Rain or Shine: Run for your Life!

I now have this habit of preparing my stuff Monday and Wednesday evenings to get me ready for the next day's session. Thanks to my boss who is also a running fanatic, I found myself training religiously as well. Every Tuesday and Thursday, my boss Leo, and another officemate, Herzon at least 5 kilometers at Quirino Grandstand and Roxas Boulevard.

We started running at our office's roof deck. We got bored and looked for longer running routes. We then discovered the Quirino Grandstand route. One round in Quirino Granstan (Roxas Blvd, Kalaw, Q. Grandstand, Burgos) is around 1.1 kilometers. 5 rounds would give you 5.5K. That became our running routine.

We invited a few officemates via email blast. The first meeting was indeed a blast! Around 16 of us ran! We jokingly called our running group Phurorut (Philam United Runners and Other Related Undertakings Team) :) But after a few weeks, members suddenly disappeared. Now we're down to three: Leo, Herzon and Me. :) I hope they return. ;)

Sometimes, when we get bored, we run from Quirino Grandstand to CCP and back. One time, we took the Intramuros route. Running in Manila makes us think that there really are a lot of good places to see here. :)

Running is the new badminton now here in the Philippines. But of course, it's much cheaper than badminton because all you need are a pair of shoes and socks and a long paved road. That is why it's a big hit nowadays. You get to see a lot of advertisements of races from QMC, to the Fort, to MOA! Well at least it makes Filipinos think more about their wellness.

Running had a few benefits on my health. My blood pressure went down to normals levels, my heart rates went down to 70+ bpm, my stamina improved tremendously, and I lost some weight. During my last race, Takbo para sa PGH, my official time for the 5K race was 33:46. I wrote about my Milo Marathon last year and during that time, I was at the 49-minute level. Astig! :)

But of course I have my limitations. My knees are hurting already when I go too fast, or when I go too far. This was because of the injury I had some three years ago from basketball. So my dreams of a 43-kilometer race is far from coming true. At least I am near my 10k goal. :)

Team Phurorut: Front: Me, Ryse, Rachele, RR, Quennie; Standing: Maxi, Marivic, Herzon, Joan, Grace, Rhea, Steve

Team Phurorut with Coach Leo Tan. :)

Thanks to Philam Foundation, we KaAkbay Volunteers were able to sweat it out at PGH's benefit run. Thanks for the Picture, Mima!

I'll just keep on running for fitness. For long life. Team Phurorut, takbo tayo ulit! :)

Cheers!

A Restful Tagaytay Weekend - August 7-8, 2010

Everyone needs an escape once in a while. As for us, former colleagues in government, we decided over one drinking session to spend a weekend off at a relaxing place, away from the hustles and bustles of daily routine. We initially planned for a long-drive getaway, but some good news prevented us from doing so. Cecille is 6 weeks pregnant! :) Congrats Mark, you're gonna be a daddy! So we decided to just drive to a nearer destination, and no better place to spend a relaxing weekend than a short 1 1/2 drive to Tagaytay.

We stayed at Yellow Coco, a resort just beside the highway, near the famous Tagaytay Zoo. Torrential rains did not stop us from enjoying ourselves that day! Even with dark skies, we proceeded with our road trip.

Itinerary:

Day 1:

Caleruega, Nasugbu, Batangas

Lunch at Taverna Greek Restuarant

Chillax and Videoke at Yellow Coco

Dinner at Diner's Bulalohan

Inuman session at Yellow Coco

Day 2:

Breakfast and Relax at Yellow Coco

Lunch at Buon Giorno at Cliffhouse

Shop for Goodies at Rowena's

Tagaytay's view of Taal :Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

Caleruega

Preparing for a Ritual (?!)

Our Special Guest: Bulalo

Buena Familia

The ladies at the Chapel on the Hill

The Gents (?!)

Buon Giorno's Pesto Mare Pizza

Shrimp and Mushroom Ravioli

To Fight the Cold: Tabasco!

It's always good to spend some quality time in the company of friends. It's just one way to bring back our sanity after a continuous, monotonous daily 8- (sometimes 10) hour work week.

Now, back to work! :)

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Pagbabalik ng Trivia: VST and Co. Originally means Vicente Sotto III and company. Tito did not want to take all the credit but the band did not want to change name so eventually VST and Co. did not mean anything. :)

Welcome Home Marissa Siazon-Cassi! - Kanin Club, QC

We gave a warm welcome home hello to our blockmate Isay last June 2, 2010. She was out of the country for a few years to work in the Middle East. No other way to celebrate a homecoming but with some of the best Filipino foods in town via the famous Kanin Club.

The original Kanin Club was located at Paseo de Sta. Rosa, just beside the main shopping hubs and shoe depots. You can easily spot it especially when you are on your way to the scenic Tagaytay City. But thanks to its owners, they ventured into Metro Manila and found its second home in Ayala Technohub in Quezon City.

The homecoming will never be complete without a few servings of pork, one of the things Isay missed most. Of course we needed to try at least two kinds of fried rice, Kanin Club's specialties (thus the resto name! :))

Standing: Third, Me, Ken. Sitting: Noel, Dr. Val

Val (with Korean Hair), JJ, Isay, Vinne

Special Request: Crispy Pata!

Ginisang Sigarilyas. Anong English ng Sigarilyas?

Crispy Dinuguan, Laing, Sinigang na Sinangag

It's good to see the blockmates again! Some of us already have families, but still, some things will never change. Thanks to Isay, the UP Manila Devstud Block 6 of 1998-2002 once again had an instant get-together/reunion. Let's try to do another one when Bubbles comes back ok? :)

UAAP Season 73: UP at 0-5

The first round is almost over. Still, we can't see the results of the reported basketball rehabilitation program for the illustrious State University! We recruited quality players this year, headed by the Chicago-based Mike Silungan and the 80-point standout Joshua Saret. We have veterans Woody Co and Smart Gilas-trained Magi Sison. Still, we are winless after five games.

Maroons want this basketball glory so badly. We want a brand new championship. The 1986 trophy is now tarnished and we badly need a new one!

Asian Festival 2010

Being a proud boyfriend, I just needed to post this. :)

Reston Impact Asian Festival from Comcast Channel 28 on Vimeo.

Congratulations, sweetie! You look great on TV! :)

Gelo-Mayeen, 24 July 2010

I witnessed another wedding last week, making this my third wedding of the year. This time, it's my officemate Gelo and his one and only Mayeen. Church was at Camp Aguinaldo, while reception took place at Glass Garden.

The couple with Fr. Jboy Gonzales

Strutting their way to the front

Present and ex-Philam Lifers Gather to witness this momentous occasion

The Gents with the Groom

The Ladies with the Bride

Quarter life. Full of weddings. :)

Congrats Gelo and Mayeen! Thanks for the invite!

Next! :)

Tiyo Ramon's Adventure - July 26, 2010

I'm gonna miss you guys...

My uncle Ramon (Tito But to us nephews) is leaving for Canada on the 26th of July. They suddenly had their visas approved. I thought they were never leaving anymore because they filed this way back five years ago. Like my uncle said, it was probably divine intervention that they were suddenly approved. Even the brightest of men sometimes cannot understand how God does his wonders in our families. With this development, there will be tears of sadness that will be shed, but in the long run, it will always be for the better.

They are rather uncertain about their lives there, but I'm confident that God will guide them in the right direction, just like he made a way to approve their visa applications. Ara and Ging will stay behind for a few months to finish Ging's semester. They shall depart December 22 I think.

Too bad you won't be here on my wedding day...

My Sweet Ate Ara

Future Megastar Clarice

L-R: Tito But, Dad, Ninang Dora, Tita Egie, Tita Cecille. Seated: Lolo

The Pretty Twins

Fooling around during their despidida

Wait, I don't have a picture with Ging and Choi! Darn...

Good luck, Tito But, Tita Nory, cousins Ara, Riz, Ging, Joanna, Paola, Choi. :) We'll see you soon!

Cinemalaya 6: Rekrut - July 16,2010

I watched another feature film at the Cinemalaya yesterday. It was the gala of Danny Añonuevo's entry, Rekrut. The mive had an all-star cast, headed by veteran actor Emilio Garcia, alongside Joem Bascon, Alwyn Uytingco, Rob Sy, JM de Guzman, Dominic Roco, CJ Ramos, Alchris Galura, Maxene Magalona, Rich Asuncion, and seasoned actor Archie Adamos.

The movie was about a squad of 12 Christian and Muslim soldiers preparing for a very special mission. Things were going well until they were finally informed about the purpose of their training. These soldiers were faced with a dilemma on whether they should fulfill their duty for their country or follow their conscience.

This was based on true events. If you are an avid fan of history, or have taken the evening tour of Corregidor, the plot might be familiar to you. I'll not dwell on the details but if you really want to know where this story was taken, I suggest you google the key words Jabidah Massacre. Until now, the said massacre

You will see that in the movie, actor CJ Ramos was making graffitis of their names in the walls of their camp. I had the chance to see the real graffiti of the young recruits in the island of Corregidor.

The Abandoned hospital which turned into the base camp of Jabidah's "final training"

These were the writings of the "real" Rekruts, as mentioned by the Corregidor guides

A few more writings on the wall

Thank you, Mr. Danny Añunuevo, the brains behind Rekrut, for making not just another action indie, but a socially relevant one inspired by real people, real events. He has put a piece of history in an artistic, masterful, well-crafted 2-hour movie. With that, my congratulations. I sure had fun in this movie.

Here are some random pictures (in not particular order).It was Rekrut's Gala night so we had the chance to roam around after the movie and ask for souvenir photos with the cast. My officemates sure had fun on this part. :)

Maxene Magalona

Tanya and Hazel with Alwyn Uytingco

My Cinemalaya idol: Archie Adamos

The cast of REKRUT

Not the cast and crew

The ladies with some of the cast
They really needed to take this photo
Jen and Grape with Domic Roco
The Rekruts with the Rekruter. :)
I watched two Cinemalaya movies this year!

Cinemalaya is almost over. Congratulations to all the filmmakers! I heard all of the movies were very good!

To know more about this film's inspiration, please read: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080318-125522/Lone-survivor-recalls-Jabidah-Massacre

Cinemalaya 6: Ang Paglilitis ni Andres Bonifacio

I always take time to support independent filmmakers in their quest to revive the art of Philippine movies via the annual festival called the Cinemalaya. On its sixth year, Cinemalaya continues its tradition of excellence by featuring a number of independent films shown all around the CCP grounds from Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo to the Little Theater. This year, aside from the feature full-length films category, Cinemalaya introduces its Directors' showcase, wherein veteran filmmakers like Joel Lamangan and Mario O'Hara show their directing expertise by having their own feature films in the festival.

Last Monday, I watched one of the films in the director's showcase category. "Ang Paglilitis ni Andres Bonifacio" was a Mario O'Hara creation, which was lead by Alfred Vargas as the national hero, Andres Bonifacio. The movie showed how our great Supremo suffered from the hands of his fellow Katipuneros in a mock trila that lasted for only a few days. The movie centered its plot in the trial proper, where Andres and his brother Procopio underwent a short and lopsided process for inciting to rebellion against the newly established Revolutionary Government of Emilio Aguinaldo. There were some scenes which artistically connected the trial to the famous Filipino play "Ibong Adarna."

It was good to see another movie which featured one of our Filipino heroes. Because we know that the story is based on true events of the last days of Bonifacio, we can easily connect with the film, making it a no-brainer for its viewer appeal. The analogy of the trial with Ibong Adarna gave the movie its natural depth, making it a true independent film masterpiece. Alfred Vargas has now turned from a starlet into a more serious actor. His portrayal of the Great Plebian accentuated his improved acting career, by naturally showing the audience the heavy burden that he is carrying with his non-verbal actions. There were a few dragging instances, but these were necessary to be faithful with the actual trial, which was based on actual accounts and stories.

It's a must-see for all Filipinos so that they can be informed that even as early as the 1800s, politics has already hovered the land. One of its victims, unfortunately, is a person that initiated the Philippines' liberation from the Spanish oppressors. The film excellently exhibited the country's biggest irony, wherein the very person who wanted freedom and equality amongst his people became the number one victim of oppression and injustice in the hands of the people he personally recruited. While people are dying in the streets of Cavite for trying to fight it out against the Spaniards, high-ranking generals perform a trial with its very own men.

The film not only gave us a glimpse of history, but it also made us think about how we have been as Filipinos. Even in the time of our national heroes, they are faced with not just external challenges, but also with internal problems that further divided us as a nation. Even in the early days of a revolutionary government, there has been bickering, oppression, power-grabbing, injustice.

I hope that now, as we try to build a new nation, we try to put a stop on how we have been for hundreds of years now, but instead we try our best to march together towards a better, brighter Philippines. We may have differences in belief, but what will make us move forward is how we set aside those differences and work together as one nation.

Let us learn from the Katipunan's number one mistake: They failed the first attempt in revolting against the Spaniards because the other Katipuneros were late. In our struggle for development, let us all be prompt and early, eager to face the challenges of tomorrow.

Thanks to Mr. Mario O'Hara for contributing yet another epic.

Mabuhay ang Indipendiyenteng Pelikulang Pilipino!

Cinemalaya 6 runs until July 18, 2010, Sunday.

Feature Films of Cinemalaya 6

The ladies with Janvier Daily, who portrayed the role of Procopio Bonifacio

One down. More to go?!

I hope the rain stops so I can go watch again. Typhoon Basyang, wrong timing!

PBA Friday - July 2, 2010

I watched the PBA games last July 2 with a double-header that is crucial to all four teams. The games were held at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Manila.

Scalpers were all over the place. Since it's a game featuring two of the most famous teams of the land, the Ginebra Gin Kings and the San Miguel Beermen, they take advantage of the long lines of people. I got my ticket for 200 bucks for its original price of P160. Some sell for as much as P400. Wow!

The first game featured Ginebra Gin Kings squaring off against Rain or Shine Paintmasters. The winner gets the instant quarterfinal slot. The goes to the more difficult path, the wild card phase. The Kings won with a blowout score.

The furious Sol Mercado makes free throw

The second game featured two San Miguel Corporation teams, San Miguel Beermen and Derby Ace Llamados (formerly Purefoods Giants). The winner of this game gets an instant semi-finals berth, along with fron-runner Talk n' Text. San Miguel won by a small margin.

Jumpball

It's fun to watch the games live from time to time. There are lots of action in the basketball court that sometimes are not seen on TV. The sideline huddles, the emotional crowd cheering for their respective teams, the physical play between competitors. You can only see that if you watch live.

Let's support the PBA games!