After their TikTok videos went viral, the Chinito Walkers of DLSU announced their intention to organize a Walkathon open to all Lasallians. While the route of the event is still being finalized, the Chinito Walkers have confirmed that it will start from the Henry Sy Sr. Hall grounds and end at a yet-to-be-disclosed far location. Additionally, in collaboration with DLSU’s Office of Sports Development, the winner of the Walkathon will receive a “mysterious” prize, as confirmed by the Chinito Walkers.      

Baby steps

As shown in their viral social media posts, the Chinito Walkers are deeply passionate about long-distance walking. The group often embarks on walks from the Manila Campus to any point across Metro Manila. Over the past few months, they have trekked from DLSU to the SM Mall of Asia, Ateneo de Manila University, and La Salle Green Hills. “We’re very passionate about it, especially since it’s a great form of exercise,” the group explained. “We also want to encourage more Lasallians to take part in such hobbies because it can improve one’s own cardiovascular health.” 

Despite the seemingly lighthearted nature of their TikToks, the Chinito Walkers shared that their recent journeys around the metro are also part of an advocacy to make the Philippines’ capital more pedestrian-friendly. They added, “As seen in our videos, [many] of the places we have to traverse while walking through Manila are very ‘unwalkable.’ Nevertheless, we still persevere to get to our destination, but it would be more ideal, not just for us but for Manila residents in general, if the city had more sidewalks and footbridges.” The idea behind the Lasallian Walkathon is aimed toward promoting walking as both a hobby and advocacy for Lasallians. 

Adventure time

With the excitement building up for the first-ever Lasallian Walkathon, the Chinito Walkers are leaving no stone unturned in making the event memorable. The route features areas that are popular to Lasallians, including the fresh breeze of Taft Avenue and Pablo Ocampo Street, where participants can pass by the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. It leads up to the Mall of Asia Arena. Participants should expect a scenic yet endurance-testing competition that will showcase the beauty and challenges of walking in Metro Manila. 

“We want to make the walk fun and meaningful,” shared the group. “Gusto naming ma-highlight yung key landmarks around Taft, and maybe even beyond, depending on how our fellow walkers would feel.” 

(We want to highlight the key landmarks around Taft…)

The Chinito Walkers emphasized that side activities would be set up along the route, including hydration stations, checkpoint challenges, their famous tae counts along the way, and a post-walk gathering at the finish line. Lasallians are encouraged to sign up in teams, with prizes awaiting not only the fastest walkers but also those who embrace the spirit of the event through creativity—such as the best-themed outfits, most energetic walkers, and even the funniest social media updates during the event. With the excitement running high, the Chinito Walkers promise an event that’s more than just a race; it’s a movement.

WalkTok

Looking forward to the walkathon, the Chinito Walkers expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming response: “It’s such an honor. We were actually surprised when we announced the Walkathon, we didn’t expect that so many people would be interested.”

“I think it’s a good way to beat the ‘hindi marunong tumawid’ allegations,” they joked. One of the members also quipped, “Lasallians daw puro Grab? Nah, walking is the new meta.” Participants are also encouraged to vlog their walkathon journey, following the trademark of the Chinito Walkers. 

(I think it’s a good way to beat the ‘can’t cross the street’ allegations.)

(Lasallians can only Grab? Nah, walking is the new meta.)

As participants await more competition details, they are encouraged to check the TikTok videos of the Chinito Walkers to see what challenges they face and if, indeed, they might have to swim through Manila’s rivers to finish the race.

This article was published in The LaSallian‘s Spoof 2025 issue. To read more, visit bit.ly/TLSSpoof2025.