Charity group joins Cobra

The Smile Train Team Empower will field 10 triathletes to the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines on Aug. 6 in Cebu to raise funds for cleft repair surgeries in the Philippines.

Smile Train, a charity that helps in the operation of less fortunate children, aims to raise P1 million during the 1.9-kilometer race, 90K bike and 21K run race in Cebu.

Kimmy Coseteng-Flaviano, the country director of Smile Train Philippines, said that each triathlete looks to raise P100,000 through an online fund-raising page and donations from friends and family.

The triathlete team comprises elite runner Rojan Pajarin, who was born with a cleft lip and palate; Dr Gene Tiongco, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon; swim coach Bing Benares; equestrian Lucas Lorenzo; fashion designer Dennis Lustico; and seasoned triathles Jr Mejia, Bernard Perez, JJ Sarona, Aron Villarosa and Cebu-based travel agent Arlene Yu.

“This is the first time for the Smile Train Team Empower to join the Ironman 70.3 Philippines. We're looking for our triathletes to finish strong for a cause,” said Coseteng-Flaviano.

The team also aims to raise awareness regarding the cleft repair surgeries in the country.

“We have done around 50,000 surgeries around the country, We also have a lot of patients in Cebu and nearby Visayas areas like Dumaguete City, Bohol, Leyte,” she added. /