MANILA, Philippines – Kapamilya personalities Matteo Guidicelli, JM de Guzman, Jessy Mendiola, and Karylle led the 2,700 participants at the DZMM Takbo 2015 on Sunday (April 12) at the Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
JM and Jessy, who ran together in the 5k race, led the gun start for the 21k category. However, Matteo, who has supported DZMM’s cause since 2013, was unable to run this year due to an injury, but turned up at the event to show his support.
The fun run, which aims to help DZMM’s 75 scholars continue their elementary education, was also joined by DZMM anchors Jasmin Romero, Gretchen Fullido, Marisciel Yao, Atty. Claire Castro, Cory Quirino, and Ahwel Paz and Winnie Cordero, who both hosted the post-race program.
Meanwhile, Philippine National Police’s Dandelion Bumahit was named the top finisher of the 21k category. Bumahit, who called for justice for the 44 members of the Special Action Force who died during a clash in Maguindanao, dominated all the other participants in the category with a time of one hour, 23 minutes, and 31 seconds (01:23:31).
He, along with his two colleagues – including a SAF member – wore singlets that said “I’m running for justice for SAF.” The singlets were the key element in the fun run that encouraged participants to push for their causes by putting them on as statements.
Bumahit was awarded a medal in the post-race program along with the top runners in the category. The top six finishers in the 3k, 5k, and 10k categories were also recognized on-stage.
The DZMM Takbo 2015 has been organized by DZMM for five years to advocate education. The AM radio station held “Takbo Para sa Karunungan” from 2011 to 2014 and benefited scholars from Ondoy, Sendong, and Habagat-affected areas.