aLdzHeiMerZ

Stop, Look and...

2011-04-01T11:20:00.000+08:00

So when did Stop, Look and Listen become just Stop, Look.. cross?

Before crossing the street, people STOP (check!), LOOK (check!) and see a few guys (me & my friends, or just me), on bicycles, rolling at a much thrilling velocity of 60+kph.

So? Bicycles don't make noise! Go ahead! Take a step forward.. pssh!

f0r gRanTed..

2010-07-30T08:00:00.000+08:00

"Take Care" is probably the most taken-for-granted two-word phrase.

When I say it, I mean it. 'Please take care.'

iT's a sHoeLace-tYing CoNtesT!

2010-07-26T15:53:00.002+08:00

Just this morning I overheard two neighborhood kids talking.
The first asked, "Do you know how to tie your shoelace?"
"Yes", answered the second kid.
"How fast could you tie your shoes? C'mon lets race! I'll race you in tying your shoelace!"

Believe it or not, the conversation stuck in my mind and I kept thinking about it that it made me break the silence in my blog to write about it!

Yey!

I always thought it felt intrusive when others try to question the things I do everyday that I think I do quite well such as tying my shoelaces. Like, C'mon! I do it everyday that I don't even think about it!
Have you ever thought of the details of tying your shoes? Could you write the directions down without retying your shoes and taking down every loop or the lace?

Which arm goes into a sleeve first when you wear a shirt?

Do you think of which sock you wear first?
What shoe you put on first?

Such details don't need thinking about. It's what makes life simpler and happier.! Think of the amount of stress you'll get when you have to analyze these things!

True. Life's greatest joys are found in the simpler things. Life is full of no-need-to-think-about Shoelace-tying Contests that bring you joy although you haven't really thought of why.

So, are you confident with your shoelace-tying skills?

anY w0rse?

2010-04-20T21:35:00.001+08:00

"The suppression of the desire to express"

When you know it's possible to express but you also know that not expressing is "the right thing to do."

THAT is probably the worst feeling in the whole world.

Not being able to move.
Not being able to speak.
Not being able to touch.
Not being able to express.

CAN ANYTHING FEEL WORSE?

Coty's iDea no.4

2010-04-14T10:02:00.001+08:00

I was curious about what ideas my friend Coty would come up with when she started her 100 Ideas project.
Yesterday, in her post 100 Ideas: 4 I got really curious coz it contained a secret message, cut into several pieces and pasted back randomly. It definitely caught me. So I decided to "decrypt" this code. Using my limited knowledge in image manipulation, I managed to reassemble the message. So, ladies and gentlemen, here's Coty's secret:

(Drum roll)...

I'm secretly mad at my roomates right now because they got up early and woke me up before 6:00 a.m. I was so upset I had to go to the bathroom and quietly cry there because I can no longer take this noise and lack of sleep. I have a test today and I'm afraid I will fall asleep while I take it!

Well, Coty, I hope you did well on your test. :)

..go0d 'ol training days..

2010-04-05T10:38:00.003+08:00

After some time of strength and conditioning, a long weekend seemed like a good time to try out and work on the practical. So, me and my friend Francis went on a training day on Maundy Thurday. We started with some drills and then went on to explore the new AIIAS Auditorium. The building has some good architecture. Meaning, it allowed for parkour training. We went around and over the building. And at the end of the day...

..and I try to remember, when was the last time I trained and wounded my hands?

It has been a while.

pedaling again..

2010-03-18T15:52:00.003+08:00

About 60 kilometers under sun & rain,

to a hotspring to soothe my way-worn legs,

from pedaling a bike for near 3 hours o' strain

for but to sit for bout an hour long,

in a pool of hot water in a bowl of stone...

The trip took nearly 3 hours, beginning at 8 am and ending 11 am. Rain caused mud from the road to transfer to my cogs & chain. It got so dirty that it started making disturbing noises. I had to stop once in a while to wash the dirt off the chain. Water I used was from my water bottle.

Taking stops at 7-11 in Tagaytay, the AUP Gate, Paseo de Sta. Rosa, Burger King in Calamba, and finally, Dona Jovita Garden resort.

oh.. this was for a company retreat. I just decided to bike there..

..who will I meet in heaven.?

2010-02-18T16:49:00.002+08:00

One day, my brother brought home this book by Mitch Albom entitled "The Five People You Meet in Heaven."

Since I didn't have any other book available to read, I started on this book not knowing the amount of wisdom packed in this book. Once I encountered the first quote: "All endings are beginnings. We just don't know it at the time...", I started taking down certain points that I want to keep.

Although, I don't believe in the books picture of heaven, the idea and the concept just captivated me. It constantly reminded me of my own life and how I've lived it.

Below are several quotes from the book. Not all, since I want to tease you into reading the book. Know more about the book here.

"No story sits by itself. Sometimes stories meet at corners and sometimes they cover one another completely, like stones beneath a river." p.10

"Each of us was in your life for a reason. You may not have known the reason at the time, and that is what heaven is for. For understanding your life on earth." p.35

"That there are no random acts. That we are all connected. That you can no more separate one life from another than you can separate a breeze from the wind." p.48

"Strangers are just family you have yet to come to know." p.49

"Sometimes when you sacrifice something precious, you're not really losing it. You're just passing it on to someone else." p.94

"Holding anger is a poison. It eats you from inside. We think that hating is a weapon that attacks the person who harmed us. But hatred is a curved blade. And the harm we do, we do to ourselves." p.141

"Lost love is still love, [Eddie]. It takes a different form, that's all. You can't see their smile or bring them food or tousle their hair or move them around a dance floor. But when those senses weaken, another heightens. Memory. Memory becomes your partner. You nurture it. You hold it. You dance with it." p.173

I'm converted. I'm on the search to collecting several of Mitch Albom's books: Tuesdays With Morrie, For One More Day, Have a Little Faith, and my own copy of The Five People You Meet in Heaven.

..fRaGiLe..

2010-02-05T12:57:00.001+08:00

The active person that I am, I have been through several experiences that live reminders on my body. For those who are not familiar with these -- these are called wounds, scars. My experiences, mostly as a child, include bicycle crashes that have left scars on my forehead, knees, elbows. The most painful, I would say, happened recently.. about 3 years ago when I broke my arm (insights-fr0m-my-broken-arm).

I've found out that breaks in the body never heal 100%. They always end up weaker than they originally were. I don't play volleyball and sometimes, intercepting a pass during a game of basketball reminds me of this. They are marked by scars and scar tissues always seem to break more easily the second time around.

After ages of not blogging, this seems like a proper post for this "Month of Love." Nothing mushy or that sort of thing in this post though. Similar to physical wounds, emotional wounds will never recover 100%. And as a result the victim takes care of this wound, scared because it is now more fragile - more easily to break again.

No matter how much time it takes, coz people say "time heals all hurt", time can never heal anything 100%. Not physical wounds. Not emotional wounds. It just is not the way it works. Once you've been scarred, the scar - the reminder - is always there and gets more fragile every time it breaks.

So, have a care for the people around you. You may be handling a fragile, emotionally broken soul. Have a care. Be sensitive. They may have trusted you enough to expose their 'weaknesses' to you. Have a care. You may not be able to heal them 100% but you may be able to help protect that scar and better yet, help soothe it.

2 Phase

2009-11-27T09:41:00.001+08:00

My daily schedule for several months now and until the end of the year.

Phase 1: Work
Phase 2: Choir

New tHinGs..

2009-09-08T17:25:00.003+08:00

There comes a time in your life when you have to let go of some things important to you to make way for something you think is WORTH the sacrifice.

I think I've come to a certain point. I haven't been climbing in months, running and swimming have been pushed aside. I'm almost quite sure I wouldn't fulfill the only two goals I have set for this year.

What has become of greater importance for me? Music - specifically choral music AND the choir I'm in.. and have been in since it began in 2006..

I still try to squeeze everything into the little time that is given to me every week, though.

...

2009-09-02T14:25:00.002+08:00

..even the title is blank..

what do you do when you don't feel like writing down anything.?

many months have lapsed since the last time I blogged about anything..

..maybe i'll revamp..

Ready to TRI?

2009-05-12T08:55:00.000+08:00

It's one week to go before my target date to my first TRI. The ANIMO Sprint Triathlon in Alabang is happening on June 14, 2009.

950m Swim, 30km bike, 7km run.. AM I READY?

If ever I'm gonna race on the 14th, I'll be going alone. No friends who are gonna race with me that are also racing for the first time. I'll be tri-ing alone. This will be a moment of truth. Another thought to think about is have I been training enough?

I have never done a triathlon in my life and the idea of a 'first time' is nerve wrecking. I have learned from Parkour training that the 'first jump' is the most important. IF I am going to tri, I want to be able to attack it the best I can. There will be no DNF (Did Not Finish).

SHOULD I TRI?

The Painful Truth

2009-04-23T11:48:00.001+08:00

A friend of mine introduced me to this article: The painful truth about trainers: Are running shoes a waste of money?

When we were kids, we used to run around fields barefoot. And I never experienced an ankle sprain! The first and only ankle sprain I've ever experienced came from a game of basketball last year -- while wearing shoes..

Click the link above to read the article.

Lance Armstrong's bike Recovered

2009-02-23T16:40:00.001+08:00

Word is Lance's bike was returned by some anonymous citizen...without wheels! I'm sure the got spares of that. Only one bike from the other three missing has been recovered.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/tech.php?id=/tech/2009/news/02-19

Lance Armstrongs TT Bike Stolen

2009-02-17T16:40:00.001+08:00

I don't usually post this much in a day but somehow I find this news amusing enough to post.

Lance Armstrong's Time Trial bike along with three other Astana Team road bikes were stolen from the team truck February 15, 2009. Check out the full story from CNN: Armstrong's bike stolen after race

Skyway Run for the Whale Sharks: Registration Open!!

2009-02-17T09:33:00.001+08:00

As of yesterday, February 16, 2009, the Registration for the Condura Run 09: Skyway Run for the Whale Sharks has been opened. Registration details can be found at http://condurarun.com

Distances: 3km, 5km, 10km, Half Marathon

The Skyway is a Philippine 'high speed' hi-way which will be part of the Condura Run Half Marathon. No human (outside a vehicle) has been allowed on this road until now. So take this opportunity to raise funds for the Whale Sharks and to run where no one has ever run before!

See you in the skyway!

Tagaytay Pista Ng Pag-Ibig 2009

2009-02-16T11:15:00.001+08:00

Yesterday, February 15,2009, I witnessed my first live cycling event in Tagaytay City. Headed by Tagaytay City Mayor and PhilCycling President, Bambol Tolentino, the Pista Ng Pag-Ibig (Feast of Love) is done every year.

I was reminded of my first running event (the Makati City Hall Vertical Race). I was wearing jogging pants and a shirt. I was surrounded by bronze skinned runners showing off their massive, well-toned legs through their 'ultra-short' shorts. I was watching several runners warming up. I was intimitated!

I didn't join this cycling event - which was also an event where they take the top 10 junior finishers and train them for a cycling event in Singapore - but I was really intimidated! I just stood/sat scanning the human powered machines zooming past, while cyclists were warming up, trying to identify their equipment and taking mental notes of their riding techniques and form. I fed my mind on the pretty eye candies - frames, wheelsets, components. I, ofcourse, rode my bike to the place. I am proud of my bike, don't get me wrong! But that time, I didn't associate myself with my bike as I wasn't dressed to match my bike. I also watched as some people approached my bike and admiring it! Haha.. the pride of the builder!! ..but I didn't mention that it belonged to me. (how pathetic!)

The event also included a 160km ride. As the race started, I watched these cyclists starting strong! I wondered how they could keep up that pace when they had to ride 160kms. Maybe it seemed strong to me, when to these steel legged superhumans, it was just another joy ride. I was awakened to the world of cycling and how much more I have to train!

A pedal away

2009-02-11T08:27:00.133+08:00

My road towards a triathlon is now just a pedal away. I've spent a couple of months building up a road bike. The process took more than that considering the time it took to scout for parts & prices and to research about proper bike fit.

Finally, I've managed to complete a machine. Completely bought (except for handle bars & calipers) from Cycle Art in Quiapo, Manila. This shop has probably the best customer service around. I've been to other bike shops in the area and none came close to the friendliness of the people at Cycle Art.

Specifications:

Frameset: Kinesis KT415 TT SPF
Wheelset: Shimano WH-R550
Shifters: Shimano Sora STI, 9 speed
Front Derailleur: Shimano Sora
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Sora
Crank: Shimano Sora 50/34
Cassette: Shimano Tiagra 12-23, 9speed
Handlebars: MOB
Stem: FSA
Headset: Kinesis (manufactured for Cane Creek)
Breakset: Shimano Sora

The bike weighs a total of 20lbs which I consider incredibly light compared to bikes I have previously ridden.

The Kinesis kt415 has a TT (time trial) geometry with a seat angle of 76 degrees. It came with fork and seat post. I am planning to buy clip-on aero bars and transform this bike into a tri bike. For now it will remain a road bike with tri geometry. All components are Shimano Sora except the Cassette and I'm also planning to upgrade these to 105. But not now. I was on a budget and the real investment I made was on the frameset.

I built this bike up and fine-tuned the shifting and the stack and reach and was finally able to ride it a week after I finished assembling it. Last Sunday, February 8, 2009 was the day I took it on it's first 40km trip. I also took it for hill training last night.

I would like to especially thank Desiree of Cycle Art for being so helpful and accomodating.

If you wish to contact Cycle Art:

Cycle Art Mktg. Quiapo, Manila
Mobile: +639177951122

I'm still not abandoning ol faithful. The bike I started training on:

Bomb?! ..Oh...

2009-02-03T10:17:00.002+08:00

There a lot of things that can freak a crowd out and cause total chaos. One of which is a bomb threat. Imagine you are in a mall full of people when someone shouts "BOMB!!" and runs!! What do you think happen? Ahh.. Stampede!!

In the Philippines, and probably most anywhere in the world, joking about bombs isn't the funniest joke. Specially in airports. You could get caught, jailed, fined, then jailed again...ok, maybe not. I had a similar experience just recently. Not in an airport, nothing was funny (until I noticed), no one was jailed.

I traveled to Quiapo, Manila to purchase the lacking parts of my bicycle project. I was traveling with my friend RJ, who was also scouting for bike parts. On our way home, we decided to take the LRT. Train stations, in the Philippines at least, have security guards checking the contents of your bags. I was carrying a bag where I put my goodies. Approaching the security guard's desk I unzipped my bag and opened it. She (the security guard) was checking the contents. She found something and was gesturing - asking what it was. It was my bike handpump that I forgot to remove from my bag. "Bomba po!", I said. She let me pass.

Then, it dawned on me!! What the hell was that?! Did I just tell a security guard it was a BOMB? I was laughing to myself. I innocently answered her question saying that it was a hand pump! You see in the Philippines a pump is bomba, same filipino word for bomb. I was aware of the rules about making fun with bombs and such. I was glad I wasn't apprehended. It could have been serious!

Well, earlier, we were on the train and took out my water bottle to drink. While drinking, I tilted my head up and saw the sign saying "No Drinking!" My, my, me! I hurriedly put my water bottle away.

Happy New Year!!!

2009-01-26T10:58:00.003+08:00

- Gong Xi Fa Chai!! Just in time for the Chinese New Year!! I just got this picture from RJ (thefirstgrader.blogspot.com) last night.

- This picture was taken in Tarak Ridge last year, December. If you notice I was kneeling down. The winds were so strong that standing for this pic was difficult.

- I believe this year is the year of the Ox which is also the year I was born (1985). I am expecting a lot this year. I will also expect to work hard on training which I've already started.

My 2009 Goals:

I have several goals for the year 2009. Some of them are goals carried over from 2008. Here are some of them.

1. Finish a Marathon - This was a goal that I had last year which I didn't get to do. Running and finishing 42kms is definitely a goal this year. I was excited about the Philippine Marathon which was supposed to happen on March 8 but was moved. This gives me ample time to train. All marathons are scheduled at the later part of the year. A half marathon - The Cordura Half Marathon - will be held on March 22.

2. Become a Triathlete - I've been bitten by the bug. And now I'm in the triathlon fever. I've started training to be a triathlete this year. My goal is to finish an olympic distance triathlon (1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run) but in any case a sprint distance will do.. nothing below that. Triathlon training could be really tough. I have to find time to train all three sports during the week. And without a lap pool near by, I ride 14kms to Adventist University of the Philippines to swim, then ride 14kms home. So far, training is going along fine. I haven't really cut down on running as I also have to train for a marathon.

So what have I done so far to see that this goals are met?

- I have been more serious with training. I've also found out that cross training like cycling could improve endurance during the run. Just recently, I finished third in a local short-distance run we had.

- I am building a road bike. Almost complete. I plan to complete it by next month. The frame is of time trial geometry (76 deg. of seat angle). I've been using a mountain bike (MTB) on the road for training which isn't really the use for it. I plan to start piling in more miles with my TT bike. I'll post a pic of the bike when it's complete. ^^

My Takes on the TNF Thrill of the Trail

2009-01-20T09:41:00.001+08:00

First of all, this post wasn't supposed to come first this year. There was supposed to be a Happy New Year's post, a New Year's resolutions post, a "what-I-did-til-now" post, and another post. But right now, those will come after this.

If you want to read about the TNF Thrill of the Trail, read it from my friend's blog - HighAltitude.

I'm posting to pour out my disappointments of not being able to join this run! Well, not a fault on my part mind you. I was looking for a way to register for this run.

After hearing about this run last year from Jerry, I've been looking forward to it. I went to TNF-MOA to get my trail shoes fixed and asked them about the registration - this was 2 weeks after I heard about it. And guess what - they said the registration was closed!! Well, they had a poster of the run for all to see, and here I was hearing that the registration was closed! I was disappointed wondering how this race closed registration so soon?!

Then I remembered the complications in last year's TNF run, how, despite closing of registration, they allowed on site registration and it messed up the results. I thought it was fair that only a certain number of people be allowed for this run. But still, I was disappointed.

Forgetting about it, it came back when Jerry mentioned it a few weeks ago, then discussing with my friend RJ about not being able to register, I found out that he had the same issue. It was worse though because he - some one who won 3rd in his age category - didn't get a chance to register!!! Why isn't a placer given special privileges in this kind of thing? I, too, ran in the TNF100 20k and did pretty well finishing at 2:01:xx.. Then, topping this off, hearing that joining a running workshop, a week before the race, gives you the opportunity to register!! It is just NOT FAIR!! Well, I heard that the registration was done on an invitational kind of thing. But still!! I don't think you should deny people their right to experience the thrill of the trail. And this is after you advertise it to the public..

Hopefully I will get to run in the next trail run. Congratulations to all who ran this race. Congrats to Jerry for finishing 7th overall.

Note: I heard that the Philippine Marathon will be postponed. I hope it will not. I'm training for this run, and having this kind of news just puts me off my rhythm.

breaking free..not quite yet

2008-12-15T16:01:00.001+08:00

Even though my right ankle is still feeling a little unstable after three weeks now due to a sprain, I've been feeling uneasy about not being able to train so I decided - not to run - but accompany my dad on a bicycle ride.

Waking up early, we started on our way at 0630 on a cold Sunday morning. My dad has been cycling alot going on long rides every Sunday. Sometimes with friends. Today, it was only me and him. Since he was the veteran on the road I let him take the lead. I also bike alot but not in long distances the farthest distance being 28km (AIIAS - AUP - AIIAS via Pook). We were both riding mountain bikes and our route went up via the Aguinaldo hi-way to the Tagaytay rotonda. Turning left and down the Tagaytay-Balibago road we had to take some inside road because we weren't wearing helmets.( Reminder: Tagaytay City is strict on helmets.) Somewhere past the market, we turned left again passing a road going down back to Silang passing Brgy. Punong Bunga - a road similar to the back road I usually run. This road we passed connects to my back road route which I am familiar with. This time I took the lead. Turning right before the bridge, I took my dad off-road for a while. This are what mountain bikes are supposed to be for. They were not meant for the road!

We took the off-road road slowly since there were mud puddles everywhere and we didn't really plan on getting ourselves dirty. Exiting the dirt road, we came to a road connecting Silang and Lumil through Pook. Then, turning left again, we went down and up the creek and were on our way back home.

Reaching home, I felt like the bike ride wasn't enough. Sure we went about 30km but I didn't really felt like it was enough. Maybe just me. I decided to take this as an opportunity to train transition. Leaving my bike at home I hit the road once more. Instantly, I felt the pain on my ankle. Being stubborn, I just kept going. Running the road up to AIIAS running two rounds and back home for a total of around 6km. It was around 9 in the morning. Good enough it wasn't that hot.

This was a good start! Freedom is sweet but not yet. Not with a bad ankle...that could get worse if I'm not careful. I'll be doing this again next Sunday and probably more Sundays after next. Next Sunday I'll be aiming for the Olympic Triathlon length for the bike and run legs (40km bike - 10km run).

..the Key ..?

2008-12-08T15:06:00.001+08:00

So I haven't written anything for about a month now. I have lost all passion of updating my blog; lost passion of running. I mentioned about losing my passion of blogging to sir Wayne when I met him at the Kabahaginan FUNdraising run back in November... by the way, sir Wayne, it was nice meeting you.

So what have I been to since then? Nothing. I've gone to sleep. The question is WHY? Well, that's a question I couldn't find the answer to. Similar to me stopping from tricking. I know a backflip is fairly simple-just a jump and a tuck-but somehow I just lost the feeling to even try one. Well this is after my broken arm. It's past a year now since the insident and almost a year since the cast has been removed. I haven't been back to tricking full blast since. Again, the question is WHY? And again, it's a question a couldn't find an answer to. I just couldn't get what is so scary about a backflip (there isn't) specially when I got it on my own will.

I don't want to waste my time searching for the answer of why I lost my passion on things. Not long ago, I was introduced to running and ran in an event almost every month. I would hit the road with the Ibanrunner and High Altitude or alone. What was it that drove me?

Recently, I've picked up on parkour training. It's really hard work but freedom has it's price. You gotta work hard to be able to move freely- not being bound by any obstacles. What drove me to pick up on this? Since I started, it's been hard training - strength training, technical training - sometimes going for a whole 8 hours ending with a sore body. But was is it that made me go on despite the pain?

The question I wanted to answer was how to get it back? How do I get back the desire for the things I once desired up to the point of breaking an arm? How do I once again rekindle the fire that once burned bright?

The key is to have the desire to get back to it. I know I want to get back to running so that's where it all starts again. I remember trying to motivate others who lost their motivation to train parkour. I remember mentioning that this is why parkour is a discipline - because you gotta keep pushing when you feel like giving up; that this was a mental part of parkour training. Now that I am faced by a similar situation from a different perspective, I ought to be able to get myself back on track.

What have I done about it? When I feel like I need motivation, I go back to the things that started it all. I watch videos, read testimonies, talk to passionate people, read articles and think. I just read the blog of Ani de Leon, the first resident Filipino to qualify for and conquer Kona (the ultimate Ironman). Reading this just sparked my dormant desire for the triathlon. So long have I been eyeing the Ironman, maybe I won't get there, but the desire to train has returned.

So what now? I'll get back to training! ...but after my ankle heals. ^^ I haven't run in a month and two weeks ago, when I decided to run, I sprain my ankle...in a basketball game. Luckily, it wasn't as bad as it could've been it didn't even swell. But feeling the tear when it happened, I've decided to rest it. Then last night, I twisted it twice again!! Last in another basketball game! STUPID!!! Now I'm really going to wait for it to heal or it's going to become chronic.

So is there a universal key to RE-motivating? The answer is yes - The WANT to RE-motivate yourself. :)

After a Few Weeks as a Workaholic

2008-10-13T08:33:00.003+08:00

Finally, the few weeks of all work has ended. Now comes the milder, more usual loads of work. After more than two weeks of no (serious) running (my last run: Batulao), I decided to go on a long run last Sunday. My last run was more than a week ago. And I wouldn't even call it a run. More like jog-walk with a ratio of 1mile jog:1mile walk. Not good.

Starting at 053o Sunday morning, me and my friend RJ went on a 25km long run. The first 15kms, going round the usual route passing a back road to the Tagaytay City rotunda, were no problem except for a few stitches that I was expecting. At the rotunda, we turned back north, heading down the Aguinaldo hi-way back to Silang (11km). I started feeling exhaustion settling in less than 5km later. My plan was to run until my legs give and it seemed really close now. I was determined to push some more. Downhills are somewhat difficult in their own way. The pounding of your feet and the energy you use for control contribute to the overall difficulty. I got to the point were I could only run a few hundred meters and go back to a walk. We did one last push toward the AIIAS campus (some 250m). I was really out by now it was even an effort to go on walking. We finished the run in 2hrs 56mins.

Last time I ran this same route (except all the way down to Silang which is around 27km) it took me only 2hrs 40mins. And here I was 2kms short and all ready out. Since we were already out of water, we walked to the library for a drink. My plan of going home on foot was really far from my mind now since I just felt like sitting down. I decided to pass by Auntie Beth and Ate Jenn before heading home (by jeep now), fortunately today was Auntie Beth's birthday and they were eating breakfast (nearly 9 in the morning). The gave a plate of macaroni cooked like spaghetti, i guess, siopao, and a banana. I actually just asked for a banana and got away with a meal!! haha. after talking a bit and eating, I said farewell and walked out the door. I felt renewed. Must have been the food. I scratched the "jeepney" idea and continued home on foot. Now I know the feeling of renewed energy during a run. It will come in handy one day.

Since I'm back to my regular schedule, I've decided to step up my training. In the few weeks that I was stuck with work, with no time to train, I got out of shape so fast. At least maintenance training is required. I will work with 25kms every Sunday for my long runs. Maybe cycling now and then. And stepping up with my parkour technical training too.

A Few Weeks as a Workaholic

2008-10-09T20:49:00.000+08:00

I've been stuck with work the past days. Staying in the office til the late nights (latest at 11+ PM), I do nothing the whole day but (1 1/2) wake up, (2)eat, (3)go to work, (2)eat, (3)work, (2)eat, (1)sleep. On a daily cycle. 3 basic activities.

So far, I haven't had anytime for training in anything. But I try to fit in a few pushups when I can, some muscle ups, run around a bit (jog around that is).

I'm literally tired. To keep me going, I say to myself, "I am an endurance athlete. I train Parkour. I have a strong mind." It does keep me going.

Well, what is the use of a strong mind with a week body? Well, if the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak, you've got an issue. You can get yourself seriously injured by not having enough physical capacity for a certain task. Also, it takes half the time to lose shape than to get in shape.

I would think I AM out of shape and I seriously need to get back to training. After a few weeks as a workaholic.

Batulao Run 2 - Keep Exploring

2008-10-03T12:01:00.003+08:00

Photos: Group Pics

Photos taken by Mr. Tripod

(Top) At one of the peaks of Mt. Batulao, Nasugbu

(Bottom) In front of Evercrest Clubhouse

Waking up at around 6am Sunday morning (Sept. 2, 2008), I started preparing for what was to be a "trail" exploration. I went to bed at around midnight after arriving from a swimming trip from Calamba but I was ready to run. I was the last person to arrive at the meeting point and Baldrunner's car was waiting at the side of the hi-way in front of AIIAS. Jerry (HighAltitude) & RJ were already there. We rode all the way to Evercrest, Nasugbu were we were going to start our run.

Our planned trail was to take one loop around the TNF100 10km and traverse Mt. Batulao. The weather was pretty cooperative as we started at around 0800. Cloudy sky, a refreshing breeze, light drizzles -- it was perfect. The trail was quite muddy but nothing compared to the TNF. We were making good progress til after the bridge. We must have missed a turn somewhere because we started heading down again to a second bridge. I didn't remember a metal bridge during a TNF and the path leading down to that bridge was insane!! Anyways, with the words of Baldrunner, quoting The North Face slogan, he said "Just keep exploring!" So we went on. We managed to follow a path leading to the national hi-way and started on the road back to Evercrest. That was around 10kms.

It started drizzling before we got to Evercrest and started pouring when we got there, so we took cover under the front of the Evercrest Club, took pics and chatted. After the rain stopped, we decided to continue to towards Batulao. The trail was also muddy that way. The clouds started coming down onto the mountain and completely covered it. We stopped for a while at the jumpoff for some buko.

While at the buko stop, some mountaineers approached from the peak. Around 30 of them. After the bukostop, we decided to make for the peak. The peak was still covered with clouds, and judging by the weather, it wouldn't be safe to assault the summit. We stopped at two peaks before Camp 8 and were quite satisfied already so we made our way back down.

It started getting hot since it was around lunch time and I just had a peanut butter sandwich before leaving home. We headed back to AIIAS and had a session of carbo-reloading with baked potatoes together with BR & his company.

We missed Ibanrunner in this run. He had to finish some class requirements. Hopefully he'll get to join us the next time around.

Extended Birthday

2008-09-18T20:03:00.009+08:00

Thanks to Oyette (who missed out on Yellow Cab last week), my birthday has been extended to a week!! ^^ Last night she gave me (well, me & my sis) her "peace offering" a choco-mousse cake. Really nice cake! Just pictures for you right now... sorry! :P

As much as I would like to preserve it. . . .
Nice, Nice, Nice Cake! ^-^
Thanks Oyette!!!

How About “Bataan Death March Memorial Ultra Run” In The Philippines?

2008-09-16T09:11:00.000+08:00

Original Post: How About “Bataan Death March Memorial Ultra Run” In The Philippines?

The reason why I conducted the “first and only Bataan Death March Challenge” in April 2000 held along the exact route where the event occured because I was challenged why in the world would the ROTC of White Sands, New Mexico, USA celebrate such event in their desert where a handful of US World War II survivors from that State would be supported and commemorated. Also, there are three other places/States in the US where they commemorate this famous Bataan Death March.

Read more from Baldrunner.com

Rebounding Fun Run

2008-09-15T14:29:00.002+08:00

Photo: Before the Run
Photo taken by Arne Carpena
Me, Ed, Jimmy, Franz, RJ before the 13km run to Yellow Cab, Tagaytay.

Ok, I may be the worst kind of goal-setter. I didn't even come close to the 40+ km run I was planning! I could blame it on the weather. The weather last week has been bad with a typhoon to the north end of the Philippines. There was not a day when ground was dry and sky was clear. And there always was rain and wind. The night of my planned run, September 10, 2008, Ed got to my house at around 7pm on his bicycle (he came in the rain). We were to meet RJ Almocera (thefirstgrader.blogspot.com) in AIIAS at 8pm. The rain was pouring but I was trying to be optimistic about the rain stopping.

20:30 PM it was still raining!! When will it stop!! I've been carbo-loading and hydrating for this run for days!!!

...the rain didn't stop.
I texted RJ that we would try at midnight and I went to bed. Waking up at 2300, I prepared my stuff despite the downpour. Ed was already deep in sleep and there wasn't any sign that he would wake up. I didn't even bother waking him up. I was waiting for the rain to stop. At 0000, the time I planned to finish, I was still sitting at home waiting for the rain to stop. When my patience gauge hit low, I decided to scrap the plan, I texted RJ and left Ed sleeping and went to bed.

The Fun Run
September 11, Ed and I talked over breakfast about just running to Tagaytay via the highway in the evening. It was not a bad plan, we would invite friends to join. We got Jimmy Park and Francis to join us. Our plan was to run to - guess where? Yellow Cab! Yes! This was probably the only motivation that would get this guys going - the thought of pizza at the end of a run. Well, to me it was just another 10km run to the rotunda and another 3 to Yellow Cab.

The Fun started at 8 PM. With Francis on the bicycle, we started running. I was on the lead with the headlamp and Franz stayed on the rear with the reflective vest. Arne, KC and Lorjean also came along but in a vehicle. My Dad, brother and sister also came in a van. Quite a support group huh? Haha.. it's still really fun to think of it. Jimmy and Franz have never run such distance before so they were taking turns on the bike.

Photos: During the Run
Some photos on the Aguinaldo Hi-way. It's really dark please forgive the weather.

After around an hour and twenty minutes, we reached Yellow Cab at around 9:30 PM. A party was in order. Yellow Cab was supposed to close at 10 PM but they waited for us - their last customers.

Photos: After the Run.
Tired and exhausting BUT IN YELLOW CAB!! ^_^

Although I fell short, far short of my goal, I'm really glad to have friends. As Ed said, it was my birthday, Arne came out, and Franz exercised. What a fun night!! There will still be another time for me to break the 42km barrier and I'm all for it.

After the eating, I mounted on my bike and rode home (I didn't have enough). Total distance travelled was 28km. A duathlon! Haha.

Disappointed but nevermind

2008-09-08T17:41:00.001+08:00

In a previous post Building for the Full Marathon Stage 1: Distance I was preparing myself for a full marathon before my birthday. That is Thursday, September, the 11th. It's a disappointment that the 42km I was looking at (Subic Marathon) wasn't real.

Doesn't matter! I'm still going to go on my goal. On Wednesday, me & my friends are going on a little trip. The plan is to start at around midnight and run my usual route. AIIAS-Tagaytay rotonda via back road-Maharlika-Tagaytay rotonda-Tartaria-Pooc-Silang. My friends (Ed & Arj at the moment)are going to be my "support team" at this. They'll be carrying my stuff. It's going to be a little long in my calculations. The farthest distance ran so far was 25km.

I may seem a little irrational at the moment but I've given it much thought. This is just a goal I want for myself. When I've published this, there is no turning back. Next entry will be a report on my craze.

Mt. Pinatubo: Trek for a Cause

2008-08-26T11:37:00.006+08:00

Update: for more pictures, check out my gallery at Picasa Web Albums Mt. Pinatubo: Trek for a Cause

Photo: The Expedition Team

Taken by Mr. Tripod before going home.

The main objective was to distribute goods (food and clothing) to an Aeta village in the Pinatubo region. These are the people who we consider our neighbors - those who truly need our help. They are lucky to receive these kinds of blessings once a year.

With the Society of Active Volunteers and Explorers (SAVE), I tugged along for this experience. We left Friday afternoon, August 22, 2008, in a van of the Southern-Asia Pacific Division (SSD) of Seventh-day Adventists loaded with sacks of clothes and 10 people headed for Capas, Tarlac. The rest of the 19 went by bus from Manila.

Reaching Capas later in the afternoon, 3 sacks of rice was purchased as well as foodstock for the weekend. We, then, continued the journey to Barangay Sta. Juliana where we were to stay the night. After settling down in the rented house, all the baon popped up. It was definitely supper time! An event we all enjoyed. There was a lot of everything -- rice, fish, fish and fish... and some bread and corned beef. After the feast, we started packing the rice into plastic bags for easy distribution. Still only the first ten that arrived, but we had enough man (and women) power for the job. It was a simple task that was soon finished and put out of the way. When the rest arrived, we gathered for worship lead by the team leader sir Jerson Paican before we went to bed. He gave a talk and mentioned something like this:

"Before we give sermons about 666 we should first learn how to give 555."

Meaning: Before we tell the people about the devil and hell and dying and redemption (really scary stuff), we should first learn to give 555. 555 is a known Filipino brand of canned sardines. Really wise words I will remember for a long time.

Photos
Together with paragraph: kuya Ken buying rice.
Left: Supper Time
Right: kuya Pikes leading worship.

Giving 555

Photos
Top Carrying goods up to the village.
Bottom: Not afraid of cameras anymore. Kuya Ken poses with the village kids.

Waking up at 0415 the next day (Saturday), I started preparing myself and cooked rice for lunch. It was going to be a long day. After breakfast, all goods were loaded onto four 4x4 vehicles and we were ready to start our mission.

It was about an hour or so of off road fun before we reached the Aeta village. The path was no joke! It was a river valley filled with volcanic debris and rock from the June 1991 eruption which is considered the 2nd largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century. Walls of on each side rising to more that 100ft. There was no permanent path to pass. the valley was kilometers wide and water was running everywhere. The terrain in this parts constantly change. The 4x4s may need to look for a new path the next day.

Reaching the small Aeta village, we were greeted and the goods were unloaded from from 4x4s. Aeta people are strong! One person carried a sack of rice, weighing around 32 kgs, all the way up to their village all by himself. Amazing!!

It was nice seeing the reaction of the village people. They were excited especially the children. You could see the big smiles on their faces. At first the children didn't like the digital cameras. But after kuya Ken showed them the picture, they were so excited to see themselves captured on the screen!! Oh the simple joys of life -- it just makes me smile.

Queues where made for food, another for clothing and another for children's foods and clothes. The children actually got so excited that the line couldn't be stilled. They were shoving and pushing each other but everything went well. Sir Jerson Paican had an interview with the chief who gave his gratitudes and thanks for the goods. He said it wasn't everytime that people come to give goods and that they were lucky if they got it once a year. This tribe was relocated after the eruption but they decided to come back because this was their land so they have been back there since then. After distributing the goods we made our way back down to the waiting 4x4s to start the next stage of our trip -- the cause was done, now for the trek.

Photos
Top-Left: Strong Man. An aeta villager carries a 32kg sack of rice.
Top-Right: Relief. A mother with a smile on her face.
Bottom-Left: Community Outreach Program.
Bottom-Right: Ate Gai in front of Emilia School Building. The school was donated by the British embassy.

The Expedition

Photo: Valley of Death.

This beautiful scene was a result of a terrifying past.

Mounting the 4x4s again, we went on another hour of ride to the jump off of Mt. Pinatubo -- the point were the 4x4s couldn't go any more and we had to go on feet. This time, the valley was narrower. We had to make our way crossing the same stream now and again. I loved my Arnuva 100s. They were Gortex and waterproof...until the ankles. I was "trying" not to get my feet went but that was quite impossible. I finally got my feet wet and resorted to using sleepers the rest of the hike. Most everyone were wearing sandals. The hike took more than 2 hours. It was a very different landscape then I was used too. This land would have been a desert if it weren't the stream that ran there. A good thing it wasn't that hot. A cool breeze was blowing which I think would blow on other days. We were just fortunate it was blowing for us.

The hike was far and it got tiring and then you see stairs heading up. You get to the top and you see the bluish-green lake from above. Phew!! It really worth it. The view is just spectacular; so peaceful; so calm. The contrast of the jagged cliffs forming the caldera and the lake itself was really rare... at least in the Philippines. And I loved every bit of it except for one thing. Some stayed up on the "view deck" while we went down to the lake and rested and ate lunch under some trees that had grown there. It was really relaxing to have the lake as a view. After a while, the guide told us we had to go back since rain was coming and it wasn't good if rain caught us there. 9 of us decided to make our way back to the 4x4s while the others decided to stay.

Now that's the thing I kinda missed. I wanted to take a swim. The water was so inviting! Kuya Lloyd, kuya Pikes and others explored the lake and I thought that was really cool and I should have gone with them but no use anymore.

Our way back was pretty fast but still over two hours of hiking. There were clouds gathering in the sky but no signs of rain. The others were already far ahead as I swept accompanying ate Joy at the back. A while later we were left far behind by ourselves. Near the end of the trip, we noticed a sudden increase in the volume and the speed of flow of the stream. I actually noticed the flood passing. Luckily we weren't in the water. But crossing was difficult. A point came that there was no more flat ground to walk on and we had to do some "rock climbing" climbing over rocks to get to a the other side. The flow of the water was quite frightening with rolling rocks also. We're glad we got back safe. I lost my shades. It dropped into the stream.

Back at the 4x4s we found out we couldn't leave without the others so we had to wait for some hours for the others to come down. Then, we saw rain at the distance coming towards us. We braced for the rain. It came in hard -- a sudden downpour. We took refuge in the 4x4s. We were worried about the rest still on the mountain specially with the swelling of the stream. Good thing the rain didn't last for very long but the sun was setting and still they weren't back. At dark, three got back with one injured at the ankle -- probably from the rocks rolling with the stream. At around 1900 the rest came in. What a relief. All accounted for. We could head back to the Barangay.

The trip back was an interesting one. The 4x4 we were riding was running really fast. I recon he was going around 60 kph except when we had to cross water and when there were big rocks around. Then at the flat grounds, the driver would push the vehicle to around 80kph, I would think. It was a really fast off road experience. Finally, we got back to the house safe and sound.

Photos

Top-most-Left: 4x4. This jeeps were ideal for the terrain.

Top-most-Right: Charge!

Middle-Left: Kuya Ken, Little Ken and Me.

Middle-Right: Cliffs of Hardened Volcanic Ash. 100+ feet wall of volcanic debris.

Bottom-Left: Kuya Lloyd stuck. Water is everywhere.

Bottom-Right: Ate Gai wades through the stream. There's no way of keeping your feet dry.

Death March Shrine

Photo: Capas National Shrine.

In memory of the brave American and Filipino soldiers who had to go through the cruel Death March.

The next day we were on our way home. Now there were 14 people in the SSD van and no more goods. On our way home, we passed by the Capas National Shrine. A shrine built to remember the soldiers in the famous Death March. In a wall surrounding a tall pointed tower were engraved the names of the soldiers. Instantly, everyone was searching for someone with the same family name although not necessarily related. We had some photos shoots and continued on our journey home.

What a fun weekend!! I don't even feel tired at all. Monday morning, I went for a 12km run under heavy rain and it was still good. The weekend trip was a retreat -- a recreational activity. It recharged my body with renewed strength. I'm looking forward to the next trip.

Photo: Circle within a circle.

Thanks guys for making the trip so much fun!

Two-hit-run-turned-shopping

2008-08-26T10:51:00.001+08:00

Photo: Running to Shopping
taken by HighAltitude

Last week, Monday, August 18, 2008 -- a day that didn't turned out as planned. We had actually planned this day several weeks before. Here was the plan and how it evolved:

Plan 1. Two-hits: Batulao & Talamitam with a 10km run in between.
Plan 2. Bike to Evercrest + Plan 1.
Plan 3. Plan 2 but trail run the two-hits.

We were on Plan 3 until RJ's bike couldn't be used and Ed decided not to come due to lack of budget. So at 0530 Monday morning, Sir Jerry, RJ and me were waiting for a bus to Nasugbu. We were all set. Oh.. we had a variation to the plan - we would hit Talamitam first. We waited for a really long time for a bus boarding one at 0600. The good thing was that it was foggy and cool so we didn't really mind the time.

So, we were on a 1 - 1 1/2 hour ride to Brgy. Bayabasan. You could make out the time. We got off the bus. It was still really cool and we started on our way. We stopped at the supposed registration area for the climb. Calling out, no one seemed to be home so we decided to just check back when we get down.

Just starting on our way up (and I mean, literally), we met the person in charge. Recognizing him, I told him that there was no one back at the house so we decided to go ahead. Sir Jerry made arrangements to just pay when we get down and he agreed. A little bit more off, Jerry decided this wasn't the trail he wanted to take so we turned back to a different trail when we were stopped by the same guy we talked with earlier. He didn't want us to pass that way and it wasn't quite clear why. Jerry, just being there some time ago passed that way. The guy got kinda annoyed about forcing to go that way that he demanded we go back to the house (a long way mind you) and register. Sir Jerry was trying to negotiate but he wouldn't budge. With that, it was decided that we wouldn't climb Talamitam anymore today and instead run the road to Batulao and climb that instead.

Passing the house of the old caretaker of Talamitam, Sir Nick, we logged our complaints in his book. He actually had a book of all the complaints. If you don't know the history of Sir Nick in Talamitam, I suggest you do a little research. Sir Nick was removed from being caretaker of the mountain and it turns out that mountaineers aren't liking the new caretakers at all.

Heading back to the road, we found the sun already up in the sky and the sky was clear. It started to feel hot. We started on our run back to Evercrest. It wasn't as simple as we thought. It was all uphill from here!! Great!! and at past 0730 it was hot!!! Really hot!! We didn't turn out to be as prepared as we thought. I went to be late the past nights and I guess it wasn't anywhere near good. Anyways, we called it a day at around 5km into the road. We got into a jeepney back to Olivarez.

After eating breakfast in Jollibee, we decided to go around the Ukay-ukay in Olivarez plaza. Three guys in running gear and packs walking around the shop! And kinda sweaty too!! Haha.. Anyways, we had our share of purchases that day. It was quite fun.. hehe..

We weren't to accomplish our goal that day and I was frustrated about it. Why does Talamitam have to be the most expensive mountain in Cavite? At 25pesos!! It ain't even that high!! 630 MASL compared to Batulao's 811 which only costs 20 for registration plus even doesn't offer the same view that Batulao gives!! The politics is just frustrating!!

Building for the Full Marathon Stage 1: Distance

2008-08-11T08:34:00.003+08:00

Ok. So I'm going to turn 23 on September and I want to accomplish something major while I'm 22. Since I started running in April this year, I've run in 4 events. Not such a big number in my opinion. So far, the farthest distance event I've joined was the 21km Gintong Pangarap which I was glad to finish. I had a terrible time training for this event mentally. During training, I felt the need to see if I could run that distance and went for a run which I didn't and couldn't finish at that time. That was a big disappointment and I was mentally challenged on race day. Thank God I was able to finish that one.

My Goal
My goal this time is to complete a Full Marathon before I turn 23. This is my personal goal. And not just that -- I plan to finish it in less than 4 hours -- which is (I know) quite ambitious. Having a month to go, I've started on my training regime. On Sunday, I went on a long run starting with the Ibanrunner (Mac).

The Beginning
Starting in front of the AIIAS Annex (Mac's apartment) and running down to Silang Bayan to a back road up to Tagaytay, I was on my journey to accomplishing a goal carrying only a hydration pack with around 500ml of water. I made sure I didn't bring cash to make sure I'd finish my task -- this is my discipline (hehe).

At the back road, with the Ibanrunner, we jogged, run, walked. Mixing it up made it quite challenging specially the transition from walking to running. Getting back to running from walking seems to drain the energy out of you. We would sprint up hills for speed training. Reaching the exit of the back road at Tagaytay, sir Mac and I split up. He went to Talisay and I continued my journey heading towards Olivarez Plaza for the next half -- the trip back home (because I didn't bring cash). From the Rotonda, I made my way back down to Silang Bayan.

The Return Trip
By this time, I was getting exhausted and I was starting to feel my legs. The sun was already up and beating on me. Although I usually run opposite the traffic, this time, I ran with the traffic since this was the side were the shadows were. I mind also started bugging me. I was starting to think of ways of making it home by catching a ride.. BUT I DIDN'T HAVE CASH!!! What motivation to keep going -- knowing that there is and there will be no other way of getting home but run. Oh.. I did bring a cellphone and I could have called someone to come get me.. But.. It had NO LOAD!! Haha.. Extra "Motivation".

I had alot of walks on this session. The excellent teamwork of the sun and the exhaust of passing vehicles made it more challenging. Pushing myself now and again to keep running and taking sips from my bladder, I wouldn't give up (well, I couldn't since I didn't bring cash). Getting close to AIIAS I was glad I had made it. It was already around 25km that I've run and 1 - 2 kilometers more and I'll be home. Since I made it to AIIAS already, I decided to continue on to home base. Passing were sir Mac and me started, my clock (cellphone) registered 2hours and 33minutes -- the longest I've run so far. I finished my journey in 2hours 40minutes and 27seconds approximately 27 kilometers total. That would make my pace around 6 minutes per kilometer.

Pheww...
I'm happy I made it home. Yes, my legs are sore but that's part of it. I've trained before where my whole body ended up sore so I'm pretty used to the soreness. My goal of a sub 4 marathon is still far away but I'm working on it. This is Stage One.

..healing wonders of running.?

2008-08-01T11:00:00.001+08:00

I don't know why, but when I go on a major physical activity on a weekend I am bound to get colds or a flu (at worst) sometime during the week.

This is what happened to me this week. I was feeling great on Monday morning. No muscle pain. No sniffs. I was feeling great! But that night, I had a hard time sleeping. I woke up several times and slept shallow most of the night.

Tuesday morning I woke up to an itchy feeling in my nasal area. The feeling when you inhale water through your nose! Not a good feeling. Nonetheless, I felt I wanted to run Tuesday night but didn't get to since it rained.

Wednesday, I wasn't better. We went to the airport to fetch my sister who just got back from Thailand. I stayed home the rest of the day.

Thursday, I was still having colds. But now it included a cough. I went to work that day since I can't stand doing nothing at home. Going home from work that afternoon, my eyes were feeling kinda warm as were my hands. I remembered the days when I had a cold, I'd go out and train parkour and my colds would be gone after. So, last night, not heeding what my parents said (BAD), I went out for a light run. About 5km. I went from Silang to AIIAS which is around 1mile and went around the campus twice which was another 2 miles which makes 3 miles or roughly 5km.. I was sweating after the run -- I was wearing a sweater, thick jogging pants and a funky hat -- and I felt kinda good. My colds were gone and I was coughing out phlegm.

When I got home that night, I realized a couple of things. First, after that much rest during the week, I actually increased my speed unknowingly. I was actually thinking that it was an easy run but it was actually faster than my usual. Second, I had a really nice rest that night. My dad had to wake me up this morning. I feel alot better than the rest of the week!! I should have run earlier and maybe I could have avoided several days of misery.

Maybe it's just me. Maybe just a coincidence. But I do believe that there is something in physical activities, maybe cardio-vascular activities that help strengthen the immune system. I haven't found scientific proof. But I guess it works for me and I glad it does.

TNF100 20K - First Trail Run

2008-07-28T09:06:00.012+08:00

Photo: Our Shoes After
This was what are shoes were like after the run.
(Left to Right): RJ, Ed, Shin, Me.

Yesterday, July 27, 2008, I had my first taste of a trail run. The main event was the ultramarathon - 100km organized by The North Face. Thus the name The North Face 100. I, ofcourse, didn't join this 100km race but the 20km I did.

Waking up at around 2 in the morning, by a repeated phone rings from a friend and my alarm, I got up and prepared myself. We got to Evercrest at 4am where the organizers where still setting up the starting line. There where lights and music playing totally waking me from my sleepiness. at around 0430, we lined up to claim our race kits. At 0500, there was no sign of starting. The day was already moving on. Good thing the sky was clouded and since we were in quite an altitude it was quite cool and windy -- a great condition for running.

Photos: Before the race

(Top Left): The starting line.
(Top Right): Shin's shoes and my Arnuva 100 TR GTX before the run
(Bottom): With the Sixth Man, Sir Danny. Finishing the 100km in 16 hours.

At 0630, the 20km runners got ready at the starting line. Sychronizing my time with the organizers, the gun was shot at 0636 after a 100km runner made it to the finish.

The race started on road running for about half a kilometer towards the Mt. Batulao jump off. This road was familiar to me since I've been here a couple of times before. The course then went offroad still pretty wide with pot holes here and there. Still no mud here. The real deal started when we went further into the course (around 1 kilometer from start). At the first loop, the trail was quite manageable and I was choosing my path, weaving my way to more suitable places. The course then cut down towards corn fields, going down quite steeply after down to a river. Luckily there was a bridge for us to cross. Then the trail went up and started heading north with a cliff on the right hand side where the river was. The trail then run quite straight and out, back to the road by the Caleruega Church. The road then goes around 2 km back to the junction of Marshall Station near the starting point which ends the first 10km-loop. The 20km runners have to go at it again for the second time.

The second time around was quite more challenging. The mud was thicker. I didn't care anymore about choosing my path since it was all mud and my shoes where covered in it anyways. So I just tanked my way through the course. That's right. "Tanked." My shoes felt like lead with the caking mud underneath.

Also contributing to the difficulty were the many "10km hikers" who were trekking along, clogging the already narrow trail, making it difficult for runners wanting to pass to pass. It was constant "Excuse me po" for me. There were spots where it couldn't be avoided though. The trail was narrow and there was no where else to go. I had to wait for a wider part in the trail.

I finally made it to the finish line after running for around 2 hours and 4minutes (according to my time). Met some other runners, exchanged stories, training plans, techniques, etc. We waited for the Awarding ceremony -- which happened at around 1100, before heading home.

Without breakfast and lunch, I was really hungry! Getting home to a plate of Spaghetti, I ate all to my hunger's content before taking a bath and went straight to bed 13hours later, since I woke up in the morning. I expected to wake up an hour later but that didn't happen.

Photos: After the race
(Left): Left to Right - RJ Almocera, Edmund Solaiman, Shin Siapco, me
(Right): Photo with the "TNF Runner" Mr. HighAltitude: Jerry

Photo: Photo with Ms. Ivy and "The Super Sherpa" Sir Leo.
My role models. Sir Leo Oracion has inspired me in his many feats in Adventure racing and Ma'am Ivy Macainan as an inspiration for me, as a new runner, with her stories.

Photo: with Sir Leo and Sir Jerry

Photo: Team Baldrunner
Team Baldrunner's Reynaldo De Los Reyes and Cresenciano Sabal won overall 2nd place for the Team Relay 100K. Congratulations!

-= More pictures will follow =-

Koko's Quest: Help Batman Save Gotham City!

2008-07-21T08:35:00.017+08:00

Photos with the Dark Knight:
Both Photos taken by Alvin Teng
(Top: left to right) Shin, Ed, Jimmy, me.
(Bottom: left to right) Ed, Jimmy, me, Shin.

Last Sunday, the Cab Crew, as our group is more commonly known, took part in the Koko's Quest: Help Batman Save Gotham City! event. It was an event sponsored by Koko Crunch to promote the new Batman Movie -- The Dark Knight in the Mall of Asia.

Originally, four of us where going to perform. Edmund Solaiman, Shin Siapco, Francis dela Cruz and RJ Almocera. But since Francis and RJ had an exam Sunday, 2pm (2 hours before the performance) in AUP, we switched plans. Carlo Enriquez from Parkour Philippines (PKPH) and I joined in.

We were in Mall of Asia from 0830, met boss Alvin Teng of PKPH who was coordinating our part of the event, had a little briefing and dry runs, and played some Nintendo Wii. "Fly Time" was 4pm. Counting down the hours before then, we went around the mall, visited the Arcade, registered for the TNF100, and went around some more. At lunch, we ate lunch, and went around some more. At 3pm, we went back to the stage area and got ourselves ready for the jump.

Video: Below is a vid of the event. It shows me at the first part (right), followed by Ed on the track (left).

Well, it didn't turn out the way it should have. In short we messed up. The day before, PKPH did the same run successfully. Actually the video above was a false start. We entered when we shouldn't have. We had to exit again since the host, Iya Villania, was up on stage! you could see me exit in the vid. hehe. Was I embarrassed? Well, not as much as I should have been thanks to the organizers who let us wear balaclavas so my face was hidden!! Hey! I had to do the drop twice!!

It was quite an experience. A lot better than the event we did for IMAX for Spiderman 3 although it just took a few minutes. I would like to take this chance to thank Boss Alvin Teng for giving us a shot on this at the same time I would like to express my apologies to PKPH and to Alvin. I know we could have caused some damage to your name and the community in a way, but we would be willing to redeem for it someday.

Photos: Fun in the Mall of Asia

(left) Shin, boxing on the Wii
(right) Ed, watching Shin on a bike in the arcade

Alot of friends were actually in the vicinity at that time. RJ and Franz finished their exams in 15 minutes and tried to catch up but arrived minutes after the event. Red also came with his cam. Grace and John Ragui were also there. And Ayn was somewhere. They were all in the vicinity but weren't able to watch the event but still we were able to meet them after the event.

Oh.. Boss, thanks also for the shoes. I've written in a previous post that my shoes where getting wrecked. Boss Alvin donated me shoes. Thanks alot! :)

"August Rush"

2008-07-13T11:18:00.006+08:00

On the right side of this blog is a quote from the movie "The Ultimate Gift", a movie that has really inspired and in a way changed me. Last night, a bunch of friends and I, watched "August Rush" as movie of how the power of music works to call and bring together a family who have been apart for years. I'm not going to spoil it for you. Kaycee left for awhile and regretted it so don't do the same. Haha..

Well, I believe that there is harmony in the Universe. The Universe moves to a single pulse. Ecosystems, the Circle of Life, the Food Chain - everything works in perfect harmony with each other.

This is movie that I would recommend watching. It has moved me to pick up my violin. It even made Ed cry!! haha.. I already download the soundtrack.. But yah.. this is a must-see movie. Try also watching "The Perfect Gift" if you got a chance.

"Warning: Women Out of Order"

2008-07-08T15:30:00.005+08:00

DISCLAIMER: Ok. Please, there is no harm intended in this blog (specially to women).

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

If this is true, I advise everyone to stay away! This is no joke! On the other hand, it could mean the end for all of us (I'm talking bout men). In what situations can this sign be applied? Can it be fixed? What came to your mind when you saw the pic? I would like to get some feedback. :)

To me, truthfully speaking, I was totally amused when I saw this INTERESTING sign. I'm not going to say where I saw this but it's a sign on the door of a bathroom, washroom, toilet, C.R., throne room, however you fancy calling it..

Being of the opposite sex, and knowing and hearing quotes about women - "Women = Evil" - as an example, I was excited and ran for my camera. It was worth taking a shot of. Hey, I'm just a guy who is naturally entertained by these things.

Feedback
Whoever put the "Out of Order" sign probably didn't know how it would look.. or maybe did. I'm also excited to get feedback as to what you think, specially if you're female.

Mt Batulao Trail Run

2008-07-06T14:30:00.007+08:00

I used to think that mountains were for climbing with Mountaineering gear - tent, pack, stove. Not today. Sir Jerry (HighAltitude) took me to Mt. Batulao for a taste of "Mountain running". On the narrow mountain trails, we ran. Going up and down, over rocks and under trees. I was constantly getting slashed on by the lots of talahib on both sides of the trail. Of course I wasn't wearing my usual mountaineering gear since this was a run.

Waking up a 4am, I took a bath and made myself ready for this first taste. We got to the front of Evercrest at around 0600 (which isn't accurate since I wasn't keeping time). On a usual hiking trip, getting to the top of Batulao from the front of Evercrest would take about 2 hours. At least that's how long it took us to get up there the last time I went. But running the trail, it took us exactly 50minutes to get to the top (according to Sir Jerry's Vector).

This is probably the hardest run I've had so far. I couldn't keep up with Jerry and needed to walk alot of times. On the way back to the highway from the peak, my feet felt like lead. My quads were starting to cramp due to dehydration which is solely my fault since I wasn't drinking as much. I feel fortunate that I'm still able to walk properly after that run..

Some time, I will need to buy myself a nice pair of trail shoes. I'll be going back there again next week and hope I do better. My poor reeboks are breaking and they're my only pair of shoes for everything (I have leather shoes, though). This is going to be my training for the TNF event on the 27th. Train hard!!

Below are photos Sir Jerry & I took on this trip. Enjoy.

Note: Photos of me were taken by Jerry.

Note: Photos of Sir Jerry were taken by me.

Rush to Infinity Run

2008-06-30T13:08:00.007+08:00

The Rush to Infinity Run sponsored by Rush & Mizuno happened on June 29, 2008. This was going to be my first 15-kilometer run and my third race. After months of running, I've made it a point to drive myself hard at this one.

Waking up at 0330 of June 29 was not so difficult. I've been tossing and turning on the hotel bed where we slept for the night. Well.. it was partly coz it was cold.. While sir Jerry and Mac were still asleep, I started preparing myself. Took a quick shower, did some morning stretching changed into my running gear and taped possible blister-ready zones.

We took a taxi to Global City and got there at around 0500. There were already a lot of runners around - warming up and stretching. In a few minutes we were called to the starting line, watched the countdown timer set by the organizers. At zero we were off.

I started at my regular pace. Turning right, then left, down the side of the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial. I don't really know the name of the streets. But if you click on the map at the left you'll be able to see our route. At first it was downhill and it was this way for some time. I picked up my pace on the downhills and ran a faster than normal pace on the flats. The first U-turn was near the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Graveyard of Heroes). After the U-turn, we turned right into the Heritage Park. This was an awesome park. I just loved it in there! Green grass and walls. I really wanted to climb those walls! The park was great that I really didn't feel tired. Before long the route started going uphill.. back downhill and out the gate of Heritage Park. This is were the problems started. The road was congested with runners. Mixed with runners from the 5km, 10km and 15km. It was really difficult. Runners going both ways, some walking.. IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD!! I had a difficult time weaving my path through these runners.. or should I say walkers. Finally, I made it out of the traffic alive!! Beside me, a man on a bike slowed down. "How far is this?" He asked in Filipino.
"15-kilometers," I replied. We had a little chat with the man then he said farewell and speeded up. Then, he slowed down and asked, "Can you cheat? Wanna ride?" Haha.. He was offering me to cheat!! Anyways, I said 'No, thank you,' and he was off.

The path now was going back uphill. Tiring it may seem but training in Tagaytay pays off. Other runners have slowed down a lot and I was passing them. When I thought we were close, we turned right off the main road and started down McKinley Hill. It was a pretty steep downhill, this road. And there was a U-turn at the bottom then back the steep uphill. My legs weren't quite tired yet as I remembered Talisay which was steeper and much longer than this road. It was tiring, yes, but I was determined to finish strong. As soon as we got out McKinley hill, back to the traffic, It was quite flatter. Then the signs of nearing the finish line came. I picked up my pace for the last kilometer. Speeding my way to the finish line for the last sprint, I noticed a long line to my left. I ignored them since they all had red straw around their necks (meaning they were 5km runners) and passed the empty right side to the finish. This is were my disappointment really started.

There were no officials waiting there. No one to take my official time. There was no one giving out the goodies. After asking around I learned that we had to line up on the left. What?! Insanity!! What kind of race asks you to line up for the finish line!!! My timer registered 1:12:24 and I was happy but for the thought that it wouldn't be recorded as my official time. My official time according to Runrio.com was around 1hr 30minutes which was really was off. And some people I finished before, were before me in the results. The results were later on removed from the site.

I would really like to appreciate the efforts of Sir Rio though. Everything was doing well but for the finish line and the traffic which sir Rio DID apologize and took responsibility for the errors.

Overall, the run was great! Great weather - clouded sky, not so hot, a bit windy. Overflowing drinks - water, or Rush, they had it.

I'm still at the beginning of my running anyways and I still plan to train harder and join more runs. See you in the next run.

1st Half Marathon - 8th DND-AFP Gintong Pangarap Half Marathon

2008-06-16T09:34:00.012+08:00

Edited: My official time according to Baldrunner.com (Gintong Pangarap official race results): 1 hour 54 minutes 29 seconds. Rank # 73.

Pictures by: Maclan Matthew.
The pictures where taken after the race.
(Top) Group shot. Jerry, Wilson, Mac, Ivy, me.
(Bottom) Group shot with trophy holders.

June 15, 2008

The 8th DND-AFP Gintong Pangarap Half Marathon - My first official road race (the vertical marathon was different). I've been training since April when I got converted into running. The thing was, I was training for a 15k run. I don't know if that makes much difference physically but mentally it does.

Talisay
In the week before the event, I constantly had this dreadful thought of not being able to finish the 21k. Since sir Jerry already paid for my registration, I didn't have the guts to back out now. The last training runs approaching the event consisted of a run from Talisay, Batangas up to Brgy. Sungay, Tagaytay City. This run is a really steep, uphill run for about an hour. It was a "killing" experience. One hour of pure, constant effort. Getting to the top was a relief!!

Side Track: We took a tricycle down to Talisay. The tricycle drivers were reluctant on taking four people in one tricycle down that road. It was just to dangerous. They were talking about weak breaks and just taking a maximum of three. But after some negotiations, one, who thought he had the strongest brakes, took the challenge.

The tricycle drivers were looking at us saying "Isa pang round!" 'One more round!' in english. They were kinda awed looking at four of us back up there sweating one hour later.

Splendido:Failed!
I felt I needed the mental assurance that I could finish a half marathon. I've run a couple of times to Tagaytay City from Silang (around 11-12k) and I've felt comfortable after. But the thought that 21k is twice that distance really bogged me!! I really needed to know if I'll make it or not! I was determined to find out.

Monday, June 9, 2008, 0530h, I set out on my quest for truth. I ran up, along the Aguinaldo Highway to the Tagaytay City rotonda with a pack and 1 leter of water. It started off as a great day. I had no problems what so ever. Finally, I reached the rotonda. I was half way. I turned right and started making for Splendido. At about 1hr and 15minutes into my run, fatigue started settling in. Parkour training has given me a strong mind to overcome. I kept on going til it seemed like I hit my limit. My mind was battling with my body to go on. But with a weaker body, the mind cannot do much. 1hour and 57minutes, I stopped. I couldn't go anymore. I have failed. Flagging a jeepney for home, I wouldn't know how much more to Spendido. I failed!!

Last Training Run
Wednesday, two days after my failed run to Splendido, sir Mac, sir Jerry and I went on another training run. From Malabag down through a back road to Brgy. Iba, Silang. This was going to be my last training run before the event. We were running under a little bit of rain. It was a pretty fast run but I was still mentally and physically shaken from Monday.

The Half-Eve
I've been praying to God for strength to be able to AT LEAST finish this race. I accepted that I could end up with an injury after this run. All I was asking was to be able to finish. The rest of the days to the event, I had a no-run policy. I rested from running. Cross-training instead. Biking instead and playing Badminton.

Saturday night, we left for Quezon City. We got to Cubao at around 10pm and were looking for a hotel room. The hotels were full! Filled with couples who, according to sir Mac, came there for the "wrong" reason. 'We come here for the right reason,' he says. 'We come here to sleep. They come for the wrong reason.' Haha.. you get what I mean. :P We had to wait for one to one and a half hour before we got a free room at Nice Hotel. We booked two rooms. Sir Mac & I took one, sir Jerry and Wilson took another. We were happy to be able to rest. After a bath, I was ready to sleep. The hotel provided us with only one blanket (you could imagine why. The wrong reason.) so I let sir Mac use it. We just turned the aircon on and off.

The Half
Race day came. For me, it started at 3AM. I got up ate a sandwich and gulped down around half a leter of water, took another shower and geared up. Wait a minute.. it was just 0330 and I was ready? Camp Aguinaldo was just 10minutes away!! I decided to go back to sleep. Waking up again at 0400 we were out of the hotel at 0430. We hailed a taxi. We were at the Camp Aguinaldo Grandstand by 0500.

I'll be lazy. To have a mental picture of the route of the race read
Half-Marathon @ 2:00:18 Hrs by BaldRunner one of the well known running bloggers in the Philippines.

My Opinions Count
As to my own perspective of the run. I think it was good. Well ya.. It was my first one but my opinions still count right? As far as I remember, there were only 3 water stations (6 since we pass them twice) in the whole length of the run!! And none in the last 5k. I got really dehydrated. Plus, the 21k didn't start on schedule. The schedule was 0530.. Both 21 and 5k started 0600. The heat, together with the pollution of the vehicles passing made this one a challenge.. It's good the body has a way of filtering all that dirt!! Can't imagine how clogged up my lungs will be right now!! hehe. I didn't feel the difference personally. Guess it's lack of experience.

I'm just glad I finished the race strong. Yes, I sprinted the last 50meters. After a while, it became difficult to walk around. My calf muscles hurt!! Another this that hurt? My right inner thigh. I now know why they have those special, SUPER SHORT SHORTS for running. I made it a goal to "invest" in one.

I also got to finally meet sir Jerry's friend Ivy. Guess what? She's a really close friend of Leo Oracion (first pinoy on top of the world). It was great! She's such an outgoing person, fun with lots of stories, jolly, friendly.. such fun to be around. She treated us to breakfast! An honor! She told of her first running experience, and her other runs, her trip to Island peak, her plans for other events, etc. :) Nice to meet you ma'am Ivy.

So much things happened in the day. It's a milestone for me. Too bad my cam was out of batteries. Sheesh!! I lost lots of photo opportunities.. They'll stay in my mental archive though.

Next up? Mizuno Rush to Infinity 15k on June 29.

..AIIAS y0utH LeaDeRs & fRiEnDs Baguio TriP..

2008-06-10T17:04:00.022+08:00

On May 30 - June 1 some of the AIIAS Youth Leaders, together with some friends, went for a retreat to Baguio City. We left at midnight May 29.. Maybe even considerably early morning of May 30 boarded on Victory Liner. Around 7 hours later, we reach the Victory Liner bus station in Baguio City.

Our main agenda? Go to SM Baguio! No kidding!! We spent a lot of time in SM. Haha. On friday, we spent some time in the arcade. That's right!! The ARCADE!! haha.. and then some videoke.. which was great fun!! Well, we did go around a little. Boating in Burnham, and walking around Session Road other than that? Not much.

Next agenda? Eat!! This was major!!! Mama Oyette kept our stomachs filled!! She cooked most of our meals including the overflowing bowl of curry!! Yah!! Lasted for 3 meals. haha. We had so much food that we had some left to give to the guards of the condo.

Speaking of Condo. We (thanks to Michael), got to stay in the Europa Condominium in Mines View Park. it was such a spacious place. We were supposed to stay down at the mission but after checking out the condo we decided to move in. Below are the shots taken during the "scouting". You see, there were four of us who went to scout while the others went to SM to buy the groceries. This was Friday.

Our Top Priority Agenda, though, happened on Sabbath. Waking up at around 8:30AM, eating, taking a bath, and everything else, we started our own worship service right in the condo at around 11AM. We started off with songs and was introduced to new type of worship.. forgot what it's called. We just had the Spirit come in and when one felt like singing a song, he sings, when one feels like praying, he prays, when one feels like sharing a testimony, he shares. This went on for some time. Sharing, singing, praying.

Then, we had a little activity that I felt fused our bond to each other. We shared with each person, what we remember about them, what we will miss about them. We also shared what our dreams were. It was such a blessed time we had. Our program ended at 3PM. So you could imagine.. we were hungry!!! So we had lunch.. at 3PM!! Hehe..

The rest of the weekend didn't quite happen as planned. We got out at sunset, so we weren't able to see the view of Mines View Park. We decided to go on to SM (again) and do some stuff. But since we weren't able to do much, we just decided to buy a movie and speakers and go back to the condo and watch. When we got back, though, everyone was pretty much sleepy and went to bed while Aimee and Oyette stayed up and watched.

Sunday morning, I started off with a run around Baguio. I went from Mines View, down to Burnham Park then back up. It was around 10km. We were cramming in the morning since we had to be on our way back to Manila right after lunch and everyone woke up late! So while others went around shopping for souvenirs, Obed, Mike, and I went to the bus station to book our tickets.

Well, after all the time we spent in Baguio, I think I can say that we have created a strong bond between all of us. Distance will not matter anymore.

May God always bless you -- Michael, Aimee, Hiro, Betty, and specially Oyette and Obed. And also those who weren't able to make it with us. We missed you guys -- Pastor Jonel, Ate Gay, Kuya Ken, Ate Janice, and Abishek.

"The Rock" - Corregidor Islannd

2008-06-03T16:47:00.017+08:00

May 26, 2008

The AIIAS family went on retreat to the Island of Corregidor. Also known as "the Rock" because of it's rocky land formations, it withstood heavy bombing from Japanese forces in World War II and again by American forces in the retaking of Corregidor in the same war.

To read more about this historical icon click the link below.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corregidor

The boat ride to the island took around 1 hour & thirty minutes. Having nothing much to do in the ferry, we played some games of Uno while eating some snacks. Others just slept during the trip. The ferry had a viewing deck where the picture at the left was taken from. While on the travel to Corregidor, Bataan could be seen on the right and Cavite on the left.

Getting off the ferry, there were buses (jeepneys? trolleys?) waiting for us. We got into bus number 2 with the driver - Ceasar and tourguide - Armando (cool! I still remember their names..haha). We went around the island on a tour visiting gun batteries, barracks, memorials, shorelines and other spots.

One of the really interesting places we visited was the Topside Barracks aka "Mile-Long Barracks." At its time, it was the longest barracks in the world. Although not really a mile long, it was still really long at 1,520 feet. It was really great that we stopped here because, according to our guide, tours usually stop at Middle Side barracks which wasn't as long and as magnificent but we skipped that one to get here. Plus, we were allowed to climb it. You have to be cautious climbing the steps since they were crumbling. Climbing to the third floor and looking across to the other side caused some weird feeling. You could really see to the other end. This barracks used to be a magnificent building. I'm sure alot better than the Molave Hall of AUP. This was actually luxurious in a way with recreational rooms and such. I perceive it used to be pretty too.

The guns were another interesting site. They were already painted green but you could still see the chips on the barrel caused by splash damage from the bombs dropped. These guns were the main strong point of Corregidor; what made it impregnable. That's why it was important for the Japanese to get a hold of it no matter the number of casualties. The guns could shoot to anywhere in Bataan and Cavite ranging up to 29,000 meters vertical range. And since it was right at the mouth of Manila Bay, it was the main defense of Manila Bay.

The end of our tour was the Malinta Experience. The sound and light show inside Malinta Tunnel. The tunnel served as a bombproof shelter and a path through the hill. During the bombing, the tunnel remained intact. The tunnel sheltered most everyone during the bombing of Corregidor. The reason why it is now ruined is because, during the retaking of Corregidor, the Japanese blew themselves inside the tunnel creating a massive explosion crumbling most of the tunnel and even destroying and American tank in the process.

Below are some pictures taken. Thanks to my sister, Aimeem for some of the pics.

Other places we visited were the Pacific War Memorial, the Eternal Flame of Freedom, a really nice piece of art and the Spanish lighthouse.

Makati City Hall Vertical Marathon 3

2008-05-28T09:06:00.007+08:00

May 25, 2008 is definitely a day to remember. My debut to the running world. So far, I've been doing training runs and it came time to put myself to the test.

The plan was to join the Doc Fit Takbo Para sa Puso 10k at the University of the Philippines, Quezon City. It turned out that the registration was closed so we decided to join the Makati City Hall Vertical Marathon.

Waking up at 01:45 AM Sunday morning, I prepared myself (just had 1 & 1/2 hours of sleep). Meeting place was the AIIAS gate 03:00 AM. Sir Jerry, Sir Mac, & Wilson Kafiar & my sister & I were waiting for a bus. Got into one at around 04:00 and arrived in Powerplant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City at around 05:00 AM. There was no sign of anyone there, Jerry got hold of some runners and found out that the starting line was around a block from where we were!! At least, we got there and registered.

Waiting for the run to start, I was intimidated by all the HARDCORE runners around showing their massive quads & hamstrings, calves, & their almighty running shoes! I was dressed in jogging pants, a white shirt, and my trusty Reebok crosstrainers that I use all around. This was my normal parkour outfit.

When they called for check in, we didn't know which direction the run was going to go. We weren't residence of Makati City so we just followed the crowd. Later, though, we found out which direction we were going. Standing on the ready, and looking at the person with the gun... click.. and a couple more clicks.. a shout.. "GO!!" and we were off.. what luck!! The gun didn't sound!! Jerry & Mac were still chatting. They were waiting for the bang which never came. But since they saw everyone run, they ran.

It was around a 2k road run to Makati City Hall, went straight in through the front and up some stairs before entering the "gas chamber." Boy!! The emergency stairwell was full of runners on their way up to the 22nd floor. The air was damp, it was hard to breath!! I was panting badly after a couple of flights up.. I couldn't run anymore. I more of walked up 1 run up 2 til the 22nd floor. Then the "easy" part. On the way down, I went on to put my parkour training to the test.

Jumping from landing to landing of flights, parkour turned out to have a slight advantage passing some runners in the process. Out the building, I shot, back to the road and around the corner to the finish line. I finished between 12-13minutes. Didn't get a chance to time myself. I finished just behind the number 1 female finisher. I was tired but still pumping with energy. In around 12 minutes, the run was over for me. I'm officially in and I'm going to continue training for the next runs.

Thanks to Sir Jerry Karundeng, Sir Maclan Matthews and Wilson Kafiar.

Now here are some pics:

Here is Flash!! He beat everyone.. SUPER FAST!!

Here is a good ("excellent") example of a BAD example. I find this very ironic that people who are involved in fitness activities such as running have vises such as smoking that actually deteriorates your lungs which is very important for "airflow" in your body. Bad, bad, bad!! This guy is one of the organizers, or sponsors, or whatever of this run. He did the awarding. I didn't really catch his name.

..soLo RuN..

2008-05-19T11:15:00.002+08:00

Following up the run to Tagaytay with Sir Mac, Sir Jerry, & Ate Jenn last Sunday (blog here), I decided to run the same route. But since Ate Jenn and Sir Jerry went on a hike to Pico de Loro (Mt. Palay-palay) and Sir Mac was doing a run in Pasig, I was alone.

May 18, 2008 - I woke up early Sunday morning to the rain. It has been raining recently with two typhoons in the Philippines' Area of Responsibility - one to the west of Mindoro island and one to the north-east of the Philippines - I decided not to run.

In the afternoon of the same day, I decided to run. starting at around 1730 I started my solo run to Tagaytay via Brgy. Iba to Brgy. Ligawan to Brgy. Bucal to Brgy. Tolentino East. The sky was cloudy so it wasn't all that sunny. It also rained on me a bit but it was refreshing. The run to Tagaytay took me 1hour 12minutes & 52seconds according to my clock. When I got there, I remembered I didn't have fare enough to get me back home. So I ran another 12minutes & 32seconds to Olivarez for a total of 1hour 25minutes & 25seconds which is a new record for me as the longest run I ever did.

With this new accomplishment came new confidence in myself. Hard Training together with good advice from experienced people helps.

--Road TesT--

2008-05-11T13:40:00.007+08:00

Waking up at 4am isn't easy but I this day I was going on a run with Jerry & Maclan. This two guys are pros. They've been running for a while now and, as a novice runner, I look up to them. The route we were going to take is a back-route from Silang all the way up to Brgy. Tolentino in Tagaytay City.

The meeting place was the belltower in AIIAS. Time - 5am. I was there but none of them were still there so I waited. Then, Ate Jenn came. The night before, she was asking me if I was going to run with Mac & Jerry today, and I said that I was. It's a good thing that she decided to come along at least I wasn't the only novice runner. haha.

Anyways, after waiting for sometime, Mac, then Jerry showed up and we started off. Back down to Silang, up to Iba and on our way to Tagaytay. The run took around 1hour & 30mins - 2hours. The pace was slow and easy but was still challenging.

The route had a lot to offer. A combination of hills, flat, trail. It was good training. We ended up walking the last segment of the road up to the road connecting People's Park and Olivarez Plaza -- somewhere between "palenke" (market) and Olivarez. Mac decided to run to Olivarez while, Ate Jenn, Jerry and I flagged a tricycle for a ride.

I really learned loads about running this day from conversations with the two pros. Tips on how to keep hydrated to strategies on long runs to big names in the running world.

I am greatful for these people who gave me the enthusiasm to run. So far, it's been quite an experience. I'm still looking forward to my first race & still training for it.

Wallclimbing in SSD

In the afternoon of the same day, RJ, Ed, Shin & I with Jerry went to SSD for some wallclimbing. SSD has a wall behind the guesthouses in the basketball and tennis court area. The wall is not too high but is quite challenging. We went up it a couple of times and attempted to scale it from one side to the other. It proved to be more than we could handle for that day. We didn't even get half-way. All well there is always next week.

..PKPH Dry Run + Habagat 20th Anniversary = a gReaT daY..

2008-05-07T11:26:00.005+08:00

May 4, 2008 was a day to remember. With the lots happening this summer, I really didn't expect this day to be what it was -- A GREAT DAY.. This weekend was, in my schedule (our group of friends' schedule), the day we were supposed to trek Mt. Maculot. But because of the PKPH scheduled dry run for their summer class starting on May 11, 2008, we decided to postponed the climb to a later date.

Parkour Philippines (PKPH) Dry Run

The Dry Run was supposed to start at 8am. Meaning we had to leave AIIAS at around 6am. Instead, Red, RJ, Ed & I left at around 0730, Sunday morning. Reaching Ateneo at around 0930, we were really late. We were still able to join Alvin, Tam, & Sandy for the rest of the morning trying out the plan for the summer class.

After that, we had a small jam. It's been a while since we jammed with Alvin & Tam and we had a great time.

After the jam, Alvin Teng offered us a ride to our next stop and lunch. He brought us to Shaw to pick up my Canon PS A620 which was under repair. And since they were on lunch break, boss Alvin took us to lunch. We had a great time together. Discussing plans and recalling experiences. He didn't just bring us to our next stop, though. He also took us to our next next stop. He took us an extra mile. Thanks boss.

Habagat 20th anniversary celebration at ROX

Boss Alvin took us to Recreational Outdoor eXchange (ROX) in Global City. This was the first time that we've ever visited this shop. We didn't know that Habagat, the Philippines' leader in outdoor equipment, was holding their 20th anniversary celebration. We were amazed to see a Venado pack - 17yrs old on display there. And it was still good for use. We got to meet the Habagat staff there. They invited us to a merienda and we got to chat with them about various topics such as the Carera Habagat and their packs themselves. It was quite an awesome experience. RJ was starstruck!!! But how I wish I had a functional camera then. But although I was able to get my cam that day, I forgot the batteries at home.

More pictures of the event could be viewed here: Habagat 20th anniversary celebration at ROX

Some points to share

Going to Manila on May 11, was not as we expected.

- The night before the set day, that was Saturday night, Shin kinda busted his shoulder again which put him out of the plan. It was very disappointing.

- Another thing is that RJ texted late that he didn't have money to spare. Ed & I discussed this case and decided to pitch in for RJ's fare.

- We were in a really tight budget when we went there, and not even planning to have lunch. But thanks to our friend Alvin Teng, it turned out fine.

- We weren't expecting to meet the Habagat staff in ROX that day. If we went any other day, we wouldn't have met them. It was really quite a coincidence.

Mt. Talamitam

2008-04-30T18:30:00.006+08:00

There is just something about mountaineering -- I just can't get enough. On April 25-26, 2008, we decided to climb another mountain. Mount Talamitam is in Nasugbu, Batangas, near Mt. Batulao. At 630+ MASL, is doesn't seem that difficult. But right at the jump off, the was just going up.

Wrong again

Getting down from the bus, we found out we got down at the wrong place so we walked around half a kilometer before we got to a landmark. We were surprised to see an announcement though that Sir Nick wasn't incharge of the mountain anymore. We didn't know if we were still allowed to climb, but we just went on anyway.

NEW RULES
Mount Talamitam has been always under the care of Sir Nick but seems like it's different this time. The barangay people removed this previlege from him and took it to themselves. In the future, Talamitam will be a troublesome mountain to climb due to the new rules that are going to be implemented. A permit has to be secured from both the Municipality of Nasugbu and the Barangay. The municipal hall of Nasugbu is still a way off from the mountain. Another down side is that the registration fee is not so realistic. 25 pesos per person!! That's more expensive than the registration for Mt. Batulao and Batulao is far more worth it. This is INSANE!!

Still in Bad luck
I know I wrote the last two posts in the same night but I still didn't have my cam during this climb. I went to get it fixed. We climbed Talamitam without any camera but those on our cellphones. Hope you enjoy it though. We did try our best! :P

Pix by RJ Almocera & myself

Rat's Trap
We encountered a rat at the peak. It chewed on Ed's slippers. But worse.. IT CHEWED THROUGH MY TENT!! That's right, Ed's bread was stuck as the wall of the tent and the rat wanted the bread so he chewed through the tent.

Now I need to get a new tent!! A good thing AND a bad thing.. coz i don't want a rat chewing on my tent again!!

Mt. Marami

2008-04-30T18:03:00.004+08:00

April 12-13, 2008, we joined a group of 23 people in climbing Mount Marami. The mountain is located in Maragondon, Cavite and rises to 405 MASL. Although, the mountain is not that high, getting there is pretty tough. It took us a 5hour hike under the hot sun to get there starting at around 3PM Saturday afternoon, we got to the campsite at 8PM, set up camped and went to bed.

The next day was a fun day at the summit. With all that rock formation, we had some fun bouldering, and jumping from one formation to the other. All more than with 100 meter drops.

My bad luck
It must have been a bad day for me. My camera stopped working at the beginning of the ride to Maragondon. My Canon PS A620, after a good 2 years of service, registered an E18 error. The lens refused to open.

All the pictures posted here are from Robert dela Cruz & Lloyd Gulfan. Thanks for the pics.

-- The Starting Line --

2008-04-22T11:19:00.003+08:00

Just this month (a few weeks ago actually), I was introduced into running.

Jerry Karundeng is responsible for this. Somehow he got me interested in this sport. Since I've been doing some laps once in a while for endurance training for parkour, I decided to do it more seriously.. I've been caught in this running thing. I was aware of Jerry and Mac's runs for sometime now but it was only after I had a talk with Jerry that I was caught.

Thanks to Jerry, I may be running my first race on May 25 -- the Adidas-Air Immune Blast Race Series 10k. My plan was to join a 15k on June, but ya.. Jerry again.. :P hehe.. Yah, so you could call that peer pressure.. haha.. I've fallen prey to this cruel reality!!

Running is one of the elements I see necessary to improve. This is my goal -- To improve myself in this aspect. So far, the fastest mile I did was done in 7minutes & 44seconds.. This is done in one run, one lap. But I'm afraid I couldn't run that fast in a long run. So I seek to improve that too.. There is alot to train for.

Mr. Jerry Karundeng, thanks for introducing me to running.

..first assault.. Batulao

2008-03-17T16:37:00.008+08:00

March 14, 2008, We were on a bus to Evercrest, Nasugbu, Batangas to start our trek to the peak of Mount Batulao.. It was the start of the summer climbs.. At getting off in front of Evercrest, we "suited-up" and started the trek. Around 3.30pm.

First Turn, Wrong Turn

We have read other blogs about Batulao and followed their instruction -- "keep the mountain to your right.." We got to a fork on the road and took a left (to keep the mountain to our right). After sometime of walking, the turn was actually taking us away from the mountain. It was a wrong turn. We traced our steps back a little, and cut through a short-cut to the road we were supposed to take.

"Step Up the Pace"

Since we started late, we were quite in a hurry to beat the sunset. We new it would take us around 2hours according to blogs. So Ed said, "Pick up the pace!" We kinda did until we got a guide.

Then, the pace did pick up. It was no ordinary pace, I tell you. Especially with the terrain. Steep ups; steep downs. We were huffing and puffing after awhile. For Ed who was carrying the heaviest pack (including the tent), it was not "Pick up the pace!" any longer.

It took us around 1 hour & 30 minutes from the from of Evercrest to Camp 8, where we set up camp. We were really tired. Some workout!

First Reward

Despite us being tired, we decided to make it to the peak before sunset. We set camp and started the assault. The reward was amazing! It was worth the effort. The view was spectacular! As you can see in the pictures above. The assault took another 30minutes. Before the sun fully set, we started back down for supper and worship and much needed rest.

A Little Socials

After a little worship and some supper, RJ went to bed, while me & Ed went to talk to 2 locals who were there. We talked about the trail, the history of the mountain, where their income goes to, other climbers, etc.

Something really interesting is that they use the income to help their little church and school down in their village. This was a really touching story. They told us how the local government didn't do anything to help them and that this was their only way.

The trail we passed was actually new. It was started January 2008 and was finished one month after. No wonder the ground was still soft. Not much feet had trodden on it to compact the ground to make it hard.

We didn't take long cause we were also tired. We entered the tent and fell asleep after much talking.

The Beauty of Creation

Up at 4am Saturday morning, we got ready to assault the summit one more time for sunrise. We packed our breakfast, got our flashlights and set out. The sky was just awesome, the stars were so bright. Countless stars dotted the sky that it was more difficult to point out a constellation. It was really a beauty. Seldom can you see so much stars down in the "civilized" world. Up here, we were closer to heaven and it was glorious.

We made our way up slow but sure remembering the loose ground from the previous day. The sky was already illuminated when we got to the peak though the sun wasn't out yet. We took in the 360 degree view from Batulao. Batangas, Laguna, Cavite. You could even see mount Halcon from the island of Mindoro.

The lighting of the terrain around changed as the sun started popping out onto the sky. Sun rays raked the mountain side. An endless array of colors and shades. The wind started rolling in with the sun. The view was really breathtaking. Layers of different shades of light that couldn't be captured by my camera. I guess to have to go up there yourself to see it.

We then had a little devotional to welcome the Sabbath. We talked about creation and what we saw around. Then, we ate breakfast, took some pictures and started our way down.

The Return Trip

The return trip wasn't as difficult although it took about the same time. It was mid-morning and the sun was up in the sky. Down at the village, we did give a little donation for their church. A little help from us just to show our gratitude. We made our way back to the road where we waited for the bus home.

.:Existence:.

2008-03-04T14:45:00.007+08:00

This is in reply to the post of Francis in his blog "Purpose and Reason"
http://intothemindofman.blogs.friendster.com/into_the_mind_of_man/2008/03/purpose_and_rea.html

I suggest you read the above. It is an eye opener.

"Man's ultimate goal is to find purpose and reason. Without them, man would cease to exist." -Franz

I have no argument against this. These two things are what motivates a person to continue to exist. If you have no purpose, no reason, you are nothing.

There is another side to the equation though. A person's existence doesn't only rely on having a purpose and reason for himself. It also relies on another "existence", having a purpose and reason for that person.

Let me make the above more personal. Your existence doesn't only rely on you having or looking for your purpose and/or reason. It also relies on what purpose and/or reason others have for you.

An existence can be compared to the flame of a candle. The wick the flame engulfs could represent your inner desire, your purpose and reason for yourself. But it isn't only the wick that causes the flame to burn. There is also oxygen -- an external force that the flame feeds on. This could represent other's desire for you to exist. Without one, the flame dies out - it seizes to exist.

A person isn't an "existence" because of physically being there. A person is an "existence" because he leaves traces of himself on other "existences." Because he leaves memories and thoughts. The more memories you generate and leave to more "existences", the more you exist.

"God is love. We search for a higher purpose because we love." -Franz

We exist because of Love. Because we love and because we are loved. Our inner desire is to leave more memories in others. We want to be significant. Our external force is how significant we are to others. It is a cycle. We seek to to be significant so we could be significant to others.

Once our memories disappear from others, we simply seize to exist. What is the use of living when there are no existences that reinforces, that proves our existence.?

We live because we love and because we are loved. Because others love us and because God loves us. In the same way, others exist because they are loved and because God loves them.

Here's a simple rule: If you want to exist, help others exist.

.seLfisHneSs.

2008-03-03T08:54:00.002+08:00

I posted this in the group of my batch and I thought I'd share it here..

SELFISHNESS

This is a common problem. There are people who just want
the "good" things in life.
The "pleasurable",
the "lovable",
the "best"...

the sad thing is, they often want it for themselves. Human by nature are selfish.
And this is really unavoidable. But although it is true that environment affects who
we are.. I would like to quote a "hero" of mine.. Chase Armitage..

"...you must become a master of your environment not a servant to it.."

We are still in control because God gave us the precious gift to make our own decisions.
We cannot really blame our troubles on others -- It is always a result of our decisions.

There is nothing wrong with wanting
the "good" things in life.
The "pleasurable",
the "lovable",
the "best"...

But let us not only want it for ourselves but let us want it for others as well.. :)
Let's have a Wonderful Day..

-aLdZ

WCYCS

2008-01-14T10:28:00.000+08:00

We left for Taiwan December 24th of the year 2007 to join the World Conference on Youth and Community Service. The flight took a little less than two hours. From the airport, we were taken to the Taiwan Adventist College in Nantou County around four hours from Taipei. It was the beginning of our 2 week stay in Taiwan.

The "AIIAS" Group in Taiwan:

Abishek Deepati
Aimee Tapeceria
Aldwin Tapeceria (me)
Edmund Solaiman
Francis dela Cruz
Grace Ragui
Ian Mambu
Ji Hyuk Song
Kenneth Deles
Lorjean Carpena
Obed Soire
Tamira Sandagsuren
Yeji Choi

Week 1:

We stayed one night in Taiwan Adventist College before moving to Taichung City the next day. Our group was split into three. One group stayed in TAC including Aimee, Grace, Yeji, Ian & Ji Hyuk. We, who left TAC, first, traveled four hours south to Pintung where Tamira's group was dropped off. Then we traveled 2 hours north toward Taichung. We stayed at the Taiwan Conference.

The Community Project

We spent the week doing community service in Taichung. The first 2 days, we cleaned the Conference Building -- scrubbing the stairs clean, painting, and preparing some rooms for other guests. On Friday, we headed to the nearby public elementary school to do more cleaning.

The public school was really big! We had the task of cleaning a few of their stockrooms, the performance stage, and the basement. After that, we were treated to a really delicious lunch in a restaurant.

While at Taichung, after the cleaning in the day time, we had free time at night. We took the time to go around Taichung City.

My thoughts on Taichung: Taichung is a beautiful city. It has lots of parks around just walking distance from each other. We found good parkour training spots in some of these parks.

And it's pretty cold there too. Walking around the city is a nice thing. Electronics is also cheaper in Taichung compared to Taipei.

>Thanks to Francis for the pictures in Taichung.

Week 2: We headed to Taipei for the World Youth Conference on the morning of the 31st. We stayed at the Chien Tan International Youth Activity Center around 30 minutes from the Taipei County Hall were the convention was held. The afternoon of the 31st was spent for registration.

On New Year's Eve, we were free since the convention didn't start until the afternoon of January 1, so we decided to go see Taipei 101.

The MRT stations were crowded! We entered the Jiantan station at around 9:30 PM. The station was so crowded it took us almost two hours to get to our destination which would have normally taken around 30 minutes. The streets were crowded. No motor vehicle could pass through. We had to walk from the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial station to were we could get a nice view of the 101. It was worth it. Watching the 5-minute fireworks display from the 101 was a good enough reward for the long wait.

To see a video of the fireworks display from the 101 click the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycnB1U8Y034

The Convention
The Convention started on the afternoon of January 1 after a New Year's celebration by the Taipei County Government. It kicked off with an opening program that included a Lion Dance.

The rest of the week was kinda busy. The morning devotionals started at 8AM so we had to leave the hostel by 7:30AM. After the morning devotionals were a series of seminars. There were two tracks of seminars and then lunch at 12Nn. Right after lunch we had tours of Taipei to various tourist attractions like the Taipei 101, the Martyr's Shrine, some temples, and other places.

The afternoon tours would be back to the Taipei County Hall by 5:30PM, we would have supper and then the evening sessions began at 7PM. We would have reports from various divisions on the achievements of their youth department. This would be followed by the Power Hour.

My thoughts:
We were really blessed at this event. We had alot of world leaders there with us (The GC Youth Director and 4 GC vice-presidents), the youth directors of the divisions around the world, great speakers like Mark Finley & Fordman Fortham, we met lots of new friends. In total it was a great experience.

..iNsiGhTs fR0m mY bRokeN aRm..

2007-12-10T09:44:00.000+08:00

How it happened..

It was October 14, 2007 -- A nice Sunday morning. As I usually do on Sundays, I went to AIIAS to train Parkour. Me & my friend RJ got together and trained vaults and catleaps. It was around lunch time when Edmund showed up. We were about to go on a lunch break when I decided to try an acrobatic move I've successfully done 3 times the Friday before. We were on top of a 4' or 41/2' wall between the library and the seminary. I stood at the edge of the wall looking down on the grass below preparing myself. Swung my arms back and bent my knees. Then, I was airborne. The move was an 'exploder' a gainer is the more common term -- a backflip moving forward. It was the longest time in the air I could remember. Then my back hit the ground. Both RJ and Edmund came running. My back hurt from the impact and I didn't really feel anything else. Then Ed mentioned a broken arm. I rolled to my right to get up and saw my right forearm -- it was broken. With some 'basic' first aid, we went to the clinic to get my arm cleaned. And then, my parents drove me to the Manila Adventist Medical Center were they fixed my arm.

Insights from my broken arm
I've been living almost 3 months with a broken right arm. During that time, I've gained some insights & lessons from this incident.

1. Mental preparation is very important

Before I did the move, I was kinda nervous. I know I've done the move before but this time I wasn't sure. When you're not sure about something, better don't. Your everything MUST be united to guarantee success. This could apply to all things.

2. Disability isn't a valid enough reason
Even before the incident, I've committed myself to take responsibility for myself. I've never wanted myself to be a burden. I've accepted whatever happens. I do not blame anyone specially God. Since the incident, I didn't want anyone to pity me.

I have been able to do a lot with my left hand alone & have learned new skills I never thought of before. Here are some.
- Eat with only my left hand (since in the hospital)
- Take a bath
- One hand keyboarding (right after I got out of the hospital, I went back to work)
- Tie my shoe laces
- Play sports (badminton, table tennis, basketball)
- photography (i'm still able to continue my hobby with one hand)
- I've also done some tricks (tricking - this is dangerous)
- cook

In programming, we computer science students have been taught that there are hundreds of solutions to one problem. I'm still leaving my normal life. Except that I'm leaving it differently.

My ultimate goal is to be able to write properly with my left. I've been practicing but my penmanship is still bad. I guess more practice is needed. :P

3. There's a reason God gave two
Although I could live with my left alone. I could help but think, If only I had both hands.

One interesting thing I found out:

While I was taking my first bath, I thought I had everything planned out. Until the time came to soap my left arm and hand. No matter how hard I tried, my left hand just couldn't soap itself!

This could apply to other things too. No matter what you say, there are just things that you couldn't do alone. I've learned to ask for help. People just laugh at me when they see me struggle with something and don't ask for help.

When I drive, I need my sister beside me to shift the gears for me. :)

Thanks to those who've been my 'right hands.'

4. Others do care
This incident caused my parents and that of my friends to be worried. I've been training without even taking into serious notice the 'take care' messages of people. That day I broke my arm, Edmund & RJ were more worried than I was. Ed just kept rubbing my back & RJ was running around frantically trying to find a good splint. While I was in the hospital friends were contacting me and asking how I was.

In parkour, they say that when you jump, you jump alone. No one can help you in midair.. When I get back to training, that won't be my way of thinking anymore. There are others out there who do care & who will be affected by incidents like this. This is an important lesson learned.

To those others: I'm sorry.

-------------------------------------

Still, I'm searching for that purpose why God allowed this to happen to me. Maybe it's to learn these important lessons, maybe there is something else. And because God protected me from worse damages, I am thankful.

Hope you've also learn a little something from my incident.