The regular online editor (that’s me) is being dragged off for the time being to make way for the good folks of the print edition here at Hardware Zone Philippines. Taking my place temporarily is Jase and Alfred, who were part of Acer’s Summer adventure/event, and they’re here to give our faithful readers a quick peek at their exploits and travails (or so it seemed to me, judging by the pictures!) Now I hand you over to our two intrepid writers for a break from my blabber. 

For long-time followers of In The Zone, you may remember a little something I posted around summer of last year. It was about the inaugural Acer summer games event that the renowned PC brand organized for the members of the media. It turned out to be a well-received affair that sent participants home, clamoring for more – despite a few body aches here and there.

                                             Team HWM "overflowing" with excitement.

Last May 23-25, Acer and their PR agency AMPR answered the call of the Army Challenge pioneers. This time, their Summer Power Fest event went on an even grander stage heading down south to the City of Golden Friendship, Cagayan De Oro! This year’s summer games were even bigger and better as the IT press and representatives from both Acer and AMPR engaged in a day-long Amazing Race-type competition held last May 24, dubbed as the Acer Extreme South Expedition 2008.

                                             The first few tasks involved math skills, a bit of an artistic streak, problem solving finesse, and of course a good deal of stamina running after clues.

The event had five competing teams, each representing a distinct color and an Acer product line – Ferrari Red, Veriton Orange, Extensa Green, Aspire Blue, and TravelMate Yellow. Four of us from Hardware Zone, including yours truly, were joined by Ranulph Huertas and Michelle Co of Mr and Ms magazine and Mr. Boyet Montalbo of Acer to form team Veriton Orange – which we later rechristened as “The Big O.” 

                                             Spelunking in a pitch-black cave is all part of the fun before going up and across the sky bridge and sliding for your life across the zip line.  It was the perfect way to get the adrenalin up for the main event.

The event spanned several locations across Cagayan de Oro – even reaching Bukidnon at one point – where the teams all had to accomplish a variety of tasks at several designated “pitstops”. The race was a game that tested not only the teams’ speed, but also their strategy and teamwork, as the final outcome was based on the teams’ total points earned across the various pitstops.

                                             Time to suit up for the main event! First, a brief word from our guides on paddling properly and what to do in case someone fell off the raft. Competition was stiff and the Big O, with our battle songs rattling our green rivals, gave close chase to the very end.

After a day of running around the city, exploring various local destinations, a game of sudoku, an acrophobia-testing experience at the sky bridge and zip-line event, and of course, the highlight – the white-water rafting race – the results were tallied and the grand champions were named during the awarding ceremony held later in the night…

• Fifth Place – Acer Aspire Blue 
• Fourth Place – Acer Ferrari Red
• Third Place - Acer Extensa Green
• Second Place – Acer TravelMate Yellow
• GRAND CHAMPS! – ACER VERITON ORANGE!

That’s right! Our team was hailed as the big winners for Acer’s Summer Power Fest 2008! Woot!

Many thanks, once again, to Acer and AMPR for inviting Hardware Zone to your fantastic summer event! We look forward to seeing you again next year!