What makes a place worth the visit? Beautiful landmarks, a rich culture, and popular cuisine are some of the foremost considerations, but when you throw in the wonderful character of its residents, that place becomes even more magical: a place like Bicol.
Renowned for having Mayon Volcano, the Peñafrancia Festival, and popular delicacies like laing, pili nuts, gata, and Bicol express, Bicol is a haven for travelers who crave an exciting and fulfilling travel experience. Whether your agenda include sight-seeing in Albay or swimming with the whale sharks in Sorsogon, cultural appreciation in Naga, taking on the challenge of adventure sports in Catanduanes, or simply enjoying an active lifestyle, Bicol surely has something for you to enjoy. It’s no wonder that Bicol is quickly becoming the top tourism destination for discerning vacationers.
Complementing Bicol’s many attractions are the Bicolanos who are known for being resilient, warm, and hospitable, whose passion for the good things in life includes living a healthy lifestyle. This was clearly demonstrated when the cities of Legazpi and Naga played host to the elimination races of the 32nd National Milo Marathon, which attracted more than 9,000 fitness enthusiasts and hardcore runners.
Welcoming everyone were Albay Governor Joey Salceda, Legazpi Mayor Noel Rosal, and Naga City Vice Mayor Gabby Bordado, as well as Nestlé AVP and Milo sports events executive Pat Goc-Ong, area sales manager Dean Singian, South Luzon 2 regional sales manager Richmond Serijo, Milo sports executive Andrew Neri, and Milo specialist Leslie Chiong.
The Legazpi race showcased the resiliency of the Bicolanos. In 2006, after the severe devastation brought by typhoon Reming, Bicolanos still managed to run and join the race, while in 2007, despite the heavy rains brought about by the monsoon season, Bicolanos yet again showed how tough they are when they braved the rains and enjoyed the marathon experience. Obviously, Bicolanos proudly embrace running and living a healthy lifestyle as part of their identity.
Governor Salceda says the National Milo Marathon "fosters a sense of community," which Bicolanos are famous for. Indeed, the event showed how people of all ages, coming from different income classes and towns, ran and enjoyed the fun marathon spirit, prompting Governor Salceda to say that the National Milo Marathon is a "great equalizer."
If the Bicolanos’ enthusiasm for running is any indication, then the National Milo Marathon looks poised to take its place among Bicol’s most famous and most awaited events.
You can catch the remaining races of the National Milo Marathon on September 28 in Santiago, October 5 in Baguio, October 26 in Butuan, and November 9 in Cagayan de Oro. The National Finals will be in Manila on November 30.
The 32nd National Milo Marathon is held in partnership with Bayview Park Hotel Manila, Adidas, and the Department of Tourism.
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