Phil Star 9/24/2009

As part of its Greenology Campaign of heeding the call for sustainability, Ayala Malls continues its corporate thrust for sustainability by showcasing remarkable events that will surely capture the hearts of concerned mall patrons and environmentalists. Ayala Malls Group Senior Vice President and Group Head Marivic Añonuevo relates, “We have pioneered environmental programs in Philippine malls, and these programs have now become models in the industry. Now we’re affirming our commitment to Mother Nature by responding to the global call for sustainable living and sustainable environment. With Greenology, we have come up with an integrated approach to strengthen our environmental efforts and our campaign for sustainable development. And we would like our merchants and mall goers to be our partners in making Greenology a success.” At the tail end of this campaign is the most recently concluded ECO DASH: The Ayala Malls Environment Run held in Bonifacio Global City last September 13, 2009.

The run was open to all patrons of Ayala Malls, runners and non-runners alike. Participated in by over 3100 runners headed by Ayala Malls Group Senior Vice President and Group Head Marivic Añonuevo; Vice President and COO Rowena Tomeldan; and Asst. Vice President Javi Hernandez; the continuous downpour did not prove to be a deterrent for individuals across the Metro who want to take a step to save Mother Earth.

In its commitment to sustainability, Ayala Malls transformed ECO DASH into a means of creating awareness on the state of the environment. Participants were encouraged to donate at least 1 kg of commonly accepted recyclable items such as paper (white, colored or newspapers), aluminum cans plastics, used ink cartridges and PET bottles to get a P50 off on the registration fee. All recyclable materials shall be turned over to Bantay Kalikasan. Proceeds from the registration fees shall benefit Bantay Kalikasan and Children’s Hour.
The ECO DASH was graced by devoted supporters of the cause. Among these were Stores Specialists Inc. Executive Vice President Anton Huang and wife Nina, Leica Carpo with running mates, and TV host and interior designer Tessa Prieto-Valdes among others. Like any other fun run, all participants were considered to be winners among themselves.
The 3-km race in the male and female category listed third runner-up Carlito Fantilaga and Josafat Tabuno; second runner-up Milbert Nabuab and Christine Delfin; and first runner-up Adonis Lubaton and Maricel Yambao. The challenging 5-km race was not left behind with Kevin Solon and Michelle De Vera for the third place; Regie Lumauag and Hazel Madamba for the second; and winners Roldan Verano and Serenata Saluan.

Though challenging and intense for the most, 10-km runners finished the race with fulfillment. In third place were Abraham Barcase Jr. and Cinderella Agana; second were Roger Denolo and Meriam Miranda; and champions Jujet de Asis and Emma Magango. Meanwhile, the toughest yet most gratifying 21-km run was the highlight of the race. Clocking in 1:32:49 for the male third runner-up category is Edward Kho and 1:45:40 for the female was Leica Carpo; second in place were Reynaldo delos Reyes in 1:17:10 and Genevieve dela Peña in 1:43:02; and finally the leading champs of the marathon were Rene Desuyo finishing in 1:14:40 and Anna Vargas in 1:38:28.

The first male and female placers of the 21-km category received as much as P10,000 worth of Ayala Malls Electronic Gift Certificate (eGC), Timex watches and over P9,000 worth of gift certificates from RUNNR, Newton and Chris Sports. The 10-km champions for both male and female categories were awarded P8,000, Timex watches and over P6,000 worth of gift certificates from Nike Park and Chris Sports while the 5KM first placers received P5,000 worth of eGCs plus Timex watches and gift certificate from Fitness First. The 3-km champions took home P3,000 worth of eGCs, Timex watches and Bench Certificates worth P3,000.

Proving that age is just a number, oldest runner Antonio Botabara and youngest participant Dana Patrice Balondo received special prizes as well from Ayala Malls. Indeed, the Ayala Malls’ Greenology campaign is a true testament towards a cleaner and more eco-friendly environment. In cooperation with Bantay Kalikasan and Children’s Hour, with special thanks to its sponsors: Bench, Runnr, Newton, Nike Park, Chris Sports, Fitness First, Manila Water and Gatorade; Media partners – Run Radio on NU107, Manila Bulletin, Men’s Health, Women’s Health and Action and Fitness; the ECO DASH affair, definitely demonstrated that anyone can go for that extra mile (no pun intended) for Mother Earth.