NatGeo Run 2019

A run for the world’s oceans.

The 10th Earth Day Run is aimed at raising awareness of plastic pollution and reducing the amount of single-use plastics that enter the world’s oceans.

I only did 5km run twice as training since I was also busy preparing for my graduation at LPU. I knew it wasn't enough but at the same time I really felt ready to unlock my first 10km run ever.

I didn’t even have a target time as I'd like it to be just steady and smooth run. My only aim is to reach the finish line injury-free.

I've walked through the crowd so I can be in the first line of runners as I always do in my previous races. I feel that there's quiet an advantage in doing so and I've read from an article that this can help amateur runners to be more relaxed. A few minutes before the gun start, the host reminded everyone to enjoy the race, push harder in last few miles and imagine oneself crossing that finish line. Every time I feel the cramps in my feet, his words of encouragement would crossed my mind and yes, I keep on imagining that I'll be crossing that finish line with a victorious smile.

It feels great running in a route that's not new to me at all. I tried not to glance at my Fitbit so I won't panic and just run, walk and breath as much as I could. It was already at km7 when I started to feel the pain in my right foot but I've somehow managed to take another km. After 3 water breaks and a series of leg cramps in the last 2 miles, I've crossed the finish line approximately an hour and 10 minutes before the official cut off time,

My Fitbit Charge 2:

14 Apr, 04:30    Run  10.39 kilometers    1:23:44 - Missed to stop the timer at the finish line. I was already refilling my water bottle when I noticed it.

Official time from Runrio:

Rank   Bib No.      Gun Time   Chip Time
565     12835         01:21:28     01:20:53

The result isn't bad at all as there were more than 15,000 runners or shall I say eco warriors who pledged and joined the campaign.

No single-use plastics were allowed at the event and they urged all runners to use the reusable water bottles included in every race kit.

Buttercream

Last year, I've finally decided to enroll in a Culinary school. It has been one of my dreams before I turned 30. I find it to be a flexible passion to pursue and the opportunities are limitless. I am certain that this is what I want my life to be about.

I think that I got my natural cooking skills from my father. I used to watch him working in the kitchen as we used to have a carenderia or food stall when I was still in high school. He would make a great lunch even if he did not have any pro culinary background. I remember waking up to the sounds of chopping boards as early as 4am almost every day. By that time, I also try to help in slicing spices and veggies before prepping for school.

My joy of learning how to bake started when I was on a holiday in the UK years ago. I would bake the basic scones, pasties and cherry cake as you can read in my previous blogs. The fascination didn't end there as I continued this hobby by making cookies, brownies and caramel bars. I used to sell them to my officemates and received a lot of great feedback.

In 2016, a friend of mine encouraged me to take up culinary course in CCA with him but apparently it didn't happen after he went abroad.

I've also inquired at TESDA office many times but the slot for culinary is always full and they also prioritized undergraduate students which I fairly understand.

Despite all the setbacks, I keep moving forward to accomplishing one of my biggest dreams. It feels great to graduate from one of the Metro's biggest and most advanced culinary school. Thanks to all our mentors and chefs at LPU Culinary Institute, TELUS International University, batchmates, my family especially my howardsome - my ultimate source of inspiration. Above all, thank God for this opportunity to graduate again (my College grad was like XX years ago). The long hours of cooking and baking, crowded train stations, sore legs and everything in between paid off in the end. I know that the toque I've earned is only the beginning of a promising journey.

If dreams don't come true overnight, all you have to do is to hold on to your dreams. I did.

TELUS Family day Fun Run 2019

A run for the benefit of the Dumagat tribe in Norzagaray and the Quezon City Football club 

I decided to sign up for this run after I learned that it's also for others in need. I wasn't able to join in the previous years due to conflict of schedule with my other 5Ks like the Milo Marathon last 2018.

The course is set at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. For this run, my Fitbit Charge 2 recorded 4.57km at 29:14 which has earned me another finisher's medal.

It's always great to join a run knowing that a portion of your registration will help support a cause. I learned that the Dumagat Tribe is one of the oldest tribes in the country. Aside from lack of food, poor shelter and potable water, there's no electricity in their area. This means that any donation will certainly go a long way.

Looking forward to next year's family day fun run. Thank you TELUS!

Kythe Annual Kite Flying

Despite my busy culinary school, running, work schedule, and not to mention mommy duties, I was also one of the volunteers during the annual kite flying of Kythe Foundation. Partaking in this kind of activity is not just a social responsibility. For me, it is something personal.

Our time with the children at Kythe was a life changing experience. I got a little teary eyed having to met children who bravely fight cancer and listening to their stories of survival and hope.

One of them was a 6 year old boy who had scars and stitches on his head and face

because he went through several operations. His mom said that he can no longer go to regular school. That's just hard to imagine. 

Humility taught us that we don't really need much to live and give. The time that we spend with other people going through any dilemma, especially our children is very important and more than enough to make them feel that they are not alone. 




Photo by: rowiewanderlist

Run for Wishes

 A run to help grant wishes of children with critical illness through Make-A-Wish Foundation Philippines.

Just the thought of seeing someone else smile because of something we've given or did is one of the best feeling in the world. How much more if it's for the children? When you're young, what did you wish to have? 

Last December 2018, I signed up online thru takbo.ph to run a total of 40KM virtually to help grant wishes of children with critical illness. I'm positive that I can accomplish it as it's during the busiest month of the year when everyone else are busy shopping and partying and for the following reasons:

Less commute time. I don't want to go through long lines at the bus or train stations going home which is always the case on the weeks before and after Christmas. It was fun tracking my run and walk from work to home at some point.

Indulge a little too much. Most of us won't only gain gifts but also gain some weight during the holiday season. For me, running is one good way to stay fit and to burn calories. Had whatever I want to eat without feeling guilty at all as I know that I still have more KMs to cover.

Tracking my run is easy with my Fitbit Ionic as it has a built in GPS that provides map, pace and route information.

Got my entitlements (e-certificate, finisher shirt and medal) a week after completing my target distance.

Thanks to takbo.ph and Make-A-Wish Foundation Philippines.

The Color Run Hero Tour 2018

A run for the benefit of the YES Pinoy Foundation in support of their #IAmSuper campaign.

I am Super is aimed to better equip the nation for disaster resilience and to help out young people and communities, who have been affected, who are being affected, and who will be affected by natural and man-made calamities. - yespinoy.ph

It's known to be the Happiest 5k on the Planet and the largest running series in the world.

Before the gunstart, the Yes Pinoy founder Dingdong Dantes thanked everyone a.k.a heroes and encouraged fast runners to take two turns. It's also a non- timed run so I just enjoyed every pace including the bubble obstacle. Better to wear your sunglasses as they have plenty of color powders throughout the course.

For this run, my Ionic recorded 5.04km in 38:41 min. It's more accurate compared to my last one in Bacolod.

I love the unicorn Finisher's medal. But the best thing is to be able to contribute to the foundation-all for a good cause.

Beach Camping in December

I heard that there are a lot of places in the country to go beach camping. However, we chose Calatagan in Batangas as it's easier to travel to and only takes a few hours van ride from Manila.

We found this quiet place just near Stilts- a Maldives inspired resort in Batangas. Manuel Uy beach offers the best sunset view as you can see in one of our photos.

There's no room accommodation in the resort so your only option is to sleep in the tent if you wish to stay overnight. We only paid for pitching since we brought our own tent.

Since it's December, I expect it would be cold and windy. I woke up a few times during the night to check the poles and decided to put big rocks in each corner to support the sand stakes that's too light. We survived the night and yes, we'd like to do it again. Any recommendations?

My First 5K in Bacolod

A run for the benefit of the Holy Infant Nursery Foundation, Inc. 

My original plan was to join the Masskara half marathon but my flight was already booked a week earlier. Glad that I found the Dalagan sa Kabataan run scheduled the day after my arrival. It was organized by the UAP Negrense chapter for the benefit of the Holy Infant Nursery Foundation, Inc. It made my trip more interesting not just because of the thought that I'll be running on a new or unfamiliar route but more importantly it is for a cause.

The run started in the Provincial Capitol grounds where the kilometer zero of the province is located. The route took me around the city center of Bacolod where you can see different businesses, inns, malls and museums.

I completed my first 5K run in Bacolod in 26:31 however I was a bit surprised to see my Fitbit Ionic only recorded 3.66km. Oh well, the discrepancy wasn't an issue as it is not a timed run and apparently they also do not have a finisher's medal for everyone who joined except for the top 3 finishers.

Looking forward to join the Masskara run or may be in other neighboring cities in Negros island.

Taken before the gunshot. P.s I'm not the girl in the photo

Places of My Year 2018

Bacolod City, Negros Occidental - I guess a trip to Bacolod wouldn't be complete without a visit to The Ruins- the ancestral home mansion of the family of Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson and Maria Braga Lacson. It's specifically located in Talisay City.

La Trinidad, Benguet - all about the Valley of Colors and Strawberry farm plus the strawberry flavored taho.

Calatagan, Batangas - a great beach camping site with stairs connecting to Stilts Calatagan -dubbed as the "Maldives of the Philippines".