My Memoirs for the Void

Intoxicated

2010-09-14T23:56:00.000+08:00

I am intoxicated with my work already.Yes, I am serious! I am already at the breaking point! I already lost interest, or rather, enthusiasm of doing my job since March, and now I am looking forward for new career options. I am actually praying for a top university here in my province to open a veterinary course, so I can teach. I am now praying to join a research team of scientific sleuths to scour the country for precious research materials to be presented to the world. It is no longer fun working for this...

In a third world country such as the Philippines, veterinarians do not get that much respect as our dentist and physician counterparts, although our work is broad. Being a veterinarian is a DIRTY JOB, that aside from having love and compassion towards animals, you've got to be a cowboy to become one. Our passing percentage in the national licensure exam is always at the 30% level. Now, that's difficult!

Ever since moving our clinic hours from an 8 hours a day clinic to a 10 hours a day, and having no more lunch breaks, I came to notice that I have no life anymore. I can still run, though, but there are times, I have to stop running just to attend to this and that. It's okay if you can do such a thing, but honestly, I am underpaid and mostly people are asking discounts for the services you gave! BULLSHIT!

In other countries, I don't think medical practitioners will give you discounts, even patients had the guts to ask for discounts! It's only here in the Philippines that we do...particularly in the field of veterinary medicine, that clients (owners of pets) ask for discounts and some are paid in kind, like live chicken, a kilo of fish, etc.

Now back to my predicament, with a 10 hour, 6 days a week work load, I was like, where can I squeeze my time to learn how to drive, to enroll myself to an IELTS class, to run some household errands, and when can I go out with my friends?! With a 10 hour work load, I feel tired.

I may look happy with my work, but really, inside, I am dying to get my arse out!

"My Memoir for the Void" is Written by an Old Lady

2010-09-12T08:59:00.002+08:00

My super cool geek high school classmate, Frank, posted on his Facebook status about his blog, and what an artifical intelligence thinks about it. His blog, thirdworldwriter.com, is written by a female, between 18-25 years old.

So I tried my blog, if what the AI thinks about it, and here's the result:

Text analysis

ling2xabella.blogspot.com is probably written by a female somewhere between 66-100 years old. The writing style is personal and happy most of the time.

Hahahahha! Am I that old? Huh? HUH?!

You can give your blog a shot as well, just go to http://urlai.com.

Sue Sylvester's Public Service Announcement

2010-05-19T06:40:00.002+08:00

Sci-Hi Batch 2000 Mini Reunion @ GLLR

2010-04-22T15:45:00.001+08:00

Who wants to join us?

Noynoy's Canine Supporter Barked at Manny Villar

2010-04-20T19:47:00.000+08:00

This just happened today in the afternoon. A shih tzu came in to have his check-up, while his golden retriever cousin was outside on their pick-up truck. Their truck was plastered with the yellow-clad presidential aspirant's posters. Even their "yayas" shirts says they are supporting this aspirant.

When I was about to finish on the shih tzu's check-up, the golden retriever barked. I was thinking if he saw another dog or a cat. When I got out to say goodbye to them, I asked the golden retriever's "yaya" why he barked. The yaya told me that he barked at the orange-clad presidential aspirant who was having a campaign sortie here in Cebu.

Hahahahaha! The dog is very loyal to his family, he is even supporting his family's "president".

The Dailymile

2010-04-16T21:58:00.000+08:00

I am sure everyone is into an online social networking site.

This my friend is the social networking site for runners, cyclists, swimmers and triathletes,
the

.

If you are a runner, cyclist, swimmer and triathlete,
better get a dailymile account.

Meet me there.

PS: In case you haven't notice, I already have my own running blog, http://mysundaespecial.blogspot.com.

Interesting Websites

2010-04-12T21:07:00.001+08:00

So far early this week (And it's a Monday!), I found two interesting websites (Just click on the highlighted area.).

1.) Find your Precinct. I mean to say voting precinct. So ought to know where you can vote, it will save you some time.

2.) Things yuppies do. In case you did not know, yuppies means "young urban professionals". And this website lists down what yuppies do. Take a peek, and if you are doing what's on the list, I guess you are a yuppy.

In Memoriam

2010-04-08T20:59:00.002+08:00

To the brave who defended our country.

Your valor and courage will forever be remembered.

PS: The woman in my photo is my maternal grandmother, Natividad Sontousidad Tancawan vda. de Arreglo. When we visited Manila last December, our tour guide/driver, Sir Louie, toured us to the American Cemetery just before we boarded our plane. Lola here is searching for the name of her cousin who died defending "the rock".

Baby James' Real Candidate

2010-04-07T05:13:00.002+08:00

Scar Tissue

2010-04-07T03:48:00.000+08:00

i can forgive,

but i can't forget.

what you did,

has forever etched.

in the deepest recesses

of me.

i can be at fault,

but don't shame me.

especially in front of people,

who barely know me.

i can smile, i can laugh,

and i don't seem to cry.

but i cried...

...a lot...

...by myself.

like scars,

the old tissue will never go back.

but instead scar tissues,

will take it's place.

yes, i am scarred.

i am forever scarred.

Holy Week 2010

2010-03-30T13:59:00.000+08:00

photo from foto.com

In Him alone is our hope.

In Him alone is our strength.

In Him alone are we justified.

In Him alone are we saved.

-"In Him Alone" sang by Bukas Palad.

New Home

2010-03-26T16:42:00.002+08:00

I have to separate my running blog from my main blog. After too much contemplation on which "tag" or "monicker" should I use, I decided to use "ANY GIVEN SUNDAY". I know it's an AL Pacino movie about American football, but it's a good theme since running events are usually scheduled on a Sunday. And besides having "runner" or "running" on my headboard is too sleazy for my taste.

So if you are interested, just click on this link.

It's Good to be Back

2010-03-21T07:31:00.002+08:00

And so I am back! And I felt I am back to my beginner days! But it felt good! I am back...and it feels good! PS: Good luck to Mr. and Mrs. Escasinas on their Guam run next week!

Bonkers! Heavens to Megatroid!

2010-03-20T01:45:00.004+08:00

My creative self comes to life when I am stressed and in the hours between 12 to 3 in the morning. As of this writing, it's now 1:47 AM in my computer clock and I am stressed, that is why I am writing this blog entry. For the past two weeks, it was my sort of hellish week for me professionally. My boss was out, I was in-charge and a surge of patients and clients demand for our attention. It was good for the business, and yet it was bad for me. You see, I shelved my training for two half-marathons to focus and devote my time and energy to my patients, make sure my boss' habilin were being met and to entertain clients and inquiries.

It was pretty manageable at first, but when you are practicing, you'll never know what you're going to get. Supplies and medicines ran out, clients demand immediate attention, I suffered a bite wound, our junior vet also had a bite wound, our handler had a bite wound. It was not a good idea to shelve my training. It would have been my savior, my temporary escape from my job!

My boss is a demanding person. And I have to meet those demands or else. Honestly, most of the demands I already accomplished. I already gave the boss everything I can do, but not to the boss' satisfaction. In my job, I am not just a doctor, I am also a med tech, rad tech, secretary, messenger, janitress, hostess, a shoulder to cry on, a reporter, and every thing in between. Even our groomer made a comment on how the other clinics have the luxury of having a lengthy lunch break and very chillax atmosphere. To be honest, we usually don't have lengthy lunch breaks (like we used to do) and eat fastfood, which I am already sick of tasting.

I am on the verge of leaving my job, and is now tempted to apply for another job abroad or a teaching post in state-run university, or enroll for an MSc. I know the consequences of blogging my rants, but what can I do. This is far more civilized. Did I ever mention any names? No! So who ever gets to read this doesn't have any idea who the heck is who.

I am trying to get away from my boss as far as possible. I am trying to be civil to the boss na lang.

Book Review: Battle Royale

2010-03-07T06:41:00.004+08:00

PLOT: A group of junior high students went on an educational trip only to find out that they were left out in an island to play a game, Battle Royale, wherein the student must kill each other until only one survives. The lone survivor will be declared the winner.

STORY: Although the story is set in Japan, but it was mentioned in the book that it is known as the East Asian Nation. This Nation is a facist-type of government ruled by a "Dictator". They have this known project called "Battle Royale", wherein every year the government must randomly select a class of junior high school students to play the game in a randomly selected location. The winner for this game will have bragging rights and a photo of their dictator. How unrewarding, after all the trauma this kid have been through.

The players/students were assigned numbers according to sex, e.g. Boy #1, Girl # 1. And all of them were provided with day packs that has food water and a weapon. Each student carried a different weapon from stun guns to Derringer pistol to a poison and even a shot gun. The kids must kill off each other with a time limit and there are certain locations of the island that will be declared to be forbidden at a certain time. If a person stays in the forbidden zone with at that time, his or her head will be blown off since the kids were being monitored with collars, and the collars act as an explosive device.

MY IMPRESSION: I have heard some three years ago of a Japanese film entitled, Battle Royale. But I never though that this was actually based by a book written by Koushun Takami in 1999. Quentin Tarantino actually saw this film, and that is where he spotted Chiaki Kurayama, who portrayed Gogo, the school girl of Kill Bill Vol. 1. I personally haven't seen the movie, but when I saw this book being displayed with the "Twilight" series. I told myself to buy it.

This is not a book for those who call themselves, "hopelessly romantic" or those who read romantic novels. This is to avant-garde and brutal for their taste. I actually read this out of curiosity since I made a resolution to read books. And I mean books that are not often read by anybody here. Ever since it was released in Japan, Battle Royale was a smashing hit, and the translation was also a hit in the West. It could be that these people already watched the film (already a cult status) and wants to read the novel.

I don't want to mention the main characters simply because once I mentioned their names, you already get the idea of who is going to survive. And besides, I want the readers of this book review to read the book themselves.

On an interesting note, the guy protagonist is a Bruce Springsteen fan, that he thought of this:

"Together (girl protagonist) we'll live with the sadness.
I'll love you with all the madness in my soul.
Someday girl I don't know when we're gonna get to that place.
Where we really want to go and we'll walk in the sun.
But till then tramps like us baby we were BORN to RUN."

March Madness

2010-03-03T13:44:00.001+08:00

March is "Rabies Awareness Month".
Have your dogs vaccinated by a duly licensed veterinarian.

Remember: Rabies Kills!

Oopsies!

2010-02-28T20:10:00.006+08:00

I was supposed to run in the "Dagan sa Kausaban, Dagan sa Kalamboan ug Katarungan" this morning in Consolacion. I must be very tired since I haven't heard my Father trying to wake me up. Or he did try to wake me up, only to respond a moan. I guess I was at REM when he did. So anyway, it could have been my first race since the CCM last January. And it could have been my cheapest race ever. It only cost P 30.00. Singlet was not included, only a race number.

Anger Management 101

2010-02-28T06:17:00.002+08:00

Anger is punishing yourself from the mistakes of others.

photo credits.

ATM: Automatic Tubig Machine

2010-02-16T20:47:00.004+08:00

this is a haiku about the Automatic Tubig Machine or ATM, for short. Pardon me, but this is in my vernacular, Cebuano.

Ang taw'ng gi-uhaw,
Kanimo ning gitagbaw,
Sa imong bugnaw.

ATTENTION RUNNERS: "RUNNING IS A WASTE OF TIME" .WTH?!

2010-02-10T11:59:00.007+08:00

I received a link from my classmate, Manelle, through Facebook. When I read the link, I was so appalled... at first. I better post the article here for you to understand what I mean.

This article is from this website.

"February 04, 2010

Feb. 4: "Running Is a Waste of Time": Grabby Headline, Bad Reporting

As I write this blog post on Thursday evening, I can't tell how many of Friday's headlines are going to declare: "Millions of people 'waste their time by jogging.'" But that's how the London Daily Telegraph is putting it, and I'll be surprised if a few other headline writers don't tilt that way too.

The Telegraph is wrong in so many ways. First, the headline appears to quote someone, presumably an expert--perhaps one of the scientists who wrote the new paper in the prestigious Journal of Applied Physiology. (Don't expect to sail through the abstract; for most of us, it might as well be in Mandarin Chinese.) But there's no such quote in the article, and no expert said "waste their time by jogging." In fact, no reasonable expert would say such a thing.

The Telegraph is also wrong in its conclusion about the new JAP article. Here, in case you're wondering, is what the Telegraph should have said: "New DNA research shows that 20 percent of runners can complete a training program with little to no aerobic fitness improvement as measured by a vo2 max test." That's not the best news I've ever heard, but it doesn't make running or other exercise a waste of time either.

It also doesn't mean that the runners wouldn't get faster after completing their training program. They probably would get faster, but it wouldn't happen because of an increased vo2 max. They could get faster by increasing their running economy instead. (By the way, if 20 percent of exercisers don't respond very well to training, there's also going to be a 20 percent somewhere who are "super-responders." They get in very good shape, very fast. And then they make a lot of money winning road races and marathons around the world. You might be able to guess who they are.)

As for the 20 percent who are non-responders, all is not lost. They can still gain some important health benefits from their exercise program. Runners will still burn 100+ calories per mile, which might help them lose weight. And they would likely--but not surely--lower their risk for heart disease or diabetes or high blood pressure, and so forth. When you enter the era of genetics, which we have now, you find yourself adrift in a vast ocean of probabilities, and few of them are either 0 or 100. A lot of things fall within the 20- to 50-percent range.

This means, thank goodness, that you can't, entirely, blame your genes for anything. If you're a slow half-marathoner, it's probably because you don't have the best genetic endowment. But you also don't train 70 miles a week. Which also accounts for your inability to qualify for the Boston Marathon. Similarly, if you're overweight, you can't, entirely, blame your genes. Because you could manage your weight by exerting a lot of control over yourself and your environment. (I can't sing or dance. I would like to blame this 100 percent on my DNA, and then maybe my wife would quit nagging me. However, my cha-cha does improve if I modify my environment by introducing more margaritas. You see how this works?)

The people at LiveScience/MSNBC did better than the Telegraph by reporting the study results and noting: "The researchers stress that exercise has benefits, regardless of whether or not a person can improve aerobic capacity. You can still lose weight, and other health factors such as cholesterol levels could benefit." I hope other reporters and news outlets get this right. It's a very important distinction.

Many of us saw this study result coming years ago, due to other vo2 max results from The Heritage Study, co-ordinated by Dr. Claude Bouchard of the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge LA. Bouchard has been one of my favorite exercise scientists for a long time. Indeed, I spoke with him in my Footloose blog last September, where we basically previewed the study making headlines today. At that time, Bouchard told me: "Running and other forms of exercise are always the right thing to do, because they can improve your health even if they don't increase your vo2 max." Bingo!

That seems like a good place to leave things. No, I'm not betting on you to win the London Olympic Marathon in 2012. For now, my money's still on Sammy Wanjiru, so impressive in his Beijing victory. But, yes, I'm betting that your next run will do a lot of good things for you, even if your vo2 max doesn't budge by a single ml/kg*min.

For example, I bet you feel better and more energized after your workout. That could ultimately be one of the biggest benefits of all."

Now, you can post your violent reactions!

Photo credits: New York City Marathon start photo by PhotoRun.net

A Summer of Half Marys

2010-02-07T07:21:00.006+08:00

Bridge cities, Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue (here in Cebu, of course!) will host two half marathons (A distance of 21 kilometers.) this summer. Lapu-Lapu will host the Great Lapu-Lapu run on April 18, 2010, and Mandaue will have their third Mandaue Run on May 2, 2010.

I ran with the Mandaue Runners Club just this morning, and they said the course will include the newly inaugurated Cansaga Bay Bridge. Details of the Mandaue race will later be posted on this blog.

PS1: Rumor has it that the Lapu-Lapu race will cross over to Mandaue and include a run on the bridge (I dunno which of the two Mactan-Mandaue bridges.) and Cansaga bridge.
PS2: About the puppy who had an OD, she's fine right now! I am so happy!

34th National Milo Marathon Race Schedules

2010-02-04T07:31:00.002+08:00

The 34th National Milo Marathon Cebu Eliminations leg will be held on September 5, 2010!

for complete race schedules, click on this site.

Overdosed

2010-02-01T13:18:00.006+08:00

photo from this site.

I am so pissed today! I just arrived for work, then tadaa...there was the puppy and her dad I handled last Saturday. I was surprised to see her weak and cannot stand up! It turned out that she had an OD on the antibiotic I prescribed to her.

I prescribed an antibiotic since the pup had urinary tract infection caused by struvites, a kind of uroliths or urine stones. I only prescribed 200 mg/tab, and only half of the tab should be given in the morning and again in the evening.

The problem lies with the pharmacist (Insert any form of cussing here.). She dispensed a 400 mg/ tab tablet! And what's worst, she did not bother to re-check the prescription I gave to the owner. Aren't they supposed to do that, or at least inform the owner that the 400mg is the only tablet available. Even the cashier and bagger did not even bother to re-check it!

It was just yesterday, that the dad noticed that the dog is becoming weak, and just this morning, she can no longer walk. He rushed her immediately to the clinic. It was my senior who handled the puppy since I was late (Darn, I just hate Mondays!). The dad re-checked the prescription I gave and the medicine he gave, lo and behold, the dog was overdosed!

Right now, we are doing our best to flushed out the medicine into her system. I hope the dog will pull through! For you reader, please pray for her speedy recovery.

Manny Villar Jingle Translated

2010-01-26T19:53:00.009+08:00

While our resident lab rat made her "bandit" browsing of her fave dj's blogsite, she found this perky post.

Yes, this blog entry is actually a re-post (again!) for my dear and beloved readers to read. It's Sen. Villar's jingle translated in Japanese and Korean!

Manny Villar Jingle in Japanese (This actually a pun! Kindly check:http://readthedescription.blogspot.com/)

Manny Villar Jingle in Korean (originally sang by Grace Lee)

I wonder if Manny Villar's jingle has been translated in Cantonese, Mandarin, Thai, Bahasa and Punjab. If I do find another translation, I will keep you posted.

PS: Dear DJ Mo, I am just spreading this one!
PS2: Thank you to Melissa for sharing this.
PS3: No wonder I am tagging my political post as entertainment.

But here's something I am so proud to post. Cebuano prisoners danced to Michael Jackson's "they don't even care about us". This is choreographed by Travis Payne, the late MJ's choreographer. This is included in the "This is It" Special DVD.

A Tale of Two Marys

2010-01-24T06:41:00.006+08:00

Me (left) and Manelle (Taken: Dec. 26, 2009)

This is the tale of the two Marys. One is Maria (That's me! Maria happened to be my first name, and I am seriously considering it as my international name.) and Marynelle. Both were high school batch mates and one time classmates during their sophomore year.

Maria

-is based in her hometown, Cebu City.
-is an Animal Freak.
-is a high arched, overpronator
- already conquered her first half marathon.
- is currently battling lazy arse-ness syndrome.
- and is tune to train on her next half mary this April.

Marynelle

- is based in Taiwan, R.O.C
- is a Computer Geek.
-is a normal arc,h overpronator.
-is going to conquer her first half mary this coming March.
- is currently nursing injuries such as ITB and an ankle problem.
-wants to conquer a half mary in Cebu.

To Manelle, take care of yourself and I wish you good luck and God bless on your half mary this March. I hope we can do a half mary here in Cebu, soon!

Choices and Voices for 2010

2010-01-23T05:40:00.008+08:00

The Cebuano business people took the initiative to invite the top 6 Presidentiables in a forum dubbed as "Choices and Voices for 2010". This was held yesterday, Jan. 22, 2010 at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC). I would love to see and hear the aspirants live and raw, but I was still on duty. Good thing the cable provider was so kind enough to have shown the forum on tv.

So let's go straight to the forum, shall we? The moderator, Mr. Bunny Pages, first asked the presidential aspirants, "Why Cebuanos should vote for you?" All candidates start their opening 3-minute speeches praising Cebu's economy, as a model LGU, as a tourist destination, blah, blah, blah all things Cebu. Only Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro (Lakas-Kampi-CMD) and Manuel "Manny" Villar (Nacionalista Party) was able to answer the question within 3 minutes. Joseph "Erap" Estrada (Partido ng Masang Pilipino) did not even answer the question, since he was busy blabbing about his disgraced past.

The usual questions were asked from battling the economy, how to make the Philippines globally competitive, graft and corruption and even the environment. Cebu's leading environment lawyer, Atty. Gloria Ramos asked the 6 gentlemen with their platforms addressing climate change which is now a major international dilemma. I was not satisfied with their answers, they were all too vague for my taste. So the guys who hands out the Nobel Peace Prize for 2010 should give the Nobel Peace Prize 2010 to Mohamed Nasheed, President of the Republic of Maldives for his staunch acts on Climate Change. The aspirants should get some clue from Pres. Nasheed.

Anyway, another question, this time was asked by an eight-year old, Trevor, who asked "“Every day, on my way to school, I see dirty-looking kids knocking on my car, asking for food or money. If you become president, what will you do for these kids, so they can go to school like me?” I was impressed on Gibo's answer, "Street children are a manifestation of something else. You have to give their parents opportunities and that is through growing your economy.”

Our viewing of the forum was cut short since the cable provider went black out. Tsk, tsk, tsk. We were already at the climax of the forum! Anyway, we will just watch the forum this coming Jan. 26, 2010 on it's replay. Do you guys, want to know how the aspirants fared in this forum? Here's MY assessment:

BENIGNO "NOYNOY" C. AQUINO III (Liberal Party): He has improve since his first presidential forum (which was held at GMA-7 studios). He is now prepared, he already researched and even his posture has improved. But still Noynoy doesn't know were to relax on his speeches. When your hear him say, there's no charisma on it, he even doesn't bother to take a pause if the statement he said required a period or a comma. I think he should take speech lessons from his sister, Kris, whose statements (always) make people stop at what they are doing and the people will listen to every word she says.

JOSEPH "ERAP" ESTRADA (Partido ng Masang Pilipino): Oh, Erap! Now we know why you were such a box-office draw! We can't help but laugh at you! I never knew you are such a comedian, for I know you to be an action super star on your hey days. In every question, he would answer this, "I have been there." . He was emphasizing that he was a president of this republic for 2 1/2 years! Yeah, yeah, yeah! But Erap made a major blunder by making this statement, "Nakaka-intidi ba kayong mga Cebuanos ng Tagalog?" (Translation: Do you, Cebuanos, understand Tagalog?"). To all Tagalog-speaking people who are reading this post, I must say, do not insult us that way. We may not be fluent in Tagalog or if we do speak
Tagalog, there is this very thick accent into it, but we are not dumb. We understand Tagalog/Filipino very much. After all, it's our national language, and we are obliged to learn it! On the bright side of Erap, he has the heart to the agriculture sector! Food security is also a major problem to our country.

RICHARD "DICK" GORDON (Bagumbayan) A visionary himself, he has his track record as the Mayor of Olongapo and as the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority director to prove that he is worthy as a president. I remember Gordon during the eruption of Pinatubo and the closing of the US Military base in his city. But he able to "transform" his city into an economic hub north of Manila. One of his platforms are more geared unto making the Philippines a world-class tourist destination at par with that of Bali and Phuket. He still has to make major overhaul not just in the tourism industry but the economy, environment, population, etc.

GILBERT "GIBO" TEODORO (Lakas- KAMPI-CMD) As usual, Gibo was impressive with his answers. Well researched, eloquent, with charisma. Gibo really has a concrete vision for this country. He even mentioned his plans for Cebu such as a third Mactan-Mandaue Bridge that may link Cebu to Bohol.

EDUARDO "EDDIE" VILLANUEVA (Bangon Pilipinas) Bro. Eddie being a Christian minister has an advantage and disadvantage to him. His charisma and his confidence on his speech made him an effective speaker. His disadvantage? Well, he sometimes drag the "Lord's" name into his speeches. Bro. Eddie, I hope it's already clear to you that there is a sepration of the Church and the State. Mentioning the Lord's name in your campaign sorties is blasphemous, well at least for me.

MANUEL "MANNY" VILLAR (Nacionalista Party) The man behind those sleazy ads of children singing and asking, "Have your ever swim in a sea of garbage?" Yes, he has the platforms, the money and the machinery that would scare any wannabe. But he still has a dilemma on that C5 Road extension, that he cannot answer with a straight face. Well in the forum, he did not mention much of his background as someone who rose from the ranks through hard work and perseverance (sipag at tiyaga) (I have to admit it, I admire his story.), and become a housing mogul-billionaire, since Cebuanos knew about that. The redundancy of your background will surely irritate any listener, so I think Villar already knew about it.

Who gets a lot of support from the crowd? Base on the cheers and clapping, only Noynoy and Gibo have supporters. Our local politicians support either Noynoy or Gibo. So the 2 million rich Cebuano vote will either go to Noynoy or Gibo for 2010.

PS 1: At the end of the forum, the 6 presidential aspirants signed a covenant for clean and honest (automated) elections. Then the assembly did a mock elections for which Gibo Teodoro won over his cousin, Noynoy.

PS 2: There was a group of people who recorded the "promises" the aspirants made during the forum. If one of them will be elected, the organizers will make sure that the winner will do what he had said during the forum.

Movie Review: Run Fat Boy Run

2010-01-18T06:27:00.012+08:00

I rarely do movie reviews, but I have to make a review on this one since it covers two topics I like: running and it's a typical-loser-overcoming-obstacle-and-wins movie. It all started by surfing the channels after watching the spectacle that was Sinulog all day on the television. I wanted to go out with my cousins, but I have my former roommate to attend to.

The movie's cast included one of it's writers, Simon Pegg as the protagonist, Dennis; Thandie Newton (Mission Impossible and 2012) as Libby, Hank Azaria (The Simpsons, Godzilla) as Whit, and a list of Bristish actors whom I am not familiar with. By the way, I am not also familiar with Simon Pegg.

The Plot: Dennis is a bloke who wanted to turn his life around and get back to Libby, his very preggers fiance who he left at the altar (I am injecting some very British slang on this.). But now, Libby is dating Whit, an American jerk, who runs marathons for charity. and vow Dennis joined a marathon (but it's not the London Marathon) to prove to Libby that he is turning his life around to finish it. He turned to his friend, Gordon to coach him and Mr. Ghoshdastidar (also Dennis' landlord) who had an unorthodox method of coaching, spanking Dennis' arse. Gordon tried his very best to train his chum since he was in debt. He made a bet on Dennis to finish the marathon.

Review: It was a simple and common movie plot about a loser who won in his obstacles in the most dramatic fashion. But I like how they injected the typical sly British sarcasm into it. The ensemble of cast were good, because British actors are good actors. But I am quite disturbed on the hair of Thandie Newton which was all over the place. I love how they/ she styled he hair in 2012.

Spoilers: Okay, Dennis' time in finishing the race is equivalent to an Ultramarathon. Dennis' charity of choice was the National Erectile Dysfunction Awareness (NEDA). You can see Gordon's butt. Mr. Ghoshdastidar's weapon of choice is a spatula.

Soundtrack: It involves running injected with something British.

Director: David Schwimmer, better known as Russ of Friends.

Which channel to watch: HBO Asia (Kindly, check the website for screening schedules.)

Pre-Sinulog Photos

2010-01-17T16:16:00.010+08:00

mode: Usisera/cramped by the fact that I did not run the whole week since the half mary.
date and time:17 January 2010/ 0600-0730

Every third week of January, Cebu is celebrating the feast of the Señor Sto. Niño de Cebu. The revelry starts with a nine-day novena mass shortly after the New Year celebration, and will end with the Sinulog Grand Parade! I took photos during the preparations of the contingents hours before the parade. This also marks my return to running after a week of hiatus.

Rain or shine, the devotion of the Cebuanos to the Child Jesus was overwhelmingly evident. Pit Senyor!

The Rotarian's Balangay inspired float.

The "other" International Pharmaceutical Inc. (IPI)'s float posted tarps for the COO (child of the owner),
Paul Jake Ceniza-Castillo. He is currently one of the housemates of ABS-CBN's Pinoy Big Brother show.

The Madonna and Child higante entry.

The lady higante with her "puso" terno.

Pahiyas Festival invades Sinulog.

The Queen is up. The third runner-up of the Festival Queen competition was already perky.
She is from Lanao del Norte.

more photos from this site.

Australian Open 2010

2010-01-16T19:31:00.005+08:00

Here are my bets:

Men's

photo credits from this site.

Women's

Tiger Rocky (A Repost)

2010-01-13T20:49:00.010+08:00

Some time ago, I dropped by Carlos Celdran's blog, and noticed this post.

He posted the video of Kraft's Tiger Energy Biscuit.
The video was shot in the streets of Manila.

One fellow Carlos' reader posted a comment of something he noticed.

He noticed that one Manila's landmark was not in the video.

Can you tell which Manila landmark was purposely removed in the video?

PS: On my recent trip to Manila, I spotted Carlos' touring tourists around Intramuros. I took pictures, in true paparazzo mode.

That's Carlos over there wearing his ubiquitous top hat.

And that's Carlos singing the "Lupang Hinirang" (Philippine National Anthem) with the Red side of the flag up.
He replied to my comment (on his blog which was posted on the link). He answered that he was in a hurry that is why the red side of flag was up.
But then again he also made an excuse that part of the country was under the Martial Law during that time.

POST (Marathon) SCRIPTS

2010-01-11T21:26:00.015+08:00

When I write down my post scripts, my font size is usually set at the smallest font size as possible to make it discreet. But for now I am having my post scripts of the Cebu City Marathon, and I have set in the second to the smallest font size to avoid destroying someone's eye, or eyes!

Post Script 1: Kudos to the Cebu Executive Runner's Club or CERC for pulling off a perfect race! These guys invested their blood, sweat and tears(?) for this event to succeed.

Post Script 2: A big "THANK YOU!" to the Cebu City government for their support, and for allowing the runners to run at the South Road Properties. Also, a big "THANK YOU!" to the City of Talisay government for allowing the full marathon runners to run on your turf.

Post Script 3: To the sponsors, Thank you!

Post Script 4: This is the first race wherein I did not carry any sports drink on my right hand. My right hand was kinda relieved with the fact that it no longer had the burden to carry something during a race.

Post Script 5: Agua. H2O. Mizu. Water. Yeah, they were plenty!

Post Script 6: The SRP and I are not friends! Yes, the heavier and denser sea breeze easily dried me up!

Post Script 7: It was such a relief to see kids cheering you on. But there was one girl who was holding the "Run your own race" placard at the back of the Basilica was who was already tired and could not afford to smile any longer. As I ran towards her I quipped, "Oh, where's the spirit? You're making me slow with that face." Then she broke into a smile, her spirit uplifted and cheered on me.

Post Script 8: There were vehicles who tried to sneak in into the runner's lane. While running back to IT park at the junction near Metro Gaisano, a multicab sneaked into our lane. I called the attention of the marshals. Runners should watch over runners, and runners must not rely on marshals all the time. Good thing the marshal took my heed and reprimanded the multicab. Sorry multicab driver, but rules are rules!

Post Script 9: Cheer! Yes, I cheered on the Filipino guy who was chasing the lead pack of Kenyan runners near Cebu Normal Univeristy. I cheered, "Bai, apas, bai!" (Loose Translation: "Bai, you can still catch up on them, bai".) I dunno of the guy is Tagalog or what, but it was pretty cool for me to cheer on a fellow country man to defend the countries honor. I cheered on Mary Grace at the SRP. I also cheered on my former (high) school mate and swimming team mate, Lorhiz Echavez (My swimming career was cut short since I let the team down. I always have fever on every debut competitions I joined. So after that, I quit competitive swimming.I was supposed to be in the relay line-up.).

Post Script 10: Lahug is really my second home! I got my second wind there.

Post Script 11: Puffy, the clinic's mascot, was my numero uno cheerleader!He did the collective cheer from the clinic's staff!

Post Script 12: As I approached the finish line, I was head-to-head with this guy who was wearing a yellow t-shirt that said, "I MAY BE SLOW. BUT I ENJOY(ED) THE COURSE!". I complemented him by saying, "Nice shirt!". Then he replied, "Thanks, but I did not enjoy the course." Huh?!

Post Script 13: Bald Runner, The Bull Runner, and Coach Rio, and the rest of the Manila-based runners. I have nothing more to say, but I was in the state of surreality upon seeing them!

Post Script 14: I am not supposed to target a time to finish on my first half-mary, but I could not help it. I was hoping to finish it at 2 hours and 45 minutes. And guess, what I managed to finish the entire course at 2 hours and 43 minutes.

Post Script 15: I bought two (2) memorabilia shirts of this marathon. I am going to give one to the husband of Pop's cousin who are now based in Vancouver, Canada. He was a running enthusiast, and was into running long before the running boom. He now enjoys trail running which is the "in" thing in Canada.

Post Script 16: I apologize to my new running friend, Michelle, I did not reply to her text since I have to attend to my "injured" Father.By the way, Michelle, your 21K time of 2 hours: 56 minutes is way better than your 3 hour 17K run! Congrats, girl!

Post Script 17: Thank you to my Tito Roy of the Mandaue Runners' Club (MRC) who never left my Father's side.

Post Script 18: Thank you to the rest of the Mandaue Runners' Club for their support throughout the training and during the event itself!

Post Script 19: Thank you to Dr. Reel Bontol for attending to my Pops in his booth and for calling the attention of the ERUF personnel.

Post Script 20: Thank you to the ERUF people for attending to my Pops!

Post script 21:I am encouraging another high school schoolmate, Jules Cabigon to race regularly on Sundays. He finished his very first race and a half-marathon at that in record fashion, 1 hour and 42 minutes! Jules, keep running, and quit smoking!

Post Script 22: In one segment during the race, I shared the very road I thread with Ms. Donna Cruz- Larrazabal, who was running the full marathon. This was her second marathon in a month's time (She participated in the Macau Marathon last December.).

Post Script 23: I think the 21K runners also deserved those finisher's medal. I mean we've gone up and out from our preferred mileage, which is 10K. And we trained hard as much as those who ran the full marathon.

Post Script 24: The race certificates reminded me of the race certificates I received at the Quezon City Marathon some three months back.

Post Script 25: I have to rest my feet for now, so no running for me this week. But I am going to experience a lot of walking in this coming Sinulog weekend.

Pit Senyor!

Bittersweet.

2010-01-10T15:46:00.004+08:00

I finished my half-marathon. But my Father did not finish his full marathon. Bittersweet, isn't it?

I finished my half-mary in 2 hours: 43 minutes and 21 seconds as my official time. My Father had a DNF (did not finish) on his.

It was a sweet feat for me that I finished my first half-marathon in less than my targeted time of 2 hours and 45 minutes. I know it was advisable not to set a time for your first half-mary and full mary, but I cannot help it. At least I was able to attain my goals, to finish my very first half-mary in one piece and finish it under that time I mentioned.

I really, really, really like how the Cebu City Marathon was organized. Kudos to the organizers and sponsors. Water ran a plenty. Excellent marshalling. The cheers courtesy of the dancers, kids and organizers really uplifetd all the runners' spirits. There were emergency personel that readily helped injured runners like my Father.

A lot fo you might ask what happened to my Father. Well, he started to feel some pain on one of his legs when they approached the Asilo dela Milagrosa Church. Liniment was applied on the pain site, so he was relieved. But the pain came back near Mabolo Church. By the time he reached km 35 @ TESDA, both of his legs got cramps. He cannot even take even a single step! So Tito Roy, of Mandaue Runners Club, was able to call the attention of ERUF. the ERUF people wheeled my Father to the medical tent where he was treated for cramps. The physician checked his pulse and heart rate. Good thing his BP was 130/100, which is fine since he just ran. My Father and I have notoriously low BPs. They even double check if we are anemic, but we are not. It's just that both us have other sports. He is a basketball player, while I used to swim and play basketball (But I am not darn good, but I am a decent perimeter shooter. I made 1 three pointer, though. But you should see my cousin, Cheril, she is like Larry Bird!).

My Father is recupperating now. But I suggested that he should have his electrolyte panel test since he also suffer cramps while asleep. He will take a week off from running, and is now eating bananas every now and then.

On lighter note, famous Manila-based runners, Bald Runner, the Bull Runner, Rio dela Cruz and Runner for Christ were running too. I was so starstrucked upon seeing them. Also, Puffy and the staff led by my Boss were able to cheer me on! Thank you guys for the support!

This is the Moment

2010-01-09T06:07:00.003+08:00

Good luck na lang sa akin!

2009

2010-01-01T01:35:00.007+08:00

Oh wow! What a year 2009 was for me! Most of the things I have done this year are somewhat unplanned, and even unchartered. Oh well, as they say, you are your own destiny. Drama, no?

Anyway here are the list of achievements I had in 2009:

1. I was able to perform more castration in both cats and dogs, and is getting better at it.
2. No more "chorizo" sutures!
3. I was able to do an intravenous infusion on a 1.25kg Chihuahua pup!
4. I was able to diagnose chronic renal failure in a dog.
5. I was able to diagnose Congestive Heart Failure.
6. I was able to diagnose #5 with the use of an ECG machine designed for Veterinary use.
7. I tested three dogs who were positive for heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis).
8. I have saved more puppies from the dreaded Parvovirus.
9. I was the midwife of a pug who was whelping (A term use in veterinary medicine when a dog is about to give birth). Her previous whelping was via Caesarean Section. This time she gave birth au naturale.
10. I perfected the art of intravenous infusion.
11. I put down three dogs and a cat this year. (I know this is not really an achievement. but this is just my reminder.)
12. I was able to run.
13. I was able to run in Cebu, Mactan Island and Quezon City.
14. I was able to run in Busay.
15. I did a half circumferential run in Mactan Island.
16. I was able to run across the old Mactan-Mandaue Bridge.
17. I was able run on the three flyovers going to Talamban.
18. I was able to run to Talisay, twice.
19. I was able to run at the SRP.
20. My PR for 5K is 35:23. (Eco-Dash)
21. My PR for 10K is 1:03:27. (Heart Run)
22. I was able to help in organizing Octoberpets 2009 which was a "HUGE SUCCESS".
23. I treated my Grandmother a trip to Manila. I think this one is the best since she was smiling during the whole duration of the trip.
24. Reconnect with long lost friends and relatives from far away through Facebook and Twitter.

I consider my family very blessed in the year 2009. Both of my grandfather's surgeries were successful, the house has been renovated, and everyone were not seriously ill or injured. And we were able to cope with household chores during the time when we were "helper-less"(Our househelp eloped with her lover last September. If she stayed, she could've the privileged to work and study for a degree.).

To the Almighty Father, I couldn't do these things without you! Thank you!

How about you, dear reader, how was your 2009?

Anak ng Pating

2010-01-01T00:26:00.002+08:00

(Title's Translation: Offspring of the Shark)
When: Dec. 12, 2009
Where: Manila Ocean Park
This is what I saw in one of those small boxed aquariums at the Manila Ocean Park...shark eggs!

I have to make a video of this since I am curious about sharks. You see sharks have different ways in giving birth. the big sharks tend to give birth to their offspring, while small sharks lay eggs. These are eggs of a bamboo shark, a small shark that lives in shallow waters. On your left is the older egg since you can see the silhouette of the fetus. While on your right is the newer egg.

Hit and Run

2009-12-30T06:53:00.001+08:00

Again, I almost got hit today.

This time, it's a cab!

Photo credits: cartoonstock.com

Ateneo Sesqui Run: The Rant and Rave

2009-12-29T05:39:00.008+08:00

I rarely do reviews after the race, and if I do, the race would either be a very good one or an epic failure. My last race was a failure, not necessarily that it did not push through, but it was a disappointment.

I ditched the Talisay Year-End Chase which was a 12K run for Ateneo's 16K or 10 miler as my warm up for my first half-mary this coming Jan. 10, 2010. The P250.00 registration fee was a bit expensive since all race categories will have to pay the same fee. P250.00 for 16K is justifiable since the race is longer.

I arrived at around 5:00 in the morning, just 30 minutes before the start. And this is where I start my rants.

1. No Courtesy Booth- The two previous races I participated that started at the Ayala Center (Eco-Dash and Pink Run) were supervised by Sports and Fitness Enthusiast (SAFE), led by their technical director, Joel Baring. It turned out that S.A.F.E. were in Talisay. The first thing was looking for once I was there was the courtesy booth. I was running all alone, since my Pops was doing his hill runs. When I went to the tables inside The Terraces, the Ateneo Grad School students where distributing race packets. Good thing I saw an acquaintance(and former high school schoolmate) who was also a student of the said school. I approached him and asked if they have courtesy booths. He said they don't have. Oh no! I kept my cool and instructed on how to have make a courtesy booth since I have to admit, I am a courtesy booth "suki".

2. Late Start- Oh yes, the "Filipino Time" was applied in this race. The race promised to start the race at 5:30 am, but we started at 5:45! The 15 minute delay agitated some runners. The 16Kers will go ahead, then 5 minutes later, the 5Kers, 10 minutes later, the 3Kers. But I don't think they followed that protocol. The 5Kers were already running when we were still running near the entrance of Metro Gaisano, which is actually less than a kilometer, if I am not mistaken.

3. Confusing Race Route- The common complaint of all the runners! There were runners who went to Panagdait with the 5Kers, while the rest of us made a turn near Leona's. We asked the "marshall" if we have to go straight or turn left. She instructed us to turn left. I also noticed that there was a pack of runners who were also running already in that direction. I came to realized that there was a-boo-boo on the route when there was a guy who ranted in Banilad. It turned out, he really made a turn at Panagdait! And so were my two new acquaintances, and Mr. & Mrs. Noy Jopson! The guy who ranted wore a Singapore Marathon Finisher's T-shirt, was so disgusted he did not bother to go to the Sunny Hills turning point.

4. Lack of Water Stations- I ranted about this during the Don Sergio Run. This race for the 16K route only had 2 water stations: Sunny Hills turning point and Cor., Juan Luna (near the seminary). And it was a very humid day! No wonder, my high school classmate, Manelle, encouraged me to move to Taiwan, and join races there! Water is essential to runners! Please, if you don't want any casualties during YOUR race, please, please, PLEASE provide WATER!

5. No Race Clock- Egad, you read it right! There was no race clock or timer! I always have this mantra of enjoying my first race on this certain distance, but I should take note of my time in order to gauge my performance and compare the next time I will be racing the same length.

6. Poor Marshalling- And we were supposed to run a 16Ker, and because of poor marshalling, we ran 3K short. Please, do not short change runners! When i realized that we were just running only 13K, I realized that I should have ran in Talisay afterall. Tsk!

On a personal note: I almost got hit by a multicab as I cross the Gov. Cuenco Ave., /A.S. Fortuna junction. The darn driver should have honk his horn, but he was so stupid not to use the contraption on his steering wheel.

Anyway, I hope the organizers will take note of all the runners complaints if they still want to stage another race.

I.O.U.

2009-12-26T08:42:00.000+08:00

Oh yes, me dear readers! I owe you me photos of my misadventures in Manila and Tagaytay!

I promise I will post it ASAP, before the year ends. If not, sue me!

SRP Run

2009-12-21T05:45:00.005+08:00

I decided to join the SRP (South Road Properties) Test Run yesterday to test the waters (figuratively speaking) on what it's like to run in the area. The 21K and the 42K were advised to join since the SRP is part of their race route. The test run was organize by Marathon Foodie.

All I can say was that, the SRP will be a very tough segment to run. But that is my opinion. If I'm not mistaken, the 21K runners will enter the SRP at around 6-6:30 in the morning, just in time as the sun is about to rise. Good thing the 21K will have it's turning point at Kawit Point(It used to be island where people with leprosy are quarantined. Right now, because the sea in that area was reclaimed, it's no longer an island, but a point.) The problem running in a reclaimed area is that the wind might be your enemy. It will hamper your pace. The sun could also be a factor since there are no shady trees that will cool you.

My experience running from City Hall Viaduct to the Mohon, Talisay Junction (and back) was not that easy, but I have to blame myself for it. I already packed some sports bean and glucose gel in my drawer, but completely forgot about them. I was so drained, that when I got home, our helper told me that I was so pale. Great, just great! Anyway, good thing it was just a test run. I will do some experiments with the glucose gels in the coming Ateneo Sesqui Run which is actually a 10 miler. I will do what Banana Runner did on her NY Marathon, chow down on glucose gels every 8km. But in the 21K, I might do it every 7 km.

Kudos to Marathon Foodie! I am sorry I was not able to pay the P10.00. My Pops was supposed to pay for the both of us, but nobody was there in the Aduana Exit to collect for the fee.

Happy Feet

2009-12-13T22:00:00.008+08:00

So I just arrived from my vacation. I was with my cousins, aunt and Lola in Manila and Tagaytay for three days and two nights. A little R and R is all I need after quite some hectic days at the office and the anxiety and the excitement as 01-10-2010 is fast approaching. So I dipped my feet in water full of hungry fishes willing to get rid of my calluses, blisters and dead skin cells.

I Hope This Will Convince You

2009-12-09T05:04:00.004+08:00

The first Cebu City Marathon is the first marathon to open the year 2010. Aside from that it will be held a week before Sinulog (Well one can take a glimpse of the actual parade since the "Sinulog sa Kabataan" is often held on the weekend before the actual Sinulog.). But if those previous two won't convince you to run in this marathon, I hope this will.

photo taken from this site.

Yes, Cebu is famous for it's lechon or open flame roasted pig! I (dare) say that food is the easiest way to a runner's stomach! This is could be your penultimate treat to anyone who will join the marathon. Whether you buy CNT, Talisay lechon, Alejo's, Cang's, Zubuchon or any other lechon brands, it's still lechon.

So come, don't just stare there, better register and reserve your tickets to Cebu come January!

Loud Call

2009-12-06T07:30:00.003+08:00

photo taken from this site.

Every time I hit the road for a long run, it always get cut short because of the so-called, "LOUD CALL OF NATURE".
Every time before I hit the road, I eat a light breakfast of 2 sachets of Nesvita, and make it to a point to sit on the "THRONE" to get rid of the unwanted.
I hate the fact that you are on the road, probably in the middle of nowhere, you have to go back and look for a toilet. It's super kill joy!

Is it advisable to take anti-cholinergics before running? And what is the best time to take it?

Philippine Presidential Elections 2010

2009-12-03T06:09:00.005+08:00

photo taken from this site.

I know that this is not running related, but this is very important to me since I love this country so much (That's my main reason why I am so apprehensive to leave this country.)! Anyway, I have seen two Presidential forums led by two of the Philippines leading networks, ABS-CBN and GMA. Both networks gave a very wonderful avenue for the people to get to know the aspirants, but it has a few glitches and here's my suggestion:

"I wish TV Networks will allow a slot for Presidential Forums in a prime time weekend slot if they genuinely care and serve the Filipino people! I already watched Isang Tanong and Harapan, it was good and you can already see who has the wits and the smarts to be the President of this Nation. Both were scheduled either late at night or in cable channel subsidiary. Not all are able to cope up with late night tv viewing and not all have cable, so you guys better heed my suggestion. And one more thing, please get rid of those pesky commercial breaks. If you give the President of the Philippines 60 minutes to deliver his or her "State of the Nation Address" or (SONA) to be aired in your networks, commercial free! It would be better to allow the applicants for this would-be vacated job a slot in your TV Network and also commercial free. Maraming salamat po! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!"

Kudos to both of these networks, though!

Mark this Date: Dec. 27, 2009

2009-12-01T20:35:00.004+08:00

While waiting for my Tita Nene to upload our photos in last Sunday's "Go for Green" Eco-tourism Run, I have heard that the Kabangis Runners Club of Talisay City (Cebu) will be hosting a run this coming Dec. 27, 2009. Further information regarding this coming race will be posted as soon as I have the details.

photo sourced from this site.

On Top of my List

2009-11-28T06:33:00.001+08:00

and World Peace! ;)

Baptism of Fire

2009-11-20T07:38:00.014+08:00

When my Pops trained for his 1st 21K, he and the rest of the Mandaue Runners Clubs repapeeps run up Busay for their leg and lung endurance.

When I met Sir Steve Ferraren (of the Cebu Executive Runners Club) at the airport while waiting for our return trip to Cebu, he told me that he should've trained running on hills after the lung and leg busting QCIM.

And since I am training for my very first half-marathon, now is the time to have my so-called, "Baptism of Fire". Yes folks, if I want to survive the 21 k, I might as well bust my way up and down to this mountain, and managed to stay alive after.

My Pops and I woke up very early since we will be meeting the MRC peeps at JY Square. The MRC were running from Maguikay, Mandaue to Lahug, Cebu City, a 7 km distance. My Pops is targeting his 30K quota so he ran from our house in Labangon to JY Square at a distance that covers 5+ kilometers. As for me I rode a cab to JY Square since Pops is going to have a tempo run. I waited for them outside McDonald's JY Square, Puffy's favorite store!

Pops arrived and asked me if the MRC peeps were already there. I answered, "Not yet.". So we did some stretching, sprinted in the mall's parking lot. Marlon, one of the MRC members arrived on his motorcycle. A little before 5, the MRC peeps arrived. Pops, Marlon and I joined the pack as we made our ascend towards Busay.

The first few kilometers was tough, from the the base up to the gates of Marco Polo Hotel. But it this just the beginning, there was an even tougher obstacle we encountered just before we reach the finishline. I was with Tita Nene and Tita Doris with another male member who served as our escort. We were behind the pack. We were just running at our slow pace, and enjoyed the surrounding.

Immediately after the Maria Luisa Estate Park's Busay gate, there was a cross on the sidewalk, marking the area where a "habal-habal" a killed by another "habal-habal" driver of possible "traffic" altercation. Tsk, tsk! We even saw the blood trail. I made a sign of the cross, and asked the heavens for the driver that he may "Rest in Peace".

We met up with Sir Steve and his companion as they made their descent. He told me that he have met my Pops! I laughed. Now Sir Steve is including hill runs on his next marathon venture.

Right before we reached Chateau de Busay, we stopped by this store which is also a hangout for mountain bikers to grab some grub and refreshments. I have a bottle of Gatorade with me, but nothing beats an ice cold water to quench your thirst.

And now this is the beginning of a 1 1/2 kilometer of hell! I alternately run and brisk walk in this section of the run since it's already a steep climb and the road is also winding. I consumed myself with the thought that I can make it, and the view of the city and it's surrounding surrounding cities and towns was also a sight to behold. But wait until I get into the top!

We ended our ascend at Seigen Platz, a quaint store nestled at the foot of Tops hill. I consumed my water, and took pictures. I honestly would say, the pictures fell short to the actual sight I have seen.

That's Tita Nene and Tita Doris.

Going to Ayala Heights and Transcentral Highway. Mt. Mangunngal, Cebu's
highest mountain peak was covered by clouds. This were the late
President Ramon Magsaysay met his untimely demise.

We decided to climb up the Skyline Garden Colomabrium. And even consume ourselves with the view and the fresh mountain air!

Okay, that's me wearing my iamninoy runner shirt.

It was already around past 7 in the morning when decided to descend. Now that gravity was now on our side, it was a lot faster than our climb. We briefly stopped in a store near City Lights Condo complex. I ate a baloy (green) banana, drank my remaining Gatorade, and ran again.

We parted ways with the MRC peeps at the Salinas-Gorordo junction. My Pops and I headed to the nearest Jollibee and devoured their breakfast meal.

From the Provincial Capitol to La Tegola Busay, the distance is at 12 km. The distance between the Capitol to JY is around 2 kilometers. So 12 minus 2 is equals to 10, times 2 since we climbed down Busay, so overall I have covered 20 kilometers in this run.

*The blogger, while writing this entry, is nursing a fever and a cough.
*After the "mountain run", the blogger decided to make her recovery run
@ the Cebu City Sports Complex last Wednesday.
*The blogger right now is overdosing herself with vitamins so she can join
in her Father's LSD this coming Sunday in Cordova.

Running in Calle de Muerte (A QCIM Memoir)

2009-11-14T05:29:00.024+08:00

I owe this blog my experience with QCIM, and it's almost a month since it happened, and before I will get my head knocked and lost my memory, I might as well write down my experience. It was last July when the Quezon City government announced that they are going to host an international marathon in celebration for their founding anniversary. It was also on that same time wherein there was an invitation for a veterinarian convention in Manila a few days before the marathon. So I decided since I will be in Manila for that week, might as well have QCIM as my junket.

We were running through Commonwealth Ave., which I affectionately named, "Calle de Muerte". Or in English "Street of Death". I used to live in that area between 2005-2006 during my internship. We stayed at one of my college prof's house in Don Antonio Heights. The village is just across Ever Gotesco Commonwealth. Anyway, why would guys think why I call this street the "street of death"? Well, there are a lot of mishaps that occured in this very street that claimed lives. Most of the deaths are caused by people who are lazy to climb up Commonwealth's numerous overpass, and are brave (or dumb?) enough to cross with vehicles in full throttle.

Anyway, I woke at around 2:30 in the morning on the day of the Marathon. I took time to do some pre-run rituals and ate a light breakfast. I took a cab from the hotel where I was staying, and he dropped me off a block away from the Quezon City Circle, sine the traffic authorites had already blocked off the race route (The route was close from 12 midnight to 11 am.). Once I reached the City Hall, the first thing I was looking for was the courtesy booth for my bag. And just as I saw it, the gun for the 42K was fired. That was at exactly 4:30 in the morning. I secretly wished everybody "Good Luck", as the attendant grabbed my Camelback and placed my race number on a masking tape on it.

I was about to go near the starting pen to look around, I saw a man in his 40's wearing the Lapu-Lapu Runner's Club red jersey. "Alright, naa ko'y nakit-an nga taga-Cebu!", I told myself. He was talking to a very lean man, who as I found out later, is from Surigao and was going to run the 21K. I approached at the the two gentlemen. "Hay salamat! Nay ko'y nakit-an mga Bisaya!". They turned to me, and we made our introductions. What's so funny, the names of the gentlemen slipped through in my brain. So anyway, the guy who was wearing the red Lapu-Lapu Runners Club jersey is actually the president of LLRC. We better call him Prex, while the guy from Surigao, we will just call him Mr. Surigao. Prex was in Manila just to participate for this event. He toured his wife around, they went to an anticipated Mass at Baclaran. Like me, QCIM proved to be a homecoming for him. He reviewed for his Bar exams in Diliman years before, so he is familiar with the race route. It was almost 5:00, so Mr. Surigao has to leave us since the 21K runners will commence their run at exactly 5, so we wished him luck. After the 21K runners were off, we saw paraplegics wheeling themselves to the starting pen. It turned out, QCIM also had a special category for paraplegics with a need for speed. The crowd was cheering for them! Once they were off, it's time for us to go to the pen. the host said that the gun will be fired at 5:45 am. Huh? I thought we will be off at 5:30! Suddenly, I did not notice there was a uniformed police officer beside me. He turned out to be the Police escort of the Quezon City Mayor himself, Feliciano "Sonny" Belmonte, who was for a few seconds was beside me! He looks the same in person and on tv. The emcee called upon Mayor Belmonte to come up the stage. Once on stage, he asked the Mayor if he is going to fire the gun @ 5:45, but the Mayor said or could be the organizers told the emcee that the 10K runners will start at exactly 5:30 am! The Mayor did a short speech, and some other people. I think all eyes in the starting pen are on the Timex watch as we count away the seconds.

Ten second into the start, the crowd started to countdown.

Nine.

Eight.

Seven.

Six.

Five. Prex and I exchanged good lucks.

Four.

Three.

Two.

One.

Mayor Belmonte fired the starting gun. And off we go. Prex sped away unto the lead pack while I start slow. I am making my new strategy now. Instead of starting really fast, I better start slow, and let the others run like for their lives in the first few meters or kilometers. This is my gameplan come January, slow start, strong finish. As I approach Central Mall outside UP Diliman, I was thinking that we will make a turn towards UP, as what the race map indicated.

But to my surprise, we went straight! Was there a change on the 10K race route in the last minute? I am sure Prex must be disappointed, for he could not visit and somehow run through memory lane of his youth down in UP. Take a look at the race map below, I put red ink on the route we actually ran.

So I heaved out a sigh (or was it a grunt) of disappointment and took time on observing what's new in Commonwealth. I have observed that the unoccupied area where a seasonal (Christmas) carnival used to stand back in 2005-2006 is now an IT Center owned by Ayala. Then I looked at the Iglesia ni Cristo Grand Temple and admire it's architecture and grandeur. It is truly a grand temple! The first water station during the race was near the Grand Temple. You can chose from Summit Water or 100 Plus (I guess, Asia Brewery got the fluids sponsorship). I chose the water, and instead of drinking it, I just douse it on my face. I had a bottle of Gatorade at hand. I sped up (and down) the hill near corner Tandang Sora and the Tandang Sora flyover (We did not us ethe flyover folks, but the terrain in Commonwealth is hilly, pretty much like Banawa. But unlike Banawa, it's not that steep, though.). As we approach Toyota Commonwealth, a woman shouted, "Kaya 'nyo 'yan! Lahat kayo magagaling!" (Translation" "You can do it! All of you are good!"). She was a one-woman cheerleading squad that boosted my ego, that I cannot help but reply to her, "Salamat po!". A few meters unto the run, I saw Prex! I was thinking the turning point could be near. And indeed it was near! Out turning point was at Diliman Preparatoty School, just less than a kilometer where I stayed some 4 years ago! From there on I sped up. I consumed my Gatorade at the 6 (or was it 7) kilometer mark and placed on the marker. Once we approached the Tandang Sora I can see the horde of 5K runners/walkers. This was a sort of nightmarish for me. The walkers tend to be as if they are the kings and queens of the road blocking runners, so runners tend to zigzag their way. But if you ask me, why do you have to do the zigzag, if you can use your mouth and with authority say these words, "Excuse me!". And I did it countless of times especially in the junction of Commonwealth and University Aves. I even shouted an excuse to pave the way for Team Logan. Yeah, I allowed Logan to overtake me, but I did not mind at all. As we approach the last kilometer, the ageless Kim Ong (I have come to know her in an article from Bull Runner Magazine.) overtook me. Through reading that advertisement (it was not an article, but an ad), Ms. Kim is actually 60 years young! When I grow up I want to be like her! I sped up until I have reached the finish line, 1 hour:13 minutes! It's not my personal best, but I enjoyed it. Now I have to find a palce to hide since I have to answer a very important call from Nature.

The finish line was located inside the Quezon City Circle. The 10K runners were given a freeby from Nike (i felt sorry for the 5K runners who lined up for the bag, only to be told that the bags are for the 10K runners!). I had a piece of a granola bar, but it cannot beat a hearty breakfast. I was given a copy of The Bull Runner Magazine when I entered the awarding area, and another copy on my way out. SoI have two! I am planning to share one copy of this magazine to someone who is interested. Just post a comment. I was also interested to get a massage from the Salompas booth, but the line was so long, so I just get the sample pads.

On my way out, I saw the 2 Kenyan runners coming in. They were first and second placers of the full-marathon. They removed their shoes and carry their pair on one hand and a medal and a placer's tag on their shirt. I was at awe upon seeing them! These men are gazelles! Then another two Kenyans came in. Apparently they were the 3rd and 4th placers, as what the tag said. I said, "Congratulations". They replied, "Thank you!".

I have two copies of The Bull Runner Magazine Oct-Dec 2009 Issue.
I am willing to give one. Just post a comment if you want to have this.

This I wouldn't give this one! This is way too precious to me.
I am okay that the 42K and the 21K runners get the finisher's medal.
But Nike was too generous to give this away! Now I have bag for my shoes, although both
are from Nike's rival, Adidas.

Next blog: Have you ever tried running up Busay? Read my "Baptism of Fire".

Red Cross Run Registration

2009-11-13T06:35:00.002+08:00

I got a message from Landolf Villanueva regarding Red Cross Humanity Race's registration through Facebook.

Dated: 13 November 2009 12:39 am

"hi! hello!

pa register na mga pips!!!

basin makalimot nya mo.hehehhe

december 2 and deadline sa registration.

hopfuly by next week pwede namo maka pa register sa Cebu City Sports Complex and WOW Travel and More outlets sa E-Mall and Robinsons...

don't worry we'll update you for more details.

that's all for now.

thanx! "

Cebu City Marathon Registration

2009-11-09T06:29:00.003+08:00

Now you can register at the Cebu City Marathon!

Just go to Adidas Ayala Active Zone or Adidas-Banilad Town Center (BTC),

and get the registration form.

The registration forms are color-coded:

5K- Blue,

21K- Pink,

42K-Green.

You can pay your registration fee at any Thirsty outlets in Ayala or BTC.

Manu Swatted a Bat, Get Vaccinated

2009-11-07T06:12:00.003+08:00

Emmanuel "Manu" Ginobili of the San Antonio Spurs and Argentina swatted a bat in a game against the Sacramento Kings on Halloween Night! Guess what he got for doing it?

RABIES SHOTS!

A Running Show on Q

2009-11-06T15:53:00.004+08:00

RUN THE TALK
Premiers Nov. 8, 2009
Sunday, 2:45 pm- 3:15 pm
on QTv.

Running in Daanbantayan

2009-11-03T05:50:00.009+08:00

We went to my Momma's hometown of Daanbantayan last Undas weekend. Not to be mistaken with Bantayan, Daanbantayan is the nothernmost town of mainland Cebu. It is 2 1/2 to 3 hours drive from the city. Since I did not run last Sunday, I decided to run on Nov. 2, a Monday. My original plan was to run from Libertad, Brgy. Bagay to Poblacion via the main highway. My Momma said that's a 7 kilometer journey, but my Uncle said it's only 5 1/2, while my Lola said it's 6 k. Part of my plan was to have a car escorted me through the course, knowing those buses are quite bullish on their own turf. When we were about to go, the driver backed out. So it was my Pops who drove us towards Daanbantayan. Even without someone to escort me (although Pops also runs, but he gets easily tired after long drives.), I already had the resolve to run towards Poblacion.

I woke fairly early on Monday morning, and so was my Aunt, my Momma's big sister. She suggested to run instead towards Poblacion, why not run in the newly asphalted road of Brgy. Dalingding, where my Lola Nating's (their Mother's) family is from. I know they were concerned of my safety because of those bully buses, so I decided to run the Dalingding road. My Momma also joined since she had not have her weekly brisk walks in weeks!

As far as I could remember, the Dalinding Road was not always asphalted. It was just a dirt road made of limestone. There is a bridge that traverse Dalingding River, it used to be a wooden bridge, but now it's already made of steel and asphalt.

I have to make brief walking stops during this run since there were a lot of dogs. Unlike the urban dogs we have in the city, these barrio dogs are so naive when it comes to someone running. You see these dogs are not used to seeing people running, and a stranger at that. I can imagine what these dogs were thinking, "Running crispy pata!".

My plan was just to run until Dalingding's center, but I became a Curious George. I want to know where will this road end. I asked residents where this road will lead me. A lady replied, "At the end of this road if you turn to the right, that's going to Medellin, and if you are going to the left, that's going to Daanbantayan Proper."

There was this part of the road where I have to go downhill, I already saw the sea in the horizon. I asked another resident how many kilometers more before I reach the main road. A man asnwered, " 'Ga, it's only 1 1/2 kilometers away!". Ga, is a shortened term for Pangga or love one in Bisaya, is a common term of endearment here in the north. Even to a stranger, the usually say this especially to us who are younger than the person who refer to you as "Ga". What's so funny, my Momma never calls me "Ga" when we are in the city. But when we are in her hometown, she will refer me as, "Ga", every now and then.

That's me at the end of the road! The lady was right, on my right is going to Medellin and to my left is going to Daanbantayan. Check out my shoes, that is an Adizero Tempo, which I named "Mako". I almost forgot, this is Barangay Paypay, the border barangay of Daanbantayan to Medellin.

That's my Momma. Along the way, she asked the people if a girl passed by, then introduces herself as the mother of the girl and the daughter of a certain Nating from Libertad. I think the locals knew my Grandmother since her family is from this place, and her niece happened to be the barangay captain.

Good thing I listened to my Aunt! That was a nice run, rolling hills, winding roads. I dunno how many kilometers I ran, but it was good!

My New Partner-in-Crime

2009-10-28T06:05:00.002+08:00

Adizero Tempo

First (1st) RCY-Cebu Humanity Race

2009-10-24T21:53:00.004+08:00

The Red Cross Youth (RCY) is inviting everyone to join the First (1st) Red Cross Youth-Cebu Humanity Race Run for a Cause. This will be held on Dec. 06, 2009 at the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) Building, Osmeña Blvd. (Jones Ave.), beside the Cebu City Public Library.

The categories for the race are: 10 K (Men's Open/Executive), 10 K (Women's Open/ Executive), 5K (Men/Women Open) and 5K (RCY/Volunteers/PNRC staff).

Registration fees are:
P 300.00- Race packet with membership*
P 200.00- (For students) race packet with membership*
P 150.00- (For RCY volunteers and PNRC staff) race packet

(*Red Cross membershp includes 1 year accident insurance.)

Registration is now goin' on! Deadline for the registration will be until Dec. 2, 2009.

For inquiries call:
PNRC-Cebu 253-9793 and look for Alvin Adolfo (Race organizer).

The race route is on the map below. Just click on the photo for bigification.

Proceeds from this race will go to the organizations "Major Services".

I am just announcing this race since it has been circulated within my circle of friends on Facebook. Thank you Ms. Melody P. Mendoza, my grade school classmate, for announcing this event on Facebook.

Happy Burpday!

2009-10-21T05:33:00.002+08:00

to

ME!

Octoberpets 2009

2009-10-20T06:30:00.013+08:00

You might be wondering why I did not participate in any of the races last Oct. 11?

It was because of this...

The Cebu Companion Animal Practitioners Association (CCAPA) is an organization composed of veterinarians who are specializing in companion or dog and cat medicine. We have this annual activity called, "Octoberpets" wherein the member vets will have free clinic and free anti-rabies vaccination to those under privileged. We made sure it will be held in October since the World Animal Day falls on Oct. 4.

You might be wondering what am I doing to Puffy?

There was a pet blessing! In every Octoberpets, we always have this "Pet Blessing". And we always have Fr. Rey Talaugon of Capitol Parish do the blessing.

There were fun matches as well! We encouraged the mixed breeds (As-Pins or Asong Pinoy) to participate!

The pedigreed breeds were also there in full force!

I got the chance to judge in one of the fun matches, "Well-groomed Pedigreed Dog".

A whippet graced the event, so we gave him an award as the "Most Unique Breed".

Oh, I got hold of a snake...

...and a gecko lizard!

A pride of cats! This is a whole family of Persian cats, but the dad looked like a Scottish Fold.

This chihuahua would like to spread the Christmas cheer this early!

Too cute for Halloween!

Owner and pooch wore the same outfit! We gave them an award!

The favorite event of the crowd...
"PAPER DANCE-LARGE BREED CATEGORY".

The event's best shot ever!

photo of the Master and golden retriever: taken from istorya.net

There was a "fun" dog race...

...wherein a speedy Shih Tzu won by a mile!

Participants and on-lookers!

There was also an agility show starring the two amazing Border Collies,

and was hosted by there Master, Ryan Ong of the K9 Agility Club.

Cute kitty!

All kinds of animals that are considered as pets were there, and that included these tortoises and a bunch of arachnids!

On behalf of all the members of CCAPA, I would like to extend a very big "THANK YOU!" to all the exhibitors, participants and sponsor!

See you guys next year!

Pasalubong ng Bayan

2009-10-19T05:44:00.005+08:00

Sorry, it's no longer

DUNKIN' DONUTS!

I bought 6 dozens of it!

PS: You should see the faces of everyone who were looking at me carrying these goodies! There was one lady who looked at me from head to foot! I hate those kind of people! I think she was just insecure of my Krispy Kremes!

Random Thoughts

2009-10-13T06:50:00.003+08:00

With two typhoons ravaged the capital and the Luzon, with relief operation on going on those mentioned places, I was thinking...

"Have you ever heard of Batanes crying out for relief?"

Guess Who Waited for Me At the Finish Line?

2009-10-06T05:45:00.007+08:00

Puffy.

Our ever, dearest rematado patient turned clinic mascot waited for me so we could have Frappuccino together.

Sad to say, our ever dutiful guards did not want Puffy to stay, even in the outside tables of Starbucks!

SIGH!

Puffy went to McDonald's JY Square to have his breakfast, but the early morning shift manager/supervisor did not allow him.

Not even to sit outside, where the tables were uncleaned, with cigarette butts and all left by the
night owls.

With all these kind of rejection he experienced in just one morning, he took his breakfast home,
but did not eat it!

Do the guard at the terraces and that early morning shift manager/supervisor ever knew
that OCTOBER 4 is WORLD ANIMAL DAY?!

So much for celebrating it.

photo credits: boss

Who Were You Running For?

2009-10-04T21:02:00.007+08:00

October has been declared as the "Breast Cancer Awareness Month", and to kick off the month long activity, the Ayala Center Cebu (ACC) had the "Think Pink Fun Run" this morning. I signed up for this run as soon as I received an e-mail from ACC inviting me to join the run.

Once I received the singlet and the race bib, I was contemplating to whom I am dedicating this run for. So I posted a picture of my race bib on my online social networking site, and asked for some friends if they knew of someone who is diagnosed with breast cancer. One of my instructors back in college responded and asked for her Mother's name to be put on my race bib. Last night, I put her name on the bib.

Ms. Alice Gonzales was first diagnosed to have breast cancer in 2000, and underwent mastectomy (a surgical procedure that removes the mammary glands, or breast) and chemotherapy. She had her other breast removed in 2004. She just finished her 5 years worth of oral chemo drugs, and will be getting annual check-ups. I just pray that no remission will occur on her.

When I arrived this morning, it was so disappointing that not so many people are running with the names of breast cancer patients on there bibs. I was thinking, while running, maybe a lot of people did not know anybody with this illness, or are they just being silent or just let the patient remain anonymous? Maybe these guys, especially the ladies, dedicated their run for themselves, but placing their own names and the word "myself" could be too tacky and selfish in the eyes of the few.

I finished the race in 1 hour and 8 minutes. Oh, I wish Pops was there to motivate me! I ran faster if he was with me. My Pops was with the Mandaue Runners Club, running 24 kilometers, traversing both Mactan-Mandaue bridges.

Before I end this blog entry, one of the runners who I overtook at the Cebu Holdings Building on our way to the finish line actually has a daughter who has cancer. I am sure that she was not diagnose to have breast cancer since she is still a child. He and his wife dedicated their run to their precious angel. I actually bumped into them at the UCC Cafe Terrace for my sumptuous breakfast. I guess the "Think Pink Fun Run" should not be relegated to breast cancer patients, but to all patients, victims and survivors of all forms of cancer.

PS: I also dedicated my run to Mrs. Jamilarin, the Mom of one of my high school classmate who succumb to cancer this year. Sorry Chikoy for not putting your Mom's name on my bib, but she was on my mind while running.

Vote For Efren Peñaflorida

2009-10-03T06:38:00.002+08:00

Two Bloody Run Weekend

2009-09-28T04:24:00.002+08:00

Running in two successive days in one weekend could be suicide. But I did. I had a hard a time choosing which events to run, the Ayala Eco Dash which was held last Saturday, or the World Heart Day Run yesterday. Since I can't decide and to the prodding of my friends to (why) not run both, so I ran both races. Since I still have work on Saturday and I don't want to get exhausted on Sunday, I only 5 kilometers for the Eco-Dash. As part of my scheduled Sunday long run, I decided to run for 10 kilometers on the Heart Day Run.

Let's go straight to the race shall we? The Saturday race, I decided not to go full throttle since, as I have said, I still have to report to work and another race the day after. I just enjoyed the run for I know that I am helping Mother Nature with this run. The P 175.00 registration fee will come a long way in helping the Kan-irag Nature Reserve, one of the protected forested areas in Cebu City. I helped other runners cross the road by signaling to them that there were no vehicles coming towards us within 200 meters, which is just my estimate. I finished the race in 35 minutes, which is two minutes better than my first 5K race. According to bald runner, I can predict my 10K time by multiplying my 5K time by two, and add 2 1/2 minutes. In short, my predicted time for a 10K race, my time would be 1 hour, 12.5 minutes. This time was busted the very next day.

The World Heart Day Run was somewhat daunting to me. Come to think of it, I have to pass through two flyovers not just twice, but thrice! The route passed through the busiest streets of Cebu City. Good thing it was held on a Sunday, a gloomy, windy Sunday! Am I going to run in a storm? Maybe, but the weather has been unpredictable these past few days. Come hale, come rain, come shine. On the first few meters of the run, as we descended towards Capitol Parish, the wind was blowing on my back. I could feel that the wind propelled me. She was my friend for the first half of the course. When I got back from the turning point the wind was against me, especially when you are on top of the flyover. I still kept my composure, and with Pops kept on encouraging me (who was escorting me). While running this hilly course, I realized how blessed am I for having the Banawa hills as my running route. Running up and down those hills of Mango Ave., was a breeze (modesty aside). As I approach Cebu Doctor's Hospital with the finishline in sight, I started to speed up. As i reached teh finishline, the clock says 1 hour: 3 minutes! Hehehehehe! I matched my best 10K time, and come to think of it, I ran on hilly terrains and two flyovers, compared to the last time I jotted that time in which the course was flat.

Sorry, no photos. Mama had an activity to the LGU where she is part of, and on that Saturday Run, I came there all alone. Did I mention that while running these two race, my monthly visitor paid a visit?

The Quest for the Perfect Pair Part 1

2009-09-25T05:43:00.004+08:00

As in my previous post, I have come into conclusion that I have an overpronated feet. This means that I tend to roll my feet inward that much. Wikipedia.org has even a more concrete explanation about it so click on the website. My feet need motion stability type of shoes that has maximum cushioning and maximum control of my feet. In short, this will protect my feet from it tendency to become overpronated, right?

Anyway, my quest had commence, and I started with the nearest mall from the clinic, Ayala Center Cebu. The first store I visited was Planet Sports. I asked the attendant if they have any shoes for my feet. So we went to the rack full for New Balance shoes, and gave me a blue one. On it's inside sole, there was a tagged that says, "STABILITY". Cool! They even explained to me that I need such shoe to prevent injuring myself. I said, "Okay.", as if I am so naive to this things. I asked the attendant again if the shoes has one in pink or lavender, he just laughed and said that it's only in blue. Before, I went out, I said "Thank you!", and headed for the exit.

The next store was Nike. I went straight to the Women's running rack and acted as if I am eager to buy one then and there. I caught the attention of a novice female attendant. I asked her if they have any shoes for my feet. For being a novice that she is, she was puzzled. And being a novice that she is she asked for the senior staffs for help. I admired her, at least she is being honest, and not some freakin' know-it-all. The senior female staff told me that I need shoes that is not so curved on the sides of the sole, since I am a flat-foot. The very curved sided soles are reserved for those with a high arch foot. As in the previous store, I thank both the novice and the senior staff and went out.

At Adidas, I did not bother to ask. They do not have running shoes for Women available.

So the last store I visited was Athlete's Foot. And since Athlete's Foot and Planet Sports are sister companies, they presented to me the same shoes as Planet Sports have, the blue New Balance shoes. Also like the salesperson of PS, AF's salesperson was also accommodating. Thank you!

As I was looking around Athlete's Foot, I saw some cushioning in soles, and since Christmas is fast approaching, I already know what to give to my father (aka Pops).

Part 2: The SM raid.

What Type of Pronation Do I Have?

2009-09-20T06:48:00.004+08:00

QCIM UPDATE

2009-09-13T06:35:00.004+08:00

Finally, I am registered.

Special thanks to the staff of Timex Ayala Center Cebu Branch.

DSOS Run 09-09-09

2009-09-10T04:36:00.002+08:00

Sorry no photos! I did not break my old personal record for the 10k run, but who cares. I am just simply happy that there is another race, and that it's a midweek race! Hahahahaha! What a way to compensate my absence for my weekend run since my family joined the "Walk for Mary" procession and mass.

The Don Sergio Osmeña, Sr. Run is usually held on the 9th of September to celebrate the birth anniversary of Don Sergio Osmeña, Sr. He turned 131 years old yesterday. He is Cebu's pride since he served as President (by de facto) of the exiled Commonwealth Government of the Philippines during the war. What I mean by "de facto" is that, he became the President since the president then, Manuel L. Quezon died during his term, thus as Quezon's vice-president, he assumed the post.

Anyway, the race's starting line is at his birthplace, at the corner of Lapu-Lapu St. and Osmeña Blvd., about a block away from Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño, in what is now the Cebu Downtown Hotel. While the finish line is at the Cebu City Sports Complex. We have to park our car at complex, and that means we have to either commute, walk or jog to the starting line for about a kilometer or so away. Good thing we were joined by other (veteran) runners in running towards the starting line.

Did I mention that I am sick while running? Oh yes, I have cough. But during the race, it was gone! Hahahahaha! Oh running, I love you!

The race route is from Osmeña Blvd., then to Jones Ave., right turn to P.del Rosario, straight to the Imus Road, turn left towards Gorordo Ave., turning point: JY Square Discover Mall, Back to Gorordo, turn right to Escario St., then turn left towards Jones Ave and to the finish line inside the complex.

I don't mind if I am always at the tail-end. After all, I am not competing with anybody. I am competing against myself. I heard a compliment from an elderly man who was running and walking as I passed by him, "Young Miss, you have amazing stamina!" I answered, "Buyag!". "Buyag" is a Cebuano term to dispel any chance of the Elementals or "mga engkanto" to stop your luck or any nice features the complimented person (or in our case, animals) has. "Buyag!"

The race was a-okay! The marshalls were doing there jobs, except that they were already gone to man the traffic at Fuente Osmeña. And the water! The water was all gone! I was running thirsty for most parts of the race. Good thing Tito Roy (who already finished the race), brought Gatorade with him as he met me in Capitol. I never thought Gatorade tasted this good even if it was no longer cold. When I finished the race, I went towards the water booth only to find out there is no water! Great, just great! Anyway, good thing the other runners gave me water. Thank you so, so much!

I may add the hydration belt on my Christams Wishlist. I mean, if the organizers cannot anticipate the need for runners, I might as well anticipate my need for water and electrolytes.

Anyway, is anybody joining that running seminar on the 19th of September? I will be there! I hope to see there! Ciao!

Dear Santa

2009-09-07T21:51:00.009+08:00

Dear Santa,

I am sending you my warmest greetings to warm you up in the frigid cold of the Arctic. "tis the time of the year wherein the weather here in the northern tropics have been wet, wet, wet! Anyway, I have been a very good girl this year and do you mind if you could grant me some of my wishes.

My first wish is...

photo taken from this.

...a Hummer. Yeah, I know it's too much, but any petite girl wants a muscle car to compensate for the lack of height! Hahahahahahahahaha! Seriously, if you give me the real thing or a scale model, I don't mind.

Second, would be a watch! But I am torn between...

...a Garmin...

...or a Technomarine. The Garmin is for my running escapades. It details my mileage I ran, calories I burned and the elevation of my route. The Technomarine, dude, I got a major crush on this watch. Enough said.

Photo for the Garmin 305 is form the official website.
Photo for the Technomarine watch is from Amazon.com.

Third, running gear, running gear, running gear. And that includes shoes, socks, support wear, shirts, shorts ( not the bun shorts), tights, unlimited supply of Salompas spray, supplements, running books.

Fourth, health and happiness for me and my family.

and last the never the least, Peace on Earth!

I think that's it for now. I am still thinking for some gifts, the list may go on and on.

God Bless,
Maria Nes-Li

World's Oldest Dog is Dead

2009-09-05T04:43:00.004+08:00

Chanel the world's oldest dog is dead at age 21.

For the full story, click here.

Photo credits also from the same website.

Hachiko

2009-09-03T05:05:00.006+08:00

The statue of Hachiko, Akita inu, in Shibuya District, Tokyo, District

Warning: Before reading this blog entry, make sure you have your Kleenex at hand. This is a certified tear-jerker.

The story of Hachiko, the Akita inu has become a legend in Japan, pretty much like 47 rounins and the great Musashi Minamoto. But the story of Hachiko is just fairly recent. I came across the story of this great dog when I was still an intern back in 2005-2006. I was on a night shift then, andI had nothing to do but watch over admitted patients and anticipated any emergency cases. So I garb a copy of Animal Scene magazine and read some stuffs useful. Right then and there, I came across Hachiko's story.

Hachiko is an akita inu (one of the many native dog breeds from Japan) who lived with his Master, a university professor, in the suburbs of Tokyo during pre-World War II Japan. He always escorted his Master on his way to the train station, and waited for him when he got back from his work. Suddenly his Master died, most likely of cardiac arrest. But still Hachiko went to the train station just to wait for his return. The people from the train station knew what happened to his Master, so they just let Hachiko be. They also provided food and sometimes talked to Hachiko, as well. He did this for ten years until his own demise in 1935. The loyalty of the dog was so great, that his story spread all over. That is why there's a statue dedicated to Hachiko in the most popular and busiest districts of Tokyo, Shibuya.

There was this movie on Hachiko from Japan made in 1987.

And a Hollywood movie based on Hachiko's story starring Richard Gere.

I was inspired by DJ Chico's blog.

BER

2009-09-01T21:39:00.004+08:00

Today marks the first day of the "Ber" months! And when the months end with "Ber", you know what this means.

BEeR- It's the season wherein German's will flock into pubs and drink beer. And I think a lot of other culture adopted this very German tradition. Bottoms up!

BERrrrr- For a tropical nation, it' s the season that we Filipinos are able to wear our long sleeved shirts and jackets. Never mind if the clothes smell are of naphthalene balls.

BE(i)Rthday- I will be turning a year older (hopefully, wiser!).

BER-This means the holiday season is here! Woohoo!

Which reminds me, I better start buying my gifts!

Countdown to 01-10-10

2009-08-28T05:47:00.010+08:00

It's still next year, but I am ecstatic when the Cebu Executive Runners Club (CERC) officially announced this on the paper and Marathon Foodie's blog. I may be running the 10K race for now, but the time in between now and January I have enough lung and leg power to survive the 21k race. Yes folks, I am going to run the half-marathon, and why not?

This used to be known as the Sinulog Half-Marathon, but the people from the CERC changed the name to Cebu City Marathon. This time around there will be a full 42.195 kilometer race, thus this will be the longest, and most prestigious race being organized in Cebu City. Cool! And it will be held during Sinulog season so this race will be attracting tourists from the neighboring provinces and around the world!

The event will feature 5K, 21K and 42K races. Sorry, no 10K! This is to encourage 10K runners to go out of their box and run 21K. See this article.

Here are the race routes: 5K

21K route (In which I will be running!)

42K (My Papa will run this!)

For more of the race, check out www.cebumarathon.com.

See you this 01-10-10!

Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations Philippines

2009-08-26T05:36:00.003+08:00

For those of you who are curious on or hasn't seen Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations:Philippines, I am posting the videos I got from youtube.com. Enjoy!

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

To Augusto: "Bai, balik-balik dire sa 'Pinas, ilabi na dire sa harang Sugbu!"

Second 10K Race: I have beaten my old record

2009-08-24T06:47:00.004+08:00

"He who overcomes others is strong. He who overcomes himself is mighty"

-Chinese Proverb

Yesterday, Aug. 23, 2009, was the fourth installment of the University Run organized by the Cebu Doctors University. It's their opening salvo of their founding anniversary activities. This is my second 10K race, and I was so giddy to participate. I was glad that some familiar faces in the running circuit are back. I am sure that they did not participate in last weekend's Rock and Run race because of the heavy rain.

The 10K race covers two 5K courses near the vicinity of the Cebu Doctors University in the Mandaue City Reclamation Area. There were a lot of runners, mostly students of the said institution. I have finally talked to Drum Runner and Marathon Foodie. They were cool!

Dr. Potenciano Larazzabal, Jr. gave the most inspiring opening speech, "Just run!". Woohoo, that was inspiring, very short and very simple! We runners flocked i their school just for the run, you know?

Anyway, you may notice why am I so happy in this blog entry? It's because I have shattered my old 10K time record. Just last week at the Rock and Run, my time was 1 hour: 13 minutes: and 25 seconds. In this weekend's race, my time was 1 hour: 03 minutes and 27 seconds! I have beaten my old record by 10 minutes! I feel that I have won the race! Hahahahahahaha! I hope Marathon Foodie also shattered her old personal record.

Post Race Photo-op: With Ma'am Twinkle Ignacio. Man, the sun is shining on my face and she is also beside me!

Ma, you missed me by half a second. Sutoy na ko!

Tito Duardo (of MRC) is trying to outdo Ma'am Twinkle in the Best in Costume Category.

PS: LOLz Moment: the Atan Guardo Runner's club danced to the tune of "Nobody" by the Wonder Girls! Did somebody upload that in youtube?

PS2: I did not have any blisters anymore! Thank you Marathon Foodie and Dr. Bontol for their unsolicited advices!

The Best Drummer in the World is...

2009-08-21T13:45:00.004+08:00

...is an Animal, no make his name is Animal, that is! I am feeling nostalgic these days, and I was searching for images of this Muppet on the net (via Google, of course!), when I saw this blog by a drummer. I find everything he said about Animal to be true especially when he added this video of him made by youtube user:Melander986BF.

Kermit missed on comparing Animal to Ringo Starr! Animal was my favorite Muppet, although my brother kept on insisting that my favorite is Miss Piggy. This was because our Grandaunt gave me a buoy that has Miss Piggy's face on it! He forever remembers it! Eww, I cringed every time he brings that topic! What makes Animal my favorite Muppet? Well, he is soooooo ugly, it makes him cute! And he has killer drummer moves, too!

Isn't he cute?

33rd Milo Marathon Tagbilaran Eliminations

2009-08-21T06:04:00.006+08:00

The Mandaue Runner's Club went to Bohol last Aug.09, 2009 to run the Milo (half) Marathon in Tagbiliran City. My Father and I are members of this club, although we are living in Labangon (hahahahahaha). These people are composed of veteran runners already, and they are the ones who arranged our registration in running events.

Labangon Peeps Running for Mandaue

Tita Doris (in black, wearing a cap) won the 21K Women's Category

Majority of the runners took the top spots, especially Tita Doris Nodalo who won the 21K women's. Sad to say, her time did not qualify for the National Marathon this coming October!

*All photos are taken from Mrs. Ma. Nene Lansang.

Taking the 10K Plunge

2009-08-17T05:38:00.007+08:00

Before making a major decision, I always look for signs, like for example when I took my board exams. I was apprehensive on taking the exams immediately after graduation. I don't elaborate what sign it was, but the answer was a resounding "YES" to take the exam.

The Rock and Run 1/4 Marathon was my first race to run 10K. That's 5 kilometers more than my usual 5 K run. The Great Lapu-Lapu Run was the longest run I had at 6 kilometers. I decided to go for 10K this time since I am planning to join the 10K course of the Quezon City International Marathon this coming October. I will be in the capital during that time to attend a convention for Companion Animal Veterinarians. The QCIM will be my junket.

Racing in Mandaue is a good way in testing my leg and lung powers. Mandaue's terrain is mostly flat, unlike here in Cebu City wherein there are a lot of hills. The race did not start at 6 am. Heavy downpour and thunderstorms delayed the race. We thought it was going to be delayed. Thank God, the rain stopped at around 6:30 in the morning. This meant that the race must go on!

There were only a few people who joined the race, unlike some previous races I joined. The rain could have posed a threat to runners, thinking that with a heavy downpour, the race is going to be cancelled.

As shown, above there was one lady who dressed up as a Pop Star while there was one who ran as the Incredible Hulk! Anyway, so much for them. Anyway, I was running through my own pace on the first 5 kilometers comfortably. But on the sixth kilometer mark (As I was running towards Super Metro), I felt some pain on my right side of my abdomen. Tito Roy who was escorting through the race, coached me to some breathing. What I did was grunt! Hehehehehehe, not the Maria Sharapova grunt that will destroy your ear drums. At the same time there was a slight drizzle and a gentle gale that helped get back. The tingling pain was caused by lack of air into my lungs. So the gale helped fill my lungs. By the seventh kilometer onwards, I no longer have pain. One of the veteran runners from the Mandaue Runners Club, 'Nong Goggie joined in to escort me. I did some speed work upon approaching the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC).

I may be one of the last runners to finish the 10K course, but my time was not bad! I finished the race at 1 hour: 13 minutes: and 25 seconds. Right after the race, I drank a lot of fluids, packed juices, water, sports drink.

I love the fact that as a newbie, I was able to finish the 10k course running through and through. I have defeated my urge to walk and the lingering pain of my stomach. I may not be the winner of the race, but I felt I won! My Mother gave me a bear hug after the race, and she was so proud of me! And so was my Father!

But right now, I am nursing blisters on my two feet! Hehehehehehe!

Boys Vs. Girls

2009-08-15T06:22:00.003+08:00

Another potential song that will be added into my running playlist is "Gee" by Girl's Generation. This is a Korean Pop group of 9 girls aged between 18-21. "Gee", the song title has an upbeat melody, and the lyrics are fact, I don't mind singing the song even if I don't know the lyrics. Here's the video:

But wait, another Korean All-Male Pop Group, Super Junior has a cover for it!

Between the two, I like the Girl's Generation version. I'm biased!

The Adventures of Puffy the Shih Tzu Episode 1: McDonald's

2009-08-14T05:50:00.002+08:00

I felt like having my food delivered on the clinic's doorstep last Wednesday, so I dialed McDonald's Delivery for some McNuggets and Coke. And since Puffy was inside the clinic enjoying his siesta, I might as well gave him his french fries. He loves McDonald's French Fries so much!

A few moment later the McDonald's delivery guy arrived.

Oopsy daisies, the McDonald's people totally forgot the fries, so McDOnald's delivery guy have to go back and get it. Well, he returned ASAP for Puffy's fries.

This is not a commercial, this is reality!

Poker Face by Chris Daughtry

2009-08-12T05:42:00.003+08:00

Lady Gaga's phenomenal hit, "Poker Face" has been stripped...to become an acoustic hit by Chris Daughtry! The former American Idol alum (whose exit was one of the ultimate shockers on Idol history), done this version while in Germany! Love it or hate it, I hope you enjoy it!

Uploaded by Matty Boy through youtube.

PS: Rihanna's "Umbrella" had the same treatment, right?

Congratulations to the New Veterinarians 2009

2009-08-08T05:54:00.003+08:00

List of Friends who took the exam last Aug. 3-5, 2009 Veterinary Medicine Licensure Examination

1. ALBURO, CYRIL LOU CANLAS
2. ASTORGA, CHRISTOPHER RYAN MONREAL
3. BAGOT, MELVIN AYES
4. BLANZA, ANALYN ITAAS
5. CABUENAS, JUAN PAULO CAALIM
6. DAROY, SHIRLY BATURI
7. DAYOC, CONCEPCION WAGAS
8. DIPAY, FELUCHE
9. GACUTAN, NEIL CHRISTIAN DATIG
10. IBAÑEZ, MA. CHRISTINE HOPE LATONIO
11. JOSOL, JEZEEL JACELA
12. LOPEZ, IVY FE MIRALLES
13. MIGUELLO, AVEGUIN BAYAWA
14. OYBENES, EM COMENDADOR
15. POLESTICO, JENNEFE GODINEZ
16. SANCHEZ, FROILAND

For the complete list of passers, click here.

The Four Honor Guards at Pres. Aquino's Funeral Cortege

2009-08-07T05:19:00.003+08:00

GMANews.TV - QTV: Honor guard's own tribute to Cory - Video - Official Website of GMA News and Public Affairs - Latest Philippine News

Shared via AddThis

Just Click on the link above.:)

-Ling

Battlefield

2009-08-05T05:55:00.002+08:00

I've been hearing this new Jordan Sparks' song, "Battlefield", played all over MTV these days. And it seems my body is a battlefield.

You see, I've been fighting off this urge to slack rather than run these past few days, and it's my slacker side that would always win! It started after Milo Marathon. Maybe because I always set my mind to conquer the 5 K run of Milo, and after that my interest in running was, pffft! I have so many reasons to myself and to my family why I don't like to run, and to tell you the truth, those reasons are petty.

I was able to run the 6K of the Great Lapu-Lapu Run, and I was fine, or should I say "survived" the whole ordeal of running in the rain with potholes, mud and selfish tricycle drivers. But I want to push myself and step up my level a bit!

I am planning to run the 10k course of the Quezon City International Marathon since I will be in Manila for a convention.

I need an inspiration. I need motivation. I need to run.

Nobody by the Wonder Girls (from Korea) Robot Version

2009-07-15T06:28:00.000+08:00

"nobody" by the wonder girls is such an LSS.
it sprung a lot of internet versions including the famous cpdrc inmates of my home island, cebu!

but my personal favorite among them is the robots dancing to it. LOLZ!

Removed Blog Entry, "Average Filipino IQ: 86"

2009-07-11T16:58:00.005+08:00

I have to remove this certain blog entry, "Average Filipino IQ: 86", since it already stirred some racist slurs and mud slinging. I admit I'm guilty of insulting Mr. Malaysian Guy Shao Chen, but this has gone way, way too far.

I posted that blog entry as a reflection to us Filipinos. Although we may not have the "best" educational system in the world, I think 86 is not bad.

I saw the entry in one of our forums. A lot of us Filipinos were actually laughing since that grade is simply an equivalent of a C in Western Grading System. We, as a people, laugh at simple things, and tend to look at it in a positive way. We look at it differently. I have to say 86 is not bad, at least we Filipinos are not "morons".

I have to end this post by saying, we may look and act very differently, but deep inside we are all the same, and we all came from Africa.

PS: To all those who expressed their thoughts, slurs, and opinions, THANK YOU! You have made the entry one of the most read entries so far in this blog. And with 20+ comments "Thank You!" so much! Maraming Salamat!

Busy 2 Weekends Part 1

2009-07-08T05:41:00.003+08:00

I'm sorry to all my avid readers (if there is one) that i have no blog post as of late since I am too engrossed to road running. Hahahahaha! Yes, I have made my conviction of leaving my sedentary life behind and be one of the few who enjoys road runs early in the morning! After training for three months, the fruits have finally yielded.

Last June 28, 2009, a local radio station, DYAB (ABS-CBN) has it's annual fun run. I planned to run the 5 kilometer route as my gauge for the 5 k run for the Milo Marathon the following weekend (Part 2 of this blog entry). The Thursday before that, June 25, 2009, my Father and I decided to run the 5 k course. How I wish I know how to post the route using Goggle Earth! Anyway, during that dry run, I was ok! With that my mind is set that I can survive a 5 kilometer run.

During race day, i was surprised that the 5k course had to turn back to where we started. Out turning point is at Cebu Aeronotical and Technical School, not the one I practiced which has pass through UP! Oh well, I conquered the first course, how much more this one! You see, the terrain here in Cebu is quite hilly, good thing my training in the hills of Banawa paid off!

I was running at my own pace, that's what expert constantly told me. In a road race, you get swarmed by the people, and tend not to run at your own pace, that makes it tiring. I was running at my own pace, running slowly on an uphill, sprinting on a downhill. I was able to finish the race in 26 minutes! Not bad for a beginner!

Here are some of my photos during the race:

Judoka Pug

2009-07-02T19:54:00.001+08:00

I found this video over youtube! I find it cute and funny at the same time. It's a pug owned by a Japanese gentleman who does some Judo moves.

Sorry no subtitles! But who cares, it's so funny!

Jurassic Park, Then and Now

2009-06-19T07:01:00.000+08:00

It was 1993 when Jurassic Park premiered all over the world. I was a kid then, and I watched it with my Father and my brother (the one next to me). Although the rating was PG-13, we were still allowed to get inside since we were accompanied by an adult. Since watching that movie, it became one of my favorite movies of all time. My criteria why I considered it as one of my fabe movie was more it's amazing special effects.

Last night, I watched the movie all over again, via HBO. Now, I'm a full-fledged adult in my mid-20s. The reason why I watched it (again) was changing my perspective. I was more interested into their dialogue, the emotions, well re-evaluating the entire thing, as an adult.

As a kid, I knew that the trouble began when the fatso computer geek, Dennis' (played by Wayne Knight) greedy and conniving plan of stealing embryo of dinos, and sell it to the black market. Dennis is responsible for the security of the park. Right now, Dennis act was a mere catalyst. The trouble began when billionaire John Hammond (Richard Attenborough) played God by recreating animals that were extinct 65 millions years earlier. There was this scene while they were still in a car when mathematician, Dr. Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) exclaimed, "God created dinosaurs. God destroyed dinosaurs. God creates man. Man destroys God. Man creates dinosaurs. Dinosaurs eat Man." And then Dr. Ellie Satler (Laura Dern) punctuated it, "Woman rules the world." The look on Malcolm and Dr. Allan Grant (Sam Neil) were priceless, in my opinion!

I was intrigued by the relationship between Dr. Allan Grant and Dr. Ellie Satler. Are they just colleagues, or more than colleagues? Both have undeniable chemistry. Dr. Ian Malcolm was flirting at Dr. Satler during the tour. Ian Malcolm possessed such high IQ and still acted like a jerk. When the power was shut down and the convoy stopped on it's tracks (the one near the t-rex' paddock), Malcolm asked Grant if what was there relationship between Satler. I guess Malcolm could not resist asking it since Satler seemed oblivious to his attempts, and all she said in most of her dialogues always had Grant on it. Grant's answer to Ian, I guess was vague, but he said, "We are." Or was it, "We were."?

Well, the kids were just kids. Timmy Hammond (Joseph Mazello) was dino-fanatic, and reads books authored by paleontologists, including Dr. Grant, religiously. Their first encounter was not that good, a bit traumatic for a kid. I guess, Dr. Grant did not like kids that is why he devote his life in search for more dino fossils. Timmy's sister, Alex Hammond (Ariana Richards) was a typical adolescent. She was a vegetarian. In an adolescent mind, being vegan is cool! There was this scene when they jumped off in their car to follow Dr. Grant to an ailing triceratops. Alex lost her footing and fell, and was picked up by Dr. Grant. Then and there she developed a crush on Dr. Grant, and Dr. Satler knew it, giving Dr. Grant a meaningful smile. Well Alex is already in her puberty, and her hormones are shooting crazy. At this age we women, already knew what we wanted in men, and oh yes, a simple act of chivalry would mean the whole world to us. Well I have been there and done that.

Who would have thought that Dr. Grant was almost eaten alive by the animals he used to study based on their bones and fossils. After that ordeal, when he met up with Mr. Hammond all the way out, he recommended not to endorse his park, and the owner for the first time agreed with him.

There was this scene by the way, when Dr. Satler confronted Mr. Hammond in a dining table, she could not help it but take a bite on a vanilla ice cream after she spilled her opinion. That was cute. A simple gesture of reminding men that women love to eat when stressed. On the lighter note, early on the tour, there was this scene when they were toured in the laboratory. I think Dr. Grant asked Mr. Hammond, "if everything here is real?". And Mr. Hammond answered, "What were you thinking? Animatronix!". My brother and I (the same brother who watched with me and my father) were laughing! Steven Spielberg was using more animatronix during that time since CGI was still at it's infancy.

It has been 16 years since it premiered, and after reviewing it last night, I have to say that Jurassic Park belonged to my league of my favorite movies of all-time. Aside from the special effects, the story itself is something very much relevant to this day and age. I salute the late Michale Crichton for that. All this movie needs is a clean-up and maybe, hopefully, Steven Spielberg might release a special DVD of it. That would be a must-buy!

Discovery

2009-06-13T06:41:00.002+08:00

Who would have thought that while jogging I have discovered something about my body? Just today, as I jog up and down Banawa Hills, I discovered that I have overpronated feet! This means that when I put heel, the weight settles first with my medial side of my heel. A normal feet pronation is that the weight is evenly distributed all over the heel.

Once I arrived at home, I checked out my shoe, Momoko's heels. Good thing, she is designed for an overpronated feet, just like me! Oh, I guess, Momoko and I were meant to be.

Congrats to Winnie!

2009-06-08T05:54:00.002+08:00

Our househelp, Winnie passed her placement exam last October 12, 2008 by the Department of Education! Win, you've by-passed the dreaded Physics class of high school since you already have your high school diploma!

(Placement exam is taken by out-of-school youths and high school drop outs in order to have high school diploma.)

Bless me father for I have sinned

2009-06-05T15:40:00.001+08:00

Today, I just put a cat to sleep, permanently.

Chronicles of My Drug Test

2009-06-05T05:20:00.005+08:00

Yesterday, I decided to file for an S2 license. It is actually my boss who encouraged me to do so. You may ask what is an S2 license. It is a special permit issued by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency to dentists, physician and veterinarians, so that these professionals (doctors) can dispense or prescribed narcotic drugs as part of their treatment to their patients. Narcotic drugs are not bad, it is just they are prone to be abused by junkies. I myself took narcos as part of treatment. If you follow my blog, just this March, I had a serious bout of bronchitis. One of the narcotic drugs was incorporated to my protocol that help me with my illness. I only took it for 5 days, as prescribed by the physician.

I already have all the requirements for my S2, except for drug test. I usually report at 9 in the morning, I decided to go straight to the laboratory. I already texted my Senior that I am going straight to the lab. I was confident that once I have arrived, I will pee immediately. I usually do that once I arrived in the clinic. When I arrived at the diagnostic laboratory, I asked the receptionist that I was there for a drug test. The receptionist addressed me as "Miss", as she gave me the instructions. Once I filled up the form, and once she read that the reason for my drug test was to get an S2 license, she addressed me "Doc". I usually flash a subtle smile in this kind of situation, yet I was already laughing inside. Yes, I may look ordinary, but once I flash my license, people perception of me changed. It's really funny!

Anyway, I was waiting for my urinary bladder to be full. As I said, I usually pee at around this time. This time around, I didn't. Could it be of anxiety? Perhaps! Well, this is the first time that I am undergoing a drug test, that why I am a bit anxious. After reading an article that some Red Bull available in Hong Kong has some traces of coccaine on it. That made me even more anxious! I had a jog in the morning, and drank Gatorade Propel! Could Gatorade have traces of narco on it? I decided to shake it off, and concentrated on drinking more water to fill my bladder.

Once my body told me that the bladder was full already, I immediately went to the MT and tell them that I am about to burst. They gave me this bottle, and went inside a CR adjacent to the MT's cubicle. The toilet bowl of that CR was made to catch pee. I have to fill the bottle almost to the brim. Once I was done, I immediatley gave the MTs my pee, then they took my mug shot, all my fingerprints and my specimen signature. They told me to be back in an hour, but I told them I will be back after lunch.

I went back at 1 pm. I passed my drug test with flying colors, I am negative for Methamphetamine (Shabu) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (Marijuana), two of the most abused substance in the Philippines, and the only two required for my drug test. The urine drug test is not really a reliable test in detecting substance abuse, in my opinion. I mean, it could be cheated! A junkie would just not take any substance for a week, then he is negative for that! The more reliable means to detect a junkie is through the hair! Some may think the hair is rudimentary mass above your skull, but it also stores data, like what kind of medcines we took, the environment we were exposed to in a certain time period! If it was my hair they took, i could have tested positive since I took narco last March for my bronchitis. That's why I was not surprise if Hayden Kho and Katrina Halili were tested negative for substance abuse.

After I received my drug test results, I went straight to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Field Office, and filed my S2 license. I am going to receive my license in 14 days.

While Looking for Change

2009-06-03T06:07:00.002+08:00

Yesterday, I did not have any lower denominations that would take me home. I was contemplating on eating some strawberry shortcake (my favorite!), but there was none. So I went inside a bookstore, checking for titles that might perk up my interest. Once I browsed on Haruki Murakami's, I saw this thin book of his...

...chronicling his running. Hahahahahaha! It's a must read since I'm starting to run pa. Anyway, guess who read the book first?

That would be my marathon-addict Father!

Running Mad

2009-05-29T05:56:00.002+08:00

Last Sunday, May 24, 2009, we participated in the Running Mad for Wellness Fun Run, organized by Lahug Brgy. Captain Mary Anne delos Santos. This was my second official race, and not to mention my second race this merry month of May. Like the previous race, i opted to run for 3k since I am still new. I'm planning to run 5 k this coming Milo Marathon.

The race drew one thousand or so participants from the City and neighboring areas as far as Zamboanga! We got there quite late, already since we almost have no space to park our car. The race started at 6 in the morning. I was in the middle of the pack together with Tita Nene and Adrian. We initially did not run since the people in the front were about to climb that hill after UP Cebu. I was just walking, enjoying the chants of the Police trainees. Once the crowd was already running, I started to jog.

While running you've never thought who will you bumped into. There was "Madam" in her Santacruzan-themed costume. Though she did not wore a dress, but she had a crown and scepter (Sorry, I did not have her photos.). Then there was renowned heart surgeon, Dr. Peter Mancao, who was two rows ahead of us. Dr. Potenciano Larazzabal III and his wife, Donna Cruz were also there. Also present were local TV personalities like Atty. Haide Acuna (TV PATROL-Central Visayas anchor) and Jun Veliganio (Balitang Bisdak field reporter), politicians like Jonathan Guardo, Mary Anne delos Santos and Joel Garganera, and other business executives who were running 12 kilometers (Well, except for Mrs.Larrazabal, who ran for the 6k division, and Mr. Veliganio, who ran the 3k.).
Enough of the chismis.

So I really enjoyed running the first 2 kilometers since the chants of the trainees made the course less tiring. Even if I popped in some music from the i-pod, i enjoyed the chant more. There was even one indiviual who brought along his dog. The dog was running on-leash, though. We already saw this Master-and Dog duo while running around Ayala. The dog is always off leash, following his Master's steps. I have to leave the pack as we approach C.A.T.S., since the 3 k runners will make a u-turn there. I have to get that blue straw toggle, as proof that I was following the trail. I grabbed some water from one of the ushers since I was already thirsty. I wanted to run all way, but who would've thought that Salinas Drive is a plain road. It's actually inclined! I had no choice but to walk a bit towards Gorordo. I took a sip from my water, but something tells me, that instead of swallowing it, it would be better to spit it. So I spit it out. Once I reached Gorordo, I ran. I saw my Mother holding up her new phone to photograph while running. Her effort was futile, she was not able to save it. Shocks! Anyway, as I approach corner Sudlon, my abdominal oblique muscles began to hurt. As in both! The feeling was like being punch (although, I never had that experience before). I tried to run for the final ascent (near the Mormon Complex), but it really hurt. So I just walked. With the overpass just in sight, I decided to run. I did not mind the pain, but to finish the race running would be great, and I did! Once I reached the finish line, I went to the water station to drink agua. Once I saw my Mother, we walked outside and waited for the others to finish the race. My Father was running the 12k along with Tito Roy. While waiting, there was one elderly guy who ran barefoot! Wow! I also noticed that a lot of the runners were wearing Mizuno shoes, and that includes my Father. So it was great for Mizuno to set up a shop here in Cebu. I was also wearing Mizuno that day...my Rafael Nadal-inspired capri. As for my shoes, it is a pair of pink Adidas Deflect rubber shoes that I affectionately named, "Momoko". I'm planning to buy another pair, this time from Mizuno, and I already have a name in mind, "Mako".

So my Father was able to finish the race along with Tito Roy at 1 hour and 19 minutes. As for me, I dunno what was my time. I did not notice the clock, so was Tita Nene! Who cares about the clock, as long as we were able to finish it.

PINK

2009-05-18T06:00:00.002+08:00

photo taken from jeongmeeyoon.com

I love PINK. No, make it, I am obsessed with PINK. Anything that is PINK, I will surely appreciate it. I was the "Pink" kid in my family with my relatives always giving me stuffs in color Pink. But when I got into the confusing age of adolescence, I switched my allegiance to the Blue Crew up until the Summer before my fifth year in College. It was my Aunt's wedding (a first cousin of my Father, who is a year older than me), their motif was pink. I was entranced by the color, that all of a sudden, my love for this color was rekindled.

Right now, my family kept on complaining because of predictability of buying PINK stuffs. From shoes to accessories, the can't help but exclaim , "PINK nasad!". Hahahahahaha, sorry folks! I just can't help it, I just love PINK.

Yipee! Yohoo! Yehey!

2009-05-12T05:52:00.003+08:00

You can call me the "shallowest person on the world wide web", but who cares! I can not help but share my "achievement"! Just last week, I had three chihuahua (puppy) patients who needed some intravenous fluids. I always had this anxiety on giving some IV on these animals since they are so tiny. I always let my senior do it. But what was I thinking last week? I was brave enough to do it on three 1-kilogram or so dogs!

I have to say I would not have done it without the help of our assistants, Kuya Herming, Chris and Ellen. Their restraint really did wonders. For small dogs, it took three people to restrain them.

Sad to say, of the three there was one who did not make it. Oh well, c'est la vie! As for the other two, they went home yesterday, already healthy.

My First Race

2009-05-07T05:30:00.002+08:00

I had my first race last May 3, 2009. To tell you frankly, I did not have any practice last week because of the rain. That sucks. Anyway, since this was my first race I am still gauging myself. I'm trying not to be hard on myself nowadays, so I decided to run the 3K. I know some people may laugh at me, since I will be racing against kids. But I'm not considering as a race against other people, it's a race against myself.

We arrived quite early at around 5 am at CICC. Runners were already there warming up. My Father went immediately to Tita Neneng, who has our singlet (the shirts we were wearing) and number. Oh, really? It's a surreality. I decided to wear the singlet which was black with orange piping. Afterwards, I had my warm up.

A few minutes of later, "Manang" arrived. A woman, whom my parents, described as a racer in costume. You see, in every major races, she always wear a costume, related or not to the race. In this race, she was "Flores de Mayo". "Manang" is really quite popular already in the running circuit. A lot of people were taking pictures of her and with her, just like I did.

The race started at 6 am, since all racers wanted to watch the "Pacquiao-Hatton" fight. Hehehehehehehe! I also wanted to let this race finish early also because I have to watch the Game 7 of the Boston Celtics-Chicago Bulls series, as well.

So how was my race? Let's just say, I run the first 2 k, then walk , then run again. You I know, I still don't have that stamina. But it's okey, I'm just starting. I was 13th place for the 3K race. Wee! Not bad. I also met Karlo Lim who was also racing the 3k with his pal, Paulo. Well, at least there was somebody you can talk to after the race. This was actually his second race.

I think I should double up my running. Wish me luck!

D'Rose

2009-05-02T05:56:00.004+08:00

Derrick Rose photo (from flickr)

Oh boy, my Spurs were ousted by rival and fellow Texas team, the Dallas Mavericks, in 5 games. That sucks! Anyway, I have to search for another team for this year's playoffs to cheer on. Among the other match-ups in the first round, I am more attracted to the (2)Boston Celtics vs. (7)Chicago Bulls series. I have watched the replay (prime time encore) of the first game (since the live feed is usually shown during work hours), where the Bulls stole game 1 from the defending champions Celtics. I like Boston, but I love Chicago. In the hey days of the MJ (Michael Jordan) era, it was Chicago Bulls all the way for me, Baby. But when they disbanded, I have searched for new and exciting teams like the Sacramento Kings and the defensive-minded fundamentalist team, the San Antonio Spurs. What a contrast of team choices, was it not?

The Boston Celtics is a team wherein their Big Three are in their thirties, while the rest of the crew are still in their 20's. While Chicago, a four of their usual first five are still in their 20's. Game 1 was a crucial game to win, psychologically speaking. This where coaches and players will see the trend if this series is going to be long or short, if the opponents are tough or could be easily ditched away. Sad to say for Boston, the Game 1 of their series was a reminder that they are the "defending champions". The Chicago Bulls stole Game 1 from them, in their homecourt! And what so amazing was that, their rookie point guard, Derrick Rose played like he had been to an NBA playoff match before! Yes, he was amazing! My jaws dropped. He really deserves that Rookie of the Year plum!

As of this writing, the Chicago Bulls won Game 6 in Chicago via triple overtime over the Boston Celtics, thus having a 3-2 series lead. But the climatic Game 7 will be played in Boston tomorrow, May 3, Manila morning. What's worst is there's the Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton fight. Oh well, we have to compromise.

PS: I think Derrick Rose is cute. Love that stoic expression on his face, yet he has that subtle swagger underneath it. Yes, he is my new crush! Not to worry Tony Parker, you are still my crush.

Running in Baby Steps

2009-04-20T05:49:00.003+08:00

I recently just got into running. After I had my worst bonchitis in years (You know, my nose dripped like a faucet, and my cough sounded more like a bark than a cough.), I realized I have to have a way to burn my stress so that it (stress) will not take it's toll to my immune system again. It was my Father who encouraged me to this thing. He has been running for almost two years now, and since then he has been joining marathons left and right.

The week after I had my bronchitis I decided to take a walk and run first on a weekend. Ao (My blue Puma rubber shoes) is heavy and gives my little toes problem. So I decided to buy another shoes that is fit for running, and bought a pink Adidas Deflect running shoes, and affectionately named her "Momoko". The first time I laid my eyes on her, I knew Momoko was "my running shoes".

So Momoko and I are a team. We usually go out on weekends, Saturday and Sunday, for brisk walking. I tried run her on the track oval, but I already ran out of breath with just one turn of the oval and a half (a total of 600 meters), and then walk again, and then run again. Yes, I have poor stamina and endurance for this running. It's frustrating!

On Holy Tuesday, I decided to road run on the rolling hills of Banawa (the part which is still part of my barangay). Five rolling hills to be exact. Now, that is a killer! I decided to run on it, before then, I went up to the skywalk infront of a public school. I love the stairs, they will strengthen my quads and hamstrings. A few moments of running, then unexpectedly, I was climbing. The climb did not or does not kill my foot pads, it's the knees who were/are pressured. When climbing, I started to catch my breath. Shoot! And there are four more hills to run. Oh well, I decided to walk the other 4 remaining hills, then walk back to my home. It's hard!

I tried it again last week. I decided to run climbing, then walk upon descent. Still my heart was pounding like crazy on my climb and I was gasping for precious oxygen. Oh well, as a beginner you have to take baby steps on this thing. I have to build up my stamina and endurance by running through the five hills of Banawa on two weekdays, running around the track oval on Saturdays, and running around Cebu Business Park on Sundays.

I have less than two months until marathon season starts. Wish me luck!

Don't Judge a Book By it's Cover

2009-04-18T07:14:00.002+08:00

Take it from Susan Boyle!

Congrats G2!

2009-04-03T21:29:00.000+08:00

At last, our high school batch has a lawyer!

Congratulations to Atty. Goering George Paderanga, Jr!

Photo from G2's friendster account