Pop-Up Campers PH to embark on seven-month Philippine Loop to promote local tourism

Filipino-made overlanding equipment brand plans nationwide journey to showcase the country’s lesser-known destinations

Pop-Up Campers Philippines (PUC PH), a homegrown maker of overlanding equipment, will embark on a seven-month Grand Philippine Loop in 2027, combining an endurance adventure with a mission to promote the country’s tourism destinations, including places beyond the usual travel circuit.

Scheduled from January to July 2027, the journey will take the team across Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao, with planned stops at historical landmarks, scenic destinations and lesser-known attractions that deserve greater recognition.

Unlike the traditional Philippine Loop challenge, which requires participants to complete a prescribed route across the archipelago, the PUC PH Grand Philippine Loop aims to explore additional destinations not typically covered by the official route.

Eight vehicles equipped with locally made Pop-Up Campers PH overlanding gear will take part in the expedition. The lineup includes a RAM Rebel pickup, Ford Ranger Sport and Ranger Raptor, two Nissan Navara pickups, two Toyota Hilux pickups and a next-generation Toyota Tamaraw.

The team plans to travel for 10 days each month before securing its vehicles at designated hubs and returning to Metro Manila for work and rest. The expedition will resume the following month, allowing the group to balance its nationwide adventure with professional commitments.

From Luzon to Mindanao

The Grand Philippine Loop is scheduled to begin on Jan. 22, 2027, at Kilometer Zero in Rizal Park, Manila.

For its opening leg, the team will explore Central and Northern Luzon, with planned overnight camping stops at a scenic beach in San Narciso, Zambales, and other destinations along the route.

The itinerary includes Alaminos, Pangasinan; Lake Tabeyo in Kabayan, Benguet; Vigan, Ilocos Sur; Laoag, Ilocos Norte; Aparri and Tuguegarao in Cagayan; and Dingalan and Baler in Aurora, before returning to Metro Manila.

In February, the group plans to cover Southern Luzon, including Bicol, before proceeding to Samar and Leyte in the Visayas and continuing to Surigao and Siargao in Mindanao.

The March leg will focus on Northern, Eastern and Southern Mindanao, with the team scheduled to fly back to Manila from Cagayan de Oro City.

In April, the expedition is expected to explore Western Mindanao, Negros and Panay, followed by an extended stay in Iloilo for Sea-Doo Escape 2027.

Routes for June and July remain under development, with the possibility of extending the expedition into August if necessary.

Promoting Philippine tourism beyond the usual destinations

Pop-Up Campers PH principals Genius “Gen” Belanio and Niño “Nio” Racho said the project initially began as a personal challenge to complete the Philippine Loop. As planning progressed, however, they decided to broaden its purpose and use the journey to showcase the country’s tourism potential.

Their advocacy is summed up in the campaign: “Promote, Popularize and Prioritize Philippine Tourism.”

The partners believe the Philippines has countless beautiful and exciting destinations that remain relatively unfamiliar to many Filipinos and international travelers.

Through the expedition, they hope to encourage more people to explore the country, support local tourism communities and discover destinations beyond established tourist hotspots.

To comply with the official Philippine Loop requirements, the team also plans to coordinate with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and complete the necessary registration, official ride logbook, checkpoint verifications and daily odometer documentation. It will likewise observe applicable rules on vehicle and driver continuity, designated checkpoints and inter-island ferry crossings.

Wrangler joins the expedition

Wrangler Jeans and Apparel has signed on as the official outfitter of the Grand Philippine Loop team, bringing the outdoor-inspired clothing brand into the nationwide adventure.

The partnership was announced during a press conference on Oct. 19, 2026, at the Pop-Up Campers PH headquarters in Marikina City.

“Wrangler has been recognized as the rugged jeans to wear during camping, exploration and outdoor activities since 1947,” said Donnie Manaloto, marketing head of Fil-Pacific Apparel Corporation, the brand’s official distributor in the Philippines.

“We recognize the effort of Pop-Up Campers PH to promote, popularize and prioritize Philippine tourism with their Grand Philippine Loop, and we want Wrangler to be part of the experience,” Manaloto added.

Racho said the team’s own overlanding experiences had introduced them to scenic places that rarely receive attention in mainstream tourism promotions.

“As avid overlanding enthusiasts, we’ve experienced scenic places around our beautiful country that have never been featured in any tourism promotion,” Racho said.

“We believe that it is time to give back to our country by sharing these fantastic places with our countrymen and the world through our blogs and vlogs, coverage by our media friends in different parts of the country, and ultimately, through our planned coffee-table book about our journey.”

Documenting the journey

Beyond the drive itself, the Grand Philippine Loop will be documented through daily social media updates, blogs, vlogs and coverage from media partners. The team also plans to publish a coffee-table book featuring highlights of the expedition and the destinations it discovers along the way.

The project is being undertaken with the support of Wrangler Jeans and Apparel, Fil-Pacific Apparel Corporation, Alfred Watermax, Dose Sinko Café and Power Wheels Magazine.

Updates will be posted on Facebook through Pop Up Campers PH, on TikTok at www.popup.campers.ph, and on YouTube at https://youtube.com/@pop-upcampersphoutdoorgears?feature=shared.

For more information, contact Pop-Up Campers PH at 0917-309-6079 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..