Manila City mayoralty candidate Sam Verzosa is set to participate in the upcoming New York Marathon on November 3, 2024, to raise funds for children born with cleft lip and palate through Smile Train Team Empower.
Verzosa, along with his girlfriend Rhian Ramos, aims to collect $6,000, which will go towards providing surgeries for underprivileged children worldwide affected by the condition.
Verzosa, who previously ran in the 2023 London Marathon for the same cause, emphasized the significant costs and dedication involved in participating in international marathon events. “We joined the 2024 New York marathon last year pa dahil you have to register and join a team,” Verzosa explained. “Ang pinaka-major expense are the flights and hotel accomodation. Since peak season ang event at marami ang pumupunta ngayon sa New York, medyo mahal siya.”
Beyond the financial commitment, Verzosa underscored the impactful mission behind their participation. “Last year, dahil sa funds na na-raise namin from the London Marathon, nakapagpa- opera kami ng more than one hundred kids,” he shared, noting that the marathon experience also challenges him physically and mentally.
“First of all, we are running for charity, sobrang marami ang bilang ng mga bata na mapapa-opera namin. Siyempre, bonus na ‘yung para sa health namin.Alam namin sa aming mga sarili na kaya namin gawin ang isang mahirap na bagay na may disiplina at focus,” Verzosa added.
While in New York from October 31 to November 7, Verzosa’s philanthropic efforts in Manila will continue uninterrupted. He noted, “Kahit wala po ako, tuloy-tuloy ang pagtulong.’Yung mga pinapakain natin, mga libreng sakay sa All Saints Day.”
On October 26, Verzosa’s show, ‘Dear SV,’ will air a feature on his initiatives at Manila North Cemetery, where he’s provided business opportunities for long-time residents. “Binigyan natin sila ng mga kabuhayan, negosyo kasi ang pinagkakakitaan lang nila doon eh paglilinis ng mga puntod eh tayo as negosyante, ‘yan ang advocacy natin, nagbigay na ako sa kanila ng kabuhayan. Ito ‘yung mga twenty plus, thirty years nang nakatira sa loob ng Manila North Cemetery na hindi nabigyan ng pansin,” he said, describing the lasting impact these projects aim to create.
For Verzosa, the New York Marathon serves as another step towards helping others, with the ultimate reward being the lives transformed through these charitable efforts.
