2 RUN UNITED 2 2014, FIRST EVER HALF MARATHON FINISHED

The most anticipated Run United Trilogy 2014 once again wrecked the silence of running community. The first leg happened last March 16, 2014 at the Mall of Asia Complex, and the recently concluded second leg happened last June 1, 2014 at Zero Kilometer in Roxas Boulevard. It is composed of four race categories – 500m, 10k, 21k, and 32k. Perhaps the most awaited because of its unique run united series. You will have to collect three united medals, first leg is about Citivs (Read as Citius) which means Faster, second is Altivs (Read as Altius) which means Higher, and third is Fortivs (Read as Fortius) which means Stronger.

Since I just started running, I’m not aware that it is in sequence, finishing it with three different medals and in different sizes and then form into gigantic piece of cake. I started the second leg so I won’t be able to complete the trilogy. However this would be the start of my predestined running career. I started with shorter distance then go on higher with the trainings, and now I’m proud that I was able to accomplish my first ever half marathon. I had been running on and off for quite sometimes leading to this first 21k. Though the record wasn't good but contented crossing the finish line safe and it felt so gloriously good.

When the day arrived, a mixed of excitement and nervous feeling. Not knowing what to expect. I have set my target time fearlessly to two hours and a half. It started in just slow pace so I won’t waste too much energy that I needed in the latter part. However in 10.55k, I was 30 minutes behind with the goal time. And then it was getting worse. I had to walk to avoid cramps. During that time, my thinking was to finish line but my most concern was the cut-off time. I don’t wanna be drag by the sweeping vehicle; I want to cross the line on my own.

After so much pain, I feel so thrilled and relieved when I get to see the finish arch. I have to exert more effort, I dunno where the adrenaline rush came from, and I ran faster than the normal pace. And the daring target time fell into three hours and six minutes, ranked 2,047 out of 4,308 21k runners.

Running is rewarding. I am helping myself to embrace fitness and a healthy lifestyle. I always post my training activity across social networking sites, not because I'm bragging but to inspire people. Running is not just a solitary activity, but also a powerful social activator. I met people and gained some great inputs that I could share with other runners or beginners like me, to encourage them to branch out and inspire them to do something different to their training routine. I’m happy to be connected with some outstanding and tremendous people. And I want you to keep this in mind, “No Matter How Slow You Go, You Are Still Lapping Everybody on the Couch”. RUN FAST. RUN FREE BECAUSE IT IS CHEAPER THAN THERAPY!

Next stop, Run United 3 on October 5, 2014...

2 PLACE WHERE I LEARNED ABAKADA

While most of the students started their school year – everything turns new. New year, new room, new colleague or could be new school. Some were hoping to extend their summer vacation, while some were enthusiastic to start the classes, especially the kids who just started experience schooling.

Grade 1 building, I know I helped building that Mission and Vision Marker.

I started my High School here in Manila so when I went back home, it is on my itinerary to visit the place where I started to learned my ABC’s. Although they say, high school would have the best memories maybe because where crushes and love started. But all of these wisdom started when we were kids  in elementary. We learned to read and write, to sing and probably dance with nursery rhymes. We also learned to think and counting our hand and foot fingers to solve simple mathematics.

I remember I had a deal with my Mother; every time I get a perfect score will have a corresponding amount. So I was really enthusiastic with my quizzes and examinations.

The Stage, I think I was Grade 4 when they built it.

I walked around the place who taught almost everything with what I have right now. I saw myself, a little me, studying and playing carelessly. I remember the place how it looked like about 13 years ago; the mango tree that I planted is now the source of income for school by selling its fruits. I remember the yellow big stone where we used to play and hide our school materials. I remember where I sat during classes. I remember standing at the flag pole to lead the Panatang Makabayan in front of my fellow students before dismissed. Too much remembrance of things past, a much-too-long-list.

Our Home Economics Building, Principal's Office, and Grade 1 Room

Another reason why I went home is because of the first ever homecoming, no particular batch year, started from the first batch up to the present. There were officers elected to lead the alumni association, and I was elected to lead the information dissemination. One of our missions is to prepare for the jubilee year on 2016. I would say the grandest. Goals include relationship with current and future alumni, to coordinate and promote programs that instill good will and pride of our school, to ensure the quality of future alumni and to assist financial support of the institution.

The first ever Alumni Homecoming Parade with Band and Bugle.

The Flag Pole!

I owe a lot of things from elementary; I can't be who I am now working in a corporate world without learning simple alphabet and counting the numbers. I owe my teachers who tirelessly taught us to read fluently the Filipino and English. I thank them for their love, passion, and dedication to their pupils. I can't enter high school and college without learning all these things. Whenever I achieved outstanding success and become leaders in my professional fields. I know my Salvacion Elementary School is part of it. Thank you SES!

1 HELP AND SUPPORT VIGAN CITY FOR THE NEW7WONDERS CITIES, VOTE NOW!

I haven’t been to Vigan, and honestly the farthermost province I have gotten so far is Mountain Province in the northern part of the Philippines. So Ilocos’s is on my bucket list, though I’m not sure if I can get here by next year. I should make a way to make it happen.

Source: infocomrade.com

I read Pondering Paodaolei’s post about the ongoing New7Wonders Cities and currently Vigan City in Ilocos Sur which is already a UNESCO World Heritage City is part in the selections. Thanks Pao!

For now, I don’t have idea how beautiful the city is but looking at the pictures it’s undeniably beautiful. So let’s help together and make the city on the top on the list. I know Philippines is a powerful country in terms of online voting, and we rule the world in cyberspace. Now let us show them what we got.

First click this link – new7wonders, then you have to select 7 cities, make sure Philippines is your top choice. The picture is showing St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral in Vigan City located at the bottom part. Then submit your entry after choosing 7 cities. You can either register using your email, or via Facebook or Twitter. And you should receive a notification if registered successfully.

Disclaimer: As a travel blogger, it is my pleasure to help the Department of Tourism for this campaign. I’m sure we all love our country as much as we love for ourselves. I don’t own the picture, I got it from infocomrade.com. Again I haven’t gotten to Vigan yet so I don’t have my own photo to post.

0 VIKINGS LUXURY BUFFET EXPERIENCE AT THE MALL OF ASIA

Celebrating first year anniversary in the company, everyone was thinking where to go and what to do, there have been plans even before during month anniversary but no success. We only had one, during our sixth month; 'twas just a quick breakfast treats at the Ayala Triangle Garden. Therefore before the earth completes its cycle around the sun, we decided to prepare an ultimate anniversary blast! We have decided to visit Sandbox somewhere in Pampanga. An outdoor delight for everyone.

However the initial plan driven out into simple dinner. Everyone decided to eat dinner at the Vikings scheduled Friday night before shift since everyone works graveyard. This is still a celebration since the plan of outdoor pleasure did not push through. Vikings Megamall would be the best option as it is accessible by majority. Unfortunately when we called in for reservation, no more vacant slot! Darn it. So I was thinking of Mall of Asia branch though a little sacrifices from others who live in distant places but this needed to push through. And then, a supposed to be reservation for ten people becomes five. Oh well, that’s the reality. Huh, tell me about it.

But wait before you bump in your stomach, you’ll need a pint-sized patience. Vikings is located facing by the bay so you’ll have to walk a quite distance, it is on the north end of the seaside.

While waiting for the other’s to arrive, I roamed the place to familiarize the display so I know where to go if my stomach craving for something. The place is big that can accommodate up to 600 people but still cramped with the number of crowds. In fact, there are still group of people piling outside the diner. And since it is buffet you can incredibly see loads of food presented sumptuously, there are different collections of recipes all over the place, cuisine coming from Asia, Europe, and Americas. It is so indulging to your eyes; my stomach can’t just wait to pick up those mouthwatering foods.

The interior is well-designed, the tables and chairs and the lightings. Those all added a decorative gaze of the real Vikings house. Everything is properly arranged, a well-organized kitchen diner.

So here’s the food, I dunno how to describe whether it’s delightful or not but all I know it soothes my taste. Before I started everything should be planned. I opt not to get rice, and I noticed everyone did the same. I started with steamed shrimps, hakao and sushi, but what I like and should say love most is Vikings style grilled chicken.

Then followed with some meat, turkey, Angus beef lamb and then I don’t know what happened next, when it looks delicious I grab a piece of it and I don’t remember what was it. We also have some grilled squid and salmon. Just give them your table dinner then it will be delivered. The caviar and baked oysters is also appetizing, although should advised that you have to eat something first before the oysters.

Patatim is another option, but most of my attention went to seafood. Then after all these goodish are desserts. Honestly I don’t like sweets, I can eat but toothie foodie sweetie is not my preference. I only have mango, cookies’n cream, mango, ice cream and some chocolate chips and rice crispy. I like also the double deck cheese cake, those were cut in squares.

I would say that there are wide arrays of choices and the taste is just right, nothing I can compare with other luxury buffet because I haven’t one yet. Vikings is so far the expensive with all the buffets dining I had. Sorry for myself, so poor. Ahm the service, well the waiter was attentive; in fact he was witty especially when we ask some drinks refill or even taking pictures.

What I don’t like is we haven’t asked for bill yet but the girl who I guess assigned to cashier already passed the receipt. It’s irksome somehow.

So here’s the rate:

On Weekday – 

Kids below 3ft – Lunch/Dinner is free.

Kids 3ft to 4ft – Lunch is P288 / Dinner is P388

Kids 4ft to 4ft 6” – Lunch is P388 / Dinner is P588

Adults – Lunch 688 / Dinner is 888

75 years old and above – entitled to 50% discount

On Weekend and Holiday – 

Kids below 3ft – Lunch/Dinner is free.

Kids 3ft to 4ft – Lunch is P488 / Dinner is P488

Kids 4ft to 4ft 6” – Lunch is P688 / Dinner is P688

Adults – Lunch P1,088 / Dinner is P1,088

75 years old and above – entitled to 50% discount

Price are inclusive of Government Taxes and subject to 5% service charge, so expect you'll have to pay extra P500 for service charge.

Special treat for Birthday Celebrant/s, you are entitled for FREE dining experience whether weekday, weekend, or holiday. Make sure to bring an identification showing your birth date. And you’ll also receive a courtesy cake with special message plus waiters will serenade and party with you for an ultimate Birthday blast!

Vikings Luxury – Buffet Restaurant

Bldg. B, San Miguel by The Bay, Seaside Boulevard, SM Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City

Telephone Numbers: 846-3888 / 846-4888 / 846-5888

Website: www.vikings.ph

Operating Hours: Mon – Sun: 11:00am – 2:30pm (Lunch) | 5:40pm – 10:30pm (Dinner)

Disclaimer: THEKIDWANDERER did not receive any form of compensation from Vikings Luxury Buffet for this post.

2 MY PAPA, MY HERO, A FATHER'S DAY TO REMEMBER!

My Father on Coconut tree! He want to give me fresh buko.

“I've had a hard life, but my hardships are nothing against the hardships that my father went through in order to get me to where I started”. – Bartrand Hubbard.

Note: June 15, 2014. Father's Day Celebration in the Philippines.

When I was a kid, my Mother taught me about life. Inside home, she accompanied me to prepare the future, molded my character into a better person, all the lessons, knowledge, the teachings, sermons, and appreciation. While in the outside, my Father was my best partner. He brought me up in the highest mountains and the immeasurable part of the seas. He told me that life is not just about myself alone. Life is about competition and agreement, challenges and acceptance, and the people around you. So today, I want to show how proud and lucky I am having the best Father in the world.

My Papa with his Carabaos.

Here's my niece, fearless riding the mother carabao.

My father does not have any degree, he knows how to read and write but just read and write.. He entered school but up until Grade 3 only. He doesn’t know about advanced mathematics, the sciences, and the latest technology, he doesn’t even know how to use cellular phones or even typing on computer keyboards. But my father’s knowledge is beyond all these. He always told us that he and my mother weren’t able to finish school but they’ll do everything so we can have the sought-after diplomas. We are seven and I’m proud to say that we have all the degrees. They’re not working in the office nor getting huge money, my father is just a simple farmer and a fisherman; my mother stayed at home with her tiny sari-sari store, yet we all finished college. Indeed, their hardships are nothing against the hardships that my parents went through in order to get to me where I started.

The sun passing through the spaces on Coconut Trees.

Corn Fields suffering from the drought.

After almost five years without visiting them, I promised to go back home. And I just did last month. While on the plane, I told myself that I’m going to spend a single day for my father. I want to join him going to ranch, feeding the farm animals. In retrospect, we always do this when I was a kid; I took my elementary in the province so I was my father’s little buddy. I joined him going to the farm or even catching fish through fishnets. That I want to look back all the things we were doing before. Just like the old times. 

Going to ranch, I was panting the whole time. So weird, I climbed mountains nearby Manila and even the highest point in Luzon but I just can’t beat my father despite his age, he is too fast even with ascent hills. He is still strong at the age of 68. I was totally running out of breath. The place is still the same. Nothing has changed. And that’s what I like being here, years had passed but the ambiance never changed. I can still see my father’s small kubo where he rests after hours of plowing the crop fields. Coconut trees standing hard after some storms passed, the rolling mountains kept its dense forest. The sounds of the insects and the smell of the winds remind me of my childhood. And this is what I missed, the memories how my father taught me everything while in this backdrops.

So there is my father, look at him, he still managed to climb the soaring coconut trees just to get fresh buko for me. And I can’t do that. Actually I reminded him not to, I can eat and drink fresh buko back in Manila but he never listened. He just said its okay. He always do it every day. I admired him so much, I am hoping that when I get his age I can still do all these.

Papa, never ending thanking you for all the things you have done to me and our family. Even I travel the world; I can never find someone that is thoughtful, caring and hardworking as you. I wouldn’t be where I am today without you. I never told you that I love you but you know from the innermost feelings in our hearts I and we love you so much. I always admired and respected you for being the most upright person, we might not have interactions but you have made a maximum impact the way I think. You are so selfless and poured unconditional love. I love you so much. And to all father’s in the world. Happy Father’s Day! Godbless you.

4 YOUR ORDINARY GUIDE TO MASBATE

The Philippines is one of the richest countries of some of the world’s greatest biodiversity. It is composed of over seven thousand islands which bequeath abundant of natural resources. Each and every island has unique culture and rich in art, music, and literature. Besides English and Filipino, the country has nineteen recognized regional languages. If you fold the Philippine map into half, Marinduque is proud and upright its pride as the geographic center of the Philippines. Yet Masbate considered as the heart of the isles.

ABOUT MASBATE

The province of Masbate has three major islands – Masbate, Ticao and Burias. It is surrounded by clear and blue water and also stunning white sand beaches. It is indeed a true tropical bliss bordered with some farms and rolling mountains that makes the province epitome for cattle raising. That's why it is known for its cattle industry and The Rodeo Capital of the Philippines. If you get to ramble around the main island, the southern part has grazing lands owned by some of the Portuguese nationals whom born and raised in the country. Sometimes Masbate considered as part of the Visayan region but it is situated in Southernmost of Bicol Region. This, maybe because the convergence of different dialects due to its vicinity, the mixes consist of Bicolano, Waray, Ilonggo, and Cebuano.
 

Masbate is easy to find in the Philippine map, it is a boomerang shaped right at the center of the Philippine islands. Harmonious and peaceful, the natural beauty stayed untouched which makes this province perfect for some scuba diving trips. White sand beaches will also give you an ultimate summer experience if you're in for some beach bumming, truly breath taking and worth visiting.

Besides cattle industry, mining is another thriving commerce; the province is also leading in precious minerals like Gold and Silver. Municipality of Aroroy located at the northern part of the city proper is a foreground of mining trade in and out of the country.

HOW TO GET HERE

The province is very accessible, either by Air or by Land.

Buses have daily trips in Pasay and Cubao Terminal going to Dalahican in Lucena, Quezon. The trip will take 3 - 4 hours. Then you can take RORO vessel via Montenegro Lines straight to Masbate port, they have daily trips Lucena-Masbate and vice versa.

Another option is via Southroad, or sometimes they call it Bicol Express. Bus terminal in Pasay and Cubao have daily trips straight to Pilar, Sorsogon. The trip will take you 12 hours. Then you can ride at the Pilar wharf either pumpboats, fastcraft, or RORO vessels – all straight to Masbate port. RORO Buses have direct trips all the way to Masbate, these buses will be loaded by RORO vessels. For inquiries on RORO Buses, you can call these numbers - 0917-597-1186 / 0922-889-7013 / 0908-920-2568.

By Air, PALExpress have daily trips to Masbate Airport; it only takes about an hour. This is the only flight to and from the city, although previous years Cebu Pacific and Zest Air considered Manila-Cebu-Masbate route but didn’t last. As of this writing, only PALExpress on operational for daily morning trips vice-versa.

THINGS TO DO & WHERE TO GO
There are a lot of things to do in this province. I’ve been to Bituon Beach located in Mobo, Masbate. It’s just few kilometers - about 20 minutes away from the city proper. It is indeed a “star” in Masbate, engulfed by a long stretch of white sand and crystal clear water, surrounded by majestic mountains, and a perfect place for your ultimate and greatest life adventure.

Another place that you shouldn’t miss when visiting Masbate is the Buntod Marine Sanctuary. It is visible from the city proper. It’s just 15 to 20 minutes away by boat. This sanctuary is being monitored by the Samahang Mangingisda ng Puro-Sinalikway Inc., through the help of the local government. Salute to the city and local government for protecting this marine sanctuary and  open for visiting tourists.

You can get here via Rendezvous Hotel and Retaurant. There are boats waiting for you. You can also contact Jojo, head of the Samahan at 09074542004 for the details of boat rentals.

Catandayagan Falls is the newest and promising place to visit in the province. It is located in Ticao Island, just right across Masbate mainland. You can check this site, our fellow travel blogger for your guide how to get to this place and expenses.

You can also consider these places when visiting the province of MasBeauty:

• Pawa Mangrove Nature Park - the biggest area of natural mangrove park .

• Underwater Cave - entrance is through undersea, just like the hidden lagoon of Palawan, and it will only take few seconds to get into the cave. It has caskets which believed to 500 years old.

• Porta Vega - located in Dimasalang, it has powdery white sand and crystal clear water.

• Palani Beach - located in Balud, like Porta Vega it has the wide stretch of powdery white sand.

FESTIVALS:

• Rodeo Masbateño - it is celebrated every month of April. This makes the province as the Rodeo Capital of the Philippines and the only known rodeo show in Asia. The contingents to compete into different events for cowboys and their calves are coming from different municipalities, and even other provinces. Talents from Visayas and Minadanao region are vying to win and hail as the Rodeo Champions.

• Lapay Bantigue – this festival held every 30^th of September in celebration to the city anniversary. It started in 2002 after Masbate converted as the only and capital city of the province. Lapay Bantigue is about to give thanks to St. Philomena, the saint of fishermen. And to note, I know how the steps of this dance.

• Pagdayao Festival – this festival celebrated every 13^th of June to give honour and thank to Saint Anthony de Padua – the city patron saint.

TRANSPORTATION:

• Tricycle – This is the main transportation around the city, you can ride this for short distance destinations.

• Public and Private Van - They now have UVExpress that travels all the way to Esperanza, the southernmost town of Masbate. Esperanza is just few miles away from Cebu province. This is the gateway of small pumpboats to reach the Visayas group of Islands.

• Public Utility Jeeps – This is another popular choice of transportation. They can bring you anywhere in the province on any different destinations.

• Public Buses – Bus now travels from Northern to Southern part of the islands. This is for longer distance destination.

FOOD
Looking for food is not a huge problem, there are plenty of food businesses open serving 24 hours around the city proper. The taste is most likely similar to the Bicolandia cooking, thus, being part of the region. It's usually involves in some chili peppers and coconut milk, notable cuisine are "laing" and "bicol express". So when you get to ramble around the province for some food cravings, make sure to bring some water due to its notorious spicy flavors.

However if your choice is on typical and familiar food, the City now have Gaisano Mall. It has common fast food chains that you can find in Metro Manila.

ACCOMMODATION
There is enough number of accommodations you can find in the City. You can start searching from hotel/restaurant/resorts nearby the beach front. 7AR Golden Beach Resort and Restaurant is one of the luxury resorts that offers stunning view, great food. But if you are on affordable hotels, inn and lodging houses, Sampaguita Tourist Inn is one of the cheapest that you can find, here most of the people coming from remote municipalities stay.

You can also check other options:

• Balay Valencia

• GV Hotel

• Racher's Hotel

• MG Hotel

• St. Anthony Hotel and Restaurant

• Rendezvous Hotel

SIGNPOST

Masbate founded on March 10, 1917 with three Districts. There are 20 municipalities with a total of population of (as of 2010) 834, 650. Masbate City is the capital city of the province and part of the Region 5 - Bicol Region.

For more information about the province, you can visit this site.

4 CHASING THE SUNRISE IN MASBATE

Sunrise and Sunsets is one of the best viewpoints in photograph. Especially for beginners like me, shoots will surely turn so flawless; all the colors are painted in the sky, divided the vivid pigments of the heaven and the seas. I won’t deny that I have posted loads of photos about sunrise and sunsets but I’m sure this is the first time I wrote about it. And this is what I like.

When I finally have my own SLR camera, the thought and time has just come. All the thoughts will surely be around. I wanna take pile of photos no matter what and how bad it is.  And another reason why I jolt to have my own camera it’s because I always get desirous to get “swave” and “havey” shots. It is also a perfect timing for my back home vacation after so many years, should take photos from maiden nature. Also, will be traveling four of the SEA Nations this year.

Now I got the chance again to set foot in my province, I made sure the longing should be on hand. I woke up very early in the morning so I can take beautiful sunrise photos. And speaking of early in the morning, well that’s my body clock since most of the people there are early risers. I enthusiastically went straight to front beach and set my camera. I am no professional. So I just set it up to “dawn” auto-setting scene and not manual then put up on continuous shots.

I’m sure this is not the first and last that I gonna post about sunrise and sunsets. Masbate is just one of the thousands of panoramic photographs in the country. The Philippines has heaps of islands to choose and should provide pleasing gift of nature. Right now I’m still in the process of learning basic photography and time will come, I’m going to make it perfect on my own pleasures. And will surely back to the loving nature to snaps more on it.