Turning Every Step Into a Gift for Filipino Youth
In the Philippines, fun runs are more than just about fitness—they’re about community, purpose, and heart. The EastWest Dream Run 2025 proved just that, gathering over 13,000 runners in Davao, Cebu, and Manila to raise funds for organizations dedicated to changing young lives.
This year’s event was extra special. It marked EastWest Bank’s 30th anniversary and Filinvest Group’s 70th year, making the milestone a double celebration of legacy and giving back. Each city had its own unique energy, but the mission remained the same—running not just for health, but for hope.
Beneficiaries That Inspire Change
Portions of the Dream Run proceeds were donated to:
Young Focus Philippines (Manila) – Empowering youth through education and values formation.
Asian Hospital Charities (Manila) – Providing vital medical care to those in need.
SOS Children’s Village (Cebu) – Offering long-term family-based care to children without parental support.
Padre Pio’s Home for Children (Davao) – Providing shelter, love, and guidance to abandoned and neglected kids.
Davao: Showing Up for Padre Pio’s Children
The series began on April 6 in Davao with nearly 4,000 participants. But the true highlight came days later, when EastWest’s Manila and Davao teams visited Padre Pio’s Home for Children, bringing not only financial support but also time and encouragement.
As Executive Director Sr. Floravy E. Raya put it, “Showing up matters. Sometimes all it takes to change a life is to be there, to listen, to care.”
Cebu: Heartfelt Moments at SOS Village
On May 4, over 3,000 runners gathered at City di Mare by Filinvest for Cebu’s first large-scale EastWest wellness run. After the event, the EastWest team visited SOS Children’s Village Cebu, where the donation will fund food, education, health care, and home maintenance.
Village Director Mario Victor Baang shared that the visit made a lasting impact, saying the children felt genuine care and attention—something that stays with them for years.
Manila: First-Time Runners, Big Dreams
The grand finale happened on June 15 at the Filinvest Event Grounds in Alabang, drawing over 6,000 participants. Donations from this leg went to Young Focus Philippines and Asian Hospital Charities, supporting programs in education, youth development, and medical care.
Ms. Grace Palanca from Young Focus noted how seeing their students run with determination embodied their mission—showing the world what’s possible when children are given opportunities.
Beyond the Finish Line
EastWest Head of Marketing Martin Reyes summed it up perfectly: “These young dreamers need more than encouragement. They need access, support, and opportunities—and that’s what the Dream Run aims to provide, one step at a time.”
The EastWest Dream Run 2025 might have crossed its final finish line, but its momentum lives on—fueling more dreams, more cities, and more lives touched in the years to come.