Bearwin Meily finds new purpose through running

MANILA, Philippines — Just when actor-comedian Bearwin Meily became closer to God, his faith was put to the test. The silver lining was that he found footing in sports and strengthened his faith after going through rocky times in his life.

He lay low in the entertainment business in 2009 after his father passed away in 2008. “Then I started running hanggang sa malayuan na po yung tinatakbo ko kasi pumayat na po ako. That was 2009. Until nito na lang I got back (into showbiz) via Net25’s ‘Quizon CT,’” Bearwin recalled during the presscon of “You VERSUS You Run 2025,” a fun run event he organized under 88 Sports PH, where he is the race director.

“And I also do social media and YouTube (content) and then guestings. I think it was more than 10 years when I became inactive in the industry.”

He shed tears when his showbiz career slowed down. “I could say I had regrets (but) I chose to exercise,” he told The STAR, and added that his last show with ABS-CBN was “Da Pilya en Da Pilot,” a sitcom starring Aga Muhlach and Joyce Jimenez.

Bearwin Meily on how he got into running: I was a heavy drinker and I had vices. I didn’t have self-discipline. I came from a poor family. When I earned money, lahat gusto ko ng tirahin. That’s how worst it was. So I said, ‘Lord, please help me,’ kung hindi, maaga akong mamahinga. That’s when I started running.’

“Then I got sick and decided to have a healthy living after that. Prior to that, I was in GMA Network pero dun napapa-isip na ako. But a lot had happened in GMA, my career bloomed. But after that, nung nag-lay low ako, I cried. Because it’s a decision na sabi ko sa Kanya, kung kailan ako gumawa ng mabuti, bakit parang napasama?

“I chose to inspire others, take care of my body, but paano yan? I didn’t have a manager at that time. How can I survive? So I sold everything. I lost my money. Artistang bumagsak, artistang nawalan ng name.”

But the heap of unfortunate events that occurred in his life paved the way for his interest in sports. “By God’s grace, tinuro Niya sa akin yung sports. That’s how I learned how to do these things (organizing sports events) and it continued. From regrets, He blessed me. He led me to the company that organizes several running events.”

“Those days and times na talagang iniisip ko rin na saan ako pupunta. I was a heavy drinker and I had vices. I didn’t have self-discipline. I came from a poor family. When I earned money, lahat gusto ko ng tirahin. That’s how worst it was. So I said, ‘Lord, please help me,’ kung hindi, maaga akong mamahinga. That’s when I started running.”

Bearwin got emotional when asked about his “You VERSUS You” moment. “(It was) in 2012 when I encountered Christ again. I served at Christ’s Commission Fellowship (CCF). You would see on social media that I’m sharing inspirational videos…  Kung kailan ako lumapit kay God and started to serve Him, there were many challenges that came. When you’re about to surrender, that’s when He will embrace you more. I started serving in 2011 with my wife.

“Career-wise, achievement-wise, I’ve been through that. The bank account is no longer important to me, as well as fame. Makatawid na lang kami, to encourage and motivate each other and to share how good the Lord is to us, boundary na po ako.”

Meanwhile, the “You VERSUS You Run 2025” emphasizes self-improvement over competition, encouraging participants to challenge themselves and reach personal milestones. With the theme “You VERSUS You,” it promotes the idea that success is about showing up and making the effort — not necessarily winning or being the fastest.

The event will also feature various activities and celebrity guests, including veteran singer Mitoy Yonting. “After the run, mag-e-enjoy ka pa sa activity area, there’s entertainment. Solved ka na sa pagpapawis, sa activity area sa venue, there’s food and drinks and entertainment for the whole family,” said Bearwin.

The event is slated for July 20 at 4 a.m. at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus City, Cavite. It is presented by Michael Maranan, president and chief executive officer of 88 Ace Production Corporation, chairman of the Maranan Group of Companies, and founder of My Superhero Friends Foundation, which benefits from the proceeds of the event to support children and community development.

To register, visit https://raceroster.com/events/2025/106645/you-versus-you, drop by Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub (open every Friday to Sunday until July 13, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.), or message 88 Sports PH on their social media pages for assistance. For further inquiries, contact Bearwin at +639988543432.