Filinvest Event Grounds in Alabang burst into color and excitement as more than 6,000 runners joined the final and biggest leg of the EastWest Dream Run 2025, marking the Bank’s 30th anniversary and the Filinvest Group’s 70th year.
EastWest’s founders took part in the event, with Filinvest Chairman Jonathan Gotianun lacing up alongside EastWest teams, partners, and customers. It was a proud moment that brought together decades of shared dreams, milestones, and everyday wins.
“It was an initiative that united thousands,” said EastWest CEO Jerry Ngo. “Manila showed up with its whole heart. You could feel the excitement from start to finish. It was everything we hoped for and more.”
There were race categories for every kind of runner, from the lighthearted 1K Dog Run to the 30K Dream Challenge. But this wasn’t your typical race. The finish line opened into a festive village that felt more like a weekend fair. After the run, participants joined a high-energy Zumba session while enjoying free taho and sorbetes. Loot bags filled with treats from Gatorade, Monde Nuvi, Salonpas, Gumtect, Chlorelief, Park Access, Rexona, and EastWest-branded items made the experience even more fun and rewarding.
Interactive booths from various EastWest units and sponsors like Filinvest Land Inc., Filinvest City, Crimson Alabang, Galinco, Mogu Mogu, Surge Fitness + Lifestyle, and WeTake Wellness kept the energy going and gave everyone something to enjoy throughout the morning.
The event was also made possible with the support of Mazda, among other partners who helped bring the EastWest Dream Run to life.
All participants received a specially crafted Dreamcatcher medal, inspired by the Bank’s brand line Your Dream, Our Focus. It served as a reminder to keep chasing what matters. Top performers from each category were also recognized for their standout finishes. Here are the winners who made their mark on the course:
1K Dog Top Finishers
| Female 1st: Clariza Tumesa and Birdie 2nd: Haydee Tabangay and Atorni 3rd: Patricia Natalie Reyes and Somi | Male 1st: Jojie Dagas-as and Storm 2nd: Moises Calastravo and Onzi 3rd: Ranelle John Vicente and Java |
2K Kids Top Finishers
| Female 1st: Althea Martinez 2nd: Rya Elize de Leon 3rd: Chrystin Jay Callos | Male 1st: King Agas 2nd: James Brua 3rd: James Daniel Dimaano |
5K Top Finishers
| Female 1st: Jo Punay 2nd: Wilma Nano 3rd: Mikhaila Maia Sophia Cordero | Male 1st: Mark Angelo Biagtan 2nd: Cavin Vidal 3rd: Kristoffer Troy Sison |
10K Top Finishers
| Female 1st: Bernadette Sales 2nd: Melody Lantad 3rd: Cristy Advincula | Male 1st: James Darrel Orduña 2nd: Takuya Nishio 3rd: Jaspher Delfino |
30K Top Finishers
| Female 1st: Edna Magtubo 2nd: Jennelyn Isibido 3rd: Roel Maestro | Male 1st: Eduard Flores 2nd: Edsel Moral 3rd: Vincent Arvin Avestruz |
PHOTO: Beyond the race, EastWest Dream Run Manila became a space for families, kids, and pets to relax, play, and celebrate. It felt less like a competition and more like a weekend hangout, with sneakers, strollers, and wagging tails all in the mix.
Beyond the podium finishes, the real spotlight was on the stories that unfolded throughout the day. There were families running their first race together, barkadas who trained for months, and everyday champions who showed up with grit and left with something more.
Coach Rio dela Cruz, head of Runrio and the creative force behind the event’s design, shared his thoughts on the grand finale. “Every leg had something special, but Manila was different. It was full of energy, full of heart. Nakakatuwang makita ang lahat ng tao na sama-sama sa goal na ‘to.”
“The Dream Run series may be over, but the spirit it sparked will carry on,” said Ngo. “This year was about finding new ways to connect with the people who believe in what EastWest stands for. That connection doesn’t stop here. We’re looking forward to bringing this experience to more cities and turning it into a tradition our communities can look forward to.”
To know more about EastWest’s community and wellness initiatives, visit www.eastwestbanker.com.
