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

Run For Wellness 2025: Unleashing Greatness beyond the finish line

[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.

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!

Southstar Drug x Maxicare partnered for the first Run For Wellness event in Manila. Present during the event are: (From left to right) Host Rizza Diaz, Runrio President and Chief Executive Officer Rio Dela Cruz, Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. Chief Operating Officer Stanley Co, Southstar Drug General Manager Mariel Crisostomo, Maxicare Chairman Roberto Macasaet Jr.,  Department of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer Robina Gokongwei-Pe, Equicom Group Chairman Antonio Go, University of the Philippines Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Carlo Vistan II, Department of Health Public Relations Officer and Head Executive Assistant  Maria Liavel Badillo-Crisostomo, Maxicare President and Chief Executive Officer Christian Argos, Host Vince Velasco

4 Simple Ways to Improve Your Health and Live Your Best Life

Being healthy and feeling good is not just about hitting the gym or eating your veggies. It’s also about finding the right balance in the things shaping your life, including your mental health, interpersonal relationships, and the aspirations that push you to continue moving forward every day.

If you’re looking to start taking care of yourself more holistically, here are some habits you can give a shot. Take these small steps today on your way to living your best life.

Be more mindful of what you eat

The food you eat fuels you to take on your roles every day, may it be at home, the workplace or your community. As such, it’s important to make sure that whatever you eat and drink is good for your body. There are 101 ways to incorporate whole and nutrient-rich foods like fruits and vegetables as well as good sources of protein and fats in your meals without making them “boring” or repetitive. You can still enjoy a good, hearty meal without the guilt while being creative and resourceful with your ingredients.

Redefine self-care

It’s time to stop equating self-care to just pampering and indulgence, and relate it to ways that one can improve their well-being and cope with the stresses of everyday life. For example, in order to have adequate and quality sleep every night, you might need the right pillows or sheets, a 5-step bedtime routine or essential oils—you can consider that as self-care. Going out with friends or even just yourself to unwind is another form of self-care that isn’t talked about just as much.

Learn to manage stress

Undeniably, life can be stressful at times. And while we cannot avoid it, there are many ways to alleviate stress, which can also manifest physically when not managed. Remember, it’s okay to take a break when you feel like you need one! Meditating and practicing mindfulness regularly allow you to stay in the present and to learn to reduce negative emotions amidst stressful situations. Having an outlet like a journal or a creative hobby is also a healthy way to destress from a long day.

Stay active

One of the most effective (and free) ways to get an endorphin rush is through exercise. Endorphins are a feel-good hormone that helps you reduce stress, relieve pain, and improve your mood. Aside from making you feel good, being physically active allows you to manage your weight, minimize health risks, and make your body stronger.

Exercising doesn’t have to be a burden. If going to the gym is not for you, there are other ways you can try that can cater to your personal preferences and routine just like running. Running is one of the best cardio exercises you can do and it’s very easy to add to your daily routine. Whether it’s indoors using a treadmill or outdoors around your neighborhood, its benefits to your physical and mental health are unprecedented.

Runners and participants kick off the first Run for Wellness event in Manila at the University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City.

To embrace the first step in their journey toward their best life, over 5,300 participants composed of seasoned runners, beginners, kids, families, and people from various backgrounds gathered at the starting line of Run for Wellness last August 13, 2023 at UP Diliman, Quezon City. This event was held jointly by Southstar Drug and Maxicare to kick off their pioneering wellness initiative.

Run for Wellness, now in its 12th year, aims to promote physical health and mental well-being among Filipinos. This was the first time Run for Wellness featured a Metro Manila leg in addition to the traditional location in Naga City, Camarines Sur, which is scheduled for September 10, 2023.

Southstar Drug and Maxicare, as champions of health and wellness, have partnered to support consumers in their journey toward a healthier and happier life. By offering an extensive selection of health essentials and world-class health services, they aim to be reliable companions, "Kasama sa Best Life," for Filipinos.

Visit southstardrug.com.ph and maxicare.com.ph to know more.

Nestle Family Wellness Festival kick-off in Quezon Memorial Circle, Quezon City last July 15, 2023.

Our Nestle Family Wellness Festival Experience

Ricci enjoys free taste from Milo.

Maggi Sarap Sustansya Cooking Demo

Bike Shredder by Green Antz

Last stop.

We visited the booth selling Nestle products.  There is an on-going promotion that for every P200 pesos spent, you will get 1 raffle stub. We bought Bear Brand 840 grams., Milo sachet 1 dozen, 1 box of Milo Whole grain. Nescafe Creamy White (but 10 get 1 promo), Nescafe Classic (buy 42 get 6 promo). With all these items, I think I received 3 or 4 raffle stubs. So just filled up the stub and put it in the drop box. Fingers cross :)

Guess what? When we got home, yours truly received a text message that I won some prize/s.  Yahooo!!!

Thank you Nestle Philippines, for this opportunity to attend and experienced the Nestle Family Wellness Festival 2023. We had so much fun as we joined, lined up, and tried different activities and mini-games during the said Festival.

Until next time!

Samantha Ashley Lo and Sam Ajdani Century Tuna Everybod Superbod 2020 Grand Winners and #StayStrong Champions

A strong finish:  Nursing student and fitness coach hailed as
Century Tuna Everybod Superbod 2020 winners

In a landmark event hailed as a strong and successful finish amid the pandemic, Century Tuna Superbods 2020 named nursing student and ESL instructor Samantha Ashley Lo and fitness coach and professional model Sam Ajdani as the Century Tuna Everybod Superbod title holders. The most anticipated health and fitness event of the year was also a momentous occasion as it set the standards for future online events in the new normal. 

Held at the Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan in Quezon City, the finals event followed strict adherence to the FDCP-DOH-DOLE safety protocols for film and audio-visual shoots.

“We needed to rise up to the challenge. We knew it was going to be tough but we stayed focused and if we’re able to pull this off successfully then at least we are able to provide a template for the industry to learn from and use. We soldiered on despite the challenges to show that it can be done,” said Century Pacific Food Inc. EVP & COO Greg Banzon. He also added, “It’s important to stage the event to provide inspiration and a good benchmark for the country to put health, wellness and fitness as the top priority.”

The success of the event amid the pandemic made their victory even more memorable for both Samantha (27) and Sam (30). Sam, who is a professional commercial model, admitted that one of the most challenging part of the competition was trying to stay healthy given the restrictions of the pandemic.   Meanwhile, Samantha, who is a former Miss Grand International Philippines winner, had to strengthen her focus and remain creative in her home workouts, even when she could not go the gym. Their persistence and commitment to stay strong and focused paid off when they were proclaimed winners of the biggest health and fitness competition in the country.

Samantha and Sam bested 25 other Superbods candidates and will each take home Php 500,000 tax-free cash and other amazing prizes. Both winners passed rigorous digital challenges required during the competition to emerge as the new ambassadors of Century Tuna Superbods 2020—health and fitness advocates who are passionate in promoting health and wellness as an everyday commitment especially during these trying times. They are also exceptional individuals who remain optimistic and believe in getting back up again even after falling so many times.

Meanwhile, the runners-up were Superbod 2020 Stunner Candice Ramos and Superbod 2020 Ageless Erie Matic. Other candidates who took home special awards were Shirley Garcia, Zai Ebido, Enzo Bonoan, Samantha Purvor, Philippe Magalona, Nelson Banzuela, Key Trajano, Albert Lorenzo, and Grace Del Rosario.

The 25 finalists were all strong contenders, showcasing inspiring traits and skills to encourage themselves and their fellow Filipinos to keep going, and remain healthy and strong during these trying times.

The finalists were judged by a distinguished panel of judges. Joining Century Pacific Food Inc. EVP & COO Greg Banzon, Century Tuna marketing director Carlo Endaya, triathlete and SEA Games gold medalist Nikko Huelgas, GMA Network senior assistant vice president for alternative productions Gigi Santiago-Lara, Isabelle Daza, Alice Dixson, Sarah Lahbati, Ina Raymundo, and DJ Toni Tony.

The health and fitness competition was relaunched last July 25 with a more inclusive and relevant #StayStrongPilipinas theme. To signal its resumption, Century Tuna released a rousing video via its official Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/centurytuna), featuring Century Tuna celebrity ambassadors Nadine Lustre and Alden Richards with the Superbods finalists urging everyone to stay strong and to continue pursuing their dreams of a healthier future through proper diet and exercise.

To relive the “Century Tuna EverybodSuperbod 2020” finals, visit and follow Century Tuna’s Facebook page, @centurytuna or Instagram @centurytunasuperbods.

The Sagada Harvest Project

Why Igorots in Metro Manila directly source goods from farmers 

Two pesos a kilo for cabbage. Four pesos for cucumber.

After spending to bring their produce to the nearest vegetable trading post in the last week of July, Cordilleran farmers were given a cruel rate, crushing their hope of raising cash to buy seeds for the next harvest. 

A Sad Story for New Gen Farmers

Shereen Umayat and Jessica Dapliyan, two young farmers from Sagada, had a cheaper option for their next maturing vegetables- let the plants rot in the farmland to stop having additional expenses. 

Asked how much she has spent for her cucumber, Umayat computed it to be at least P40, 000.

While there are active programs like Sustainable Sagada and Rural Rising organized to help ease the situation, not all produce in the remote Mountain Province town can be accommodated.

Dapliyan, a former innkeeper who shifted to farming following travel bans, started giving away her cabbage produce for free in September after unsuccessful attempts to sell what her family has been working since community quarantine restrictions were implemented. 

The Sagada Harvest Project

Trying the Metro Manila Market 

For generations, farmers in Sagada and other towns of the Cordilleras have been trading in marketplaces within the mountainous region and going to the lowlands is not part of their regular routine. But as they run out of options, they are forced to seek help outside the highlands.

Tapping Metro Manila-based Cordillerans or Igorots was the first move. Upon learning about the crisis, Christian Aligo, a Marketing Communications practitioner living in Quezon City, started the “The Sagada Harvests Project” on Facebook. 

With the assistance from Umayat, Menchie Buking of the Department of Agrarian Reform Mt. Province (DAR MP) and other concerned locals, The Sagada Harvests Project is able to sell out about three tons of produce in its first two runs.

Alongside Aligo are other Metro Manila-based Igorots including Luisa Gay Pugong, Jenny Lyn Likigan, Bing Podes Laguipen, and Hector Ngales who transformed themselves into vendors after their day job to help address the crisis.

Joining the force is the couple Atty. Pio and Noemie Jeanet Daoas who now spend their weekends on vegetables. With the help of dedicated riders, the couple deliver the goods within Taguig City at only P20. 

The Sagada Harvest Project

A Trade Friendlier to Farmers

As agreed, it is the farmers who set the price of their produce. Currently in marketplaces, it is the multi-level middle men who dictate the price and get a bigger portion of it.

When the rate at the La Trinidad trading post for cabbage was P2 per kilo, The Sagada Harvests Project purchased the vegetable at P20 per kilo-- as dictated by the farmers.

To further assist the Igorot vendors, DAR’s Sagada Linksfarmers Consolidation Center opened its doors to help screen quality produce prior to shipping. 

Recently, the regional office of the Department of Agriculture (DA) also offered transportation assistance to help lower expenses.

Meanwhile, local food producers Gabay Wines and Food Preserves and Masferre Country Inn & Restaurant have been doing experiments for delicate items like wild blueberry, wheat bread, and goat cheese products to check on the shelf-life of the products when offered in places with a warmer climate.

To know more about The Sagada Harvest Project and a list of Igorot vendors who directly source their goods from farmers, contact Aligo at 0956-174-8464 (Globe) or visit www.facebook.com/sagadaharvests now.