endurance, which the sport is all about. The aim of the event is to showcase the pride of the town, spell the Rosalenians individuality and promote the locality.
The uniqueness of the event is that the resources, culture and tourism aspects of the Rosales are showcased on it. It charts out the Rosalenians’ individualism with the infusion of a twist in the swimming and cycling stage with the presence of the banana logs and pedicabs that were used. Also the participants are in pairs and they have to finish the race together.
IBTOR Challenge 2008 was only for the locals of Rosales. The participants came only from the different barangays of the town and it reached a total of 19 pairs. On its second year, IBTOR Challenge 2009, the event was open to all interested participants and the number of participants almost tripled reaching 48 pairs joined by a British national, team from the Police force, team from other municipalities and professional athletes as well.
Moreover, the challenges and the trail were also increased the following year. From the 15km last 2008 to 25km last 2009 and for the upcoming IBTOR Challenge 2010, greater routes, trek and challenge awaits the IBTOR participants.
IBTOR Challenge 2010 will be again opened to all interested participants and it will be held on December 29, 2010. For interested participants, you may inquire and register at the Office of the Mayor, Presidencia Building, Municipality of Rosales, Pangasinan. You can also call the following numbers, (075) 582-2103 or 09202699231 and look for Aila Rose Seradoy.
In order to get things you never had,
You must do things you never did!
Be an IBTOR challenger!
Be the Sangka-IBTORan!
