Doralicious

RIP Steve Jobs

2011-10-06T13:53:00.000+08:00

"Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don't lose faith. I'm convinced that the only thing that kept me going was that I loved what I did. You've got to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don't settle." - Steve Jobs

Mt. Pinatubo 50K Trail Challenge

2011-09-05T13:24:00.007+08:00

As we speak, I am still reeling from the adrenaline rush brought about by the excitement and the fear (well, 80% fear), of the Pinatubo 50K trail challenge we competed in yesterday.

Together with Councilor Vincent Belmonte, we both signed up for the Pinatubo 50km Ultramarathon Trail Race. My “bucket list” included running in a trail race, and being an ultramarathon-er… so why not accomplish both in one run, right? I have been on a Pinatubo trek 3 years ago, and somewhat had an idea how the terrain and the trail looked like, thus I was pretty confident we could finish 50 kilometers in less than 12 hours which was the cut-of time. Little did I know that the terrain around Pinatubo constantly changes – and the trail which I was familiar with had been closed down for years due to ash-slide (landslide!) Right smack mid-race, at roughly around 19 kilometers did I realize that the trail we were about to trek was the longest, the most difficult, and the ONLY path going to the crater!

The challenge really wasn’t the distance, but the actual course itself. A marathon race (and then some) with added “extras” such as running through sand (or ash flow), crossing gazillions of rivers, going through, in-between, above and under boulders and rocks – all under the scorching heat of the sun, and probably 2 pounds of sand and pebbles and rock inside your shoes and socks! The “bonus” part was diving into a pool of “quick sand,” almost being submerged thigh deep, watching ash-slide (landslide) happen 20 meters away from you, and braving to cross numerous rivers of raging lahar. On our trek down from the crater, heavy rain started to pour. What worried us much was the 8km trek going to where our support vehicle was. There was no trail path and it was all slippery sand and rocks. We knew right away that the river current was going to get even worse. Memories of white water rafting came into mind – it was lahar-water-rafting of ALL rapids – minus the raft, minus the paddle and minus the vest! Visions of the 1991 Pinatubo eruption as well as the powerful mudflow which took thousands of lives kept playing in my head. I knew I was not ready to go yet!

To say I felt “fear” was an understatement. One of my new running friends I met in the race said, when the lahar current suddenly took and yanked him away, his entire life flashed before him. I had a few close calls of slipping down from boulders, almost falling off a ravine, falling butt first in the river, and being taken away by the strong current. My right knee was hurting like hell, and both my legs were all black and blue and bleeding from the rouge rocks flowing with the current and cutting my legs. At that precise moment, your “survival skills” come into play and my legs, though bleeding and in pain, literally dragged my whole body to get to our destination.

One thing I learned from this ordeal was to respect Mother Nature more. Humans may be all powerful and knowledgeable, but once the environment unleashes its fury – we have no choice but to take it all in (or better yet, to RUN for survival). Indeed, it is a very humbling experience.

You ask me: Will I still run? – Ofcourse! …. Will I still try to attempt to become an ultramarathon-woman? – YES! … Will I still participate in a trail race? – Most likely… Will I ever go back to conquer Pinatubo? – NEVER.

Note: Kudos to all the other runners who finished the race! Congratulations to Baldrunner for organizing this 2nd Pinatubo 50km challenge. By far, my most memorable race ever!!! … And a pat on the back for me for (finally) finishing my “Birthday Run” – all 33kms of it (distance in kilometers corresponding to my age!)

Vigan, Ilocos Sur

2011-07-23T10:50:00.000+08:00

Cabugao, Ilocos Sur

2011-07-23T10:47:00.000+08:00

Hong Kong

2011-07-23T10:43:00.000+08:00

Macau

2011-07-23T10:41:00.000+08:00

Singapura

2011-06-25T10:29:00.000+08:00

Happy 5th Birthday Blog!!!

2011-05-29T09:07:00.001+08:00

YAMAHA RUN FOR HEROES

2011-05-28T18:14:00.004+08:00

After my long sojourn with running, finally, I am back in track!

To commence my comeback, I was glad to be invited to a blogger's night/ presscon of one of Coach Rio's races. It was nice to see old (running) friends once again, and meet new ones. (Geez. Indeed, the running community is exponentially growing! I remember starting out before as one of the few blogger-runners out there -- now, they are a lot! It's nice to know that a number of people are getting into the running craze and healthy living!)

My 9 month "hibernation" caused me to go "back to zero." Slow pace, short distances and low resistance. My first race would probably be the AKTV Race next week (if registration is still open), and start from 5K. I am giving myself a month to train hard, so that on July 3, I would be able to bump up into running a 10K. Hence, my first 10K race, after a loooong loooong break would happen here:

What: YAMAHA RUN FOR HEROES

When: July 3, 2011

Where: Bonifacio Global City

Distances: 3km/ 5km/ 10km/ 21 km

Registration Period: Online (May 29 - June 19) In Store (May 30 to June 25)

Singlet Design. Nice noh?


Beneficiaries of the race will be the HERO Foundation.

This race aims to raise funds for Hero Foundation -- an Ayala Group initiative which provides education support for children of soldiers from the Armed Forces of the Philippines who have died or have been permanently incapacitated in the line of duty.

Let's go run guys! .... For every step (or stride) you make, you help provide education for a worthy child.

For more inquiries, you may visit this site: Run Rio

Hello Ultra. I missed you!

2011-05-28T17:52:00.001+08:00

Jumper!

2011-05-19T11:35:00.000+08:00

Went to work at 2pm and saw a huge crowd gathered by the building, looking up.

A guy was about to jump from the 14th floor...

Here comes Mayor to the rescue, talked the guy into not jumping, and they were able to pull him in safely.

Just another day at work!

Picture taken from my phone.

Picture courtesy of Romeo Mariano

Fairytales and Fascinating Fascinators

2011-05-15T16:23:00.002+08:00

Sweet Victory

2011-02-26T14:16:00.005+08:00

One of my "goals in life" at age 8 was to become the president of the Philippines.
I think this will do.

Thank you to all the members of the
National Movement of Young Legislators
for the trust and support that you have given to TEAM DORAY.

We are looking forward to a bigger and better NMYL this term.
Ang tagumpay ng Team Doray ay tagumpay ng NMYL!

Bliss

2010-12-21T12:16:00.007+08:00

On Site Wedding Video by Jason Magbanua

2010-09-19T18:27:00.000+08:00

It's official!

2010-07-01T15:40:00.005+08:00

Quezon City Oathtaking 2010

Thank you, for yet another term of service to Quezon City!

The ladies of the 18th QC Council

Gown by Nikko
Make-up by Yen
Hair by Jules

Sea of Pink

2010-07-01T15:31:00.005+08:00

'Twas different running an all-ladies race.
We painted the pavement PINK!

PINK ... PINK ... PINK ...

... and for those who weren't in PINK, they were in costume!

Congratulations to the organizers of Lactacyd Team Woman Run!
Congratulations to all the runners and winners!
Congratulations to Coach Rio, and to everyone for such a fun race.

Rock and Run, Rain and Run

2010-06-21T20:11:00.001+08:00

At exactly 5 PM, there was already a thunder storm in Quezon City. Family kept on prodding me not race anymore. “Baka daw matamaan ako ng kidlat!” I had to “lie” and tell them it wasn’t raining at the Fort to be able to get my ticket to proceed.

There was very heavy downpour as soon as I got to the race site. Until the last minute, I was hoping they would not push through with the race because the lighting, flooded Fort streets and heavy traffic looked very hazardous to the runners. 2 minutes before 6pm, they started with the 10K race, with me still in my car. I had to sprint out and push all the 5K runners blocking my way just to catch up with the 10K crowd.

Indeed, 50 meters from the starting line, I was already drenched. Rain poured so hard, it was very painful to the face and arms. It was hard to run on wet socks and shoes. It was a challenge to avoid puddles and flooded street corners. It was even harder to sift through the traffic as well as vehicles suddenly driving through closed roads for the race. “Mga Pilipino nga naman oo!” Drivers do not care if they hit a runner, as long as they find a better route to get away from heavy traffic! Tsk tsk.

I commend the race organizers for fixing such a fun race. Rain or shine, “tuloy pa rin ang laban!” Water was adequate (forget the fact that I had gastroenteritis an hour after the race because I took a sip from a water cup with 50% Maynilad water and 50% rain water!) I’d like to think race marshals were well distributed as well. They did their best, they just did not expect to handle heavy traffic and see cars enter closed roads. What I liked about the race was that they put up stages with music/ band around the route to entertain the runners. Though it was pouring very hard, I would like to laud the JCI members positioned by the stage as they tried to cheer and give encouragement to the runners! Galing talaga!

I think it was a fun race. From start to finish, though drenched, I could see runners enjoying every minute of it!

Bottle School Run ... my comeback!!!

2010-06-14T19:29:00.003+08:00

It is amazing how much difference 4 months of NO running could make!

I am amazed at how much weight I gained. None of my singlets fit! Heck, even my trusty old Nike shoes don’t fit!

I am amazed at the extent of how much I bounced back downwards! It was not even “back to zero” for me … rather, it was way down to the negatives! My come-backing race was the Bottle School Run race, and my time was far far slower than my first ever 10K race way back in 2008! Yikes!

But what shocked me the most was the sudden increase in the number of runners! For races in the past, everyone sort of knew everybody else … or at least most of the runners were familiar faces. In this race however, I noticed that none of my “running friends” or those “familiar faces” were present anymore. I only saw Coach Rio and the Solemates Jun & Mariel, other than them … everyone was just unfamiliar.

This goes to show that indeed, the “Running Boom” keeps on exploding … with the number of runners and health buffs growing exponentially! Which is good.

I knew I was not ready for a 10K race. 2 days earlier, my assignment from coach was to run 8 kms around UP. However, around 6 kms, I could not push myself any further, so I had to stop. Hence, I was really hesitant about joining weekend races this soon … but then again, if I don’t start now, then when???

My goal was to finish and to run without stopping to walk.

Proudly, I accomplished both!

On my last 1.5 km approaching Serendra, “the hunny” was at the corner waiting for me. I was so tired and my 1^st and 2^nd metatarsals (aka talampakan) were hurting, thanks to my developing left foot bunion! I wanted to give up and walk, but “the hunny” ran with me and encouraged me to go on to the finish … “You were able to finish 26.2 miles! What is 6 miles to you?”

So off we ran together to the finish.

Thank You

2010-05-26T07:08:00.003+08:00

Thank you to everyone who believed in us.
To all our friends, family and supporters who campaigned, helped out, voted, and called their friends from QC ... maraming maraming salamat po.

Hay Salamat

2010-05-12T10:21:00.003+08:00

Photo taken from: Twitpic

Hay salamat at natapos ng matiwasay at payapa!
Congratulations sa mga nanalo!

Sprinter

2010-05-11T16:40:00.002+08:00

One of my favorite parts of the campaign is visiting different places and meeting new faces.
I am deeply honored to have met, and have gotten as one of my staunch supporters, Ms. Mona Sulaiman.

Mona Sulaiman, was declared as Asia's fastest woman before Lydia de Vega. She placed the Philippines on Asian athletic map by her impressive records as a runner. A veteran Olympian, she is the first Filipina to win three golds in a single Asian Games which took place in Jakarta in 1962. She was also Asia’s first double-gold winner in sprints; the first national champion in pentathlon (1963), five-time national champion in shot put, six-time national champion in the 100m and 200m event, and was a discus throw national champion. She competed in the 1960 (Rome) and 1964 (Tokyo) Olympics.

She was born to Kudelat and Aminan Sulaiman in a small Cotabato barrio in 1942. Her athletic prowess first came to public notice at a sports meet in her school in 1957. She was in the fifth grade and was just fifteen. An official of the Bureau of Public Schools attended the festivities. This was providential to Mona because when the school official returned to the division superintendent’s office in Cotabato, he brought with him incredible stories about her speed on the cinder path. He told the officials of Cotabato about Mona, the barefoot Muslim girl who could outstrip every running thing in sight. That started off her upward climb in the athletic world.

To the glory of her country in the international events, she was a winner of two gold medals since she finished the 100-meter race in 11.93 seconds ahead of two Japanese runners and the 200-meter sprint in 24.63 seconds ahead of a Japanese and a Sri Lankan at the 1962 Jakarta Asiad. She was also a recipient of a bronze medal as she participated in shot put in the same event.

In the national track and field meet, she proved her prowess at the Rizal Memorial Stadium as she chalked up several national record-breaking feats in her two favorite events: 11.9 seconds in the 100-meter dash and 2.46 seconds in the 100-meter dash. She anchored her team in the 400 x 100-meter relay as well. She tossed the spheroid 39.11 feet in the shot put.

Info taken from Wikipilipinas

My Mom, My Hero

2010-05-09T11:39:00.003+08:00

My mom is my hero.

When all else is scared to talk, too afraid to move and too terrified to fight for what is just and right … she did.

Despite all the evil, all the demons and all the threats that come her way day after day after day … she braved all these for the sake of peace and tranquility in our area.

My mom sacrificed living a peaceful civilian life … not because of fame, not because of power, not because of money … but all because of her LOVE for District 1. All because of her utmost desire to provide a peaceful loving community in our district … not a community enveloped in so much pain, so much hatred and so much fear.

I have never seen such love from a mother.

I have never seen such valor.

My fervent prayer is that through you, our community would experience the love and the care of a mother, just like the unconditional love and care that you have given me.

Thank you Mommy.

Always remember that the Lord is always with us. God is good.

Happy Mother’s Day!

********

I would like to share an essay I wrote about my mom exactly 4 years ago, when I was still a fresh medical school graduate and not yet in politics. Beyond all the hype with the elections and politics … I would like people to see the different side of “Tita Beth” … that of a loving mother and a person full of love.

How I Wish I Were …

by Dorothy Delarmente (May 2006)

The only woman whom I have looked up to the most was the same woman who was responsible for my existence … my mommy! 9 painful months of complete agonizing bed rest … 1 week of sheer post-op pain … and 28 years of extreme torture raising me up! Ha!

I might not have been very vocal about it, but she is my role model. They say kids are the “better version” of their parents … but I’d like to think otherwise. To have a mommy like her, it seems to be impossible to surpass what she is, and what she turned out to be. I just wish I was like my mom …

I wish I had my mom’s eyes. She has those cheerful eyes that sparkle all the time. Even when she is mad, it somehow seems to still sparkle.

I wish I had my mom’s youthful face. She does not have wrinkles, she does not have crows feet nor those drooping saggy eye bags… and she is 56 years old! (Ha! Sorry mom!) She still looks like 40-ish, and she has never gone under the knife – YET!

I wish I had my mom’s waif-ish body. She could pass of as a model when she was in her 20s. At present, my mom’s waistline is smaller than mine, her arms are thinner than mine and her thighs are skinnier than mine. Her clothes are more sexy and more daring than mine! Hehe.

I wish I had my mom’s metabolism. She gobbles up a bag of Lindt Mini Chocolates in 1 sitting, yet she doesn’t gain a single pound! Why oh why did I inherit the wrong kind of genes.

I wish I had my mom’s smile. One quick flash of those pearly whites make every person who sees it smile back in return. Indeed, it is magnetizing.

I wish I had my mom’s sunny disposition. Despite all the worries and stresses she is experiencing, it seems as if she doesn’t have any problems to think about.

I wish I had my mom’s charismatic personality. For some strange reason, people tend to gravitate towards her. People adore her. Sometimes I’d like to build a shrine where they can worship her.

I wish I had my mom’s confidence. She can speak in front of thousands, she can deliver a really loaded and attention-grabbing speech (not those long, boring speeches trapos deliver) that she cooked up on-the-spot! To me, that is sheer talent!

I wish I had my mom’s stamina. She can be out of the house 24/7 doing what politicians do best … go to work, make laws, attend meetings, attend inaugurations, show up in birthday parties, become a sponsor in anyone and everyone’s wedding, crown every baranggay beauty queen and all those social events you could think of. WHEW!

I wish I had my mom’s patience. She’s got lots for all the annoying people annoying her … she’s got loads for her “pasaway” daughter … and probably even more for her “MORE pasaway” husband! Hehehe.

I wish I had my mom’s dedication…. dedication to her family, dedication to her profession. Our city is blessed to have her as a leader … but I am more blessed to have her as my mother.

I wish I had my mom’s selflessness. People go first before her own needs. To her, what she does is not a profession … it is a mission …

I wish I had my mom’s strength. Strength of character and strength of spirit.

Mother is the name for God in the lips and hearts of little children. ~William Makepeace Thackeray

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY MOMMY!!!

I love you!

2010-04-23T14:29:00.002+08:00

NCY Marathon (the race)

2010-04-01T14:56:00.029+08:00

I know this post is 5 months late... but it is a must to include this post in my blog.

The NYC marathon experience is something I would never ever forget. Memories of it still runs fresh in my mind, almost half a year later. I am hoping that through this blog, I could share this experience to the whole world ... and strongly praying that I get to influence a reader or two to start running and joining a race.

Blaring in the speakers as we approached the start was Sinatra's version of New York, New York! … “If I can make it there ... I'll make it anywhere ... It's up to you! New York! Neeeew York!”

Verrazano- Narrows Bridge. This is the bridge connecting Staten Island to Brooklyn … the coldest 2 miles of my life!!! I couldn’t concentrate running, and taking pictures kasi SOBRANG LAMIG!!! 50F plus icy cold wind chill ... brrrrrrr.

Notice that there are 2 decks. Urban legend says that if you ended up in the lower deck, make sure not to position yourself near the edge. Because there will be "peeing" runners from the upper deck, and I'm sure you wouldn't want to get peed on.

I think at this point, I was the only one with 3 layers of clothing. Everyone already discarded their extra clothes, but I was still freezing cold.

Hello Brooklyn. Very homey. Very personal. Reminds me of Sesame Street.

Houses ... shops ... churches ... had their bands/ large speakers put out in every corner. They weren't the official "entertainment" commissioned by the race. They just volunteered to put it up to provide entertainment for the runners. So cool.

By this time, I already threw away my jacket. I really felt bad having to throw it away at Mile 15. But they said all the clothes discarded during the entire stretch of the race will be collected and given to charity.

Hello Queens!

This is almost half way through the course.

The most BORING part of the race ... 3/4 mile long Queensboro Bridge connecting Queens to Manhattan.
Wala kasing fans!

The start of the Manhattan leg! This was the most fun part of the race!!! The whole 1st avenue ... from 59th st to 125th st was jampacked with people cheering!

See the guy in stilts? See the guy in orange with 2 guys in red beside him?
They are part of the Achilles running club... A running club started by Dick Traum in Central Park in 1983 for people with any kind of challenge ... missing limbs, multiple sclerosis, visual impairments etc. Every now and then, I hear someone from behind me say, " Coming through. Blind man running. Please move to the side." ... Then we all politely move to let the man pass us by.

Mayhem in Manhattan! Imagine 3 1/2 miles full of cheering supporters!
Totally amazing! You really forget the pain at this moment.

Motown and Soul music... and some occasional rappers entertained us during this leg.
Welcome to the Bronx baby!

I love this smile!

If I remember correctly, this is already inside Central Park on my last 2 kilometers. Everyone was dead tired. I was the only one who posed for the camera, and the cameraman shouted, "Nice smile!!!"

Didn't take much pictures anymore. By this time, on my last 3 miles ... I already felt a CRAMP starting. Kilometer 40 in Central Park ... by this time I am already feeling cramps in both calves! I also knew that I could finish this race in less than 5 hours (to be able to see my name in the New York Post! Hehe!) ... so I just concentrated on running (and praying the rosary, asking the Lord to help me get through and not get a full-blown leg cramp) and stopped taking pictures.

Almost there.
Running with a cramp, running with a big smile, and running with a huge desire to finish.

Yehey! Finished!
My official time is 4 hrs, 59 mins, 30 sec

I made sure I get the first prize for the Best Finisher’s Smile.
One of my favorite images seen are these 5 runners finishing ahead of me. Nakakatuwa. You could see the sweet taste of victory on their faces and body language.

Posing with my medal

We still had to walk 2 kms through Central Park to meet our loved ones outside.

Loving my Heat Sheet

Mga fans club ko! Dave and Pats prepared a sign and positioned themselves by columbus circle, 30 meters before the finish. They could've seen me pass by ... but they didn't 'coz they were busy looking at all those "cute" runners! Hahaha!

Proud to be Pinoy!

Let's get ready to rumble!

2010-03-25T18:56:00.002+08:00

Sneakers .... check!
Shirt with my name on it .... check!
Cap ... check!
Sun block .... check!
Foot spray ... check!

LET THE GAMES .... BEGIN!

Bah, Humbug!

2010-03-16T15:05:00.001+08:00

"Bakit? May dimples din naman ako ah! :O( "

In full support

2010-03-10T12:42:00.002+08:00

In full support of anything for PGH ... the hospital that taught me everything!

5 ... 10 ... 15 ...

2010-03-01T17:18:00.003+08:00

5 ... 10 ... 15 ... 20 ...

Slowly and agonizingly counting the pounds I am gaining for the past 2 months of no running, no cardio and no gym time :O( ...

Yes. I lost almost 20 lbs in a month during the last elections, but if your body suddenly becomes used to running at least 10 kilometers a day, everyday, for 2 years ... then walking around one whole bararangay for 3 hours does not seem to be that kind of "cardio" that your body needed to maintain (or lose) weight. Sigh.

It has been so long since I last ran a race, and probably even longer since I last trained at the Ultra track. Now I feel heavy and sluggish.

If only I know where I could get extra energy to at least squeeze in a 'lil bit of running together with working and campaigning .... hhhmmmmmm.... any ideas???

Busy Bee, Busy Me

2010-02-15T22:35:00.004+08:00

'Been so so busy preparing for this HUGE May 10 "run" ...

I could not even do my daily runs anymore ...

or even update my blog and finally finish the finale part of my NYC marathon experience.

Anyway, to all my friends and readers out there,

please please do help me with this huge "run" by telling your friends and family in my district about me (hihi) ... and my mom's congressional bid as well :O)

I do promise to update this blog (and finish my unfinished post) once I get the chance...

In the meantime, hope you guys enjoy training

and running the races that I will surely miss :O(

Hope you don't miss this one!

This is the "Amazing Kidney Race", a charity event for the benefit of our

less-fortunate kidney patients who needed monetary help!

This will be on March 7 at the UP Diliman, brought to you by the

Philippine Society of Nephrology.

Happy running everyone!

Book Run

2010-01-16T14:02:00.003+08:00

Hoping you guys enjoyed this one!

Thank you Dong for my free registration fee :O)

At least in this race, I didn't have to wait under the sun for 2 hours
(and haggle with bodyguards and other fans) just to get a good picture
with some good looking - celebrity - runner. (hehe)

NYC Marathon 2009 (pre race)

2009-12-01T21:06:00.014+08:00

I ran proudly wearing my Hardcore makabayan shirt!
Thank you so much to Papi Jonel for literally pulling someone's arm & leg so that this would get done in time! (hehe) ... I just had to put Quezon City on my singlet! QC love.

Just when I was about to finish preparing, I broke the strap of my Garmin while putting it on. "The hunny" pulled of a McGyverish stunt and used a string to hold the 2 straps together! Yehey!

The mayhem at the ferry station...

Official Transport to the Start
Every runner was assigned an official mode of transportation to the start. Most runners were assigned to the Staten Island Ferry which departs every 30 mins from 5:30 am to 8:00 am. Some are assigned to the Midtown Manhattan bus which departs from 5:30am to 6:30 am. Some runners had to wait for 5 hours since the race won't start until 9:40am. I was lucky to have been assigned to the 8:00am ferry, so I just had to wait an hour before the race started.

There were so much people! There was a line going to the ferry, a long line to the bus going to Fort Wadsworth, a long line to the entrance of Fort Wadsworth. With so much runners, no matter how much you try to be organized, it will still never be enough. It's just hard to contain so much people...

Runners were assembled in start villages (staging area or start area). The staging area is outdoors and is damp and cold, so it's a must to bring warm clothing that you can discard before the race.

Runners were organized into 3 start villages - blue orange and green.

My village was color blue!

This is how a village looks like. I was expecting a warm covered area, but this was it. Notice the UPS trucks in the background? Those are the baggage storage areas, 1 truck per 1,000 bags. People had to wait for 5 to 6 hours before the race started, so some had to bring sleeping bags and beddings. All I could remember were trash everywhere. So many people, so much trash.

In order to alleviate congestion at the start, along the course and at the finish, reduce wait time prior to the start and enhance runners' overall race experience, there will be 3 wave starts. Instead of releasing close to 44,000 runners at the same time, each wave will release approximately 14,000 runners in 20 minute increments.

The first wave started at 9:40am, the second wave at 10:00 am...

I was at wave 3 ... and we started running at exactly 10:20 am.

People brought "disposable" clothes to keep them warm. This is one of the areas where you can discard your clothes which will eventually be donated to charities.

However, most runners still opted to throw jackets, and pants and gloves and bonnets, even blankets, wherever (and whenever) they feel like they don't need it anymore.

The long wait ... tick, tock, tick, tock...

Finally ... the START.

Blaring in the speakers as we approached the start was Sinatra's version of New York, New York!
Goosebumps!

If I can make it there ... I'll make it anywhere ... It's up to you! New York! Neeeew York!

Touchdown New York

2009-11-23T19:53:00.011+08:00

I arrived in NYC one week before the race. I made sure I had enough time to acclimatize myself with the weather. My body easily gets cold, and I know that if I don’t train in that kind of weather … I would freeze to death mid-race!

I was very fortunate to have Apartelle de Mortel (aka my good friend Dave’s studio unit). Aside from free room and board, it was located right smack in front of Central Park! Lucky lucky me! I enjoyed my daily trainings in Central Park. To explore every nook and cranny of CP is to do it on foot.

I decided to get my race kit on the first day and on the first hour of the NYC Marathon Expo. There were already so much people, but the claiming of the kit and the shirts went by swiftly … I was impressed on how organized the organizers were, despite the “mayhem” that (thousands) of runners were creating. Met up with T2 composed of Bards, DingDong, Vicky & Harry and also bumped into Bobby and Lance while shopping.

This is the line to the entrance. It was long, but was moving fast.

First stop: Checking my ID and acceptance letter to make sure it's really me.

2nd Stop: Claiming my "International Friendship Run" race kit

3rd stop: Claiming my marathon race bib! I'm runner # 45172!

4th stop: D tag check! Just to make sure I got the right chip.
(They swiped my D tag in a scanner and my name showed up.)

5th stop: Getting our complimentary race shirts.

Mayhem at the expo...

With fellow Pinoys Bards, Bobby, Vicky and Lance.

With T2 Runners Bards, Vicky, DingDong and Harry.

Road to NYC

2009-11-17T08:40:00.008+08:00

It all started around mid April, after reading Dingdong’s (RunMD) facebook status that says he applied for the NYC marathon lottery. It has always been a dream for me to run this race. (It was even on my “bucket list” of things to do in my life as seen HERE.) In an impulse, I went to the New York Road Runners webpage and applied for the lottery. I never ever expected I would qualify. It was just something I did “for the heck of doing it.” I did not opt for the “international slot lottery (which has more guarantee that you get a slot),” rather, I applied in the regular lottery together with almost 100,000 other runners in the US.

During this time, I was not prepared … all because I was not running. I was in the middle of nursing myself from a bad case of “runner’s blues.” I sporadically join races, but have never set foot in Ultra or have had any formal training since the turn of the year. I gained 15 pounds from lack of training, and my body, particularly my resistance and my legs were not prepared for the long haul. This rut of laziness ended mid-May when I got a very surprising letter in my e-mail.

Dear Dorothy,

Entry Number:360036

Congratulations! You have been accepted to run the ING New York City Marathon 2009 on Sunday, November 1. On behalf of New York Road Runners, I welcome you to the 40th running of the world's greatest marathon. One of the things that makes this race so special is runners like you from around the world, and we're hard at work preparing to give you the experience of a lifetime.

Shortly after June 1, you'll receive an e-mail from us that will include a link to our runner login page. From this page you can provide or verify your emergency race-day contact information, supply information that will allow us to assign your race-day transportation to the start, cancel your entry if needed, take advantage of special offers for marathon entrants, and more.

In the meantime, please consider using your marathon experience as an opportunity to raise money for charity. Visit our charities page for more information.

We'll be in touch frequently between now and race day, as we'll post the latest news on the ING New York City Marathon site. We look forward to seeing you in November!

Sincerely,

Mary Wittenberg

President and CEO, New York Road Runners
Race Director, ING New York City Marathon

Gulp.

Speechless.

All I could do was stare into space for 10 minutes, absorbing every word in the letter. This was unexpected. I find myself talking to myself, saying, “Sh*t. Hindi ako handa!”

The first thing I did was call up Coach Rio and told him that “I’m back in the game!”

I was overweight, I was not physically prepared for this long distance run, and to add to the concern was a month long US vacation mid-June to July which would delay my training for another month.

As soon as I got back from my vacation around July 17, I immediately started training. I had exactly 3 ½ months to train for November 1^st. Coach and I both admitted it was fast-tracked, but I kept on convincing myself I could do this! It’s now or never. I have no guarantee that I would get in in future NYC marathons. Once in a lifetime. I kept this race a secret, all because I was afraid to announce it to the whole world and eventually not finish it. Nakakahiya. I have decided to just announce it in my blog “after” the race, and just give subtle hints to friends about training for some “special race.”

Coach Rio was also training for a Boston qualifier marathon, so I was under the tutelage of Coach John. Trainings in Ultra were twice a week, road runs in UP were 4 times a week, and long runs were on Sundays. It was very fortunate that races in Manila were held every week. I took advantage of this … did a “marathon of half-marathons” … and the some.

Eco Dash was damp and wet! Rain poured really hard, and shoes and socks were wet from start to finish! But I enjoyed it! 'Never loved rain this much, and the chilly weather was just oh so perfect for running.

RotaRun. All I could remember was that it was really hot, and that the race was 3 kms short. So we all had to do some extras to finish our goal mileage for the week.

I thought Milo did a good job! I enjoyed the route, and the spectators.

And finally, the QCIM. My last race before I left for New York!

More to come ...

Better late than never ...

2009-11-16T22:31:00.002+08:00

I would like to take this opportunity to THANK everyone who participated and supported the first Quezon City International Marathon! Congratulations to Runnex, Finishline and the QC Government, more particularly the Office of the Mayor and the Cultural and Tourism Affairs Office for a job well done! Indeed, we have created another mark in Quezon City history. To the future mayor of Quezon City, I hope you are reading this … I am very hopeful that we continue the QCIM and make it as an annual event.

To all the runners who joined, most especially to my dear running friends, thank you for the support! I would like to give special credit to good friends Dr. Raffy Tomacruz, Atty. Rarymund Martelino and The Bullrunner Jaymie Pizarro for completing their first full marathon!!! Congratulations guys! What an accomplishment!

We may have had a few kinks and problems … but as in every new event or fresh idea, we acknowledge the mistakes and learn from them. Rest assured that in future races, we will keep on improving and polishing the event.

As for me, I enjoyed the run and the route! Finished the half in 2 hrs and 17 minutes, 2 minutes short of the goal my coach had set for me. I enjoyed running through Commonwealth Ave. – seeing it void of cars made me want to lie down (at magpa gulong-gulong) in the middle of the road! It was also nice that several barangays and schools sent bands to provide some music during the route. I also enjoyed watching the Kenyan runners pass me by as I am about to finish my 21K, and theirs their 42! (Oh yeah. Congrats to the Kenyans, and thank you for the participation. Umalis na ko ng bansa at lahat, pagbalik ko, andito pa rin kayo! Glad you enjoyed the Philippines!)

Thank you again and (really) hoping that we get to see everyone again next year!

I Heart New York!

2009-11-02T20:18:00.002+08:00

40th ING New York City Marathon 2009 FINISHER!!!

Finally, I finished my first full marathon!
Official time was 4 hrs 59 mins 31 sec

... full detailed account of the race and the preparation when I get back home!

Podium Finish

2009-10-20T21:29:00.003+08:00

With Mayor SB and Dante crossing the finish line.

MARAMING SALAMAT sa lahat ng dumalo at tumakbo sa
Quezon City International Marathon!

I'm the one in the red shirt. Heehee...

2009-10-02T10:51:00.002+08:00

Mula sa Puso

2009-09-19T13:00:00.004+08:00

Being a doctor is not a profession.
It is a mission.

I'd like to thank the academy ...

2009-09-17T13:16:00.003+08:00

Once again, THANK YOU.

Jose Rizal Bantayog Awards
Most Outstanding Councilor 2009

Rampa!

2009-08-24T20:43:00.005+08:00

Doctors, designers, directors, members of the media, greenbelt 5 and fashionistas collaborated to create one fantastic event, that is, Rx: A Work of Heart. Talent and skills were pooled to raise funds for the patients of the Philippine General Hospital - Department of Internal Medicine through Sagip Buhay. Almost all our suppliers and services were free … a contribution from the heart. A good chunk of proceeds from the clothes sold and ticket sales will go to Sagip Buhay.

Congratulations to my sorority, Phi Lambda Delta for fixing such a fresh and funky event! Doctors were given their 3 minutes of fame each to work the runway. As for me … my lifelong dream of becoming a “ramp moooowedel” came into reality! Haha! (Akala ko hanggang panaginip nalang yun! Heehee!)

My heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated, offered their services for free, contributed whatever they could and helped out without any compensation … you all made Rx: A Work of Heart a success! As quoted from Sagip Buhay, “… you do not have to be a doctor to save lives…” Indeed, you all saved lives.

I hope we could do this annually! I could get used to this moooooowdelling thing! Haha!

… I’m a mowdel, you know what I mean,

… and I do my little turn on the catwalk,

… yeah on the catwalk,

… I shake my little tush on the catwalk

2009-08-21T14:39:00.003+08:00

We are inviting everyone to come and run with us at the first Quezon City International Marathon!!! This race shall be the highlight as we celebrate the 70^th founding anniversary of our beloved city.

When: October 18, 2009

Distances: 42 km, 21 km, 10km and 5 km

Where:

Race Director: Finishline

Race Manager: Runnex

Official WEBSITE of QC International Marathon

We will keep you posted for further announcements :O)

Back in the Game

2009-08-16T15:11:00.008+08:00

Preparing really hard for one HUGE and important “RUN” in 2010 caused me to take for granted running in the pavement and on the track for almost 5 months! This long lull made me gain (a whopping!) 20 pounds and 3 dress sizes bigger. Endurance was down and my come back 10K race was almost 10 minutes longer than my personal record … I guess that is the downside of running. Once you fall of the wagon, everything will go into shambles in an instant!

So what made me go back??? ... A few months ago, I tried to register for one of the more popular international races for the heck of it! Having almost 100,000 applicants to be reduced to around 30,000 via lottery, never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would get in. But, as luck would have it and much to my surprise, I got in! To finish this was one of my life’s goals before I die … and I just have to be there! This is a chance of a lifetime, and I would not know if I am still able to get accepted in the future. Serendipity, maybe. A sign from God that I should keep on running, most certainly.

I have exactly 14 weeks to train for the race. I know it is not enough, but I am trying my best to train for my “first” full marathon … and to finish one of the greatest races in the world!

Last July 19, I ran my (first) come back race in UP Diliman organized by my sorority sister, Dr. Melissa Mercado. Runners ran alongside wheelchair athletes and differently abled people. Indeed, it was a remarkably fun and memorable race. Congratulations to Mam Melissa and the entire organizing committee of M.O.V.E. Manila, a run to sponsor our wheelchair athletes and help support persons with disabilities.

PHI brods and sisses from different batches ran in M.O.V.E. Manila.
We support their cause, and we're also here to support Dr. Melissa!

Last night, I ran my come back 15K race in the dark! Indeed, the Kenny Roger’s Urbanite run was a success with almost 4,000 runners participating. (Well, their target was 3,000, but they exceeded their quota by a thousand more). This is not a PR race for we are all running in the dark. It is difficult to run if you couldn’t see clearly where you are going, and pot holes and uneven roads did not help our condition either. But this novel idea made this race extra special, and I am sure that this run may jumpstart another new trend in races. Kudos to Vince and Coach Rio, and all the partners and suppliers of Finishline. I loved the ala-SNG marathon timing chip! Yes, we know we still have more room for improvement … but just like any other fresh concept, I am sure we will smoothen all the chips and cracks through time.

With Coach Rio! (Stressed siya e, hehe!)

Finnishline man ... Vince! Congrats! QCM, here we goooooo.....

Ben of Photovendo! Didn't know there were cameramen by the Finish Line! I wasn't able to smile!!! Argh! I was hoping to see one by the cemetery... wala palang naka deploy. haha!

Our Mission

2009-08-05T14:29:00.004+08:00

Now, it is our responsibility to continue what they have started ...

www.abrantesdesign.com

Goosebumps ...

I "honor" the honor guards. Now that is discipline.
Pfc. Antonio Cadiente
Airman 2nd Class Gener Laguindam
Petty Officer 3 Edgardo Rodriguez
Police Officer 1 Danilo Maalab

Photo courtesy of Albert Domingo, M.D.

Yellow Ribbon

2009-08-02T21:23:00.004+08:00

Back in grade school, whenever we discuss about Philippine history in the 80s, my classmates and friends could vividly remember and narrate their experiences during the 1986 People Power Revolution. Born in the late 70s, most of us were around 6 or 7 years old then. They remember yellow confetti and shirts all over, they remember chanting “Cory! Cory!” and they remember sitting on their dad’s shoulders braving all those military tanks … an experience that felt like it was one huge gathering than a revolution.

I was 7 years old then. I could also vividly remember experiences during that time … every single moment of it. I remember all my relatives, my lola, aunts and cousins all camping out in our house for days. I remember non-stop television and radio coverage, at least for the time being when we still had electricity. I remember unending rosaries and novenas, day in and day out. I remember my daddy leaving the house in fatigues in all its glory, with his machine gun in tow.

My dad was in the military during the revolution. They were on red alert then, and had no choice but to leave the house “to serve our country.” During those times, soldiers were fighting with fellow soldiers. Because there were no mobile phones or pagers then, we had no way of contacting him. For days as the revolution transpired, we had no way whatsoever to know how he is doing... is he okay? is he hurt? is he still alive? The most we could do is to pray for peace, and pray for his safety. He only called us once during the height of the insurgency. Mom was convincing him to just leave everything and go home to safety. He declined … because, he said: “I will die for my country.” (I think he received all the scolding he could ever get from my mom after saying that!)

I barely understood what was happening. I only knew there was a "war," because they wanted Marcos out … and my daddy was in it. One evening, after days of having no electricity, I remember waking up at around 2am because our fire alarm went off. It kept on beeping and beeping very loudly. I thought it was a warning alarm to alert all the residents that the “bad people” were out to get us, sifting from one house to the next. I thought our house was on fire. It was the first time that my body literally shook out of so much fear. As I got out of the room, I found my mom and our house help burning documents and documents of papers and books. What they were, I still do not know. I just assumed they are confidential papers that would get a lot of people into so much trouble. Well, that was my theory. We were informed that soldiers might come and raid our house, gather whatever vital information they could get. I found it unfair to put a 7 year old under so much agony and fear. Traumatized was an understatement.

I did not understand. My memory of the Edsa People Power Revolution were all ill and traumatizing. I did not understand the revolution, I did not understand why my dad had to go through that ordeal, and I did not understand why me and my family had to go to that whole experience as well. It was only when I became older that I realized the significance of everything that happened during the 1986 People Power Revolution.

People Power brought Filipinos together.

It proved that peace is stronger than hostility, that prayers are stronger than bullets.

People Power gave the Filipino people the freedom that we truly deserve.

It gave us hope and inspiration.

It taught us all how to love our country again.

For the love … for the inspiration …

For all the bravery …

To the woman who stood up and succeeded … when everyone thought she couldn’t ….

Tita Cory, Maraming Salamat po.

(I just got back from the Cathedral to pay my last respects. The line and the crowd was overwhelming. Without a doubt, she touched so much lives and inspired so many people. A true hero indeed.)

An idea.

2009-07-27T14:40:00.000+08:00

Nice.
I can do something like this in my wedding. hehe...

May you rest in peace...

2009-07-15T12:50:00.004+08:00

Born in the late 70s and growing up in the 80's ... I was and forever will be an MJ fan.

My first dance steps were to the tune of Beat It.
(I remember having "choreographed" moves with my cousins in Chicago in 1985).

One of the first songs I learned to sing (with correct lyrics) was Billlie Jean.

And the first MTV video I remember watching (over and over again even if it looked scary) was Thriller.

So a few hours before heading home, I made sure to pass by his star
to offer flowers and pay my respects.
Long live the King of Pop!
May you rest in peace, MJ.

Get Out and Run!

2009-06-03T18:53:00.002+08:00

Happy Running Day!!!
June 3rd is National Running Day (in the U.S.)

Incidentally, Happy 36th Wedding Anniversary
to my Mom and Dad!

Shanghai, China

2009-06-02T18:20:00.004+08:00

Shanghai, China
May 26, 2009

Photo by: Me

Mt. Pinatubo Expedition

2009-05-24T19:59:00.006+08:00

Mt. Pinatubo expedition with 3 of my high school friends.

The trek was very exhausting.
An hour of bumpy jeepney ride across the lahar and mountains ...
And another hour of hiking ...

But, the trip was worth it!

Office Fire

2009-05-06T19:55:00.003+08:00

My mom and I were in the middle of an interview when our driver came running to the studio telling us that the QC City Hall was on fire! From outside the studio’s building, I could helplessly see thick black smoke in the sky! My location was a few meters away from my office … but I had to finish this interview before I could get there.

I sent text messages to all the councilors telling them that the office was on fire! … Replies from Daddy Bong saying, “Come here na! Malapit na sa office natin!” and from Tito Jun, “Mukhng aabutan tayo” … obviously did not make me feel any better.

As soon as the show ended, I quickly rushed to the office to survey the damage. I could see throngs of fire trucks from all over (I remember seeing Malabon, Manila and several Chinese Volunteer Fire Trucks and all our Barangay Fire Trucks). They said almost 60 fire trucks were there!

It is different when misfortunes such as this happen in your own turf. I wanted to run up to my room as soon as I got there and grab all my important documents and family heirlooms/ memorabilia displayed in my room even if the fire was ongoing! Hay.

It was a close call. You see, all the offices of the councilors are in one long corridor. The fire started on the 3^rd floor (ours was on the 2^nd floor). Councilor Bayani’s office which was at the end of our corridor was damaged, as well as the rooms right above us. Had the firefighters not break windows & enter some councilors’ offices … then it would take only a few minutes to wipe out all the offices of the councilors (which incidentally, was newly renovated last 2007). Ugh. The fire on the 3^rd floor spread quite rapidly from one office to the next not because the building was old, but because of all the documents and papers in every room.

It was very unfortunate that important papers and expensive devices such as computers and projectors got damaged. If they didn’t get burnt to crisp, they were either damaged by all the water and the smoke. Nevertheless, no one got hurt. Because of all the fire drill practices … surprisingly, no one panicked and all the staff went out of the building very calmly and in order. No one screamed, “Sunog! Sunog” nor got hysterical. My staff said that there was an eerie silence as people hurriedly got out of the building despite almost zero visibility inside the building because of the thick white smoke

Praise God that no one got hurt. It was also good that the burnt files have back-ups. I am more thankful that this fire happened in broad daylight, in the middle of office hours. Had this happened in the evening, I am sure nothing will be spared.

It’s back to work for City Hall… so for those with pending transactions or those who plan to head there this week … we are still up and running!

Thank you to all the Barangays, Cities and Fire Volunteers who came to extend their services. You saved our City Hall.

Palarong Pambansa in Tacloban

2009-05-02T10:00:00.006+08:00

A few days ago, I, together with 3 other councilors, were given the opportunity to attend the Palarong Pambansa opening ceremonies and cheer for our athletes in NCR … most of which hail from Quezon City! This year’s Palaro kick-off was extra special since the president and the vice president (a quite sporadic move, due to security reasons) were both present to wish our athletes good luck. Security was quite tight, but the ceremonies went by very smoothly nevertheless.

This was our first time to visit Eastern Visayas … our first time to tour Leyte, Biliran and a bit of Samar province.

The San Juanico Bridge was simply majestic!

A view of Leyte from the bridge

Much thanks to all our friends and colleagues who made sure we had a great time in their area!!!

Special thanks to Mayor Anli Apostol and Congresswoman Trinidad Apostol for our yummy lunch! … Leyte Board Member Carlo Loreto for our 2AM Bulalo fix … Governor-Doctor-“my idol” Roger Espina for our fabulous accommodations in Biliran … and to my good friend Biliran Board Member Roselyn Espina for the ride, for taking us around and for that to-die-for litson and pugon baked chicken!

Us during the super duper HOT Palarong Pambansa parade!

Can't wait...

2009-04-19T07:39:00.003+08:00

Save the date.
I know I already did! :O)
(For family & friends, it'll be in your mailboxes soon!)

God's Little Paradise: Bohol

2009-04-18T17:54:00.005+08:00

When everyone else are ending their long holiday vacation, we were just starting ours. We decided to visit the province of Bohol … more famous for it’s Chocolate Hills and Tarsiers … and the home town of the Delarmentes (It’s our first time to visit though, and we don’t know jack if we still have relatives here! Hehe.)

Thank you Amorita Resort for a superb stay! The beaches of Panglao island and the view are simply breathtaking. Thank you Nikki Cauton for all the help! I highly recommend Amorita.

Thanks also to my good friend, Bohol Board Member Ae Damalerio for taking care of our ride. Bohol is spiffy clean and the roads are well made. Indeed, sufficient proof of good governance and reliable leaders.

‘Love the Hills, ‘Love the Tarsiers…

In Search for the Perfect Fit

2009-04-17T12:46:00.003+08:00

Pats, one of my dear friends texted me a witty one-liner realization
after her Second Wind Running Store visit
in her quest to find that "perfect" running shoe:

"Finding 'The Relationship' is like buying running shoes ...
you may have an idea on what you want before you buy,
but it may not be the one fit for your feet."

(hahahaha! Good one Pats!)
http://patwixey.multiply.com/journal/item/6/In_Search_for_the_Perfect_Fit

Spotted! C and V in Chelsea.

2009-03-29T13:20:00.005+08:00

Sometimes, people are just darn born lucky!

Rache, one of my dear friends, happened to bump into two familiar faces while on a shopping trip at Urban Outfitters in Chelsea.

I’m so jealous! And I just had to post her pic! :O)

Rache with Chuck and Vanessa :O)

XOXO
Gossip Girl

Condura Run: Saving the Seas & Conquering the Skies

2009-03-22T19:23:00.013+08:00

Condura Run pics from Canon can be seen HERE.

I’m still reeling from an overwhelming feeling of “runner’s high” after the Condura Run! Indeed, it was one of the best races I’ve ran and probably the most fun I’ve ever been to! Kudos to Patrick and Ton and to everyone who worked hard to make this race possible. Indeed, you have amplified the quality of races in our country several notches higher!!!

The Condura Race was a venue of a lot of firsts …

Though this was my 3^rd half marathon (4th if I count the 25Km New Balance run), this was my first in Metro Manila, Philippines! It was my first time to run the whole stretch of Buendia (back and forth!) and my first time to run up the skyway! (Some feat I would never even think would be possible.) I may not have prepared for this as much as Singapore, and the weather may not be as cool and breezy as Hong Kong … but for some reason, I still consider this as my most favorite! I think it’s the idea of running alongside fellow Pinoy runners and bumping into lots of friends along the way … it is appreciating the streets of Taguig, Makati and Manila by foot … and knowing that there will be friends and family waiting for you at the finish line. As my namesake would say, “There’s no place like home.”

Congratulations to everyone who conquered their first half marathon!!! Special mention to my running friend Eric (Pasion Runner) for braving the run despite his 2 month hiatus from training. Now you have more reason and inspiration not to be too lazy to wake up early to train in Ultra! Hehe.

Right after the Kalayaan flyover, I met runners who traveled for 12 hours all the way from Vigan (at balikan pa!) just to be able to run the race! Congratulations to Mr. Jun with race bib # 555 for his first half, and to all his running friends from their running group, Agtaray (did I get it right?). Thank you so much for keeping me company during the return, and for reading my blog as well. Hoping your running group would influence others to get into running in Ilocos! Dios ti agngina!

Congatulations also to friends Dr. Pinky and Dr. Binky (Haha. Ang cute!) for their first 10K! Whoopee! Dr. Pinky who’s a pediatrician from PGH has been running 5K races and winning awards. Congratulations on the upgrade! Dr. Binky on the other hand from UST is a new doctor and a new runner. I’m glad you got into running Binks! Hope to see more of you in future races.

It was a surprise to see one of my cousins, Kuya Dick on my last km. I didn’t know you ran! It was also his first 21K, and for a first, his time was quite impressive! Good job! …. And congratulations to all my running friends and to everyone who conquered the skyway, and finished their first half!!!

Finally, it was an honor to finally meet Running Shield, Mr. Pat Concepcion and his lovely wife Mabu. Again, you guys did great on this race!!! 'Definitely looking forward to the next one …

With Dr. Pats who did the 5K and Dr. Pinky who did her 1st 10K

I am Ninoy runners Eric and Vince.
Http://www.iamninoy.com

Takbo.ph class picture! This was supposed to be an all women's jump shot!
Congratulations to Takbo.ph for a fun and successful Carbo loading party last friday!

Joyette & Matthew, Coach Rio & Kaye, and me with my
former Med School teacher, Dr. Lopez!

This, indeed, is a dream come true for me!

Happy Condura runners with Patrick and Mabu Concepcion

Running for Something

2009-03-15T13:08:00.004+08:00

This morning I "ran for their lives" ...

Next week, I will "run for the whale sharks" and to "make a child smile" ...

But, as a whole, at present ... I am really running for my "Bridezilla Project #1."

Much inspired by Marion St. Clare (Wedding Planner, Bride Wars):

""You do not alter Vera Wang to fit you, you alter yourself to fit Vera Wang"

Sigh. Good luck to me. (And no. I'm not getting a Vera. 'Got someone "better!" hehe.)

Run ... Doctor ... Run

2009-03-01T09:57:00.015+08:00

For 2 consecutive Sundays, there were 2 races organized by doctors: Runew by Asian Hospital and Doc Fit Takbo Para sa Puso by the Philippine Heart Association. As guardians of our health, and with our mission and obligation to “help people take care of themselves,” doctors deemed it best to promote “healthy lifestyle” though running by organizing races such as these.

Indeed, both projects were very successful. Runew reached their limit of 2000 runners, and there were more people compared to last year who ran for Doc Fit, with more (and faster) doctor-runners! Congratulations to all the movers and shakers and benefactors of Runew and Doc Fit … and of course, congratulations to the ultimate race organizer, Coach Rio!!! Indeed, they have fulfilled their advocacy of encouraging more people to run … to exercise … and to live a healthier lifestyle!

I won bronze for 15K at Runew! Yehey!
With me are Dr. Garcia of Asian Hospital, good friend Iza, and my mentor and future wedding-ninang, Dr. Lora Tansengco.

Proud Iskolars ng Bayan!!!
Coach Rio with Dr. Lora (3rd 5k), Dr. Joe (1st 10K) and Dr. Pats.
Mabuhay ang Univeristy of the Philippines College of Medicine!

I won 2nd place for 10K at the Doc Fit Race.
My sorority sister, Dr. Duchess Silao won first! Go Lambda!!!

UP-PGH Doctors! Ang saya. Ang dami namin.
(front L-R) Dr. Pinky Benitez, Dr. Gene Tiongco, Dr. Pats Salvador, Dr. Doray Delarmente, Dr. Duchess Silao, Dr. Lora Tansengco. (back L-R) Dr. Eric De Belen, Dr. Limuel Abrogena, Dr. Raffy Tomacruz, Dr. Joe Babsa-Y, Dr. Ding Dong Biruar, Dr. Niza Reyes.

PGH doctors with Dr. Yong Larrazabal and his wife Donna

Dr. Kazan, Dr. Doray, Dr. Pats and my favorite plastic surgeon Dr. Gene Tiongco

With my consultants (teachers/ professors) in my Ob-Gyne rotation ...
and my PHI brod and sisses! Mabuhay ang PHI!
Dr. Lora Tansengco (4th place 5K), Dr. Raffy Tomacruz (4th place 5K ... and the ultimate consultant-crush when we were in medical school. hehehe!) and Dr. Duchess Banal-Silao (1st place 10K).

With my Phi Lambda Delta Sorority Sisters ...
Mam Lora, my batchmate Pats, me and Mam Duchess

Hong Kong Marathon 2009

2009-02-12T22:48:00.013+08:00

Much has been learned from this marathon. My first official race for the year.

You see, all those Christmas parties and provincial tours and gimmicks plus the 2 week closure of Ultra over the break took a toll on my daily training. Other than my sporadic short runs around U.P. and on the treadmill, I was not able to train and run for over a month and a half. This caused all the running-related changes in my body, plus a (whopping!) 15 pound gain to boot!

I, together with my parents (whom I dragged along) were already booked for that Hong Kong trip since December. It was such a waste booking that trip just to run the race … and not run! Hence, I crammed my last 2 weeks on the treadmill to sort of prepare for my Half Marathon in Hong Kong. (Pinanindigan ko nalang talaga!) I was not gunning for a PR, nor was I planning to run fast. All I wanted was to finish the race. I was running well and simply enjoying the marathon, until I reached the last kilometer ….

The Start

I decided to join the Hong Kong Marathon because I wanted to have a different perspective of the place, and explore it by foot! I wanted to tour Hong Kong from area to area without even having to ride on the subway … and to see the sights without any shopping bags in tow!

Indeed, my expectations were met. For once I set foot in Tsim Tsa Tsui, I saw a different view of Hong Kong. Gone are all those tourists with shopping bags and all those persistent businessmen …. the place was filled with runners of sorts … stretching, changing their clothes, warming up and running around. It looked like we were in the Twilight Zone. Nakakakilabot talaga, and nakaka-sindak yung mga runners!

Everyone looked like they were pros with no gear whatsoever. I think I only saw around 5 runners wearing a water belt, myself included. Most have NO hydration belts, hi-tech running watches, ipods, goo gels, race belts and all those other running paraphernalia. Nakaka-sindak talaga!

Even if the hosts weren’t speaking English, I already knew from the start that this is going to be a fun race. There were so many paparazzi taking our pictures, runners sounded fun and noisy and there were a lot of fun spectators on the side to cheer us on.

The Race

The weather was just perfect. It was neither too warm nor too cold. And because I told myself my goal was to simply finish, I ran a steady pace of 6.5 – 7 min/ km. I had my camera in tow, and I stop once in a while to take pictures of interesting scenes.

Most part of the course was a long high way. If it weren’t for all those interesting runners around, I could’ve given up due to boredom. Water stations are 2.5 kms apart, which wasn’t good considering that most of the runners do not carry a hydration belt. The first water station were all sponges! For a bit I felt panic, for I thought we will be “extracting” drinking water from the sponges. Until now I still do not get the point of the sponges. After a few meters come the water stations serving water and Watson’s Energy Drink – which for me, is the best ever energy drink invented! After drinking it, it soothes your mouth and clears your throat of all the fluid accumulated. It tastes good, very soothing and gives you sufficient energy. The best talaga!

The highlight of this race was running for 2 kms inside the tunnel. For those unfamiliar with HK, they have a tunnel underneath the river to connect Hong Kong side to Kowloon side. And because the acoustics were very good, cheerleaders and runners kept on cheering together while on the tunnel – which was quite fun. It was that deep that my Garmin lost its satellite connection. The tunnel was dark, cool and very humid – a twist which made the course more interesting.

The Finish

On my last 4 kilometers, which included going up 3 flyovers from Central to Causewaybay, I already felt my legs complain. My gastrocnemius muscles were threatening a cramp. It was a good thing that they started having a “liniment station.” 10 meters away and you could already detect the scent of menthol/ bengay/ efficacent oil to be given to the runners. The last flyover was a very steep one. I wanted to walk, but convinced myself not to because the cramps might just happen if I start walking – and I really wanted to finish this race!

Once we got to Causeway bay, you could already see and hear the crowd cheering from both sides of the street. The festive atmosphere made us runners want to ant up our pace a minute faster. I wanted to finish strong with a sprint, until I felt it ….

I felt pain on my left knee, on its lateral side. For every step I make, I felt pain on that side. Instead of sprinting to the finish, I made the best decision which was to run slow and steady.

It was emotionally painful to watch all those runners behind me pass me by and sprint to the finish…

It was more painful to watch the crowd energetically cheer and encourage you to run faster … and yet I could not…

But the most heart-wrenching thought on my mind that moment was the idea that I might get a knee injury which would forever affect my running, or worse … stop me from running at all.

Every stride became more and more emotionally and physically painful. The place was very festive and yet here I am worrying about my knee and worrying if I would even get to finish this race, when in fact the finish line is less than a kilometer away.

Thank God I finished it.

And much has been learned from this marathon … my first race for the year.

1. If you think you are not ready to run a race, even if you feel that your are … do not force it.

2. Never cram training to prepare for a race … especially a long one.

3. For every pound you gain, it is an additional 2 minutes on your PR! (hehe!)

My knee is better now, and I am thankful that I have no serious injuries. Coach said that it was due to my (massive) weight gain plus lack of training. I am now back in training, seriously preparing for my next marathon (full, perhaps?)

I am thankful for this Hong Kong Marathon experience.

And because Coach Rio and I couldn't find any other Pinoys post race,
we took pleasure in having our picture taken with all those mascots scattered around the area!

Run Rio Races

2009-02-01T08:05:00.004+08:00

Calling all runners and doctors!!!
There is no better way to start the year but to join Run Rio Races!
Some of the races to look forward to are as follows...

They also have a doctor's category for this race ... so calling all MDs!!!

DocFit Takbo Para sa Puso II
March 1, 2009
U. P. Diliman
5km and 10km
... also, with Doctor's category!
(I'm hoping, I get to defend my 10K title! teehee...)

See you guys there!!!

Blissful New Year

2009-01-26T08:53:00.001+08:00

The holidays went by so fast that it quickly ended without me even noticing it.

You see, so much has happened to me these past few weeks. So much that I needed ample time to just organize my thoughts and memories …

… I spent one of my best Christmas vacations in 3 of the best vacation spots in our country: Boracay, Pagudpud and Caramoan. I had so much fun! The place, the accommodations and the sites deserve a separate “travel review” blog post! Truly, the Philippines is amazing! … I also spent fun times with friends in 3 vacation hot spots close to Manila: Subic, Pansol and Bulacan. You can’t beat being with wonderful people in those wonderful places…

… We had to squeeze our time to attend several Christmas dinner parties and reunions with our friends from way back when … from high school buddies to neighbors to relatives and running friends and co-workers … food and booze and good company were endless …

… I got engaged in the most beautiful church to the most beautiful person. Someone who has always been in my heart since, errrr, 1992! …. So now, to add yet another duty to my growing job-title … I am excited to pronounce that I am now officially, a bridezilla-to-be! (heehee) …

I am looking forward to what’s in store for me in 2009. From rigorous training to finally finish a full marathon … to struggling with grad school … to performing my duties and responsibilities for my city and my country … to planning for a 2010 wedding … and preparing for much awaited vacations …. Indeed, I know 2009 will be a good one!

Kung Hei Fat Choi!

Isn't she lovely?

2009-01-10T08:26:00.002+08:00

Isn’t she lovely?

I have always been amazed at the San Agustin Church in Paoay since I got to see it in person 10 years ago. It was my first time in Ilocos then for my Hum2 field trip in College, and the highlight of the entire 3-day trip was going to this church and taking pictures by it. I can’t help but stare at it in awe, for it is simply majestic.

Once I had the opportunity to get to visit Ilocos again, I made special arrangements because I just “had to” go back and see that church. For some strange reason, I felt like there was some magical force luring me to come visit …

Who would’ve ever thought I’d get to visit Paoay Church again, exactly a decade after?

And who would’ve ever thought I would have more memories of this church other than just fabulous photographs taken by it?

Isn’t she lovely? :O)

Where in the World is Doralicious?

2008-12-28T09:52:00.004+08:00

You don't have to go far to enjoy one of the most beautiful places in the world.

I tried to run on water, but realized I couldn't ..... today!

... Could've been a bad day. Probably next time! :O)

5 Things I Learned in the Singapore Marathon

2008-12-17T09:51:00.008+08:00

I’ve been meaning to post this last week, but with all the Christmas affairs trickling and all my
school paper deadlines approaching, I had to write this post a few days over due.

If you are running in a international race … make sure you arrive 1 day before the race!

Coach Rio, Coach John, Coach Jo-ar, Doc Liboro, Kim, Aljo, Jun, Ben and I arrived on Friday, 2 days before the race. Because we all wanted to “make the most” out of our trip and all our expenses for the travel, we packed up those 2 whole days doing what normal tourists should’ve been doing. Rio, John and Doc took their city tours and Sentosa tours. Jo-ar, Kim, Aljo, Jun, Ben and I went around the city shopping. Coach Rio and I even went out on a “gimmick” at Clarke Quay Friday night.

Because of all the walking and commuting, my gastrocs were already sore come Friday night! It also does not help that I was wearing “tisnelas” walking around (I thought it was comfortable, but these trusty Havianas do not have sole support hence, foot pain!) On my 10^th kilometer in the race, I already felt pain on the arch of my left foot … and the pain and soreness of that foot can still be felt until now! (2 weeks after)

Moral of the story: Arrive 1 day before, then just make the most out of your trip AFTER the race.

In running a long distance race … make sure you are running with someone.

Different strokes for different folks. To each person, his own running mantra. But for me, I think it works better for me if I have a “rubu” or a “pacer” when running distances this long! I easily get bored, I need a “ka-chismisan” … and I needed someone to push me to my limits whenever I get tired.

If you are running a race with 48,999 other runners … do not expect to breathe fresh air.

So here’s the scenario. Imagine a race in Fort during it’s first 2 kilometers. Very packed and crowded, right? Now imagine the Singapore race having that much crowd the whole stretch of the race from start to finish. Indeed, very crowded. And by the time you reach the 7^th or 8^th kilometer … regardless if it were Singapore which is the cleanest city in the world … you still would not be able to breathe fresh air! To put it more aptly – “lahat ng klaseng amoy at anghit malalanghap mo!”

In running huge races … do not get intimidated.

In international races such as this, there are so much runners – most of which are complete with all their running gear and paraphernalia, tablets and goo gel, pace balloons and streamers … the list goes on. They are aptly dressed, well hydrated and fully equipped. But let this not cause us to get intimidated. Though we live in a 3^rd world country with no free bananas and goo gels or having balde-to-tabo water stations, Filipinos could still run as well as them … and at times, even out-run them!

In a race with thousands of runners … do not expect to have a strong finish.

Coach Rio always told me to finish the race with a strong finish! That is, to sprint as fast as you can to the finish line until you cough up your lungs and your heart collapses to death (hehe).

As I have written in my previous post … I walked! On my 16^th kilometer, I stopped and took a leisure stroll in the middle of the race! I told myself, I will just sprint to the finish on my last 2 kilometers to make up for all the walking I did. To my surprise however, on the 18^th kilometer, all those 10K runners merged with the 21K runners. Therefore, from the 18^th to the finish, you have no choice but to “go with the flow” and follow the pace of those in front of and behind you… unless you want to do a sprint and push every person running ahead of you. I know a number of the Pinoy 42K runners also felt the same. And for sure, it was an emotionally upsetting finish, especially for those who are gunning for a PR.

Again, congratulations to everyone who ran the Singapore Marathon!

Let’s do it again next year!!!

Philippines vs the World

2008-12-10T12:00:00.009+08:00

Indeed, this weekend, the entire world had been a witness to exceptional feats of skill, strength and sportsmanship by fellow Filipinos.

The night before I left for Singapore, I had the chance to watch live with ringside … or table-side seats … the Philippines vs the World Billards Tournament sponsored by the QC Government and Senator Manny Villar(ds). I was very starstruck, for the who’s who in Filipino Billards namely Janggo Bustamante, Alex Pagulayan, Dennis Orcollo and Team Captain Efren Bata Reyes were all seated right next to us. It was so fun watching all their funny antics as well as their “alaskahan” on and off the game. You watch them on TV very serious and silently concentrating on their game. What people do not see and hear though are the “hirits,” funny facial expressions and the jokes between team mates and their opponents. Though the Philippines lost the tournament, I still give credit to these guys for putting up a strong fight and a good game. Besides, these guys need not prove anything to the world anyway.

(Big fan … big fan. I think he should smile more in pictures. His tooth-less grin would definitely make your day!)

And of course, who could not forget the phenomenal (mis)match between Pacquiao and Dela Hoya last Sunday? I was not able to see it, but I heard it was a good fight. Again, this was one for the books. Without a doubt, Manny can be considered as one of the best boxers in the world. Thank you Manny! Thank you for putting the Philippines in the map once again!

Manny holding the "key" to Q.C. during the December 11 motorcade at City Hall.

And while the entire world were all eyes on the Dela Hoya- Pacquiao fight, a number of our kababayans also proved the strength of Filipinos in the much-awaited, much-publicized-in-running-blogs, Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon!!! I think more than a hundred Pinoys ran the race, both those from the Philippines and those based in Singapore. We were very proud of how so many of us ran the race that Coach Rio and I decided to bring a Team Philippines tarpauline and pitch a huge Philippine flag after the finish line! (Sorry Mayor. Hiniram ko lang po. Promise, ibabalik ko na sa City Hall yung bandila pag-pasok ko sa opisina bukas! Hehehe…) Pinoys, most of which we just met that time, came running to the flag to have their pictures taken. We were cheering and laughing, it was as if everyone knew each other. Such a festive moment indeed!

A number of us were sponsored with Nike apparel and shoes for the race. Thank you Nike Philippines. My national pride kicked in that I had to look for a printer to print a Philippine flag (last minute) on my singlet. An angel came along and brought Aljo to me. Thank you running-friend Aljo for printing my Mabuhay Philippines flag. I originally wanted a simple Philippine flag. But Aljo said that he already had a template saying, “Mabuhay Philippines. Come visit the Philippines!” So I opted for that. Thank you Mark and Tiffen P. for a superb idea!!! I hope, in my small way … I was able to convince some runners to “come and visit … or run … in the Philippines!”

Singapore Marathon 2008

2008-12-09T23:46:00.008+08:00

I love the medal. It really looks nice up close.
And I worked really HARD for it that's why I love it more! :O)
(Nahihiya pa ko magpa-picture nito kasi naka-Nike ako from head to foot! hahaha!)

Anyway, I just got back from my 5-day vacation in Singapura.
Once I get rested and in the mood to write -- I'll cook something up!

I finished the race in 2:13m:12s ... definitely over my sub 2:10m goal.
Among the females, I finished 286th out of 2927 runners.
Pwede na. Happy na rin ako. Initially I felt really upset for not reaching my goal, but 'twas okay! (Actually, what really made me more upset was the fact that I walked. I walked!!!! A mortal sin for my coach ... especially if you are not cramping or feeling severe pain! My left foot on the lateral area was in pain, but I know I could handle it until the finish. I stopped and walked several times because I saw people walking and nainggit ako! Haaaay nako talaga. The thought is still nagging me until now because I know I could've finished faster had I not walked.)

Nevertheless, I'm happy that I finished it ... and more delighted that I was able to experience this! I was right smack in front of the Starting line when the gun went off. The host uttered this line that I could never forget ...
"The miracle is not finishing the race. Miracle is having the courage to start."

I just want to say THANK YOU to all those dear friends and family who called & texted to wish me luck before the race! Special thanks to all those running friends who gave words of support before we ran -- Patrick, Dindo, Eric, Jay and Mikey. Special thanks to all those friends and coaches who served as my support group and family back there -- Coach Rio, Coach John, Coach Jo-ar, Doc Liboro, Jun C, Aljo, Ben Chan, Kim, Jaymie, Annie, Mam Lora, Mayen & Ordo! We did it!!!

At the Starting Line with Dr. Lora Tansengco. Go PHI!

An Early Christmas

2008-11-30T15:45:00.006+08:00

Every year, good friends K and Dong always organize a Christmas Party for children stricken with different kinds of illnesses. They fix up one hell of a party, get sponsors and invite their friends and colleagues as volunteers to party and spend 1 afternoon with the kids. Every year since I could remember, no matter how busy school (then) or work was, I make it a point to find time and take part in this special event.

This year, the party was held on a Wednesday at Glorietta Timezone. Despite the fact that it was a work day, a lot of friends were able to come. The beneficiaries of this year’s event were kids from the Kapuso Foundation and Childhouse. We spent the entire afternoon eating, singing and playing games at Timezone (this part though, I think the grown-ups enjoyed more than the kids! Haha!)

Just seeing the smiles and laughter of all those kids indeed brought “early Christmas” in our hearts.

Congratulations K for yet another fun-filled party!!!

Brought along my fav coach to the parteh....

The kids with RR, Karen, Rio and I

Blue Label 'ata 'to! hehehe...

Competitive tayo!

Group shot!

Walk on the Child's Side

2008-11-23T15:04:00.008+08:00

Race winners amused at Coach Rio's statement:
Rio: "We're all foreigners here! I'm Italiano. Half Ita, half Ilocano!"

I am currently nursing myself from a bad case of Upper Respiratory Track Infection secondary to my immunocompromised state secondary to my “post-peak” state (as Coach John would like to believe) following my 25 kilometer run last week. Hence, I was not able to run the 10 kilometer race today! … Nevertheless, I still opted to attend the Unicef Walk on the Child’s Side Race to volunteer as a marshal, take pictures, and cheer for my friends who ran. (Yan ang “adik” sa running! Nag-a-attend ng race kahit hindi naman tatakbo! … Right Dindo? Hahaha! Bumped into DATC Dindo who also didn’t run but instead took pictures.)

Streching with K and Noelle Wenceslao (First Pinay on Everest! I'm not worthy...)

It was nice to see old friends who have decided to try running! Cheers to Gem, Doc Chewy and Karylle for their 5K race! (Sana tuloy-tuloy na!) … A big shout out to Chinky as well who recently started running and brought her little boy to the 2K walk … Also, congrats to newscaster Tricia C (finally, I saw you again!!!) and my good friend Olga (the horse!) who finished their 10K with a time of 55 mins and 53 mins respectively.

My favorite part of the race was taking pictures of my running friends “walk by their child’s side …”

Super Friends' Happy Hour

Foreign Runner's adorable Foreign Family

Prometheus and his little Greek God

Race to the finish with JunC's family

"I'd like to thank the academy for this award ..."

2008-11-22T18:44:00.006+08:00

18th Manuel L. Quezon Bantayog Awards
MOST OUTSTANDING COUNCILOR 2008

Thank You so much !!!

The New Balance 25K Race. My story.

2008-11-18T10:19:00.015+08:00

The Unexpected Twist

Last September, after coming back from a 3-month hiatus from running, Coach Rio told me that my short term goal then was to run the half marathon in Singapore in December. So there I was, training in Ultra and doing long runs in UP with the mind set that the longest run to look forward to was the 21K. To my surprise, just like any twist in a reality TV show … Coach Rio told me, “you’re running 25K in Clark.” I said, “HA!?!?” (Hoping deep down inside me that he made a mistake!) “10K ba kamo, Coach?” … “Hindi. 25K ka!” … So, at the day of the deadline, I registered! (I regret telling Coach Rio that I wanted to have Heidi Klum’s body! I think that made him decide to make me run that 25K! This is all your fault Heidi Klum!)

Before the start with Coach George, Coach John, Doc Liboro, Coach Rio & Vince.

The Anxious Wait

I was nervous. My longest race was the 15K VSO run. My longest run was the 15K VSO run as well. My long runs in UP have never exceeded 14K. So here I am, worried like a lost little puppy anxiously waiting for the race. I went to Clark and stayed in a hotel room alone. Ordered room service and ate dinner alone. My parents wanted to tag along, I’m sure my dad would want to watch the race, but I told them, “Next time. Not this race.” To add up to the apprehension was having my period that day. I was worried that my performance might get affected by stomach cramps and dysmenorrhea.

With Jaymie, Jay, Vince, Coach Rio & JunC after the race!

The Friendly Start

The uneasiness wore down once I saw familiar faces before the race. The first runners I saw were Wayne (SF Runner) and Levy (Happy Hour). A few meters away was the Clark expert Dindo (DATC). Mikey and I said “goodluck” to each other. I also saw friends from way back in college (Jon, Jason, Brian, Aries, Anel & Butch) who only run long distance races (naks!) I then joined Coach John and Doc Liboro with their stretching and warm-up around Centro. The cool drizzling weather made the race just oh so perfect! … At the pit while waiting for the start, I had a short chat with Wayne and Sir Johnny (Johnny’s Run) about Obama and his policies (Very interesting conversation indeed). Then I finally joined the group of runners, Drew, Jaymie, Dindo, Jay, Jun C, Doc Joe etc. and Coach Rio. Then the gun went off …

Wayne with running doctors from PGH: Joe, Doray and Jai

The First Ten with a Police Escort

Coach Rio and I started out slow with a pace of 7min/km. On the 2^nd kilometer, he told me to pick up, so our pace then became 6min/km. Our pace of 6 to 6.20 min/km. became our constant pace from start to finish! (haaaaaaay!) … I realized that in long races such as this, you wouldn’t have a constant runner friend run beside you. You talk and run for a few minutes … then that friend would either run ahead of you, or you run ahead of him. So in our case, we ran for a few kilometers with friends, chatted for a few minutes, then they leave us behind. (teehee!)

At one time during the race, Major Nick Torre from the QC Police District and a friend from the Bulacan SWAT team ran behind us. Coach Rio and I never felt safer (and sikat) during the race having our own “police escort” while running! (haha!)

That Icky Gooey Stuff that kept me going

Right before the turn around, Coach forced me to gobble up this icky gooey stuff to “give me energy.” I thought it was disgusting! I forcefully tried to swallow it trying my very best not to throw-up! But true enough, after the 12.5^th kilometer, I felt my second wind and had renewed energy! On the 20^th kilometer, he made me eat another pack of that gooey stuff (the flavor was even worse than the first one!) It was horrible, but I think that gave me the energy to sprint during the last 2 kms!

With Alex my driver, Coach George, Coach Joh, Coach Rio,
Coach Jo-ar, Jaymie & hubby, Annie and Coach Salazar.

So Near Yet So Far

On the 20^th kilometer, we were able to run side by side with Doc Joe, Gene, Jaymie and a few other friends. Approaching the last 3 kms, Jaymie, Coach and I had a new mystery “running friend” who still had the energy and kept on talking and talking and talking to us. When you are tremendously tired and just want to run in peace, this guy becomes annoying. But I found him funny, since he thought we were barely 18 years old! (Ha! Thanks for the compliment!) He kept on telling me NOT to run with Rio because he was fast. I just couldn’t tell him “I have to po eh, wala akong choice!”

On the 23^rd km mark, I saw Coach Jo-ar, Coach John and my driver Alex cheering us on. Coach Rio kept on saying, “Ok. Pick-up! Malapit na finish line! Nakikita ko na!” Being the obedient student that I am, I picked up with a pace of 5.2 min/km! Here I am, running as hard as I could, looking at some finish line that I eventually realized was just a “mirage” all because Coach said he could see it already! While sprinting, I was already grunting and complaining … “Coach, anlayo pa! Ayoko na!” … “Hindi, malapit na! Ayan oh! Nakikita ko na!” … Then I look up again, see a finish line, then it just disappears in my sight again!

As soon as I saw that big red blow-up finish line arc … I sprinted even more. So near yet so far. I can see it, but it was still a looooong hard run to get there! Hay Lord!

I finished my first 25K with an unofficial time of 2 hrs 33++ mins according to my Garmin and an official time of 2:34:29 according to the timing chip. Yehey!

Thank you thank you Coach Rio for everything! Words are not enough to express my heartfelt gratitude.

Thank you to all the runner-friends who gave words of encouragement during the whole stretch of the race up to the finish. It was such an honor running with you guys, and being your friend!

Congratulations to everyone for a good race!

Congratulations to New Balance for such a well organized race! Can’t wait for next year.

A True Story: The “Winner” of the Race

A few friends from college are also runners. Though they do not train as much as I do, they still manage to run a few weekly and join long distance races such as the Adidas 21K and this. One of my friends wrote me an e-mail recounting to me the story of our other friend.

Our friend was the last person to finish the race. After the 4 hour cut off, our other friends rode in their car and fetched him because they thought he was just sitting somewhere waiting for his sundo. But to their surprise, he was still at it! He was walking and limping already. Our friends offered him a ride … but he refused! He wanted to finish! So the car just escorted him to the finish line, with hazard lights blinking and headlights on! He never gave up and kept on going until the end. For that group of 10 guys in the barkada who ran that race, they felt that he was the winner in their group.

For me, out of hundreds of runners who ran that race – indeed, he was the real winner! A true test of unfaltering will and indomitable spirit. Virtues, I believe, every TRUE RUNNER should have …

Thank you Sir Johnny for the pictures!
I really have to practice my "finish line pose!" Gotta practice smiling while sprinting!

VSO Photovendo Photos

2008-11-16T17:40:00.005+08:00

Thank you Photovendo for my "model-model" running shots!
I looooove all of them! :O) (thanks Ben!)

Next post: The New Balance 25K race! Whoohoo!
'Still hyped up from the experience!

Kabahagi Ako FUNdraising Run

2008-11-11T13:28:00.007+08:00

I am sure everyone would agree with me that the VSO race last Sunday was a huge success! I ran 15 kilometers for the first time, and my longest race to date. Congratulations to Coach Rio, Vince, Aloys and to the rest of the team for a JOB WELL DONE!!!

As much as I would like to write a good recap which is as descriptive and as exciting as all the other superb runner-bloggers … I can’t. Because almost always, once I reach half way of the race distance, I tend to “space-out” and “mandilim ang paningin!” (hehe) … So basically, this is the time when the goats by the wall in McKinley Hill starts to look like statues, and the statues by the cemetery starts to move! Hence, I will just try my very best to relay the things that I could still remember …

With "THE" Bull Runner and "THE" Bald Runner

I could not think of any better way to start a race than to see friendly faces before the gun went off. I immediately joined the group of Jaymie (Bull Runner), Jun C, Jay (Prometheus Cometh) and Doc Joe (Loony Runner), all eagerly waiting for the race to start. It was also an honor to finally meet runners Dindo (DATC) and Levy (Happy Hour) for the first time. The highlight of the wait for most of us though was finally meeting Wayne (SF Runner) and Nora (the Golden Girl) in person!

For the first 1/3^rd of the race, I was running with Dindo and Jay with a steady pace of 6:00 to 6:20. It was so nice running with them, for these two never run out of stories to tell. In between stories of the Milo Marathon to our New Balance Clark race next week to how and where we usually train, the first 6 kilometers went by without me even noticing it! Thank you so much guys!

The next third of the race, Dindo and I catched up with Jaymie and JunC, while Jay went ahead. I decided to shut up a bit … to preserve the solemnity of the place (cemetery), to marvel at the fantastic landscape (because it was my first time there), and to catch my breath (because nadu-duling na ata ako! Hehe!)

With SF Runner Wayne and Golden Girl Nora

For the last third of the race … all I could remember is the arduous trek up McKinley Hill. This is my 2^nd time going up the McKinley. The first time was last week, wherein I almost fell inside a huge, deep, manhole! (Now, I am forever indebted to Eric for saving my life!) So you see, McKinley Hill is not really one of my favorite places, for obvious reasons!

One of my favorite things during the race were the Photo Vendo lensmen led by none other than Photographer on the Run, Mr. Ben Chan! This was a first for me since I was not able to run the Nike and the Mizuno races. Being a camera geek that I am, I tried my very best to smile and give my best pose (more model-model ones than running!) once I spot Ben and/or his team! Congratulation Photo Vendo guys for such a wonderful idea! I can’t wait to see “all” my photos – I want to order everything! (hehe)

I would also like to commend the marshals during the race. I remember one guy in fatigue who never got tired cheering and encouraging runners to keep on going. It was also such a relief whenever we pass by a water station. Other than getting water for hydration, my spirits just goes up every time they shout, “Go Mam Doray!” Thank you thank you thank you UP Track Team!

Thank you also to Mr. Mark for the “higad” warning. You are a life saver. Lesson learned though … I should lessen my pagka-OA when it comes to those stuff. As Jaymie, JunC and I were passing next to the higads, I kept on screaming “eeeeeeewwww” … until I almost ate one! So for the last 500kms, I kept of wiping my mouth from my “higad kiss.” My finisher’s pose then was me wiping my mouth with the end of my singlet – instead of a huge smile!

Finally, past the finish line, I could remember taking pictures with friends and bloggers … And a short chat with Coach Rio who was so proud of me for finishing my first 15K with a time of 1:33:35.

With Ben, Vince and Zinnia

Donkeys and Elephants

2008-11-04T21:01:00.010+08:00

I consider myself lucky, for I am one of those few Filipinos who had the chance to visit the Democratic National Committee Headquarters and the Republican National Committee Headquarters during election season … not just any regular election, but the election that is probably considered as the most publicized in U.S. history.

At the RNC National Headquarters

We had the chance to interview the movers and shakers of both parties (except the candidates of course), got a glimpse of their strategies, took a peek at their war and media rooms, and asked questions regarding their policies and what good these may do for our country, the Philippines. This trip was an experience worth remembering. Indeed, a chance of a lifetime and a visit filled with novel ideas and information.

At the DNC National Headquarters

A few hours from now, it’s almost home stretch! A bitter-sweet ending to an almost 2 year saga that is the US Presidential elections. In less than a day, we would then finally determine who the 44^th president of the United States will be … that president who shall improve the lives, enact changes and redeem the US from the economic slump that they are currently lurching on.

Eyes will be in the US. Being the main mover and commander, whatever results may come up shall inevitably affect the entire world, including our country. Here back home, we could not help but post questions … If Obama wins, then there is a chance to limit free trade deal, results of which may cause the withdrawal of hundreds of our call centers. However, if McCain wins, there might be a slim chance for those Filipinos dreaming of acquiring an immigrant status. Such are some concerns, which are only the tip of the iceberg.

Barack and I (haha!)

Until now, I still could not decide who I would be rooting (or praying) for. And I’m sure, a hefty number of Americans are also undecided as seen in the neck to neck race in the surveys. To both, congratulations! Hands down, you guys fought a good fight. Whoever the lucky one is, congratulations and good luck … your first day as president marks your fist day of battle …

Stole a shot from one of the HQs. Guess where! :O)

Happpy Halloween!

2008-11-01T19:21:00.016+08:00

I love Halloween. It is actually one of my most favorite festivities. We get to play dress-up … for one night we pretend to be someone we are not … and we are given a license to look wild and silly.

Every year, I make it a point to dress-up and “i-career” my costume! This year, because there is a “twist” to my Halloween celebrations, I made sure that my get-up is comfortable enough for me to be able to still run 5 kilometers. (So, sad to say, no more of those “slutty” costumes I loved wearing. Wehehe!)

I started the night with the Shake, Rattle and Run 5K Isuzu Fun Run. It was hilarious to see all those runners dressed up in costume. I was laughing the whole time I was running … passing tons of angels and devils, a chick, a cow, a guy in the shower, a lot of naked men, and all those scary monsters. So much fun!!!

I came as Sailormoon. I realized however, that I also looked like a Supertwin (as in GMA kapuso’s Nadine Samonte and Jenylyn Mercado! Haha!)

Superheroes Sailormoon & Wonderwoman
... and coach Rio as cupid, or a Victoria's Secret mowdel.

While waiting for the race to start (in the rain)
... Marcia as Rio, Rio as cupid & Eric as a prisoner.

UP track team and our coaches

After the race, I got the chance to hang out with my fellow “Ikolars ng Bayan,” Eric, Rio and the UP track team at Bonifacio High Street. UP fight!

I finally ended my night in South Forbes for a Halloween Party. Friends really put so much effort in their costumes what with all the make-up, prosthetics, body paint and uber creative outfits! Too bad I didn't make it to the costume contest! Balita ko, 10K daw ang cash prize! Bongga!

With Dong as The Joker.
"Kina-reer" talaga ito! He had full face make-up with scars na mukhang totoo! Galing!
... And super duper perfect impersonation of his character! Wala akong masabi!
I'm so proud of him. Artistahin talaga! Pang Famas! hehe...

Isa pa 'tong si Noel na tinoxic din ang kanayang "backless" costume!

Halloween is so much fun!
If there will be another Fun Run/ Costume party next year,
I already know what my costume will be.

Simply the PHInest

2008-10-27T16:22:00.006+08:00

Last week, I had the chance to attend parties and events & meet up with my
sorority sisters.
I enjoyed every minute ...
of kwento, chismis, catching up and talking about future plans in life.
It was also nice to meet several of my younger sisses for the first time.

Simply the PHInest.

Whappak girls! haha! Miss you guys!

"Lambda Pose" with my junior sisses.

Baby Nala's baptism with the Sisbombs and PHInk!

Running Against Pain and Poverty

2008-10-19T20:50:00.008+08:00

I ran 2 races this weekend.

The first race was Run Against Pain in celebration of Global Day Against Cancer Pain. I was expecting to see doctor/ PGH friends in the race or at the walkathon, however, there were only a handful of participants. There seemed to be not more than 300 runners, a chunk of those however, were all “elite” runners. (“Elite” – the Flash people. the fast ones. the really big time runners!) It was fun to smile and wave at them – and watch all the fast ones almost half way through the race when I haven’t even barely finished my second kilometer!

With Coach John and Jessie trying to still prove their strength amongst all those elite runners, Coach Ano on the other hand paced me throughout the race. This was my first 8 km race, hence, my Personal Record for this length is 52 mins and 30 seconds. Good enough for me.

As I ran through Roxas Boulevard, memories of my first running days came into mind. Back in 2002, my Med School classmates and I started the “jogging along Roxas Blvd.” craze. This was the time when there was no Baywalk yet, and the street by the bay was dark, dingy, full of tall grass and informal settlers. We had to run fast because of the “fear factor” – that is, the fear of getting mugged or stabbed to death. When Baywalk happened, 2 days a week jogs became almost everyday for me. Pre, Post or Duty day, I had to have my running fix. Running along Roxas, appreciating the bay and the beautiful sunset was my break from all the stresses of Medical School. I missed running along Roxas Blvd. For me, this is the best running venue in Metro Manila.

Run Against Pain became Run FOR Pain for me! I lifted weights the day before, after almost 4 months of not doing it. So there. I was in pain the whole Saturday in every body part you could imagine!

The second race was Paa-Bilisan Race for the global campaign against poverty. Indeed, “poverty” we experienced! With hundreds of runners and limited supply of water, we all experienced how it is to feel deprived! I ran alone with no running friends, no pacer, and no fuel belt. By the 5^th kilometer, there still wasn’t any water station in sight. It was that bad that despite my ipod in full blast, I could still hear the lady behind me scream, “tubig! nasaan ang tubig!?!” I was finally handed a water bottle on my 6^th kilometer, and held on to it for dear life!

The race route was pretty interesting. We saw a different area of Bonifacio Global City, and I enjoyed it. The route would have been much much better though had we not played “patintero” with the cars!!! All the marshals seemed to have converged by the Tent and Fort area wherein there weren’t any cars on the roads anyway. Past McKinley Road and by Lawton Ave., which is a very busy street, there weren’t enough marshals. Runners were scattered all over and there was no clear sign where we should be running at. We had to weave ourselves by the cars. At times, to our surprise, we would just see cars and motorcycles drive towards us on the street. Again, I felt the “fear factor.” I have to give credit though to the 2 poor girls handing out the straws on the first turn around. I guess they weren’t prepared for what they experienced. The first turn was almost on the 2^nd kilometer. This means that all the runners are still closely running together. By the time the group reached the straw station, everyone pooled around the 2 poor girls demanding their first straw! I had to stop running and wait for 10 precious seconds just to be able to get a straw. Straws were scattered everywhere, as far as 5 meters before the first turn around. Had I known, I should’ve picked up one on the street and saved myself 5 meters of running! (teehee!)

I really do not want to butcher this race, but I just had to air out my comments. I’d like to call them constructive criticisms. I know this is the first of a series of races, and I know that the organizers have more races to make up for what they lacked in this one. Nevertheless, I liked the singlet … and the entertainment after the run.

At the start of the race, I could not see any familiar face. It seemed like no one I knew ran here. Until I found Coach Elma! She was one of the celebrities invited to run. We were supposed to start together (Yeeees. As if. Unang hakbang ko palang, baka naka sampu na siya!) but I lost her before the starting gun was fired because of all the fans stopping her to have their picture taken with her.

This is what made my day!!! They were kind enough to pose with me.

The storm troopers ran … or marched in cadence. I think they finished the race. Astig talaga!!!

(Zorro the runner pretended to boss them around like he was their leader... pero dead-ma lang sila! Haha! Nawala pagod ko dun! I should’ve brought my camera with me while running!)

My official time:

Running Against Pain -- 50.33 for 8kms
Paa-Bilisan -- 1.05.15 (Nag 3rd pa for the 16 - 30 age category. Haha. What a surprise!)

Death by Flyover

2008-10-15T19:59:00.004+08:00

After almost 5 months of not being able to join a 10K race, finally, with a month of training, I started my series of races again with the Adidas King of the Road Race!

At 5:00AM in the morning, Coach John (my pacer) and I started warming up together with 4,999 participants at the Bonifacio Global City. We were both clad in Nike gear from head to toe, all because we do not own any non-Nike sports gear (and Adidas gave me a singlet that does not fit!)

We decided to take it easy on our first 5 Kilometers … watching all those eager beaver runners pass us by. For the flat terrain which was Buendia Avenue, we took our time watching (and waving to) all those 21K runners passing by the other side. By the time we reached the turnaround – we decided to take the speed up a notch higher. (I do not have my exact pace though, because I have yet to figure out how this Garmin 405 works!) But yeah, I knew we got faster since we started over-taking all the other runners … until the Kalayaan flyover happened. At the uphill/ “pa-ahon” (a term I prefer using), that area where vehicles from Buendia starts going up to either go to Fort or to Edsa, I still kept on running in full speed. I kept on running and running, that by the time I got towards the end, I just wanted to curl up in a ball and gracefully “roll” myself down the flyover!

I can feel the heat, I can feel the fatigue … but true to Doray’s “typical” race attitude – I started to complain, slow down, and started giving up during the last kilometer! (Hehe! Parang na-feel ko nga na pinipigilan lang ni Coach, pero gusto na niya akong batukan! Heehee!) Thankfully, I finished the race with a sub-1 hour time! Whoopee!

Lessons Learned:

1. I should start to NOT complain when doing my stair work-outs.

2. I should learn how to enjoy my last kilometer and stop complaining.

3. I should make it a point to carry my own water supply/ or run with someone who will carry my water supply! (After that grueling trek up the flyover, the race only had 1 water station for the whole 10K. I actually pity those who didn’t bring their water with them.)

Economic Crisis 101

2008-10-11T21:21:00.004+08:00

Last night, October 10, 2008, the Quezon City Government had our annual Testimonial Dinner in honor of Quezon City’s Top Taxpayers for the year 2007. This is our own small way of extending our gratitude to those business establishments who have entrusted their precious businesses in our city … as well as being very honest and compliant in paying their taxes. Indeed, these businesses are also the primary reason why from a slump of negative numbers in our account, Quezon City was able to rise high up with surplus of 8.6B – in only a span of 6 years!

Quezon City is currently ranked 7^th among the Asian Cities of the Future (2007) and 2^nd among the Most Competitive Cities in the Philippines. We are growing and developing and expanding more … and we are very confident that your investments in our city will go a long long way.

Last night’s Guest Speaker is the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of SM Investment, Inc. Instead of the typical prepared speeches during formal events, Mr. Jose Tan Sio gave a power point lecture and a crash course regarding the current Economic Crisis sweeping the world today. (And because the ballroom was filled with 300++ businessmen, the whole room was QUIET, listening attentively to his lecture!)

Honestly, I do not know jack about economics, business, stocks, bonds and what have you. The closest I got to the stock market was standing like a lost tourist when I was in Wall Street and having my picture taken by the bronze bull! I never cared about economy until now … what with all the hype (and the scare) regarding the financial crisis that started in the US.

Thanks to Mr. Sio. I somehow already have an idea about what happened, what will happen and what we should do! (I was taking down notes as if I was in a classroom while he was giving his speech! Heehee!) Ending his hour long speech, he gave us precious pointers to consider during this Economic downfall.

How to Weather the Crisis

1. BACK TO BASICS

Do not spend more than what you earn. Self explanatory.

2. STAY LIQUID

The economy at present is very fluid. You do not know when the recovery is. It is best to keep your money and stay liquid. Avoid investing in things you are unsure of and avoid getting more debts. Make sure that you have cash for “emergency purposes.”

3. RISK MANAGEMENT

Despite very high finances that they can play around with, SM Investments only concentrated on 4 lines of business : malls and retail, banking and finance, property and corporate social responsibility. People suggested they should expand, but they only focused on things that they are very sure about. Managing risks means investing only in things that you know and understand. When taking risks, make sure that it is geared more towards your advantage.

4. LOW GEARING RATIO

Debt is the cheapest cost of economy, however, it is also a double edged sword. Make sure that your debt to equity ratio is maintained low. (In short, mas marami dapat kita kaysa sa utang!)

5. SUPERVISION AND CONTROL

“Bigness is not always good.” It does not mean that because it is a huge company (eg. Lehman Bros, AIG etc) it is impossible for these corporations to collapse. Lack of control in giving out subprime housing mortages, together with the country’s concept of free economy caused their death. Lesson learned: Businesses should always be coupled with control.

6. STAY CALM AND BE PREPARED

A blog is not enough to narrate the entire meat of his speech! It is best to contact Mr. Sio and ask for a lecture! I learned a lot … and I shall be keeping my notes (written on the dinner menu and on tissue paper).

I left the ballroom with high hopes than with fear.

I know we will get through this!

"Oscar Night" pose with Coun. Boy and Coun. Dante!
(Gown by Salsatrends, jewelry from my mom, hair and make-up by myself! Hehe!)

Frog Delicacy

2008-10-01T13:32:00.008+08:00

2 weekends ago, I had the chance to go on a super duper budget friendly trip to Hong Kong and Macau with my beloved "amigas." The trip was fun, considering the fact that after almost 15 years of friendship, this is our first time to go on an out-of-the country trip together!

Hong Kong was unbelievably hot (even hotter than Manila!) and the clothes on display are all winter clothes. Hence, much to my dismay (but good for my pocket), I wasn't able to go splurge myself on shopping!

One thing I learned from this trip is this ...

When in a foreign country, and there is no English menu in sight ... go to the next restaurant with an English menu. You can never rely on choosing your food based on pictures, as well as using sign language to converse with the waiters!!! Here is why ...

We were starving, so we decided to go inside the first restaurant we saw.
We realized that they didn't have any English menu... so we just looked at the pictures and based our orders on what seemed "yummy."

Jennie tried her best to talk to the waitress. The picture she is pointing at looked like it was spicy beef. We asked if it was pork. She said, "yes, pork, pork" then gestured using her hands some movement that seemed like it was a fish or a squid gyrating. Because she seemed confident with her "pork, pork" statement, we decided to order this Spicy Beef lookalike.

Then the food came! At first I was in denial. No, it is not pork... and definitely not
Spicy Beef. It looked like tentacles, so I'm sure they are squid!!!
Until, I finally conceded and admitted that indeed, they were ... Frog Legs!!!

And because it was our most expensive meal, and I didn't want that money go to waste...
I just decided to eat those damn Frog Legs...

As they say ... it tastes like chicken!
So now, I am still having a difficult time eating chicken...

The Big 3 - 0 Bash

2008-08-31T13:19:00.003+08:00

One of those years that I’ve been dreading to take place is the time when I turn 30. That experience, of having to change that first number of your age into a higher number makes you feel extra old-er. 30 is like the transition number from being young to old, from having an excuse of being immature to suddenly having no excuse whatsoever to act that way. It is moving to another new “box” or category when filling up survey and application forms. 30 is the age of both change and stability.

I never really wanted to have a party because I’m to lazy (and toxic with work!) to even hold one. But it seemed like a good idea knowing that my colleagues and I deserve a break … and also, all my parties are the best venue to reunite with beloved friends – high school, college and medical school.

Thank you to everyone who came to the party… I hope you guys had a blast as much as I did! And knowing that I have all these dear friends by me … turning 30 didn’t seem as awful as I thought it would be!

I guess it’s okay to be 30 … as long as you don’t “look” and “feel” that you are!

As they always say … “30 is the new 20!”

August 29, 2008
Centerstage Bar, Q.C.
(Thanks to Dong and Karylle for the venue.)

30

2008-08-28T16:29:00.002+08:00

I guess it's okay to be 30 ...

As long as you don't look and feel that you are! (hehehe)

Thank you thank you so much to everyone who remembered!

Finally ...

2008-08-24T21:36:00.002+08:00

FINALLY ... after 2 months of NO training and NO running ...

(5K in 30 mins... wehehe. pwede na in fairness!)

Salonpas please!!!

Now I am counting the days until I end yet another decade ...
and my bones and muscles are feeling the "aging process!" Arrrrgh.

Trailblazing in Portland

2008-08-16T09:15:00.005+08:00

The last leg of our ACYPL political exchange program is Oregon!

Waking up at 3am for an 8-hour long flight at 7:30 am was all worth it once we saw the warm smiles of ours hosts, Oregon State Senator Bruce Starr and his lovely assistant Laura Jannnsen (Oregon’s very own Paris Hilton).

Highlights of our trip include meeting Oregon State Senators, the very cool Senator Jason Atkinson, Majority Leader Richard Devlin and Senate President Peter Courtney. We also had the opportunity to tour Portland and meet their City Mayor, Hon. Tom Potter as well as the mayor of neighboring city Hillsboro, Hon. Tom Hughes.

We had the opportunity to see the Port of Portland and their recycling plant, the Metro Solid Waste Facility.

One of the best visits for me was a tour of the Nike World Headquarters!!! Being an athlete always looking like I was sponsored by Nike, even if I’m not … this is like one of those surreal moments for me. If only we got to bump into Michael (Jordan or Phelps, doesn't really matter!) or Tiger or Lance strolling around the campus (because sometimes they do), then that would have completed the tour. Another note-worthy experience was meeting one of the real-life soldiers in HBO’s Band of Brothers, Sgt. Donald G. Malarkey (he even gave us a book and an autographed picture!)

To cap it off, my memories of Oregon are good people, and good food! People are so warm and laid back. The food … oh the food deserves it’s own post! Thank you Senator Starr and Laura for giving us a wonderful time!

Bored and Googling

2008-08-14T20:43:00.001+08:00

When I have a lot of time on my hands (or bored) … I spend most of my time on-line -- reading funny blogs, updating my personal networking sites, updating myself with the latest news and gossip and “googling” myself up! (Yup. Mejo vain. But I’m bored!) So for those who mentions my name in their blogs, or image captions or personal networking pages … I know, and I read, and I write a comment! (heehee!)

Around 3 years ago, whenever I google my name up, the only site that appear is 1 site, the U.P. College of Medicine 100 Years of Heritage website. Here, they quoted one of my essays that I could not even remember writing. Most of the websites seen are all about my mom or my dad. Then in 2005, once you google my name, the PRC August 2005 Medical Examination results come up! (And I passed! Wheeee!) Last year, when I started this new profession of public service, websites with my name on it increased to 4 pages long in Google (and 11 pages long in Yahoo) – most of which are newspaper articles on my resolutions/ ordinances for the city or about the recent 2007 elections. When I started running 3 months ago, my “google results” welcomed results from 5K and 10K races that I ran in. Now … lo and behold … another addition to my list is this …

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/jun/16/embassy-row-49329511/

My name in a foreign on-line newspaper! (hehe) Wala lang! Just giddy and excited! :O)

Oh... an Abante Tonite addition as well ...

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/june0208/sports_story4.htm

MERRY-land

2008-08-06T20:25:00.007+08:00

Yep... I'm back home! But a very tight schedule in the U.S. and catching up with work as soon as I got back, took up most of my time that I wasn't able to update my blog for the loooongest time!!! But allow me to continue. Better late than never!

Maryland aka Merryland

The next leg of our trip was Baltimore, Maryland which is an hour long drive away from D.C. This leg is probably the most packed and most tiring part of our exchange program … but also the most productive and most memorable one as well.

We were able to meet up and talk with all the who’s who in “public service,” not only in Baltimore but as well as from the different cities around Maryland and the State officials. We even got to meet one of Maryland’s State Delegates (considered as a congressman here in our country) who is actually a Pinay, Delegate Kris Valderrama.

One of the highlights of this trip for me was being able to go on a tour of 1) the BEST Trauma hospital in the world, The Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services System. We were able to witness a trauma patient being delivered to the hospital via helicopter. 2) and the BEST medical school in the universe, Johns Hopkins University. We met up with notable doctors in Hopkins who probably are known not only in the US but in the entire world. Most of our conversation dwelled upon circumcision … and don’t ask me why! (Ask all those “circumcised councilors” who were with me in the program.)

Maryland also means Merry-land. We watched a live baseball game. Some of us even got to meet the owner of the Orioles, the baseball team of Baltimore. Through the efforts of Delegate Joe Bartlett, we were able to tour Frederick, Maryland, a quaint city filled with so much history. The final day of our Maryland program was a tour around Annapolis, another known city for its Naval Base and tourist attractions. During our last night, we lounged around the Cardin’s summerhouse and enjoyed their speedboat! Wheeeeee….

All these could not have been possible without the efforts of Delegate Jon Cardin and his assistant, Tracey Hartman. Thank you thank you so much guys! We had such a great time and shall treasure all our good memories of Merry-land.

Busy in D.C.

2008-07-09T02:06:00.008+08:00

I had the honor and the privilege to be part of the 9-man delegation from the National Movement for Young Legislators to participate in an exchange program to the United States sponsored by the American Council of Young Political Leaders and the U.S. State Department. Together with my co-public servants, we traveled various key places in the United States for 2 weeks … learning about their form of government, politics, getting acquainted with several leaders of their country, as well as immersing ourselves in their culture and society.

We consider ourselves lucky since this trip came at the perfect time. The Obama – McCain Presidential Elections is indeed, one of the best conversational topics at present. We were made aware of various insights and emotions from different personalities, politicians and voters alike. We also got to take a peek inside the Democratic National Committee and the Republican National Committee headquarters.

We had the chance (lucky lucky us) to go to the U.S. Capitol and “lobby” for the Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2007. We got to meet U.S. Congressman Bob Filner, the legislator who sponsored this bill in congress which gives every Pinoy World War 2 veteran the benefits they do deserve, being able to serve as soldiers for the United States during WW II in the Philippines.

Another notable figure we got to talk to was U.S. Senator Ben Cardin who gave us very wise words to live by … “In politics, you have to take risks. Sometimes, you have to make unpopular decisions, but as long as you believe in it, then you should go for it.”

True to the Pinoy lifestyle … we can’t let this trip pass by without taking pictures. Armed with a camera each, the delegates took pictures of each other every chance we got (much to the distress of our escort Chirs). Allow me to share some of my “model-model” poses and my favorites …

Where in the world is Doralicious? (part 2)

2008-06-24T11:29:00.005+08:00

These past few days have been really really crazy!!!
Our days are inhumanely hectic and very very tiring ...
and it took me almost a week just to be able to get internet access!

"Tao po... may tao po ba diyan? ..."

The group and I went to various places and met with a lot of important people.
Details to follow soon in this blog ... and pictures will be posted soon in multiply.
Just hang in there.

Where in the world is Doralicious running? (Part 1)

2008-06-16T10:11:00.002+08:00