Insider Spotlight
The Colorfest Carnival Run 2026 is scheduled on May 31 at the Mall of Asia Grounds and is expected to draw around 10,000 participants, making it the largest edition of the advocacy-driven run to date.
The initiative combines fitness, entertainment, and social advocacy, while supporting the Philippine Mental Health Association as the event’s primary beneficiary. Organizers said proceeds from the event will help fund the rehabilitation of the association’s mental health facility.
The partnership was formalized through a contract signing and media briefing attended by executives from both organizations, including Palawan Group chair and founder Bobby L. Castro, chief operations officer Bobbit M. Castro, chief marketing officer Bernard V. Kaibigan, and JCI Manila president Edison Ke.
Why it matters
Mental health awareness has become an increasingly visible advocacy among corporations and civic organizations in the Philippines, particularly as companies expand wellness-centered community programs.
Palawan Group chief operations officer Bobbit M. Castro said the company’s involvement reflects its broader commitment to social responsibility beyond financial services.
“At the Palawan Group of Companies, we believe that serbisyo goes beyond providing financial solutions. It is about being present where our fellow Filipinos need us most. Today, that includes creating safe spaces, raising awareness, and supporting initiatives that care for mental health,” Castro said in a press statement.
JCI Manila president Edison Ke highlighted the role of organizations in supporting nation-building and community welfare initiatives.
“We truly admire companies that never forget their social responsibility. As organizations, individuals, and even as members of the media, we all have a role to play in serving our country. We are deeply thankful that despite your success, you continue to give back and support our fellow Filipinos. This kind of commitment makes a real difference,” Ke said.
Big picture
Over the years, the Colorfest Carnival Run has evolved from a recreational fun run into one of JCI Manila’s major legacy projects focused on public engagement and advocacy.
Palawan Group said it will also introduce on-ground activations during the event to encourage participant engagement through interactive and awareness-driven activities.
The Palawan Group of Companies operates Palawan Pawnshop, Palawan Express Pera Padala, and e-wallet platform PalawanPay, which the company said is now used by 22 million Filipinos. The company has more than 70,000 branches, Pera Padala outlets, and PalawanPay Money Shops nationwide. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
