They came from opposite ends of the country, united by one goal.
At the EastWest Dream Run 2025 in Manila, two standout groups ran not for speed but for meaning. One came from Balingasag, Misamis Oriental. The other, from Tondo, Manila.
From Mindanao to Manila
The Balingasag Steady Pace Runners traveled over 1,000 kilometers to join the race. For Reinhurd B. Ipan and his teammates, the journey started with a post they saw online. Inspired by happy runners and a unique medal, they booked flights and trained hard, even while managing their shops.
They ran several races across Mindanao, building up to Manila. Race day challenged them with unexpected uphill routes, but they pushed through. The crowd cheered, and when they crossed the finish line, it all made sense.
Back home, they wore their Dream Run singlets with pride. “Grabe, pumunta pa kayong Manila para diyan?” their friends asked. Yes, they did. Because for them, this was their Dream Run.
First Runs, Big Steps
From the Smokey Mountain communities in Tondo, students from Young Focus Philippines joined the race for the first time.
Charm, one of the runners, recalled feeling happy and determined. She prayed, pushed through fatigue, and made it. Leslie saw the run as a personal breakthrough. “It pushed me out of my comfort zone,” she said.
For Marc, the race was exhausting but inspiring. “Everyone wanted to finish strong,” he shared.
After the run, a donation from EastWest supported Young Focus, reminding the students that their dreams matter.
Running for Something Greater
EastWest Dream Run 2025 was more than a race. It was about resilience, family, and the power of shared dreams.
EastWest Head of Marketing Martin Reyes said it best: “We believe in creating moments that go beyond medals.”
Whether it was a 2K fun run or a long journey across islands, the runners proved one thing—dreams don’t know distance.
