By: Wiljean Larano, BCBP Binan PSD
On June 25 2017, BCBP Binan hosted the Southern Tagalog 1’s annual BE-Honest Fun Run at the Pavilion Mall, Binan Laguna. There were 1,500 runners from different chapters and down south from who gathered and joined the fun run on a sunny, welcoming Sunday morning. The Be Honest fun run was organized for the victims of calamities and disasters in the region. But this year, BCBP STR-1 is extending its assistance to the war-torn victims of the Marawi conflict, deepening our cause and strengthening our solidarity. As the weeks turned into days, so did the prayers increased, and indeed God furnished His workforce the energy to hurdle the challenge. More servants rose up and came forward. Driven by the purpose to spread God’s love and mercy to the beneficiary of this event.
The fun run was dubbed, “The Running of the 5000”, the chapter’s expectations were exceeded. Weeks leading before the event, runners from different companies started to pour in groups. 1,000 runners became 1,500 in a matter of two weeks. More people registered during the day itself. It was really an outpouring of blessings from our Lord.
It was a sleepless night for the organizing chapter on the eve of the event. At the venue, one can see members everywhere- installing wires to power up speakers, cameras, fixing the stage, marking the booths. There was a buzz all around, with last minute security checks and other concerns. But as the night deepened and the early morning came, a calm feeling enveloped the place, everyone was aware that it was the Almighty God who took control from Day 1, sending His Holy warriors to guide and protect the event.
Participants from as far as General Trias, Imus Cavite, Sta Cruz and San Pablo, Laguna slowly arrived at the venue. They were invited to dance the Zumba to warm them up prior to their respective runs in the three (3K), five (5K) and ten kilometer (10K) category. Wild cheers and loud music awakened the sleepy, slumbering mood of the crowd on that particular 4’ o clock morning.
It was the first time that Binan organized such event. Amidst the many challenges in the preparation, it was a proud day to be a member of BCBP Binan. The Pavilion Mall was surrounded by BCBP billboards of the Be Honest Fun Run which you can see from nearby establishments such as Starbucks, Jollibee, Army Navy and the likes where people hang out. Even the parking lot had tarpaulins displayed waving and dripping during rainy afternoon days. Inside the mall were two registration booths, where BCBP members and their families spent days handing out flyers to shoppers and inviting them to join the fun!
As the participants ran and returned safely to the finish line, the inviting loud music of Zumba greeted and invited them to dance to start the festivities. It was made more exciting by a raffle of giveaways such as bags, ballers, sun glasses, mugs, courtesy of the many sponsors mainly led by Prestone Philippines.
The City of Binan, played a major role in securing the event. Twenty-six traffic enforcers and sixteen police officers were deployed, together with the security team of Pavilion mall. There were also two standby ambulances provided by the city government hospital. Doctors and nurses were ready and at the same time enjoyed the event. With God’s grace and protection, there was zero security incident, and no major health problem arose.
The winners for each category were announced, followed by a ceremonial turn-over of a check, in the amount of two hundred thousand pesos (200K) from Bro. Ed Bautista – Binan Chapter Head, to Bro. Rene Medrocillo – STR-1 RCD.
One of the most anticipated part of the program was the announcement of the next host-chapter. The 2018 Be Honest Fun Run will be hosted by the Los Banos Chapter, who graciously accepted amidst the loud and excited cheers from the crowd.
As for the Binan chapter, it was an honor to host the 2017 BCBP Be-Honest Fun Run. It was a challenging heavy task but due to the collective strength of each member we overcame our individual weaknesses. And certainly all BCBP STR1 community namely, Binan, San Pedro, Imus, Gen Trias, Tagaytay-Silang, Sta Rosa, Calamba West, Calamba, Los Banos, Sta Cruz and San Pablo, worked together and was successful in bringing people to the fold of Jesus Christ.
That in All Things, God May Be Glorified!
