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38th Milo Marathon, 42k Milo elimination, fun run, half marathon, long distance running, marathon, Nestle, One Child, One Sport Campaign, running

Press Release: MILO, DepEd Partnership to Lead the One Child, One Sport Campaign and the 38th National MILO Marathon Press Conference, 19 June 2014

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MILO and DepEd Partnership to Lead the One Child, One Sport Campaign

Leading beverage brand MILO today announced its partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) for the One Child, One Sport campaign. One Child, One Sport will enable closer collaboration between MILO and DepEd as it consolidates their new and existing sports programs under one umbrella campaign. Anchored on the thrust to build a nation of champions, the program seeks to empower, mobilize, and inspire both the youth and their educators through sports and proper nutrition.

According to the 2011 Updating of Nutritional Status of Filipino Children conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), with the rise of interactive technology, children are becoming less engaged in physical activities that enable them to lead a well-rounded lifestyle. Concurrently, households have less time to prepare healthy meals that support overall wellness due to work and other factors.

“We are working closely with DepEd to raise awareness about the value of physical education and sports in bringing a wealth of physical and mental benefits and teaching life values that prepare schoolchildren for a successful adulthood,” says Nestle Philippines Beverages Business Executive Manager Sherilla Bayona. “One Child, One Sport is a program that encourages children to get into an active and healthy lifestyle and eventually lead them to sports.”

Bayona adds that providing access to physical education and various sports disciplines will not only shape the country’s budding athletes, but will also address the right of every Filipino child to learning opportunities for a better future. MILO and DepEd seek to engage 15 million schoolchildren aged 7 and above to become active and healthy champions by 2017.

MILO and DepEd will implement One Child, One Sport across ongoing and new sports programs in public schools in the country. One example of how OCOS will leverage existing MILO sports programs is the National MILO Marathon, which will continue to engage DepEd through its short distance race categories and the Help Give Shoes Advocacy.

Photo 1: Coach Rio dela Cruz addresses queries about the safety measures of the National MILO Marathon ; Photo 2: Ms. Sherilla Bayona explains the concept of One Child, One Sport campaign ; Photo 3:  Mr. Robbie de Vera responds a question about the R2 Running Clinics operating around Metro Manila ; Photo 4: Atty. Tonisito Umali discusses the importance of the After School Sports Program ; Photo 5 (L-R):  Coach Rio dela Cruz, National MILO Marathon race organizer; Ms. Sherilla Bayona, Nestle Philippines Beverages Unit, Business Executive Manager; Mr. Robbie de Vera, MILO Sports Marketing Executive; Atty. Tonisito Umali, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Education for Legal and Legislative Affairs; Mr. Andrew Neri, MILO Sports Marketing Manager ; Photo 6: Mr. Andrew Neri reveals new and exciting things happening in the 38th National MILO Marathon.
NATIONAL MILO MARATHON Marks its 38th Season this Year

Throughout the years, the National MILO Marathon has not only catered to professional athletes but also welcomed aspiring runners in the 3-K and 5-K distances where young sprinters have emerged as division winners.

The National MILO Marathon’s legacy lives on as it ushers the 18-leg event with the opening race in Baguio on June 29. The winners of this season’s National Finals will be given a chance to compete in the 2015 Tokyo Marathon. Last year’s victors Eduardo Buenavista and Mary Joy Tabal, will go head to head with the nation’s best to bag the top purse and claim the coveted spots in the esteemed international race event. Part of their prize for winning the 37th NMM in 2013, Buenavista and Tabal recently competed in the Paris Marathon in April 2014. The country’s biggest and most prestigious footrace expects 230,000 runners to participate this year.

The brand will also further the support for young Filipino talents by providing 16,000 underprivileged youth with brand new running shoes this year to reach the 50,000 mark through the Help Give Shoes advocacy. Help Give Shoes aims make the donation to students in Yolanda-hit cities, particularly Tacloban, Ormoc, and Eastern Samar. 

As local running community continues to grow in number, MILO is steadfast in encouraging Filipinos to run not only for victory and the thrilling experience but also to join its noble cause. Interested participants may process their registration, payment, and direct-to-home delivery of race kits online through the official MILO website.

Following the pilot race in Baguio (June 29), the elimination legs will resume in Dagupan (July 6), Tarlac (July 13), Angeles (July 20), Manila (July 27), Naga (August 24), Lucena (August 31), Puerto Princesa (September 7), Lipa (September 14), Iloilo (September 21), Bacolod (September 28), Tagbilaran (October 5), Cebu (October 12), Butuan (October 19), Cagayan De Oro (November 9), General Santos (November 16), and Davao (November 23). The National Finals will be held on December 7 at the SM Mall of Asia grounds in Pasay City.

The 38th National MILO Marathon is made possible by Timex, the Bayview Park Hotel Manila, ASICS, Lenovo, Manila Bulletin and Gatorade, along with endorsements from the Department of Education, Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.

For more information on MILO Philippines, log on to the official website (http://www.milo.com.ph) or the MILO Philippines Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/milo.ph). Follow MILO on Twitter (@MiloPH) and Instagram (@MiloPhilippines).
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About MILO
The MILO brand is the world’s leading chocolate malt beverage that can be prepared with hot or cold milk or water. Given its popularity it is a “must have” product for food service operators particularly in Asia, Africa and Oceania.
MILO also promotes participation in sports through its Summer Sports Clinics, MILO-B.E.S.T. Center Training Program, MILO Marathon, and MILO Little Olympics. The leading beverage brand believes that these contribute to the holistic development of Filipino champions in sports and in life. 2014 marks MILO’s 50th year in the country.
About the National MILO Marathon
The National MILO Marathon is an annual marathon event open to amateur and professional runners. From its humble beginnings in 1974 as a single marathon race in Metro Manila attended by 747 participants, the National MILO Marathon has grown to be the biggest, longest, grandest national running event in the country attracting more than hundreds of thousands of runners across the country.
The National MILO Marathon has grown into a globally renowned running event having been certified by the Association of International Marathons (AIMS) and International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), and hosts foreign marathoners from Kenya, Ethiopia, and other countries across the world. The race is organized by RunRio, Inc.
About Nestle Philippines
Over a hundred years after it first started operations in the country, Nestle Philippines, Inc. (NPI) today is a robust and stable organization, proud of its role in bringing the best food and beverage throughout the stages of the Filipino consumers’ lives. The Company employs more than 3,200 men and women nationwide, and is now among the country’s Top 10 Corporations.
Driven by its mission to nurture generations of Filipino families, Nestle today produces and markets products under some of the country’s well known brands such as NESCAFE, NIDO, MILO, NESTEA, MAGGI, BEAR BRAND, NESTLE and PURINA, among others. Its product range has expanded to include coffee, milk, beverages, non-dairy creamer, food, infant nutrition, ice cream and chilled dairy, breakfast cereals, confectionery and pet care. 
34th Milo Marathon Elimination Race, 42k Milo elimination, full marathon, half marathon, long distance running, marathon

Running in a Sea of Green: 34th MILO® Marathon Elimination Race

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34th MILO® Marathon
Manila Elimination Race
4 July 2010

Photos courtesy of Dr. Jun K. and Jhuvy from Takbo.ph

I signed up for this race with the thought of finally running a full marathon organized by MILO®, considered as the premier race of the metro. But with just barely two weeks before race day, some blogs were abuzzed with posts about the new route in lieu of the “classic route” known to most runners. Initially, I was kind of disappointed. I even commented in one of the blogs that I would run sans the excitement.

I was apprehensive how I would fare in this race given that my training was disrupted with some family concerns. I had to be honest with myself. I couldn’t do as much as compared to what I have done during the Condura Marathon. To qualify in my age category was already out of the question.

I consoled myself instead to finish it within the given cut off time, or, better yet finishing it in five hours, get the precious Milo medal, run it within the usual 6 to 6.3 min/km pace with no major cramps, and treat the 42K marathon as LSD for “ahem!” another ultramarathon. Gulp!

Dr. Jun Kagaoan of Vigan Tarayem Running Club, yours truly, and ultramarathoner, Mel

At the starting line, excitement was in the air. There were quite a good number of familiar faces and 42K runners. It started with stretching exercises. A multimedia presentation followed showing the new route to the delight of the crowd. It looked so easy with the arrow jumping from one flyover to the second one. Then I heard the gun being fired, signaling the start of the race.

I was doing fine during the first two loops (18.5KM). I was still strong even after passing the lively and supportive aid station provided by Takbo.ph volunteers. Takbo.ph administrators, Jinoe and Que, were also there to give support. On the third loop I could feel fatigue slowly seeping in my leg muscles.

Walking really is a “no! no!” for me. The first time I was forced to walk in a marathon was during the Pasig International Marathon last year (please read my previous account of my first marathon) where I could no longer even take a step and felt this fist-like muscle slowly crawling up to my butt. I suffered major muscle cramps then. And I didn’t want that same experience to happen again.

Though the recently staged Milo Marathon was marred by some runners who cheated, what I’ve experienced during the third loop and during the last seven kilometers was the exact oxymoron, that instead of seeing cheaters, they were act of kindness or good deeds from strangers who are also runners themselves.

The Runner in Red

As I was nearing the water station after that corner along Macapagal Avenue, this elderly runner, wearing a red singlet, asked if I were feeling OK when he saw me walking. He only continued to run after I assured him I was fine.

The Water Runner

A particular area along Macapagal Highway was both good and bad news for runners. Good: you could eat banana. Bad: no water. You had no choice but to run first before you could reach the next oasis.

My throat was dry after eating three slices of banana. However, there was this runner who smiled at me and offered his bottled water. Blessed him!

The Pusher

I dreaded the thought of not finishing within the cut off time. My legs felt heavy already. I had no choice but walk. And at times, I forced myself to run. I caught up with a runner whose strategy was to run/walk. That young runner named John, pushed me to run. Upon reaching Kalaw Avenue, I told John to leave me and run ahead.

The Instant Pacer

The last few meters toward the finish line, I was paced by Cyrus aka Cloudshocked of Takbo.ph. Whew! Thank you so much Cyrus!

Mission accomplished!

Random Thoughts After the Race

It was no easy route.

And the scorching heat!

I had blisters for the very first time.

My legs felt heavy.

My feet hurt.

My body ached.

I finished within the cut off time.

Train hard so you could qualify next time.

My third full marathon (freakin’ 42.195)

My second MILO® medal.

Speechless.

42k Milo elimination, fast running, long distance running, running

Third Milo Race, Third 21K

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Didn’t have enough preparation for the half marathon race. On top of that the weather the previous week didn’t cooperate. It rained when it was time to have a practice run. But that didn’t deter me at all.

Friday night, I had to meet Queenie to get my road ID but ended up in a Milo Support Group Meeting by takbo.ph runners. Though I didn’t know most of them, they’re a good bunch of people to be with. Had to leave early though since Friday’s the best time to get a good sleep before a race.

Takbo.ph runners meet for a Support Group strategy for Milo Marathon


L – R: Forefoot Runner, one of the active leaders/members of takbo.ph; Barracuda Running whom I haven’t seen since November 2008; that’s me

Wondering what made me look up and stare up at the ceiling

IT’S RACE TIME!

Woke up as scheduled and left the house in high spirits. Arrived at the venue with enough time to deposit stuff at the baggage area and do warmup exercises. As I was on my way to the baggage area, I saw Doc Lyndon. After exchanging pleasantries, off I went to the baggage area then jogged the remaining distance going to the starting line.

Inside the holding area, saw some takbo.ph runners. Team Logan (Craig and family), Run Unlimited and his wife Cristy. Bro J was also there.

Running in this race was a new experience for me since it was like beating my 10k PR two years ago and going beyond the 16k Yakult route. The other major challenge was going up and down two flyovers once again. “I wonder how how the 42k runners are doing by this time?” Just a thought of mine while waiting for the gun start.

Last minute instruction was announced by the race organizer. One thing that registered in my mind was the cut-off time for 21k–two hours and a half. “Can I beat that?,” I said to myself. Then, the gun was fired right on time.

As I’ve mentioned before, I rarely talk during a race. I do acknowledge a fellow runner by just raising my hand. Running past Baclaran area, one of the lady runners asked me why I was not in the 42k. I tried to answer her politely (even out of breath that time) that I was not ready to run that distance. To discourage further discussion while running, I had to slow down a bit and allowed her to run past me. Effective!

After the Heritage EDSA flyover, saw the 10k runners. Ahead of me was a familiar runner and I just said “hi”. I was caught of guard when from a group, a 10k runner tried to talk to me. “Oh no, not again!,” I said to myself. I had to shift gear (just like a car) and increased my speed (literally speaking). Hahaha! That runner was a classmate of mine during the Mizuno Running Clinic. Sorry classmate. Let’s chat when I’m not doing a race pace, please.

On my way to the second turn around point along Buendia, I saw Lonerunner doing his practice run. After a few minutes, a Milo car following a fast runner with a board on top of it showing race time 2:16, and with seconds ticking. I was pretty much below my target time.

Then I saw them. The bubbly takbo.ph support group who excitedly asked me what I want. I did ask for a bottle of water. Hearing them cheering was enough encouragement to run. Thank you takbo.ph support volunteers. You know who you are.

On my way back after the last turn around point, I saw them (takbo.ph) volunteers cheering, giving me so many stuff. Gene (Barracuda Running) I will never forget your stance! What spirit! What energy!

This photo was taken by Marvs as I was on my way to the Finish Line which was approximately 800 meters away. But that few distance seemed to be an eternity of running. One thing I couldn’t forget was Marving shouting at me, “serious!” Which means, I was not smiling when this one was taken. Thank you Marvs. I was dead serious to beat my Condura PR and the Milo cut-off time, you see. Reaching the finish line was a mixture of feelings–tired but happy. I made it! I beat my Condura by three minutes. Made it within the cut-off time! Run Unlimited and his wife Cristy were there to congratulate me. Thanks to both of you.

Taken with fellow runner/blogger Bro J whom I didn’t see since the VSO Bahaginan fun run last year. Thank you Bro J and congratulations for finishing strong!

Amazing day! It didn’t rain!

It was the first time to have a 21k event included in a Milo Metro Manila eliminations. Kudos to the race organizer! A pretty much improved race organizing! I take my hats off to the leadership of Mr. Biscocho and the Milo team.

(Photos Courtesy of Marvs, Rachel, and Bro J)