TomBiks Holds TOMA-TAKBO 2025

By Jonnah Abellano

The Tomasinong Bikolano (TomBiks) successfully held TOMA-TAKBO 2025: 3K/5K Run "Bolts for Bites" on Saturday, July 26, 2025, bringing together over 300 participants, including running enthusiasts, alumni of the University of Santo Tomas (UST), members of the Philippine National Police, and Armed Forces personnel. The event, held in July in line with TOMBiks' health-centered advocacy, highlighted the vital connection between physical wellness, community involvement, and outreach efforts.

To provide context behind the initiative, Fr. Francis A. Tordilla, president of TomBiks, shared that the fun run stemmed from the organization's desire to promote health and well-being while bringing together UST alumni across the Camarines Sur province. "Most of the members are doctors and medical personnel. We came up with an activity that promotes health and well-being, and the best time to drum up the activity is July because it's Nutrition Month," he said.

The vision of TomBiks dates back to 2011, when it was first conceptualized by its founding team, including Archbishop Rex Andrew  Alarcon, the organization's first president. At present, working alongside Fr. Tordilla in shaping the advocacy were his key officers: Dr. Richelle Josie Judy Vargas Castro (Vice President), Fr. Jayson Gaite (Secretary), and Dr. Diana Frances Tan (Treasurer).

Over time, as the organization grew, so did its leadership structure. Vital roles emerged, with committee heads such as Ms. Roslyn Romano leading Social Services, Ar. Mariel May Gamalinda, managing Social Media Promotions, and Ms. Glenda Grace Velarde, handling Membership Engagement, all of whom played integral roles in the success of TOMA-TAKBO 2025.

The event's slogan, "Bolts for Bites," reflects its goal of promoting fitness while supporting a nutritional feeding program for children in Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Camarines Sur. "We wanted to engage in a supplementary feeding program for the young kids in Sta. Cruz, we're trying to link eating with running and feeding. 'Bolts' is inspired by the name of the fastest runner in the world, Usain Bolt," Fr. Tordilla explained.

Participants registered for the event, received a race singlet and bib, enjoyed a light breakfast, and participated in a meaningful cause. The event started with a community Zumba session, followed by an opening prayer, a race mechanics briefing, and the official start of the run. Organizers awarded medals to the top 25 male and female finishers and awarded certificates of appreciation to sponsors and volunteers.

Beyond the run, TomBiks encourages continued support for the Feed a Family initiative through donations or volunteer involvement. Interested individuals may reach out via the Tomasinong Bikolano official Facebook page or visit the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary.

TOMA-TAKBO 2025 reinforces the message that health and nutrition are not merely personal goals, but share community responsibilities. Fr. Tordilla underscored this point: "Health and nutrition are fundamental. If we want our children to grow wise, healthy, and physically fit, we must invest in their diet and well-being. Without health, all other investments will eventually crumble."

Indeed, TOMA-TAKBO 2025 proved that running can go beyond fitness, for it can likewise fuel change. With every step, the community moved closer to better health, deeper solidarity, and fuller plates for children in need.