Bandit Running at New Balance Power Run Raising Hope, The Fort, Bonifacio Global City

I have been convinced by my girl to join her running escapades during the Adidas King of the Road Running Expo 2009 at Megatrade Hall B, specifically, because of the singlet. With that, I am not registered to the recently held New Balance Power Run Raising Hope. The said event is originally scheduled last September 27 (when I am still not open for running events). But since Typhoon Ondoy unexpectedly bring forth wrath in the country, it was postponed and was re-scheduled on November 29 (last Sunday).

I really felt bad that I was not able to have myself registered for this event. But, even without a race bib, I run side-by-side with my girl - a so-called bandit running.

I was not able to start my run in the starting line. I was there waiting for the gun start a few meters away from the line. And as my girl passes by, I joined her and we run the 5K stretch. Before crossing the finish line, I have to move apart. I just waited, once more, for my girl after she crossed the finish line. And then I suddenly blurted to her that, 'Crossing the Finish Line, you really can't buy that feeling'. I don't know. But the feeling is really uneasy, unaccomplished. I should have cultivated my running endeavor earlier.

While waiting for my girl beyond the starting line

After parting ways before the finish line


Posing at the stage with a borrowed finisher's medal

I also get the perks registered runners have had during the event. The only thing that I was not able to have was the finisher's medal and the drinks that were given after the finish line. But eventhough I was able to get all those freebies, I must say that the feeling is not fulfilled - there's something missing -- for I failed to cross the FINISH line.

Typhoon Ondoy at Bocaue, Bulacan

Our town, Bocaue, Bulacan, was not spared by the cruelty of Typhoon Ondoy. Similar to everyone's thinking, I so thought that it was just another ordinary typhoon. I was even about to go to Plaridel that day. I was also about to attend a seminar about Money Matters at SM Marilao. However, with non-stop rain, everything was cancelled.

It was mid-afternoon when the water at the road raised to waist-level. We have to save some of our things. We tirelessly carry them to the 2nd floor of our house. I was fortunate to have saved my gadgets, and some of my clothings. The water is raising too fast that I already failed to bring up my other clothes from my cabinet. At the same time, I am already exhausted. The water is at breast-level that time.

Full of dismay ~ that's how I can describe my feelings. Seeing our house submerged in flood. We stayed at the 2nd floor of our house for N hours. Helplessly looking at the river-like 1st floor ~ with my bed already floating in flood. For security reasons, our electiricty has been cut. So, play it with your imagination ~ dark, almost no ventilation, no electricity, flood, no food, only a cup of coffee. Everyone in our family were already tired. My parents and siblings were already sleeping. As for me, I had slept yet conscious enough to monitor the water level.

The following day, when the flood had already subsided, it was devastating ~ the aftermath. No room for rest, we immediately began cleaning our home. I kept on communicating with my girl asking if the following day (Monday) is already declared as holiday. But, no hopes for me that time. Hence, I am forced to report to office that Monday. Luckily, our company provided 3 days emergency leave to those who have been affected by Typhoon Ondoy. And so, I took the privelege so as to continue the clean-up.

I am really saddened with what had happened to our town that weekend. But nonetheless, I am already thankful that at least, we still have lives to start anew. Thanks be to God!