MANILA, Philippines–Cebu Pacific Air, the country’s leading carrier, sends off its top five student teams on an adventure of a lifetime. Now on its third year, the Cebu Pacific Juan for Fun Backpacker Challenge will take adventurous, fun-loving college students to seven destinations in the country and abroad, for nine days, all for free.

From June 24 to July 2, the teams will explore Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Legazpi, Cebu, Camiguin, Cagayan de Oro and Davao. Their challenge: to have as many fun activities with their MYR800 (PHP EQUIVALENT) and P30,000 allowance, and win as many special fun challenges as possible.

The trio with the most number of fun activities out of their given budget, and the highest standing in the Special Fun Challenges, will win the competition and score awesome prizes to go on even more exciting trips. Prizes include 12 round-trip tickets to any Cebu Pacific international or domestic destination of their choice, plus over P150,000 worth of other exciting prizes such as Canon Powershot SX510HS cameras, Vaude Sapporo Carry-On Trolleys, Vaude Hogan Ultra-Light Tents and a lot more.

Teams can also win additional prizes during the special fun challenges prepared by Cebu Pacific and its campaign partners in each destination.

To help the teams on their quest, Cebu Pacific has tapped five noted personalities known for their love of travel, to play the role of Adventure Coaches. Volleyball star Gretchen Ho, Internet celebrity Bogart the Explorer, sportsman and TV host Paolo Abrera, champion surfer Luke Landrigan and travel writer Jude Bacalso are on board to mentor each team during the course of the challenge. They will stay in touch with their respective teams and cheer them on through social media.

“The Juan for Fun Backpacker Challenge is an exciting opportunity for young Filipinos everywhere to discover just how much they can learn from traveling. We want everyone to realize that you can go on an adventure and have a lot of fun, without having to spend a lot of money,” said Cebu Pacific Vice President for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog.

The Cebu Pacific Juan for Fun Backpacker Challenge 2014 is co-presented by Jack ‘n Jill Magic Crackers, with the support of Vaude, Merrell, Canon and the Department of Tourism, and the endorsement of the Commission on Higher Education.

Top five thrill-seeking teams

Team Juanabees is made up of Cams Abandula (19, UP Diliman), Kirk Coronel (19, University of San Carlos Cebu) and Gian Paglinawan (19, UP Mindanao). This unstoppable trio representing schools in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao are passionate about meeting new people, discovering new wonders, and enjoying every second of life. Giving them sage advice and travel tips is volleyball star and TV host Coach Gretchen Ho.

Team Juanderlust4 — Always up for an adventure are best friends Liang Borlagdan, Mara Sy, and Julia Negre of Team Juanderlust.

Liang Borlagdan and Mara Sy (21, Ateneo de Manila University) and Julia Negre (21, UP Diliman) of Team Juanderlust are banking on their individual strengths to win the competition and take home the big prize. Best friends since they were little, this all-girl team will be paired off with dynamic travel writer Coach Jude Bacalso.

Phoebe Alba and Cyp Basa (18, UP Visayas), and Gail Dela Rosa (17, Filamer Christian University) are ready to march to adventure as Team Suldado De Dora. Their journey will surely be a barrel of laughs as they get paired off with funnyman and YouTube sensation Coach Bogart the Explorer.

Team Tuklas, composed of Esme Escoto (21), Floyd Patricio (22), and Gab Saplagio (23) of UP Diliman, share a love not just for science, but for travel and adventure as well. This witty and wacky trio is all set to form their game plan with Coach Paolo Abrera.

Paul Garcia (22), Kae Lao (20), and Jehanna Huyo-a (21) of Cebu Doctor’s University and Informatics Cebu make up Team Watermelon from the Queen City of the South. Always raring to try new things and explore their limits, this team believes that having the right mindset and being with the right people are all it takes to have a fun adventure. To help them make waves in the challenge, they will be mentored by Coach Luke Landrigan.

JFF Adventure Coaches — Cebu Pacific Juan for Fun Backpacker Challenge Adventure Coaches (from left) Paolo Abrera, Gretchen Ho, Jude Bacalso, Bogart the Explorer and Luke Landrigan are all excited to help their respective teams through various challenges and cheer them on through social media.

Follow the adventures of these five thrill-seeking teams in the Cebu Pacific Juan for Fun Backpacker Challenge and get awesome budget travel tips by visiting https://www.juanforfun.com/. Cheer for your favorites and join the conversation on Cebu Pacific’s official Facebook and Twitter (@CebuPacificAir) pages by using the hashtag #JuanForFun.