When Marga asked me to join her in representing Run Radio to the press conference of this running event, I never thought that I will be learning not just about the race details itself but a whole lot more. Boy, it was a genuine press conference where the real media is in attendance and most of all, I was never even expecting myself to be moved to tears but I was! Why? Because my eyes were opened to the real meaning of the advocacy to rehabilitate the Pasig River.
the press conference was held at the Dolphy Theater of ABS-CBN
The press conference was hosted by Ms. Dyan Castillejo with presentations from Ms. Gina Lopez about the Kapit Bisig Para Sa Pasig and Mr. Rudy Biscocho regarding the race event. Musical numbers were also rendered by singers Apple and OJ of the show The Singing Bee, Laarni Lozada and a rap group called Sigaw ng Tondo who created a song for the Pasig River.
Ms. Gina Lopez (photo courtesy of ABS-CBN Corporate Communications)
"The Pasig River can still be saved", Ms. Gina is certain about that fact and we believe her
ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.’s Managing Director, Ms. Gina Lopez presented to us the facts, figures and stories behind their activities related to the Pasig River Rehabilitation project. It is more than just saving a dying river, it also is more about saving lives of our fellow Filipinos who found themselves illegally settling along the river. The video and the facts shared by her really moved me to tears. I was deeply touched and at the same time in awe at the advocacy that their group have taken-up to their shoulders.
Mr. Rudy Biscocho as he briefs us of the details of the race
Mr. Rudy Biscocho shared to us exciting details of the race event. Let me share to you folks the press brief and other details as provided to us.
PRESS BRIEF
The Philippine International Marathon 2009, A Run for the Pasig River goes to the starting line on November 8, 2009 at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila.
Organized by Kapit Bisig para sa Ilog Pasig (KBPIP) and under the helm of race director Rudy Biscocho, the run with categories in 3 kilometer, 5 kilometer, 10 kilometer and the full 42 kilometer marathon, aims to boost awareness about the project as well as raise funds to rehabilitate the Pasig River. A unique feature of the race is the 42K full marathon which can also be run by a relay team of 40 people.
The route has been crafted to provide the public a glimpse of the state of the river as well as challenge marathoners with its non-traditional route crossing nine of the thirteen bridges of the Pasig River, and with portions to be run alongside the river. Gunstart for the full marathon is at 4:30 a.m.
Gina Lopez, Managing Director of ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. one of the lead partners of KBPIP called on the public to show their support for the multi-sectoral effort to save the Pasig River: “The marathon is a step of faith. Together we can go the distance and clean the river.”
The Philippine International Marathon was established in 2000 by the Clean & Green Foundation headed by First Lady Mrs. Ming Ramos. In 2008, the Clean & Green Foundation passed the torch of reviving the Pasig River to ABS-CBN Foundation along with it the task of organizing the marathon as a fund-raiser for the effort.
The run is open to the public with a participation fee of P250. Corporate groups may also register as a team.
Free Running clinics will be made available for first time runners through the Pinoy Ultra Runners which is supporting the marathon.
Pre-registration forms are available at the Kapit Bisig para sa Ilog Pasig office at the 3/F ELJ Building. Interested participants may also call: 415-2272 loc. 3797, 416-1911 or email ilogpasig@abs-cbn.com.
AFI and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources through the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission signed a Memorandum of Agreement last March 2008 to co-manage the rehabilitation of the Metro Manila river basin, with initial focus on Pasig River and its tributaries. This gave birth to Kapit Bisig para sa Ilog Pasig, which was formally launched in February 2009.
OVERVIEW
|
Start/Finish Line |
Quirino Grandstand,Luneta Park, Manila |
|
Categories |
3k, 5k, 10k, Relay & Full Marathon 42k |
|
Age Limit |
6 years old and above |
|
Group Category (for relay teams) |
40 people/team |
|
Registration Fee |
P250 for individual; P10,000 for relay team |
|
Race Director |
Rudy Biscocho |
|
Event Management Team |
Gran Obra, Inc. |
BASIC MECHANICS FOR THE RELAY CATEGORY:
- Each group can have 40 pax/team.
- The relay will run the full length of the marathon route (42k) and divided into twenty (20) points divided into the following distance (km) in between points.
|
STARTING LINE to point 1 (2km) |
Point 10 to point 11 (2km) |
|
Point 1 to point 2 (2km) |
Point 11 to point 12 (2km) |
|
Point 2 to point 3 (2km) |
Point 12 to point 13 (2km) |
|
Point 3 to point 4 (2km) |
Point 13 to point 14 (2km) |
|
Point 4 to point 5 (2km) |
Point 14 to point 15 (2km) |
|
Point 5 to point 6 (2km) |
Point 15 to point 16 (2km) |
|
Point 6 to point 7 (2km) |
Point 16 to point 17 (2km) |
|
Point 7 to point 8 (2km) |
Point 17 to point 18 (2km) |
|
Point 8 to point 9 (2km) |
Point 18 to point 19 (2km) |
|
Point 9 to point 10 (2km) |
Point 19 to FINISHLINE (4km) |
3. Each point will be assigned to a prominent landmark or bridge along the marathon route.
GENERAL GUIDELINES:
- The full marathon and its sub-categories will be run under the technical supervision of Race Director, Rudy Biscocho and his team.
- Water stations will be situated every 2km from starting line to finish line.
To view other race information and final instructions, click here.
Race Route Maps/Details:
Download route maps : 3k / 5k&10k
Download 42k race details
Towards the end of the press conference Ms. Gina Lopez, gave a moving statement (although not verbatim) – “This run is a step of hope, a step of faith, a step of conviction and a step of love for God. If we run, we not just help transform the Pasig River, we also help transform the Filipino people.”
after a sumptuous Tamayo's catered lunch, we were able to personally meet and talk with Ms. Gina Lopez
For me the disappointment borne out of the postponement of this marathon event and the long wait was all well worth it at least just because of the goal that this aims to meet.
P.S. If you wish to contribute to the advocacy that is the Kapit Bisig Para Sa Ilog Pasig in your own simple way, you can send a text message – GIVE<SPACE>ILOG to 2366 for Globe, Smart, Sun, Talk n Text and Touch Mobile phones. Each message sent will give P1 to the project’s fund.
UPDATE
The following are the official registration centers for this race:
ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc.
Mother Ignacia Avenue,
Quezon City
Kapit Bisig Para Sa Ilog Pasig
3/F ELJ Building
Mother Ignacia Avenue,
Quezon City
Gold’s Gym
-Glorietta, Makati
-Alabang
-Robinson’s Galleria, Ortigas
-Wilson, Greenhills
Izod Boutiques
-SM City North EDSA
-SM Mall of Asia
-The Podium
-Trinoma
-Ayala Center, Cebu
-Robinson’s Place, Manila
-Gateway Mall
Race Office
Vasquez Madrigal Building
No. 55 Annapolis Street
San Juan, Metro Manila
R.O.X.
Bonifacio High Sreet
The Fort, Taguig City
Second Wind
88 Maginhawa Street
Teacher’s Village, Quezon City
Vanheusen Boutiques
-SM Megamall
-SM Southmall
-Gateway Mall
-Greenhills, The Shop
-Shangri-La Mall
Filed under: Event, Race, running | Tagged: Kapit Bisig Para Sa Ilog Pasig, Pasig River International Marathon, Pasig River Marathon, Philippine International Marathon, Piso Para Sa Ilog Pasig | 33 Comments »
