One of the things that definitely makes working out fun is doing it with a buddy. Whether you're accompanied by a friend or family member, physical activities seem to get easier if someone's with you to finish the journey with. 

This July, Robinsons' Supermarket once more proved that pursuing a healthy and active lifestyle is very much possible with the success of the 10th Fit & Fun Wellness Buddy Run held yesterday at the Parade Grounds of Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

I love this particular annual running event because it encourages participants to partner with a loved one in running together towards the finish line. This is my third time to join and I am grateful for the opportunity to be with my family in doing an activity I have personally grown to love. 

Like last year, my youngest son and I teamed up to run 5k while pushing our special child's wheelchair while hubby and our second son, both barefoot runners, once more tackled the 10k distance together. We caught up with each other along the race route and happily took a groufie I posted on Instagram.  

It was so great to see several blogger friends join the race for the first time with their significant others. I am really glad they had fun and hope that they would continue to incorporate running in their fitness regimens from now on. 

Mr. Jody Gadia, general manager of Robinsons Supermarket, affirmed how much the Fit & Fun Buddy Run has become a much-anticipated event through the years. "It's our kick-off as we celebrate Wellness and Nutrition Month with the nation. It provides a fun gateway activity for fitness newbies who are just about to start their wellness journey and loyal runners."

On stage, Gretchen Ho and Robi Domingo served as hosts while coaches Jim and Toni Saret led pre- and post-workout sessions to help keep runners' adrenalin pumping. The fit couple also invited everyone to register on-site for the Fit Filipino 1 Million Pounds National Weight Loss Challenge. This is the biggest on-ground and online wellness program in the country that encourages everyone to pledge their unwanted pounds and lose weight by December. Know more about it, here. 

Adding to the fun were various booths that offered freebies from Nestle Philippines, Johnson & Johnson, Fonterra, Unilab and Wyeth Nutrition, Unilever, International Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (IPI), Procter & Gamble, Abbott Nutrition, Getz Bros, Ecossential, Del Monte, Foodsphere Inc., and Philusa. 

The fun run, however, is just one of Robinsons Supermarket's many programs this July. There are Wellness Festivals being held in various locations and Healthy You snack platters to be given away for a minimum purchase of P3,000 inclusive of P500 worth of participating items.

Keep updated with Robinsons' different promos and activities that aim to provide Filipinos with delicious and healthy food options and alternatives. Make sure to Like Robinsons Supermarket Official on Facebook and visit www.robinsons-supermarket.com.ph regularly. 

* Thank you so much, Running Photographers, for taking such great photos!

Not everyone has the time to work out in the gym. I personally know several people who paid for one-year gym memberships that they were not able to maximize. By this time, busy people should be able to gauge whether they could regularly squeeze in an hour or two at the gym or if it would really be more convenient to do their exercises at home.

hubby and I trying out one of the new Matrix machines

The good news is, there are now retail products that can bring a premium workout experience to one's home so that anyone could have a higher level of satisfaction when it comes to their fitness routines. Last May 9, Taiwan-based Johnson Health Tech launched its Matrix line of cardio fitness equipment, which were previously available only in a gym or club setting. The event was graced by Mr. Katsuya Ito, President of Johnson Health Tech Philippines, Inc.

Now, users can experience the dynamic performance and uncompromising design of Matrix products in the comfort of their own home. Fitness enthusiast couple Coaches Jim and Toni Saret enthused about the high quality construction of each Matrix equipment, affirming their durability and performance backed by industry-leading technology.

Coaches Toni and Jim Saret with the Johnson Health Tech team

Mark Zabel, VP of Global Marketing and Product Development for Johnson Health Tech, shared, "For years, Matrix Fitness has been a trusted partner in the commercial fitness industry worldwide and we are excited to extend the Matrix brand to our home fitness customers."

Optimized for home use, the machines have a compact design to fit comfortably in the home workout space as well as superior styling that sets a new standard for how home fitness equipment should look. Some of them even have intuitive consoles that gives users choice, whether it's an advanced experience that includes access to their favorite apps, social media, premium entertainment, stunning virtual journeys, etc., or a simple display with accurate, easy-to-read feedback that tracks heart rate, distance, watts, and other workout metrics.

intuitive console that has customizable displays

The Matrix retail line includes:

Treadmills – Offering the industry’s most advanced frame and deck combination, Matrix treadmills strike the perfect balance between engineering and aesthetics. The welded steel frame provides superior stability and the front wheel transport makes moving the treadmill easy. The Ultimate Deck System combines a heavy-duty frame, extra-thick deck and industrial-grade cushions for miles of durable performance. Also available in a folding design, the deck can be lifted to a near-90 degree angle and rolled away to save space. Additional performance options include the exclusive Johnson Drive System providing unmatched consistency and smoothness, available on the TF50.

Ellipticals – The most compact, most comfortable and smoothest ellipticals in the industry, Matrix ellipticals feature wheel- and track-free Suspension Elliptical Technology, which reduces noise and friction, while providing a smooth, consistent feel. Available on the E50 model, the exclusive Exact Force Induction Brake offers smooth, easy and precise resistance changes at the touch of a button. 

Matrix treadmill and elliptical trainer

Ascent Trainers – Matrix Ascent Trainers deliver an exceptionally smooth, ultra-comfortable exercise experience. The unique suspension design with PerfectStride leveraged extensive research to combine an ideal stride motion, ergonomically correct foot positioning, correct posture and a variable stride length that adjusts as incline changes for a more natural-feeling workout. Similar to Matrix ellipticals, the Ascent Trainers feature wheel- and track-free Suspension Elliptical Technology.

Bikes – Matrix exercise bikes are designed for users of all shapes and sizes and are available in upright and recumbent bike designs that feature Matrix’s Dual Form Frame, which provides superior stability and easy step-through access, as well as an ergonomic Comfort Arc Seat to maximize support, and the Exact Force Induction Brake (select models), which makes it easy to quickly and smoothly change resistance. The Matrix ES Indoor Cycle offers a true-to-life riding experience with a smooth, heavy flywheel, and easy adjustments to give every user an ideal riding position.

Matrix ascent trainer and recumbent bike

The Matrix retail line is available at Johnson Fitness and Wellness concept stores in Commercenter Alabang, Muntinlupa City; Pioneer Center Kapitolyo, Pasig City; and SM City Clark, Pampanga. For more information about Matrix products, please visit matrixfitness.com.

It still feels surreal that I was able to finish a half marathon for the very first time just last Sunday! In all honesty, I have never, in my wildest dreams, thought I'd come to a point in my fitness journey where I would go beyond the 10k race that I was already so happy to finish two years ago. You can read about that story, here.

But, I guess leveling up is mandatory in many aspects of life, running definitely included. In fact, I just ran my first 16k two months ago (that one can be found here) and had my hubby and friends encouraging me to go for 21k soon because, as they said, I just have to add 5k to the distance. Yeah, right. As if it's that easy! 

And yet, opportunities seem to present themselves at the right time, just when I needed a little push. When my husband and I were invited to cover the launch of NatGeo Run 2017, I had the "now or never" feeling when I was about to choose my distance category. Okay, I thought, I just have to psych myself that running an additional five kilometers wouldn't be so bad.

So I trained for a month and a half, doing practice runs two to three times a week and trying really hard to "break the wall" and get a second wind to avoid giving up too soon. My distances ranged from 8k or 10k on some days to as far as 12k or 14k on other days. My very encouraging husband assured me that accumulating those distances are making me stronger and getting my muscles used to longer runs enough to finish 21k on race day.

On April 23rd, hubby left our hotel room for MOA at midnight to make it to the 2AM gun start for 42k runners while I followed two hours later to catch my 3:30AM gun start. The race village was already filled with thousands of people when I got there and, despite being alone, I felt very comfortable in the presence of fellow runners who were, I assumed, as stoked as I was to start running.

I joined the first wave of 21k runners at the starting line and ran at my usual training pace. It was very tempting to try and catch up to the pacers who have specific finishing times (2:00, 2:15, 2:30, etc.) on their backs. As much as I would love to do a sub-three, calculations based on my average pace during practice runs indicated that I'd most likely finish the course around 3 hours and 30 minutes. And that's fine with me. I'd rather reach the finish line still breathing instead of collapsing somewhere along the route and going DNF.

For the first time, I ran past the usual 10k U-turn along Roxas Boulevard and reached Rizal Park after one hour. I smiled at the thought that, on ordinary days, I wouldn't be caught dead (pun intended) in that area while it's still dark. But, on that particular moment, at 4:30AM, I appreciated the chance to pass by the place and nod a salute to our country's national hero before I went on my way.

Once more, I passed the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) going to the Buendia flyover then the EDSA flyover. I couldn't help but stop once in a while to take photos so I can preserve memories of this new milestone. Approaching the flyovers, it's always quite a sight to see hundreds of other runners who are also on their way to reach his/her own individual fitness goals.

If there's one thing though that disappointed me about the race (well, actually even during other races in the past), it's the lack of discipline shown by many runners when it comes to disposing trash. Yes, I know that many are pushing themselves to clock in new personal records and are rushing to finish running as soon as possible, but that is no excuse to litter the road! 

While the organizers have provided drinking stations, paper cups, and trash receptacles, it is up to us to make an effort to help keep our running route as litter-free as possible. If you don't have a personal bottle to refill, consciously stop at the hydration area, finish your drink, and leave your cup there before running again. That's not too hard to do, people!!!

Seriously, it's not okay to have the mindset that there are others who will be cleaning up after the race so there should be no problem about littering. The NatGeo Run is an Earth Day Run for the benefit of World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) and there you were, tossing your cups, sponges, and even banana peels at the side of the road way past the drinking stations. That is so not cool, guys and gals! I can't blame people bashing the run on social media but the bad publicity has reflected on everyone. How shameful, indeed, to be called eco-warriors when you don't even know how to properly dispose of trash :(

For the non-runners who readily judged the race participants as a whole, I hope you'll realize that NOT ALL the runners are hypocrites. Many of us also care about the environment and are trying to do our part without any fanfare.  I just want to set the record straight. Anyhow, rant over. 

Let me just end this post on a positive note that anything can be achieved if you set your mind and heart to doing it -- whether it's running your first 5k or being an environment advocate. At the end of the day, our goal should be to serve as inspirations to others so that they, too, could change for the better. As to leveling up, to those who also ran last Sunday, whether it's your first time to join the NatGeo Run or not, I hope that you would also aim to improve your attitude and mindset when it comes to protecting our planet. After all, it's the only one we've got.

The Nat Geo Run 2015 will remain one of my favorite races because it was there where I ran my very first 10k. You can read more of that story, here: http://mommywrites.blogspot.com/2015/04/national-geographic-holds-successful.html

Now, two years later, National Geographic's Earth Day Run 2017 would help me mark another milestone as I prepare to join the 21k category for the first time -- right after running my first 16k last month, whew! I guess that's what happens when one becomes a runner; you continue to level up and celebrate how far you've come in your fitness journey! :)

This coming April 23, Earth Day Run 2017 will once more continue to raise people's consciousness about environmental issues as well as health and fitness in partnership with Cherifer Premium and World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF). On its 8th year, Earth Day Run maintains the tradition of being one of the biggest running events in the country, expecting thousands of running enthusiasts and Eco Warriors to register and run for the environment.

Apart from Manila, the event will likewise be held simultaneously in the cities of Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, and Taichung to replicate the initiative adopted last year, which effectively spread the vision and advocacy of Earth Day Run across Asia.

Hoping to mobilize all Eco Warriors of previous Earth Day Runs, this year's race welcomes all previously registered participants with VIP treatment and special loyalty perks to be enjoyed on the day of the run. They will be given priority placement in front of the starting line at the beginning of the race and can claim loot bags and finisher shirts at a special express booth. They can also make use of a special warm-up and cool down tent before and after the race to condition themselves and recover in comfort.

All participants are also invited to visit the 8 Years of EDR Gallery at the race village to learn about what the event has accomplished over the years, including environmental and social initiatives that has benefited with the help of registered runners. Personally, I am interested to learn how runners' participation at Earth Day Run has made a significant impact on certain communities in the Philippines as well as how our actions as individuals can affect the environment.

To be held at the SM Mall of Asia grounds, participants of all ages can join 5k, 10k, 21k, and 42k categories. Whether a newbie runner or a serious marathoner, everyone can be an Eco Warrior for Mother Earth! 

This year, Earth Day Run 2017 will also be sporting new features such as LED shoelaces for all distance categories to serve as a badge of pride and as a safety accessory when running at night or before sunrise. Prizes will also be awarded to costumed runners who showcase their creativity in coming up with an ensemble made from recycled materials. Lastly, to make each Eco Warrior's voice heard in this run for the Earth, there will be advocacy banners hanging above the finish line that runners can grab as they cross. These will serve as a shoutout for the environment, can be kept as a souvenir, and used for post-run selfies to amplify the message of acting now to save the Earth. 

Last year's Earth Day Run benefited causes such as saving the Irawaddy dolphins at the Malampaya Sound Research and Conservation Project in Palawan; giving the Earth Hour or "Gift of Life" village in Monreal, Masbate sustainable solutions that reduce carbon footprint; conservation of the Marine Protected Area and coral reef and Apo Reef in Occidental Mindoro; and beefing up reforestation efforts in the Ipo Watershed in Bulacan, which supplies Metro Manila with fresh water. 

"Earth Day Run 2017 will be the biggest version of the race yet, with more expected participants from Manila and four other cities across Asia. We're also excited to look back on our eight years of environmental advocacy and share and celebrate with our runners the positive change that they helped make possible through the years by joining Earth Day Run," said Charo Espedido, Director and Head of Content Marketing at FOX Networks Group Philippines.

"We hope that Earth Day Run 2017 not only brings communities of running enthusiasts together for the common cause of saving the environment, but also that it amplifies the important message of doing your own part today to help stop climate change and commit to sustainable solutions to save our beloved planet Earth," concluded Espedido.

To celebrate the eight years of social awareness through fitness with special program features, NatGeo requests Eco Warriors to please use the hashtag #8withEDR when posting on social media. Register until April 16, 2017 at natgeoearthdayrun.com now! 

If anyone asked me in early 2014 if I would be willing to run 10k or more someday, I'd probably say I couldn't. At the time, I had no plans of pursuing running as a form of exercise. Then came my wake up call in the middle of that year. Since then, running somehow became a regular part of my life.

In early 2015, I earned my first finisher's medal at the 7-Eleven 1500 Run for finishing 5k. That was very motivating! Still, I was bummed that the route only took me around the Filinvest City area in Alabang, Muntinlupa while the 10k, 16k, 21k, and 42k runners got to race along the Skyway. 

My husband said I must train and push for 10k if I really want to run that route the next year and I grudgingly agreed. Just a month later (eight months since I started running), he registered me for 10k without my permission! Thankfully, I was able to finish the course and had to admit I felt proud of myself for taking on the challenge. You can read about that story, here. Yeah, sometimes, we just need a little push to get us further!

By the time 7-Eleven Run 2016 came around in January last year, I was more than ready to conquer the Skyway. And I did! That race was a very memorable one because it's not every day I could run and walk on an elevated highway I've only passed before while riding a car, van, or bus.

Of course, like many runners before me, I knew the goal should always be to aim higher (or farther) in succeeding runs. Unfortunately, I still can't imagine jumping from 10k to 21k (a half marathon) that fast! I told hubby I'd like to try running 16k first but I still wasn't sure I'd be brave enough to push that far yet.

Another thing is, very few races offer the 16k category. We planned to register in the Milo Run last July but found that it coincided with my family's plans to celebrate our mom's 75th birthday. It just wasn't meant to be.

But, when it was time to register for the 7-Eleven 2017 Run (of course, I'd love to run on the Skyway again!), there were no more slots for 10k and I considered it a sign that it must really be time for me to finally face my fears and go for 16k.

And so I trained by pushing myself to finish 10k during practice runs instead of my usual 6k to 8k distances. Due to a lot of home and work responsibilities though, I felt that I didn't train enough and remained apprehensive all throughout the two weeks left before race day.

Somehow, I felt a reassurance that everything's going to be fine last February 1 when a pretty rainbow appeared along our practice running route! What a great way to start the month and provide some inspiration four days before the race!

To make a long story short, I didn't sleep on the night of February 4th, left the house at 3AM on February 5th and joined the wave of 16k runners at the 4AM gun start. It took me 2 hours 31 minutes and 37 seconds to travel by foot from Alabang to Bicutan and back. There were times I felt some cramps on my feet and twinges of pain on my lower legs so I alternately walked and ran, determined to finish no matter what.

The huge sense of relief washed over me even when I spotted the ramp going down to Filinvest City even before I crossed the finish line. By then, the sun had already risen and I wholeheartedly thanked God for another beautiful day as well as for giving me physical strength to finish my first 16k.

I find this part of my fitness journey amazing because I've literally graduated from one distance category to another every 7-Eleven Run. The question now is, will I find enough courage to register for 21k next year? Let's see! After all, I still have roughly a year to think about (and train for) it 😉

* If you want to start running, please read my 5 Tips to Newbie Runners from Someone Who Used to be One 

I used to dislike doing strenuous physical activities when I was younger. I thought ocassionally walking the whole length and breadth of a mall while window shopping or moving around the house doing chores every day were enough to keep me fit. 

I was wrong and I honestly regret not starting my fitness journey earlier. I started running about three years ago and found how much it has improved my endurance as well as my body. I am now seldom sluggish and am no longer afraid of very long walks or climbing long flights of stairs. More importantly, it comforts me to know that I am taking concrete steps to be here longer for my family.

Having experienced the benefits of regularly working out, I really want to encourage people I care about to also be more mindful of their health as well as their diets. It's hard to backtrack when you're already diagnosed with lifestyle diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure but you can still do something to improve your fitness level. You just have to start NOW!

Personally, I feel sad about the findings of this year's Sun Life Financial Asia Health Index because the Philippines, along with Thailand and Malaysia, topped the list of countries in the region where people don't exercise regularly. It's ironic that Filipino respondents were found to be the most optimistic about their state of health and yet 61% do not make a lot of effort to engage in physical activities! In addition, 30% feel less healthy than they did three years ago. 

Launched in 2014, the Sun Life Financial Asia Health Index is a periodic study of health trends in Asia. The research is based on the findings of an Ipsos survey conducted in August 2016 involving around 4,000 Asians from 25 to 60 years of age and with middle class incomes. Respondents from Mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam were interviewed online about their attitudes towards healthy and active living, their health concerns for the future, and expectations on access to healthcare.

According to Ms. Mylene Lopa, Sun Life Chief Marketing Officer who delivered the report, survey respondents identified several barriers from living a healthier life: 57% of Filipinos blamed it on their lack of time due to work, 47% admitted to "lack of personal motivation," and 47% said it's due to "distractions of modern life" which, I presume, include too much time on social media. Other key factors named were cost (45%) and lack of accessible venues to engage in sports and recreation (36%).

Let me tell you right now that IT IS POSSIBLE to exercise at home if you can't afford gym membership fees or don't have a place nearby where you can go running! Buy a jump rope or yoga mat (they are not as expensive as you think, promise!), watch YouTube videos you can follow, and you'll soon be on your way to developing a simple fitness regimen for starters. 

Please don't remain part of the population dubbed as "Generation O" or people who are overweight, overworked, or overwhelmed. Last year's Health Index identified six health segments in the Philippines. Find out where you belong by reading my other blog post, here, and see where you need to make adjustments.

Sun Life President and CEO Ms. Riza Mantaring reminds, "With all the things that demand our time and attention, it's usually our health that suffers because it's relegated to the least of our priorities. However, this should not be the case. This is why we at Sun Life have been boosting our suite of wellness products and mounting events that would help Filipinos to pursue their health goals." 

FYI, despite her very busy schedule, Ms. Riza finds time to do practice runs every day and has finished marathons in various countries! "You just have to schedule exercise like any other activity," she advises. 

Speaking of wellness products, Sun Life recently launched SUN Fit and Well, which offers comprehensive life and health protection from childhood all the way to the golden years. While most products offer benefits only when an illness strikes, SUN Fit and Well covers policy holders' needs from prevention to diagnosis to treatment, all the way to rehabilitation. 

Ms. Lirio Torres, Sun Life Health and Accident Head, shares that this new generation wellness product covers 114 critical illnesses (major and minor) that encompass conditions across life stages. She describes, "SUN Fit and Well is comprehensive health protection and savings from childhood (starting at 30 days old) up until age 100." 

For prevention, SUN Fit and Well provides Gold membership access to GoWell, Sun Life's wellness program. Here, members can enjoy special privileges that will help them keep mind and body fit. According to GoWell advocate, Ms. Jaymie Pizarro, this includes easy access to health and wellness information, fitness and wellness events, advice from nutrition and health experts, and more.

The good news is, even if you're not yet a SUN Fit and Well policy holder, you can still be a member of GoWell. Just log on to www.gowell.com.ph so you can pre-register and join activities like zumba and yoga sessions, running clinics, and more for free! "We make sure to cater to all people so that a vast majority of Filipinos could start exercising now, get fit, and have fun," assured Jaymie.

"Sun Life remains committed to helping Filipinos face a brighter tomorrow by being in the best of health," shares Ms. Riza. "The results of the Asia Health Index reiterate the need to promote a healthier lifestyle, and Sun Life wants to be the Filipinos' partner in pursuing the journey."

For those who need that extra push, I pray that after reading this, many of you would finally find time to exercise. However, if you have an existing medical condition, make sure to ask your doctor for advice first. Please do share with me in the comments section if I was able to encourage you. I'd love to hear your story! 😊

Last year, I conquered my farthest run with a distance of 11 kilometers from the usual 10k races I'd often join. This was during the first Gatorade 1122 Race, which offered 11k and 22k and was aptly scheduled on November 22.

This 2016, my husband and I once more joined the run held last November 27 and were able to tag along our 21-year-old son who's also a barefoot runner like his dad. (Read Gab's own race review, here). We arrived at the Mall of Asia past 3AM but spent a lot of precious time finding a parking space no thanks to hundreds of other cars brought by the runners and the confusing rerouting around the race village. 

With only a few minutes left to spare, my husband had to suit up quickly and we only realized after the race that he had mistakenly pinned on our son's 11k race bib instead of the one for 22k. Still, he got to run in his category while Gab and I waited for our own gun start.

If you’ve been saying you want to start leading a more active lifestyle and you think running might work for you as a good form of exercise, this post is for you! ☺ 

I was a reluctant runner in the past, you know. But once I decided that I needed to do this for wellness and my children’s sakes, I never had regrets that I shouldn’t have started running in the first place.

a shot from one of our practice runs

I’m writing this post to encourage friends and new acquaintances to pursue running because it’s one of the cheapest forms of exercise (unless you register in actual races) that do not require a gym membership. Here’s sharing five things I did as a newbie runner more than two years ago:

1. Identify the reasons why you want to run. Here are mine:

Keeping your goals in mind will always motivate you to keep on pushing yourself to suit up and run.

pain, train, push, sweat, fuel, and finish!

It's amazing how one whole year has already passed since UNICEF and its Celebrity Advocate for Children Anne Curtis initiated the Heroes for Children Run. I was there when Anne jubilantly crossed the finish line for her first 21k run and admired her determination to conquer her goals (read that story, here).

This year, she is once more calling on runners to support UNICEF and Heroes for Children Run 2016. happening on September 4, 2016 at the SM Mall of Asia grounds. During the press conference held in F1 Hotel the other day, Anne was asked how she survived her first half marathon and she admitted that however hard it was to push herself, "Best effort talaga but I knew what I was running for and that kept me going."

Her motivation is UNICEF's First 1,000 Days campaign for children's health and nutrition needs. "I was deeply inspired by the support we received during last year's run. From children with disabilities to serious runners, the public came together for a great cause. This year, I'm inviting everyone once again to be a hero for children," implored Anne.

One of the top things that make me happy is doing activities with the people I care most about in this world -- my family. Thus, it gives me joy when I get to bond with my husband and second son during practice runs and actual races. 

Most times, though, we leave our special child with one of his brothers at home when we have to join races. When we found out that there'll be another Robinsons Buddy Run this July, I told my husband that I'd love to push James' wheelchair while I team up with our youngest son as my running partner for the 5k category. Thankfully, Daniel has also took up running every now and then with his friends. (Read his blog entry about it, here.)

My husband and I believe in supporting advocacies that benefit children because they are our nation's future generations of leaders who need good foundations to become upright citizens in the years to come.

On its fifth year, the annual charity event continues to promote a healthy lifestyle through running, while also raising funds to help secure a better future for thousands of Filipino children. This year's World Vision Run, co-presented by Run Rio Inc., not only called for support for children's education but also for their health and nutrition.

Did you know? Malnutrition is still the leading health problem among Filipino children. In fact, according to the National Nutrition Survey, 2 out of 10 kids under the age of five are malnourished and that, each year, 10 million children die before they reach their 5th birthday due to preventable diseases.