The month-long celebration of Mayor WIN Gatchalian’s birthday jumpstarted with a Fun Run dubbed as, “Sure WIN sa Sports Fun Run 2012,” which aims to ceremoniously launch his sports blowout this year to promote a healthy lifestyle across all ages.

Spearheaded by the City Sports Development Office, under its Officer-in-Charge, Councilor Gerry Esplana, some 3,500 members of multi-sectoral groups appeared before the break of dawn to run side-by-side with their beloved Mayor. Starting from Puregold Valenzuela Parking Area, the participants traversed the MacArthur Highway to Happy Site, Barangay Marulas and concluded at the Valenzuela City Government Complex Grounds.

In his birthday speech, Mayor WIN thanked his constituents for the greetings he received. He said that kind words inspire him to keep going when the going gets tough.  He further used an analogy to express his heartfelt gratitude to all, “Katulad ng mga grumadweyt nitong taon, ako rin ay ga-graduate na bilang Mayor. Salamat sa inyong suporta.”

Councilor Esplana deems Mayor WIN as a consistent advocate of education and sports development.  He remarked, “to signify the Chief Executive’s healthy administration, his birthday was adapted as the official launching date for the five sports clinics to be held this summer: basketball, taekwondo, table tennis, karate and arnis.  A Basketball Referee Clinic shall also be an add-on.”

The sporty birthday treat uncovered other facets of Mayor WIN’s persona as a public servant during the blowing of Fun Wishes Birthday Cake.

One of the fun wishes was from a Valenzuela Page follower on Facebook who sent this message for Mayor WIN, “Sana taga-Meralco ka na lang, may liwanag ang buhay. Luminary!”

Luminaries Award is one of the latest achievements of our chief executive, which recognizes the best practices and most inspiring stories among Meralco’s partners in the private and public sectors, particularly those which have resulted in optimized energy consumption, improved operational efficiency, community development and nation-building. Valenzuela City topped all local government units to become the Local Government Unit Luminary for 2011.

Mayor WIN also received a huge first aid kit on stage from the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Valenzuela Chapter, the unit which was recognized as the biggest delegation during the event. The first aid kit is a symbolic gift that describes him as a vigilant governor of the foremost humanitarian organization in the country.

A moment of honors and fun it was, special acknowledgements were given to exemplary participants of the fun run. Irene Evangelista, who arrived 3:30am for the activity, was hailed as the event’s Early Bird. Tomas Martin, 75 years old, was awarded as the Most Senior Runner. Alexa Kham, 3 years old, was recognized as the Youngest Runner.

Other gimmicks during the sporty blowout include an energetic aerobics which followed the fun run, a hearty breakfast, and a free photobooth courtesy of Councilor Marlon Alejandrino.