With sweat, smiles, and a sense of fulfillment, runner-advocates crossed the finish line…
On 02 March 2025, the 11th season of Run for Hope Philippines culminated in compassion and action at the Lake Drive, Burnham Park, Baguio City.
Driven by a sense of mission, over a thousand runner-advocates smiled not only because they finished the race, but also because they know they brought hope to the beneficiaries at Halfway Home for Boys and Project Daily Bread.
Right before gunstart, Fr. Emanuel Enjang Pranatal, CICM, the event manager of Run for Hope 10, Parochial Vicar of the Saint Aloysius Gonzaga Parish, and Chaplain of the Saint Louis University Sacred Heart Medical Center, led the prayer for the runners, offering them strength and guidance for the race ahead. School of Accountancy, Management, Computing, and Information Studies Dean Glory Dela Peña, and the Run for Hope 11 event manager, then encouraged the runners saying, “Enjoy the run, give your full energy, comeback, and tell yourself, ‘I did make a better future for Halfway Home for Boys and Project Daily Bread.’”
The marathon included four race categories: 3K, 5K, 10K, and 21K.
Zykhen Kira Angcaway and Freya Malafo dominated the 3K event in the male and female categories, respectively, crossing the finish line with triumphant gazes.
Meanwhile, Denzel Josh Pagaduan and Alyza Sumacyab succeeded to be on top in the male and female divisions of the 5K race.
Angelo Quitlong and Nicole Fugen triumphed in the 10K event, showcasing both grace and power as they conquered the finish line in their respective divisions.
In the 21K race, Ramon Carlos Aquino emerged victorious in the men’s division, while Akyzxa Izakiela Tangalin claimed victory in the women’s division.
The winners of each category projected radiance knowing that they made someone’s life a little bit better and finished the race, no matter how challenging it was.
Louisians proudly stood among the participants, reaffirming their strong commitment to one of the University’s fundamental values: social involvement. Through the Congregatio Immaculati Cordis Mariae (CICM)’s mantra “One heart, One soul,” the event extended to everyone who has the heart to help.
As the race came to a close, the SLU Vice President for Academic Affairs Felina P. Espique, PhD said, “The finish line of each Run for Hope has served as a powerful testament of your generosity and dedication. Thank you for running not just for your personal achievement but to make a tangible difference in the lives of our beneficiaries.”
The goal of the run was to make children feel seen, loved, and cherished, showing them that they are not alone and that the world cares passionately for them. Each step made throughout this marathon helped to show these little hearts how much they are appreciated. With these and more, the Run for Hope Philippines will continue to take a hopeful stride for children. (Article co-written by Jaymark Borja, Faithe Dugay, and Ydelvess Faith Morales, UIO Interns | Photos by Michael Dadd, Kyla Moreno, Faithe Dugay & Aivian Culanag, UIO Interns)
