Marquez' Travels: March 2010

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Globe Run for Home '10

My Running Diary:

Globe Run for Home 2010 is yet another race that can be leveled to those races that had been elevated to the pedestal for being a barometer of the best organized races. And it is not surprising that it was still Coach Rio De La Cruz who spearheaded the race. He may have reaped a number of negative feedbacks years before in his genesis as a race organizer; but accepting this heart-breaking feedback and doing better in the succeeding races puts him atop the race organizers here in the Philippines.

Alright, so much of the praises for the afro man. Let me now share my insights about the race per se.

Thumbs UP

Hyrdation, a very vital element for runners, is something that has been looked closely in this race. The Powerade and water were overflowing, literally. More so, it was cold, not a straight from the bottle drink; rather, a straight from the ref-like temperature.
Having to traverse a new race route brought challenge and joy to us runners (may it be new or seasoned). I particularly love the tunnel-like route (I believe that was a way to the parking) and the flyover.
The traffic is well-managed. In fact, we never have to traverse a crossing or anything.
The FINISH line is how I really pictured at to be a very neat one. A stretched FINISH line to avoid bottleneck, and followed by a similarly long tables of hydration. I believe after finishing a race, may it be as short as 3K or as long as 21K, a runner would love to have a hydration.
Booths for the runners, though not that plenty, is not scarce anyhow. We still find something to enjoy.
I love the park where the program is held. It was cold and nature-looking venue. I just found a new great place where running events can be held.
Timely update of my Facebook Account, particularly the time I cross the start and finish line, is one of a kind champion chip technology.

Thumbs DOWN

It was annoying that two (2) of the bouncers shouts sarcastically on us runners while controlling the 5K runners from entering the starting line zone. For a fact that the baggage area is along or inside the zone, it would really mean crossing or trespassing it. And I believe we are all professionals that needs to be treated in the same way. Good thing it was taken aback by a bouncer who bid us good luck before the gun start.
Unlike the UNILAB Run, kilometer markers here were scarce. In fact I got to only see one, the 2KM mark, which I believe is positioned somewhere in the 2.5KM distance.

And on top of these reviews, I am one of the lucky two who won a shoes from Puma in the raffle/promotion by BPI. Only, I still haven't got a hand of my prize, so I still wanted to reserve my excitement.

Photo Op after winning a Puma Shoes

But definitely, I will join Globe Run for Home '11!

Sunday, March 21, 2010

The North Face 100 : Shall I Take the Challenge?

Ahhh… I just finished a 5K race early this morning at the Globe-Ayala Run for Home 2010. I enjoyed the race route, most especially at the time wherein we have to climb the flyover. We actually stop at the top to take photos. It was something. Remarkable. It was my first time to traverse such route. It is challenging yet enjoyable.

With that in mind, I had realized that for me, running faster would not really make me fulfilled. For I know race events were plagued by competitive runners who averages 3min/km. I am way too far, averaging 6-7min/km. So, NO, I won’t be running to beat them. I’ll be running for fun, for challenge, and for fulfillment. And I believe challenging race not only constraint into running on the road – but in trail running too. It is running and enjoying the beauty of nature in one, atop of the rocks, trails, and sometimes crossing the rivers as well.

Hmmm, shall I take the challenge of The North Face in conquering the unexplored trails of Camp John Hay, the PMA grounds, Mt. Sto. Tomas and Tuba with a fitting finish in the iconic Burnham Park dubbed as The North Face 100? I am already imagining the steep climbs and the long exciting trail of 11K, 22K, 50K, or 100K distances. Yeah, that is a 100K trail run distance, it’s an Ultra Marathon; an Asia’s 1st Trail Running Ultra Marathon series to Baguio-Benguet.

This one’s a test of endurance, really. Define your personal limits 6,000++ ft above sea level! Join The North Face 100 in Baguio-Benguet. Visit: www.thenorthface100.ph. Have a sneak peek of the trails in their TVC. Yet with that in mind, participants would be given the rare chance to explore Baguio and Benguet’s beauty. And with the cut off times, sure enough, runners will have the ample time of picture taking along the trails. Looks like hitting two birds with just a stone for me – running and practicing photography.

TNF100. Am I ready to take this challenge? I had a number of 5Ks already and a 10K. But trail running is way different. I’m nervous. I’ll think this over. But I definitely would love to take the challenge.

Friday, March 19, 2010

The Big Easter Egg Hunt

Any plans this coming Holy Week? How about ending the Lenten Season by joining The Big Easter Egg Hunt at Whitespace?

Classic Easter at Whitespace
Heartwarming Traditions and Wholesome Fun!

In our hectic days of juggling between work and home, we sometimes forget the essence of family time. Take a breather during the holiday weekend and bring your whole family to a classic Easter fair.

On Sunday, April 4, 9:00am-2:00pm, take part in The Big Easter Egg Hunt at Whitespace. Located at 2314 Chino Roces Avenue Extension (formerly Pasong Tamo Extension) in Makati, Whitespace will transform into a captivating Easter wonderland replete with a delightful Easter Brunch by Cibo d’M, an interactive storytelling musicale "Stories from a Suitcase" by Clowning Around, and not one but two Amazing Easter Egg Hunts.

Kids will take part in Egg-and-Spoon Races and vie for the treasure chest of gold chocolate coins in the Egg Painting Competition. At Enchanted Kingdom’s Easter Playground, everyone can snuggle up with the lovable Wizard and Princess Victoria. More fascinating activities and photo opportunities await kids at Jollibee’s interactive Jollitown.

Daddies who wish to take it easy will cozy up with doughnuts and coffee at the Krispy Kreme Lounge, while Mommies will delight with their fabulous finds at the Kiddie Bazaar Lane. There will be loads of goodies to please every type of foody. And for the dynamic guests, there will be awesome Mini Coopers to test drive. Even dog-lovers will enjoy chilling-out with their pets at the Urban Doggies’ Spa and Lounge.

Kids will surely head home with plump goody bags and heaps of memorable experiences. The Big Easter Egg Hunt is presented by Whitespace and GBA Events Asia in partnership with Enchanted Kingdom, Jollibee Foods Corporation, Mini Philippines, and Cibo d’M Signature Caterer for the benefit of the Sa Aklat Sisikat Foundation.

Tickets now on sale at PhP 350.00 / kid inclusive of egg hunt, goody bag, treat and raffle, and PhP 200 / adult inclusive of raffle at Whitespace and GBA Events Asia: Penthouse Unit 7 Manila Bank Building 6772 Ayala Avenue Makati City. Call 556 0774, 556 0533, 0920 211 3878 for free ticket deliveries within Makati City.

***
If you’d like more information about this topic, please contact Ms Kassy Pajarillo,
Event Coordinator, at 556 0774, 556 0533, 0915 316 2252, mktpajarillo@gbaeventsasia.com

Friday, March 12, 2010

Brown's Wharf Inn at Boothbay Harbor

A view from one of the Waterfront Rooms of Brown's Wharf Inn

Indeed, I am a frequent traveler. And in the places that I’ve been, I must say that I had chosen some of them as my favorites for offering the amenities that is of utmost consideration. For a summer destination, I would really love to enjoy the heat of the sun while enjoying the beach; or anything related to water activities – could be fishing. I heard this is something that can be enjoyed in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. Imagine yourself catching fishes together with the fishermen in their fishing boats and seeing some lobsters crawling in their homes. Isn’t it a perfect union with nature?

With that in mind, I’m sure you’ll be in search for a Boothbay Harbor Inn to stay in. Well then, I would suggest you to check out Brown’s Wharf Inn. You may look into their site for online specials and vacation packages. More so, if you are already decided, you can even book online. Simply supply your arrival, number of nights, adult guests, and children; then check for the availability. Presto! You had booked online!

Don’t worry about their accommodations. I knew for a fact how comfort is of ultimate goal in every travel. With that, I have read that their room includes flat screen color TV where you can tune in to your favorite cable channels, free Wi-Fi, and a view of the Boothbay Harbor.

Encouraging enough eh?

Monday, March 8, 2010

UNILAB Run United for Wellness

My Running Diary:

My last run was the Century Superbods Run. And eventhough UNILAB Run United for Wellness is my very first 10K race, I never had my training [and I don't even got to ride my stationary bike for a long time now]. Nevertheless, I am confident that we can make it in less than 1 hour and a half. I just told my girl that we can make it 100% for we still got the feeling of Purefoods Championship, ha ha.

A pose before the gun start

We had a quick stretching courtesy of Fitness First people before the actual race began. I know it is not sufficient, but it still helped. And then the count down begins. After less than 1.5hours, we found ourselves in the finish line with smiling faces, all sweat, but fulfilled [and not tired at all]. See? Confidence really is a factor in completing long distance races.

Okay, as what I've done last race, I won't be story-telling my race experience per sé; but would be having a general review of the race.

The start of the race was all fun with the stretching as lead by the Fitness First people [though it was for a very short period of time]. The race route was displayed in animation before the gun start. [Although it could have been more awesome if they've got fireworks too. Okay, that's luxury!]
KM markers were sufficient, if not abundant. They were strategically positioned and is printed in long/tall boards to be seen by everyone. And I believe they were successful here [together with the sufficient marshals], for our LostRunner is never lost and had even ranked 25^th overall for 10K race category.
Marshals are equipped with proper knowledge with respect to the race route.
Hydration booths are abundant. And the volunteers were kind enough to hand us the cups of water. There were also garbage cans along [though most runners failed to drop the cups there, tsk tsk tsk]. Only, there is no hydration booth at the Finish. But Coach Rio already explained the matter in his open letter.
State of the art technology for the timing chip plus seeing my name on the screen as I cross the finish line. That was awesome!
No long queue for redemption of loot bags. Surprisingly, the bag [not just an ordinary loot bag] has a finisher's shirt inside with the category printed on it. I love the shirt. Thanks to UNILAB.
A wide village that has loads of stuff, prizes, and fun to enjoy. Although I haven't availed of all the events, I sure see that many runners enjoyed the Wellness Village.

The program started a bit late, I can already feel the heat of the sun; and I also need to go to attend the Sunday Service back in Bocaue, Bulacan. So, we bid goodbye as the cheering squad were performing their stunts.

All-in-all. It was a great event. I have to rate it 9.5 stars. The 0.5 star goes to the banana, LOL! There were no bananas provided during or after the race [or we just failed to see them].

Congrats RunRio, FinishLine, and UNILAB! Race well organized! Will surely join an event that will be spearheaded by you guys.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

South Gate, Araneta Coliseum

I was a lucky man last Sunday for my girl treated me with Upper A Finals Tickets for the Game 3 of the Best of Seven Finals Series between Purefoods TJ Giants and Alaska Aces. And I was even more luckier for the Giants won the game, 3-0 [Now they already bag the championship crown with a sweet sweep of 4-0]. At the same sense, it was a blessing in disguise that my girl's friend won't be able to make it allowing me to call my sister back home to witness the game live. She's a fan of the Giants back in the Alvin Patrimonio days.

Right after the game, we took the rare chance of having my sister with me to wait for The Captain at the South Gate of the Araneta Coliseum. It is the gate where the PBA cagers get out and where the fans get the chance to have a photo op and an autograph signing too. [So, next time you watch PBA and would love to see your idols, try your luck at the South Gate. Take note however, that you have to wait for half an hour or so. But it's worth the wait after all.]

Here are my pictures with the PBA stars for that night.

Inside the Big Dome right after Game 3

Don Allado

Coach Ryan Gregorio

Coach Ronnie Magsanoc

John Ferriols

Rico Maierhofer

Marc Pingris

Alvin "The Captain" Patrimonio

Somewhere at Key West

It is extremely HOT from where I am now. How about you? Anyhow, its summer; and everyone’s after the beach. As for me, beach is something out of my vocabulary for I still have to endure my work here at Cebu. Yes, I am currently here at the Queen City of the South. I already had a couple of travels that failed to share with you – Bicol and this one. I would be having a post about that once I already finished sorting out and figuring which photos to share. Would that be alright? To cope up with travel ideas, let me share with you a place which I wanted to set foot on someday – somewhere at Key West, Florida.

I am particularly encouraged by the video posted at Chelsea House Key West site. Merely watching the video already lets me savor their amenities. So wherever I would be soul-searching any place nearby, I would still be able to rest my weary body back at Key West Hotels. I could pamper myself and sleep soundly in their five star rated rooms. And in the morning, I would eat my heart out included in their Key West Bed and Breakfast package. I would love to have such travel, to have an accommodation which is already a tourist destination in itself. See their video to see for yourself.