EVERYBODY'S A WINNER IN THE 10.10.10 RUN FOR PASIG RIVER
[PHOTO AT LEFT - Photo is loading... SM Prime Holdings president Hans Sy and ABS-CBN chairman and CEO Gabby Lopez]
MANILA, NOVEMBER 1, 2010 (STAR) COMMONNESS By Bong R. Osorio - A few weeks ago, over 100,000 Filipinos braved the streets on a Sunday morning to take a stand for the environment, specifically the dying Pasig River. Wearing their sweatpants and specially made singlets, they filled major roads as they ran from three to 21 kilometers in order to help raise money and awareness for the ongoing cleanup campaign of ABS-CBN Foundation's "Kapit Bisig Para Sa Ilog Pasig."
Numbering 116,000, the participants easily made the event the largest footrace in the world, making everybody — from top finishers to tail-enders — an instant winner. But aside from a new world record (Guinness is expected to make the official announcement soon), what made the event special was the overwhelming support of different sectors who showed up and helped make the Pasig River fun run a peaceful and triumphant activity.
There were the 50,000 devotees of El Shaddai, led by their chief evangelist, Bro. Mike Velarde. There were the throngs of students from colleges and universities such as University of Santo Tomas, University of the East, Manila Doctors College, and Polytechnic University of the Philippines, who came brandishing their school colors. There were units from the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines. Runners from private corporations such as Sun Life, Pilipinas Shell, Maynilad, Manila Water, Ayala, and government offices also came in droves. Philstar.com's Kevin and Rose Ann Belmonte
Adding color and prominence to the event were some of the country's rich and famous in the fields of business, politics, sports, and entertainment.
ABS-CBN chairman and CEO Eugenio "Gabby" Lopez III, ABS-CBN Publishing head Ernesto "Ernie" Lopez, and Ayala Land chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala were in Marikina with other VIPs to join the ceremonial 21-kilometer run of the military and police. SM vice chair Teresita Sy-Coson and her brother, SM Prime Holdings president Hans Sy, were also present to cheer for the runners, while Philstar.com president Kevin Belmonte and Rose Ann Belmonte (photo at left) ran the 3K race. ABS-CBN Foundation managing director Gina Lopez, meanwhile, ran the 5K race with award-winning director Brillante Mendoza.
Presidential sister Ballsy Aquino-Cruz was also there to remind the people to treat the Pasig River like an heirloom we ought to preserve and pass on to future generations. Vice President Jejomar "Jojo" Binay, Manila Mayor Alfredo "Fred" Lim, Pasay Mayor Antonino Calixto, and Metro Manila Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino, meanwhile, also basked under the sun to show their allegiance to the cause. Former President Fidel V. Ramos, who led the gun start at SM MOA with wife Ming Ramos, even showed his good form when he did pushups with some Philippine Army officers.
As expected, sports icon and Saranggani Rep. Manny Pacquiao drew the wildest cheers when he hosted the pre-race program along Ayala Avenue with TV stars Piolo Pascual, Zaijan Jaranilla, and ABS-CBN sports correspondent Dyan Castillejo. He and Castillejo also ran the 10-km race, to the delight of onlookers and runners. Kapamilya artists headlined by Luis Manzano, Karylle, Jovit Baldivino, and Melisa Cantiveros, meanwhile, provided entertainment after the race with rock bands Kiss Jane, Frio, and 6 Cyclemind. Gina Lopez, Dyan Castillejo and Manny Pacquiao (photo at right) show off their finisher bands
By spending just one morning in the run, they have helped raise P12 million, which will be used to clean more esteros that flow into the Pasig River. And in return they got more than just the right to brag that they were part of a record-breaking run for a cause.
Families had a time to bond, students were exposed to realities beyond the four corners of the classroom, companies got to nurture camaraderie among their employees, the military and the police got to display their "fighting form," while the nation's biggest names got to use their influence and celebrity not just for their own good but also the betterment of the nation.
It was a win-win situation for every Filipino. Next year, presumably on 9/11/11, Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig will call on Filipinos once again to run for the Pasig River. Gina Lopez said they aim to break the world record every year until the river is cleaned.
The event has stirred environmental people power and encouraged individuals to help in the cause. Media in general helped convince the people that the Pasig River is their responsibility, no matter where they live or how old they are. The Pasig River is intimately connected to our history and identity as a people; we should revere it as we revere our past and who we are. If we leave it to die, it will say a lot about the Filipino character. It will show disregard not only for history, but also for the environment. It will show giving up and losing hope.
With the huge success of 10.10.10, cleaning the Pasig River no longer looks like a race that is impossible to finish. That is, if Filipinos decide to run and work together once more, and be winners again.
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Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi
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