At the final leg of the EastWest Dream Run 2025, more than 6,000 runners took to the streets of Filinvest City in Alabang to chase fitness goals and personal milestones. But among the finishers and festivities were three stories that stole the spotlight, not for records or rankings, but for courage, resilience, and the power of showing up.

They came from different walks of life: a team from Misamis Oriental who crossed islands to join the race, first-time runners from Tondo who dared to try something new, and a small dog on wheels who rolled her way into everyone’s hearts. Together, they embodied what the EastWest Dream Run 2025 was truly about: proving that no dream is too far, too small, or too impossible.

For Reinhurd B. Ipan and his fellow runners from the Balingasag Steady Pace Runners, the journey to the Dream Run began long before race day. “We saw a post about a running event that happened at Davao. The participants were so happy, the event was well organized, and most especially, the medal is so unique,” shared Ipan. After missing the Cebu leg, they decided to go all in for Manila: booking plane tickets, clearing schedules, and bringing their families with them.

Their training included a series of local and regional races across Mindanao, from 10Ks to a 50-kilometer ultramarathon. “We had to adjust a lot of factors, especially our schedules at our shops and had to spare some money for it too. We had to, because we've been looking forward to it.”

Race day, however, came with surprises. “We didn’t expect any uphills and downhills, not to mention we had to go through it three times. We thought it would be just a walk in the park!” Ipan laughed. “When we finally saw the finish line, I told myself, ‘Finally, we did it, we did what we came for.’ The crowd was amazing, and the medal speaks for it: the Dream Catcher.”

Their journey did not go unnoticed back home. “It was all congratulations from them,” said Ipan. “After we got back home, we wore the race singlet during our recovery run and it stood out! They told us, ‘Grabe, pumunta pa kayong Manila para diyan?’ Of course…it was our Dream Run.”

His message to fellow runners across the country? “Believe me…you’ll be surprised to see what you are capable of. It will be made more special when you run with your family and friends and finish together.”

From Tondo, Manila, more than a dozen students from Young Focus Philippines also joined the EastWest Dream Run. Though their race was shorter at just 2 kilometers, their journey was equally meaningful.

“I felt super happy,” said Charm, one of the participants. “I just told myself, ‘Okay, it’s fine to get slow, as long as I won’t get lost.’ Someone shouted ‘1K more!’ and I had to stop, grab some water, and pray. But by God’s grace, I finished.”

It was also a moment of personal growth for Leslie: “This experience really pushed me out of my comfort zone. I found myself trying things I used to be afraid of, especially when it comes to socializing. It reminded me that growth often starts with discomfort.”

For many, the run was a symbol of resilience. “Even though it was exhausting, you could feel that everyone wanted to finish strong,” said Marc. “That energy was contagious.”

Several students shared their dreams for the future. Solomon, an IT student, wants to give back to his family and community, while Owen dreams of working for a well-known car company. Clarence, who’s still figuring out his path, simply wants to graduate and make his family proud. Each one expressed a shared hope: that no matter how hard life gets, they’ll keep running, one step at a time.

Of all the runners at the Dream Run, one participant captured hearts simply by showing up. Liit, a French Bulldog, rolled through the 1K Dog Category with a smile on her face and wheels under her body.

Her name means “small,” but Liit’s spirit was anything but. A pet with disability (PWD), she lost use of her hind legs and now gets around with the help of a custom wheelchair. Her fur parent, an EastWestbanker, brought her to the race not just for fun, but to make a point.

“Liit holds a special place in my heart,” her owner shared. “Just because she’s a PWD doesn’t mean she can’t enjoy what other dogs do. Joining the Dream Run was our way of celebrating her strength and reminding everyone that you’re never too small or too different to go after what you want.”

Liit may not have crossed the finish line, but she lit up the track and lifted spirits along the way. Her presence was a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful wins aren’t about pace or distance, but simply having the courage to try.

The event marked the culmination of EastWest’s 30th Anniversary celebration and the beginning of activities for the Filinvest Group’s 70th year. The EastWest Dream Run brought together people and stories that rarely share the same space. Runners from distant provinces, kids from urban communities, and even dogs found common ground under one starting line.

Everyone moved at their own pace. What mattered was showing up and sharing the experience.