Warizal, De La Rosa wins Puerto Princesa leg of 36th National Milo Marathon

Norlan Warizal (right) and Jila de la Rosa show their trophies
after winning the 21K men's and women's events respectively.

Norlan Warizal and Jila de la Rosa showed remarkable determination to win the 21K men and women's category, respectively Sunday at the Puerto Princesa leg of the 36th National Milo Marathon, organizers said in press release.

Despite the unfavorable weather, over 6,000 runners participated in this year's Puerto Princesa qualifying leg. Nestle Philippines' Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John Miller joined the athletes and running enthusiasts in the 21-k track and finished with a time of 1:58:50.



Warizal crossed the finish line in one hour, 19 minutes and 39 seconds to bring home the men's P10,000 top purse. Marco Laipan was a distant second with a time of 1:20:39 while Orly Maestro finished with an identical time of 1:20:39 but lagged behind Laipan at the 12.25 kilometer point.

Warizal in the finish line.

Six-year marathoner Warizal aims to continue honing his skills through MILO's quality races.

"I am grateful to have had this opportunity to run the MILO marathon. The sport requires not only physical preparedness but also the mindset to exceed your own expectations during and after the race. I'd like to continue running high level competitions like this and fulfill my dream to compete in the international athletic arena," said the 27-year old Puerto Princesa native.

In the distaff side, Dela Rosa wasted no time and dominated the women's class with a time of 1:35:59. She was followed by Marichel Maestro who clocked in at 1:47:00, while Rowena Quipquip settled for third in 1:56:05.

Dela Rosa who came all the way from Manila to blaze the track, wishes to surpass her qualifying time in the finals and make the Philippine athletics team in the future.

"My father was a track athlete. He drove my passion to become the best in the sport. I'd like to bring the gold home and break records in the National Finals. I will double my time and efforts in training to place in the next race," said the 18-year old University of Sto. Tomas athlete.

Palawan State University bagged the Best Delegation award and Fastest Delegation, two of the coveted special awards in Sunday's event. PSU sent 1,379 participants and finished with an aggregate time of 22:08.69.

Warizal and De la Rosa will join top Filipino bet and three-time national champion Eduardo Buenavista who ruled the Tarlac Leg last July 15 and other early favorites, namely Mary Grace de los Santos of Zamboanga, and Metro Manila leg winners Jho-An Banayag and Jason Agravante.  
  

MILO strives to develop the future of the Filipino youth by promoting and actualizing its advocacy program, 'Help Give Shoes', which has already reached 18,700 underprivileged school children nationwide.

The program has distributed running shoes to students from five schools in Puero Princesa City namely, Manuel Austria Memorial, Irawan High School, Sta. Lourdes Elementary School, Ubay Elementary School, and Sicsican Elementary School.

Almira Edica, an educator from the Sicsican Elementary School, expressed her gratitude to MILO for giving the institution an opportunity to recognize and enhance the athletic potential of their students.

"Our students and my fellow teachers had an amazing experience in this year's Puerto Princesa leg race. There were only 100 beneficiaries from our school, but 15 more joined the race with their fellow students. It was great to see them enjoy and discover their potential through this project," said Edica.

Jasper Kent Mirasol of Sicsican Elementary School also expressed excitement over this year's Puerto Princesa qualifying leg. "I really enjoyed the race with my fellow students. I am looking forward to discovering other sports and improve my athletic skills through MILO's sports programs," said the 12-year old young athlete. MILO continues to encourage young athletes to hone their skills by providing an avenue for them to showcase their athletic excellence, determination and drive.