My First 5K

Reaching the finish line was, for me, like hugging your parents on your graduation day after you get your medal. It was an extraordinary feeling and one of the proudest moments of my life. Photographers were line up just beneath the finish banner, waiting eagerly for the runners to get an extraordinary shot all the way through their high-end lenses, and I told my self, “kaunti na lang!”

 

 

This was actually about 50 meters away from the finish line. At this point, my back was still beating aching but I had to keep going! Wesley,thanks for tagging! 

 

 

At the mid of the last kilometer, I had to be left behind by my running buddy, Gems, as my right back was already aching, a sign that I had to slow down. “Gems, una ka na, hahabulin na lang kita!” I reached the end of the race a minute after her. At the finish line, we were all-smiles! The 3-month training did pay-off! We waited and one by one, each of our colleagues has completed their own races (5k/15k).

 

Here are the happy runners

 

 

 

Me, Gems and Pem with the famous (pala) Coach Rio. Everybody was eager to take pictures with him, and so we did kahit hindi pa namin sya masyadong kakilala.

 

Amazingly, I met my old college classmate, Wesley, at the race whom I never saw in ten years! It was very nice to see him again. Another amazing thing, I saw Che, my ex-officemate posted pictures on Facebook at the same spot we had our pictures taken! We did not see each other at race but she confirmed it on FB ;-D I look forward to see them on my future races.

 

Three months of training and preparation was fun as I was with my friends. It wasn’t actually easy to get yourself jogging in the middle of the night at Ayala Triangle but with them, with similar goal to get fit, have fun and have a balanced life, we did it successfully.

I was very very happy that all went well as planned (from the race ... to our first weekend barkada mall date after the race), of course aside from finishing the race at 42 minutes!

 

 

The race was actually just the beginning of that crazy fun fun fun Sunday. We went to Dave’s place to pick up his daughter, Nicca, for our breakfast. Then we headed all the way to Libis Eastwood to have some carbo-loading-all-you-can-eat-breafast at Somethin’ Fishy. We had to offset the sweat of course! After that, we went straight to Warren’s condo and had some good sleep. At 4PM, though it was raining all day and roads were flooded, nothing stopped us going to MOA for our late lunch at Don Henrico’s Restaurant. Buffalo wings are great! Then for the final stop, we watched the overpriced P200 Inception movie! Awesome movie! That was actually our first metro getaway on weekend. We usually go out of town but nothing like that one.

 

 

 

 

That race is the start of another adventure in my life. I used to see fun run only on television! I am so proud I got to be part of it. I have to credit Brando for all the encouragements. My lifetime fun run goal is 1000k… and to ENCOURAGE OTHER FRIENDS TO JOIN!!!

 

 

Meter check: 5k out of 1000k ;-D

 

 

Good luck, Buds!

Random Things

Sometimes I worry about the things I put on my diary because I might be writing information that would make me so vulnerable from prying eyes but I could not resist telling my story.

Every time I drink coffee/tea/hot chocolate from Starbucks, my stomach gets crazy (clog, clog, clog) but I still keep on buying and drinking for bonding’s sake.

When I was younger, I used to think that at 30, I would own a house, have 3 kids (assuming that I got married at 27) and be baking pies every weekend.

I never thought I would love running... so much... more than badminton! 

 

I just learned that Eds is Rovic’s first girlfriend, in real life! I read this from the 36-page YES magazine John Lloyd Cruz edition. I still think I look like Kaye Abad. Hehehe ^_^v

I have seven functioning wrist watches (the rest just run out of batteries) which I use depending on my mood and outfit, but none of them was bought by me, either a gift or inheritance.

 

I was dying to buy a new car this year but after I was discouraged to buy Honda City, I am now confused what new model/color to eye on... and I am even considering not buying one! (Woooooh, I pang shopping ko na lang kaya yung naipon ko?!)

 

Nobody has beaten me in the mind-boggling word game, Word Factory.

 

My big toe nails on both feet were half dead. I just put dark nail polish to cover them up.

Waking Up Again

 

 

I just woke up a few hours ago from the last two days’ misfortunes. I had a decent breakfast with Daddy Demz and Ailyn outside earlier, we were feeling much better compared last night. Daddy Demz is still mourning over his ruined garden. I still feel his sadness...

 

“Nalulungkot ako pag nakikita ko yung mga nasira, hindi ko mapuntahan”, he said.

 

The power has just been restored for a while last night then we lose it again at around 8:00AM.

 

From the last two days, I could not make any important calls and couldn’t even receive any news from my family in Cavite either. My mobile phone was useless since Tuesday. At 12:00 midnight, even though there were rains and the winds were still blowing all over our building, Gems and I decided to go home. Neither that we knew it was a bad decision. I know I could have opposed Gems decisions to go to home even if we saw Joe going back to the office, because according to him he could not see the road, but I did not asked Gems to stay for the same reason that I want to go home and be with my family straight away. Pity me.

 

A few meters from our building, some branches were already on the road. We continued. At Ayala Ave, the winds with rains were swirling on the road. We still thought we can make it like we did last year with Pepeng. And we finally decided to go back while we were at Tramo, Pasay because we were already scared, no lights on the road and more branches were falling on the street!!!

 

KForce arranged a hotel accommodation for those who were not able to go home, like Gems and I, the night typhoon Basyang hit Manila. I was able to sleep for 3 hours, Gems didn’t. We could hear the strong winds at the 23rd floor. In the morning, I was not aware that the flood was waiting for me in Bacoor. At knee-high deep flood waters along the hi-way, I have no choice but to walk my way to home. I saw Kawayan trees fell down across the road, no car could pass by. Everyone was outside their houses, fixing something.

 

When I finally at home, I immediately saw the Alatiris tree and it was down. ;’(

 

 

The flooded roads towards our house ;’(

God is good, He never let anyone from the family got hurt from the typhoon. ;’(

Thank you to all those who called and texted me to ask how we did. God bless you too ;’(

 

 

A Little Of Everything

 

 

Last week was all about a little of everything.

 

A Little Stress – stress with urgent work loads, with the house bills and we run out of rice and gas last week!

 

A Little Luck – I got a chance to work Australian shift two weeks in a row! I was able to update my site everyday, had a lot of spare time for myself, my pets and look up in the sky to see my stars!!!

 

A Little Entertainment – Friday night at the mall which I have never done in years was a satisfying one. With a little shopping (spent P2,000), a little Japan show watching (awesome!), a little Saurday Twillight (Exclipse!), a little concert (Usher!) and a little Red Mango (while browsing the net through my PSP) – what else I could ask for?

 

A Little Missing – I miss my friends at work. I miss Dith. I miss running. I will miss our little chats.

 

A Little Workout – Two weeks in a row, I had extreme satisfying badminton sessions with my old friends. I had severs body pains for three consecutive days. But it was worth it, very.

 

A Little Quiet Time For Myself – Ate Lanie’s letter for me is such an eye opener. I still read it once in a while. She really cares. Now, I want to know the defference between doubt and fear.

 

A Little More Happiness – Through the years that I fell down, I cried, I lose hope, I rise up, I found treasures and I open up – God is always watching over me.

 

 

 

Takbo.ph RunFest 2010

I am terrible sport-minded person! – thinking sports can make me skinny again like I used to be in high school. I have to overcome this insecurity, SOON! I saw Gem’s post in Facebook about our coming running event! Shocks! I did not practice for a month!!!

 

With only two weeks left before the Takbo.ph RunFest event this year, I really need to practice again!!! I am just a bit worried about my right knee; it feels like something is snapping while walking, what more when running! It started aching one night at the office after double crossing my legs in sideways for several hours like the celebrities doing while on an interview on tv! :-/

“Celebrate Running” is the theme of this year’s RunFest to be held at the Fort Bonifacio on 25^th of July and I will definitely celebrate with them. Beyond doubt, it would be a fun event with my friends! Another thing that I am actually excited about is the singlet with MY NAME on it. I happen to avail the personalized singlet for this event!!!

Special thanks to Brando for sharing his passion in running to us and for all the encouragements. I never thought I would be able join this kind of event. I only see this on tv before but soon I’ll feel the real thrill!!!

Next week, I’ll be on mid shift and practicing is never just an option – it is in my to-do-list!

Nando's Restaurant

Nando's Restaurant is famous for their extra hot peri-peri chicken. This was a weekend dinner with my family in Oxford.

Please Don't Be Scared

 

If you have time to hear this song, please do. I found this video of Barry Manilow singing this beautiful song. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJ8fOZZ5UVo)

 

Please Don't Be Scared

by Barry Manilow 

 

There's a light behind your eyes

I see it shining

It only fades when you cry

There's a heart that beats so strong

I feel it dyin'

When the night time lasts too long

Now you and I have lived out centuries

And all I can say is what you've offered to me.

 

Please don't be scared

'Cause I've stood there too.

Between survival and the right thing to do.

'Cause only the strong admit their fears

And if you really need me

I'll always be here.

 

The parties and the lights

Fade to memories in the still of the night.

And you wonder in your mind

If theres nothing left to show for all the time

'Cause feeling pains a hard way to know you're still alive

But someday someone will make you glad you survived.

 

So Please don't be scared, 'cause I've stood there too

Between survival and the right thing to do.

'Cause only the strong admit their fears

And if you really need me

I'll always be here.

 

'Cause feeling pains a hard way to know you're still alive.

But someday someone will make you glad you survived.

 

Please don't be scared.

'Cause I've stood there too.

Between survival and the right thing to do.

'Cause only the strong admit their fears and if you really need me

Oh, I'll always be here.

No matter where you are...

If you really need me...

I'm never far...

 

 

3rd & 4th of July

 

From a crazy seafood birthday party to body-aching badminton session to chicken-all-you-can dinner, this weekend really ought to come with overloading happy hormones!!! ;-D

 

The Seafood Party

Good for our barkada, nobody has allergies on sea foods. These are actually our favorite since our ITC days. This party is the celebration of our birthday. Mine was last 13th of May, Gabu and Ate Lanie were last 24th and 22nd of June, respectively. Our last get together prior to this was almost half year ago during our year-end party in 2009.

 

These cakes were gifts from Melay. I wish she was there.

 

I asked Sheh to host the games and she did not fail us! Sheh, two thumbs up from us! The games were awesome! Good job, Sheh! First was Pinoy Henyo. Galit nag alit si Ate Lanie kay Ate Rina kasi hindi nya mahulaan yung “Zambales” :-D

I had my turn and I played it very well! Naks! Hahaha

 

 Food were prepared by Ate Lanie, Ate Rina and Paul! Sa uulitin!

Ang laki na ng  mga inaanak ko... Pauline, Gabu and Adrielle

 

More than ten years of friendship... eto na kami ngayon! Hulaan nyo kung sino sino ang buntis... wahahaha

Tinay, Ate Rina, Ate Malou, Sheh, Ate Lanie and Antuah: Thank you for the friendship and all the support I needed. Thank you for always being ther for me through think and thin. I love you all!

Too bad, I was not able to attend Dave's party! T_T Late na kasi, At 6pm I was still in Cavite. I know naman wraptrac pips are soooooooo understanding, dba? Muah!

Kuya Joel's Birthday!

At lunch, we were able to celebrate Kuya Joel's 38th birthday after we went to church last Sunday. Ate Doll prepared her best Sinigang na Baka! Ang saraaap! And fresh tahong from the sea! Hehehehe. Kuya Joel, thanks for taking care of my sister and my nieces! God bless you!

3-Hour Badminton

Until now my back is still aching! I even have to move my legs very slow so it wont hurt anymore... Nasobrahan yata kahapon. I want to say thanks to Sheh for organizing and to Derek for coming even for a very short notice. Don’t worry, dadayo naman kami sa Raquetas next time!

Being sporty is one of my frustrations in life. I don’t look like one pero nangarap din ako minsan na maging isang magaling na swimmer! :D Wahahaha, anyway I am just happy that I was able to run almost 5 kilometers in one night and do badminton once in a while.

Next week, tara badminton tayo!

Chicken All-You-Can!

Natuloy din sa wakas! We thought this Max’s promo has ended last week but it turned out that it was extended for 2 more weeks! ;-D weeeee! All in all we had 6 quarters, mine is only two! We also ordered Desert Sampler and Unlimited Sago Gulaman, kaya siguro di kami nakarami ng chicken, tapos nag order pa ako ng rice! The fats we burned during our badminton have been offset right away with our dinner! ^_^v wala rin.

 

 

Every labas nung may dala ng Chicken, kumukuha kami... 
... Unlimited Chicken - Awesome!
Unlimited MAX'S Chicken - Ano baaaaaaa!

 

...Untill my next  kwento! Thanks for dropping by!

 

 

That Friday!

Friday, July 2nd, was such an exciting day for me! I just passed my Microsoft exam!!! That was such a relief. :-D

Tender Bob's in Greenbelt was the right place to celebrate and reward myself after all those sleepless nights of reviewing. ;-) i really had a pretty much unexpected night. . . pretty much!

^_^

A Postcard from Paris

 

Guess what I received this morning from the postman! Hold it, hold it! ... Yes, a postcard from Paris!!! It was from my good friend, Fred. :-D I wish I was there with him. I have been to London already but now I want to conquer Paris, too!!!

He definitely made me jealous about his trips! ^_^v

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fred, thank you so much for sharing you "Yo Rope" adventure to me. Wow! After New

Zealand, Europe naman! Saw your pictures in Facebook... at aaminin ko, "Halatang halata na ang enjoy kaaaa!" Good job! I wish I could come with you on one of your trips! Looking forward to it :-)

 

Actually, when he sent me a message asking for my address, I really thought it was a package... from Singapore (sort of - he's working there right now) LOL! ;-D It was a postcard  pala! Pero not just a card, but postcard from PARIS! San ka pa!?