Philippine Consulate General in New York Holds Reception for Filipino Runners in the 2025 New York City Marathon

Attendees of the Carbo Loading Reception pose for a group photo with Consul General Senen Mangalile on 31 October 2025 at Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Center, New York. (Photo by Joey Magaso)

New York, 3 November 2025 — The Philippine Consulate General in New York hosted its sixth annual reception to honor and send off Filipino runners participating in the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center on 31 October 2025. 

New York PCG personnel, volunteers, and staff  welcomed over 130 participants from various provinces in the Philippines, states in the US, and countries around the world. The event was organized in partnership with Pinoy Runners USA, Pinoy Runners Chicago, Pinoy Runners Global, Fil-Am Tri, JCI Philippine-NY, Knights of Rizal New York, RGI Alakdan New York, Inc., Triskelion Synergy Inc., and Chibops Bakery. 

Consul General Senen T. Mangalile praised the gathered Filipino runners stating, “It is a true honor and genuine joy to be here tonight, supporting our kababayan as they take on the incredible challenge of the New York Marathon. To our Filipino runners — those who have flown from the Philippines, Canada, Ireland, France and the United Kingdom and those representing our vibrant Filipino-American community — we salute you. Your participation in one of the world’s most iconic marathons is a testament not only to your strength and discipline, but also to the strong-willed heart that defines the Filipino spirit”.  Florian Cabuyao, a 6-time NYC Marathon finisher, co-organizer and facilitator of the event, provided practical tips on race terrain and rules familiarization, energy and pace management as well as advice for the runners to enjoy the experience. The experienced marathon coaches present were united in advising the runners to start slow and finish strong.

The event closed with a carbohydrate-loading and networking session. Runners undergo carbohydrate loading before a marathon to maximize stored energy for endurance events to delay fatigue and improve performance. 

The guests enjoyed an array of hearty and comforting Filipino favorites provided by Filipino establishments. Included in the spread were arroz caldo, lechon, pansit, chicken teriyaki, spaghetti, pinakbet, ginataang kalabasa, lumpia, beef lasagna, rice, turon, and puto.

The Carbo-Loading Reception at the Philippine Consulate General in New York provided Filipino marathoners with the energy to tackle the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon and also reinforced the bonds of the global Filipino community, through food, camaraderie, and shared stories of perseverance. END

(Top, L - R) - Consul General Senen Mangalile delivered the opening remarks, followed by Ms. Florian Cabuyao who shared practical tips for participants; (Bottom, L-R) - Fr. Patrick Longalong blessed the runners and the gathering, followed by Mr. Gerald Tabios, a twenty-time NYC Marathon finisher, who shared inspirational words.
Ms. Elaine Acosta and the Santa Teresa family, official pacers of the NYC Marathon, at the Carbo Loading Reception held on 31 October 2025 at Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Center, New York.
Volunteers facilitate the food distribution as the runners form bonds over shared meals and experiences leading up to the marathon. (Photos by Joey Magaso)