"If you build it, he will come."
- BP
- I am a Bicolano by birth and choice. By any standards, I am a slow runner but I like it that way. I look at running as a healthy and exciting way to make a difference. Together with my fellow runners from our family, school, office, and the community, we use running to give back.
ISLA NG CATANDUANES ULTRAMARATHON 2017: Veni, Vidi, Vici
"Veni, vidi, vici" ("I came, I saw , I conquered") is popularly attributed to Julius Caesar after he had achieved a quick victory in the Battle of Zeta around 47 BC. The phrase is used to refer to a swift, conclusive victory.
Lest the readers think that the Isla ng Catanduanes Ultra Marathon (ICUM) was a quick one for the Bicolano Penguin and the other runners, allow me to now declare at the onset of this blog article that the ICUM is far from being an easy and soft ultra marathon.
Lest the readers think that the Isla ng Catanduanes Ultra Marathon (ICUM) was a quick one for the Bicolano Penguin and the other runners, allow me to now declare at the onset of this blog article that the ICUM is far from being an easy and soft ultra marathon.
BASEY FIESTA RUN: For the Love of a Beautiful Parish Church
Nestled on top of a knoll in the center of the town poblacion of Basey is the beautiful old church of St. Michael Archangel. Old as in centuries old as it was built in 1591 by Jesuit missionaries who were parish priests in Basey until 1768 when the Augustinians took over till 1795 which saw the Fransiscans come in. First saw this magnificent church almost a year ago when I was doing a recon of the route for the TC2BS ultra marathon. My impression was that this was a citadel that provided security, not only in spiritual terms, but also in physical terms to the townsfolk of Basey.
KAWAYAN FARM RESTAURANT: A Pleasant Surprise in the Shadow of the Windmills
"Saan tayo kain ng lunch?"
RUN AND BIKE FOR MARAWI
Back in our homeland of Bicol, the young students of the Ateneo de Naga University are busy preparing for this fund raising event that will benefit the community of Marawi in Mindanao.
CATARMAN CATHEDRAL TO ALLEN CHURCH ULTRA: Poetic About Running
"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go."
TC2BS: Crossing the Longest Bridge in the Archipelago
Bridges have always been a source of fascination for men and women of all ages. For many, it symbolizes progress, connections and stability. For some, a bridge is a symbol of hope. If you can just get over that bridge, you may find yourself in a better place on the other side.
A feeling of hope. A feeling that things will be better. Such was my feeling when I glimpsed the beautiful red arches of the San Juanico Bridge on that balmy morning hours of the 20th of November in the year 2016. Up to that point, I have ran a total of 34 kilometers in a 50km race called the Tacloban City to Basey Samar ultramarathon (TC2BS). I guess the most apt term of my locomotion would be "trudge" rather than "run."
ONE RUN OCS: Running With A Company
"A is for Airborne.
I is In the sky.
R is for Rambo.
B is for Born to fly.
O is for On the go.
R is for Ranger.
N is for Never quit.
E is for Everyday
Ho ha. He ha."
2017 MAYON 360: Where Bicolanos Reign Again
Finally, after more than two years of waiting and trying, Bicolano runners have regained supremacy of the Mayon 360 ultra marathon. An 80-km hot romancing of the road around the most perfect volcano in the world, the Mayon 360 is the most famous of long distance running events in the whole of Bicol region. And for the 2017 edition, we have Eugene "Bong" Postrado of Masbate and Mario Maglinao of Albay to congratulate and thank profusely for placing 1st and 2nd. A Kenyan runner, no less, and a former Mayon 360 champion at that, came in 3rd.
2017 MAYON 360: Where a Dog reigns over Owner
Would you believe that a dog finished the 80km Mayon 360 ultra marathon?
NAGA TO LAGONOY ULTRA: The Pioneering Batch
The etymology of the word "pioneer" is the French word "pionnier" which means a foot soldier. How apt indeed to hear the race director of the Naga to Lagonoy (N2L), greet us 50+ runners assembled in front of the historic Quince Martires Monument in downtown Naga City on that early morning of April 29, 2017 as the "pioneering batch of the N2L." For indeed, we are honest-to-goodness foot soldiers in the many glorious battle(s) on the road we call ultra marathon(s).
VISITA IGLESIA: 7 Churches on Foot (34kms)
For centuries Catholics in many parts of the world have been visiting seven churches on Holy Thursday. In the Philippines, the tradition is known as Visita Iglesia. The Holy Thursday visitations are an excellent grace-filled way to end Lent and enter into the Triduum.
2017 TBR DREAM MARATHON: Pacing the Wolf Pack
2012, 2013, 2014, & 2015. These are the years I volunteered as a pacer at The Bull Runner Dream Marathon. Come the early morning hours of Feb. 19, I was gunning for my 6th deployment as a pacer at the 2017 TBRDM. Although a graybeard already, I continue to have that high sense of excitement everytime I go on pacer duty. Perhaps it has something to do with the special opportunity of paying it forward, in the words of its founder Jaymie Pizzaro. Most definitely, the idea of helping a fellow runner chase his or her dreams is very appealing.
RUNNERS IN OUTREACH: Reverse Caroling in the Aftermath of Typhoon Nina
To the run-of-the-mill kibitzers, running is just an exercise. But for those who are actually living and breathing it, running is more than just a physical sports. It is actually a way of life that encompasses the physical, emotional, social and even moral aspects of one's being. Running offers an avenue to meet new friends and deepen ties with old friends. Running too offers the opportunity to be able to help others. Runner's high and helper's high seem to go hand in hand.
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