Showing posts with label Fitness. Show all posts

Run For Wellness 2025: Unleashing Greatness beyond the finish line

Largest runner turnout of the Run For Wellness fun run by Southstar Drug and Maxicare

Running, more than a physical activity, is a pursuit of something greater: a healthier body and mind, a community, a sense of fulfillment or perhaps, overcoming a personal challenge. And in the process, it also provides valuable lessons that can be applied in your everyday life to unleash greatness such as taking better care of your body, recognizing big and small achievements, and going beyond your perceived limits.

This is the central theme of this year’s edition of Run For Wellness, an annual running event organized by Southstar Drug and Maxicare that encourages participants to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle through running.

Run For Wellness2025 celebrated a vibrant running community across two legs, welcoming beginners, seasoned runners, families, barkadas, running clubs, and fitness enthusiasts. The first leg, held on July 22 at UP Diliman, Quezon City, saw over 9,000 participants, while the second leg held last September 14 in Naga City had 2,713 participants joining the 3K, 5K, and 10K categories.

This combined effort resulted in 11,902 total participants, marking the largest runner turnout for a Run For Wellness series to date.

Continuing their advocacy as champions of health and wellness, Southstar Drug and Maxicare Healthcare Corporation donated Php 50,000 to Naga City’s Persons with Disability Affairs Office that was received by Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo during the awarding ceremony of Run For Wellness Naga.

[Left-right] Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. Chairman Robina Gokongwei-Pe, Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. President and CEO Stanley Co

“The record-high turnout of participants in this year’s Run For Wellness shows how more people are prioritizing their overall health and well-being by integrating running and exercise in their life. Aside from unleashing greatness, this is also our way of encouraging Filipinos to take the first step towards a better version of themselves and develop healthier habits in the long run,” said

“On top of providing the finest healthcare services, Maxicare supports Filipinos in their journey towards their best life through events like Run For Wellness, reaffirming our commitment to enabling a healthier future,” said Raymond Hernandez, Maxicare Chief Customer Officer.

Unleashing greatness continues beyond the finish line. Run For Wellness is just the starting point, a catalyst when it comes to prioritizing one’s overall health and well-being. Take all the valuable lessons running has taught you—the rest of the journey is yours to take!

Over 9,000 participants unleashed their greatness across three categories at the Southstar Drug and Maxicare 14th Run For Wellness

Greatness Unleashed: Here's How Runners Are Going Beyond Their Wellness Journey

Southstar Drug and Maxicare Healthcare Corporation’s Run For Wellness officially kicked off last June 22 at the University of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City, where participants unleashed greatness and filled the university grounds with buzzing energy as they celebrated each other's journey to wellness and healthier lifestyles.

The yearly anticipated running event’s first leg finished strong and drew over 9,000 participants, making it the biggest number of runner turnout both for a Run For Wellness leg and for a run held in UP Diliman. From first-timers to seasoned enthusiasts, everyone found their stride across the 3 km, 5 km, and 10 km categories and enjoyed a fun and relaxing run in the stretch of the known running hub’s rich greenery, rain or shine.

"For us, 'Unleashing Greatness' isn't just a theme," stated Thaddeus Sanchez, General Manager of Southstar Drug. "We believe everyone has the potential for a healthier and more active life, so we designed Run For Wellness to be that inclusive, impactful spark to help Filipinos discover and achieve their personal best in wellness."

From Left to Right: Maxicare Chairman Roberto Macasaet Jr, Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. Chairman Robina Gokongwei-Pe, Equicom Group Chairman Antonio L. Go, University of the Philippines Diliman Vice Chancellor Jerwin Agpaoa, University of the Philippines President Angelo Jimenez, UP Diliman Health Service Director Olivia Basuel, Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. President and CEO Stanley Co, Maxicare President and CEO Christian S. Argos, Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc Group General Manager for Drugstore Segment Joanne Dawn Arceo, Southstar Drug General Manager Thaddeus Sanchez

To continue their advocacy on healthcare and wellness, Southstar Drug and Maxicare Healthcare Corporation donated Php 1,000,000 worth of equipment to UP Diliman’s Health Service and Security Departments, under the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs. This was received by UP Diliman Vice Chancellor Jerwin Agpaoa, UP President Angelo Jimenez, and UP Diliman Health Service Director Olivia Basuel.

Meanwhile, one of the thousand participants who embraced the challenge is mom and content creator Marga Banaga, who joined the 5 km category. “This is my first official run, and I did it in 38 minutes. It was such a rewarding feeling because eleven months ago, I was 60 pounds heavier and I would not be able to do something like this,” she said. “The energy today, the crowd, and the community gave me the push. It was fulfilling completing the run and seeing how far I've come with my wellness journey.”

Among the attendees are experienced runners and athletes as well as influencers and celebrities known for their health advocacies, such as Gabbi Garcia, Sam YG, Jo Sebastian, Pat Rubin, Enjay Aba, Kath Figuracion, and more.

Kapuso It Girl, Gabbi Garcia, joined novice and experienced runners at the Southstar Drug and Maxicare 14th Run For Wellness at UP Diliman

“When it comes to wellness, I don’t pressure myself or treat it as a race. It’s more of a commitment to staying healthy. You view it as a change of lifestyle,” said Gabbi, who led the warm-ups for the 5 km race. “Thank you so much to Southstar Drug and Maxicare for these kinds of events where everyone can be one in wellness.”

Southstar Drug and Maxicare’s partner brands also joined the fun by setting up sampling booths at the Run For Wellness Race Village, where freebies and treats were offered to the finishers and participants.

"This event is a powerful reminder that taking charge of your health can be an enjoyable and communal journey," said Raymond Hernandez, Chief Customer Officer of Maxicare Healthcare Corporation.

Champions for wellness

The top three male and female participants who finished their respective categories with the fastest times were awarded medals and a cash prize. For Mea Gey Niñura, clinching the first place in the women’s 10 km category is an unexpected feat given that a lot of elite runners also joined this year’s Run For Wellness.

“I just ran my best,” said the former member of the UP Women’s Track and Field Team-turned personal trainer. She advised beginners and aspiring runners to just continue what they’re doing and stay motivated to achieve their fitness goals.

James Darrel Orduña, now a 2-time first placer in the Run For Wellness men’s 5 km category, is nothing but elated to get another podium finish. He trains for various competitions every day, and according to him, the fulfillment that comes with winning is one of his motivations to work harder.

“Consistency is really the key. I believe that if you love what you do, you can reach your goals as well,” he added.

Run For Wellness continues to be a great starting point for anyone looking to live healthier and more actively. With Southstar Drug and Maxicare at the forefront, the event built a community where people from all walks of life felt inspired to take charge of their well-being and find the confidence to unleash greatness on their own journey.

Catch the next leg of Run For Wellness in Naga City, happening in September 2025. More information about the start of registration will be up soon on Southstar Drug’s social media pages, so stay tuned!

40 gorgeous, fit and sexy finalists were presented to the media during the VIP Night at Maybank Performing Arts Theatre in Taguig City.

40 finalists continues their journey to become the Century Tuna Superbods Ageless 2018

The Superbods male and female finalists are Jules Aquino, Angelo Cacciatore, Elcid Camacho, Tony De Oteyza, Denver Hernandez, Farzam Nazirian, Luiji Panoso, Sandro Roman, Tommy Tiangco, Anthony Wahl, Christine Balaguer, Faith Garcia, Weizel Gulfan, Maureen Montagne, Mariah Nilo, Queenie Rehman, Joanna Toledo, Amanda Villanueva, Kim Ross Williams, and Bella Ysmael.

The Superbods Ageless male and female finalists are Albert Adrales, Manny Apilado, Marc Dungo, Rob Geronimo, Grech Go, Johann Ludovica, Manu Reyes, Jerome Salvado, Ari Simangan, Jude Yap, Glenda Bayona, Elisse Camarillo, Anna Cope, Maricel Cruz, Mica Fuentes, Michelle Garcia, Lois Hunter, Angel Jones, Margaret Chua Lao, and Romela Nacar.

Gelli Victor and Raymond Gutierrez

The VIP Night Presentation featured the breathtaking finalist reveal, self-introductions, a hot runway presentation, the Superbods Ageless 2018 journey video that gave a behind-the-scene look at the search process, and the sensational mini fashion show presented by Zalora, with the fit and fab men and women finalists strutting their stuff and showing everyone what they got!

Capping off the night was a rousing finale number headlined by Ina Raymundo and Gerald Anderson.

Century Tuna Superbods Ageless 2018 Calendar of Activities

March 19 - UJltiumate Challenge in Subic, Inflatable Island
The finalists will participate in an exciting lineup of activities throughout the summer. The Ultimate Challenge at the Inflatable Island in Subic will put the finalists’ mental and physical abilities to the test.

April 5 - Superbods Ageless Soiree at Arya
April 7 - Zalora FAshion Show at Glorietta
The Superbods Weekend will include a Zalora fashion show

April 8 - Underpants Run at Filinvest Alabang and Fitness Party at Alabang Town Center
Underpants Run in the morning of April 8 at Filinvest City in Alabang, Muntinlupa, and the Electric Spinning Party in the afternoon at Alabang Town Center.

April 12 - Finals Night at Cove Manila

On April 12, 2018, the much-awaited Finals Night will be held at the Cove, Okada Manila. The four winners of Century Tuna Superbods 2018 will each receive P500,000 in cash. They will also each receive an appliance showcase worth P250,000 from Indesit, Mabe, and Philips; an editorial campaign contract from Zalora; a training contract from Star Magic; a 1-year unlimited elite membership at Gold’s Gym; a May 2018 Mega Magazine supplement feature; P5,000 worth of Vansydical Sportswear; and a special prize from Cove.

One lucky Superbods finalist will take home a brand-new Chevrolet Trax! The winner will be selected based on the transformation videos of each candidate's journey towards becoming a Superbod.

Special awards will also be given: Superbod Beachbod, Superbod of the Night (Best in Runway), Superbods Challenge winners, People’s Choice, Photogenic Award and Best in Congeniality.

Century Tuna Superbods Ageless 2018 is made possible with the support of Cove Manila, the official venue partner of Century Tuna Superbods Ageless Finals Night.

For more details and updates on events, visit Century Tuna Superbods on Facebook: www.facebook.com/centurytuna.

UNICEF Advocate Anne Curtis brings "The Happiest 5K on the Planet"

to benefit children with disabilities

Ms. Anne Curtis with kids

The Color Run x Dream Machine Party

Ms. Anne Curtis-Smith partying with runners

UNICEF Celebrity Advocate for Children Anne Curtis brings "The Happiest 5K on the Planet" and was joined by 10,000 runners for The Color Run Dream for the benefit of UNICEF today at the SM Mall of Asia grounds.

"Last year, we saw 7,000 runners making a difference for children's health and nutrition, This year, we are so happy to gather 10,000 runners in this colorful run to help children with disabilities achieve their dreams, "says Curtis.

Coach Rio taking selfie with runners.

The Color Run, the largest fun run series in the world that has brought joy to over 6 million runners worldwide in 35+ countries, finally lands in the Philippines through Anne Curtis's foundation, Dream Machine.

"The Color Run is among the first major projects of the Dream Machine, which is a platform to help dreamers achieve their dreams, Anne adds.

"Anne is untiring and unwavering in her support for children. Her generosity to sponsor and organize this fundraising activity inspires us to keep innovating in our work for children," says UNICEF Country Representative Lotta Sylwander.

Sylander adds, "Children with disabilities are just like any other children. They want to be seen and heard, to be loved, to go to school and be useful members of the society. UNICEF is working to give them access to health services that will enable them to have a fair chance in life. All the funds raised in the run will help us bring these services to all children with disabilities in the country."

According to UNICEF Philippines, an estimated one out of seven children or around five million are living with disabilities that range from hearing, visual, and mobility impairement including those who have developed or learning disabilities. To address the situation, UNICEF aims to build four one-stop shops throughout the Philippines to provide comprehensive services such as diagnosis, provision of assistive devices, counseling, referral, and therapy.

The Color Run is a five-kilometer, untimed event in which thousands of participants, or "Color Runners", are doused from head to toe in different colors at each kilometer. Along the 5k color and music-filled course, participants can run through frothy foam and bubble zones, snap photos with unicorns, and get the ultimate color inspiration as they party with the family and friends at the Finish Festival amidst vibrant bursts of color throws.

Some of the media friends joins the fun run.

Presented by Dream Machine and organized by RunRio, The Color Run Dream for the benefit of UNICEF is made possible through the support of SM Mall of Asia, Cherry Mobile, Enervon, Jollibee, PMX, Swatch, Viva Artists Agency, Audi, B'lue, Salonpas, Toy Kingdom, Viva Live, Maynilad.

Newly engaged couple with Anne Curtis

Robinsons Supermarket’s Wellness Festival celebrates healthy lifestyle choices

In celebration of National Wellness month, Robinsons Supermarket celebrating their month-long Wellness Festival, and also their third leg of its year -long Route to Wellness journey with Filipinos has been started and kicked-off last June 23 to 25, 2017 at Eastwood Central Plaza-Citywalk, Libis Quezon City.

The park was transformed into a mini city. Yours truly was able to be part of this event, explore and joined activities such as Bicycle Tour and Pedestrian Rush challenge as part of the certain actions needed when crossing the street.

Watch the video of how Charles and I completed the finish the Bicycle Tour where we need to stop at every Robinsons Supermarket in less than 1-minute.

Bicycle Tour Activity

Pedestrian Rush Challenge

As part of the challenge, pedestrian / player will do the following activity for the corresponding color consequence after hitting the "pedestrian crossing" button. The random light will choose Green, Yellow or Red.

Green - a pedestrian must attempt to finish 30 seconds jump rope
Yellow - pedestrian has an opportunity to reach the farthest by attempting his longest jump
Red - a pedestrian must complete a hula hop challenge for 30 seconds

I don't have the photo my jump rope, but video is unavailable online as I was doing it in a wrong way. Charles was able to do the long jump from the start lane with almost up to the other side of the lane.

What are the highlights of the #WellnessFestival?

I listed below six (6) items which highlight the celebration of Wellness Festival
1. Ninja Academy - Customers were able to participate and try the course set up by the Ninja Academy. They also enjoy the other fun activities by Robinsons Supermarket’s wellness partners.

2. Four-minute workouts - Shoppers and guests were able to participate in a four-minute workouts (or metabeats) prepared by the celebrity fitness coaches Jim and Toni Saret. This is let everyone one know that it only takes a few minutes to get started on one’s wellness journey. If the budget is short, you can do the exercise wherever you are.

You can watch the video and (you) try it at home.

Celebrity Fitness Coaches Jim and Toni Saret leading the 4-minute workout and exercise.

According to the statistics, Philippines is among the developing countries with high levels of obesity. To combat this studies, Robinsons Supermarket joins the Fit Filipino 1 Million Pounds National Weight Challenge.

3. Fit Filipino 1 Million Pounds National Weight Loss Challenge - Robinsons Supermarket to pledged 5,000 pounds to the Fit Filipino 1 Million Pounds National Weight Loss Challenge. As one of the official partners of the movements, Robinsons Supermarket identified select branches as the challenge’s weigh-in centers every Saturday.

Guests / shoppers also gave their commitment to join and participate of this campaign

4. 10th Fit & Fun Buddy Run - Prepare your runnings shoes as Robinsons Supermarket will also hold its annual and much-anticipated Fitness Run on July 2, 2017 at Camp Aguinaldo. See you there.

5. Special Wellness Caravan - Customers will also get a chance to experience some of the activities at Robinsons Supermarket Tagaytay from July 14 to 16, and at Robinsons Supermarket Antipolo City from July 28 to 30. So, don't forget these dates in your calendar.

6. Healthy You Snack Platter - aside these activities, shoppers with a minimum single-receipt purchase of PHP3,000 inclusive of P500 can get Health you Snack Platter worth of participating products from Nestle, Johnson & Johnson, Unilab, Fonterra, Wyeth Nutrition, Unilever, Procter & Gamble, IPI, Abbott Nutrition, Getz Bros., Ecossential, Foodsphere, and Philusa.

Customers will also get an extra 15 Robinsons Rewards Card points for every P500 purchase of Healthy You products. Promo runs from July 1 to 31, 2017.

Healthy You is Robinsons Supermarket’s exclusive healthy brand of nuts, juices, oats, brown rice, coffee and many more that have been evaluated as healthy by the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute.

According to Jody Gadia, Robinsons Supermarket General Manager, “As a growing number of individuals and families lead busy and challenging lives, Robinsons Supermarket and its partners continue to uphold our commitment to lead them to the path of wellness by bringing them closer to more choices and opportunities to get fit and healthy.”

#WellnessFestival #ILoveWellness #Wellness #Fitness #Exercise #HealthLiving #Run

Daddy O!