Sports

The Green Run in Vermosa 2023 is scheduled to begin on June 25, Sunday, almost a year after the inaugural Green Run in July 2022. After being cooped up at home due to the pandemic, last year’s Green Run welcomed everyone to lace up and enjoy the outdoors for physical and emotional wellness.

As both serious and recreational runners continue to improve their fitness, this year’s Green Run challenges everyone to be “leaner and greener”. The Haribon Foundation is still supported by the Run, which also emphasizes how everyone can do their part to protect the environment.

A 3K run for novices, a 5K run for intermediate runners, a 10K run for serious runners, and a half-marathon 21K level for elite runners and athletes in training are the three levels offered by the Green Run. A fun and adorable 1K dog run has been added to the event this year, providing dogs and their owners a wonderful opportunity to connect and exercise together. There will probably be a few celebrities running as well.

The Vermosa Green Run is unique because it allows participants and guests to pursue their passions while taking advantage of Vermosa’s natural beauty, clear skies, and unpolluted environment.

“The abundance of wide-open spaces, lush greenery, flat and rolling terrain and well-constructed walkways at Vermosa offer both challenges and rewards for runners,” said Vermosa Project Development Manager Moses John Aragones.

“There is also scientific evidence that running outdoors is very beneficial. Doctors say it lessens feelings of isolation, anxiety and stress because running outside is a happy feeling. Powerful hormones that boost mood and combat depression are released especially when you run outdoors. Being out in nature is very calming, and at Vermosa you are surrounded by nature everywhere you go,” added Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub General Manager Lani Tan, who is a sports and fitness enthusiast herself.

Organized by Pinoy Fitness, The Green Run will give proceeds of the Run to Haribon Foundation’s Adopt-a-Seedling Program. Runners and guests get a chance to protect the environment by recycling their plastic bottles at the Sun Life ReCycle PH machine on-site where every bottle donated can earn participants points which can be exchanged for prizes.

Green Run’s exclusive non-life insurance partner, FPG Insurance, will also provide all race participants with a 1-month Personal Accident (PA) insurance coverage, ensuring their safety and peace of mind throughout the event.

Ms. Tan said Vermosa Estates plans to hold the Green Run every year because of Vermosa’s commitment to actively promote sport and an active, healthy lifestyle.

“Our Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub, a state-of-the-art professionally–managed sports facility that has a FINA-standard Olympic size pool, a warm-up pool, an IAAF-standard 400m track oval, a football pitch, athletes’ lounge and a Sante Fitness Lab, all speak about our commitment to fitness, health and overall wellness as well as the development of Philippine sports,” Tan said.

Alaxan, Milo Philippines, SunLife, JGO Mart, DoggoFlask, Pocari Sweat and Immuntab, Oishi, Seda Hotel Nuvali, Merrell, Fitbar, Runnr, Toby’s Sports and O Wow, this year’s sponsors of The Green Run include SS Mnl Pet Store and Healthway Qualimed Hospital Santa Rosa.

Vermosa Estate’s entertaining and nutritious Green Run will return on June 25 in response to persistent popular demand, this time with more goodies and surprises for both serious and casual runners. “We’re Back And Greener Than Ever” is the theme for this year.

The Run encourages a healthy, active lifestyle while celebrating the splendor of nature. This year, it’s even more enjoyable because dog owners can now run alongside their four-legged children, furry pals, and family members, providing them all a wonderful opportunity to connect, get in shape, and have a memorable experience.

Vermosa Green Run 2023 will also feature four more running competitions for runners of all fitness levels in addition to the 1KM Dog Run. Athletes of all levels can pick from the 21K, 10K, 5K, 3K, or 1K Dog Run at Vermosa, including competitive athletes, athletes in training, weekend runners, fun runners, fitness enthusiasts, family, and friends. At this year’s Green Run, athletes, dog owners, and celebrities are all expected to participate.

Following its success in 2022, Green Run is organized and brought to life by Pinoy Fitness, a running, fitness and multisport event organizer. Proceeds of the Run will go to Haribon Foundation’s Adopt-a-Seedling Program, to build a greener tomorrow. Moreover, runnersand guests can help protect the environment by recycling their plastic bottles at the Sun Life ReCycle PH machine on-site. Every bottle donated can earn participants points which can then be exchanged for prizes.

Green Run’s official non-life insurance partner, FPG Insurance, will also provide free group personal accident insurance to runners who register for the race.

“One of the major enticements to run The Green Run is the breathtaking scenery and the abundant foliage throughout the 750-hectare property. Running in a green, wide open environment is extra motivating and beneficial to physical and mental health,” says Monch Henares, award-winning journalist and motoring/travel blogger.

“Open spaces, wide pedestrian walkways, bicycle and jogging lanes that wind through Vernosa make the running both memorable and inspiring,” says Arabelle Jimenez, lifestyle blogger, travel writer and swimming coach who regularly runs in Vermosa for fitness and fun.

Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub General Manager Lani Tan, a sports and fitness enthusiast herself, said holding The Green Run yearly is part of Vermosa’s long-term plan because the Estates actively promotes sports and an active, healthy lifestyle.

“Our Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub, a state-of-the-art professionally–managed sports facility that has a FINA-standard Olympic size pool, a warm-up pool, an IAAF-standard 400m track oval, a football pitch, athletes’ lounge and a Sante Fitness Lab, all speak about our commitment to fitness, health and overall wellness as well as the development of Philippine sports,” Tan said.

Vermosa Project Development Manager Moses John Aragones, says “Last year, we encouraged people to re-enjoy the outdoors after years of being cooped up at home due to the pandemic. This year, we want to build on that newfound appreciation by inviting people to develop a habit for fitness and wellness. Physical activities like running really boost our immune system by providing more refreshing experiences that reduce stress. The abundance of wide-open spaces and state-of-the-art sports facilities at the Sports Hub, make The Green Run a once-a-year activity to look forward to as a mental and physical health booster.”

This year, Merrell Shoes, Milo, Fitbar, and Pocari Sweat all support The Green Run.

Those who are interested in participating in The Green Run can sign up at Toby’s or Runnr stores  or online at ayalaland.myruntime.com.

The largest cleft-focused nonprofit in the world, Smile Train, will travel to London for the TCS London Marathon with its renowned endurance fundraising campaign Team Empower. Tim Yap and Javi Martinez, a celebrity couple, along with 50,000 other runners, along with businessmen and legislator Cong. Sam Verzosa decides to take on the 26.2-mile course’s challenge for a worthwhile cause.

“The genuine compassion and sustained service of our Smile Train ambassadors have been an essential part of our success today. Their collective efforts have helped give patients access to the care that they deserve and have extended the organization’s reach in providing safe and quality cleft treatment. We are grateful to Tim, Javi, and Sam for furthering their advocacy and pledging their commitment to this cause,” said Southeast Asia Vice President of Smile Train Philippines, Kimmy Coseteng-Flaviano.

Maximizing fundraising potential with Team Empower

Over £1 billion has been donated at London Marathon events since 1981, maximizing profits for global charities. The marathon’s motivating events have helped participants raise money for causes ranging from brain research projects to children’s organizations to breast cancer awareness campaigns.

Smile Train, one of the charities, strengthens its commitment to volunteerism and ensures that every child has the opportunity to lead a full and productive life. Together with 20+ other runners from other countries, Smile Train Team Empower will be represented by eventologist Tim Yap, his partner and events director, Javi Martinez, as well as Frontrow CEO and Congressman Sam Verzosa.

“For years now, I have been committed to supporting Smile Train’s cause and helping improve the lives of children with cleft. This cause is very personal to me and what drives me the most is my realized purpose and goals of helping the organization reach more patients in need of treatment. I want to finish strong and with my partner Javi by my side as well as my dear friend Sam, my confidence has greatly multiplied,” shared Yap when asked about his motivations for joining the marathon.

Miss Universe 2015 and fellow Smile Train ambassador Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach is one among the group’s ardent supporters. The beauty queen supported the cause and invited supporters to cheer on her friends in the forthcoming marathon. She has long served as a spokesperson for Smile Train and Team Empower at several fundraising events.

“All this support is what makes Smile Train’s programs grow stronger throughout the years. Apart from comprehensive patient treatment, Smile Train also empowers medical professionals and local hospitals with all-around high-quality cleft care. Combined efforts have allowed the organization to go beyond surgery and allow children with cleft to not just live normally, but to thrive,” concluded Flaviano.

Visit the Smile Train website at www.smiletrain.org and the Facebook page for Smile Train Philippines at www.facebook.com/SmileTrainPhilippines for additional details on the organization’s projects and efforts.

In a press conference held at Eurotel Vivaldi on March 28, 2023, the partnership between the two prestigious hotels and the UP Women’s Volleyball team was commemorated, Global Comfort Group Corporation (GCGC), the management company behind Eurotel and Hotel Sogo, vowed their unwavering support to the University of the Philippines Women’s Volleyball Team (UPWVT).

Media representatives from several publications as well as Prof. Francis Carlos Diaz, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the UP CHK Foundation, Inc., a representative of UP, attended the press conference. Additionally present were Ms. Sue Geminiano, Corporate Marketing Manager, Ms. Mariel Quinto, Eurotel Ads and Promo Manager, and Mr. Francis Bernardino, Hotel Sogo Ads and Promo Manager, as well as Ms. Mozzy Ravena, Team Consultant/Team Manager of the (UPWVT), Mr. Shaq Delos Santos, UPWVT Coach, and the GCGC team.

The press conference was attended by media representatives from various outlets, as well as UP representative Prof. Francis Carlos Diaz, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the UP CHK Foundation, Inc. Also in attendance were Ms. Mozzy Ravena, Team Consultant/Team Manager of the (UPWVT), Mr. Shaq Delos Santos, UPWVT Coach and the GCGC team, including Ms. Sue Geminiano, Corporate Marketing Manager, Ms. Mariel Quinto, Eurotel Ads and Promo Manager, and Mr. Francis Bernardino, Hotel Sogo Ads, and Promo Manager.

During the press conference, GCGC expressed its commitment to support the UP Women’s Volleyball team in their upcoming games and tournaments. The two popular hotel chains have pledged to provide a substantial donation to the team, demonstrating their commitment to supporting sports development and gender equality in athletics.

The UP Women’s Volleyball team is widely regarded as one of the country’s most exceptional college volleyball programs, producing highly skilled players over the years. The team’s advocacy for gender equality in sports has also made it a respected institution among many.

This recent commitment from Eurotel and Hotel Sogo will aid the team in their travel expenses, training facilities, and equipment needs, allowing them to continue competing at the highest levels of college volleyball.

The UP community expressed their gratitude for the collective effort of their coaches, the perseverance of all their athletes, and the support of Eurotel and Hotel Sogo.

According to Ms. Geminiano, GCGC is committed to providing the team with the necessary resources to help them achieve their goals. “We consider ourselves as the first brand who sponsored such team considering na UP ito. Unibersidad ng Pilipinas so sobrang proud kami na nagsponsor kami sa inyo. I understand everybody knows about our standing, pero wag niyo isipin iyon dahil ang mas mahalaga samin yung perserverance ninyo, and yung willingness niyong manalo. Nakita ko kasi ang UP players, they are so daring, their drive to give the best. Hindi kayo yung tipong pag nalalamangan na eh parang nawawalan na ng gana. That is really something to be admired. I really find you guys still humahabol, and that’s the spirit of it“. she said. 

Dean Diaz expressed his gratitude to Hotel Sogo & Eurotel for their support, saying that it will go a long way in helping the UP Women’s Volleyball team achieve its goals.“Kami sa UP ay sobrang natutuwa dahil tayo ay narito ngayong hapon upang ilungsad formally ang commitment to support ng Global Comfort Group Hotels or GCGC sa ating UP Women’s Volleyball Team. The finer points of the sponsorship would come in eventually but it is really what we’re celebrating this afternoon for the context is the strengthened and formal show of support for the Women’s Volleyball Team of the Eurotel and Sogo Hotel with the collective effort of our coaches, the perseverance of all our athletes, and the support now of these 2 brand hotels, we think that this is the missing link para magpatuloy doon sa isang successful program, ang ating UP Women’s Volleyball Team”.

With this partnership, the UP Women’s Volleyball Team will have the necessary resources to continue its success and compete at the highest level of college volleyball. The UP community is confident that this collaboration with Eurotel and Hotel Sogo is the missing link that will help propel the team to even greater heights.

“There are always challenges, hurdles, and humps, but the team that cares together gives so much respect to one another and perseveres and tries to do everything they can to help the team, in the end, would be given a successful outcome. So that is always in our prayers, and that is always in our commitment to support and help all of our players here today. So with that, thank you again for allowing us to be with you this afternoon, and lagi nating sinasabi sa UP, UP Fight girls. Thank you! “added by Dean Diaz.

Ms. Ravena, Team Consultant/Team Manager of the UP Women’s Volleyball team, also expressed her appreciation for GCGC’s commitment to the team, saying that it will positively impact the players’ morale and motivation. “On behalf of our coaches and players, we thank you for supporting the team. You know, sometimes, it helps when someone believes in you. Lalo na pag player ka, pag may naniniwala sa kakayahan mo, tsaka ability mo, potential mo, tingin ko doon nagsisimula lahat eh. Hardwork na lang ang susunod. So sana masuklian namin ang kabaitan na pinakita niyo samin at support. And also, is this just the beginning diba? Of a long term relationship. So thank you everyone”. 

Coach Shaq Delos Santos also expressed his appreciation for the partnership. ” This partnership will provide a great opportunity for the team to improve and develop as athletes, kailangan makilala rin muna namin sila isa-isa, and then yung kaya nilang gawin, though right now sa UAAP, ano lang kami, fight lang nang fight. Kase yun lang ang kailangan namin. Di kami magstop especially meron na kaming sponsor na 100% susupport sa amin so maraming maraming salamat po, and we look forward to working with GCGC towards our shared goals.” he said.

The collaboration between the UP Women’s Volleyball Team and GCGC, Eurotel, and Hotel Sogo is evidence of the value of community support in attaining success. The club is poised to succeed in the forthcoming season with this dedication.

Knowing that their community is behind them, the UP Women’s Volleyball Team can now concentrate on sharpening their abilities and improving their approach.