The CamSur marathon

Camarines Sur (CamSur) is once again proving itself as one of the most progressive provinces in the country through sports tourism. Voted as the number one tourist destination in the country in 2009, it was the venue for some of the most prestigious international competitions such as the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3, World Wakeboard Championships, Asian Wakeboard Championships and the International Dragon Boat Festival. The Caramoan Islands have also become home to several franchises (France, Bulgaria, Serbia, Israel, Turkey and Sweden) of the show Survivor.

This time, the province is gearing up for the CamSur Marathon on Sept. 26. CamSur Gov. LRay Villafuerte said, “This event marks another milestone in CamSur’s race towards a more progressive, pro-active and prosperous Bicol. This is slated to be the biggest and most prestigious marathon not just in the Philippines but in Southeast Asia with about 20,000 runners. Our finish line is not only to be known as the extreme sports and adventure destination in the Philippines but to transform sports tourism benefits to expanded basic services that are felt by the poorest among our poor. The Summit Water CamSur Marathon celebrates the new Camarines Sur. It symbolizes how far we have come and where we intend to be and we are proud to run this race with Gawad Kalinga.”

CamSur Marathon’s theme of Race to Rebuild the Nation was inspired by a conversation between Villafuerte and the founder of Gawad Kalinga Tony Meloto.

Meloto said, “Gov. LRay Villafuerte has been one of the most astute supporters of GK, recognized globally for his dedication and commitment. We are still in the race against poverty, malnutrition and unemployment. Together with Gov. Villafuerte, GK has been striving to wipe this out, step by step, through numerous projects such as this one. And so we are pleased with programs such as the CamSur Marathon that aids in rebuilding the nation. And we thank the governor because he has exemplified results and innovations in CamSur that have become true models for other provinces in the country. He just doesn’t walk his talk. In this case, he runs it.”

With a total cash prize of $50,000 or P2.3M, the biggest ever in the Philippines, the marathon is expected to gather over 20,000 participants for its 3K, 5K, 10K, 21K and 42K runs. It envisions to become as big as the New York and Boston marathons and will be joined by recognizable runners like Kenya’s John Mutai, Joyce Kandie and Simson Limareng, Ethiopia’s Asnake Fekadu and Dado Firehiwot and Great Britain’s Susan Harrison. As an effort to rebuild the nation, the Summit Water CamSur Marathon is intended to support the causes of Gawad Kalinga, the Organ Donor Card and the K.I.D.S Foundation.

To join, register online at www.camsurmarathon.com. Registration fees are from P400 to P900 depending on the race you intend to join. Online registration is until Sept. 12. Race packs will be delivered in between Sept. 19 and 24. Only international participants may claim their race packs in the CamSur Watersports Complex (CWC) from Sept. 19 to 24.

Recently, the Summit Water CamSur Marathon was officially launched at the Dusit Thani Manila and was hosted by Marc Nelson and Tricia Chiongbian. LRay said in his welcoming remarks: “From one of the poorest provinces to now one of the most productive, CamSur has really gone a long way. And it is because of the countless people who support our vision in rising above adversity, and finding opportunities to be at par with the best of the world. Our world-class sports amenities and accommodations will entice you to stay a little longer.”

Race director Rio dela Cruz also shared, “Participants can expect a fast and flat course, an equally fast release of race results courtesy of Chronotrack Timing Systems, adequate hydration in water stations located every kilometer and accurately placed kilometer markers to help runners pace themselves.”

One of the highlights of the Summit Water CamSur Marathon 2010 is the Gawad Kalinga “Bayanihan Run” category where participating groups will race as a team of 15 and commit to pledge to raise funds to build GK communities for the poor, with at least a minimum of one house to build an entire Legacy Village for a period of three months from June 24 to Sept. 24.

The Summit Water CamSur Marathon 2010 is presented by Summit Water. It is co-presented by Smart Communications and the Department of Tourism. Other sponsors include Timex, 100 Plus, Nature Valley and The Philippine Star.

20 years of banking connectivity

Bankers recently gathered at the Ayala Museum to celebrate the 20th anniversary of MegaLink, the first operational shared network in the Philippines. The affair was graced by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco Jr., who was joined by MegaLink board chairman and Banco de Oro (BDO) president Nestor Tan.

A highlight of the event was the signing of a memorandum of agreement, which now enables MasterCard, Maestro and Cirrus cardholders to access any of the 2,952 MegaLink ATMs nationwide. Spearheaded by BDO, the memorandum was signed by MegaLink president and CEO Benjamin Castillo and BDO SVP for transaction banking Jun Estela Jr. Bearing witness to the signing were MasterCard executives led by its senior country manager and vice president Poch Villa-Real, vice president for member relations and marketing Judith Dayrit and vice president for operations and member relations Anton Corro.      

Castillo said, “MegaLink is delighted with this development, which coincides with the celebration of our 20th anniversary. This will help extend MegaLink’s services to not just local cardholders but even to international cardholders, consistent with our vision of becoming a global player.”

Estela remarked, “Through the collaboration between MegaLink and MasterCard, we are proud to have played a role as a ‘bridge for convenience.’ MegaLink being the country’s pioneering ATM and financial services provider, and MasterCard, which advances global commerce by providing a critical economic link among financial institutions, businesses, cardholders and merchants worldwide, share our vision of a future that is built on excellence.”

Villa-Real added, “MegaLink’s established leadership in shared operational ATM network allows us to provide added convenience and value to our cardholders. This tie-up helps us reinforce our position as a driving force in worldwide commerce by fostering unique relationships among financial institutions, merchants and consumers.”