First Elevated Run: My Punta Isla 5K Fun Run Story

Hey , Mommies! It’s been a while since I’ve done some storytelling here, and I realize I kinda missed it! Medyo madaming ganap lately, so I thought it would be nice to slow down for a bit and write them all down — to look back, share, and maybe relive the little joys along the way. Allow me to start with my fitness love affair. :)

So I recently  found myself tying my running shoes at a place I’d never run before — Punta Isla Lake Resort in Lake Sebu. It wasn’t just any run either. It was my first ever elevated run, my first run outside Gensan, short run lang naman but  a fun run for a cause that made every uphill step worth it.

 

The Punta Isla 5K Fun Run was part of the resort’s big 30th anniversary celebration dubbed " Tatlong Dekadang Arangkada " and  what better way to celebrate three decades than by gathering people to run together for a good reason? Proceeds from the run will help the senior citizens of Sitio Tukoful, which made showing up and pushing through those climbs feel extra meaningful.

 

Last year, I managed to clock in my first official 10K finish during the inaugural KCC Gensan Marathon — an achievement that still makes me smile whenever I remember crossing that finish line and going home with a sore big toe but giggling with my hard-earned medal and sari-sari starter pack! hahahah! Daming freebies! 

 

BUT life happens, work piles up, and sometimes our passions get tucked away in drawers we rarely open. 

 

And so fast forward to the present time, I got to run alongside hubby and our fellow SOX Bloggers at Punta Isla. Of course it's  always a joy to be with my favorite bunch of loonies chasing the same goal: crossing that finish line while supporting something bigger than ourselves. The night before the run, we checked in at the picturesque Punta Isla Lake Resort. Nestled on the serene shores of Lake Sebu, the resort gave us exactly what we needed — fresh air and a peaceful escape from the city buzz. Over dinner, we shared stories, hearty laughter, and a spread of delicious dishes to fuel our bodies for the next day’s climb. 

During the run, the short route unfolded with breathtaking views and equally breathtaking inclines. Hangaak is real! Every uphill push made my legs burn, but the cool breeze and stunning lake scenery were more than enough reward. Step by step, I felt something reignite inside me — a promise to keep pushing, keep running, and keep showing up for causes that matter.

 

 

Crossing that finish line at Punta Isla wasn’t just about completing 5 kilometers. It was about realizing that no matter how far you run, where you run, or how long it’s been since your last race — you can always come back to the road, to yourself, and to the bigger purpose your feet can serve. 

So here’s to more runs, more meaningful causes, and more beautiful places that remind us to slow down (or run up!) and live fully. My mantra? Keep Pushing, one step at a time! Pushhh!

And just when we were about to pack up and leave, the rain started pouring down copiously— that perfect, steady rain that makes you want to stay curled up in bed instead of going back to the city. Ugh! If I could, I would’ve stayed, snuggled under the covers, and listened to the rain by the lake. Punta Isla really has a way of making you want to linger a little longer. I can’t wait to come back, even just to while away some quiet time by the water...

...with a good book,

...a cup of their gourmet coffee,

...and my favorite fish pancake. <3 

Stay chic and keep Telling! 

Xoxo,

Mommy Chix  :-*

𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗖𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: 𝗔 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

 

KORONADAL CITY — The official press conference for the 10th Mindanao ICT Conference (MindaCon 2025) concluded last week at the South Cotabato Gym and Cultural Center, marking a pivotal moment in the countdown to Mindanao’s biggest digital gathering.

In his opening message, Clint Junsay, Host City Organizing Committee Lead and Co-Chair of the South Cotabato ICT Council, emphasized the event’s unique identity. “MindaCon is more than just a conference—it’s a movement,” Junsay declared. “It’s a celebration and a commitment to build a digital future that is rooted in culture, powered by innovation, and made possible by collaboration.”

Set to take place from June 19–21, 2025, at The Farm at Carpenter Hill, MindaCon 2025 will be the first time the City of Koronadal hosts this flagship event. This year’s theme, “Innovating Mindanao’s Workforce for a Sustainable Industry 5.0,” sets the stage for an inclusive and people-centered approach to digital transformation.

Provincial and national leaders echoed their support. Tyron Jann B. Villanueva, representing the Provincial Government of South Cotabato, underscored the strategic role of MindaCon in fostering job creation and talent development across the province. “South Cotabato stands ready to be a key player in the Mindanao ICT ecosystem,” he affirmed.

DOST Region XII, through Provincial Director Giselle Eve G. Ortega-Siladan, highlighted its commitment to empower communities through innovation and technology-driven development. “Science and technology must empower—not isolate,” she stressed, aligning DOST’s initiatives with MindaCon’s vision of an inclusive Industry 5.0 landscape.

DICT Region XII Regional Director Engr. Ibrahim B. Guiapar Jr. reinforced the government’s role as both enabler and innovator, with initiatives like expanded connectivity, cybersecurity training, and digital literacy campaigns designed to bridge the digital divide across SOCCSKSARGEN and BARMM.

Christian Valeen Chiu, Co-Chair of the Koronadal ICT Council, expressed the city’s pride and readiness to host the historic conference. “Koronadal is more than ready,” Chiu affirmed. “We are ready with our people, our partnerships, and our purpose to champion innovation that is inclusive, rooted in our culture, and future-facing”.

Vice Mayor Erlinda Pabi-Araquil of the City of Koronadal also voiced the city’s unwavering support. “On behalf of the City Government headed by Mayor Ogena, we are proud to affirm our full legislative and institutional commitment to the success of the 10th MindaCon,” she stated. “This landmark event underscores our vision to position our city as a hub of innovation, digital advancement, inclusive growth, and responsible stewardship of superior technology. The City Council, headed by yours truly, has unanimously endorsed legislative measures such as resolutions and ordinances which prioritize funding, logistical coordination, and interagency collaboration to ensure the seamless execution of the upcoming conference.”

MindaCon 2025 will feature a comprehensive program including investment tours, thought leadership panels, skills-building workshops, and strategic networking sessions MINDACON 2025 Overview. Registration is ongoing via https://nicp.org.ph/mindacon-2025-koronadal/

As Mindanao’s digital community gears up for this landmark event, the press conference served as a powerful call to action: to shape the region’s future with technology, talent, and togetherness.

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Nick Wilwayco
Head of Public Affairs and Communications
Maya
nick.wilwayco@maya.ph