Subaru Palm Challenge

For close to two decades, Subaru has pushed the limits of endurance with their Palm Challenge. Competitors from all over the Southeast Asian region compete in Singapore for the change to take home glory, pride for their homeland, and a brand new car.

- Ren Alcantara

The 2018 run of the Subaru Palm challenge saw 320 participants enter the arena on the first day of the competition. Contestants from Singapore made up the bulk of the pack, with 80 participants coming in from Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, The Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. The mechanics are as simple as they have always been: place your right hand flat against your designated palm print. Be the last one remaining, and take home a brand new Subaru Impreza 2.0i-S.To make the contest that much more interesting, contestants who pass the 48th hour mark will receive SGD 100 in cash, with SGD 100 more for staying on past the 60th and again for lasting past the 72nd hour.

Team prizes are also awarded to the country with the greatest cumulative time gathered with all their members. Participants are given five-minute breaks every six hours, so it comes down to endurance, as the war of attrition takes an hourly toll.

"The 17th edition of the Mediacorp Subaru Car Challenge promises more fun and rewards for everyone with the exciting line-up of prizes and activities. This year, the Challenge is also combined with the launch of the All-New Subaru Forester, making it all the more special" said Glenn Tan, Deputy chairman and managing director of Tan Chong International Limited."We expect an impressive display of tenacity and grit from the contestants and look forward to see who will emerge victorious this year'

Halfway through the second day of the challenge, pinoy favorite Filmark Bernante was going strong, and helping keep the hopes of his compatriots alive. Coming in at second place in last year's Palm Challenge, and on his fifth one this year, Filmark said that the 2018 edition was the most grueling yet, with many strong participants from all over the region making a comeback, and some of the Philippine team falling to an unfortunate draw with regard to the positioning of their palm prints.