My DFA renewal of Passport experience- Not a Horror Story

It was the year 2009 that I got my passport thru a travel agency at the old office in DFA near Plaza Independencia. It wasnt much of an effort at all. My passport's 5 year effectivity will end in March 2014 so I was dreading the renewal of my passport after I heard the horror stories of going to DFA at 3:00 a.m  I googled  DFA policies and some blogs to get some info. Thanks to the bloggers btw, you are the heroes of the IT generation.  I applied for renewal of passport  at DFA on Dec 19 2013, and I want to give some pointers from what I experienced. Hope this will help you.
New Rules FIRST
DFA is located at the 4th floor Pacific Mall in Mandaue City. If you are not from Mandaue City like me, take a taxi getting there.
Issuance of Priority Numbers (If you are not a minor, pwd or a senior citizen, you must get priority number)
9:00 pm to 6:00 am the following day. Pacific Mall will issue a priority number. Present valid ID and old passport if renewal and NSO birth certificate at the guard near the entrance. He will give you an application form to fill up.
6:01-:6:30 am     Setting the"Pila" based on Pacific Mall Priority Numbers
6:31 am onwards DFA will release priority numbers.  The guard will call out your number  and return your valid ID so listen carefully.Surrender the Pacific Mall priority number, and submit valid ID and application form. The priority numbers issued from DFA is not necessarily the same as the Pacific Mall numbers so be alert when the guard calls your number.

I arrived at Pacific Mall Mandaue via taxi at 3:15 am (P 162.50)and was happy that there were only few people around but was suprised that my number was 128. Kaya pala, the guards are releasing as early as 9:00 pm, hayyy lessons learned. I decided not to go home and just wait for 6:00 am. I already downloaded the application form from DFA website and filled it up so i was just merely waiting for the time to arrive. There are no seats  and tables in the area, so its better to have the form filled up in the comforts in your home. Remember to fill up all the data required. BRING BALLPEN.
At 6:00 am, there were already lots of people waiting at the parking lot and the benches. The guard called up instructions of the placement of the line based on numbers,then another wait again. Finally I heard my number called, the guard gave me back my ID then I surrendered it to the DFA and submitted the application form. My 128 number was replaced by 115, and was instructed to come back at 11 am.
One thing I noticed in Pacific mall, its really hard to get a PUJ. There was an ongoing road renovation and even at 7am in the morning, traffic was already heavy and most of the PUJs are already full. I also didnt feel safe waiting beside the road. After about 30 minutes, I decided to get on the Park Mall bound PUJ (instead of SM) then had breakfast at Jolibee at ParkMall. Its better to get a ride at Park Mall terminal since a lot of 01k PUJ's are at the terminal. Much safer place to wait for a ride. Then from Park Mall to SM to UP. Yup 3 rides. I went back to my office at UP to rest and wait for 10 am. I decided not to go home because  of time constraints.  THen 10 am arrived, still I wasnt able to sleep, so I took another taxi (P127.50) to Pacific Mall, then went straight to the fourth floor DFA office. There were so many people waiting outside. I arrived before 11:00 am and the guard said the were still processing no. 70.

The process:
1.  The Front Desk: Accepts your priority number and gives you back the application form and valid ID. He instructs you to have the ID xeroxed. There's a copier inside the office but the line is long so photocopy everything to save time.
2. Acceptance of application form with documents. Theres a sit-down pila inside so ask who is the last person. I apologize to those people in line, I accidently inserted in the line while asking the guy if they gave out numbers. The guy told me to sit down so I did. Little did I know that  i just inserted in the pila. Fortunately I did not hear violent reactions.
For renewal of passport: Application form, Old passport with xerox (first data page and last page), valid ID with xerox,  NSO birth certificate (original and xerox)
For new passport, please visit DFA Site for the list of requirements coz there's more documents that are required.
The person in charge will staple everything and return it to you for the next step.
3. Payment-  Submit your papers at Window 2 then wait for your name to be called. I paid P950 for regular processing . Its better to have P50 ready or the exact amount. There's an option to have your passport mailed but I dont know the rates and I didnt inquire on the procedure. Mas better jud to personally pick up your passport.
5. Encoding- At this point,  I was kinda stuck here for more than hour because of the lunch break.  I was waiting at the pila outside and for almost an hour, the line wasnt moving. I was able to get inside at past 1 pm and there were only 2 windows open. Anyways, there's a tv inside so you dont get bored.
The process: Submit your papers, and pose for the camera. Remember, no earrings and necklace so leave your jewels at home. Also no bangs and ears should be visible, so hair back. I looked so ugly & haggard in my passport photo, it looks more like a prison photo than a passport photo. Even if its a renewal, they are still encoding my info. so watch the screen as they encode your name and other info. Double check, FIRST NAME, LAST NAME, MIDDLE NAME for spelling. Also DATE of BIRTH and Place of Birth. They will print the data for you to sign later so dont be in a hurry to sign the form. CHECK and Double Check.  Then they get your signature, LEFT thumbprint and RIGHT thumb print. The process is really quick and easy. After double checking everything, I signed the form and returned it to the window 7. 
I arrived 10:30 am and finished at exactly 2: pm, more than 3 hours. 
Thanks for the DFA personnel, guards and the people there who responded to my queries.
I checked my cellphone inbox if the office needs me but they didnt text me so I decided to eat. Boy was I hungry.
AFter that I decided to go to the mall's PUJ terminal to check the if I can get a ride there. There were only 2 PUJs, 1 for liloan and another consolacion. So I crossed the scary road again to  wait for a ride. I again took  a PUJ bound for park mall but this time i stopped at EMCOR to ride an AYala Jeep. From there, I went back to UP and did some work.
The process of renewing my passport was easy, but the waking up at dawn just exhausted me. I'm so glad  for the 5 year period before I have to do this again. I hope they have the appointment system at cebu implemented by that time #crossfingers.
IMPORTANT TIPS:  
1. Dont go to DFA unprepared. GOOGLE for info or ask from your friends. I asked the people next to me in  the pila but all of them are first timers. I didnt get useful info.
2. Always prepare small bills and loose change for payments, xerox and transpo.
3. BRING BALLPEN and all your documents. I have a folder that contains important documents just incase  its needed. XEROX  required documents
4. Bring food, water and books to read.  Know where the CR is.

Energen Family Run 2

Dec 8 2013 10k

5:30 am 1:28:12

taxi P127.50 Park mall

My singlet and race bib

 Energen Family run is probably the last run I will participate this December. The moment I read the news of this run, I already decided to join because I am an energen drinker and they give out loot bags for all finishers, of course the contents of the bags are energen products.

The problem was I had a minor accident on saturday. My right foot slipped on some pebbles and I came down hard on my right knee and my two arms tried to protect myself in the fall so I felt sore, as if I ran a half marathon. Still, I was only running for 10k, I decided to run and get my loot bag.

When I arrived at Park Mall, I was surprised at the number of participants, probably more than a thousand. I didnt think the run was well advertised. Anyways, the first thing I did was drop my backpack at the courtesy booth and then joined the zumba warm-up. When the run started at 5:30 am, I had a difficult time running. I was struggling already at 1k, I even started walking after the first kilometer. It was so frustrating, I feel so out of shape. My time was 1:28, it was an okey time for me given the heat and my condition. Whats important is that I finished the run. They also give out finishers shirt for 10 k. Anyways things I noticed

1. presence of distance markers every 1 k and direction markers. I havent seen so many signages and markers in my previous run. Since I'm not from Mandaue City, the directions in every turns has helped me a lot
2. I didnt like the route, I felt like we were running in circles. At one point the 10k runners were joined with 5k, then later on, it was 3k and 10k. You know how you can tell if its 3k or 5k runners, they were walking

3. No snacks. I was expecting this. Just like the milo run. But they do give sample energen.

4. They have this timing chip that you need to attach to the shoelace. I wonder how the barefoot runners will do this. 

   

   Timing chip
   

5. Didnt like the bracelet instead of necklace turning point tie/ribbon. I've seen some on the ground. Necklace is better
6. You can only qualify for the raffle if you finish 10k in 1 hour and 5 minutes. A big BOO! A kid won the lenovo cellphone #jellymode

Finishers & loot bag with contents -all energen flavors

Will I participate next years Energen Run? Maybe.

Marathon for Humanity (Phil Red Cross Cordova Chapter)

My 21k finishers medal

21K Nov 24, 2013 (originally Nov 10, 2013) 2:00 am

Hoops Dome Lapulapu city

3:13:56

Hoops Dome at LLC

Before the run, I was able to watch the movie Hunger Games: Catching Fire at SM City Cebu. I missed 15 minutes of the show but that was okey. I recommend it to all the readers of the book and non-readers who are into great stories (just watch the first movie). My 2 fave scenes 1. district 11 speech of katniss and 2. peeta and katniss “nobody needs me” beach scene

Now the reason I mentioned this is because replaying the fave scenes in my mind has helped get through the 21k run.

 Okey, here's the story. I reserved a room at GV Hotel LLC for overnight stay (note to myself: puj acacia-mercado then stop at julies), it was a small room at promo room rate of P475 with private cr/bath, tv and aircon that works like a refrigerator (turning on and off). The hotel provided a towel, 2 small soaps, 1 small pillow and blanket. The downside was they have no elevator and I was assigned at the fifth floor. Oh well, since I'm only paying P475, I shouldnt complain, at least its clean. There are some ants on the bed but I wasnt bitten.

My small room at GV hotel Lapulapu

Since the gun start was 2:00 am, I tried to sleep during the afternoon, but I just couldnt. So I prepared my gear, inserted the batteries of my flashlight and headlamp and prepared the stuff to bring on the run. I also set my cellphone alarm, then ate a little then took a shower. I was able to take a short nap before I woke up at the alarm past 12 midnight. I showered again, put on my gear then went down and sought assistance from the guard to get a pedicab, that costs P40 btw.

I arrived at Hoops dome before 1:00 am so I just wandered around, searching for the baggage counter then sat down and waited. Then the emcee called us for a warm up, I didnt like it, they made us dance but the steps are hard. So I just moved my legs & arms just to warm up. The PRC staff was also giving away whistles to use in case of emergency.

So after the warmup, the runners waited at the starting line, I think the estimated number of 21k runners is about 500-600, not bad. I turned on my blinkers so I wont forget, and then we're off. I'm so glad it stopped raining, it was raining really hard last saturday morning. The advantage of running at night is that the heat wont tire you easily. I was actually jogging most of the way and I didnt drink that much. There were so many areas that are not well lighted, good thing I had my headlamp. I think I would be scared if it werent for the presence of the other runners. I honestly dont know where I was going so I just followed the other runners. They werent offering any food or bananas in any stations, only water and they ran out of plastic glasses...tsk tsk. The roads are flat so I didnt have a hard time, in fact I was surprised when I saw turning point, I thought it was much farther. I ate my chocolate bar after the turning point to keep me going. What helped me get through it, it wasnt the scenery since there wasnt much to see, it was dark and its mostly residential area... The thing that distracted me were the scenes from the Hunger Games: Catching Fire...I love Peeta haha.. It just kept replaying in my head. One thing I didnt like was when I was 1.5k from the finish line. They were already releasing 3 and 6 k so I had I hard time running the roads since it was full of cars/pedicabs and runners. I think it cost me 2-3 minutes delay.

Things I received: finishers medal and shirt. Snacks hotdog, rice and bihon. Not bad for P700 registration fee. They were giving prizes for the raffle but I didnt finish it since the prize is a free massage..

Comments for improvements for next year: provide banana stations and make sure you dont run out of water or cups

I survived !

Picture taking in front of the finish line is a must in every run

Will I join next year's run... Right now my answer is no. My head hurts for 2 days becoz of lack of sleep but no regrets.I love joining runs for the red cross.

Bradford Centennial Run

Bradford Church Centennial Run

Oct 26 2013 Saturday

at Bradford Church Osmena Blvd 4:30 am

21k 3 hours and 19 minutes

After a fun time in Palawan, here I was dreading saturday. I had a headache on Friday so I had no choice but to drink medicine, but afterwards I was feeling groggy. To top it all , my period arrived. But I need  to go back to road running again, hence my decision to register in the first place. I knew that after my puerto princesa trip I would feel lazy again.

So after I hard and tiring day at the office, I went home after 5 pm so I can rest and prepare for my run. It was a rainy friday so I was a bit worried. I was able to fall asleep right away, that was how tired I was.

I woke up at 3:15 am, still feeling sleepy so I forced myself to stand up, eat and dress my running gear. I decided to bring my cp for the first time to do some selfie pics. I went out of the house at 4pm, the air was so cool, then got on the pedicab, then taxi. The warm up was already starting when I arrived. I was looking for the courtesy booth, took me a minute to find it, then left my bag and returned to the starting area. I remembered to turn on my blinkers this time while waiting for the gun start. When I saw the runners for the 21k, there were about 200 of them, yup so few, I felt I'm gonna be the last finisher this time.

The experience during the run  was okey, it was a cloudy day so the sun wasnt so hot,  as expected the route was a bit tiring but familiar. I just tried to distract myself and think of puerto princesa. After the turning point, I was mostly walking than jogging but I persisted. Good news, I wasnt the last finisher, there were about 5 runners behind me. I didnt know there were that many. My time was as expected 3:19, I knew that kapamilya run was a fluke.

During the run, I lost my hand towel and dropped my water bottle twice. I also forgot to bring my shades, good thing the sun decided to hide behind the clouds.

Thanks to Bradford church for the nice medal, bananas and hotdog. I liked the location of the starting/finish line because it was easy to go home. I hope you gathered enough funds for the renovation of your church.

Will I join a bradford church run next time? Sure, why not.

                                 thanks to the safe marshall for taking this pic 

                                                           practicing my selfie skill

I Left my Heart in Puerto Princesa

My Puerto Princesa Adventure

Oct 18-22,2013

One of the things in my bucket list was a trip to palawan. Then a co-worker mentioned that she with other staff will be going there. It felt like a drop from heaven, but I was hesitant at first, what if UPS calls and wants me to go to diliman. But I decided to take a risk, Thanks to my co-workers from library, they arranged my ticket and accomodation. On top of that, 2 other co-workers decided to join us, so originally there was supposed to be eight of us for this trip.

On Friday, Oct 18 was the day of departure, 1:00 pm, 3 of us only since there was no promo fare on the 19th. I went to office, signed some papers 'till 11:00 am, then off I go to the MIA. There wasnt really much going on, the plane departed on time. When we arrived at the PPA, we had to look out for our sundo, the Trip@PAL tour service. After about 2-3 minutes of looking, I found them, then off we go to Payuyu pension, Manalo st. extension

Day 1. Self tour since the tour starts on Saturday.

We had a late lunch at Chao long for some beef stew with noodles. I'm not so sure of the name, I keep forgetting about it. Then the three of us went to LRC Tiangge and did some shopping. I spent P1,200 for accessories, food and bags. Then dinner at baywalk with Ms. Portia and Annabelle. We ate fresh fish sinigang, inihaw and barbecue. Yummy. Then the lights went out, ughhh brown out. Good thing it was the full moon. Then we went to Remari pension house to look at the place and get Portia's hopia. Payuyu pension afterwards, lights didnt come back till about 3 hours later.

Day 2. City tour. Tour starts at 1:30 pm.

Four a.m. I woke up for my jogging. I didnt bring my rubber shoes so I just used my flat closed shoes with socks. The bantay at the pension house was asleep so I had to wake him up. I was able to get out at about 5 am, I was in a hurry because i wanted to see the sunrise. I was a bit scared coz there wasnt much people around, just some tricycles passing by. It was the longest 2k run in my entire life, my right shoe kept coming off. When I arrived at baywalk, there were already lots of people walking /jogging, so i felt relieved. I walked, jogged, took some pics. The sea breeze was so cool, the sea looks great. Perfect stress reliever. The I went back home, but I had to drop by landbank to get my salary. AFter taking a bath, we did some sightseeing at Provincial capitol, did some picture taking. Then early lunch at Nocinoks. There wasnt much food there when we arrived so I just ordered halo-halo and burger. My other companions ordered veggies and rice. So after we were full, we went back to the pension house to rest. I went downstairs to use the wifi and upload pics from my baywalk jogging. 4 of our co-workers arrived, 1 had to beg off becoz her dad was in the hospital.

It was about 1:30 when Trip @pal crew arrived then we started our tour after picking up a couple from another hotel. It was a quick tour, here are the places we went, as far as I can remember. there was a lot of picture taking but I got too tired when we went to bakers hill.

Tiangge

Baywalk ( it was hot so we just passed by)

Immaculate concepcion church

Crocodile farm

Iwahig Prison

Bakers Hill and House of former senator Mitra

Then we had dinner at Baywalk again, same place. We tried to have some pictures taken but the power went off again.

Day 2. Palawan underground river

This place was my target to go so i was excited for this trip. It was about 2 hour drive with some stopovers plus 30 minutes travel by boat. There wasnt any swimming because of the big waves. Reminders, wear shorts and slippers. Prepare to get wet. There was more pictures taken while waiting for the boat, then the arrival. We were warned not to carry plastic becoz the monkeys are attracted to them. The underground river is a different kind of experience. You cant help but to sit down, not move, stay silent and observe the wonders of nature. Its hard to describe, you just got to see it. After the trip we had a nice lunch, everything was tasty. At that point, I felt that I was done, I'm contented already...boy was I wrong. After the trip, we went back to tiangge, then went to church at 4:00 am. Dinner was at Razons, last night with one of our companions, since her trip to Manila was 7:30 pm.

Day 3: Honday bay ( Pandan island and Luli island)

Early morning after some snacks and coffee, our sundo arrived, we had a slight detour to pick up a couple from Turkey, then off we go to Honda Bay. We had less than an hour land trip, stopover for snorkling gear and bread, then another boat trip with life vests on. When we arrived, we tested our snorkling gears. Boy was I excited. I couldnt believe it, I was able to use the snorkling gear. The water was so deep, there were a lot of fishes in the sea. Once you give the bread, lots of fishes just come to attack the food. Not good for picture taking, lemme tell you. So i just gave some of my bread to my companions. I was just happy enjoying the view under the sea. Then lunch was ready, we had ordered sinigang, taho and some shells on top of the lunch provided by the tour. My tummy was so full with all these goodies, I particularly love the talong. Then we did some magic photoshots with the talented bangkero. It was hot but the experience was great. After that, we were off to Luli island. It was drizzling that time, the waters wasnt so clear so the fishes were barely visible. We had a great time do some picture taking, did jumpshots for the nth time, snorkling and fish viewing. There was a diving board where some of my friends did some jumps. After a bit of convincing, I also jumped. My ears were ringing after the jump, but I'm okey. I'm glad I jumped and have pictures to prove it. There was no bathroom in Luli island so we went back to the van wet. After taking a bath and rest, we went back to tiangge again. i think I went to that place about 5 times. Then dinner at chowking, we were supposed to go to Kalui but you need reservations to go there. We actually walked from Kalui to chowking. Mode of transportation in Puerto Princess is by tricycle, P8-10 rate. I keep running out of loose change because of the tricycle rides and we had lots. Did the backride btw.

 One of the magic tricks in picture taking, No Photoshop needed. Just a bottle, camera and lots of imagination.

Day 4. Go home

Woke up at dawn to pack my bags. The other group went out to tiangge and NCC Mall to shop for some stuff. We had lunch at chao long again and i bought sandwich for baon. Then our sundo arrived to take us to the airport.

Thats it, that all i can remember, I hope the sequence is correct. I had the best time ever. The timing was perfect after the big quake in cebu last Oct 15. We escaped aftershocks for 4 days.

Will I got to puerto princesa again? Maybe but I'd like to go to El Nido next time. Thanks to Jonilyn Abrenica and Trip@PAL tours for the experience.

     Jumpshot at Luli Island, Honda Bay Palawan. Its More fun in the Philippines

The Day 7.2 Earthquake hit cebu on 10.15.13

I debated with myself if  I should include this in my blog. Well, since my memory is not so good these days, might as well write all things down before I forget.

Oct 15,2013 was declared a holiday because its a special day for the Muslim religion. For other religion, its a day to relax, enjoy, maybe do some chores and other stuff. For me, its either run or swim, I chose swimming.
Its been weeks since I last swam at cebu city sports center because of a lot of things like menstrual period, pool is closed for treatment, and other reasons so I was looking forward to this day. The night  before I decided to drink tea, fitne viva slim so I can poop in the morning. Unfortunately, I was only able to poop past 6 am so I arrived at the pool  almost 7 a.m. But thats okey, since I only swim for an hour and the sun wasnt so hot. I didnt swim as much as I had planned, I was mostly just standing there in the pool and swim when I'm in the mood. I noticed the clock was already 8:15 am so i decided for one last swim then stayed near the stairs to enjoy the water for a few seconds before getting out. Then it happened. I heard a loud noise, I didnt really know what it is until I looked up. The side part of the stadium was moving really fast. It was like an invisible hand was shaking it hard. I looked around, I see people out of the water, trying to duck,trying to run, trying to panic. 
I was still in the water, holding on to the handle bars near the stairs. I figured I'm gonna have a hard time getting out of the pool with all this movement. So I just waited and prayed for the shaking to stop. It was a long wait. I looked around, I see white smoke..nope not smoke,  more of concrete dust. Something was breaking apart. Finally the noise stopped, but I was sure aftershocks will come minutes later. I can already hear sirens outside. What going on outside? I was outside the shower, undecided..should i take a quick shower or just change?.. I checked the walls, no cracks..no lights either...Oh well, i will  take a risk, if the shaking comes back, just run outside. So I went inside, took a shower, didnt do it in a hurry. I didnt want to go outside right away. In the first 10 minutes I was the only person inside, then a few ladies came later.
I dressed up, finished everything and I was ready to go outside. The first thing I saw was the people, patients of St. Vincents hospital with the dextrose bags. I see babies, I see old people lying on hospital beds. I got on the Andres PUJ, I was planning to stop by Chowking fuente but changed my mind when I saw more people outside. I see store clerks,  tourists, some even in bathrobes..more patients of Cebu Doctors Hospital...Then I arrived home, everything seems normal..Nora and her family are still preparing to move to lapulapu city. I went inside and got my netbook and checked my facebook...I noticed some of my stuff are on the floor but nothing broken.. I saw the news in Bohol, I saw the damage...THat was a strong earthquake in Cebu. Sto. Nino Church was partially damaged..omigosh, whats gonna happen to the Sinulog next year. Right now  Cebu is still experiencing aftershocks..some are really strong.. I'm not afraid..Some stores and schools are closed today, But will go to work tomorrow. So many things to do.. I already checked the office earlier.. No damage. Just some folders and supplies found on the floor. Will cebu survive this? Of course, cebu has to survive. I just hope and pray that  cebu will never experience this again. We are not prepared for this kind of calamity.
Side effect of the earthquake: I was constantly hungry.
p.s. Condolence to the people who died during the earthquake.

20th Anniversary Run Gaisano Country Mall

20th Anniversary Run Gaisano Country Mall
Venue: GCM Talamban, Cebu City
Distance: 15k   2:17 with finishers medal and loot bag
5:00 am

For some reason, my body wasnt in the mood for this run. On Saturday, Oct 12, I slept most of the day. The weather was alternate rainy and sunny becoz of Storm Santi,  a good time to just sleep. I got a headache after watching TMZ so  I decided to take some medicine. Hooboy, now my body just felt lazier after the medicine. Anyways,  since I registered there's no choice but to prepare for the run. Good thing the rain stopped. Santi didnt affect Cebu much, thank God.
Dawn came, I woke up very early at 3:15 am, so I came down and ate some snacks, hopia and water.I really felt full at that time after just one hopia. When i went out of the gate, I was thinking of padlocking the gate but I saw this old guy stopped in front of the gate and started to pee, so I decided not to padlock the gate and walked as quick as I can. I was able to get a pedicab and taxi ride right away. Two minutes after I got inside a taxi, all the lights were off..as in brown out...ohhhhh that was scary... But it came back a minute after. I arrived at GCM at 4:30, I had enough time to prepare for the run.  The zumba warmup started but the instructor was too energetic. Too many jumps.. Joel Baring was there again to give instructions, again he had to look at the tarpaulin before announcing the name of the run... And then were off..Fireworks everywhere. Then I remembered that I have to turn on my 2 blinkers..grrrr..i forgot AGAIN!
Good thing I brought my blinkers becoz  there was brownout in salinas drive. Some of the buildings have generator but there were no streetlights..I love my blinkers! They are a lifesaver!
The run was just like my other runs... Gorordo, Escario and Banawa is really a tiring route so I walked more than I ran. I wasnt the last runner, but there were only few runners behind me. When I was near the finish line, I heard somebody shout behind me but I ignored it and ran.Then when I looked at my water bottler, the cap was gone.  I went back and a lady shouted that she has it. I asked if it was her behind me who was calling Ate..she said yes and I thanked and apologized to her. Lesson: Make sure the cap in my water bottle is tightly closed. It costs P299.00 . Going back for the cap cost me a minute.  My time 2:17 minutes...hmmmm not happy with it, but not surprised..I got to stop thinking about my PR and just enjoy the run.
Good stuff: Gatorade and Banana stations at turning point for 10k and 21k. Hurray! Loot Bag has lots of great stuff I can use, mostly food but i love it and the bag. Thanks GCM and Happy Anniversary. Hope you have another run next year.

                                tired selfie after the run. need more practice with the selfie thing :D

Next Run: Bradford church centennial run 21k

One run One Philippines Cebu

Kapamilya Run (One Run One Phils Cebu)

Oct 6, 2013 SM Northwing 4:30

21 k 3 hours 8 minutes and 7 seconds

First of all, happy 60^th anniversary ABS-CBN! Thanks for including Cebu in One Run One Phils. Hope you have another nationwide run in the future.

Also, thanks for the dark clouds that covered the scorching sun while I was in SRP. The sun came out when I was 3k away from the finish line. Thank God.

It was two months ago, after my usual googling that I found out about this event. But the registration started about 2 weeks ago. As soon as Leo Lastimosa thru his facebook announced that Cebu City Sports Center was one of the registration sites, I rushed to the venue and registered, and got my race pack right away. I'm so grateful for abs-cbn for choosing CCSC as one of its registration centers.

Why did I want to run for abs-cbn. 2 words?“Finisher Medal” I want to collect as many as I can from different race organizers. Second reason: SRP route. Its my fave route, I dont know why other organizers just chose this route instead of talamban. Much safer. Although when the sun comes out, the heat can be unbearable.

The day came, I used my new fave bagbelt with 2 SNS water bottles and sunglasses. I also have 2 small bars of chocolates for energy booster. When I arrived at SM Northwing, there were already runners there, the courtesy booth just opened. I've noticed there were no portalets, good thing I dont pee a lot during runs.

After the zumba warmup, the 21k runners went to the starter line, there were a lot of us..probably a thousand..just my guess..Then the emcees just kept on talking ..suddenly the gun went off..then off we go.. We are blessed to have such a nice morning to run. No rain, the air was cool..I felt good running to SRP. I didnt think about PR or finishing. I just enjoyed watching the sea, feeling the cool air. My legs just went on autopilot while I medidate.

Our turning point was just a few meters from Gaisano (again!) Capital, first time i've gone this far in Talisay City. As expected, some hydration stations ran out of plastic water. No bananas, no chocolates.. Good thing I had my baon. I heard there were already some runners giving up and asking for a ride back to SM..tsk tsk..

One thing that kinda pissed me off was when I was about 2.5k from the finish line. The truck from SAFE arrived carrying 21 runners that DNF. After the DNF runners were dropped, they mixed with us and continued the race...WTF...if the organizers run out of medals, I'm gonna race hell.

This is the biggest surprise of all, my time is 3 hours 8 minutes..WOW! Are you kidding me...My last 3 21k runs were 3 hours and 30 minutes.. I was having doubts about the distance..was that really 21k? Was that really my time? Maybe its a fluke..Maybe I just had a good day ..Maybe I should run in the Bradford Church centennial run to check if its still my time..... hhmmm You know, if my improvement continues, its possible I could qualify for the Milo 21k run.....Naahhhhh hehe

p.s. Abs-cbn has promised to send personalized certificate of finish sometime after the run when you register online.  This is so cool.
updated: my certificate of finish/participation from abs-cbn

Salamat abs-cbn.

Run to the Max 4

Run to the Max 4

Holiday Gym and SPa 8th anniversary run

Sept 29 2013 16k 2:23

5:00 race bib 1111

September seems to be green month for fun runs.

I  really wasnt planning to join this run, they dont give out medals to all 16k finisher, I didnt like the banilad, talamban, then salinas drive route but since I missed recoletos run which had a MEDAL, what choice do i have. I need to run at least 2 long runs a month and I have to prepare for 21k kapamilya run.

For the first time in history, I asked sukli from the driver of the taxi hehe..the taxi cost was P89.00 and I dont want to give my precious small bills. Thanks to the taxi driver who gave me the exact change, sensya na walang tip, I am poor so I need to save my pennies.

My race bib no. 1111 is ironic because I am a slow runner, the chances are high that I will be the last 5 or 6 finishers. The weather during the run was nice, it was cloudy, the sun didnt appear until the last kilometer of my run. Some of the marshals are non-existent in talamban, but thats okey, since I am familiar with the route and the cars/pujs and habal habal drivers are used to runners. There was a  korean guy riding a very big and noisy horse. That scared me.

I was surprised with my time. My 16k time is usually 2:30 minutes, but i finished earlier by 7 minutes. Unbelievable, I really didint feel I  ran faster.. I still walked a lot whenever I got tired. Maybe I am improving. Lets hope I finish my 21k in 3:15,  anything is possible. Thanks HGS for the sandwich and water. More power to you.

Will I join next year's HGS run...ahhhh no for now. I will still look for other alternatives runs that give medals. Off topic: Congrats to Megan Young for winning Ms. World. Is about time.

I've thought of a slogan while running: I may not be fast, but I will ENDURE.

Milo Marathon Eliminations Cebu Leg

22 September 2013 infront of CNU
10k  1:24:

First of all thanks to Milo for organizing this run in cebu for so many years. I still dont like the requirement to submit 300 grams milo, I really wish that you would just require the sachet. I once said that I will join the milo run next year, now i'm having second thoughts.

Stuff that happened

1. CITOM  closed the Osmena Blvd road again, I had to jog from Chong Hua Hospital to the starting point. The 21k was released before i got there. I saw some people carrying their luggage, i guess they were pissed by the closure,

2. I didnt find the courtesy booth right away. I asked the marshalls and the people involved, they dont know. Finally i asked a runner who knows, it was inside the cebu sports center. I had to run over there so i wont get late. They should have announced it, grrrr

3. I really had a hard time running from start to salinas drive. I was having doubts in my abilities, its been three weeks since my last run. I didnt think I would meet the cut-off point. But after Salinas drive,  suddenly, my body adjusted to the running. I was breathing normally. No matter how many times I run, when you think that your body gets used to long distance running..NOPE, you still get tired..my impromptu warm-up/jog didnt even help.

4. Didnt get the foam. I dont know where  the station for the cold wet foam was.

5. When we got to escario, there were vehicles that was able to get inside the road...grrrr
6. Saw Rio, or his back.. he passed by near where I was, maybe checking some stuff. Wish I could hear him speak.

I guess thats it, Thanks for the experience Milo. I'll see you next year, MAYBE

Recoletos Run on Sept 18 2013

I registered for the 15k last Saturday at USJR Main and I was so excited to learn that they give out finishers medal. Unfortunately I have to travel this weekend so I'm gonna take a raincheck on this run. Cant help it, work comes first. But I dont plan to request for a refund, I will donate it for the scholars of  Jose. Anyways, below is the info of the run. The run is open to all, alumni, faculty, students and the general public who love to run for a cause. Call the number below for more info. Have fun this Sunday Sept. 8 2013  I can only be there in spirit,  I hope theres another recoletos run next year.

After a three-year hiatus, the fund-raising run of the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) dubbed as “Recoletos Run: Takbo Para sa Iskolar ni Jose” returns on Sept. 8 at the Plaza Independencia.

The race is organized by Josenians Inc., the alumni association of USJ-R and aims to raise funds to support the school’s academic scholars.

The run was officially launched yesterday at the Baseline Recreation Center by Josenians Inc. president Engineer Norberto Flores along with past immediate president Engr. Antionio Esmero, organizer Engr. Roel Militar, Executive VP Belmore Mejares and race director Joel Juarez.

“Last 2010, the first Recoletos Run attracted 1,200 runners and we generated P240,000 which was equally divided among three beneficiaries. This year, we are aiming to help more students of USJ-R to finish their college education through our full scholarship program from first year up to the final year of their chosen course,” Flores said.

The charity run will feature the 15-kilometer open category, 5k, USJ-R students category, faculty and alumni and a 3k race. Organizers are hoping to draw 2,000 runners.

The race was stopped in 2010 after organizers found it hard to find a schedule that will not be in conflict with other races. But since race schedules are now regulated by the city government, they decided to revive the run.

The official route will traverse the South Road Properties (SRP) up to the boundary of Talisay City and Cebu City. They chose Plaza Independencia as the official venue because it is where the monument dedicated to the first Recollect priests who arrived in Cebu a century ago was erected.

The run will also open the school’s week-long intramurals.

The top three winners in the 15k open category will receive P3,000, P2,000 and P1,000 respectively while the 4th to 10th placers will receive medals. Winners in the 5k and 3k divisions will receive certificates.

Registration fee for the 15k is P500 while the 5k regular fee is P300. Alumni and student runners will get discounts. The fee is inclusive of the race singlet, bib and post-race refreshments.

Registration is ongoing at the RUNNR in Ayala Center Cebu, at the Josenians Office and at the USJ-R Basak campus.

UR 8 @ CDU

13K 1:51

August 25, 2013

CDU

Thank God for the nice weather! At first I was worried because of the news reports of the low pressure area in Surigao. It even rained at dawn. It turned out to be one of my fave runs, perfect weather..cloudy, not humid and a bit windy. The reason I joined cdu's run was because of the venue, I wanted to conquer 2 bridges. I'm not really fond of running in Mandaue because I am unfamiliar of the streets and since I'm a slow runner, I usually get left behind. But UR8 was an exception, I think I'm gonna join the 13k run every year. Lets hope for nice weather for every run.

Some points:

Love the shirt.

Love running at the mactan bridge (old and new) so cool and windy. I think all runners should experience it. You just wanna do it again and again. I wish someone took a pic of me at the bridge.

One of the hydration station ran out of plastic cups, its a minor thing coz may baon akong water. One tip though, if you are wearing a belt bag like I do,I usually put a plastic cup on my bag in case they ran out of cups. Helps me a lot esp. during longer distances.

Freebies: Pocari for 13 & 25k. Yey! Band aid at the finish line and a granola bar on the second bridge, although the lady didnt want to give it to me, I wonder why. If she didnt want to give it to a 13k runner, then they should have distributed it at cansanga bridge where only 25k runners can run. Also, they gave iced cold drinks with meatrolls for snacks. Just what I need.

See you next year for UR9. Salamat Doc Yong and Run for Sight

pic uploaded on 6-26-14. after 3 years of running, this is the only pic taken while running . so sad hu hu

R399 Live for Your Dream

August 11, 2013 Cebu Business Park
6k 45 minutes  with finishers medal.
Note: no singlet, but all distances get finishers medal. the 12k runners get a finishers shirt. #sulit

I really wasnt too keen on running this R399 run since Cebu Business Park is not my fave running route ( concrete road is not good for my knees) but what the heck, its a day before my b-day, might as well get myself a medal for 6k.

The run was okey, it was participated by  the aheeemmm "old and experienced runners" &  a-listers. I wasnt performing my best, for some reason I got tired easily. The run started late, but it doesnt matter, the run was for Ramie, the triathlete who died while cycling during the  2012 Cobra Ironman. I didnt know the guy but I feel bad that he didnt finish. He must be a really great guy because he is well loved by the running community.

Maybe I will be participating next year. Lets wait and see.

Mapre's Run for Road Safety

photo uploaded 8-06-13

July 28, 2013
12k 5:45 am Sumilon Road
1:42

I'm currently in metro manila so I wasnt able to take a picture of my finishers medal, race bib and singlet. To follow na lang. I will make this short coz i have a headache.

Despite being controversial becoz of the finishers medal for only 150 finishers, there were a lot of runners joining in the run, more than Petrons Run for safety. In  the 12k category,  there was an estimated 400+ runners. I didnt even think I could get a medal.
Some thoughts
It was drizzling again. But Petron run rain was worse.
The route was the same, in Banilad but that's okey. I really need to conquer that road.
15 minutes Late in  gunstart There were problems with electricity. Sumilon road was dark when I arrived.
They were distributing personalized certificates of finish. Since i had a flight at 12:45 pm,  i didnt have time to wait in line.bummer.
There was nothing spectactular happened during the run, just the usual wet roads. There were also a lot of runners behind me. My speed is still consistent. I honestly wasnt in the mood to run, but the medal is calling out to me. I cant resist.
Overall, it was a nice run. There was Virginia hotdogs given at the end of the race. made my day hehe.

Petron Run For Safety

July 21 2013 10k 1:25:05

Ayala Terraces

Comments:

All runners from different distances started at the same time.

Gun start 5:45 am, not 5:30 am.

It was raining most of the time. I had wet socks again.

No snacks given. No certificates.

They gave a loot bag which contains 3 magazines, some brochures, 1 pen, 1 sanmigcoffee with cereal, petron baller.

I had a great run, my best time since after my surgery. Thanks Petron.

Run With Venus

July 7 2013 21k  3:22
Ayala Terraces


Initially I didnt want to register in Run for Venus for 2 reasons.  1. 21k is P750  2. I was waiting for DYAR Sonshine radio run. Unfortunately, there is still no announcement from Sonshine radio and there are only 2 other runs for July, no 21K.

Unfortunately at the morning of the run, for some reason, my body wasnt into it. It went into a lazy mode even after the gun start. There were only about 200 runners (not surprised becoz of the high fee) and the mood wasnt really as festive as Hunat sugbo. The emcee announced that they have only 210 finisher’s medal, and those who doesnt receive the medal will have to get it next week. Hooboy..that really put a damper on things, I am a slow runner, does this mean no medal? Grrrghh

As expected I was left behind during the run. By the time I entered IT park, i was already the lone runner...grrr I hate fast runners...  The Results: 2nd to the last Runner...yey! There was an old guy behind me but he suddenly sprinted on our way back to escario...grrr... When I was almost at the finish line, I saw a guy holding 1 medal...wow! I got  a medal.. What a wonderful suprise. Now the bad news. No towel, no lootbag, no freebies. Thats the price you pay if you run 21k and esp. a slow runner. If there’s another Run for Venus Next year, I will definitely join the 6k. Promise.


The bad:
No promised timing chip. 3 water stations ran out of either  cups or water. Kulang sa distance marks. Well maybe I didnt see some of them. NO cold foam

The good.
There were still marshals around, yey!. Naay banana, chocolate and nutrilite


Excited to run with venus next year. I want freebies!
 Btw, who is Venus? hehe

Some memorable runs

Since i undergone surgery via G.A., I'm beginning to forget things. So I'm compiling a list of memorable stuff related to runs..

Most difficult run in 2012- I actually forgot. What stands out in my mind was I did 7 fun runs last Sept 2012 and I got sick in the middle of the month but i still ran. My injury: 2 dead big toenails. Not pretty.

Most Difficult Run in 2013:  Run for Justice 16k. My body hurts after the run. First time i stayed in bed most of the day. Thats why Banawa hills is my fave lsd.

Most satisfying meal after the run: Most runs just provide 1 bread and water, some dont. I appreciate Fun runs that give rice. Anyways, its a tie...Run for Faith 2012. They gave pancit canton and bread.  The second is SM to SM for the McDonalds chicken fillet. I didnt include Hunat Sugbo coz I didnt eat the meal provided after the run. I ate my baon because they ran out of food.

Pinaka Gutom Run: Timex Run 2012. Suprisingly, no food was given. Thanks Coach R.

Most Memorable Run during 2012. Milo Run because of my pr..I finished 10k in 1 hr 23 minutes. During the run, I just kept thinking of the mass on my breast.

Worst experience. So far wala. I do have lots of forgettable runs and some frustrating organizers like philhealth.. There is a run I wont do again.. a Night Race...

First Run for Faith 14k. First time I experienced being the last runner. Also the first time i felt so hungry during a run.
Y101 Armscor Run:  The only time  i won the a raffle prize
Citigyms Halloween Run: Last run before surgery...
Sinulog run: FIrst run after surgery. I was so exhausted afterwards
Cebu city Marathon: most expensive
Theres one thing i didnt experience much. Loot bags... I only got 3 in all the runs..Timex, NB and ughhh i forgot again..
thats it for now.

Hunat Sugbo Tres

Hunat Sugbo 3

Jun 23 2013 Ayala Terraces

4:30 21k 3:25

I had cough and colds for about 2 weeks and I found out last Friday that my period just arrived. I wasnt in good condition to run for 21k, but I still I decided to run. I was pretty scared, but I just kept on praying and try to think positive. I decided to run my first 21k in Hunat Sugbo when I saw the tarpaulin of Parklane when I ran 5k at CCM. But when I found out the challenging route,I started to train starting April then I registered for a 21k run in First Run of the Rivers to prepare for this.It was just annoying that with all these preparations, I got sick..ugghhh.

Day of the run:

The weather was perfect, cloudy skies, the sun barely got out. The run started on time, there so many 21k runners who registered. It was a festive moment.

Good stuff.

Distance markers every 1k. Challenging route. Consistent water stations every 2k. The marshalls (SAFE) didnt leave the roads even after 8am. For a slow runner, I was really happy when I saw SAFE people were still there. Food was satisfying.

Bad stuff:

No banana stations, no energy drinks stations. This was disappointing, some runners just bought snacks at sari-sari stores. Sad to say, I was so annoyed when the food I anticipated during my run wasnt there when I arrived. Yup, they ran out of food. The staff kept telling you that,food is coming. The program was over, they were dismantling tents and removed the water dispenser, still food hasnt arrived. I just waited till it came. I was so surprisedwhen lots of runners and SAFE staff suddenly arrived to get the share of the food. Sorry for the staff for being pikon. You know how many people who registered for the run, running out of food is a major BoBooo.

Will I run Hunat Sugbo 4. Right now, my answer is no. I guess they have to offer something new for me to be interested.

PhilConstruct Industry Run

June 9 2013 5:10 am SRP Pedro Calungsod Templete

12k with finishers medal 1:45

I'd like to congratulate Philconstruct Industry run for a successful  fun run at SRP. Thanks for giving medals for 12k finishers. I have to admit, I was only after the medal. I do hope that if there's another run next year, please find another venue. SRP is not an ideal place for a venue because of its location. , No accessible PUJ's and also no CR. Where am I supposed to change clothes and pee? It was also hot out there.

Anyways, It was a hot day at SRP but I managed to improve  my PR compared to my 12k run in SM to SM.

 Other Comments: I was so sleepy before the run, I arrived at 4:10 am but the 12k run began on 5:10 am. There were no snacks given. There was the ever reliable Virginia Hotdogs whose giving out sample. I envy the 21k, they have shirts and 1 bottle gatorade. I didnt win the raffle prizes, i wish they added more prizes for raffle.

One thing I decided during the run. Starting July, enter only 1 fun run.

next Run: Solidarity run on June 12

1st Run for the Rivers

1^st Run for the Rivers

2 June 2013 SM Northwing 4:30 am

21k Time: Secret

First of all, I want to give myself a pat on the pack and say “Congratulations for finishing your 1^st half marathon” I feel so blessed and happy today. A year ago when I started running last June 2012, I didnt think running a half marathon was possible. After I had my surgery, I considered it an impossible dream. Everytime I run a 5 or 6 or even 10, I always feel that this is too hard for me, how much more for 21k. Here's what I discovered, the feeling of tiredness you experience in running other distances, is still the same when you run a 21k. In fact,I had a harder time when I ran a 16k last March, my body was really aching that time. So just keep on running, preferably uphill roads.

I've been praying so hard for this run and I guess God heard my prayers. Here's what happened

1. I was able to get a taxi right away, in fact I was able to arrive at the venue at 4:00 a.m.
2. It was raining but it didnt rain where I was running. I noticed the roads were wet. Wow! This is a miracle
3. The sun was late in coming out.
4. I have a finishers medal
5. The SM guards were nice, they led me to the travelers lounge so I can change at the CR.
6. I have pain on my feet, but my body is okey, just the usual pain after running. And no dead toes.

Congrats to Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Coach Raffy (of Runnr Ayala) for a successful fun run. 2100 runners is already a lot in Cebu. I've run in a lot of fun runs, getting even a thousand runners is considered successful, Here's a tip to get more runners next year.

1. Early announcement. To get more runners, invite runners in near provinces and even from Manila. Online registration is also an advantage.

2. Promote your run in facebook and other social networks. Remember what SM did, they did full blast promotion on their facebook. Also offer big raffle prizes and special awards for “best in costume”, oldest, youngest, largest contingent etc.
3. It would be an advantage if you schedule the run when classes have started so you can get support from schools. You can also offer discounts for students

4. No cutoff time. You will lose would be runners if you have a cutoff time.

Comments on the fun.

1. No distance markers
2. Didnt start on time
3. Only 1 banana and gatorade station. There was 1 person in the gatorade station who was already drinking a bottle of gatorade. I really wanted to steal a bottle. I wasnt able to get a banana. They also ran out of foam, I was only able to get 1. One hydration station ran out of plastic cups.
4. I had a hard time with the directions after m.j. Cuenco, I couldnt find a marshall or citom officer. I felt abandoned.So I just kept asking from street vendors for directions. When I saw queensland motel, thats when I remembered we passed by the cemetery. I have a poor sense of direction thats why I dont like running in mandaue.

Observation:

The last runner was an old guy who was just walking when I saw him at SRP, I wonder if he finished the whole 21k run.

Will I run for Run for Rivers next year? My answer is No for now.