Organized by PalawanPay in partnership with RunRio and the UP Office of Athletics and Sports Development, the three-leg running series will raise funds to help purchase fully equipped emergency ambulances for underserved communities in Aklan and South Cotabato.
More than 1,800 participants gathered at the starting line in Mandaue City to kick off the first leg of the PalawanPay Trilogy Marathon 2026.
The first leg of the PalawanPay Trilogy Marathon 2026 brought runners together in Cebu on September 27 for more than a morning of running. Held in Mandaue City, the event gave participants a chance to stay active, spend time with family and friends, and be part of a race that supports communities beyond the finish line. A total of more than 1,800 runners joined in the marathon.
The Cebu leg featured 5K, 10K, 16K, and 21K categories, giving runners different ways to take on the challenge. Some came to push their limits, others ran with friends and family, while many simply wanted to get moving and enjoy the experience.
Men’s 21KM Half Marathon Podium (L-R): Arvengie Encinada (2nd Place), Champion Daniel “The Beast” Boiwo (1st Place), and Glady Kipto (3rd Place).
The competitive categories also saw strong performances, with runners battling for the top spots across the four distances. Emerging as winners per category were:
21KM Half Marathon
Men: 1st – Daniel “The Beast” Boiwo | 2nd –Arvengie Encinada || 3rd – Glady Kipto
Women: 1st – Teresiah Kabui | 2nd – Michelle Raniola | 3rd – Cristine Ann Sardoncillo
16KM
Men: 1st – Mark Mahinay | 2nd –Nickson Kosgei | 3rd – Jerome Casinillo
Women: 1st – Michellle Zamora | 2nd –Lyn-nel Martus | 3rd – Abigael Jerop
10KM
Men: 1st – Anthony Orellano | 2nd – Joseph Mururi | 3rd – Darwin Lucaylucay
Women: 1st – Lijeaven Noay | 2nd – Glaiza Mae Hamora | 3rd – Joanna Christine Galeza
5KM
Men: 1st – Zeus Lecera | 2nd – Oswaldo Arcelo Jr. | 3rd – Bryan Amesola
Women: 1st –Jane Pangalao | 2nd – Gretchen Sambo | 3rd – Ziane Ysabelle Villarico
Lisa Castro-Sabado, Chief Business Development Officer of Palawan Group of Companies, delivers her remarks at the Cebu leg of the PalawanPay Trilogy Marathon.
“Cebu has been an important part of Palawan’s growth, and we’re grateful to have built strong relationships with communities here over the years. Bringing the Trilogy to Cebu is another way for us to be part of the community, not just in the services we provide every day, but also in activities that promote health, wellness, and time together. We’re happy to see Cebuanos joining us for a run that brings people together while supporting a meaningful cause,” said Lisa Castro-Sabado, Chief Business Development Officer of Palawan Group of Companies.
Cebu is home to 295 Palawan branches and more than 1,500 Cebuano partners and associates serving communities across the province, making it a meaningful starting point for the three-leg series.
The event also brought Palawan’s “Sama-Sama Together” culture into the race, with employees and their families, sukis, partners, and members of the Cebuano community sharing the experience.
Runners pack the brightly lit starting line of the PalawanPay Trilogy Marathon in Cebu.
“‘Sama-Sama Together’ is about creating opportunities for people to come together and share meaningful experiences. Today, that means seeing our employees and their families, our sukis, partners, and members of the Cebuano community on the same starting line. We’re spending time together, staying active, and helping support communities that need access to emergency healthcare. That’s what being together means to us, showing up for one another and for the communities we serve,” said Korina Castro-Fernando, Chief Human Resources Officer of Palawan Group of Companies.
The Trilogy also builds on Palawan’s long-standing support for sports and active lifestyles, including the Palawan Pawnshop National Tennis Championships, the Palawan Open, its partnership with the UP Men’s Basketball program, and running events in Puerto Princesa.
“Sports has always given us a meaningful way to connect with communities, especially at the grassroots level. From tennis and basketball to running, we’ve supported activities that encourage people to stay active and come together. With the Trilogy, we’re taking that commitment to three different communities—Cebu, Palawan, and Manila—while giving runners an opportunity to be part of something bigger than the race itself,” said Bernard Kaibigan, Chief Marketing Officer of Palawan Group of Companies.
From Cebu, the PalawanPay Trilogy Marathon will move to Palawan for its second leg on October 18, before concluding in Manila on November 28.
The journey continues in Palawan on October 18 and Manila on November 28, bringing the same spirit of movement, community, and purpose to the Trilogy’s next two legs. There’s still more ground to cover, more people to run with, and more opportunities to make every kilometer count.
For race updates and registration details, visit the official PalawanPay Marathon social page and Raceroster.
