Parklane holds tri race, distributes goods in Bantayan

It failed to raise enough funds to donate to victims of Typhoon ‘Yolanda’ after its fund-raising triathlon event held over the weekend in Bantayan Island failed to draw enough participants.
That however, doesn’t mean that Parklane International Hotel has also ran out of ways to make life a little easier for the thousands of Bantayanons still reeling from the massive destruction wrought by this century’s most destructive typhoon.
Last Sunday morning, Parklane personnel assisted by Bantayan town officials distributed relief goods to affected residents some of whom are still living in tents under the sweltering summer heat.
“We could have given more, but since the triathlon race failed to generate funds, we will still extend help by distributing relief goods,” Parklane Int’l Hotel general manager Cenelyn Manguilomotan told Cebu Daily News on the eve of their relief operation.
Parklane personnel distributed towels, blankets and new clothes not used ones at the Montemar Beach Resort which also hosted the race. More importantly, the race also provided employment to hundreds of local residents who were tapped to ensure the event’s smooth conduct from fishermen who helped oversee the swimming leg to guides, marshalls and added security personnel as well as those who helped prepare the venue.
Some Bantayanons were also tapped to help in the food preparation giving them instant first class training from the hotel’s chefs aside from earning money.
“We would also like to thank Bantayan Mayor Ian Christopher Escario for his all-out support to this charitable undertaking,” Manguilomotan added. Mayor Escario even attended the awarding program which finished late Saturday night.
During his speech, Mayor Escario profusely thanked Parklane for taking time to help the typhoon victims in his municipality. He also identified his administration’s various programs designed to help affected residents.
Some 74 triathletes competed in the Hunat Sugbu-organized race which saw multi-titled triathletes Kristianne Lim and Lorhiz Echavez-Lopez winning the centerpiece men’s and women’s open titles, respectively.