The University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems is organizing its annual Maquiling Quest on 26 November 2011, Saturday.  This year’s race will take the form of forest trail running in celebration of the United Nations’ International Year of Forests 2011.

Two-person teams will converge at the municipal hall of Sto. Tomas, Batangas as early as 4:00 am and will race through the 25 km route traversing the mountain’s summit.   The finish line is at the Makiling Botanic Gardens, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, U.P. Los Baños, Laguna.

First held in 2002, Maquiling Quest aims to develop and promote adventure sports and ecotourism while enhancing public awareness and conservation stewardship of the legendary mountain. It expects to attract trail runners and mountaineers from all over the country.

MCME has partnered with Smart Communications, Salomon Sports, Nuvali- Ayala Land, and other companies and institutions in holding the event. Cash prizes plus sponsors’ gift certificates and products are at stake.

For further information, contact the event coordinators by telefax: 049 536 2637 or e-mail: maquilingquest@yahoo.com.