0 REXONA RUN 2014: A RUN FILLED WITH COLORS AND THE MOST VIBRANT

I’m just feeling grateful that am able to join this year’s Rexona Run 2014, #RunToYourBeat. I believe this is the only running event in the country with full of excitement from the most vibrant hip of the beat and the colorful tunnel with trendy neon lights and sounds. Although 2014 is not the year when I started running but this year where I ran most. Thus, it is my first time to join the Rexona Run.

I can see pictures the previous year and it was a total fun filled event. That's why I made sure to be part of this year's Rexona Run. First time with them and honestly they've never failed my expectation except one. THE B-A-N-A-N-A! Haha.

Upon arriving in the venue at the Mall of Asia seaside, I already heard loud sounds coming from the concert grounds, though the place is still dark at 2 AM yet it was enveloped with vehicles and runners joining the event. The 21k category starts at 3 AM and I was on the second batch. While waiting for the go signal I prepared my running app that would measures my run activity. I’m actually using Nike+ though I heard that with RunKeeper you can use it without the Internet Access.

When the signal started for the second batch, we were welcomed by the Statoin1 tunnel after three kilometers away from the starting line. It’s the Electrica Avenue as shown from below pictures; it is filled with strobe lights in different neon colors. There are photo walls for selfie and groupie ops. If you are after the time then I advised not to stay longer here.

I'm so sorry for low quality of images, I'm only using phone camera here.

After the picture ops at the tunnel we geared again back on the road to cover the time we spent and lost at the first tunnel. Even though I enjoyed running, you can’t just avoid aim to break your personal record from your previous runs. That’s why I ran non-stop after 11k mark.

At the 11k mark there where my trouble started. I am so so so so hungrrrry. If my memory serves me right, I was on my way to Luneta near Buendia Bridge. Water is not enough and I started feeling dizzy. I had carboload that night but I guess it is important to have meal again at least two hours before the official run.

My actual plan is to break my personal record. My best so far for half marathon is 3 hours and 3 minutes, I know this is still fail but hey I’m just starting. And I don’t think I can reach 2 hours record because of my weight. Anyway, my plan is no longer successful. I had to do the walk-run-walk pace instead of slow and continuous. I was really in trouble, I was thinking of buying street foods but I realized I don’t have money on my pocket. That is another thing I should consider on my next run – to have cash all the time.

When I get to Luneta area, I told myself that I’m near the finish line, it’s about 7 kilometers to go. When I feel recovered coming from a longer walk I have to start running again – slowly and non-stop.

When I’m near the CCP I was expecting that the B-A-N-A-N-A-ish is on my reach. I know Runrio provides Banana aside from bursting Gatorade and Water Stations. That’s why I love Runrio. Unfortunately nothing! So I had no choice but to continue and finish run.

And then I reached this Station2 Tunnel. As Rexona takes music powered run to the next level. Martin Pulgar is on the job. I got no choice but to have selfie again asking other runner to take me a souvenir photo. 

At the Station3 is where the hot cars parked and some of the hottest DJ’s in town. I guess only 21k runners have the chance to experience all three tunnels. That's why we get high on this Rexona Run! They're actually taking runners into Do More kind of philosophy which stimulates runners into music in different genres.

Then few minutes later, I finally finished my half marathon and per my running app I finished it in 2 hours and 50 minutes which is 10 minutes ahead of time from my previous run. I’m still in.

REXONA RUN 2014 RACE RESULTS:

• Please click this link for 21k result.
• Please click this link for 10k result.
• Please click this link for 5k result.

Here are some of the photos during Rexona Run after party.

3 PAINS: POSITIVE ATTITUDE IN NEGATIVE SITUATION

"If you can learn from the worst times of your life, you'll be ready to do into the best times of your life.". I grabbed this quote from the internet and I guess it's a perfect reminder from my past and incoming wanderings. To learn to become best at the worst moments. You can't really avoid things to happen but when you learn from it, I'm sure next time, things will be in place.

So far in my rambling experiences I haven’t have horrific experienced yet and maybe when you hear my story you would want to think that it’s "mani" or "chicken" compared to your story. However this story of mine is so far the most depressing and I guess more experiences to come and should be ready.

We were planning to celebrate Christmas in Baguio and Sagada. We've been to the summer capital a couple of times but not yet in Sagada so we give it try since we heard good feedback about this place. However it’s really hard to travel for longer hours so we decided to stay in Baguio for a day then have to catch the trip early morning tomorrow. That night we planned to meet old friends and have some drinks. The next morning, we woke up around 7AM, although it’s late but it is on the itinerary to be at Old Dangwa Station before 8AM.

Surprisingly there were huge number of passengers going home in the Mountain Provinces and not that I expected the upsurge. Nevertheless I’m not worried at all. I know GL Trans, the only Bus Company that travels from Baguio all the way to Sagada has 6 trips daily. If we can’t catch the first or even second trip we still have the remaining four trips to take.

I was on the line; stepping forward inch by inch and you’ll never hear any objections from me. The first trip just left and the second trip is waiting for us. After more than two hours on the line, at last I can see the girl behind the ticket booth and when my turn comes she just simply said that no more tickets and there are only two trips today.

"Please be here early tomorrow", her final word.

Mga Kurimaw! Ay kapurbida..!@#$%^&**()

I couldn't recognise how my face looked like. I was so dismay and very disappointed. I quickly called our contact person in Sagada told her about what happened and asking if there would be another option or else we will be cancelling our hotel reservation for that day. She said we can catch The Rising Sun Transport at the Slaughterhouse Road en route to Bontoc, then take jeep to Sagada for about 20 minutes.

  

After that call we grabbed taxi straight to another terminal. There were less people compared in Old Dangwa but you wouldn’t want to like it. There is no ticket reservation or even any line. When bus arrives it’s up to you how quick will you be to reserve seat. The challenge triples the MRT situation during rush hours. And when the bus arrived, you wouldn't want to imagine how people gone crazy. I thought I’m prepared enough since I ride MRT almost everyday. I'm sure words are not enough to explained the drastic scene.

We know for sure that Sagada no more for that day, unless we are willing to pay 5,000 PHP for a van -for-hire that would bring us there. Hotels in Baguio are all jam-packed, more local tourists visit highlands during the holidays to experience the spirit of Christmas weather.

We then searching over the internet for available hostels at least the cheapest price. Fortunately we found this Upstairs Bed and Bath that is good enough to cover our dead body from freezing atmosphere for that night.

We woke up early the next morning and left hostel about 4 AM, yes that is too early because we already learned what happened yesterday. Also it was 24th, day before Christmas so expect of more commuters are going back home. When we get at the Old Dangwa Station, there were hundreds of people already on the line waiting for the ticketing office to open. You wouldn’t be surprised at all but you would ask where the heck people coming from? They're probably sleeping at the terminal.

I got no choice but to fall in line again and hugging the cold weather of the highlands. Aside from the clatter of the engines, commuters chose to be quiet while covered with thick sweater while other busy sipping hot coffee. I pulled up my headset and decided to entertain with some hip-hop music. The office opens after an hour and start giving out tickets. That time we’re not certain if we could get tickets despite being too early. And then I heard people chanting in local dialect so I had to ask them what the commotions about. They said that there are only few tickets available.

That time we were already terrified, all we want is to experience Sagada. 

So this would be another worst moment, do we just stand and wait for some gracious gift from heaven? The clock runs so fast, we haven’t secured tickets yet. My partner asked me to stay on the line and he will do something unfavorable. He went near the booth and talked to people one by one. They only give three tickets per person, good thing this old lady who is traveling alone agreed to buy tickets for us in exchange for a free ride. So there you go!!!

After butt-numbing seven-hour ride we finally set foot in Sagada. We only have one day to explore the whole place and no more reason to follow the prepared itinerary. We rest at hostel for an hour then shower then went straight to Yoghurt House to get some brunch. Afterwards we headed to the tourist center for the Echo Valley Tour which started from Sumaguing Cave, to CalvaryHill, Episcopal Church, and the Hanging Coffins. We got no choice but just stay at the town proper. 

Nevertheless with all the setbacks it feels so grateful to experience Sagada in just a short period of time. In fact in less than 24 hours.

The next morning, we woke early to experience the Kiltepan viewpoint and orange picking at Café Bodega. Afterwards we led straight to hostel to check out and catch the only trip going back to Baguio. According the GL Trans office they only have one trip at 8AM so make sure to be there before that time to reserve seat and catch the trip.

We arrived at the terminal by 7:30AM which is only walking distance from hostel. Unfortunately the officer said that the bus left around 7AM.

What the heck! Juice colored.

I thought we’re all done with misfortunes within this trip but there you go again.  Locals advised us to take jeep going down to Bontoc but not sure if there will be bus schedule to Baguio since it’s December 25. Wow, I can’t believe will be getting the most crazy experience in the middle of Christmas day. Thankfully when we get to Bontoc, the last and only trip was about to leave and we made it!

With all the misadventures I learned a lot of things, how to cope up when bad things happen. It is indeed positive attitude in negative situation.

I learned that being frustrated isn’t going to solve anything. Problem is already there, if I will not do something nothing will happen. I got a chance to stay in Baguio for another night and experienced sleeping in a backpacking lodge where you can see other guests next to your bed. Though it was my first time yet I think it’s perfect to socialize with other travelers that you barely know.

I learned that there’s always a choice. Although no more chance to get to Sagada but the other choice is why don’t explore Baguio by night.

And the most of all always look forward to overcome the challenges. Like what they say: Life is a journey of learning and growth, and everything happens for a reason. So whatever the obstacles maybe think something to divert your frustrations and eventually you will get over the challenges. 

PAINS is my first ever entry to the PTB Blog Carnival, October 2014 edition with the theme: “The Worst Travel Moments”. This edition is hosted by Jona Branzuela Bering of backpackingwithabook.com

0 THAILAND: SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT, HOW TO GET IN AND OUT OF THE CITY

It is indeed the biggest airport hub in Thailand. Suvarnabhumi Airport (IATA: BKK) pronounced as Suwannaphum opens on September 2006 for domestic and on international commercial flight after 14 days of operation. This airport earned as the most photographic airport award in the influx of social media like Instagram. And I would say that they have the best architecture in an H-Shaped. The roof is covered with glass panels and fantastic ceiling.

Suvarnabhumi is located in Racha Thewa or about 25 kilometers from downtown Bangkok. I heard the name was chosen by their incumbent King Bhumibol Adulyadej which means the golden kingdom. This is the 16th business airport in the world and 6th in Asia.

In 2014 recent survey, Suvarnabhumi is awarded as the Top3 in World’s Best Premium Service Airports.



After almost four hours of flying, I finally have the chance to see this Airport hub. And of course setting foot for my third country visit after Hongkong and Macau. Or I don’t know if you can consider the latter two as country, I think they’re just an administrative region of China. Whatever, I still have stamps on my passport.

Arriving in Thailand, it was my first time to see the gigantic A380. As the person with so much fondness of aircrafts, it feels so much excitement when I get the chance to see right before my eyes the biggest passenger plane in the world. Suvarnabhumi is the main hub of Thai Airways International that is known for different fleets both Airbus and Boeing.

When pilot announced that we may now alight the aircraft, I have this enthusiastic energy to get out and witness myself Thailand’s megastructure. They’re airport is really huge and it immediately sinks to your mind that you are in another country. Thailand flags are scattered everywhere at the airport plus their Sanskrit text.

We lined up immediately at the immigration counter, and since I’m a Philippine passport holder no need to present visa. ASEAN has an agreement that all travelers belong to ASEAN region will not require to apply visa and granted 30-day stay. 

This airport has a quite number of walkalators, or they call it travelators. It feels like you don’t have the chance anymore to walk by foot because of these lator-ish setups.  I’d like to believe that they have the most organized facilities, more counters open especially immigration.

The mural above in yellow-orange-blue colors is I guess the Suvarnabhumi Dowwadung which is the most import concept for Thai society.

Since we arrived past 12 midnight, we decided to jump out from the airport after spending short period time taking pictures inside the airport.

But when we bid goodbye in Thailand, I know I will have plenty of time to explore if possible the entire airport while waiting for boarding back in Manila.

Just like a promise, during our waiting period I wandered the passenger lounge and take photos of these beautiful and stunning gigantic figures of the airport. There are four-giants seem like guarding the place. They are called Yaksha – the Guardian Giants. If you already traveled the city, those faces will be familiar to you as the figures are scattered all over the region.


HERE ARE THE PHOTO GALLERY INSIDE THE  PASSENGER HALL:

After our five-day tour in Bangkok we finally set foot again at Suvarnabhumi airport to say our sweet goodbye to this beautiful country. Since we arrived early and while waiting for the window to open, I have the chance to go around and take photos. Their architectural remnants are all enveloped in golden charm.

And what I really want to see is this dragon. Before we arrived in Bangkok I was searching about Bangkok and I always see this charismatic three-headed dragon with four-arm figure standing in the middle. I thought I’m gonna see this on arrival but you will only have to chance to meet them on departure out from Bangkok.

HOW TO GET IN AND OUT OF THE CITY:

AIRPORT RAIL LINK: 

The best option to get in and out of downtown Bangok is via rail. It’s the fastest way to get in and out considering the hustle bustle traffic in the City. Express train leaves every 20 minutes going to Phaya Thai in 18-minute journey. Fare is 19 THB.  From Phaya Thai station, from there you can transfer around the city via BTS or Sky Train.

METERED TAXI: 

Taxis are located on the first floor of the arrivals area. Since we arrived past 12 midnight, we got no chance to ride the rail since the operation ends at exactly 12 MN. So we only take pink and yellow taxis to get into the city. You will be lined up at the taxi stand and let the dispatcher know where are you heading and then your destination will be written on a piece of paper that will be given out to the taxi driver. Please note that you have the right to say no if they will ask you for a flat rate. If the driver insists, then get out and let the dispatcher know. You will be paying extra 50 THB surcharge on top of your meter rate. I think that’s the driver fee. Since we booked hotel near Petchaburi our meter read almost 300 THB.

0 THAILAND: WAT ARUN, THE TEMPLE OF THE DAWN

The soaring temple of Wat Arun.

You will surely notice this soaring temple of Wat Arun if you are in Chao Phraya river en route to the temples of Wat Pho and the Grand Palace. It is situated adjacent to WatPho temple, the oldest and largest temple in the Kingdom of Thailand. 

This temple is consists of five prangs; four on each corner and one in the middle, the center one is the tower which you will climb in almost upright 90 degrees, it’s very narrow and steep. There would be a significant reason why it’s steep; it is said to believe that the Buddhist has to face this challenge upon reaching Nirvana. As per Wikipedia, Nirvana literally means “blown out” or perhaps, it’s like a place of where you can find peace and happiness. Maybe in Christian alike, it is the heaven.

Wat Arun taken from the Chao Phraya River.

In order for you to enter at the main temple, one has to pay 50 THB. And likewise at the Reclining Buddha hall, they also require some dress code but not too strict. Just make sure your shoulders and knees are all covered. Anyway they have scarf for rent just in case.

When you reach inside the temple, don’t be surprised with the architecture. You will certainly be fascinated by the decoration and the design. The middle tower and four small prangs are covered with some colorful porcelain and seashells. While also stepping into the stairs, you will also witness different figures that serve as the guardians of the temple.

Now the question why it is being referred as the “Temple of the Dawn”, simply because by the height of about 219ft or like 20 storey building, the first light of the sun rising from the east shall reflects off the temple in vibrant pigments.

That's why whenever you have plans to visit Thailand, make sure to include this landmark on your itinerary. When you get to reach on top, you will surely feel the sense of fulfillment, the feeling of being cleansed it's like all the sufferings had gone. Furthermore you will also have the chance to see the beautiful skyline of Bangkok and the temples around Chao Phraya River.

It's fairly easy to get to Wat Arun temple. Take BTS Sky Train then alight at Saphan Taksin station, walk towards the Sathorn pier then ride either express boat (15 THB orange flag) tourist boat (40 THB). Disembark at Pier Tha Thien (N8) and then catch the ferry to cross the river going to the temple for 3 THB.

Let me hear your thoughts, please comment below.

0 BLOGAPALOOZA 2014: BLOGGER TO BLOGGERS EVENT

I got two thumbs up to all the organizers and bloggers for a successful Blogapalooza 2014.

I think I will have to start this post by thanking all the media, sponsors, organizers especially When In Manila and Our Awesome Planet. My title for this post says Blogger to Blogger which I certainly know it is Business to Blogger, the reason why I chose this header because of my first time to break and step out of my comfort zone. I usually travel solo or with friends that are not blogger, write and then click the orange button to publish my article. However today, I met other respective bloggers with so much fun and had a blast. And..let's talk about business later. Hehe

I arrived at SMX Convention in SM Aura Taguig around 11AM and there were already numbers of bloggers piling at the registration booth. That moment I already sensed of a positive vibe from the encouraging amusement inside the convention hall. If I’m not mistaken expected of about 700 invited bloggers for this event so I know I’m going to encounter some of the big ideas in the world of blogging.

After registration, there are already numbers of booth that are open for some games and boundless interactions between marketing officers and bloggers. These booths are offering different products and services, from beauty to photography, from fitness/wellness to diners/eats, and of course travel related services. Whatever category your blog is, there are so many booths that suits the nature of your website.

Here are some of the booths that I visited, though I am most preferred of travel like services but of course it is one time event in a year for bloggers so I want to make most out of the event:

HOUSE OF LASAGNA: It is an Italian inspired which first opened in the country in 2009. It is established by Chef Erick Congmon who is young and passionate chef. Want to thank all peeps for free taste of your tasty lasagna and a surprised photo. Catch them on their facebook page.

THE YELLOW CAB: I don’t think I’ll have to write more about this pizza company. They are already established and actually we always call them whenever there’s a party in the company. Thanks Yellow Cab for a free pepperoni pizza slice.

ZOMATO: They have this spin the roulette game but sadly I didn't won. But all the smiles are enough for me. We are all there to have fun.

HENRY'S PROFESSIONAL: Henry’s Camera adopted the digital world, selling digital electronic products for consumer and photography lovers. Thanks for an instant photo and print courtesy of Instax by FUJIFILM. Do visit their site at Henry's Camera Photo.

  

MY SHOPPING BOX: Shop from any online merchant in the comfort of your home. Have your items delivered to your exclusive US address. And since this is forwarding services, they have prepared games, shoot the ball in the hole. You got four chances, shoot three and you'll get powerbank and I did it. Do check their site here.

VIEW PARK HOTEL: Have a picture with them with your most wackiest picture, the ugliest the best and you'll get to win one night stay. Who won? Explore Tagaytay and be Aweeeesome. Do visit their site here.

ACE WATER SPA: Have a health through water. Water has been a vital element in cleansing, relaxing and healing because its curative properties. And I won a tumbler from the game. Visit them here.

Here are some of the photos during the Blogapalooza 2014. You just can’t get smiles out of our faces, so much positive atmosphere, vibrant music, fun in exciting games, especially the Kwelavan courtesy of Chooks to Go, it is a Kinect Advergame, an adventure and interactive game with five mini-games either played by one or two persons, and we won an umbrella. Thanks.

With Bogart, the Explorer himself. 

Thanks also for the opportunity to meet these most influential people in social media. And to you idol Bogart, the Explorer you are a cheerful person. You have provided so much laughter  and remarkable fun from your posts across social media sites. Thanks also to Vince Golangco of When in Manila, Francis Simisim of Tech Filipino and Anton Diaz of Our Awesome Planet for this occasion, by giving the chance to showcase the talents of small time bloggers and guide how to make money in blogging.

With Vince Golangco of When in Manila

Now I can tell that I really am a blogger. I’ve been sitting in the internet for more than two years but never in my life going in social activities like this, not even joining invites especially for travel tours that going into different places. I hope after today, meeting with other bloggers now became my friends, it would trigger to give more and do more of my blogging life. A big big thanks again to all the organizers, business owners, non-profit organization, marketing executives, media and bloggers. I’m looking forward for more fun and exciting Blogapalooza in the coming years.

Let me hear your thoughts, please comment below.