Lucaylucay and Sy Triumph in LiveRun 2025 at Mandani Bay

LiveRun 2025, held last Sunday, September 28, at Mandani Bay in Mandaue City, showcased remarkable performances from DARWIN Lucaylucay and Angelica Sy, who won the men's and women's divisions respectively. The event, organized by the Hepatology Society of the Philippines (HSP), drew 1,410 runners despite competing against three other major fun runs across Cebu that weekend. In the men's 10-kilometer race, Lucaylucay completed the course in 35 minutes and 47 seconds, narrowly surpassing Janry Pelones, who finished in 35:49, and Limwyll Kim Lin with a time of 36:33. Angelica Sy led the women's 10K category, crossing the finish line at 51:18. She was followed by Alexandra Le (55:36) and Lucila Sotero (56:16), who secured second and third places. The 5K race winners were Kurt Enzo Garces (18:28) for the men's division, with Shann Michael Camonggay (18:55) and Robert Allanic (19:29) taking second and third place. In the women's 5K, Linsay Sophia Lopez finished first at 25:44, ahead of Geralyn Geers (31:18) and Bianca Ysabel Perales (31:50). Among the 3K participants, Aljun Jay Pacala (11:11) and Shinta Clover Casinillo (17:43) were the quickest in the men's and women's divisions, respectively. Justin Chiaoco (15:00) and Beneth James Vistal (16:55) secured the second and third spots in the men's 3K, while Ana Marie Bentazal (19:02) and Maria Isabella Castaño (21:30) completed the women's podium. The LiveRun is designed not only as a sporting event but also as an initiative to raise awareness about liver health and support the HSP's mission to advance education, research, disease prevention, and patient care. Since its founding in 2006, HSP, led by Dr. Jennielyn Agcaoili-Conde, alongside run committee head Dr. Jose Guillain Cataluña, coordinator Dr. Michelle Ong-Chu, and Dr. Judy Lao-Tan, continues to promote liver health across the Philippines. This year's event highlighted an environmental theme and welcomed participants aged 5 to 75, including elite athletes, casual runners, families, and first-timers. Organizers ensured the race's safety by providing hydration stations, medical teams, and first-aid support along the route. The event also benefited from the backing of local businesses and organizations, which contributed resources and assistance. LiveRun was initially revived as a virtual race in 2019 and returned to a physical format last year in Baguio City. Cebu was selected as the host city this year to coincide with the HSP Midyear Convention, marking a meaningful return to a region that first supported liver health advocacy runs in 2011 through the Cebu GI Group, a coalition of local gastroenterologists.

The Integral Role of Prayer in Daily Life and Spiritual Well-being

In all facets of life, regardless of circumstance, prayer must be regarded as a fundamental practice and a conduit for maintaining a connection with God. Whether facing moments deemed favorable or challenging, solemn or joyous, individuals are encouraged to consistently engage in prayer to sustain their spiritual bond. Prayer can manifest through various forms and methods; what matters most is the continual presence of God in our lives. Without this spiritual connection, human existence risks devolving into a mere animalistic state—potentially marginally superior but ultimately no different in essence. As rational beings and children of God, our well-being depends on this divine relationship. God, as the creator and source of all goodness, is essential. Without Him, humans are prone to harmful actions and spiritual disconnection, akin to a branch severed from its vine—seemingly alive but fundamentally lifeless. This awareness underscores our inherent need to transcend isolation and foster communion with God and others. Prayer is the vital practice that nurtures and sustains this communion, making it not only a duty but a necessity. The foundation for prayer should be laid early in life. Children ought to be introduced to the discipline of prayer so it becomes as natural as breathing or heartbeats—a source of spiritual and supernatural life beyond mere biological existence. Learning to pray effectively involves engaging the mind and heart primarily, and subsequently other faculties such as imagination, memory, emotions, and physical expression. Ideally, every action—whether sacred or ordinary, pleasant or difficult, solitary or communal—can be transformed into an act of prayer. Like any discipline, prayer begins with structured teaching, commonly through memorized vocal prayers in childhood. Even if comprehension is limited initially, this practice initiates a lifelong spiritual habit. Progressing further requires cultivating faith, meditation, contemplation, and discerning appropriate environments, times, and postures for prayer. It encourages maintaining God’s presence throughout the day, aligning intentions with divine will, offering daily actions to God, and engaging in continuous spiritual dialogue. Ultimately, the depth and vitality of one’s life are intimately linked to the quality of one’s prayer. Consistent communion with God equips individuals with divine wisdom, power, and goodness, guiding them effectively through each moment.