34th National MILO® Marathon

It was like yesterday when I had my first marathon with the 33rd National MILO® Marathon last year as I remember vividly all the trials and lessons I learned with that wonderful experience of a lifetime.  I remember that it was one of the best races in the country that year outdone only by the…

Life’s a Beach

A week after returning from the shores of Boracay I found myself back at the beach!  This time around though it was much closer to Manila, around 110 kilometers south at the beaches of Canyon Cove, Nasugbu, Batangas. Batangas as far as I know isn’t really popular for white beaches but surprisingly Canyon Cove was,…

Boracay Adventures: Last Dose of Summer (Day 1)

Before summer came to a close (at least for the Metro) I had a last dose of summer in none other than one of the world’s finest beaches—Boracay!  It had been a dream of mine to visit the island ever since I’ve heard of its legendary beaches and this summer I had a chance to…

More than a Name Change: Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore (SCMS) 2010

Last year was my first ever marathon outside the Philippines during what was then called Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM).  This year, Standard Chartered, the event’s title sponsor, decided to give it some makeover by having a name change.  But the changes with this year’s event is more than superficial—new sponsors, Race Director, routes, and…

TNF100 2010 Chronicles: Conclusion (Part 4)

Although I didn’t commit to the pact with Jonel and Ronald of staying together that night, I didn’t oppose it as well.  Deep down within me I wanted badly to complete this race.  I may not be in the best shape possible, but I would not give up so easily.  And I don’t want to…

TNF100 2010 Chronicles: First Loop (Part 3)

This year’s TNF100 for me is walking, but is anything but a walk in the park.  This is definitely the most tiring race I’ve ever had.  I was merely walking uphill but it was so long and steep that even that makes me catch my breath (takes the word “breath-taking” to a whole new level). …

TNF100 2010 Chronicles: Running in the Sky (Part 2)

With TNF’s introduction of a 50K leg (as a replacement to the venerable 100K relay) many runners were encouraged to do their first trail ultramarathon, and surprisingly with my circle of friends many of which were ladies!  Of course there were also a select few first timers (within my network at least) that braved the…

TNF100 2010 Chronicles: The Adventure Begins (Part 1)

The North Face 100, the Philippines’ toughest ultramarathon race is back on its third year, this time on possibly its toughest leg, Baguio City.  TNF100 was always on a league on its own and with Baguio City as its stage it surely would be an adventure of a lifetime.

Mt. Maculot Revisited (Part 1)

Stubborn as I am my injury wasn’t enough to keep me in one place—once again I’m out and about on an adventure, this time to revisit an “old friend” Mt. Maculot.  And what perfect date to set it but on another long weekend courtesy of Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor), the 9th of April….

Palm Sunday at the Trails

March 28, 2010, Palm Sunday, at the trails of Timberland Heights.  The 4th All Terra King of the Mountain was staged, a unique event with trail running, biking, and both legs.  It was my first time to attend an event of such and it was also my first time in Timberland which was relatively close…

2nd BDM Ultramarathon 102 (Part 4: Conclusion)

Around 6:18AM I arrived at +Km 50 and Sam a few minutes later.  We were feeling excellent for the next half ahead, but first it was time to load up some carbs and change outfits.  Unfortunately there was no hot coffee there when we arrived but my ultra-support Ross got me one including a breakfast…