THE PHILIPPINES, NOVEMBER 2011: In print, it was a festive night of costumes, concerts, and running. In person, it’s a mind-blowing spectacle that comes complete with adrenaline rush and non-stop partying, all while serving a greater purpose.
A yearly event hosted by adobo magazine, adobo Run After Dark filled Aseana City in Pasay with thousands of runners and party aficionados all rolled into one. Thousands of runners flocked the grounds, some of whom even came in their lavish Halloween costumes.
Both a serious run and a knockout party, adobo Run After Dark proved to be a hit, not just among admen, but also for people outside the marketing and communications industry. Aside from sweating it out in 3K, 5K and 15K courses, the runners and other spectators also got to enjoy a string of entertainment numbers which perked up the occasion.
Fire dancers, fire breathers and fireworks took the audience’s breath away with their fiery numbers while samba dancers, percussionists, and bands set the rhythm of the night with their musical performances. Food concessionaires were also present to attend to the runner’s hunger pangs, and to complement the free––and free-flowing––Manila Beer.
On its second year, the adobo Run After Dark would benefit Isang Litrong Liwanag (A Liter of Light) – the new venture of My Shelter Foundation. It is a lighting project that aims to bring the eco-friendly Solar Bottle Bulb to unprivileged communities nationwide.
Designed and developed by students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the Solar Bottle Bulb is based on the principles of Appropriate Technologies – a concept that provides simple and easily replicable technologies that address basic needs in developing communities.
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Sponsor
MyShelter Foundation was established by social entrepreneur Illac Diaz (left, center) to create a system of sustainability and reliability through its capability-building and employment-generating projects. Dressed as a handsome man-in-uniform, Diaz gamely challenged the runners to help his organization fulfill its mission of lighting 10,000 homes from 30 communities in 17 cities across the Philippines.
Racers at the adobo Run After Dark also walked away with more than bragging rights and party endorphins. They also took home top prizes which include cash and prizes.
Michael Villamor won in the the MyPhone 3K Costume Run Category, finishing the course in 8:02 minute, while Justin Tabunda reached the finish line in 13:47 minutes for the 5K category for the benefit Isang Litrong Liwanag. James Mibei, moreover, marked 44:50 minutes in the 15K category sponsored by Phiten.
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In the end, Jerome Estrobia (left) walked home PHP 10,000 richer after winning Best Costume. The 5K runner dressed donned a mudpack, shower cap and nightgown with the Grim Reaper hovering behind him, thanks to a metal frame that he carried on to his back the entire night. Lyceum professor Walter Lebajo (right) emerged a runner-up with his Fifth Element-inspired angel costume.
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After the race, runners chilled and relaxed with musical performances from Ebe Dancel (right), Root of Nature, Banda Circa, Jeepney Joyride, and GMA7’s Protégé band Isaw. Nyko Maca, Jonan Aguilar, Paul Zialcita and the Aqua Drummers (left) lent their beats and drummed up support with the Isang Litrong Liwanag anthem.
Organized with the help of Crush Communications, the adobo Run After Dark is presented by Meralco, McDonald’s, St. Luke’s Medical Center, Pocari Sweat, Manila Beer, Toby’s, Runnr, R.O.X., Video Sonic, Studio 58 Lab 10, Soleus, and MyPhone. Thanks to our media partners: The Philippine Star, The Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Business Mirror, Business World, Inquirer.net, sports magazines thebullrunner, Multisport, Frontrunner, Balls TV, and Mellow 94.7.
