Heritage Fun Run: Run to Help Philippine Tourism

This is one run you should not miss! Finally, a fun run for FREE! Woot! Woot!


Not your ordinary Sunday race as this doesn't give you a singlet or a medal or a shirt after the run. No loot bags and no timing chip. Just a fun, fun, fun run (you can bike too) along some of the historical sites in Manila.


Note for all: Please Read this from Carlos Celdran. He was the one who started this. Then, while we (#helpDOT tweeps) are having a brainstorming meeting last Friday at Department of Tourism with U.Sec Enteng Romano, I suggested that we can also have runners during that bike tour. So this fun run was born.


Don't expect too much. This is just an advocacy run to help Department of Tourism (#helpDOT)- that's all. I encourage runners who are interested to learn something from our own history while running (healthy na, historical pa).


What will I gain here? Nothing. Just a genuine support to our DOT. Meet runners and tour Manila for free. I believe SMART Philippines will cover this event too!


Any help I can do? Join us! Promote! Promote! Blog about this! Tweet! Facebook this! Make a shout out! O btw, we need photographers so we can make this thing viral.


Date: September 5, 2010 (Sunday), 6:00am (be there at 5:45am)
Meeting Place: Manila Film Center (its near PICC, CCP and Sofitel)
Distance: 6 kilometers more or less (for those who are having an LSD we can retrace the route 2-3 times)
Route: Starting at the Manila Film Center then around Malate, Ermita, Intramuros, & Binondo and back again.
Hydration: Please bring your own.
So, are you in? No need to pay anything (meaning its FREE), just leave a comment below (so we know how many to expect that day). And pray it doesn't rain that morning.

Will keep you updated thru this blog. For now, be a Fan of HelpDOT on Facebook.


Shout out goes to @carlosceldran, @TeamManila, Fung Yu, SMART Philippines, YEHEY and many more for creative ideas to help Philippine Tourism!


See you there runners (I think I will wear the blue Takbo.ph personalized singlet)! And together let's discover anew the streets of the Old Manila. This will be a blast!


One thing more, we will be needing volunteer pacers and more photographers while we run. Please leave a comment below or email me at <yarp83@gmail.com> if you plan to help out. Thanks a lot for spreading the word. See you there!

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thanks for reading journeyingjames- my running stories and travel discoveries-- 

let's walk, run, climb, ride, swim and fly. 

You can find me at Facebook and follow me on Twitter.

Snapshots Thursday: TBR Dream Marathon

It's has been a while since I last posted something about running. Its just that I'm finishing my backpacking stories. But because The Bull Runner Dream Marathon 2o11 has an official date already (March 6, 2011) let me remember my most unforgettable race.

At the finish line, TBR Dream Marathon (May 22, 2010)

The Bull Runner Dream Marathon 2010- my very first marathon (42.195K /26.2 miles). My face shows all the hard work and pain my body and mind have gone through. Those short 5-second moment at the finish line is still memorable up to this very day, when you raise your hand in celebration of victory, high-five those your fellow marathoners, be congratulated by your friends and thank God for the strength He gave.

Unexplainable and indescribable for marathon virgins.

Those are moments that fellow marathoners would forever cherish. 

To those who are planning to join TBR Dream Marathon 2011, all the best. To my TBR DM Classmates, let's pay it forward and be of help to the second batch of first-time marathoners. Bravo Ms.Jaymie for another "dream race" coming!!

May these quotes inspire each of us to continue running and 

finish your first marathon:

"Our running shoes are really erasers. Every step erases a memmory of a past failure.

Every mile brings us closer to a clean slate. Each footstrike rubs away a word, a look,

or an event which led us to believe that sucess was beyond our grasp."

- John Bingham

"The marathon's about being in contention over the last 10K.  That's when it's about what you have in your core.  You have run all the strength, all the superficial fitness out of yourself, and it really comes down to what's left inside you.  To be able to draw deep and pull something out of yourself is one of the most tremendous things about the marathon."

 - Rob de Castella

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thanks for reading journeyingjames- my running stories and travel discoveries-- 

let's walk, run, climb, ride, swim and fly. 

You can find me at Facebook and follow me on Twitter.

Day 4: Kabankalan City, Hinigaran and La Carlota City

Day 3 (in transition)

So far I have covered Silay City, Bacolod City and Mambukal Resort in Murcia. The weather when I came in Negros Occidental was sunny in the morning and raining in the afternoon. As much as I want to stay in the hot dipping pool at Mambukal (Day 3), I have no choice but to get going. I left Mambukal around 3:00pm. I went to Libertad terminal (still in Bacolod City), 4:00pm, then took the minibus to La Carlota City (5:30pm). As I said before, I was met by a friend of mine who offered a place to stay. K prepared a room for me. He tasked her housemates to cook for me and see to it that I am well cared of.

Hinigaran Parish Church with her History

my travel map, click to enlarge 

Day 4: La Carlota City - Kabankalan City - Hinigaran - La Carlota City

The day started with another run, about 7kilometers (I don't want to go beyond that because I don't want to get tired). After doing some laundry, I had my breakfast then went to Bangga Patyo to wait for a bus going to Kabankalan City (2 hours ride). I will meet a friend there, take some walk and explore the city. Funny it is because I learned that there is nothing much to do in Kabankalan City. Unless I go to Mag-Aso falls which is not feasible with my itinerary. So I have no choice but to take some photos of the City Hall and just meet my friends. Now, I have more reasons to be back at Negros Occidental: Mag-Aso Falls, Guintubdan Falls, Hike Mt.Kanlaon, Swim at Sipalay Sugar Beach and eat more Piaya.

From my travel journal (12:20pm / July 9, Friday)

"It's blazin' hot outside Gaisano, maybe 33-34 degrees Celsius. There's nothing much here. I still wonder why it is called a "city." Well a lot are called city here in Negros Occidental: Silay City, Talisay City, Bago City, Himamaylan City, Sipalay City.... Hmmm... Why would you call a simple town, "city"? Everything closes at 7:00pm. Man, its just one street of buildings. Anyway, I'm thanksful that its cold here in Gaisano. They also have Ted's Batchoy, Mang Inasal (prices cheaper compared to Manila) and Bong-Bong's Piaya."

At exactly 1:00pm I ate my lunch, near Gaisano and the public market- Rocare eatery. They have a lot of food choices and very, very cheap too! I texted my friends and we did some chats about Kabankalan City. After sometime, I went to visit the New City Hall because I thought I can find the tourism office there. Unfortunately, the tourism office is located near the Old Plaza. Its beginning to rain so I have to get going...

I took the double-tire bus to Hinigaran (initial plans of dropping by Himamaylan City was taken away from itinerary because I didn't find anything interesting). I enjoyed my time at Hinigaran, its already late in the afternoon but I managed to take some shots and have some taste of their delicacies from Mila's (scroll down for more details).

Back to La Carlota 'City,' in my friends house. This is my last night so I better try their Inasal, thanks to K's mom for the treat! Madamu gid nga salamat, sa uulitin po! 

PLACES I VISITED

Kabankalan City Hall. I did nothing there, just took some shots from the city hall. Nothing much to do.

Hinigaran Church Bell

Sta.Maria Magdalena Parish. Constructed on 1848-1881, the Parish Church of Hinigaran was made possible by forced labor from the faithful. Each were required to bring 25pcs of chicken eggs (reminds me of El Shaddai's Bro.Mike Velarde) which were mixed with lime, corrals and bricks. 

A bust sculpture of Gen. Vicente Lim; Jose Abad Santos; Emilio Aguinaldo; Andres Bonifacio; Graciano Lopez-Jaena; Eduardo Siguenza-Baumann and Dr. Jose Rizal at the Hinigaran Plaza
(Click Image to Enlarge)

Hinigaran Municipal Government. Mom told me that dad's root are from Hinigaran. So, I ask if there are Betia family in there. The answer was, "none."

FOODS I ATE

Breakfast cooked by Nanay Susan, NAMIT!

Kinilaw and Pork Steak

Siopao

Kinilaw na isda (Ceviche) at Pork Steak. Near Gaisano Kabankalan, there is an small canteen called "Rocare Eatery." There is nothing special about their eatery except that its very very cheap here. I bought the steak for only P15 and the Kinilaw for only P10.

Cheese Siopao from Foodman, Hinigaran. Intrigued by the cheese inside a siopao, I tried it. Well, worth the try- 2 strips of cheese covered with flour. I bought it near the double-tire terminal to Hinigaran.

Mila's Bibingka at Hinigaran. I love this place and the staff are always smiling. I ordered a small bibingka for only P16, which is yummy! You should try it when you're in the area. I entered the store because they have the history of the Old Church, just accross them. K said that their Buko pie would rival Los Banos' Lety's Buko Pie. Hmmmm... I want to taste that and see.

Wakys' Inasal at Yunque St., La Carlota City. Treat from K's mom, I devored the pecho part with 3 cups of rice and lotsa chicken sauce as toppings- for only P65 (rice-all-you-can), super cheap. I hope we have this in Manila.

PEOPLE I MET

K and her parents. I don't know how to thank you. I got confident to do this P250 budget when you said that its okay to stay at your place. Remember when we are talking at UPLB, it was just a dream then. Now its reality. Naks!! Thanks ulit K! Eat well, nami pa naman luto ni Nanay Susan.

Lolo Bert Jalando-on. An 88-year old whole-ly man. He owns the house that I stayed in. He cannot speak because he has a hole on his neck (for him to breathe properly). We talked for just a short time but he made me laugh, as in laugh on his jokes using his small white-board marks. He was a retired chief chemist of CACI and a graduate of Silliman University. Kudos Sir!

Tong-tong and Nante. 2 humble guys to make sure I'm taken cared of. See you again!

Nanay Susan. She was the one who cooks for me. Much love and thanks 'nay Susan.

Sha and Meggy (Taylor Swift). I met Taylor Swift while I was in Palawan and she introduced me to her sister. Gwapa sila pareho! Nice to meet both of you! 

Cres Angel, Meggy and Sha

Cres Angel. A cute baby boy carried by his beautiful mom on board the bus going to La Carlota. We had some short chat and I took a picture of her son.

Day 4 Expenses (in Philippine peso)

P10 350ml watered bottle (after the 7K morning run)

P10 Jeepney (Bannga Patyo-La Carlota)

P9 Laundry soap

P10 Jeepney (La Carlota-Bannga Patyo)

P40 Minibus (Bangga Patyo-Kabankalan City)

P45 Lunch (2 viands, 2 cups of rice and Pepsi)

P14 Tricycle (to and from Kabankalan City Hall)

P16 Cheese Siopao (for merienda)

P30 Minibus (Kabankalan City-Hinigaran)

P16 Bibingka from Mila's

P12 Minibus (Hinigaran-Bangga Patyo)

P10 Tricycle (Banga Patyo-La Carlota City)

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P222 (US$4.93), this is my third time to be spent below my daily budget, I'm saving a lot for my Boracay escapades! Tugs-tugs-tigs!!

Ending this post with the secret of delicious (nami) Negrense cuisine- Chivas Regal Vinegar. Only in Negros! And you can't buy it and bring home as "pasalubong." Hmmmm... I so much miss the taste of Chicken Inasal and Piaya. 

Day 5 will be up on the blog on Saturday (sorry I'm so bagal to type and its hard to recount everything I did). Watch out for more of La Carlota City and then Guimaras. I'm excited to share my super adventures at Guimaras, you won't believe it!

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thanks for reading journeyingjames- my running stories and travel discoveries-- 

let's walk, run, climb, ride, swim and fly. 

You can find me at Facebook and follow me on Twitter.

Day 3: Naked at Mambukal

The day started when my alarm clock buzz at 5:00am. It was dark and chilly. I scheduled a 5K run today so I have to up and ready by 5:15am. After about an hour of running (and some snapshots) around the resort, I found a way outside going up to the nearby Don Bosco Retreat House. I realized that it was also another route going up to the 7th waterfalls of Mambukal Resort so I just continued trail running up until I reached the waterfalls. Time check: 8:15am

Note: For my new readers, I'm recounting my recent 14-Day Solo Backpacking Challenge with P250 budget per day, all-in (transpo, food, accommodation, gimik, etc.). So far I'm done with DAY 1 & Day 2.

Lake for Kayaking

The waterfalls was refreshing and invigorating, a perfect treat after running for more than an hour without hydration. Some lessons I learned from mountaineering: you can drink water from the mountain stream/waterfalls/river as long as the water path hasn't crossed anything that would contaminate it like households or poultry house/piggery or the likes. So I drank from the falls until quenched! But then I had this motto that "all waters must be tested." Figuratively and literally, I have to take a dip on that tempting icy-cold water.

Bridge, Extreme Sports, Sulfur Spring, Swimming pool,
Bat watching and Butterfly keychains
Click Image to enlarge

Looking around the area I found no one. It's time to do one from my Bucket List- skinny dipping. So for more thrill and excitement I went into the water naked. Everyone should try it once in their lifetime- to feel unashamed and free (parang si Oble sa YuPi na nagswimming). Anyway, I think that is the highlight of my 3rd day. Sorry guys, I don't have pictures of that or even the falls (didn't bring my cam). And even if I have those, its not for everyone's consumption.

From the 7th waterfalls you can just take the established foot trail along the river going back to the resort (30-45minutes trek). Then after breakfast I roamed around the resort and had some shots- the flora being sold inside the resort, the lake, hotspring, trees, etc.

Had my breakfast then a relaxing dip in the hot pool. It was very relaxing that I forgot to check on the time, I hurriedly fixed my stuff, had my late lunch and off I went to Libertad terminal to catch the next trip to La Carlota City. I arrived pass 6:00pm at La Carlota City then I met my friend K who is very very gracious and hospitable for the rest of my stay in her hometown. More stories of K and La Carlota on Day 4.

ACTIVITIES I DID

7 Waterfalls of Mambukal. I haven't seen all of them, I think I saw only 4 and swam on the 7th. The trek was also great. Don't forget to bring your camera and capture the beauty and mystery of the waterfalls. 

Dipping at the Hotspring. The entrance to the hotspring would mean that I would surpass my P250 budget. I have no choice but to stare at those who are enjoying the hot water bath. I wasted no time and just had some chit-chat with Mike and the caretaker in-charge of the entrance fee. After some 15 minutes of conversation, I was allowed to enter- for FREE. I still don't know why.

Click Image to Enlarge

Flowers Photoshoot. Just wanted to capture the beauty of the various flowers being sold inside the resort.

not for the faint-hearted- the joys of toploading

TopLoad. One way to enjoy your commute is to try going up to the roof of the bus and enjoy the cheap thrill risk it gives you. Travelling topload-style gives you a different perspective of the route, the scenic backgrounds that you pass by. It also gives you a panoramic view Mt.Kanlaon and an unlimited burst of shutter as you like to capture every angle from your lenses.

FOODS I ATE

Pancit, Bread, Quail eggs & Coffee for breakfast; Nilagang Bangus for lunch; 

and Fish, Pochero & Leche flan for dinner

PEOPLE I MET

Clockwise: Stanley, Benji & Mike, Rex & me, Cyril & Juan Miguel

Benji Romo. He is one of the tour guides to the 7 falls. Although you really don't need a guide leading you to the 7 falls, Mike (the American that I met from Day 2) asked for Benji's help to carry his bag. Benji is also one of the tour guides to Mt.Kanlaon, very nice and friendly guy. his contact number will be posted as a comment on this post.

Stanley. The kid from the eatery.

Juan Miguel & Cyril. High school students from Lopez Jaena National HS whom I met on my way back to Libertad, Bacolod City. We are on the same bus- topload style.

Rex. A nurse working in Bacolod city. He was my seatmate on my way to La Carlota City. He suggested that I take the pumpoat from Valladolid rather than Pulupandan going to Guimaras; which I found out to be cheaper. Thanks Rex! Hope to meet you again.

K. Friendship pays off. K is a friend of my sister. I know her because she studied at UPLB. She offered me a big room in La Carlota and was gracious enough to feed me while I stayed their for 2 nights. A big hug and thanks K!

Mambukal Resort Rates
Entrance
  Adult - P30
  11 yrs old & below - P10
  Light vehicles - P15
  Trucks/Buses - P30
Swimming Pools
  Adult - P50
  11 yrs old & below - P20
Picnic Huts
  Big - P600
  Small - P300
Wall Climbing - P25
Slide for Life - P100 (2 slides)
Canopy Walk - P50
Boating - P30/person
Butterfly Garden - P20

Coffee Shop near Butterfly garden

Accommodation (Check in 2:00pm, Check out 12:00nn)
  LGU Cottage - P900 (2 single beds/matrimonial)
                          - P1,200 (4 single beds)
                          - P1,500 (2 single beds & 2 double decks)
  Family Cottage - P6,000 (2 bedrooms w/living room, dining room and kitchen)
  Tourist Lodge - P600 (Ordinary); P750 (Deluxe); P1,000 (Executive use)
  Camping Fee - P30/person (you can pitch your own tent)


Contact Infos: Mambukal reservation Office (034) 709-0990 0r (034)433-8516; Mambukal Resort (034 710-0801)

Transportation Info:

Libertad - Mambukal  (6:00am)1st trip   (7:00pm)last trip

Mambukal - Libertad  (5:00am)1st trip   (6:00pm)last trip

The minibus (double-tire) leaves after every 20minutes, fare is PhP30-35.

Day 3 Expenses (in Philippine peso)

P30 Entrance Fee to Mambukal Resort

P30 Camping Fee (so I can set up my hammock)

P20 Tropicana

P15 Pancit (breakfast)

P2   Hot water (I brought my own coffee)

P13 Bread

P10 Quail eggs

P35 Sinigang na Bangus with 1 1/2 cups of rice

P8   Coke Sakto

P30 Minibus (Mambukal-Libertad terminal)

P30 Minibus (Libertad-La Carlota City)

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P223 (US$4.90), see I think P250 is still big for me...hahaha

I met some beautiful ladies during Day 4, one looks like Taylor Swift. Be sure to visit back to see them.

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thanks for reading journeyingjames- my running stories and travel discoveries-- 

let's walk, run, climb, ride, swim and fly. 

You can find me at Facebook and follow me on Twitter.

Run for Peace and Human Rights

This is one out-of-the-box race schedule! Its a Thursday, August 12 2010.

In celebration of the 11th International Youth Day they are organizing a Youth Fun Run for Peace and Human Rights. I support this kinds of advocacies- youth, peace and human rights. Of course, even if you are 65 years old you can still join the race.

Race Event: Youth Run for Peace and Human Rights

Race Distances: 3K and 5K

Registration Fee: P200 for students P300 for non-students

Registration Areas: see HERE

Race Information and Mechanics

1. Date and Venue: August 12, 2010, Thursday at Quirino Grandstand, Roxas Blvd.,  Manila.

2. Assembly time: Assembly starts at 5:00am. Please make sure that you are checked in by the race marshals before the race. The race officially starts at 6:00am. Only those who have officially registered, signed and submitted the waiver and checked in properly are entitled to win the race.

3. Race Category: The race is composed of 2 categories (3K and 5K). Runners may choose to participate in any ONE category only.

4. Baggage Booth: There will be a baggage booth located near the start/finish area. The race organizers will assume no responsibility for loss and or damage of items checked in.

5. Aid Stations: Water is available at the start and every 1.5 kilometers then. There will be (2 to 3) aid stations on the course where water and medical assistance will be available. To keep the aid stations from being congested, continue on the last table and ¬please keep moving.

Warning - Inadequate training, failure to pace, and disregard for the importance of taking liquid has resulted in life-threatening conditions such as heatstroke in both experienced and first time road runners. If this is your first race or first experience in warm, humid climate, take fluids at each of our aid stations. Should you experience difficulties, stop and ask for advice or assistance from the medical personnel at the aid station before continuing.

Finish Line – Upon crossing the line, you will be timed and directed into a chute where the bar code tags on your number WILL BE REMOVED. Move through the chute as quickly as possible but do not pass other runners. Please do not talk to the timers while the race is in progress as distraction can cause errors to be made. Please exit as soon as you are able. Once you have passed through the finish area, do not return. Be courteous and make room for other finishers. The finish line and all support services will be close 10:00am.

6. Runner number and Shirts: Shirts with the runner number positioned front top center, must be worn throughout the race. The number MUST be visible at all times. NO EXCEPTIONS will be allowed. Runner numbers are not transferable. You and the runner wearing your number will be disqualified. NUMBERS CANNOT BE PICKED UP ON RACE DAY.

DO NOT CUT OR FOLD YOUR NUMBER IN ANYWAY. DO NOT REMOVE THE TAG OF YOUR NUMBER. YOUR NUMBER WILL BE MARKED AND TAG REMOVED AT THE FINISH LINE.

7. Checkpoints: Your number will be recorded at several checkpoints along the course. Make sure your runner’s number is clearly visible. You may be disqualified if there is no record of you passing through the checkpoints.

8. Race Curfew: Each race category has its own official curfew. Race marshals will pick up participants who fail to finish the race within allotted time. 

9. Drug Testing: Athletes who participate in this race may be subjected to drug testing in accordance with the PATAFA rules and the IAAF Rule 144. Athletes found positive for banned substances, or who refuse to be tested will be disqualified from this event, and will lose eligibly for future competitions. Some prescriptions and over the counter medication contain banned substances.

10. Protests: Protests related to actions of any race official runner will be accepted only in written form. We will not respond to verbal protest.

11. THE ORGANIZING COMMITTEE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO WITHRAW ANY PARTICIPANT PRIOR TO OR DURING THE RACE.

12. THE ORGANIZING COMMITTEE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ALTER ANY OF THE RULES PRIOR TO THE START OF THE EVENT. IF SO, NOTICES WILL APPEAR IN THE MAJOR NEWSPAPERS

Astig di ba? May drug testing pa. And look at the warning (see above in red)! Hmmm... Well, let's respect the distance (3K and 5K). Lastly, may checkpoints at curfew din! Seryosohan diba? Sali na! 

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thanks for reading journeyingjames- my running stories and travel discoveries-- 

let's walk, run, climb, ride, swim and fly. 

You can find me at Facebook and follow me on Twitter.