There is growing evidence that marathon running is rising in popularity, especially among younger generations—specifically Gen Z and younger millennials.
Training for a marathon offers young people a structured, goal-oriented activity that provides a sense of purpose and stability. Some see it as a way to build mental toughness and cope with stress or anxiety.
Moreover, the popularity of running influencers and the widespread sharing of training journeys and race-day experiences on platforms like TikTok and Instagram have made marathon running seem more accessible and appealing.
For many, completing a marathon is seen as “a significant personal achievement and a way to establish a sense of identity.”
Certainly, marathon running is experiencing a resurgence—and young people are at the forefront of this trend, embracing the sport for its physical, mental, and social benefits.
Young professionals Michael Isip, Kristine Nunez, and Aiko Kumano are all looking forward to participating in the 2025 San Francisco Marathon on July 26–27.
These runners will take on the streets, hills, and iconic landmarks of San Francisco—whether they choose the 5K, 10K, Half, Full, or the grueling 52.4-mile Ultra.
From flat, pet-friendly courses like the 1K, 5K, and 10K to the epic Full and Ultra Marathons, there’s truly something for every runner.
Bam Aquino Speaks Out on Education
Sen. Bam Aquino was recently seen in his office at the Philippine Senate. He shared a photo and message on Facebook:
“No tables, just chairs for now — it’s okay. The important thing is that the work continues. But for thousands of students every day enduring a broken or lacking classroom, it shouldn’t be okay. It’s time to address the lack of well-behaved and safe classrooms.”
Tess Lazaro Receives High Honor
U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson congratulated diplomat Tess Lazaro on her appointment as Foreign Affairs Secretary and for receiving the prestigious Order of Sikatuna.
My Diary of Paranormal Activity: November 16, 1990
I saw Congressman Stephen Solarz this afternoon at Malacañang. Later, I went to the Gulf News office at Prince Plaza in Legaspi Village, Makati City.
At around 7:45 p.m., while crossing Amorsolo and Herrera streets, I waved to stop a taxi on my left side. On my right, a fast-approaching brown car caught my attention. I tried to stop it—not with a wave, but with mental force. The right side of my brain ached from the effort.
Seconds later, the car’s tire suddenly burst, shocking nearby passersby. Mrs. Teresita Santos, along with her daughter Christina, son-in-law, and granddaughter, was in the vehicle. They were grateful—had the car not stopped, something bad might have happened. Mrs. Santos said she lives in San Andres Bukid, Manila, while her daughter and family reside in Alabang, Muntinlupa.
Lisa Lew Honored by Assembly member Jessica Caloza
Assemblymember Jessica Caloza honored Lisa Lew at the California State Capitol during the AAPI Heritage Month celebration.
“Thank you for all your contributions to our community and uplifting the stories of immigrants, women, and so many underrepresented voices,” Caloza said.
Lisa Lew is an Emmy Award-winning TV producer whose work has redefined daytime viewership in America. She is also a philanthropist and executive producer of the Manila International Film Festival.
Portrait of a Public Servant: Luis “Chavit” Singson
Popularly known as “Manong Chavit,” Luis Crisologo Singson is a simple, easygoing person—not the glamour figure some may imagine. He loves his work and strives for excellence. A perfectionist with moods and temper like anyone else, he values his privacy deeply.
My first formal introduction to him was during a trip to Vigan, Ilocos Sur, organized by beauty queen Star Querubin. We were joined by Tita Noemi Balingit-Reyes (wife of former Philippine Panorama editor Fred J. Reyes), designer Rene Salud, and other beauty queens. We visited the Medina ancestral house and later the residence of Manong Chavit, where he warmly welcomed us.
As it turns out, my first cousins are part of the Singson and Lim clans of Cagayan through their father, the late Ramon Singson Lim—an Ateneo graduate and former Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas employee. Thus, I am related to Manong Chavit by affinity.
Later, I would encounter him again during my work at the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), under then Chairwoman Ma. Livia “Honey Girl” Singson de Leon, his sister.
In May 2001, I interviewed him at a beach resort in Sinait, Ilocos Sur. When I asked if he liked going to the beach, he replied, “Yes, I like to see the sea, the mountains. I am a nature lover. I like outings at the beach. I also go hunting—deer or wild boar—even abroad.”
In December 2001, I met him again at a plush hotel in Manila and asked about his father, known affectionately as Maestro Seling.
“What I remember most is how he always reminded us of the Golden Rule: Don’t do unto others what you don’t want others to do unto you,” he said.
Manong Chavit—former governor and congressman of Ilocos Sur—recalled how his father, Mayor of Vigan from 1968 to 1972, was revered for his leadership:
“He was selfless and approachable, always willing to give guidance. He earned the nickname ‘Maestro Seling’ because of his wisdom and kindness, even to his enemies. He would give the shirt off his back to those in need.”
He also cherishes the most important value passed on by his father: credibility.
“You must protect your integrity. Once credibility is lost, no one will believe you anymore,” he stressed. “We guard it very carefully. It’s hard when you make promises and fail to deliver.”
He believes provinces should not be dependent but contributors to national progress:
“Each province must be a positive contributor to the country’s well-being and economic growth. We must explore our resources—wisely and responsibly—for the benefit of all Filipinos.”
He’s also known to have survived death multiple times—from a helicopter crash to assassination attempts. He shared with me that the late Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. would visit him every time he was ambushed.
“Ninoy would even attend funerals of my slain companions. Every time I was attacked, those next to me died,” he recalled.
It’s a miracle—what I can only call Divine Intervention. And I believe: God does not sleep.
