Recently held at the SM Mall of Asia Complex, the Women’s Run PH emerged as a powerful campaign championing the strength, achievements, and unwavering spirit of women.
Recognizing the significance of conveying the message that women deserve equal opportunities in all spheres of life, Watsons extended its full support to the event.
“Watsons has always been a steadfast advocate for women. We strongly believe in equality and every woman’s right to pursue her dreams and aspirations. That’s the essence of this run,” says Sharon Decapia, Senior Assistant Vice President for Marketing, PR, and Sustainability at Watsons.
The event saw runners from diverse backgrounds coming together in a celebration befitting Women’s Month, with many arriving as early as 4 AM to participate in either a 5K or a 10K route.
Among the honored participants at the Women’s Run were remarkable women such as senior runner Rosalinda Ogsimer, Thysz Estrada, chairperson of Pantay Tayo and a transgender marathoner, and visually impaired national athlete Andrea Estrella, who clinched silver and bronze medals in the OCR World Championships last year.
Unwaveringly strong, bold, and fearless, these three women epitomize the spirit of empowerment and share what drives them as women, inspiring others to challenge biases and embrace their strengths.
SHE RULES
Nobody is ever too old to run. A 76-year-old woman named Rosalinda Ogsimer is proving just that as the oldest female runner in the Philippines. From the looks of it and this incredible feat, it seemed that she’s been running her whole life. Interestingly enough, however, she only started doing so when she reached her seniority.
At 65, she started regular training and running short distances—from 5K, 10K, to 21K—until she ran her first 42K marathon in 2015. Now, she wants to empower women to commit to their health seriously.
In an exclusive interview with Manila Standard, Ogsimer said joining the Women’s Run taught her the beauty of resilience and the strength that comes from perseverance.
“It was fun and uplifting. You got to be celebrated and recognized, which is a good way to celebrate the women’s month,” she says. “I’m still in good shape, I enjoy the exercise. I think it’s the best exercise that I can get. I also want to inspire women, especially the younger generation, that’s why I always do my best so I can show them that even though I’m already 76, I can finish strong.”
MOVING WITH PRIDE
“Vocal” is probably one of the words that best describes Thysz Estrada. Phone in hand, she has gone viral on the internet, for sharing her stand on societal issues and for advocating for inclusivity and equality.
Also, a runner and cyclist who is a member of the EZ Run Club, Estrella uses her platform to create an equal space in the sports scene for queer members of society. And through inspiration and smiles, she pushed through and finished another fulfilling run.
“If I can do it, you can do it, too!” Estrella says. “I’m very proud and privileged that I was asked to join the event and it proves that Watsons has the commitment to inclusion, for including me, a transwoman, in their campaign. Plus, the message of ‘beautiful and stronger together’ is really evident, and I’m very happy to be part of that message.”
Estrella, who also won 2nd place at the Spartan Race’s 2023 Elite Series, also shares that she dreams of active and sporting communities that are truly inclusive so that more people can participate in sports and lead an active lifestyle in general.
“We are strong. We are capable of so much more,” she adds.
DEFYING STEREOTYPES
A fearless competitor, national para-athlete Estrella aims to inspire others to overcome obstacles.
“We should show everyone that we are strong and there’s no limit in what we can achieve,” she says.
Estrella also wants to spread awareness that a disability is not a hindrance for women to do what they want. The 20-year-old says she is competitive in nature and enjoys joining run, especially those that are campaigning for PWDs—with 3 km as her shortest run and 24 km on trail as her longest.
Estrella described her experience in the women’s running contest as a delightful one, saying: “I felt strong, and it made a huge impact on me because as a woman, now is the time that we should empower women around us to challenge the societal norms,” she says.
She also mentioned that joining the run was part of their training for the OCR World Championships in Costa Rica in August. “This is also a part of our training as a national athlete. So, this run is also a part of our training,” Estrella adds.