Hong Kong-based overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are going all-out in showing their support for the first-ever “Laban ng Lahi” global team marathon challenge, whose international qualifying tournament is set for October 29, 2017.
Throngs of OFWs participated during the formal launching of the event last September 17 (Sunday), which was held at the Statue Square in Central, Hong Kong. After expressing their commitment to help the project succeed, the members of the community had a sumptuous feast over lechon – a Filipino delicacy they must have missed after many years.
The former British colony is one of the three overseas locations chosen as a venue for the international qualifying tournament, together with South Korea and Thailand.
In an interview with The Filipino Scribe, event organizer Joenel Pogoy noted that the OFW community in Hong Kong are very supportive of the event because of its stated objectives. “They are energetically joining ‘Laban ng Lahi’ because they want to be recognized as the first overseas Filipino community that will directly contribute in enhancing the country’s image through sports tourism,” Pogoy said.
(Photo credits: Camboayon Sports Events Management)
Apart from the big cash prizes, participating teams can provide livelihood for as much as 2000 households through the so-called “itikan love project” for those living in communities they represent. ‘Laban ng Lahi’ also seeks to help in the rehabilitation of homes devastated by the conflict in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur by donating one house worth P1 million from the territorial ticket proceeds.
There is also a raffle promo where participating OFWs can have the chance to become a lifetime franchise owner of a Jollibee fast food or 7/11 convenience store. “They used to be mocked as mere ‘kunyangs,’ but through ‘Laban ng Lahi,’ they can become franchise owners!” Pogoy said. “They may be working tough jobs abroad but through this project, we will show them that they can still do a lot in helping their countrymen have unity,” he added.
Pogoy pointed out that the enthusiasm of Hong Kong OFWs should serve as a challenge to all the local teams participating, including the Philippine Army Runners, DENR Green Warriors, among others. “If they don’t have the best training and preparation for the December 12 final round, the Hong Kong team will eat them alive!” he said.
(Photo credits: Camboayon Sports Events Management)
“Laban ng Lahi 2017” is organized by Camboayon Sports Events Management (CSEM) in partnership with various sponsors including Du Ek Sam Marketing, Inc., Summit Mineral Water, the group Tanjay Runners And Striders (TRAS), and the Tanjay City local government, and many other sponsors.
The complete mechanics can be read through this link. Interested parties may send their queries to info@camboayonpfs.com. Please visit the Facebook page of Camboayon Sports Events Management for more details and the latest updates.
Interested in the event?
The registration fee per participant is P550 for 5-K runners and P700 for 10-K runners. It will cover one racing rib, a singlet, a light meal, as well as raffle tickets. Payments can be made through:
BDO (Banco de Oro)
Account name: Camboayon Sports Events Management/Joenel Pogoy
Checking Account: 0012-5801-2726
Bank of the Philippine Island (BPI)
Savings account: 2176-4458-14 (No Charge)
Pera Padala to any of the contact persons below:
For Luzon and Metro Manila-based runners:
Joenel Pogoy (0956-8337617 and 0932-4305772)
Jacqualine Floresca (0920-1187235)
Liane Marikarr Dala (09064637060)
For Cebu-based runners: Geoffrey Villamor (0917-3084638)
For other Visayas-based runners: Marc Mena (0926-2224641)
For Mindanao-based runners: Mon Quiocho (0917-8364777)
UPDATE: A press conference to formally kick off the Cagayan de Oro leg of the ‘Laban ng Lahi’ international qualifying tournament is scheduled for October 7, 2017 at the Dear Manok Restaurant in Cagayan de Oro City.
