The EastWest
Dream Run 2025 brought people together around a shared purpose. It showed that
when we support one another, even a short race can leave a long-lasting impact.
In
celebration of its 30th anniversary and Filinvest Group’s 70th year, the Bank
hosted this year’s Dream Run across three key cities: Davao, Cebu, and Manila,
drawing over 13,000 runners from different walks of life in a collective push
for positive impact.
Each run had
its own rhythm. Each city brought its own energy. But the heart behind them was
the same: to move not just for health, but for hope.
Portions of
the proceeds were donated to local organizations that continue to serve and
uplift Filipino youth: Young Focus Philippines in Manila, Asian Hospital
Charities, SOS
Children’s Village in Cebu, and Padre Pio’s Home for Children in Davao.
In
Davao: Showing Up for Padre Pio’s Home for Children
The series
kicked off on April 6 where nearly 4,000 runners joined the first leg of the EastWest
Dream Run. But behind the scenes, it was the children of Padre Pio’s Home for
Children who stood to benefit most.
After the
series, members of the EastWest Manila and Davao teams visited the home,
bringing with them not just the donation proceeds, but time, encouragement, and
listening ears. The visit became a quiet but powerful moment of connection.
“It was a
reminder that showing up matters. That sometimes, all it takes to change a life
is to be there, to listen, to share, to care,” says Sr. Floravy E. Raya RSW
– Executive Director, Padre
Pio Home for Children.
Kids of Padre Pio’s Home for Children were visited by Mike
Nacional, Head, Mindanao Region, Rosie Acuña, Division 25 Head, Rayne Loreto, Senior
Manager for Brand Activations, and the rest of the team members from Manila and
Davao who organized the EastWest Dream Run.
In Cebu:
Connecting With the Children of SOS Village
The next leg
of the EastWest Dream Run was held on May 4 at City di Mare by Filinvest in
Cebu, drawing over 3,000 runners from across the Visayas. For many
participants, it was EastWest’s first large-scale wellness run in the region, and
one that carried a significance linking the Bank to its Cebuano roots.
After the 3-leg
series, the EastWest team visited SOS Children’s Village Cebu. It’s an
organization that gives long-term family-based care to children who have lost
or are at risk of losing parental care. The donation will go toward the
Village’s daily operations, including food, schooling, health support, and
maintaining nurturing homes for the children.
Mario Victor Baang, Village Director of SOS Children's Village
Cebu commented, “The
visit meant a lot to the children. It was the time, the conversations, and the
genuine care they felt. For many of them, that kind of attention stays with
you.”
The day was made even
more special thanks to the invaluable support of Ms. Jovi Abad, VisMin Consumer
Loans Head, Ms. Debbie Realiza-Dy, Priority Center Head, and the rest of the EastWest
Manila and Cebu teams.
In
Manila: First-Time Runners with Big Dreams
The biggest
and final leg of the Dream Run took place on June 15 at the Filinvest Event
Grounds in Alabang, where over 6,000 runners turned up. After the race, a short
program was held where EastWest turned over donations to two partner
organizations: Young Focus Philippines and Asian Hospital Charities. The funds
will support ongoing efforts in education, youth development, values formation,
and access to medical care.
“Watching our
students run with such heart reminded us what Young Focus is all about. They
were showing the world what’s possible when kids are given a real chance,”
shared Ms. Grace Palanca, representative from Young Focus Philippines.
The EastWest Dream Run marked a meaningful
step in reaching more individuals in need of healing. Asian Hospital Charities
expressed appreciation for being part of the event and noted that the proceeds
will help sustain its efforts to provide essential medical support to patients
who may not otherwise have access to care.
Young, rising runners from Young Focus
Philippines beam with pride after finishing their first-ever fun run at the
EastWest Dream Run Manila. Following the run, a special program was held where
EastWest top executives presented a donation to Young Focus: Jerry Ngo,
EastWest CEO, Mary Anne Bundalian, Brand Activations and Corporate
Communications Head, Jonathan Gotianun, EastWest Chairman, and Martin Reyes,
Head of Marketing and Cash Management.
Asian Hospital Charities was also among the
beneficiaries of the EastWest Dream Run Manila leg, receiving a portion of the
event’s proceeds.
Moving
Forward, Together
The finish
line may have come and gone, but the journey continues for every child, every
student, and every community still reaching for what’s ahead.
Martin Reyes,
EastWest Head of Marketing and Cash Management said, “We believe that these
young dreamers need something more than encouragement. Access, support, and the
right opportunities are what truly matters. That’s what the EastWest Dream Run
hopes to create, one step at a time, and in the years to come.”
With
thousands of finishers and countless stories of hope, the EastWest Dream Run
2025 closed its last leg not with an ending, but with momentum, for more
cities, more children, and more lives made brighter through a shared purpose.
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