The AIA Rock ’n’ Roll Manila Marathon etched its legend into the city of Manila. It was epic, sparking the city to life with electrifying music, family bonding, and moments for thousands of runners to achieve their personal goals.
The event kicked off early Saturday morning and brought all kinds of people together—from kids running their first 1K to seasoned marathoners aiming for personal records.
The full marathon fired up the entire AIA Rock ’n’ Roll Manila experience. The fun and music that followed catapulted participants into a celebration that left their spirits screaming for a repeat next year. It was a weekend that felt less like a race and more like a festival.
Among the runners who braved the 42 kilometers was Aldrin Serrano, who finished with a remarkable time of 2:59:45, making him the fastest marathoner of the day. When I asked him how it felt to be the first to cross the finish line, he admitted it was unexpected.
“Crossing the finish line and hearing my name announced as champion was unbelievably surprising—something I never saw coming,” he said. Despite his calm demeanor, you could feel how much the moment meant to him; he carried the aura of a true champion.
Aldrin said his plan of going into the race was simple: maintain pace, beat his sub-3 PR, and avoid injuries. But AIA Rock ’n’ Roll Manila had an even greater plan for him.
“At 40 km, a cramp hit me hard. For a moment, I doubted myself, but quitting wasn’t an option. I trusted the strength God gave me and pushed on. All glory to Him.” He dug deep in the final kilometer and sprinted toward the finish line with everything he had.
Not only did he accomplish his plan—he also captured the Number 1 spot.
He credited his win to consistent high-mileage training, strength and conditioning, proper race nutrition, and the energy of the crowd that fueled every marathoner’s spirit. Of course, he didn’t forget to mention his number one supporter, “J.” As for what’s next, Aldrin looks forward to joining more races—hopefully international ones—and hopes to inspire more runners, especially those from his team, NDurance.
As AIA Rock ’n’ Roll Manila continued, it was my turn to run the 21K. It was my first time starting a race in front of Rizal Park, and the route took us along Roxas Boulevard toward Intramuros for a two-loop course. With a gun start at 2:00 AM, I had to wake up at midnight—and to be honest, I was still a little sleepy during the first few kilometers. But I was able to awaken my marathoner spirit in the remaining miles and reached the finish line. The weather cooperated, and I was able to finish before sunrise.
One of my favorite things about Rock ’n’ Roll Manila was the atmosphere along the course. Live bands, DJs, drummers, and even cosplay performers filled the route, giving runners the signature Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon experience. It was fun seeing friends and familiar faces at every corner, especially our team, Century TriHard, who came to enjoy everything the event had to offer.
Two of my teammates joined the 21K as well: team captain Louie Carballo and Ivan Fojas. Their stories couldn’t have been more different.
Louie approached the race with his usual humor. He didn’t set any goals; he simply wanted to enjoy the run. With only a few easy runs as preparation, he took the race as it came. The cobblestones were his toughest part, but the music kept him going, and his final-kilometer thought was: “Time to eat.” Running keeps him active and healthy, and when asked what inspired him that morning, he answered, “The free race kit.” That’s Louie for you.
Ivan, on the other hand, came in with a mission—to beat his 2023 time. He trained consistently for strength and mobility, running three times a week. His hard work paid off: he improved his time by nine minutes and even finished 1st in his Age Group. He said the toughest part was also the cobblestones, but the course performers and post-race concert kept his energy high. He ran the last kilometer with determination—not slowing down and carrying inspiration from “My Angel.” Ivan already plans to return next year.
AIA Rock ’n’ Roll Manila wasn’t just for competitive runners; it became a family event for us. My brother Dean Anthony ran the 21K to restart his running journey after an old injury and a demanding stretch at work. He loved the different genres of music along the route and even mentioned how he had to “fix his posture really quick” upon seeing a long line of photographers. For him, running with family and friends made everything more memorable. If he had to describe the race in one word, it would be recharging.
Zy Paras also ran the 21K. She shared that she joined AIA Rock ’n’ Roll Manila because she wanted to feel the Manila race vibe and experience a half marathon filled with music. Her favorites included the live bands, the Lovely Runner inspired groups, and even the zombies from The Last of Us. She enjoyed the scenery upon entering Intramuros and said that the event made her feel empowered. She even struggled with a mid-race tummy ache but still finished with a smile.
For first-time runners, Rock ’n’ Roll Manila was a great introduction to the running sports—and that’s exactly what my brother-in-law Joseph Estrada experienced in the 10K category. It was his first official run, and he admitted he felt excited and a little nervous at the starting line. But he was impressed by how organized everything was despite the massive crowd. His favorite moment came when fatigue became another hurdle to overcome as he neared the finish line. Completing the race made him realize he could run longer distances, and now he’s looking forward to joining more runs in 2026.
Another standout story came from Denise Dizon, who joined the Remix Challenge—running both the 21K and 5K in just one morning. This was her third year joining Rock ’n’ Roll Manila, and she appreciated how well-organized the race always was. She was excited about the Remix medal (three medals in one event), and because she’s also training for the Milo Finals in Iloilo, she was physically ready. The 21K gave her the full city experience, while the 5K was all about fun and photo ops. Running back-to-back challenged her legs, but the upbeat energy throughout the event carried her through. She said the whole challenge reminded her that “endurance is more mental than physical.”
And of course, even the kids got their chance to shine. My godchild Maddison Estrada joined the Kids’ 1K. Running with her mom, Diane Kimberly, was a lovely mother-daughter bonding moment. They came all the way from Olongapo City just for the race. Maddi woke up early, full of excitement. She loved the music, the cheering, and most especially her medal. Diane told me that her proudest moment was seeing Maddi run the entire course with a huge smile—a sweet memory the two of them will always cherish.
The entire weekend proved why Rock ’n’ Roll Manila is one of the most anticipated running events in the country. It brought together all kinds of runners—elite athletes, weekend joggers, families, friends, and even kids taking their first steps into the world of sports. AIA Rock ’n’ Roll Manila transformed the race into a festival and the long run into a shared experience.
More than anything, it reminded all participants why we run: for fun, for fitness, for family, for achievement, or simply for the joy of being part of something big.
AIA Rock ’n’ Roll Manila wasn’t just a marathon weekend. It was a legendary fusion of running and music. It was a celebration of sports, rhythm, and community—one that left all of us spellbound, inspired, and eager to register for the AIA Rock ’n’ Roll Manila 2026.
See you there!