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,” said 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 of 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 the 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 Jovi Abad, VisMin consumer loans head, 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 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.
