Happy Birthday Love of My Life

Yes, this is a late post. Not because I forgot the special day of my angel. I actually greet him on his special day in my other blog. We also had a little celebration.

Our first stop is at Red Mango, Trinoma. I don't know but I just get really addicted to this frozen yogurt. My favorite toppings include sliced almonds, blueberries, and kiwi.



On to our next stop was at The Old Spaghetti House, 3rd Level, SM Annex, North EDSA. While waiting for our food, I handed my angel my gift. A card and an envelop of clues to help me decide what gift I should buy for him. Unfortunately, I was not able to take a picture or video of him while going through my little game.

That's pesto. I already emptied it. Forgot to take a photo of it before indulging.

My cup of tea. I am already becoming a tea person. Why is that so?

Watermelon shake for the birthday boy

Happy Birthday!!! I honestly love you!

There goes our simple celebration of his birthday. Well, what matters is that we're together and that God gave us another chance of living our life together. Thank you Lord!

The Last Kilometer Seem to Be the Longest

After making it to the 1:05 time for a 10K at the NutriBar Hip 2B Fit Fun Run, I had been off from running for two weeks. And just as I expect it, after running another 10K at Takbo.ph Runfest: Celebrate Running, I ended with a 1:13:19 finish time... and an aching left knee.

I woke up at the moment when thunder and rain is pouring back in my hometown. In that instant, I am already on hesitation to go to BHS and join the fun run. Fortunately, the rain stopped. Thus, I prepared myself and set to go.

We (CaptainRunner - my angel and ChickenLegs) arrived at the venue early. We had spotted a number of runners doing their warm up runs - and we did not. We just joined the warm up exercise headed by KikayRunner. And then we hear the gunstart.

I tried to start strong by pacing with my angel. We had run the first kilometer after 6 minutes. I told him that we're too fast, that we need to slow down. Whenever he stop for a walk break, I continue to jog for he can walk real fast (I cannot pace with him when walking). Then after a while, I left him and continue with my own pace.

I spotted Jeric, JP, Lee, and Che of my adiNation Ortigas family before the 4K marker. Running with your friends could really give you a push to run, run, and run. Reaching the 4K marker, my watch registered 26 minutes. Not bad. I had a new 5K PR when I reached the 5K marker with just 33 minutes of elapsed time. At this moment, Maan spotted me.

For every turn around, I could always spot my angel. And that gives me more energy ♥.

Marshals and volunteers scattered along the race route greeted us with warm 'Good Mornings' and cheers. But, in my thoughts, I say, "It would be nicer if they would greet us with our names (the ones printed on our singlets)". Surprisingly, a marshal does just what I thought. He cheered, "Go Ma'am Madelin!" Really, that painted a smile on my face Ü.

On my way to the finish line, a marshal told us that we only got 3 more kilometers to go. My watch registered around 50 minutes. I thought, I can still make it at 1:10. Off I go. I spotted the 1KM marker on my way back. I thought that meant I'm 1 kilometer away from the finish line; and my watch is at 58 minutes. I thought I could still make it to 1:05 given I will not stop running.

A marshal told us that we were less than a kilometer before the finish line. Hence, I continue to run - and refrain from stopping. Just when I thought 10K runners would already turn left toward the finish, we were still pointed to go straight ahead. On the second marker, it still disappointed me for we still are pointed to go straight ahead. That last stretch (I guess I had mistakenly thought that the 1KM marker would be the same as the would-be 9KM marker) seem to be the longest for me. I even felt the pain in my left knee - the same pain that I felt back when I run my first 10K.

Seeing the finish line seem to be a medication for my aching knee. I tried to overtook a male runner, then slowdown. Then he'll try to overtook me and slowdown too. It continued to another sequence until he sprinted toward the finish. LOL! This male runner does not want me to beat him.

The post race event is a thumbs up! Powerade and bottled water were handed to finishers aside from the ION and Enervon HP chocolate drink. Loot bags were also provided. Entertainment was handled by Argo.

But our post post race event is even better. My angel treated us at Conti's TriNoMa as part of his birthday celebration. More so, Sir Rene already handed my Ms. Freebie, yey!

At the finish line with AnPaul, CaptainRunner, and Mommy Nora

I hate you RunningAtom for ruining my perfect profile picture, grrr..

The adiNation Ortigas and Six30 Group inone

Look at our bib numbers :)

Finally, Ms. Freebie looks real good on me. Thanks Sir Rene!

-----
Race Name: Takbo.ph Runfest: Celebrate Running
Race Distance: 10K
Official Rank: 754/1187
Official Time: 1:13:19
----

My Super One: The Love of My Life

Who is my Super One?

Can you guess it?

NO. It’s not Nicolas Cage. It’s not even Matt Damon.

C'mon, give it another shot.


Coach Rio? Certainly NOT. Chris Pacana? NO. Kerby Raymundo? Neither. Rajon Rondo? Not at all.

My Super One, the love of my life, my angel, and my bestfriend is no other than...

Engr. Paulo A. Marquez.

Why?

Well, my answer is simple - because I can't imagine life without him.

We've been together for NINE years. We already had a truckload of memory together that I would want to cherish forever. I am dreaming of talking about these memories once we were on the twilight of our lives. Yes, that 'The Notebook' scene. Perfect!


So, why I cannot imagine life without him? Because I believe he is the most precious gift that God had given me. The better half of my soul, the lullaby that would complete my song, and the fulfillment of my dreams.

He is basically present each and every day of my life...

...to support me on my insanity...

...to fetch me when my hate day of the month strikes...

...to have someone to cuddle on my silliest...

...to have someone to depend on...

...to have that Polo and Sunshine moment (matching wardrobe), ha ha...

...to offer his shoes for my safety (not literally, of course)...

...to sing our favorite song...

...to serenade me...

...to run the streets of UP Diliman, The Fort, MOA, and Quirino Grandstand with me...

...and bring all my running essentials for my comfort...

...to run with me, even if it's just the two of us...

...to surprise me on my special day...

...to watch our favorite basketball team at the Araneta Coliseum...

...to dream of spending the rest of our lives together...

...to listen to my voice even over the phone...

...to join me in the water, with the water, and over the water...

...and to hold my hand...
...no matter what, no matter when...

-------------
This serves as my official entry to Globe's Super One Blogger Contest. Deadline of entries will be on August 8, 1PM. Samsung Galaxy S Android phone is at stake!

Globe's Latest Promo: Globe Super One

I am not a fan of unlimited text promos by Globe. I really don’t have many persons to text in a day. I only got one - My Angel. Yes, I got a lot of friends. But we just send messages once in a blue moon; hence, an unlimited text that expires in a day is a not-so-good decision to make.

Good thing Globe understands my sentiments and had the immortal promos. I oftentimes avail of their immortal promo that goes with a 5-minute call that won’t expire. However, it sometimes slips from my memory that I already consumed my immortal texts and calls. My bad.

But right now, there’s something that I am looking forward to – the Globe Super One, Globe's latest promo! This is just EXACTLY what I need. Unfortunately, it is only available for My Fully Loaded Plan and My Super Plan. But honestly, I love the idea. Unlimited call and text to ONE Globe/TM number with just P150 or P175 per month depending on your plan. Moreover, you need not worry if your one month subscription is already finished for it is auto-renewed. Cool!


Promo period for Globe Super One is June 25-September 15, 2010. I hope after this period and after they see how successful this promo would be, they’ll offer it to prepaid subscribers too. I hope, I hope! This is almost the same with their promo around five years ago. A P300 per month of unlimited call and text which I had availed for three months, I guess. Imagine, I am like sending my angel messages every move that I make. And at night time, we almost always lull ourselves to sleep talking to each other. Well, we do the same once in a while. But once Globe Super One become available to prepaid subscribers, I guess we'll be back doing the same old thing over again. I'm already excited hearing my angel's lullaby to send me to dreamland. ♥

Anyway, to remove that sorry feeling for us prepaid subscribers, Globe is currently up to a contest dubbed as “Super One Blogger Contest” which would give us the chance to win an Android Phone! Just click on the link to see the mechanics. For those who do not own a blog, they also got a Twitter contest. I just joined in the Twitter contest earlier. And right now, I'm on the process of creating my post for the blog contest. Good luck to all of us!

Just a liner I wanted to leave… Globe’s Super ONE is US – their subscribers!

Reasons to Join Run to Read

Admit it. Running had been the popular sports today here in the Philippines. Why not? Not many can play soccer, or basketball, or volleyball, or even badminton. But running can be joined by whoever wanted to run, jog, or just walk. With that, many organizations had been setting up races - some for a beneficiary (a cause); while some is merely for the fun run.

Earlier, running is contained into just Sunday morning events. But with the acceptance of the sport by all walks of life, running had been a normal event on weekends - day or night - in all race venues possible. So, the dilemma now just lies on which running event you are to join to spend the weekend. If you are still making up your mind, let me suggest you to join Run to Read on August 15, 2010 at Bonifacio Global City. Why? Because I said so, just kidding.


Seriously, here are the reasons why I am encouraging you to join:

1. It is for a good cause. Run to Read Fun Run's beneficiary is the National Bookstore Foundation, Inc., specifically, the Buklat Aklat Leave Behind Library. For every money raised in this fun run, National Bookstore will give equivalent amount.
   
2. It will take us to new route. Frequent runners would share the same sentiment on running the same route over and over. Hence, a new route would definitely give us a thrill.
3. Colorful singlets. I believe this one's for the 'basta-maganda-singlet-sasali-ako' runner. The singlet is not only eye-catching, you can even have the color of your choice.
   
   Sadly for me, there's no GREEN singlet. I might be settling down with ORANGE to match my Nike⁺ LunarGlide, hee hee.
   
4. It has a special category for children. I know we'll get a number of responses if we would ask runners 'Why are you enjoying running?' As for me, because I am running with my angel. And of course, we would definitely extract an answer like, 'Because I run with my family.' Yes, running is not merely contained into a sport. It is a family activity being enjoyed too. And to jump start your children into this healthy lifestyle, Run to Read have the 500m dash parent-child category.
   
5. It comes with a color-coded bib numbers. What a colorful day August 15 would be right? Bib numbers will be color-coded according to race categories. Purple, red, blue, yellow, and apple green (alas, green!) for 500m, 3K, 5K, 10K, and 15K respectively. I now gave you a hint on which race category I'm running (and it'll be my first).
6. You can register online and have your race kits delivered right at your doorsteps (plus more). Run to Read partnered with Runners' Runner; hence you can register online and pay through Paypal, master card, VISA, or bank deposit. And, when you register with Runners' Runner, most of the time, they insert gift certificates (Tapa King or free massage). But then, if you decided to register offline, you can register at the following registration areas:
   
7. It has a number of freebies to raffle away which includes 5 Sony Ericsson phones, Toby's Sports duffle bags, 2pcs of 250USD Delta Airlines Electronic Credit Voucher, P10,000 worth of Yellow Cab GC, and more once confirmed from the sponsors. Also 2,000 Drypers Wee Wee DRY diapers loot bags will be given to finishers.
8. Lastly, Ding Dong Dantes might be there. Okay, I'm not really excited about this one. But he really might be there for he's the endorser of NBS. So, might as well, Marian Rivera might be there too. But, a number of celebrity moms will be joining the event as well.

So there, hope I could see you (if not on the starting line) on the finish line on August 15. Let's Run to Read and help build a library for our fellow Filipinos in the Visayas region.

For more information, check the official Run to Read website.

10 Products to Always Buy Generic

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of PBM Products. All opinions are 100% mine.

I just read an article ‘10 Products to Always Buy Generic’ and found it interesting and quite intriguing. Indeed, the statements mentioned there are facts and with definitive basis.

Something that caught my attention was “the same manufacturer of a brand-name product often makes the generic product with the same ingredients”. I believe that’s true. Let’s say, UNILAB. This company is known to be the leading pharmaceutical company in the Philippines. They produce top quality medications. At the same sense, they produce generic medications – the RiteMed. So basically, they use the same quality ingredients for the generic ones. As a result, these generic medications have the same quality but cheaper price. And no worries, they all should pass the standards before it can be released to public consumption.

Therefore, brand-names could really be something that provides label to your taste and it simply makes you look better.

This reality applies to baby formula as well. Like what I had mentioned with medications, standards should be met before it can be released to the public. Hence, baby formula needs to comply with the Infant Formula Act first. Just imagine how much you could save buying a store brand formula against a branded one. Then again, at the end of the day, you still have your choice. But, you could at least try – to be practical.

Thoughts of a Runner-Blogger

I don't know if I share the same sentiments with other runner-bloggers each time they join races (or even just when they had their practice run). As for me, from the onset up to reaching the finish line, I am somewhat constructing sentences and paragraphs on how my blog post will be at the end of the race. I am even on the contemplation on what will the title of my blog post will be. I'm funny, I know!

NutriBar Hip 2b Fit Fun Run 2010

Last Sunday (July 11, 2010), CaptainRunner, RunningAtom, and I participated in Grower's NutriBar Hip 2b Fit Fun Run 2010 held at UP Diliman. I partake in the 10K category; while a number also took part in the 5K, 3K, and 3K parent-child races.

The beneficiary of this activity is the UP Padyak wherein Growers NutriBar will donate bike racks to be installed around the campus where bikers can safely park their single-speed cruiser bikes that can securely accommodate cable-locked bikes.

STARTING LINE

I requested my angel to position ourselves at the back of the 10K pack so that we won't be pressured to run faster and pace with the "elite runners". I really wanted to run my pace and somehow help me to be a negative splitter.

THE FIRST LOOP

Since I had a practice tempo run with ChickenLegs last Tuesday, I am successful with my endurance. I only got to stop after around 25 minutes of running. However, I am just curious why my footsteps had been very noisy in my first loop. But then, I just continue with my pace and never bother the "competitive 5K runners" overtaking me.

THE SECOND LOOP

The race route for the 10K is basically 2 loops of the 5K. Thus, after completing the first loop, I am now familiar with the route. This time, I am slowly accelerating. And I am quite astounded as my footsteps had silenced. Weird me, LOL! Jumping into conclusion: I am faster when my footsteps are quiet, and slower when they are making noise.

THE THOUGHT OF STOPPING

In the earlier stage of my running career (LOL!), I also took walk breaks every now and then. But with yesterday's run, I am quite impressed with my endurance. First, I ought to stop at the first hydration booth that I'll pass by. But after reaching the water station, I told myself, "No. Let me stop at the next marker." Upon reaching the next marker, I again told myself, "No. Let me stop at the turn-around point." That attitude goes on until I need to rehydrate. That's the only moment I got to stop.

THE 1:05 CHALLENGE BY JAZZRUNNER

Time check - I am already running for 40 minutes; 25 more minutes and the 1:05 challenge would be over. But with positivity, I said to myself, I can do this - I just need to continue running - and do not stop.

After a while, I gazed again at my watch and it registered 51 minutes. I got a little bit distracted so I changed my watch's mode to time so that I won't be bothered with my time.

Few meters before the finish line, a lot of thoughts had been running in my mind. I am juggling ideas. One thought is saying, "C'mon Sir Rene, give my Ms. Freebie." On the other side, "Okay, let's do it next time."

5 SECONDS

When the finish line is much clearer and is within reach, I spotted RunningAtom who is cheering me, "Madz, 5 seconds, 5 seconds."

I go for a strong finish, and I made it - 1:05:10. Another PR. And I am hoping that Sir Rene would be generous enough to consider this as a 1:05 :)

C'mon Sir, I started at the end of the pack :) Let's say I cross the starting line 10 seconds after the gunstart, hee hee.

RunningAtom, Blair, Me, and Glaiza

With the 2nd Placer of the 5K women category.
She's 12 years young :)

-----
Race Name: NutriBar Hip 2b Fit Fun Run 2010
Race Distance: 10K
Official Rank: 14/28 (F) 86/117 (Overall)
Official Time: 1:05:12
----

Degrading

I can still remember my first 10K. I fell in love with the distance and somehow bid goodbye to 5K. But with me putting running on the sideline due to invalid reasons (Ask me, I've got a number of reasons to tell.), I found myself running 5Ks in my last 3 runs. Talking about degrading huh? It somehow frustrates me. But, what can I do? I had been off from running, and it is not distance alone that takes the toll, but my speed too. After having a 1:10:31 time under my belt for the 10K category, I seem to not be able to keep up. My running had been cut from 4x a month to only 2. And my regular Tuesdays or Wednesdays (adiNation) training had been replaced with nothing. The result - a 40min 45seconds for a 5K in the 34^th National Milo Marathon yesterday at Quirino Grandstand.

Because it was GREEN and cheap

We (my angel and I) got no plans of joining this event for I had an anticipated overtime schedule at the office that weekend (I do. And luckily, I was off by Saturday 6PM). We would want to register for the 10K. But knowing that 10K costs P500 as compared to P100 of 5K, we chose the latter. (The difference of the said categories is the timing chip.) Anyhow, we still got the singlet.

Another Run for the Pasig River crowd...

...or much bigger! I am upbeat when we arrived earlier than the gunstart. But become nostalgic of the Run for the Pasig River with the enormous crowd that welcomed us. For one I am glad for there were a number of runners and even non-runners who supported Milo's aim of providing rubber shoes to our fellow Filipinos. On the other hand, I am afraid of the safety of the runners. Depositing our bags at the baggage is already difficult. Inching ourselves to the check point for 5K runners is equally hard. And i believe we already spend 3-5 minutes after gunstart in order for us to cross the START.

Sea of Green

Break-in of my Adidas hydration belt

We were only running a 5K, but I still have my hydration belt - my first time to use it. It is my break-in day for my Adidas hydrabelt. I bought it last Tuesday from Adidas, Trinoma at P1,995. It is of free size. Well, I still cannot comment on that though. I still have to use it for a couple more times, then I'll let you know.

Practicing the 3:2 breathing

The Post Race Event

We enjoyed the post race event. We had bottomless cold Milo and photo walls. No loot bags though. Well, we should not expect for a P100 registration fee right? The half marathoners and marathoners have one though, plus the bling (medal). For entertainment, there was cheering competition. Also, stars like Toni Gonzaga, Gerald Anderson, and Karylle were present among others.

Cheerdance Competition

Gerald Anderson

Karylle

Almost alright

The race is almost alright - almost, but not quite. The number of runners is huge, more than 20,000. But it is handled properly (at least for me). I cannot comment on the hydration booth for I brought my own hydration. The route is almost similar to that of the Run for the Pasig River. The FINISH line is not crowded. The ground for the post race event is a thumbs up too. But one thing failed - the baggage counter.

When we decided to finally pick up our bags at the baggage counter, we were eye-popped by the crowd wanting to get their things too. Unsystematic. Know what? I found my bag in the stairs together with the other bags. Well, good thing there is a marshal who stand by there to check if the bag you are claiming is really yours. But what if a looter suddenly grab it and run? I feel for the owner of the bag that was left open, with all her things scattered on the ground. Thanks to Mr. Policeman who pick up the pieces and placed it in a plastic bag. But for identification purposes, I doubt if the owner could recognize it.

It took us around 2 hours just to have our baggage picked. *sigh* I cannot elaborate more.

Race Details

Race Name: 34^th National Milo Marathon
Race Distance: 5K
Official Rank: 2,335/9,840
Official Time: 0:42:20