Kalayaan/Freedom 5K Run celebrates 124th PHL Independence

Runners mark Philippine Independence Day with a fun run. Photos by  Redford Mancio and Dustin Dalisay

By Bel Molina

On Sunday, June 5, 2022, several runners in New York City gathered to celebrate the 124th Philippine Independence. On June 12, 1898 — 124 years ago — the Philippine Declaration of Independence was proclaimed by Filipino revolutionary forces. It asserted the sovereignty and independence of the Philippines from Spain’s colonial rule of Spain.

It is the second year for the event to commemorate Philippine Independence in New York City. The annual Kalayaan/Freedom 5K Run was launched last year by runner friends Anthony Galsim, Bel Molina and Ruby Lagare to help raise awareness of Filipino culture in New York City while promoting health and fitness.

Several NYC running groups participated in the event sharing the common ideals of health, fitness and community.   These include Midnight Runners NYC, Balut Patrol, UFRGVN, Adidas Runners NYC, Asian Trail Mix, Front Runners NY, On Running, Pinoy Runners USA/New Jersey, Queens Distance Runners, and Woodside-Sunnyside Runners.

Runners ran the 3.1-mile course from the Philippine Center on Fifth Avenue to the iconic Central Park and back to the scenic Madison Park along Madison Avenue where the Cultural Program and Street Fair were being held as part of the Independence Day festivities.

Multi-awarded long distance runner Gerald Tabios proudly carried the Philippine Flag throughout the course. Running enthusiasts Jon Perroni, Tommy Chou, and Jojo Santiago kept the runners on track. Sponsors Tradisyon NYC, Kabisera NYC, First Principles NYC, and the Philippine Consulate General of New York provided gift items for the fun trivia games throughout the course.

Starting point is the Philippine Center on Fifth Avenue.

(C) The FilAm 2022



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