I just returned from one of the best experiences of my life, in one of my favorite places in the Philippines. I sure have a lot of stories and pictures to share, but for now here are some select few photos that I could share while I cook up my narrative:
At Terminal 2 (Manila), bound for Laoag International Airport (August 27)
Goodness gracious! I didn’t realize that my second season (anniversary) of running had just passed last August 17! And as of that date I accumulated a total of 2,012 kilometers (since August 17, 2008, my first ever race). I’ve no idea though how much of it was earned during the last 12 months, but it’s at least 1,000 kilometers. So I guess that wraps up my second season of running!
During weekends when I don’t do races I usually have a preferred northward route from our home to SM Fairview, a 6K course via Commonwealth Ave. and Regalado Ave. Last Sunday though, I decided to change course and head southwards, still originating from home but this time towards SM North EDSA (also via Commonwealth Ave., then via North Ave.), a slightly longer course at 9K. Living in Quezon City it’s quite inevitable that you’d end up in a mall. 
Surely, whenever Manny Pacquiao has a fight, the Philippines come to a halt! But there’s another event with a similar effect—the Miss Universe pageant.
Filipinos’ fixation on beauty pageants may have originated from our strong Latin influences (300+ years’ worth) and in this aspect our cultural similarities with Latin American countries show. In the Philippines beauty pageant is a sport, and if it were we’d be one of the most successful countries in it.
Except of a letter written by 15-year old Reigno Jose Dilao as posted on CNN iReport:
As you are reading this letter, I bet that you have seen/heard about what happened earlier in our country.
Tourists were hostages of a policeman here, Rolando Mendoza. After a few hours of the horrible crime, some of the victims were dead including the hostage-taker.
I wrote this letter not just to apologize but also to let everyone know that we Filipinos are not all like Mendoza. We are loving and good-hearted people.
For so many years, our country has been standing tall and surpassing every dilemma; be it small or big. Years ago (back when I wasn’t born yet), you have watched us fight for what we think is right. We fought for the democracy of our nation.. The EDSA revolution. But that’s just one out of many.
Twitter users: please include the hashtag #ManilaIsSafe.
“I love this country and I love living here. This incident should not make us hostage. This is something we can learn from and not something we can be remembered for,” said sports anchor and Yahoo! Southeast Asia blogger Patricia Hizon, the initiator of the campaign.
This year a new face conquered the 2010 Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines held last Sunday in CamSur Watersports Complex. From the land down under, Pete Jacobs of Sydney finished the 70.3 mile competition with a time of 3:58:41 beating last year’s winner Terenzo Bozzone of Auckland, New Zealand by about seven minutes, who finished at 4:05:54. Coming into third with a time of 4:14:36 was Fredrik Croneborg of Sundborn, Sweden. Filipinos joined the top 10 ranks with Neil Catiil (4:37:10) and Arland Macasieb (4:44:08) in eighth and tenth place respectively.
Pete Jacobs, 2010 Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines champion (courtesy Ironman 70.3 Philippines)
Ironman 70.3 that is. Two days to go before the second Ironman 70.3 Philippines, again set at CamSur Watersports Complex (CWC), Camarines Sur. Indeed this is the biggest international triathlon event in the country today.
No medal has been won yet in the athletics, but the competition is just as high as it can be! Makes you forget that these athletes are youngsters 18 years old and below (born between January 1, 1993 and December 31, 1994 are eligible to compete):
What a showdown! Even in YOG they remain rivals.
To those who have been eagerly awaiting the new Sports Tracker site, well it is officially open for business! If you were a user of the old Nokia Sports Tracker Beta you still have until August 31, 2010 to import your workout history into the new site.
The UP Pre-Medical Honor Society and Diabetes Philippines, Inc. will be holding a benefit fun run on November 14, 2010, which is also World Diabetes Day:
Thank you for visiting!
Comments