Details

DATE: April 2012

ADVENTURE: TCRP Ultimate Survival Challenge

COUNTRY: Davao, Philippines

BENEFICIARY: Visayan Forum Foundation Inc. (VFF)

FUNDRAISING TARGET: SGD $100,000

CAUSE: Human Trafficking (Women & Children)

YOUR MISSION SHOULD YOU CHOOSE TO ACCEPT IT:

TCRP 2012, goes beyond the adventure to Davao, Philippines, in what will be a true test of survival.

Led by local guides and a survival and tracking expert from ZeroRisk International (ZI), participants will put their survival skills to the test on a 3 day hike to the top of the highest mountain in the Philippines (Mt Apo, 2,954m).

On the hike participants will be taken through mock emergency and hostile environment scenarios and can expect to learn how to:

1. Survive in the wild by building a shelter, collecting water and starting a fire.
2. Identify and collect food from the forest.
3. Navigate your way across some very difficult terrain often using landmarks and the stars to guide you.
4. Basic first aid and self defense.
5. Conduct a search and rescue mission.

A specialist at setting up and running tracking courses, our ZI expert will split participants into teams for the final and ultimate challenge.

In this challenge, teams will pit their survival skills against each other and the elements, in a high pressure emergency situation, to see which team emerges the true survivors of the TCRP 2012 Ultimate Survival Challenge.

Expect a once in a lifetime experience.  After all, your ZI expert comes with over 11 years of military experience under his belt, including training the Australian army, Australian police forces and the British Army High Risk Search Operators in tracking and survival in hostile environments.

Not enough of an adventure for you?  Head to the Philippines a couple of days earlier, and join the ladies of TCRP as they push themselves to the limit in the 24hr Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge.  Mountain bike, trek, water tube and run your way to the top of Mt Apo and back down in 24hrs.

Game on.

BEYOND THE ADVENTURE:

At the heart of every TCRP challenge lies the cause and this year is no different.

Led by Visayan Forum Foundation Inc. (VFF), participants will learn about the survivors of human trafficking in the Philippines.

Every year, over 100,000 children and 300,000 women are trafficked out of the Philippines.

Renown for their creativity as a leading organisation in the fight against trafficking in the Philippines, VFF has rescued and rehabilitated thousands of women and children from the perils of abuse.

In this segment of the trip, participants will get the chance to learn:

1. What has become of these survivors of the trade.
a. Hear first hand accounts of their stories and be inspired by their resilience and strength in the face of such adversity.
2. How VFF leverages on innovative strategies and partnerships to successfully tackle the issue of human trafficking.
3. How rescue missions are carried out, and how to profile the traffickers of this 31.6 billion dollar industry.
4. How you can help make a difference.

TCRP believes that we can make a difference. With your help, we hope to be able to raise SGD $100,000 to support the Centre of Hope, a project of VFF.

Launched in March 2011, the Centre of Hope is a secure facility that functions as a healing and reintegration centre for victims of human trafficking.

The centre aims to take in up to 300 girls a year, in need of a more secure place to stay than existing safe houses, while pursuing legal cases against their traffickers.

While at the centre, the girls will be provided legal and psychological counseling as well as skill based training. Younger girls will be enrolled in school.

The centre is part of VFF’s larger objective to empower victims of trafficking through a holistic intervention model of prevention, rescue, healing and reintegration and is a means of equipping girls with economic empowerment.

We like to think we’re not just raising funds, but more importantly hope and a future for these women and children who have been given a second lease on life.

Participants will get their chance to make a difference too, by raising a minimum SGD $1,000 each to support the cause.

Form a team of 3 and join us on TCRP’s 2012 adventure for good.

VIDEOS:

Visayan Forum Promo Video

24hr Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge

Itinerary

| Group A (Red Warriors) April 27 – May 1, 2012 | 5 days 4 nights |
| Group B (Green Archers) April 29 – May 5, 2012 | 7 days 6 nights |
| Group C (Blue Eagles) April 27 – May 5, 2012 | 9 days 8 nights |

April 27 (Friday)

• Group A and C arrival
• Briefing and Pre-Race Preparation (24hr Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge)

April 28 (Saturday)

• 24hr Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge (Start)

April 29 (Sunday)

• 24hr Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge (End)
• Group B arrival

April 30 (Monday)

• Visayan Forum Foundation Inc. ‘Exposure’ Trip
• Cultural Dinner & Drinks Night

May 01 (Tuesday)

• Free & Easy: City Tour/White Water Rafting/Diving/Snorkeling
• Group A departure

May 02 – 04 (Wednesday-Friday)

• 3-day Mt. Apo Hike

May 04 (Friday)

• Dinner at Tibolo Cultural Village

May 05 (Saturday)

• Free & Easy until departure

Tour Cost & Inclusions

Group A: Red Warriors
(April 27 – May 1 | 5 days 4 nights)

SGD $900

• 3 nights (Marco Polo Hotel)
• Transportation (Ground Transfers, etc.)
• All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
• Race Fee (24 hr Boulder Face Challenge)

Group B: Green Archers
(April 29 – May 5 | 7 days 6 nights)

SGD $1, 100

• 4 nights (Marco Polo Hotel)
• Transportation (Ground Transfers, etc.)
• All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
• Hike Fee (3 day Mt. Apo Hike)

Group C: Blue Eagles
(April 27 – May 5 | 9 days 8 nights)

SGD $1, 300

• 5 nights (Marco Polo Hotel)
• Transportation (Ground Transfers, etc.)
• All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
• Race & Hike Fee (24 hr Boulder Face Challenge + 3 day Mt. Apo Hike)

Tour Cost Excludes

• Flights (Participants to arrange according to personal preference)
• Personal expenditure (Phone Calls, Internet Access, Other meals not included in inclusions above.)
• Travel Insurance
• Airport Tax (Francisco Bangoy Davao International Airport)
• Contribution to Visayan Forum Foundation Inc. (SGD $1,000 donation to be raised by each participant)

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations, which must be made in writing, will attract the following cancellation charges.

Number of days written cancellation notice is given:

• 80 days or more – Deposit is forfeited
• 46 to 79 days – 50% of Tour Cost forfeited
• 31 to 45 days – 75% of Tour Cost forfeited
• 30 days or less – 100% of Tour Cost forfeited

Note

• Name change is permitted but will attract an administrative fee of SGD $200 per change. Name change must be made by March 27, 2012 after which changes will not be permitted and cancellation charges will apply.
• All refunds will be expedited but may take 03 to 06 months to process according to overseas administrative procedures.

FAQ

1. Where do I start?
2. Are there any direct flights between Singapore and Davao?
3. What if I wish to extend my stay?
4. What if I can’t form a team of 3?
5. Is there a fundraising page I can direct donors to?
6. What if I don’t hit the SDG $1,000 fundraising requirement for the trip?
7. Who can I talk to if I want to book activities (diving, white water rafting etc.) independent of the TCRP package?
8. How tough is the hike & what are the conditions on Mt Apo?
9. What do I need to bring/pack?
10. Do I need a visa?
11. What about insurance?
12. Safety – is this an issue?
13. What percentage of funds raised goes to the adopted charity?

1. Where do I start?

Step 1: Choose your choice of adventure from the 3 packages

• Consider your fitness & time commitment levels when making your decision
• Form a team of 3

Step 2: Check flight schedules for suitable flights (refer to Question 2 for details)

• Note that direct flights between Singapore & Davao are limited

Step 3: Register & make your down payment with Eco Adventures

• Note that flights are NOT included in the package

Step 4: Book your flights

• Recommend this is done asap to ensure availability of preferred flights & rates

2. Are there any direct flights between Singapore and Davao?

Direct Flights: Silk Air is the only airlines that fly direct. (Limited flights)

Indirect Flights: Cebu Pacific Air & Philippine Airlines offers the greatest number of indirect flights via Manila or Cebu.

Note: Should you choose to fly direct, please note that an extension of a day in either direction might be required.

3. What if I wish to extend my stay?

Should you wish to extend your stay at the Marco Polo Hotel, kindly inform Eco Adventures so the necessary arrangements can be made.

An additional charge of SGD $65 per extra night (breakfast included) will be imposed. Please note that this is based on twin sharing. In the event that you are rooming alone, the charge is SGD $130.

4. What if I can’t form a team of 3?

We strongly recommend that as far as possible participants sign up in teams of 3.
This is a requirement for the 24hr Boulder face Challenge and a fun way to share the 3 day hiking experience with friends/family. It also is easier to fundraise as a team.

However, should you not be able to do so, please inform the organisers (TCRP) and we will help to group individuals into teams.

We still would love to have you join us!

5. Is there a fundraising page I can direct donors to?

Donations can be made on the TCRP Website under the TCRP 2012 tab.

Click here to visit donation page.

6. What if I don’t hit the SDG $1,000 fundraising requirement for the trip?

We believe that SGD $1,000 is a reasonable fundraising target and strongly encourage all participants to do their best to reach this goal.

That having been said, TCRP’s 2012 goal of raising SGD S$100,000 for VFF is a group effort and we welcome all donations regardless of size.

Even if you don’t hit the $1,000 mark, we appreciate your effort, and of course, you are still welcome to come on the trip.

Go team!

7. Who can I talk to if I want to book activities (diving, white water rafting etc.) independent of the TCRP package?

TCRP’s partner tour operator in Davao, Philippines is Travel Advantage Tours.

To register for an activity with the operator, please email Edmund at travel_advantage@yahoo.com – be sure to mention that you are a TCRP 2012 participant for special rates.

8. How tough is the hike & what are the conditions on Mt Apo?

Standing at 2954 meters, Mt Apo is the highest mountain in the Philippines. A beautiful and scenic climb, it is not technical and can be comfortably completed in 3 days.

More information on hiking Mt Apo can be found here: Hike Mt Apo

9. What do I need to pack/bring?

A detailed packing list will be circulated at a later date. As far as possible, we will provide tents and sleeping bags should you not own these items. Don’t worry! It’ll be the first time climbing a mountain for many in the group, and we’ll be sure that everyone has all the necessary equipment and training before we head to the Philippines!

Please leave all Jimmy Choos and Balenciagas behind, while there are porters, they are not camels nor donkeys and can only carry a reasonable load.

10. Do I need a visa?

Singaporeans do not. All other nationalities please check with Eco Adventures, please don’t force us to bail you out of customs in Davao. We will leave you behind.

11. What about insurance?

TCRP does not offer insurance, but we recommend you buy some!

If you’re just doing the hike, you can buy travel insurance online at a good rate at www.gogetcover.com.

If you’re doing the 24hr Boulder Face Challenge, we recommend BUPA insurance. You’ll find most other insurance companies do not cover extreme races.

12. Safety – is this an issue?

Davao has a good reputation when it comes to safety. However, all participants are responsible for their own personal safety, including appropriate insurance cover for medical, travel, evacuation etc and will be required to sign an indemnity form upon registration.

More info here: Davao Safety

13. What percentage of funds raised goes to the adopted charity?

Please note that to continue our efforts in running future adventure related fundraising initiatives, TCRP receives 10 cents in remuneration for every dollar raised for our adopted charities.

Fundraising & Sponsorship

With your help, we hope to be able to raise SGD $100,000 to support the ‘Centre of Hope’, a project of the Visayan Forum Foundation Inc. (VFF).

The centre is part of VFF’s larger objective to empower victims of trafficking through a holistic intervention model of prevention, rescue, healing and reintegration and is a means of equipping girls with economic empowerment.

For more information on VFF and how the funds will be used, please refer to the Prospero World Report on VFF.

For larger or offline donations, funds can be donated directly to TCRP. These funds will be consolidated and forwarded onto VFF.

It is imperative to us at TCRP that you are comfortable in the knowledge that your donation will be handled responsibly and in a transparent manner. 

To ensure this:

1. TCRP accounts are audited on a yearly basis.
2. TCRP has engaged the services of an independent organization (Prospero World) to verify and track the use of funds donated to VFF.
3. A full report of the use of funds will be made available to donors within 12 months of the date funds are transferred from TCRP to VFF.
4. TCRP will make a minimum of 5 site visits to the VFF centre in the Philippines.
i. To date, TCRP has made 2 visits to VFF’s centers in Davao and Manila; this includes a visit to the ‘Centre of Hope’.

Please note that to continue our efforts in running future adventure related fundraising initiatives, TCRP receives 10 cents in remuneration for every dollar raised for our adopted charities.

For more information regarding corporate sponsorship please email us at info@thechainreactionproject.com

Registration

Join us and be a Catalyst for Change.

To register for the 2012 // TCRP ULTIMATE SURVIVAL CHALLENGE click here.

We recommend registering early as spots are limited, and flights are significantly cheaper the earlier you book them.

Donate

CECILIA FLORES-OEBANDA, Founder and Director, Visayan Forum Foundation:

We are really grateful to TCRP for bringing awareness of this cause to Singapore, and bringing the voices of the women and children that Visayan Forum works with to Singapore… Every little amount that you give to Visayan Forum can save and reconstruct the lives of women and children. It brings them to school, it builds them a community, it prevents trafficking happening in the hot spot communities, it will help police rescue more children, it will help us go on and reach out to more people and to sustain what we have started here in the Philippines.”

For offline donations to VFF, you may write a cheque payable to:

The Chain Reaction Project Limited
6 Battery Road, #18-03
Singapore 049909.

Please indicate VFF on the back of the cheque. Should you wish to receive a receipt, kindly include your name & a return address.

For more information on alternative forms of donating, including corporate sponsorship, email us at info@thechainreactionproject.com

Thank you for being a catalyst for change.