A new era of adventure travel is rolling through the Philippines as Born to Roam PH (BTR), a growing community of overlanders, makes its mark with the successful completion of its first Philippine Loop Caravan and the launch of the country’s first-ever Roam Fest — a celebration of travel, camaraderie, and the Filipino spirit of discovery.

How It All Began

Born to Roam PH began as a small, consistent group of hobbyists around 2016 and grew during the pandemic - a time when travel restrictions shut down malls and limited destinations. “We just wanted to keep the overlanding hobby alive,” said Alex Perez, Lead Founder of Born to Roam PH. “That’s why we started monthly camps all over Luzon — to give people a consistent venue to continue exploring, one campsite at a time.”

The name “Born to Roam” itself originated from a global campaign by Front Runner, a premium overlanding gear brand in South Africa which is locally distributed by Premium Overland Outfitters established in 2014. What began as a local extension of that movement evolved into a true community — welcoming all kinds of rigs and enthusiasts eager to test their builds, connect with nature, and rediscover freedom on the open road.

The Philippine Loop Caravan

In April to May 2025, the founders of Born to Roam PH (Alex Perez, Parker Choi, Philip Tabisuara, Cris Diaz Jr., Nervin Nepumuceno, Christian de Jesus and Jose Ticsay alongside their camera crew – JC Valencia, Jojo Caburao, Lherry de Guzman and Simon Guinto) embarked on a 36-day Philippine Loop Caravan — a groundbreaking journey that started from Kilometer Zero in Rizal Park, Manila, and traversed dozens of provinces including Ilocos Norte, Zambales, Leyte, and South Cotabato, among others.

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

That realization came to life with Roam Fest 2025, held from October 16 to 19, 2025, at Camp Forest Springs in Bacolod City. The event transformed the vast campsite into a vibrant, united community of overlanders from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

“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.”

At its core, Roam Fest aims to become a yearly gathering that brings together overlanders and campers from across the country — creating a venue to connect, inspire, and promote new camping and overlanding destinations. The goal: to grow the lifestyle of outdoor appreciation and adventure while fostering community and environmental responsibility.

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.”

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 stands at the heart of this movement — inspiring others to discover their own rhythm of travel and to experience the country’s diverse landscapes through the lens of freedom, resilience, and community.

What’s Next

With its successful debut, Roam Fest is set to become an annual tradition — one that will continue to champion 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,” said Perez. “All you need is time, resources, and the will to roam.”