RUN FOR JOJIE: Coming Together for a Comrade in Sole

"No one fights alone!  Together we ran for Jojie."

These are words printed on the main tarpaulin in the SM Naga front yard as the fun run called "Run For Jojie" was underway on that breezy Sunday morning of June 30.  Truly, at that point in time, Jojie was not alone as there were more than a hundred runners present and raring to start in a fun run named after him.  Maybe even a canine or 2. Certainly, a ton of runners came out to show their solidarity for a fellow addict of running. A comrade in sole, so to speak.

But who is Jojie?

He is  Jose Asis, a 63-year old runner who goes by the nickname "Jojie."  Born in Magarao, Jojie has lived in the province of Cam Sur all his life with his wife Eva. The two have a loving daughter.  He earned his living doing  t-shirt printing in downtown Naga City for many decades.  But the rising cost of leasing business space in the booming economy of Naga City lead to a closure of his t-shirt printing stall a couple years back. For his exercise pursuits, he started out with biking back in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He first engaged in running in the later part of the first decade of the 21st Century. He was not an elite athlete but this did not stop him from being generous in sharing his knowledge of the sports with fellow runners, particularly the newbies.

Jojie the Cyclist

Jojie and Ric at the Lake Bato Ultra (circa 2013)

One such newbie is Ric Lozano  who gravitated towards Jojie as the younger runner soaked in a lot of the sage advice on the sports that they both love.  This budding friendship lead to both Jojie and Ric becoming among the pioneering members of row5runnin.  Not really a formal running club, row5runnin is more like a running tribe whose members are identified with a common running shirt  and a propensity to finish a race among the last row of finishers.  Jojie is certainly among the faster row5runners and he continued his merry ways of teaching the other row5runners the love of the sport. He accompanied  the row5runners in many of  their long slow distance runs in the provinces.  Jojie joined marathons and ultra marathons in Bicol proudly wearing the row5runnin shirt.

LSD run for row5runners in the hills of Baao (circa 2015). 

A hard thing about the sport of running is that despite the health  benefits it provide, there are times that a runner is reminded of our mortality as human beings.  We are not invincible after all.  The moment of vincibility for Jojie came a few weeks ago when he was diagnosed with cancer, specifically prostate cancer.  This had him feeling sad and silent. But he is not alone.

Jojie in rest mode with his wife Eva after the cancer diagnosis. 

Hearing about this sad news, Jojie's  fellow row5runners in Naga City brainstormed on how they can be of help to their comrade. A practical consideration is the financial requirement. So the idea of organizing a fun run to raise funds came up. The net proceeds from the fun run will be utilized for the medical expenses of Jojie.   Good thing, a row5runner from Iriga City has a growing  track record in organizing running events for RUNconada.  This is Cyrus Nacario and he readily accepted the role of Race Director and together the team coined the name for the event - Run For Jojie.

The core team of row5runnin in one of their brainstorming sessions. From left to right:  Au, Allen, Cyril, Michelle, Remy, Nady, Ric, Eng, Shie, Bem and Cyrus.    

What is the impetus for the group in organizing run4jojie? The answers by the leading members of the core group  are enlightening.

Cyrus Nacario of row5runnin & RUNconada:  The impetus in organizing the Run For Jojie is knowing that a friend is suffering from an illness and there's something we can do in our own way to help him get through with his struggles and alleviate his suffering. 

Shie Almendral of row5runnin: "When I heard about Kuya Jojie's results of tests and all, that he is battling stage 4 prostate cancer, I though how he and his family will go through emotionally and financially. My husband's mother died of cancer and we both experienced the difficulty, treatment can be long, tiring and expensive. I feel our friendship, our care, our presence can make a strong lasting difference to Kuya Jojie. He is not just a running buddy to us.  Row5runnin became my family and my companion as well. I will be helping in whatever form I can for the love of our team. The thought of loosing him is breaking my heart into pieces."

Bem Baret of row5runnin: "I know Kuya Jojie has nothing in his pocket. Mahirap maging mahirap lalo na kung may sakit ka. Kuya Jojie is very close to my heart aside from he trained my son he is one phone call away. He is always ready to help you in anyway he can. I want him to be comfortable and be given the best possible treatment."

Allen Tolledo of row5runnin:  "Knowing that Jojie was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, it would be a long process in his treatment(s) which also requires for his medical expenses. In order to help him ease his condition, it would greatly be beneficial to raise funds through a run for a cause."
 
Organizing the fun run was by no means a walk in the park for our row5runnin team.  They are very much a novice in this sort of thing.  But with the skillful advice of Cyrus and the dynamic volunteer spirit of many of the row5runners in Bicol, run4jojie took shape and by the time the last week of June came about, they were ready to make it happen.  It took a lot of leg work and a lot of friendly cajoling those who can support.  Critical to the financial viability of the event were several  sponsors that pitched in cash and in kind.  Corporate sponsors  included Aventura Bicycle & Outdoor Shop, Kaddlagan Outdoor Shop, KSG 83, Edsam Bike Shop, Altra, Oragon Bikers, Inarihan Farm & Resort, SM City Naga, Philinsure, Bicol Medical Center G110 Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Herbalife Kiarra Ashley Wellness Hub, Rise Herbal Coffee, Energen, Le Minarele, and Kopiko.

Visiting and thanking the Badong couple of Inarihan Farm & Resort for their support of Run For Jojie 

Race kit claiming in Kaddlagan Outdoor Shop...  

...and in SM Naga food court.

 In having many runners registered for the event, row5runnin received enthusiastic help from many clubs/groups  in Bicol. Among them are Caceres Runners Club (CRC) , RUNconada, Team Oragon Ultra Runners (TOUR),  Tri 300, Tri Uno, Joggernaut, Mayon Runners Team,  Naga Tri, Team SUBO, Pound for Pound Fitness Legazpi, Team Bangko Sentral, PNP, BFP, Oragon Bikers, Cyclotitas,  Chubexy Team, Team Laspag/Batch 83 CSIHS, The Builders, Silver Finance, Team MSH, DepEd, Team Sinarapan,  USANA, ADNU, Pepsi Bro, Metro Bank Team, TriDoc, CamSur Tri Team, Team Buang, and APO Runners.

Many runners did register for the Run for Jojie. A total of 258 to be exact. And these eager runners woke up early on that June 30 glorious Sunday morning to troop to the front yard of SM Naga City for the event.

Camaraderie was in the air.  Photos taken by the handful of volunteer photographers during the pre-race, race and post-race activities would bear this out.  Here are a sample.

Early birds doing on-site registration

 

Au and Remy busy at the registration table.

Running 83neans with Jojie.

Others were enjoying the free hot choco drink from the Energen booth...

...to the delight of Energen's Regional Merchanding and Promotions Manager Jose San Jose. 

Running clubs had their group photos taken with Jojie. These included Caceres Runners Club... 

and Team Oragon Ultra Runners (TOUR).

Ric starting the program.

The Bicolano Penguin giving the opening message. 

"Dai nindo ako nalingawan." Speaking from the bottom of his heart, Jojie passionately thanked all those who are participating in the fun run.

Prior to the race start, there was a special auction of Altra running shoes. Cash proceeds given to Jojie. 

Race Director Cyrus doing a briefing on the route. 

Zumba instructors lead the...

... warm up exercises by the runners. 

10Km runners eagerly awaiting the start.

5. 4. 3. 2. 1..And they are on their way... 

...to a galloping start. 

"Lumaki na  si Baron." Veteran runners exclaimed after seeing this juvenile Doberman join the race. 

Naga City Search And Rescue Unit (SARU) on standby just in case of emergency.  

Tony and Brando among the race volunteers.  

PNP runners on their way to the finish line.

Jojie hamming it up with some of the faster runners. 

Intense finish by  Bob

A squad of row5runners nearing the finish line.

Cool finish by Myla

Jojie with  Jopay 

Jojie with RioMitch 

Bem eagerly noting down the runners crossing the finish line..

Group photo of Team RUNconada with Jojie

Another  group photo of Jojie with runners of varying colors and clubs.

Jojie with wife, relatives and neighbors. 

Solidarity for Jojie was the theme of the day and this was reflected by the response of the participants when interviewed. Again , here are a sample:

Irah Hernandez, an ultra runner:  "When I was just a newbie in ultramarathon, Sir Jojie is one of my mentors. I admire him, how he continue to show his humbleness and strength in all aspect to fellow runners...He trained me well. What I am today as a runner I owe it to him.  He unselfishly shared his knowledge and skills (even his secret techniques and strategies) to us.  I ran in this event for Sir Jojie not for mere support but for love and respect.  Keep on fighting and praying. We salute you Sir Jojie."        

Emmanuel Manaog of Pepsi-BRO Running Team:  "The main reason why we joined the fun run is to help our fellow runner Jojie whom we've known through the fun runs here in Naga. We're giving our 100 per cent support especially if the fun run is for a good cause. We ran together as part of our bonding, aiming to strengthen not only our body, heart and mind but especially our relationship." 

Vice Mayor Eddie Alteza of Bombon:  "Nag bali ako sa Run For Jojie, primero haloy ko ng bisto si Jojie. Mga ka member mi pa sa Naga City Cycling Club. Dakul na tabang sa marketing o sa pag paisi  kan mga pakawat ko sa Bombon, ang pag paskil niya kan mga cycling event na pig organize ko. Like "Peredalan Sa Bombon" 12x ito. Daralaganan sa Bombon since 2010 duman sasabit niya sa puwesto kang may kataid kan dating Alex Theater sa Naga. Ika duwa maka herak man talaga ang kamugtakan niya, now un-employed. Maluya na ang income since pahalion sa puwesto niya sa centro kang Naga. Ikatulo, nag simbag sapanga podan kang Team row5runners na mag join sa Run For Jojie. Bilang pag paheling nin suporta sa mga kapwa runners."       

Renson Emradura of row5runnin (Sariaya): "Dito sa Run For Jojie, habang nagsasalita si Kuya Jojie, doon ko naramdaman sa sarili ko kahit gaano ka pala kalakas kapag nagkasakit ko doon mo mamimiss yung mga bagay na kayo mong gawin noong malakas ka pa na ngayon ay hindi muna magagawa. Pero may manga tao na hindi nila matanggap sa sarili na kaya dapat tayong lahat na kung ano man dumating sa buhay natin tanggapin natin at gawing enjoy sa buhay at sarili habang nabubuhay tayo sa mundong ito. Napaluha ako habang nagsasalita si Kuya Jojie."  

Wilmor Plopinio of Caceres Runners Club: "He is a friend of mine. I became closer to him when I joined Milo Half Marathon here in Naga City way back in 2013, an elimination for the National Finals. We both ran and qualified for the National Finals. Since then he was my mentor considering that he is ahead of me in running experience(s). Everytime I go to city proper, I dropped by his store and exchange pleasantries.  I admired him most  for his unsolicited advice on techniques in running long distance. He was the one who encouraged me to my first ultramarathon, the Mayon 360 in 2013. Our friendship was made on the road coz I always meet him when I do my LSD in Panicuason while he is on bike. He would stop by and we would talk for a while regarding the next event I have or he has. He is a prominent friend of everybody, bikers, swimmers and runners." 

Irene Sabitbit, a race volunteer:  "I volunteered because I also know Jojie for a long time. Nakasama ko rin sa mga marathon runs. At naawa ako for what is happening to him and I can't help him personally. That's why natuwa ako sa initiative ng row5 on how to help him financially. Kaya I told Aura I am more than willing to help in any simple way to express my support to Jojie.  Magandang gesture sa mga runners.  To also support each other sa oras ng pangangailangan ng kasamang runners. I would like to commend row5 for that. Na impress ako."  

Al Amaro,  president of Caceres Runners Club. "Why I ran for Jojie?  Hindi dahil kilala ko siya personally. But because I am runner. Dahil as a runner, you should know how to care. Hindi ako tumatakbo para lang sa akin. Malasakit sa runners at sa running community. Kusa po tumolong ang mga CRC runners because CRC means we CARE, we RUN and we COMMIT."  

Sir Teod'z of of Mayon Runners Team and BU-Oval Team:  "Being a coach in A Runners Circle, its part of our life to become helpful. This is also part of my life to return what they also gave to my project helping persons who are in need of help."

Daryl of Cyclotitas:  "I joined the Run For Jojie because our group is always looking for running and biking events we could join. However, we often ended up not being able to join, because of our busy schedule. But for this particular running event, we made it a point not to just to register but to really be at the event because we know how important it is to rally behind someone who is going through the toughest battle he has to fight in his lifetime."   

Sherwin Competente of Team Oragon Ultra Runners :  "I have 2 purposes of joining the run for a cause of Sir Jojie last Sunday.  1st is to show to One of our Ka-Paa and to his family our solidarity and camaraderie not only in having fun in our passion to run but also in raising funds to help. 2nd is to create an awareness to everyone specially to all runners out there that we need to be more conscious/aware of our health. Running everyday and joining a marathon weekly does not exempt our body from any illness. Have a regular check up with our doctors and always listen to our body." 

   

Truly, the Run For Jojie was a celebration of all that is good about running.  Camaraderie. Solidarity. Thanksgiving.  Caring. Physical Exercise. Happy Hormones. Sense of Community.  In the words of the hard-working row5runner Au:  "Super saya po sa feeling after sa event. Naisip ko po na maraming tumulong at nagmamahal kay Kuya Jojie. Iba po talaga ang dugong Bicolano. Nagkakaisa po talaga.   Maraming salamat po sa mga tumakbo at sa mga sponsors. sa Run For Jojie. Dios mabalos po."     

row5runners:  A lot of hard work and a lot of goodwill generated. 

Post-Run:

A day after the Run For Jojie,  row5runners accompanied Jojie to the Bicol Medical Center for a consultation with the medical specialists.  The urologist's advice was to proceed immediately with a needed medical  procedure. Without delay, Jojie agreed to be confined already in the hospital and by Thursday (July 4), the surgery was undertaken.  Currently, Jojie is still in the hospital,  recovering and having a much needed rest.  

Eng accompanying Jojie  last July 1 for consultation with doctors at the Bicol Medical Center 

Facebook post of Bem last July 4.

As noted by the facebook post of Bem,  the doctors involved in the medical procedure have decided not to charge their  professional fees.  This is truly inspiring. An An ancient Jewish proverb states that a good deed causes more good deeds. . And we are now seeing a pay it forward kind of effect.     

The journey of Jojie will be long and it will not be easy. But what is inspiring and heartwarming to know is that there are many who care for him and who will be with him in the spirit of solidarity. That's what comrades in sole do. 

Photo Credits:  Lhara Oaferina, Sarj Luares, Sir Teod'z, James Bernard Sayson, Cyrus Nacario, Bem Volante Baret, Eng Almendral  and Au Reduta