The Embassy of Malaysia in Manila, in collaboration with the City Government of Makati, Makati Central Estate Association (MACEA), and Ayala Land, Inc., organised an exciting fun run on 22 June 2025 along Ayala Avenue.
The ASEAN-Malaysia Fun Run 2025 is one of the Embassy’s lined up activities for this year in conjunction with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship. Through the fun run, the Embassy hopes to raise awareness of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), its purpose and its goals, especially since the Philippines is poised to chair the regional block in 2026.
In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino stressed that, “We want the ASEAN community to be more than just an idea heard in summits or read in newspapers. We want ASEAN to be felt—on the streets, in schools, in homes, and in hearts. That is why the ASEAN-Malaysia Fun Run 2025 is so important. Through this event, we bring ASEAN closer to the people, reminding all of us that we are part of something bigger—a region rich in culture, diversity, and shared aspirations.”
Gracing the event and participating in the run were Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Asian and Pacific Affairs Evangeline Ong-Jimenez Ducrocq, Brunei Ambassador H.E. Megawati Manan, Cambodia Ambassador H.E. Sin Saream, Vietnam Ambassador H.E. Lai Thai Binh, Myanmar Chargé d’affaires Soe Ko Ko and Makati City Head of International Relations, Ms. Ichi Yabut. Officers of the Embassies of ASEAN member-states were also present, signifying strong camaraderie among the embassies and ASEAN members.
The fun run was participated by hundreds of individuals who came from different walks of life – reflecting the true essence of ASEAN’s unity in diversity. Through the assistance of Just Show Up Running Club, which led the warm-up and served as pacers, participants had a safe and enjoyable fun run experience. After finishing a 5.33km run, the participants were treated to refreshments. Runners Christian Orbillo, Jethro Jade Duerme, and Niel Riana were the first finishers, who completed the run in less than 30 minutes.
