Cordlife’s One Blood: A Fight Against Leukemia

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Leukemia, one of the leading causes of death in the Philippines. Around 3,977 were diagnosed with the disease in 2012 alone. The mortality rate is at an alarming 5.3%. It is a silent killer among us that needs to be addressed. 

Stem cell transplant using cord blood is one of the treatments for leukemia. 

Cord blood is the blood that remains in the umbilical cord after birth. It contains the healthiest stem cells that can replenish blood, regenerate damaged bone marrow, treat blood cancers and correct genetic defects. It is also a potential source for cellular therapy and regenerative medicine. 

Through cord blood banking, families now have a chance to survive fatal genetic diseases like leukemia and other blood-related diseases.

On April 6, 2017, Cordlife presents a national advocacy to fight against leukema with the theme One Blood was held at the Grand Ballroom, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Ortigas. 

Cordlife Group Limited is an international provider of umbilical cord blood and cord lining services. It is also among the first to offer this service and technology in Asia. 

In February 2010, Cordlife Philippines was officially launched. It is the country’s first and only private cord blood processing and cryopreservation facility aimed to give the Filipino the chance to benefit from the advantages of having a readily available supply of cord blood. 

To create awareness on cord blood banking’s importance as an available standard option for families who may need stem cell transplant, Cordlife recently launched One Blood.

This national advocacy is in partnership with the Philippine Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine (PSMFM). 

Dr. VAlerie Guinto, President, Philippine  Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine

Arvin C. Faundo, MD FPSP , Medical Director. Cordlife Philippines

The Lacanlale Family, OneBlood beneficiary

Dimples Romana and Jolina Magdangal host the Cordlife's One Blood launch 

Under One Blood, free cord blood banking will be given to chosen pregnant mothers with family history of diseases or with family members with disease/s that can be treated by cord blood and who might be a candidate for stem cell transplantation. 

Other services that will be extended to the beneficiaries include: 

Transplant Care

Cord Blood Network

Cordlife Quality Guarantee. 

The Lacanlale Family, OneBlood beneficiary

To know more about One Blood, call Cordlife at (02) 3321888 or log on to www.cordlife.ph

Coca-Cola introduce Wilkins Delight

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This Wednesday, April 5 at the Mckinley Road events place, Coca-Cola adds color to your life with new Wilkins Delight,  the first water – flavored with real fruit juice, in the Philippines.

Beverage giant, Coca-Cola,  brings innovation to a whole new level, officially introduced the newest addition to the growing water portfolio of the Wilkins Brand. Wilkins Delight is an exciting water brand for young adults and anyone who want more than just water. It is just the right kind of light; made from pure drinking water from your most trusted water brand, Wilkins, and infused with fruit flavors from real fruit.

“Young adults hate boredom. They want their lives to be interesting and colorful.”, said Coca-Cola Philippines Vice President for Marketing Stephan Czypionka. “[They] want to see new places, meet new people and taste new colorful products that are not only healthy and hydrate, but also entertain their taste buds.”

It’s a colorful, fruity twist that hydrates your body naturally, while at the same time excites your palette and teases your vision with fun light colors of amber - for the Apple infused flavor, pink – for that hint sweet taste of Pomelo flavor, and orange – for that fizzy Orange twist. The hydrating burst of flavors in the new Wilkins Delight will surprise Pinoy millenials to break-free from the monotony by adding color to their routinely lives.

“This is why today we create a new generation of water – a unique fusion of all the natural benefits from your no. 1 trusted water brand Wilkins (Pure) and all the joyful goodness and fun extracted from real fruit– great refreshing taste, amazing colors, and an endless option of interesting flavors from fruits!,” added Czypionka.

Media attendees, Coca-Cola partners and some of your favorite millennials in the local scene who graced the event experienced an afternoon of breaking free from their usual ‘everyday’ routines and get to enjoy tons of fun and colorful activities! 

That’s not all as more surprises came with the reveal of the official TVC for Wilkins Delight along with the brand’s new powerful set of ambassadors – Kapamilya’s talented star Matteo Guidicelli and the Philippines’ very own Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa!

“As someone who's from the beauty pageant industry, I need to take good care of my health and my complexion by drinking safe and pure drinking water. With Wilkins Delight, drinking water gets even more fun as it helps rejuvenate me — keeping my skin healthy. The good thing about Wilkins Delight is that it comes in three exciting fruit flavors. All three variants of Wilkins Delight are delicious, although my personal favorite is the apple flavored one. There’s definitely one for everyone!”, Kylie says.

Matteo also shared how important water is in his every day routine especially with his busy schedule as an artist, and a sports enthusiast —

"As an actor, singer and triathlete, water is always a must for me to help me stay focused, refreshed and energized. Wilkins has always been my no. 1 go to water for hydration. Now, drinking water doesn’t have to be boring because of Wilkins Delight! With the benefits of safe and pure drinking water of Wilkins (Pure) combined with the infused flavor from real fruits, my daily water routine just got more colorful with Wilkins Delight!”, Matteo added.

Wilkins Delight comes in three exciting flavors! Pink Pomelo, Apple and Orange. Each rehydrates the body because of the water, and tickles the tongue because it has real fruit juice. Wilkins Delight is now available in 425ml pack at the suggested retail price (SRP) of P15 in your leading supermarkets, groceries, and convenience stores; and in 250ml pack for an SRP of P10 in your favorite sari-sari stores nationwide.

Add flavor to your water. Add color to your life. Enjoy new Wilkins Delight.

Camayan beach resort gears up for summer with new pool

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Scott Sharpe, SBMEI’s President and CEO, leads the ribbon cutting and blessing of Camayan Beach Resort’s new swimming pool adjacent to the Reef Restaurant. To cap off the event, a rescued green sea turtle was released back to its natural habitat after Ocean Adventure’s animal care team nursed it back to health.

Subic, Philippines -- There is something new in store for guests and tourists alike who will visit Camayan Beach Resort Hotel this summer --- a swimming pool with a great view of the bay. 

Adjacent to Camayan's the Reef Restaurant, the brand new pool has a total area of 116 square meters, with a depth from 3 to 5 feet, and is just a stone's throw away from Subic bay.

Scott Sharpe, President and CEO of Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium Inc. (SBMEI), the company that runs Ocean Adventure and Camayan Beach resort, said that the construction of the swimming pool is part of the company's offerings for the summer season. 

Sharpe said that "Camayan Beach and Ocean Adventure has been a cornerstone tourism attraction for the last 16 years", a testament to the enduring appeal of Southeast Asia's first and only open water Marine Park and beauty of the resort. 

"We've been working on this project for 40 years, and it took the founders 25 years to find this site, and now it has turned into something that Filipinos can be proud of and enjoy at the same time." He said. 

Sharpe added that "we have a lot of things to offer our guests, and activities that they can engage in here, including aquasports, and diving the shipwrecks of Subic Bay. Recently, we expanded the Camayan beach, installed shower stalls and added cabanas, and we can now accommodate more than 1500 people on the beach. We also have a new coffee shop, the Turtle's nest." 

Despite this renewed vigor, however, Sharpe explained that the previous management's target of opening the Adventure Beach Waterpark on April 1, 2017 is not feasible. 

"We are putting the construction of the waterpark on the fast-track, and we hope that we can open up the Adventure Beach Waterpark soon." He said.

James Arbizo, manager of Camayan Beach Resort, said that "everything that we're doing is part of the current management' s efforts to provide great experiences for our guests and clients. This is just the beginning."

The formal launch of Camayan Beach Resort's swimming pool was capped off by the release of a rescued green sea turtle by the animal care team of Ocean Adventure.

The management team of SBMEI and hotel guests participated in letting Wendy, a sea turtle that was rescued recently and nursed back to health, back to her natural habitat. 

Robert Gonzaga, SBMEI’s Corporate Communications Director, said that Wendy had undergone a medical procedure to remove a hook stuck in its throat and a wounded right flipper. 

"After allowing time for Wendy to heal, the release was made with the guidance of DENR region 3 and Ocean Adventure's animal care team. This is part of our advocacy, and we work in tandem with the Philippine government to address environmental issues also.“ 

Gonzaga said that the guests of Ocean Adventure and Camayan Beach resort can look forward to participating in such events this summer, including engaging in kayaking, learning to scuba dive or go for a Bay Cruise, as well as enjoying time away from the metropolis. 

Drive-Thru at Jollibee and drive home a Honda BR-V

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Imagine going on that road trip with family and friends, enjoying your favorite meals while behind the wheel of a brand-new SUV. This can now be a reality with Jollibee’s Scratch2Win promo!

Jollibee Drive-Thru customers are in for a pleasant surprise as they get a chance to win their favorite langhap-sarap treats and drive home a brand new Honda BR-V.  Starting this February until April 30, the country’s largest fast food chain is bringing a little more joy on the road by treating Drive-Thru customers to an exciting pool of prizes. With a minimum P200 single receipt purchase, customers will be given a scratch card where they can win Jollibee favorites like Yum Burger, Jolly Spaghetti, Peach Mango Pie, free drink upgrades, or one of five brand new Honda BR-V SUVs!

So whether you’re thinking of bringing home treats or just hungry for your Jollibee favourites while in traffic, head on to any of Jollibee’s 265 Drive-Thru stores across the country. 

Hurry and drive-thru now to enjoy your Jollibee fix and get more chances of winning your dream car!

“Be bold for change” : Novuhair Salutes All Women

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This year's celebration of International Women’s Month, Nutramedica Inc., encourages women to speak their mind and know their rights. Be it in society or otherwise, women have excelled over the years, creating a sense of socio-equality that every female across the globe shall be proud of.

This years’ theme is “Be bold for change”, a very subjective manner of approach to the present era where women are called to lead and influence. Novuhair calls for the same thrust.

Novuhair empowers the female population by improving their appearance thru self-help ideas on social media. Channeling their self-esteem and confidence to exude.

Sheila Mae Velilla, Nutramedica Inc. CEO & President 

Nutramedica Inc. itself is being led by a formidable woman, Sheila Mae Velilla, CEO & President. 

Ms. Velilla built the company from scratch, exerting much effort in product development and exemplary business & marketing acumen. Founded in 2004, Nutramedica was one of the first companies to market virgin coconut oil (VCO) in the Philippines. 

Today it is known for its comprehensive range of oral and injectable pharmaceutical lines, food supplements and cosmetic products.

At present, Novuhair has been awarded by Watson’s as the leading Medicated Hair Care Brand in the country for five consecutive years. The effectiveness of the product speaks for itself.

Novuhair is made with 19 natural ingredients that include moringa oleifera, panax ginseng, virgin coconut oil and the natural essences of rosemary and peppermint and almost 100% natural.

Novuhair nourishes the scalp and hair by increasing the flow of nutrients and improving blood circulation to the scalp. Novuhair also helps hydrate the scalp, maintain the hair’s natural luster and prevent early hair graying, hair dryness and itching. It also penetrates deep to rejuvenate the hair follicles, provides optimum nutrition to help combat hair loss and/or thinning of hair, improves blood circulation in the scalp which contributes to the stimulation of hair growth.

Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion, Shampoo and Conditioner are available in all Mercury Drug Stores and other leading drug stores nationwide. 

For more information visit www.novuhair.com, like the brand’s official Facebook Page at Novuhair Official, follow it on Twitter at @NovuhairNatural and on Instagram @novuhairofficial. You may also call the Novuhair hotlines at 4136570 and 09228830575 and order online at Lazada and regaloservice.com.

#NovuhairSalutesWomen #WomensMonth

MoneyGram Foundation, with Ambassador Robin Padilla Donates Books to Support Early Education in the Ph

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Education is the most important source of children’s development, it fulfills the role in forming their full persona in the country. For many, it is more necessary to invest on education due to its effect on the future country.

MoneyGram, a global provider of innovative money transfer services, through the MoneyGram Foundation, has reinforced its commitment to support early child education in the Philippines.

MoneyGram Foundation believe that education is at the heart of better economic opportunities, healthier families and individual freedom and empowerment.

Robin Padilla, MoneyGram's brand ambassador

With MoneyGram's brand ambassador, Robin Padilla, during a recent event at the University of the Philippines Integrated School (UP IS) in Pasig City, the MoneyGram Foundation donated school supplies and art, mathematics, literature and science books for the benefit of hundreds of school children.

Alex Lim, MoneyGram’s country manager for the Philippines

“There is no doubt about the positive impact of early education in the life of a child. By making learning resources more accessible we are children to learn and gain skills they need to transform their lives and the reality of their families,” said Alex Lim, MoneyGram’s country manager for the Philippines.

Books are from the US,  elementary and college, business, art books, social sciences, and others, about almost all subjects.  These are great for references And also, donating books are distributed to libraries.

Last Sunday, April 2, art workshop was held with UP IS students , media, and Robin Padilla , held at the Chan Lim Art Studio.

MoneyGram is well-known for supporting educational programs and activities worldwide that result in better economic prospects, healthier families, individual freedom, and empowerment. During last two years, MoneyGram has delivered school supplies to barrio schools in various Indigenous Peoples communities and built classrooms for school children in Central Visayas in the Philippines.

“We hope that by providing educational materials, we will inspire children to keep learning, keep dreaming and to grasp the opportunities that occur every day,” said Lim. 

“We are extremely grateful for MoneyGram’s generous contribution to the education of our youth. These books will help fuel their inquisitive minds to go further in their pursuit of knowledge,“ said Mr. Chito Angeles, University of the Philippines Head Librarian. “As educators, we hope that our students will be able to contribute to the progress of our society one day.”

The event was attended by Robin Padilla, MoneyGram's brand ambassador, Sabrina Chan, MoneyGram’s marketing lead for APAC, Joseph Consul, MoneyGram’s marketing manager for the Philippines.

University of the Philippines Integrated School (UP IS) is the country’s pioneer integrated school and the laboratory school for the University of the Philippines College of Education in Diliman, Quezon City. It offers education starting from kindergarten to a senior high school level. 

About MoneyGram International, Inc.

MoneyGram is a global provider of innovative money transfer and payment services and is recognized worldwide as a financial connection to friends and family. Whether online, or through a mobile device, at a kiosk or in a local store, we connect consumers any way that is convenient for them. We also provide bill payment services, issue money orders and process official checks in select markets. In 2016 MoneyGram received the “Remittance Product of the Year” award from The Asian Banker. More information about MoneyGram International, Inc. is available at moneygram.com

About MoneyGram Foundation 

MoneyGram established the MoneyGram Foundation in 2012 to help children around the world gain access to educational facilities and learning resources. Its mission is firmly rooted in the belief that education is at the heart of better economic opportunities, healthier families and individual freedom and empowerment. The MoneyGram Foundation is focused on inspiring minds and improving lives and grants funds to deserving organizations with this mission in mind. To learn more, please visit moneygramfoundation.org or connect with us on Facebook.

Advisory : PAL tells passengers: Be at airport 5 hours before departure

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MANILA - Philippine Airlines on Tuesday advised passengers of international flights to be at the airport up to five hours before departure in anticipation of long lines at immigration counters.

"Please come early in anticipation of long immigration lines," the flag carrier said.

Immigration officers have gone on mass leave to protest alleged non-payment of overtime work.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre, who said more than 30 personnel have resigned and 50 others are on leave, admitted that the problem may extend until the Holy Week.

Read full advisory below:

"Tinatawagan ng pansin ang mga pasahero ng Philippine Airlines na paalis patungong ibang bansa: Sikaping makarating sa airport (NAIA Terminal 2) para makapag-check-in sa inyong flight ng apat hanggang limang (4-5) oras bago ang takdang oras ng lipad dahil sa kakulangan ng tauhan sa Immigration counters na nagdudulot ng mahabang pila. Agahan po ang pagpunta sa airport dahil mahaba ang pila sa Immigration. Salamat po."

Manila International Aviation Authority (MIAA) General Manager Ed Monreal insisted, however, that they have a "contingency plan" to ensure normal operation despite the mass leave.

Ai Ai de las Alas won Best Female Actor at the 7th Queens World Film Festival in New York

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A great news for the Filipino entertainment world, as one of the great artists won an International award for an Indie Film. 

"This is the first time I won in an International Film Festival."

Ai Ai de las Alas, Always A Queen.

Martina Eileen delas Alas, professionally known as Ai-Ai delas Alas,  actress and dubbed as the "Philippine Queen of Comedy"

When people are asked what’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the name Ai Ai Delas Alas, you will be amazed they have the same answer- Comedy Queen and a great actress.

Indeed. There is no question about that. She has traveled far and wide to be where she is now. The Comedy Queen.

Ai Ai has become a household name. People laugh when she laughs. They cry when she cries

Ai Ai has the power to make you roll when she cracks jokes, and cry when she does. She can be both serious and playful. On screen, she can switch roles with ease - from serious to funny, tragic to happy.

Ai Ai delas Alas was recently named Best Female Actor at the conclusion of 7th Queens World Film Festival in Astor, Queens, New York on March 19, 2017 for her dramatic portrayal as an aging prostitute in the indie film "Area," besting Karin Hanczewski, Dorothea Hagena and Amy Redford, daughter of actor Robert Redford.

“Area” 

The film, which stars Ai Ai Delas Alas, set on a whorehouse in Pampanga dubbed an “area” in which aging prostitutes either wither away or limp to finally escape prostitution.

Ai Ai is truly a queen. Countless times she has proven her grit that she is a bombshell wherever and whatever instance she maybe.

Jurors of the Queens World Film Festival were spellbound by her portrayal in the movie. Her character showed the real truth of the state of prostitution in the country and even in other parts parts of the world.

Ai Ai says that she was not optimistic to get an international award because there were 156 great international movies in the competition.

"Area" is not Ai Ai Delas Alas’ first foray into indie filmmaking. She has starred in Nick Olanka’s 2014 film Ronda as a police officer who tries to look for her missing child.

But truly as the old saying goes, "when it rains, it pours." And with Ai Ai, everything is rosy in the home front, in her love life and in her career. (Ai Ai stars in the forthcoming Regal Films Mighty Yaya and will be working in a movie under Star Cinema soon. She is a mainstay in GMA 7's Hay Bahay and Sunday Pinasaya)

But through all these years, her stardom never consumed her totality. She is still the same Martina Eileen family and close friends knew, the same Martina Eileen who just wants to be happy and be surrounded with people she loves.

And everybody knows she works hard for her family, who not only is an inspiration, but the reason for being.

The Empowered and Inspiring Women Of ABS-CBN Teleseries

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Stories have the power to affect how we see ourselves, and as female viewers, we are often drawn to characters whose qualities we find endearing and relatable.

This explains the success of ABS-CBN teleseryes, which prominently feature strong female leads with characteristics, struggles, and journeys we can identify with, but inspire us to be better and empower us to achieve our full potential.

To commemorate National Women’s Month, let us take a look at some of the women in Kapamilya teleseryes who serve as positive role models to viewers of all ages:

1. Lola Flora of “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano”

Filipinos have strong family ties and would do everything for their loved ones – a cultural Filipino value that is clearly exemplified in the family of Lola Flora (Susan Roces) in “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.” Tough but compassionate, “Lola “Kap” heads not only her own family, but also their whole community as the captain of their barangay. Despite having faced different adversities, she remains as the source of strength for his grandson Cardo (Coco Martin) as they continue to seek justice for his father and twin brother’s death.

2. Gloria of “The Greatest Love”

There is no greater love than a mother’s love, and Gloria (Sylvia Sanchez) is a true testament to this. She loves her children selflessly, only wants the best for them, and has protected them from the dark secrets of their family that could hurt them. And despite having Alzheimer’s disease and her fading memory, she still tries to fulfill her duty as a mother to keep her family intact to the best of her ability.

3. Camille of “The Better Half”

Camille (Shaina Magdayao) went through the most challenging time in her life when she lost her husband Marco (Carlo Aquino) in a plane crash. But her grief did not stop her from picking up the pieces and moving on from her tragic past. However, fate is once again testing her strength, now that she knows Marco is still alive but now married to Bianca (Denise Laurel). Camille’s battle is not yet over but she is definitely far from giving up!

4. Clara of “My Dear Heart”

Teacher Clara (Bela Padilla) is an all-around woman. She works hard for her family, especially for her daughter Heart (Heart Ramos) who has congenital heart disease. Aside from being a mother, she also supports her husband Jude (Zanjoe Marudo) in all his endeavors, fulfilling her duties as his wife. Her parents and siblings’ needs are also part of her priority list. With the unconditional love she has, she is able to juggle all her responsibilities with an open heart.

5. Andeng of “A Love to Last”

Her family’s breadwinner, Andeng (Bea Alonzo) worked hard to reach her dream of becoming a successful event organizer. She may have stumbled after catching her fiancé having an affair, but her dreams for her family motivated her to move on and brave life’s challenges.

6. Ivy of “Wildflower”

Ivy (Maja Salvador) may look sweet and fragile but she knows when to fight back and defend herself when threatened. After the atrocity her parents had faced under the hands of the Ardientes, Ivy, formerly known as Lily, learned to stand up for herself and show that a woman with a mission is not easily toppled.

7. Lala of “Langit Lupa”

Despite being a single mother, Lala (Yam Concepcion) raised her daughter Princess (Xia Vigor) to be a smart young girl with a heart filled with love and joy. However, after her ex-husband Ian (Patrick Chavez) resurfaced, their lives became complicated, especially for their daughter. But Lala made sacrifices to put Princess out of her rift with Ian, making sure her daughter gets the love and attention she deserves despite the chaos around her.

Continue to watch the inspiring stories of these empowered Kapamilya women daily on ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN HD (SkyCable ch 167).

*ABS-CBN PR

5 Types of Destination Races Around the World ! And Boracay is one !

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Lifestyles of people around the world have indeed evolved as people have come to combine leisure with health and fitness in recent years. In fact, destination runs are now regularly organized worldwide.

If you’re looking to tick some places around the world off your bucket list, you can start with any of these.

1. WINE COUNTRY-RACE IN THE U.S.

The Wine Country Half Marathon would definitely suit racers who love to raise and drink a glass of wine. The marathon that is held in wine regions in the States including Santa Barbara, Virginia, and Oregon, among others, also offers a scenic view of vineyards for racers with a wine tasting session and music festival at the end of the marathon.

For more information, click here: http://destinationraces.com/

2. GREAT OCEAN ROAD RUNNING FESTIVAL IN AUSTRALIA

In the land down under, racers who want a view of the gorgeous beaches in Victoria, Australia are in for a treat with the Great Ocean Road Running Festival that happens in a picture perfect coastal highway. The marathon also offers a variety of race categories including a Kids Gallop (1.5km) that is perfect for the family.

For more information, click here: http://www.greatoceanroadmarathon.com.au/

3. DISNEY-INSPIRED RUN IN PARIS

A Euro dream vacation gets an upgrade thanks to Disneyland Paris’ – Val d d’ Europe Half Marathon Weekend. Families and friends can participate in the race while channeling their favorite Disney characters. Plus, they can also experience a world-class Disney entertainment and take home special Disney finisher medals for a magical day of running in the happiest place on earth.

For more information, click here: http://run.disneylandparis.com/news/bookings-now-open

4. HAWAIIAN MARATHON IN HAWAII

Eyeing on a trip to the picturesque island of Hawaii? The annual Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon allows racers to see the magnificent view of the island’s natural wonders from its beaches to its volcanic peaks. Adding fun to the race are hula dancers and Hawaiian musicians for a certified Luau entertainment.

For more information, click here: http://www.thekauaimarathon.com/

5. BEACH RUN IN BORACAY, PHILIPPINES

For family and friends who have plans to hit Boracay this summer, a thrilling run on the powdery white sands of the island is what the annual SKYATHON beach run offers.

Organized by SKY Cable and RunRio, SKYATHON lets runners become heroes for Boracay by allowing them to take part in the coral reef planting a few days ahead before the run since coral reef rehabilitation is an advocacy that SKYATHON staunchly supports. In fact, part of the proceeds of SKYATHON will go to the Coral REEFurbishment Project of the Boracay Foundation to help restore Boracay’s damaged coral reefs and maintain the island’s pristine beauty.

SKYATHON will happen on April 22 at the Epic Beach Front (station 2). Aspiring runners can choose from a 3K (P500), 5K (P600), and 10K (P800) beach run. 

Online registration is open until April 10. 

For more information, visitwww.skyathon.com and www.runrio.com/skaython-2017.