They came from opposite ends of the Philippines, united by one dream.
At the EastWest Dream Run 2025 in Manila, two extraordinary groups stood out, not for breaking records but for breaking barriers. A team of determined runners from Balingasag, Misamis Oriental, traveled more than 1,000 kilometers to be part of the race. Meanwhile, a group of first-time runners from Young Focus Philippines, a non-government organization supporting the youth of Tondo, Manila, laced up their shoes for their very first run.
Though they ran different distances and came from different worlds, both groups embodied the heart of the Dream Run’s message: “Dreams don’t know distance.
From Mindanao to Manila: The Balingasag Steady Pace Runners
For Reinhurd B. Ipan and his fellow runners from the Balingasag Steady Pace Runners, the journey to the Dream Run began long before race day. “We saw a post about a running event that happened in Davao. The participants were so happy, the event was well organized, and most especially, the medal is so unique,” shared Ipan. After missing the Cebu leg, they decided to go all in for Manila: booking plane tickets, clearing schedules, and bringing their families with them.
Their training included a series of local and regional races across Mindanao, from 10Ks to a 50-kilometer ultramarathon. “We had to adjust a lot of factors, especially our schedules at our shops, and had to spare some money for it too. We had to, because we’ve been looking forward to it.”
Runners from the Balingasag Running Community in Misamis Oriental pose proudly after completing the EastWest Dream Run in Manila. Traveling over 1,000 kilometers to be part of the race, the group embodied the event’s spirit that “Dreams Don’t Know Distance.” Their grit, unity, and passion turned each step into a powerful statement of purpose and perseverance.
Race day, however, came with surprises. “We didn’t expect any uphills and downhills, not to mention we had to go through it three times. We thought it would be just a walk in the park!” Ipan laughed. “When we finally saw the finish line, I told myself, ‘Finally, we did it, we did what we came for.’ The crowd was amazing, and the medal speaks for it: the Dream Catcher.”
Their journey did not go unnoticed back home. “It was all congratulations from them,” said Ipan. “After we got back home, we wore the race singlet during our recovery run, and it stood out! They told us, ‘Grabe, pumunta pa kayong Manila para diyan?’ Of course…it was our Dream Run.”
His message to fellow runners across the country? “Believe me…you’ll be surprised to see what you are capable of. It will be made more special when you run with your family and friends and finish together.”
First-time runners with big dreams
From Tondo, Manila, more than a dozen students from Young Focus Philippines also joined the EastWest Dream Run. Though their race was shorter at just 2 kilometers, their journey was equally meaningful.
“I felt super happy,” said Charm, one of the participants. “I just told myself, ‘Okay, it’s fine to get slow, as long as I won’t get lost.’ Someone shouted, ‘1K more!’ and I had to stop, grab some water, and pray. But by God’s grace, I finished.”
It was also a moment of personal growth for Leslie: “This experience really pushed me out of my comfort zone. I found myself trying things I used to be afraid of, especially when it comes to socializing. It reminded me that growth often starts with discomfort.”
Young, rising runners from Young Focus Philippines beam with pride after finishing their first-ever fun run at the EastWest Dream Run Manila. Coming from the Smokey Mountain communities of Tondo, these young dreamers proved that no distance is too great when hope, courage, and opportunity lead the way. Following the run, a special program was held where EastWest presented a donation to Young Focus.
For many, the run was a symbol of resilience. “Even though it was exhausting, you could feel that everyone wanted to finish strong,” said Marc. “That energy was contagious.”
Several students shared their dreams for the future. Solomon, an IT student, wants to give back to his family and community, while Owen dreams of working for a well-known car company. Clarence, who’s still figuring out his path, simply wants to graduate and make his family proud. Each one expressed a shared hope: that no matter how hard life gets, they’ll keep running, one step at a time.
A Race that goes beyond the finish line
EastWest’s Dream Run promotes determination and a sense of community. “We believe in creating moments that go beyond medals,” said EastWest Head of Marketing and Cash Management Martin Reyes. “This run brought people together from all walks of life, proving that no dream is too distant.”
For both groups, those who crossed islands and those who crossed comfort zones, it was a race that marked not just distance, but destiny.
Because sometimes, the bravest step you take isn’t the one on the podium, it’s the one that gets you to the starting line.
