I AM SUCCULENT

TRAVEL: My Goodness, BATANES!!! (Part I)

2011-07-21T09:08:00.001+08:00

I am one very lucky girl.

I may not be rich in the traditional sense of the word but God (has) most certainly blessed me in many other ways. I don’t drive around in fancy cars or fly business class, but I have traveled to some of the most remarkable places here and abroad. With the exception of my occasional leisure trips with my dear friends and boyfriend, most of my international travels are work-related. It’s quite rare to have a career that enriches you professionally and at the same time, gives you ample leg room for you to be able to explore activities that will, in turn, enrich you both physically and spiritually.

Until very recently, it never occurred to me to make my own bucket list – maybe because I have always been uncomfortable with the idea of setting a deadline on anything that has got nothing to do with my work deliverables. I guess I have gotten so used to be being on my own that the only pace I know how to walk or run is my own. I slow down when I want to; I go on full sprint when I want to. In retrospect, it all started with running. Tried it once and got hooked for a while. From my first 5k, I found myself running a full marathon in less than a year. I didn’t stop there. Shortly after my first and only full-mary, I dared to do an ultramarathon and got even more hooked. Since then, I have tried my hand on so many other outdoor activities that I never thought I would have access to – let alone be genuinely interested in. Fishing, Trail running,Scuba diving, Surfing, Mountain Trail Biking — these are some of the things that I have now X-marked on my list. Though most of them I have done only once – bringing to fore that I am indeed ‘Little Miss Will Try Anything Once’ – I wouldn’t mind giving them another go sometime in the near future. Surfing, especially. But first, I seriously need to learn how to swim already. Not just for that, but for my general knowledge and survival. You know, just in case someone tries to push me into the water and make it look like an accident. Hah!

And now it seems that my list had just gotten longer with the addition of rock climbing, scrambling and rappelling which I may be doing soon as I get back from my trip. I want to tell you about so many other MORE EXCITING projects we’re working on with some very good friends but I don’t want to jump the gun too soon. For now, let’s just say that we are going to conquer the world one step at a time. Right, Kas, B, and Marga? *insert smiley here*

Now, on to the main reason for this blogpost which I accidentally turned into a novela again because of my penchant for digression: BATANES.

What else can I say about Batanes except that the island is TOO BEAUTIFUL for words? My senses are still somewhat overwhelmed that I cannot even come up with adjectives good enough to describe the whole Batanes experience (that) my friends and I had just recently.

So, just like what Eric did in FB, I will let some of the photos we took do the talking. And maybe add some unintelligible description here and there if only to delude myself into thinking that I’m still some sort of a writer.

But first, I want to thank Emperor Eric Cabahug for planning the whole thing and booking our flights as early as March when Seair announced its promo fare for Batanes. Normal flights to and from Batanes would cost you around Php16,000 including taxes and that is quite steep for a local flight. But let me tell you now that it’s all worth every centavo – and MORE. If it weren’t for the locals that look and talk just like us, you wouldn’t think you’re still in the Philippines. The island is so multifaceted you would think you’re in Hawaii or Scotland or New Zealand — three places I have never been to, by the way, but the natural land and seascapes of Batanes may very well rival the vistas of these three countries on Google images.

Sleep-deprived and in my case, still under duress from work (very normal for me), we – Eric, Cris B., Cris C., Uly, Romy and I – took the 5:15am flight from Manila to Basco, Batanes on July 1. The flight was one and a half hours long but quite comfortable. Our airhostess, Frances, had the best natural voice I have ever heard come out of a woman’s mouth. It had a sultry ring to it and she enunciated every word to near-perfection!

The Batanesians.:)

Batanes Airport is small but you instantly feel the warmth and beauty of the island the minute you step out of the plane. At the airport, we were welcomed by Kuya Jun, our designated tour guide slash driver for the whole of five days. After snapping our touchdown Batanes photo, Kuya Jun drove us to DDD Habitat, our home during our stay.

Ate Monica, cook extraordinaire slash manager of DDD Habitat, treated us to a scrumptious breakfast of fish lumpia, veggies, and rice. Not wanting to waste a single minute of our Batanes time, we changed into shorts and tanktops and set off to explore the island – except for Eric who opted to sleep the first half of the day. That morning, Romy, Cris B., Cris C., Uly and I went to the lighthouse nearby.

One of the MANY jumpshots we will be doing in Batanes.

United Colors of Batanes.

San Marino advert gone dark. haha.

Paging mobile providers, you might want to use this in your marketing collateral. LOL.

When we came back just in time for lunch, we were all twice as dark as when we first arrived in Batanes. We did not really anticipate the heat to be that intense so we scrimped on sunblock. Lunch was fantastic and we all fell in love with the fern salad Ate Monica prepared. Thus began the Batanes BUSOG EDITION. Let me explain. The minute we arrived in Batanes, all we did was eat, walk, take photos, eat, eat, EAT! Hence the ‘busog’ look in all of my swimsuit photos. So much for ripped abs. The all went back into hiding beneath the layers of fat – many thanks to the sinfully delicious meals we would have five times a day! Such was the case for me, at least. Because Cris B.’s perpetually ripped! he ate as much, if not more than, I did but the abs stayed right where they are. I asked how it’s even possible for those pandesals to stay unfazed despite the amount of food ingested whereas mine looked, well, bloated, he said, ‘it’s all muscles, Vicky.’ So I guess I have to work harder than ever before to scrape the fat layers, eh? When did it get sooo hard to be a woman?!?

Living on the edge is good...sometimes.:)

At the viewing deck of one of the smaller lighthouses.

For Cris' Mom.:D

Binibining Yellow bell.

Inside one of the rooms at 'Fundacion Pacita'

According to the caretaker, Fundacion Pacita can be rented for around P7,500 per day. They are currently renovating the place but it should be open for business again soon. In the meantime, you can have lunch or coffee at this beautiful place with the stunning view of the rolling hills of Batanes and the great pieces of art on display inside the house.

And that concludes Day One.

I Am 32 Flavors...and then some.

2011-07-20T09:01:00.000+08:00

So here’s the deal.

I have tried to delay it for as long as I could but with less than 24 hours left, I’m better off embracing the inevitable. At the stroke of midnight on the 21st, I would have officially abandoned the calendar age. Andy, one of the superstars in my department, said 32 is the new 23. I say, that’s exactly what someone who obviously would rather stop ticking her age off a calendar, bingo card, or lotto ticket would say. So, let’s see. I am 32 and at this point, really, there aren’t a lot out there that would thrill me still. At least, not the ones I would consider to be well within the bounds of reason. I mean, yeah sure, a Ferrari (only because of Fernando Alonso, otherwise, an Audi or Mercedes would be just as nifty) would cause me to pass out for half a second but is that something I can afford? Na-uh. Sure, an impromptu month-long adventure to the wondrous Galapagos Island would cause me to pass out half a second longer but again, something I cannot afford. Not yet. So, no, I am not going to do a birthday wish list as I had gotten used to in the past. I don’t get all my wishes anyway – but that’s not the point.

The point is, I think this time, I will do a Birthday’s Resolution. I already have a few off the top of my head so let’s get right down to it, ya?

1. Read one book per week and it starts right about now. I won’t set parameters on genre. It can be anything from serious lit to chicklit. I have been wanting to read Shakespeare and Homer but have always seriously feared I would be proven intellectually inept. But this time, I will not let my silly doubts get in the way. I have always loved books and there was a time (and this kind of stretched for a long period) when I would literally forego eating or showering on weekends because I just got to the good part and once there, of course, I’d want to read it all the way through until the very last page. FYI, I do not stink. Yes, not even with those missed showers in the past.

So I guess I will have to start with this. I’ve had this book since December of 2008. Quite a trip that month and year was. Oh but anyway, for some reason, I couldn’t seem to get past the ‘Natural Philosophers’ which was somewhere only in the second chapter. Not that I’m dimwitted or anything like that – well, I pretend to be sometimes when I’m really annoyed by the person talking- it’s just that I have this habit of reading 2 or 3 books at the same time. Not simultaneously, of course, but I normally would have a bedtime book, a bathroom book, and one that I read in the office or when I’m traveling. And usually, one would be more interesting than the other and I would end up finishing that one first. And then I would sorta forget where I was in the other book so I would go all the way back to page one and then I will maybe pick up another book and, well, it goes on and on like that.

Bookworm Chronicles Week 1

2. Turn myself into a fat-burning machine. I think I have made some good progress in this department so far and it’s now really more of just having a sustainable game plan to make sure I stay a size zero until I pop one – or two – out in the future. With that, I think it goes without saying that I will be blogging ‘Insanity this, Insanity that‘ or ‘Running an ultra here, running an ultra there‘ or ‘Testing this treadmill and all sorts of workout equipment‘ more than I have ever said so in the past. Don’t ask me why I am doing all these things, I do not have a profound answer. I just want to look good. Extremely good.

3. Say Thank you and I’m sorry more. I am not an ungrateful witch and I certainly know how to say Thank You and mean it but I feel I’m not doing it enough. Not verbally, at least. At times I assume a grateful smile or hug would be enough but having those two words uttered in your direction – especially when complemented with a smile and a good hug – is still quite something. Ditto with ‘I’m Sorry’. In fact, this is something I fail to do more than expressing my gratitude. I don’t know but I find it too difficult to acknowledge and own up to my mistakes sometimes. It’s pride in its most evil context at work here, I know. Hence, the birthday resolution.

4. Stay out of trouble. Especially the kind that cause others hurt and despair, even unknowingly. And especially, never maliciously. This also goes so (or should it be ‘as’? Oh grammar, please be a pal!) far as me finally activating my filter. So far, I think I have been practicing restraint in the things that I say and write about but I can maybe do a wee bit more. Let’s see, because usually, when I am angry, I spew vitriol. And more of same for a good long while. I can seriously keep at it until I’m exhausted. NOT. GOOD. AT. ALL

5. Avoid eating four-legged animals and especially not the exotic ones. I don’t think I will ever become a full-fledged vegetarian but I will now only eat just fish and chicken. I was never a beef-eater anyway so it’s really just pork that I am turning my back on – for eternity. Besides that, I can’t think of any as I am not really that adventurous when it comes to meat. I have tried a sliver of crocodile meat maybe two years ago in Boracay when my friend coaxed me into trying it and I didn’t think it was anything special. And last year, my boyfriend got me to try lamb for my birthday dinner and I didn’t think it was all that either. No offense, but I’m just that daring when it comes to food. I am pretty basic. No fuss, no frills kind of girl. Kind of a major dreamboat, really. hahaha. Anyway, to those whom I shall be sharing meals with from here on in, never – I repeat, NEVER – cajole me into eating anything other than those two. Unless, of course, you fancy the thought of having them hurled at your face. No, not really. Vegetables and fruits? Bring it on!

6. Learn how to swim. I know I keep saying this to the point that even I am getting sick and tired of hearing myself say it BUT I am going to learn how to swim before 2011 is up. Just you wait and see.

7. Take care of my skin more. Which means, more sunblock for me even when not going to the beach. Now might also be a good time for me to start picking up (my) slack in the facials department. It’s not cute for someone my age to still be sporting a zit or two on days when looking pretty and fresh-faced would have actually served me better. Not that the opposite of pretty was ever an alternative, but whatever, you do get what I mean ya? I was just never the facials kind of a girl. In fact, I have not exactly been meticulous with facial care that I’m paying for it now. I mean, hello, crow’s feet and wrinkles?!?

8. Ahhh, Bataan Death March 102 in 2012. Now this should be very interesting. I mean, after all the long runs I have participated in, this is what it will come down to – One hundred and two kilometers under extremely hot weather conditions. I have already enlisted some of my friends’ support on this one. I just need to enlist my knees and shins, too, while I’m at it. These two seem to have taken quite a beating these past two years that I have been attacking roads and trails, albeit, on and off.

9. Be a little less impatient and intolerant of things and people I cannot change. Ahhh, the cause of my eternal downfall if I don’t do something about it. Like now. I used to be able to stretch my patience and tolerance a little bit farther before but lately, I have been failing miserably. One word and I blow my top. One look and I lose it. Wrong spelling? Mispronunciation? P&F, V&B syndrome? Ugly shirt? Oh you are gonna get it from me! And it’s usually the smallest things that tick me off. Big time. Could be it age-related? Or have I simply lost my sense of humor somewhere between 20 and 30? And if so, I would really like to get it back. I remember, not too long ago, I used to be funny. You know, like tickle-me-silly-Elmo kind of funny. Now, I am just dripping with sarcasm and condescension. And I’m not proud of it – at least not all the time, no, but I do get a perverse sense of satisfaction out of it! That’s really not funny, isn’t it? I’m sorry.

10. Resolve to get all those nine things listed above DONE! Need I say more? Not a peep required, right? Good. It seems common sense is still fairly common – contrary to popular belief.

Aaaand on that note I say, Happy birthday you silly woman, you!

Thoughts On (hopefully) Running on On-Running

2011-07-19T12:33:00.001+08:00

When it comes to running and nearly everything fitness-related, I have to give loads of credit to a certain friend of mine for getting me started - and pretty much hooked - on it. Though the 'hooked' part is really more of a personal conviction, something I am determined to keep on the up and up for as long as my body can take the pain, he was the one who introduced running to me - right from my first pair of legit running shoes, Mizuno Wave Creation 10 in bright orange, which he gave me as birthday present two years ago; Phoenix, my NF trail running shoes who carried my weight and busted shins all the way to the finish line of my first trail run - the Men's Health All-Terrain Race in Sta. Elena; my prized Zara the Zoot which I would wear to my first (and only) full marathon, the Condura Run for the Dolphins in 2010 in which I crossed the finish line in less than five hours. Far from a Kikayrunner finish, obviously, but not too shabby either. Zara the Zoot were given to me as Christmas present so I was actually one of the few who would be wearing the pair before it was formally brought into the country by the local distributor. Zara came in patriot pink, by the way, which happens to be one of my favorite colors. And I got another pair of Mizuno Wave Rider as my New Year's present. All these serve as constant reminder for me to work hard in making my fitness resolutions stick because I have been known to run my mouth on this and that and end up not achieving the end-goal I desire because I would get bored halfway through it and move on to do something else. It's like the early signs of ADHD, I tell you.

Enter Reebok...and suddenly, my fitness goals have taken a whole new dimension. Just before I joined a bunch of cool runners as brand ambassador for Reebok Running, I thought my running mojo had decided to go on an extended vacation - indefinitely. At that time, I have not been logging decent mileage per week, so much so that I have already placed my running shoes back in their boxes, which resulted to my pants getting a bit tight around the waist again. Uh-oh. Danger alert!

Now what I like about Reebok is its versatility. So far, the shoes and apparel that I have worn to so many running events and also at home when I do my Insanity workout (which reminds me, I gotta start Insanity Asylum soon!) have all given me my main prerequisites: Comfort, Performance, and Style. It fits perfectly with the very active lifestyle I maintain. I have Bruno, Basia, Purple Pippa, and Terra of the ZigTech family, and all of which have seen some hardcore action on and off-road. As luck - combined with hard work, determination and a whole lot of prayers for safety and deliverance from major injuries, if I may say so - would have it, I have also bagged a few podium finish. Recently though, I swallowed my prescribed dosage of this bitter pill called DNF and it did not taste heavenly at all, but it taught me a lot of things which I really ought to apply in my next ultra run happening in August. It's 60k, if I'm not mistaken. Oh but before that, there's MILO marathon happening end of the month for which I am hoping to log a new PR. I will attempt to shave off at least half an hour from my first marathon record of 4:56:00. Titanium Runner is egging me to pick up the gauntlet and throw in my bid to go sub-4 just like him and Sam the Running Ninja but I don't know yet. I think it would be too tall an order for me. But who knows? Barring unpleasantries, I think I have enough fire power in me to achieve my marathon goal.

So now I think it seems pretty clear that I am a fitness enthusiast who loves shoes! I don't know with you guys but it just seems very logical to me to come armed to the teeth when I am about to embark on some fitness activity - especially running. And by that I mean, I have to make sure my feet, knees, shins, etc. are insulated from injuries - especially the lingering kind. Nothing hurts a runner more than not being able to run.

Speaking of shoes, I have recently come across this brand which I heard will soon be making an appearance in the local running scene -- On-Running. Have any of you guys seen this on the road? I read Titanium Runner and JazzRunner's blog posts and I must say my curiosity got piqued. In a colossal way! It's supposed to be the fastest running shoes in the world and it's got nearly all of the world's elite athletes raving about it. I took a peek at On-Running's official website to learn a wee bit more about their patented CloudTec™ 3D cushioning system and found myself daydreaming about it for quite a bit. I mean, it's rather hard not to when shoe performance is talked about glowingly like that. I have no illusions of one day running neck-and-neck with the gazelle-like Kenyans but I am mighty curious to know just how much faster I can still run. I don't think I have reached my maximum speed yet. I mean, I may be 32 but I think my body's built to constantly morph and improve. I wonder how it feels like wearing them? How exactly does this CloudTec system work? Will it really make me more agile and run faster and longer?

I suppose there is only one way to find out.

Uhrmmm, by the way, my birthday is less than 48 hours away. I'm just saying.

Total Fitness: STOP STRESSING AND BE HAPPIER!

2011-07-15T09:01:00.000+08:00

Being entrenched deep in the urban jungle where life takes on an almost pistop feel, one cannot help but feel pressure coming at him from many different angles – family, work, relationships. When this happens, confidence takes a dive and one finds it difficult to be happy. There are many ways of dealing with this. Some find solution in retail therapy; others rack up miles by hopping on a plane and traveling to somewhere exotic for much-needed respite. But what if you do not have the resources and time at your disposal to just up and globetrot? Don’t add to your stress by stressing some more! Here are some tips that you can try right where you’re sitting or standing:

Breathe. Clearly, this is automatic for human beings. However, Dr. Martin Rossman of the University of California who wrote the book The Worry Solution, says that during impoverished days, when we sense a threat to our jobs the way prey animals fear being eaten — we freeze our breath momentarily. And that fuels the feeling of anxiety even more. One of the things he advises us to do is diaphragmatic breathing — sticking out your belly when you inhale. Doing this activates the parasympathetic sympathetic nervous system, which relaxes you.

List down your worries. Those of us who have always found pen, paper, and diary-keeping as worthy allies in catharsis, may not at all find this suggestion weird. Others are understandably dubious, or scared even, because it makes them feel raw and exposed. But psychologists assert that by simply writing down your worries can help you look into those that you can directly resolve and those that you have absolutely no control over. Once you have completed your list, you can start fosucing on stressors that you yourself can resolve and steer clear of those that you have no power to solve or change. Sometimes, in our state of agitation and stress, we tend to get overwhelmed that we don’t even try anymore to address swhat we are clearly capable of resolving. In this case, having a list will help you focus – and act.

Exercise, Then Relax. We all know that one of the many benefits of exercising is that it helps relieve stress. And those of us who do this regularly can attest that muscles do feel tense a day or two after a hard workout and so others may argue – how is this relieving stress when you ache all over? A good way to relax after a hard workout the day before is through yoga. You can do simple yoga poses and allow yourself to get lost in the soothing music of simulated waterfalls or ocean waves – or just the absolute, total silence in your room. Another alternative is what they call ‘progressive muscle relaxation’ developed by famed psychiatrist Edmund Jacobson in the 1930s -- when people suggest to themselves that their muscles relax, they do so reliably, compared with those who suggest to themselves that they, say, walk or chew.

Revisit your goals or embark on new ones. Do not get trapped in monotony because same routines produce the same set of worries. Pour a dollop of adventure in your life every now and then to change the pace or feel of the repetition that has become of your life. In the same vein, do not get obsessed with finding that one perfect idea. Come up with several, try them out one by one, and see what fits. Be daring, make a plan, and havde a good fun while at it.

Total Fitness: The BREAK-UP Guide

2011-07-14T09:39:00.000+08:00

NOTE: Published in this month’s issue of TOTAL FITNESS magazine. Grab a copy TODAY!

***

Who made the rule that you have to be friends with your Ex? No, seriously, how can two people who, at one point, shared everything in their lives –both emotionally and sexually, to the complete extent–ever break out of that mould and erase the past and pretend like it never happened? Some people manage with ease and élan, but some are just unable to.

I remember a very long time ago when R and I broke up, I often wondered ‘How can I be “friends” with him, when even now, when I’m not in love with him anymore, some part of me flinches to see him looking so good and taking this whole thing better than I ever could? How can I be friends with him, when he has successfully ruined my last three flings, because all of those guys looked at me and said,“Um…are you still hung up on your Ex?” How do I explain to people, that it is not because I am “into” him per se, it’s just that for a year and a half, he was the most important person in my life. He was my best friend, with benefits. We shut out everyone else, just being with each other. That he and I were like some stupid packaged deal that you cannot have one without having the other as well? And I hate that he’s able act all “Oh, I’m so over you” around me, and I turn into this completely different person, who’s being snarly and bitchy and picking fights for no reason at all. I might as well just paint myself red and run around waving a sign, saying “Remember me? I used to be your girlfriend. We used to date.”

That was six years ago and contrary to what my broken little heart feared before, my life did not end. In fact, shortly after the proverbial bruise has disappeared and my ego has had a chance to repair itself, I woke up in a place where flowers are much more vibrant, the air a lot fresher, and dreams are much closer to reality.

Most of us who dare to love and make a decision to cast all else aside, are never spared from the lashings of a break-up – any break-up. When we are in a relationship, we tend to conduct our lives in a certain pattern or structure and this goes on for what seems like ages that when things finally come to a halt, we feel a great deal of pain and desolation. But usually, the pain is due to the fact that we suddenly have so much time in our hands that we don’t know what to do with – no more going to the gym together; no more candlelit dinners during anniversary and birthdays; no more hanging out with other couple friends, and yes, no more sex with the same person night after night after night.

Face it, the inevitable has arrived. You are no longer in a relationship and the sooner you accept that; the sooner you allow yourself to look past the hurt and wish the other party well, the better and stronger you will be. Getting over an Ex, especially if the relationship was the most intense you have had yet, can be a long and arduous process – but you will get there. Now to make sure you don’t self-destruct, here are some tips you can apply post-break-up:

Find A Good Distraction. Go ahead, mull over the relationship and its demise, but NEVER obsess about it. If it ended, there must be a good reason why and there is no use trying to relive the good days over and over again in your head. So he now has someone new and it hurts like open-heart surgery without anaesthesia — but you have to move on. How to do this? Take on a new hobby. Start a blog. Get active in sports and group activities. Feed your creative side by reading great literary works or dabbling a little in poetry and prose.
Keep Your Space and Ditch Memory Triggers. Usually, after a break-up, we go through the ‘We used to’ phase – ‘We used to come here every Saturdays’ ‘We used to shop here a lot’ – and it’s very normal. What is abnormal is when you insist on clinging to memory triggers: Little gifts, dried-up flowers, and framed photos that you put on display on top of your office desk or the corner table in your bedroom, forming a little altar of love begone. See that trash bin over there? Use it! And while we’re on the subject, STOP CYBERSTALKING YOUR EX. Terrible idea.
Love Yourself and Embrace Your Inner Goddess! So he dumped you for someone else – or a new toy (Don’t laugh, it can happen. A toy or hobby can sometimes be just as good a substitute to a tiresome lover!) big deal. Whatever she looks like, never use it as an excuse to wallow in self-pity and think yourself unattractive and unlikeable. You are beautiful and someone is dying to be with you. Keep your options wide open and don’t shut people out.
Deal With the Hate Phase Positively. 9 out of 10 breakups are antagonistic, no matter how the splitting parties try to make it appear amicable. If the reason for the break-up is infidelity or betrayal of trust, expect rage to be boundless. But sooner or later, this phase will come to pass – unless you or your partner are chronically vindictive. Nonetheless, you should find a way to channel that hatred and rage. Be open to your friends about your feelings or write about it. By unburdening yourself of negativity, you are that much closer to achieving catharsis.
Do NOT Rethink Your Decision…especially when break-up is caused by one party’s infidelity. It is very common for people to turn messianic thinking you can save that person from himself and if you find yourself going down that road, STOP and RUN the opposite direction! You wouldn’t want to be sitting in the front row for the re-run, believe me.

***

And if you are still feeling down in the dumps after trying out nearly every single advice dished out by friends and them self-help books, get yourself one of these and feel yourself instantly sexyfied!

She's the youngest of my ALDO brood. With something like these, you can walk all over the Ex who broke your heart.

Race Event: Team REEBOK ZigTech Run

2011-07-07T12:51:00.000+08:00

So, how does your August race calendar look like?

Interested in testing out a new race route?

If you haven’t got anything special planned on the 6th day of August (Saturday), I suggest you declare it your random fitness day and join us at the CCP Complex for the Team REEBOK ZigTech Run and be part of the hundreds of running enthusiasts helping the following beneficiaries:

VISAYAN Forum – Philippine-based NGO recognized for its groundbreaking work for the empowerment of vulnerable migrants, particularly victims of human trafficking through social movements
LIFELINE Foundation – non-stock, non-government organization dedicated to the relief of the oppressed and victim-minded
JeepneED – This is a green mobile science and technology lab for rural school in the Philippines

So you see, by running this race, not only are you upping your cardio and giving that unsightly flab a one-two-punch, you are also doing your share in helping the disadvantaged members of the society.

Get FIT, Be RESPONSIBLE.

For more details on the race, visit the site here.

Team REEBOK ZigTech Run

The Valley of (Sudden) Death: A DNFer’s Tale

2011-06-29T17:23:00.000+08:00

After reading my partner in (ultra) crime Dennis the Runningpinoy’s very graphic account of what transpired last Saturday at the first-ever frontRUNNER Valley Trail Challenge held at Nuvali in Sta. Rosa, I have decided I cannot possibly come up with a better – if not more descriptive – blog post. By the way, have you read it? Get full details here.

The Close-up smile before the copious tears.

So now that you know, I, being the queen of stating the obvious (only sometimes, anyway) and at the risk of sounding more pitiful (uuuyyy, pa-damsel in distress effect pa kunyari!) would like to state for the record that I DNF’d – with only a few kilometers left to cover before the finish line! And even more painful than that, I dragged Dennis down the highway of shame with me. I tried as best as I could to push the pain on both knees away – mentally, at least – but sometimes, you REALLY have to listen to what your body is telling you. In my case, my body wasn’t just ‘telling’ me it was feeling some minor discomfort – it was screaming in pain and begging for respite. As much as I am a proud woman with a relatively high tolerance for physical pain — Remember, this girl took a major plunge while MTB riding and suffered cuts, bruises, and what-not and had to be CT-scanned and X-rayed but was back on her feet doing hiphop in just three days and competing in a 5k race exactly a week after the accident. Yes, I’m a mutant like that. — I also know when to throw in the towel and call it an unfinished race. Live and fight another day, right?

With Team UNGAS.

With Reebok Team Captain, Titanium Runner

With Dennis and birthday boy Totoy

With Paul aka Pageman (thank you for the plaster on my left knee!)

Dennis asked me several times, perhaps noticing the drastic drop in my pace and the limping which I could no longer hide, if I’m feeling okay and (still) in shape to see the 58k race to its very end. And I, of course, would only smile and say h*ll yeah. Unfortunately, I can stretch my tolerance for pain so far. With less than 4kms to go, I found myself slumped on the trail, crying both in agonizing pain and utter frustration over what I consider to be another failure. My failure. Do you ever feel like you’re being too hard on yourself sometimes? I do, except that it’s more frequent with me. Sometimes I cannot even forgive myself for something as simple as spelling error or mismatched socks. It’s horrible, isn’t it?

Before gunstart.

Well, anyway, and this has to be said, Jonel Mendoza and frontRUNNER did a great job of putting this race together and despite DNF-ing, I’m still glad I participated. Overall, the combination of greens, paved road, mini river crossing, hills, and pebbled dirt road made the trail exciting and challenging at the same time. Even today, I ask myself how it came to be that I took on Mt. Pinatubo by the horns (so to speak) and actually finished second in the 50k race and fail in a major way in Nuvali which is not exactly as rugged and raw as the former. Not to say that I did everything perfect. In fact, as I was telling Pageman earlier on Facebook, except for the generous application of petroleum jelly on my feet, I did nearly everything wrong before and during the race itself: (1) zero sleep on Friday night, (2)ate only half a tuna sandwich for lunch and half serving of Pad Thai for dinner, (3) and during the race itself, my body was literally powered only by Pocari sweat, a minimal amount of water, and a bar of Nature Valley. Add all those elements together and voila! You have a dust-and-mud-covered girl, slumped on the dirt road, bawling her eyes out in pain — until finally being carried on a stretcher to the finish line area.

Oh yes, Siree, I took the ambulance ride of shame! *hides face* But I have the ability to bounce back so fast so don’t be surprised to see me pounding the road again soon. *shows face again*

But enough about me. We have 10,000 more blog posts to cover all that, so just sit tight ya? Dennis said some glowing stuff about the trail/route and I am in total agreement. Hard on the knees as some parts of it were (especially on my 32-year-old knees, demmit!), there truly were some exquisite slices of nature to see and experience that you cannot help but feel revitalized no matter the exhaustion. Dennis took some nice shots and I’m sharing it with you.

The hills are alive with the sound of my quiet tears (yes, drama queen!)

And it's still a looong way to go...

Bowed head, shoulders hunched over --- yep, I was already gone at this point.

Dennis the Runningpinoy

Vicky the Runningchimay --- ay hindi pala, mukha lang. hihihi.

And now that we got the pagpa-pa-cute out of the way, let’s talk shoes. Notice that steel grey + neon green beauty in some of my photos? That’s TERRA and she belongs to the Reebok ZigTech family. To those who have yet to get themselves familiarized with Reebok’s latest shoe performance technology, here’s all you need to know: Reebok ZigTech shoes are designed to conserve and return energy to the athlete for a soft and springy ride. And due to the sheer volume of cushioning in the ZigTech sole unit, training or running is much easier on the leg muscles, especially the shins and hamstrings. Now, runners out there, this you would know — shin splints are a common injury, but Reebok ZigTech running shoes give athletes a bounce and energy for longer training sessions with less strain on the muscles. And that’s how you get a pair that allows you to go further and faster with less fatigue, but without reducing the work your muscles are doing for a much more rewarding running sessions. But my Terra is, right now, the only one of its kind here and that’s because this line of offroadies is not due for release until 2012. How lucky am I?!? VERY. And she did perform well at the race, carrying my weight all the way to the 52nd kilometer without giving me a single blister. So yes, I would give her an A+ for cushioning.

Terrific TERRA

So you see, it wasn’t all bad for me last weekend. Looking back, I had more to be grateful for (shoes, friends, nature, running, and very important life lessons I mulled over while running) than to feel bad about at the Valley Trail Challenge.

Thank you God – YOU. ARE. AWESOME. BEYOND.WORDS.

CURVES: Circuit Workout for Women, by Women

2011-06-23T17:56:00.000+08:00

So finally today, I was able to check out CURVES in Serendra and boy was I pleasantly surprised! When Reebokteammate Kassy Pajarillo first told me about Curves, I thought it was an interesting workout and the timing really could not have been more impeccable because I am already at that stage where the usual workout routine no longer holds any form of appeal to me. Thanks to INSANITY, my body has gotten so used to high-impact, high-intensity circuit training type of workout that pain and maximum heart rate have now become my benchmark for a good workout. No pain, no gain.

And I also happen to have such short attention span (I suppose I need to have myself checked one of these days as I seriously suspect I may have ADHD. No, really.) that I cannot stay committed to just one type of workout. And especially not for long stretches of time. I need intense movements. I need variations. I need constant and fast transitions. And if possible, I want to cry and scream bloody murder at the end of each workout; swear never to do it again, only to do another round of it the day after…and the day after that…and so goes the cycle of pain. And why would I mind the pain, really, when it gave me this as a result?

This kind of 'INSANITY' comes highly recommended. Believe you me.

Now as much as I enjoy annihilating my own body within the four corners of my tiny home doing Insanity, I still am a social creature who sometimes wishes I have workout bodies. But since the usual gym setting no longer appeals to me and I have somehow gotten quite tired of being scrutinized like a fly under a microscope maybe because my workout outfit tend to look a bit risque on me sometimes, I have decided to look for an alternative. I must because I will die – seriously die – if I don’t get to workout at least five times a week, and that already includes running of course.

Vicky and Kassy lead the pack of fit and active modern-day multitasking women professionals (yes, best in caption award!)

Enter CURVES. The minute I saw the purple logo and the purple and pink-themed interior, I fell in love. The place itself gives you that warm fuzzy feeling but there is nothing in there that will put you to sleep! Curves’ General Manager Ms. Fe Abrihan was there last night and Joi, the amiable marketing assistant, took me around the center for a quick tour and it was all I needed to write my name down as a member. This is exactly what I was looking for – a circuit training fitness program that will look after the unique needs of my body (a woman’s body, generally, is unique and beautiful) and tone it in a way that I will look neither emaciated or too macho for a girl.

Being interviewed by Annie regarding my fitness & medical history

Ann took my fitness and medical history along with my measurements and I found out that ohmydotingdaddy, I still have 5lbs in excess of my target weight! Although she said that my weight may be such (in the neighborhood of 100lbs) because of the muscles that have already been formed due to my intense workout and so we decided to just focus on my ‘problem’ areas – arms and thighs. Although my arms and thighs are so much better now than when I was lugging around more fat, I still see some jiggle when I run, for example. The sagging and jiggle have to go.

Getting my body fat measured.

Now looking at my fitness goals and objectives, Curves is just perfect because it works every major muscle group with a complete 30-minute workout that combines strength training and sustained cardiovascular activity through safe and effective hydraulic resistance. If you ask me, I’m already happy with this but no, Curves also has these benefits to offer women — weight loss, gain muscle strength and aerobic capacity, and raise metabolism with its groundbreaking, scientifically proven method that ends the need for perpetual dieting.

But don’t just take my word for it. Why don’t you come and drop by one of these days and find out what Curves can do for your body?

Get the curves you want at CURVES!

Oh and by the way, Zumba® Fitness classes have recently been added to Curves® Circuit in Bonifacio Global City – much to the delight of women, young and old alike. During the 30-minute class, participants work out on each Curves strength machine for one minute, alternating upper, lower and core muscles. After one minute, the music cues the participant to change stations on the circuit, and she moves to an area between machines to do Zumba® moves, which tone and sculpt the body while burning fat. Licensed Zumba® instructors from the Zumba® Instructor Network (ZIN), Via Bonoan and Rowena Jose, teach simple, modified Zumba® moves from the center of the circuit.

Kassy tries Zumba with Ms. Via

SURFING: Another Item X-marked On My Bucket List

2011-06-17T13:49:00.000+08:00

‘Whatever’s bound to happen is already happening…’ or something to that effect. Thus says my on-again, off-again friend earlier today, probably in reference to the latest thing I jumped right into over the weekend. SURFING. Yes, the kind that involves a surf board and real waves, and me, making countless attempts to ride them.

Brown Surfer Girl.

But first, allow me to thank form the bottom of my heart, the group that keeps me motivated in staying true to my commitment of living a healthy, fit, and active lifestyle; the same group whom I have been running road races lately. Individually, we are as diverse as can be – but when it comes to things that matter such as passion, friendship, commitment, and going that extra mile to help others, we are one and the same. TEAM REEBOK, we rock and we know it!

TEAM REEBOK and friends conquered the waves the day before the race

Surfing was not part of the agenda when on Saturday, the 11th of June, our group (along with friends Dietrich and Running Atom) hied-off to Iba, Zambales for the Fun Run organised to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the municipality. Kassy said there was no forecast of waves in the area and so we may have to settle for swimming or sunbathing in my case, being the only non-swimmer in the group. I said, very well, I could live with that. But when we got there, whoa, the sea painted an entirely different picture from the forecast. The waves were surfable! Not one to waste time, Kassy immediately asked the locals where we can rent boards and if there’s someone who can give me crash course on surfing. Within minutes after checking in to our room, Kassy and I changed into our swimsuits, and I was getting very rough tips on how to mount the board and pop. My fear of water has certainly got in the way of my learning how to swim. For some reason, I get all panicky when water has come up to my neck and I would lose grip of my courage. I am one brave little monster but I draw the line when it comes to things that defy defy depths or heights. Oh but having done scuba diving and surfing nearly back-to-back, am I now to expect bungee jumping, paragliding, or cliff jumping in the near offing?!? Holy guacamole, pass me the barf bag, I’m feeling sick!!!

Grabbing life by the leg.

That must have been the reason why I found it rather difficult at first to pop, coming from a horizontal position on the surf board. My minds keeps telling me I would fall within nanoseconds and true enough, I did. Proving once again the extent of our mind’s power: I think, therefore I am. In my case, I thought I would not be able to stand up and float away and I did fail in my first few attempts. But I got tired of landing on the right side of my ass (which at that time was already starting to feel tender and not in a good way!), so I said ‘Eff it, I am gonna do this!’ And next thing I know, I was already doing this:

Oh but she can ride it!

and this…

Vicky and Kassy conquer Zamba waves

It was so much fun that for a second there I did not quite believe Kassy when she said I will feel the burn on my shoulders and thighs the following day. For how can something so good be painful at the same time? Uhrrrm, Vicky darling, there are actually quite a looot of good things that are painful in equal measure and you know that. Uhmm-kaaay,point well taken. I chipped a toe nail, too, and my nail polish got ruined but these things all seem inconsequential (I mean they really are, anyway) when pitted against the mad high I got out of actually being able to stay vertical for a few seconds on top of a moving surf board. Never mind that the waves were not as gloriously high as the 8-foot wall, for example, that experienced surfers prefer. Never mind all that, because on that day in Iba, Zambales, I became little brown surfer girl.

Again, thank you sooo much Kassy!

Partners in Girly Crimes

In a few days, I will tell you a little bit about the Fun Run – in which Aunty Vicky attempted to race against girls half her age and ended up feeling vindicated. I may be 32 next month but my speed, agility, and curves say otherwise. Keep tuned-in, loves!

TRAVEL: Egypt and the Great Pyramids of Giza

2011-06-09T17:50:00.000+08:00

After the eventful trip to Jordan in November 2010 where I met a lot of interesting people; followed by a wondrous,never-to-be-forgotten side trip to PETRA where I felt for certain that I am destined for bigger things and distant lands – quite literally, actually - Sir Mano and I took the first flight out of Amman, Jordan bound for Cairo, Egypt – for work.

Waiting for our luggage. Wow. How's that for stating the very obvious? LOL.

Outside the International Airport

We arrived in Cairo a few weeks before the political unrest that would go down in political history as the one that would ultimately oust former President Mubarak, was to reach fever pitch. At that time, there were no talks and not even the slightest hint of the Egyptian political landscape turning out the way it did.

The Nile River Cruise.

At the dinner table.

Since I only had three full days in Cairo, I made sure I got all my meetings done from morning until late night – usually, at the hotel lobby or at the office of our supplier, who turned out to be such a wonderful host. He took us to a dinner cruise on the Nile River on our first night and it was there that I first saw an actual bellydancing performed and I thought it was very sexy!

Voluptuous is very sexy.

Breathtaking dance performance by this guy in a huge multicolored skirt. Unfortunately, my crappy camera is unable to capture the details.

There was also a band featured that night who sang mostly Egyptian ballads and maybe three or four English songs for the non-Arabic/non-African people in the audience. One thing I noticed about their music is that almost every single one of them begs for some gyrating type of dance, if you are to dance to it – that is. Everyone who got on their feet were pretty much rounding their hips suggestively and occasionally thrusting them forward in very sensual motions as in frenzied lovemaking.

First meal we had, upon landing in Cairo, was Chinese. How, uhrrrm, unpredictable 'innit?

Me and Sara on our way to the Great Pyramids, with a great view of the Nile River in the background

Can you see the architectural details on that building? Nice, isn't it?

I just happen to like the rustic look of this structure

As part of their CSR thrust, this KFC only employs people with hearing disabilities

The highlight of my short trip was, of course, the visit to the breathtaking Pyramid of Giza – some of the startling and most impressive monuments of the great ancient Egyptian civilization. As I only had a small window in my day schedule, I was advised by my colleagues to leave as early as 7am so I can make it back in time for my afternoon meetings. Sir Mano, along with our other colleagues, set out on a separate journey to Mt. Sinai.

Turn right to go to the Pyramids

We drove for about an hour or so to reach the pyramid complex which, incidentally, is now the only one left of the ancient wonders of the world still in existence. The sky was slightly overcast when we set out on our journey so that the tips of the pyramids were nearly concealed by the clouds when we were approaching the site. When I saw the facade of the three pyramids from the back of the car where I was sitting, my eyes instantly welled-up! I was so overcome by emotions so deep it was hard for me to even breathe. I know I will probably never become conventionally wealthy, but these glorious little treats of life more than make up for whatever real or imagined deprivation.

Welcome to the Pyramids of Giza. But first you gotta pay...

And Tracy sings: She's got a ticket, I think she gonna use it, I think she goin' to fly away...

Egyptians are probably among the warmest people you will ever meet in this world. They smile a lot and are completely unreserved in offering a helping hand, even to foreign strangers like us. The children and women are especially delightful! Despite the language barrier, they make an effort to engage you in a conversation and make you feel somewhat right at home.

The perfunctory pyramid pose but hey, why not?

Sara and Ahmed

Sara and Ahmed are easily two of the sweetest Egyptians I have met while there. We spent so much time cooped up in the car but there was hardly any dull moment as the three of us shared/traded cultural tidbits. It truly is amazing how, sometimes, it is when you feel you’re farthest from home (geographically, that is) that you are brought to a strangely beautiful realization, after getting to know the locals, that you not so different after all. That there are commonalities, passions, and interests that you share which ultimately lead to cultural gaps being bridged. This is what I love most about traveling – you discover much about other people which, in turn, lead you to discover a little bit more about yourself.

I have nothing more to say about Egypt, its beautiful and strong people, or the Pyramids that have not already been said many times over by so many people. I have been blessed and fortunate enough to make that life-changing trip and whatever beautiful things I want to say but failing miserably to put into words, let these photos speak volumes…

Did you sail across the sun? Did you make it to the Milky way and see the lights all faded --- and that heaven is overrated?

Sarah and Vicky

Channeling my inner Pied Piper

The underarm shot.:p

Mommy, baby, and Tita Vicky

In deep meditation. Okay, maybe not so deep.:)

Again, with Sara.

In which I tried it one more time with the perfunctory pyramid pose

The Sphinx

In Which I Cry A Little...And Smile More...

2011-06-06T20:26:00.000+08:00

… Because I won’t make it home in time for the REEBOK ZigTech Run after all. It’s happening this coming Sunday and I will only be back sometime next week. Dejected is what I am but all (hope) is not lost as I still have several races lined up – at least two of them fall into the long distance category. I can imagine my REEBOK teammates not feeling so good about this piece of news, especially since we were supposed to have another team photo shoot at BGC tonight. And so on Sunday, I will be at the race but only in spirit. I am pretty confident the Team is going to do extremely well. I can’t wait to see the photos!

In related news, Bruno was ubiquitous at V-Malaysia and if I may say so, quite a number of people were smitten by him. If he weren’t mine, I would have been so jealous of the attention he was getting! Seriously, I just love how Reeboksexifies me!

Running around is FUN because of Reebok!

Now I'm a BELIEVER!

Working Girl.

… This time in sheer delight because for the first time in my life, I actually bought a point-and-shoot digital camera which I have aptly christened LUMI the Lumix. Yes, I am creative like that. Lumi comes in Rose Pink and is fully HD video-capable and you wanna know the best part? *cover your ears, Lumi!* She’s so cheap you won’t believe how much I got her for! I have already taken some photos with her but I have yet to transfer them to my laptop. Andy and Claire also picked up the same brand and model and they both swear by the amazing photo quality. Uhrrrrm, truth is, they were the ones who planned on buying a camera. Envy got the better of me, ergo… So anyway, this morning, while I was doing my Insanity workout, I happened to look out of my hotel room window – which gave me the best view of the pool. And there, at 8 in the morning, were six guys with some of the nicest abs I have ever seen, clocking-in some swim time – perhaps, as part of their workout. I was so tempted to take Lumi out for some paparazzi mission but I was petrified they’d catch me sneaking some shots by the window. The photos I would have taken were not for my viewing purpose, but for Noel’s. Because, you know, these days, I only have eyes for the boyfriend. Ahem. And well, he did commit to embrace cardio the way I have. After all, we gotta look fierce on beaches we have yet to explore together.

And why shouldn’t I have eyes for him alone, really, when he’s all sweet and adorable like this?

'Nighttime' by Noel Abelardo.

'Touch' by Noel Abelardo.

'Exhausted' by Noel Abelardo.

BREAKING NEWS:

Kassy Pajarillo and Vicky Ras have just been named local ambassadors of Curves® . Curves works every major muscle group with a complete 30-minute workout that combines strength training and sustained cardiovascular activity through safe and effective hydraulic resistance. Curves also works to help women lose weight, gain muscle strength and aerobic capacity, and raise metabolism with its groundbreaking, scientifically proven method that ends the need for perpetual dieting. Founders Gary and Diane Heavin are considered the innovators of the express fitness phenomenon that has made exercise available to millions of women globally, many of whom are in the gym for the first time.

Recently, Zumba® Fitness classes have been added to Curves® Circuit in Bonifacio Global City – much to the delight of women, young and old alike. During the 30-minute class, participants work out on each Curves strength machine for one minute, alternating upper, lower and core muscles. After one minute, the music cues the participant to change stations on the circuit, and she moves to an area between machines to do Zumba® moves, which tone and sculpt the body while burning fat. Licensed Zumba® instructors from the Zumba® Instructor Network (ZIN), Dina Grieve and Rowena Jose, teach simple, modified Zumba® moves from the center of the circuit.

In just a few days, Kas and I will have a photoshoot for Curves with the great Jar Consengco of Campfire Media. Now that is something to look forward to after 17 days of toiling away in sunshiny Kuala Lumpur!

But wait, where are my Zumba shoes?!? *hint, hint*

Clutter Express: Reebok Bloggers’ Night, Total Fitness, and GAG-O

2011-05-23T18:26:00.000+08:00

It seems to me that everything is running at top speed these days. There’s just so much going on – mostly at work – that I sometimes have to sprint in order to keep pace. And when that happens, I swear that I can see my heart beating through the fabric of my shirt!

First things first.

Two weekends ago, I introduced you to Purple Pippa, my second pair of Zig Glam who carried all 97lbs of me from the starting line of the Fuego Sunset Run all the way through the 5k finish line. A few days ago, Bruno, Basia, and Purple Pippa, welcomed another addition to the growing Reebok family — feminine yet tough as nails TERRA. Terra is the offroad/trail shoes featuring the Zig(Tech) technology which comes in sushi green and flat grey colours. Terra will be seeing hard action in the upcoming 50k Nuvali Trail Challenge organized by Ultramarathoner and frontRUNNER Magazine owner Jonel Mendoza. Wanna know just how lucky I am these days? It seems I will be the only one in the country who owns this pair as Terra won’t be released in the local market – at least (not) for now! I just love, love, LOVE Reebok!

Terrific TERRA

Incidentally, I will have Dennis the Running Pinoy running by my side in Nuvali. If you remember, Dennis was my rock when I dared to run my first ultramarathon last year at the PAU 50k Mt. Pinatubo Trail Challenge and landed second behind the unstoppable Camilla Brooks. He never left my side when he could just as easily have, at any given time of that harrowing – but very fulfilling! – 9 hours or so of trail running adventure. Because of that, Dennis is now officially the Batman to my Batgirl! Fellow Team Reebok ambassador Titanium Runner will also be there running the same 50k distance.

Batman and Batgirl of Ultra Trail Running

With The Running Pinoy and Titanium Runner doing Nuvali 50k with me, how can I not cross the finish line in one piece? Now IF I land another podium finish, would it then be safe to assume to I am officially ‘made’ as a runner, nay, ultrarunner? Not yet? Okay then. Next stop: PAU 60k and BDM 102.

***

More on REEBOK. So last Monday, Reebok held the ZigTech Run Bloggers’ Night at Paul Calvin’s in Burgos Cirle, The Fort. Close to 40 runner-bloggers trooped to the venue, including everyone’s favorite The Bull Runner Ms. Jaymie Pizzaro, in a show of solid support to Reebok’s first-ever run to be held on the 5th of June. TEAM REEBOK was there, along with the official photographers, and of course, Ms. Yoya and Ms. Villy of Reebok Philippines – the two ladies responsible for making us perform and look good while running!

With Ayn and Beep Beep of Team Reebok

Flanked by Titanium Runner and frontRUNNER's Jonel Mendoza

Bloggerful of Fun at the Reebok Bloggers' Night

To all our runner and blogger friends, thank you for your love and support! And again, to all runners who have yet to register for the REEBOK ZigTech Run, you have until the 4th of June to register for the race. Don’t miss this one, okay?

***

Have you picked up a copy of this month’s TOTAL FITNESS magazine, yet? What the?!? We’re more than halfway through May, you should already have a copy in your home, car, office, and even your Ex’s bedroom! Read my article on the Ultimate Wake Championships held last January and another feature on running. Besides that, there are tons of interesting articles on motoring, sports, health, relationships and a few other topics of great interest.

Shameless plugging by the writer.

***

And finally, here’s something FIERCE, FABULOUS, and FUNNY from The Grupong Rainbow…

GAG-O’s SHANGHAI SURPRISE Day 1!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoBXxNvTAwE

Remember that time we went to Shanghai for a quickie tour? Well, we didn’t just go all touristy in the city labelled as the Paris of the East. In between train rides, coffee breaks, hunting down cuties and what-not, we actually shot some scenes for our youtube show GAG-O!

I watched the episode more than ten times already and quite frankly, I am getting sick of my face and my nasal voice, so can I pass on the viewing duties to you guys and make us even more famous than we already are? Great! And while you’re at it, why don’t you click on the share or email button and send it to whoever you think needs some major cheering up.

Okay. Now. I. Am. Good.

***

Oh wait. Happy birthday to my gorgeous boyfriend who is celebrating his 31st on Friday, 20th of May! We have come a loooong way, you and I. Here’s a toast to so much more in the coming years. ILY.

Happy birthday, Luv!:*

On SCUBA DIVING and another PODIUM FINISH

2011-05-18T14:23:00.000+08:00

This weekend truly has been one of, if not THE, MOST INCREDIBLE weekend I have ever had in nearly 32 years. I may have said the same line about something incredible in the past but this weekend easily takes the cake out of anything I can remotely think of as great. Except, of course, God – who makes everything here on earth seem pretty average.

But before we get to the whys and hows, have YOU registered for the REEBOK ZigTech Run yet? Yes? No? Oh you bad, bad, baddies! This racing event promises to be challenging and fun on so many levels and I know there are one or two interesting races happening on the same day as well, BUT (the) ZigTech Run is definitely something to try out – especially if you are a Zig user yourself. The race is happening on the 5th of June, so you have a few more days to hie-off to the Reebok store near you. Register now!

Run with us!

Remember when I mentioned here that I’m going scuba diving? Well it finally happened this weekend and I have EPSON and SPEED magazine (Manny, you’re the best!) to thank for it! I was invited to be part of the FUSION Media Adventure and it felt great hanging out with some members of the media again – after such a loooong time. Apart from Melvin and Mick, whom I have known for years (back when I was doing PR and handled Microsoft and Oracle), the rest of the media invitees were relatively strangers to me. But it only took us a few minutes to settle in and get comfortable with each other. The group games were one helluva fun – the name game only highlighted the fact that I have a memory of a dory – and I’m equally glad my dear friend Mark was there with me. He took unbelievably beautiful photos of nearly everything – from people to rocks to LPG tanks, sea landscape and the beautiful Batangas sunset! You can check out his photoshere. I won’t go into details as I am saving that for SPEED but let me share some photos so you’ll know how much fun it was for all of us. Not even my overactive imagination has ever conceived of me going 25ft below sea level – knowing how freaked out I am of the sea because I had never learned how to swim. But on that day in Batangas, I conquered my fear…and loved every second of it. I also would like to thank my DM, Vlad, who was very nice and reassuring the whole time.

With my DM Vlad

Yihee, I'm underwater!!!

That's me wearing yellow aquasocks communing with the school of fish

I know right?!? *wink*

With a playful puppy named Pussy. We found him at the diving resort next door.

Sunkissed. Photo by Mark Montalban.

FUSION Media Adventurers

Photo by Mark Montalban.

Swimsuit by Cocotini. Photo by Mark Montalban.

My new wallpaper. Thank you Mark for this knockout photo!

The best tan says Mr. Running Shield. I think so too.:D Thank you Mick for snapping this shot!

One more FTW!

Sunset Parody by Marlon Magtira

Kamusta naman ang tawa ko dito, divah?

And just when I thought my awesome week ended with my scuba diving adventure…I bagged another podium finish in this morning’s RUN4LIFE race held in Alabang! I joined the 16k category and finished 3rd in the female division with a time of 1hour 30 minutes and 32seconds! I’m sure it’s not that great a time compared with what more capable runners can do but it still feels pretty good – especially since I hardly slept the night before and had to wake up at 2am to get ready for a 5:10 race! *ROTFL*

There was a major faux pas with the 16k results which got me really upset – I was 3rd in the female category but they called someone else on stage, another runner who was trailing behind me from the get-go. I protested, of course, not because I wanted the prize but as a runner who takes running somewhat seriously, people ought to respect my time and effort. Anyway, Runningmate said they have already rectified the records and my name will appear in the top 3 – as it should.

Moving forward, it was a good run for me – especially since it was my first time to run that course. It was also lovely to see Ms. Villy of Reebok, Patrick ‘Running Shield and the brains behind Condura marathon’ Concepcion who gave me the best compliment of the day (PC: Vicky, you have the best tan!), and Jonel Mendoza who’s running the Nuvali Trail Challenge in June and I have already signified my desire to do 50k!

Lastly, it was lovely running with my Team Reebok mates again, especially Kassy, whom I haven’t seen in a long time!

Here are some photos of the race this morning. Thank you Lifeline Foundation for staging Run4Life – and for doing a great job helping a lot of disadvantaged members of the society!

Vicky and Kassy - the lady ambassadors of Reebok for running

Sharing the stage with crowd-drawing Mr. Younghusband.

With Ms. Villy of Reebok

Reebok forever.

With Ms. Betty Romero of Lifeline Foundation

SOLACE: On Cancer and Friends With Hearts of Gold

2011-05-16T14:23:00.000+08:00

I am no stranger to cancer. For while I have not been diagnosed of the Big C and, God forbid, I hope I never will be, I have had two members of my family succumb to it. And the pain of watching people you care so deeply for, slowly but savagely waste away, still haunt me to this very day.

When my Mom succumbed to breast cancer in 2003, I was not by her side. Not even within the premises of the hospital where she was taken three days before she drew her last breath, of which I was also not informed. I only learned about it when one of my siblings called me from the hospital. What followed after that was a very painful process of (a.) First, having to deal with the loss of my Mother who was the heart and soul of the family I have come to know as my own, minus the biological ties; and (b.) Having to deal with the painful drama that ensued between family members, made only worse by one ego trying to outdo another’s and, well, you must have seen enough teleseryes to know very ugly family squabbles can get sometimes.

Two years passed and it was my Dad’s turn to surrender his mortal body. Colon cancer took him away from us but if you ask me, a part of him died when Mom went and he died little by little every single day since. And once again, my tough and ultra-independent stance crumbled and I was left feeling raw and emotionally vulnerable.

Looking back at what could possibly be two of the darkest moments of my life, I realize how important having a good support system – composed mainly of family and friends – is. I had an abundance of the latter, but was clearly left out in the cold by the former. But I told myself, one out of two is still good and with my friends’ support, I was able to slowly get back on track and inch my way closer to complete catharsis.

During the healing process, I did not carry around a manual to refer back to for every achingly familiar situation I was about to face. But I do remember doing a lot of things which eventually led me to completely accept my loss and do what every person in the same situation must do – move on.

***

A few months ago, a dear friend of ours was diagnosed with Stage 2B breast cancer. Abie, as we fondly call her, is all but 30 years of age; a single Mom; a doting daughter to her parents; and the family’s sole breadwinner. When she told us about the doctors’ prognosis, Noel and I, in our separate conversations with her, could only stare at the floor in shock and disbelief. The knowing alone is too painful – and we’re not even the ones whose bodies were being ravaged by the cancer cells. But you see, this is where Abie held us all in amazement: though clearly in pain and overwhelmed by the impact her chemotherapy and other medical expenses would have on their finances, she kept her composure and not once did we ever hear her speak ill of God or curse the heavens above for her affliction. To this day, she continues to bear it all with grace and shining positivity that she puts us in shame for all our pettiness.

Upon her doctors’ advice, she underwent mastectomy and soon after, started her chemotherapy treatment – a painful process she will have to sustain all the way until end of the year. During which, we are all hopeful that the cancer cells will be put to rest once and for all. Now these things cost money. A LOT of it. And between taking care of the family and fighting for her own life, Abie can only do so much. So Noel, who has known Abie for almost seven years now, thought of a brilliant idea to raise funds so we can all – in our little ways – help Abie.

And that’s how SOLACE was born.

Abie Pana

Project SOLACE was a major success with nearly 100 people showing up in the two consecutive Sundays allotted for the open photoshoot. Noel has already uploaded the photos of Batch 1 participants and they all came out extremely beautiful! Congratulations Noel and here's to more projects and greater accomplishments!

***

Photographer and Friend extraordinaire

About the photographer

Noel Abelardo is not your typical boy-next-door. He’s blessed with looks and that enviable style, sure, but he’s got the talent and, most of all, the heart to back it up. In nearly six years that I have known him, he always pulls out a trump card – at that every moment when you thought he couldn’t possibly do better than the first almost-perfect attempt. It could be his interesting life and its oft-confounding details that gave him the inspiration to capture faces and moments in crystal clear lenses – an inspiration he is able to sustain to this very day – and selflessly offer these montage of captured emotions back to the world. And if you ask him ‘until when’, he will most likely quip ‘forever’ . And you just know, that by ‘forever’ he means exactly that – and not a day less. Interestingly, his approach to photography is not too far removed from the daring and risqué manner with which he courts love and commitment. Which, in retrospect, is perhaps one of the bigger reasons why we remain as close as we had been the first months of our meeting back in 2006. Noel’s talent in photography, arts, music, and his other creative pursuits is only rivaled by his unflinching loyalty to and love for family and friends. I often tell him, he is bound for bigger places – doing far greater things with his talent. And looking at his growing portfolio of achievements, I daresay, he is no more than a marathon away. Thank you Noel, Abie and I could not have asked for a better friend.

I Am Succulent: (Club Punta) FUEGO Sunset Run

2011-05-11T16:21:00.000+08:00

I Am Succulent: (Club Punta) FUEGO Sunset Run: "Reposted from HERE . It’s raining wildly outside as I type this blog entry; and there’s still the burning sensation on my tongue, courtesy o..."

(Club Punta) FUEGO Sunset Run

2011-05-11T16:16:00.002+08:00

Reposted from HERE.

It’s raining wildly outside as I type this blog entry; and there’s still the burning sensation on my tongue, courtesy of the hot soup I had nearly an hour ago at Nasi Lemak. I take full responsibility for the scalded tongue because, as usual, I did not think before taking a sip. For the bazillionth time, I had murdered my taste bud. But no, neither rain nor burnt tongue will dampen my edified spirits because yesterday – yesterday, was one darn fine day and let me tell you why.

But first, have you met Purple Pippa?

Purple Pippa

This gorgeous Zig Glam pair is the youngest of the Reebok brood I keep safe and nurtured right at home. She came just weeks after Bruno and Basia arrived separately and the three of them practically took over my athletic life, much to the consternation of my other running pairs. I just don’t have the heart to give up Zara my Zoot and Blu my Wave Rider because they were both given to me as a gift. I could not have chosen a better way to break-in Purple Pippa than this weekend because she looked absolutely stunning out there!

Vicky FTW!

TEAM REEBOK Pilipinas at the Fuego Sunset Run

I won first place in yesterday’s FUEGO Sunset Run held at Club Punta Fuego in Batangas! This hot little munchkin has lorded over a handful of 5k female runner hopefuls and crossed the finish line in 30 minutes. But wait, before you all scoff at my little achievement, allow me to state for the record that it wasn’t just your regular flat surface run. It was an evil cardiac hills run at 4:30 in the afternoon with the Fuego heat beating down on us! And for someone who’s not quite used to running hills, I would be the first one to admit that it is not at all easy. Sure I have had my share of trail runs – MH All-Terrain Race in 2009 in Sta. Elena featuring Phoenix who is now back in the grave, never to resurrect again; Merell Adventure Trail Run 2010 at the La Mesa Dam where a bunch of us trail runners got lost and so we ended up just photowalk-ing; and my all-time favorite 50k PAU Mt. Pinatubo Trail Challenge where I trailed behind the sensational Camilla Brooks – but I certainly don’t do this type of run on a regular basis.

Post-race posterity shot

TEAM REEBOK Pilipinas with PEP SQUAD Events and Race Marshals

At gun start, I made a mad dash for it like everyone else but nearly met an accident when confronted by the sharp downhill which started just a few feet from the starting line. It was almost like that time I first attempted to domountain biking at San Mateo, Rizal, flew off from my bike, and landed hard on the pebbled dirt road, sustaining a number of injuries.

TEAM REEBOK

At the Starting Line

I still carry the scars from that accident to this day. Like that deep downhill slope of San Mateo, this one in Punta Fuego has got me foot-braking in an attempt to slow down (the) momentum which could potentially send me sprawling on the ground again, in a bloody heap. Thank God, this time, none of the sort happened. I was in full control of my legs and wobbly knees (hey, they’re almost 32 years old, so cut them some slack, will you?!) and though I slowed down considerably after that – which gave this other girl the opening to overtake me, at least for a few meters, before I would snatch back my lead and continue to keep the girls at bay all the way through the finish line.

The heat was pretty intense that, for a while there, I got worried Purple Pippa would sustain permanent injuries herself! I could feel the heat literally creeping up the soles of Pippa, all the way through my legs, and up my thighs and it was debilitating! But the second the FINISH LINE materialized before my eyes, the pain and heat seemed to have vanished and I was like ‘Oh yeah, baby! Who’s your Mommy?’ Errr, that doesn’t exactly have a nice ring to it, ya? Nowhere near ‘Who’s your Daddy?!‘ so I guess I better quit it.

Nognog Runner on a rampage!

Great race performance by Team Reebok!

We stayed until the awarding ceremonies and got our fill of delicious buffet dinner. Beer was overflowing, too, much to the boys’ delight. Meanwhile, I got a medal and a gift check from Reebok (what are the odds of that happening, huh?!?) which I’m planning to use to get me another one of the Cirque de Soleil top I so adore! See that blue top I wore to the race? That’s the Cirque de Soleil apparel and it also comes in pink – which I’m claiming using the GC I won. I also won a GC worth Php1,000 from Milk & Co. during the raffle.

TEAM REEBOK at the Awarding Ceremonies

All in all, it was a great race and Pep Squad did a good job of organizing it! Thank you, too, Reebok Philippines and my team mates at Team Reebok Pilipinas for the wonderful opportunity and, yes, the warm friendship and solidarity. Here’s to greater success in future races and other events. WE JUST ROCK, don’t we?

Oh, by the way, prior to the sunset race, we spent some time at the Terrazas de Punta Fuego – mostly to enjoy the food, glorious sun, and the nice beach. And since we have TEAM REEBOK’s de facto photographer Estan Cabigas with us, expect some great photos of our pre-race beach-combing, the actual race, and the awarding ceremonies. Below are some of the photos we took by the beach. These are not by Estan, so you will have to excuse the poor quality. Estan’s are definitely waaaaaaaaaay better. Don't believe me?

CHECK THESE OUT!

Introducing TEAM REEBOK RUNNING

2011-05-10T10:39:00.000+08:00

A Runner and Fitness Ambassador’s Profile

Running since: April 2009

Writes for: Total Fitness and Men’s Health Philippines

Other interests: Travel, Fashion, Music, Writing/Blogging

Email: vickyras@yahoo.com

Booty confidence is what first and foremost got me interested in running. Like most women who have reached the threshold of the 30s and are now forced to face the battle with the stubborn jiggle and droop, my ‘inner coach’ and I have finally come to an agreement that statements like ‘I’ll exercise tomorrow’ just don’t cut it anymore. I needed a surefire don’t-delay fitness plan that I will not only like but is also something that I can commit to. And so it came to be that in April of 2009, I have found all my fitness non-negotiables in running when I dared to participate in my first 5k race – SLIMMERUN at The Fort, clocking-in at 30:32. Which, of course, in my absolute inexperience at that time, I thought was a good running time. On that particular race, I remember I was wearing these Reebok workout racer-back top and pedal bottoms made of lycra which I purchased in Malaysia a few days prior. Fortuity at its finest, wouldn’t you say? Unlike most sports, running can be for every one – or anyone who’s determined to give that unsightly flab a one-two punch by lacing up their trainers and hitting the road on foot with a speed ranging from a slow jog to sprint. And having almost zero exposure to running or any form of sports growing up, it’s fairly easy to understand why running had such an appeal to me, right from the very beginning. Since then, I have filled out my running resume with three 5k, five 10k and four 21k races; one full marathon (2010 Condura Skyway Marathonwhere I clocked sub-5 hours and ranked 336 out of nearly 600 runners); two 10k trail runs – one of which was theMen’s Health All Terrain Race in 2009; and the First 50k PAU Trail Ultra-marathon challenge in Mt. Pinatubo, my favorite out of the podium finishes I have achieved so far primarily because of the challenges surrounding the race itself. The three other podium finishes were: UNDP’s Walk The World 5k race where I placed first, and ResortsWorld Grand Fiesta 10k race where I placed second, and just recently, the BDO Race For Life where I placed first in the 6k female division. Of course, as most runners would tell you, not every day is a holiday when it comes to the sport. I have had injuries in the past – shin splints, stress fracture – but none of these, no matter how painful they got at one point, prompted me to hang my running shoes. Some people think they were born to rule the world; I think I was born to run, write, and be part of the global movement to change the world – one mile at a time, wearing my REEBOKS.

Ladies and gentlemen, meet the first batch of Reebok’s Running Ambassadors in the Philippines. Thank you Jar Concengco for sharing with us your time, talent, and very expensive camera and lenses!

Men's Health: What She's Hiding From You

2011-05-06T19:08:00.000+08:00

I know, I know, I had already sorta kinda said goodbye to my good old blog but every time I check it and I see comments, it breaks my heart to see how I have not been reciprocating the love my army of (now) 10 readers have been consistently showering me with since 2005. So my overworked heart is officially caving in. I will now be visiting this blog again and occasionally posting entries. But please visit my new home HERE. Trust me, you will love it there.

***

NOTE: Published in this month’s issue of Men’s Health Philippines. Grab a copy NOW for full story. And why not a hundred more for the whole village while you’re at it?

***

Since time immemorial, men have been cast in the stereotype role of a cheating husband or boyfriend. We’ve seen them all, the many different ways they pull off their indiscretion: some do it so furtively they were never caught, while others seem to have no compunction at all in brandishing their extrarelational affairs. And society seems to have accepted this as norm that for a time, men appeared to have had a monopoly over this game called cheating. Not fully realizing that women – ahhh yes, women – are just as capable of such depraved behavior in their relationships. In fact, with the emergent cases of cheating wives and girlfriends leaving their partners, it can just as easily be inferred that women are more likely to have emotional affairs rather than one night stands or repeated casual encounters that never progressed beyond the hotel walls.

Grace, a 38-year-old Creative Director for an advertising agency and mother of four children, considered leaving her husband of 15 years for another man. In the end, it was her husband who made that decision for her. This is her story.

***

When I met my husband, *Lawrence, at a common friend’s birthday party, something stirred in me – instinct maybe? – and I just knew I had to be with him. He was charming, well-built, and what he lacked in the sharp intelligence department, he more than made up for with his sense of humor. And I had his undivided attention. So when I got pregnant with our first child barely a year into the relationship, we decided to get married. Just as *Lawrence was attentive to me as a boyfriend, he was an even more devoted husband and father to our first-born. There was so much love and passion in our marriage during these first few years that it never occured to me that things can go wrong. Until it did, and unfortunately, I caused it – the breakup of a seemingly unshakeable union.

It was in 2006 when things started to shake up a little at home. I was at the crossroads of my career, caught between staying in the small company I have worked for for so many years and moving on to a much bigger one with a lot more responsibilites. Many a night I have stayed up until very late, weighing the pros and cons of an imminent decision I was due to make, but my husband never seemed to notice any of it. I would curl up next to his body and he would no longer draw me closer to him as he instinctively used to, even when he’s in deep sleep. I have always kept my hopeless romantic tendencies, but 11 years and four children after, it was only but natural for romance to wane a little. I mean, we still have sex once or twice a week and though it seemed more and more perfunctory each time, I still consider it a pretty good batting average given that most of our married couple friends are no longer as sexually active – at least not with each other. I was 34 and lucky to have it all – a loving and responsible husband, beautiful kids, a good career, and loyal friends – until I made that one very foolish decision to stray...

Growing Up And Moving Houses

2010-10-18T09:18:00.000+08:00

Rather preposterous a thought that it took me all 30 years to grow up BUT I had done it, so, three claps for me still. Yay, me!

But seriously, I have moved houses. Virtual houses, I mean. Last week, I was spewing molten lava and rage against blogger for what turned out to be just some IT glitch. But because my patience and magnanimity was tested, I had decided to divorce myself from my old blog. About time, I suppose, since this blog represented perhaps not everything but some of the biggest failures of this life I have only half-lived. Have I turned a new leaf, finally? I suppose to some extent, you could say that. But what I am most certain of is that i want to take life a little bit more seriously now. I want to take myself a bit more seriously now. I have only been around nearly a third of a century but I have seen and tasted the world in ways most people can only dream about.

So ladies and gentlemen, I invite you to visit me in my new humble abode here. I will surely miss the clutter of my old online domain but this is just as good a start to a high-flying, more meaningful life as any. If you loved me then, maybe there's half a chance that you'll still love me now. The all-new, mostly-grown-up me now.

Speaking of love, how about you show me how much or how little you heart me by writing a pledge for this wonderful cause Kassy Pajarillo and I are running - and we mean that literally - for? By running for the Singapore Marathon in December, Kassy and I are helping the Maple Tree Foundation raise funds for its various community projects.

Click here to know MORE.

Well, that's it for me here. Don't worry, I won't be deleting this for a million and one sentimental reasons so you can still have your daily dose of the funnies, the dirty, the informative dating from 2005 all the way to this last entry. For updates, however, come pay me a visit in my new home. I'm open twenty-five-seven.

Much love,

Vicky Ras

The House of VANITA: On Having Appetite for Flawlessly Sexy Things (Part II)

2010-10-12T11:27:00.001+08:00

Boy, I've had one hell of a crazy week! And quite too soon after my House of Vanita stint, of which I remember making a promise of posting some more photos. We'll get to that later. Sometimes I like keeping things in suspense. Don't you? It's kind of like having that thing you want most in your life just within reach but you decide to delay gratification for a little bit and then, kabooom!

Two things officially crossed off my bucket list: Doing some fashion type of things and, tadaaaaah, running an completing my first Ultramarathon! Respect, earthlings, respect. This 30-something all-around fitness freak participated in the 1st PAU (Philippine Association of UltraRunners) 50k Mt. Pinatubo Trail Challenge and actually romped off with a first runner-up win! Now this deserves an entire blogpost of its own so we'll keep it nice and tight first and make way for all things vain, sexy, sassy, and daring.

Anyway, I won't keep this long as we all have better things to do on a Tuesday. But first, you gotta let me hear that drumroll!

Now, ladies and gents, here come the photos...

Getting all dolled-up for the show. Thanks Alex for the photo!

Obviously not much to do while waiting for the show to start...

From the Donna collection

From the Blue Collection

From the Fiore Collection

Isabella bustier

With Anton and Mark.

The Bloggers.

All photos except for the first two were taken by Noel Abelardo.

****

And oh, congratulations to entrepreneur-slash-goddess-slash-Ultramarathoner Abby Jocson on the launch of her bag line and a swanky website to boot! I'm kind of somewhere in the website too. Check it out here. Photos were again taken by the multi-talented Noel Abelardo. Talk about girl power - yes, that includes Noel.*wink*

The House of VANITA: On Having Appetite for Flawlessly Sexy Things (Part I)

2010-10-06T18:31:00.004+08:00

Looks like I may very well be on my way to fulfilling my not-so-secret fantasies of world domination. As to which world, planet, or universe is entirely open for debate and all sorts of interpretation. Obviously, I couldn't think of anything wittier than that lame blog opener so I beg of you my dear readers, be kind to me. But what I really wanted to share with you - or anyone who can be bothered to spare a few seconds of their precious salaried time to take a peek into my little blog domain - is this:

Last Saturday, I took off my clothes and got paid for it!

Aaaaaand NO, it's nothing like solicitation. I might as well make that very clear now before you get your underthings all up in a bunch or a very painful wedgie. Ouch. Okay, enough horsing around. Here's what really happened.

A few weeks ago, I got an email from Mitzi Dayrit inviting me to be part of a swimsuit slash lingerie fashion show featuring selected female bloggers in the country. The word used, I think, was 'top', in reference to the bloggers, but seeing as I'm hardly up there in the top ranks - statistically, I mean but I do know that in your heart of hearts i'm number one, right? No? Yes? Maybe? What do I have to do to get some love in here?!? - let's just go for the word 'selected' for now. Who knows? Maybe after I post a few photos, my blog's rating will go skyrocketing 'innit? *insert LOL smileys here*

The luxury lingerie and swimwear brand which I, along with six other lovely bloggers, was tapped to model for is called House of Vanita featuring exclusive designs by top Italian designer Fabiola Marin, who, in her last visit to the country when she officially launched the brand, had this to say about the Filipinas and what inspired her to design for them:

"Filipinas are very strong women, achievers at home, in school, in the arts, within the walls of corporations and even in public service. Knowing, let alone wearing, an intimo line specially designed for her blends perfectly well with her empowered image. I hope every Filipina will have at least one in her closet because really, Vanita is the only line that brings together Italian mastery, European systems and Japanese efficiency in a collaboration to flatter her," --- taken here.

The launch which featured a host of Brazilian models was a huge hit and Vanita had, right there and then, established itself as a formidable brand in the luxury lingerie industry in the Philippines. The response was so overwhelming that the owners immediately followed it up with another show scheduled on the 2nd of October. Only this time, there won't be real models involved. Instead, it will be the female bloggers who will serve as the brand ambassadors for that day. Or night, as the case truly was. Yay for us!

The bloggers selected for the show were Alex, Henzel, Aby, Helga, Hannah, Shanna, and yours truly. I didn't know any of them until the day we all sat down together for the briefing, as I have never really attended any blogging event since I started my own site in 2005. Well, except for last year's Philippine Blog Awards where I was one of the nominees but as you all know, I went home empty-handed that night. Call me Thank You, Girl. Yes, I'm cute that way. Sorry I keep digressing!

The night before the fashion show, all seven of us were called to do the final dress rehearsal and it went well despite the fact that none of us has ever actually done any ramp modeling of sorts. At least I haven't. Here's a photo Alex took of that night.

L to R: Aby, Vicky, Shanna, and Henzel.

This is already pretty lengthy so I am going to take a break right here. I will post Part II tomorrow if:

(a.) I have time to do it
(b.) You're good and sweet and actually beg me for the photos
(c.) You bribe me with a copy of Graham Greene's The End of the Affair and 6 pieces of Lord Stowe's yummy cream puff

Otherwise, I will still write the rest of the blog entry and post some of the photos because truth be told, I can be quite attention-starved that way.

Okay, fine, just one photo. The rest will come in a day or two...

I Am Tigress, Hear Me Grrrrowl...

2010-10-01T16:01:00.000+08:00

Today is national RANT day. At least in my blog, it is. Ask anyone, I am probably ranked among the most affable, least high-strung person humanity has ever spawned. But on those (very) rare occasions when I unsheathe my claws, I usually draw blood. This morning was a classic example.

So this morning, yours truly had the brilliant idea of running for 1 hour and 30 minutes, with no walk breaks, in the rain. The run was everything good and beautiful on a balmy Friday morning and I found myself humming happily though drenched in sweat and occasionally panting.

Even my longsilog breakfast turned out to be a good complement to an exhilarating run. I didn't finish the whole thing but I walked out of the silog place with a happy tummy. But not for very long.

While I was standing outside the building, just under the shed, it started to pour. So I decided to let the food settle down a bit before I make a mad dash for home. That's when I overhead this conversation behind me:

Call Center A-hole: Pwede na sakin yang ganyan, Pare. (Obviously trying to come off as Mr. Cool while talking to some other guy)

I didn't want to make a big deal out of it at first and besides, it may not even be directed at me, right?

He made the same comment again. This time, repeating it twice for good measure.

Again, I pushed the ignore button and got ready to run back to the condo. But even before I could take one step out of that place, the rat bastard again said:

"Pwede na nga yan sakin. Runner siguro yan,"

Aaaand that's when I went ballistic on his ass!

I turned my head and looked at the him with such hatred and said, "F**k you and f**k the home you came from. Nobody disrespects me like that you f**king lowlife!"

And then I flipped him off.

Without taking my eyes off the bastard, I stayed for a few seconds waiting for his witty retort. None came. Instead, there was stunned silence from everyone within earshot.

That's when I walked away.

Robin said I should've kicked the guy in the family jewels. Believe me, I had wanted to. But I was tired from running and I figured if my kick fails to connect, then the whole dramatic impact of the stream of f**k yous and the finger-showing would've been altogether lost. Not that I particularly relish a re-run, but in the event that something similar does happen, you can bet your jewels that I am going for the gonads. Yes, them Gs.

So what's the moral of the story?

Mga kapatid, isakto lang ang angas sa hitsura. Kung wala kang hitsura, aba, gumawa at magbenta ka na lang ng atchara. Punyeta.

On Being Fit

2010-09-24T15:06:00.000+08:00

So I've been asked several times by people what it is exactly that I do to keep in shape. There's running, of course, which I try to do as often as possible for a minimum of 5k for each run. There was a time when I logged 10k everyday and I was able to keep at it for about a week. But given that it's not my main vocation and I do need to put food on my table, clothes on my back, and fancy shoes on my feet, work always come first.

There's hiphop which I try to do every Thursday when I'm not traveling or at work. I like my workout with a lot of body movements and loud music which explains why dancing holds a lot of appeal for me even when the only time I'm even remotely graceful on the floor is when the routine involves grinding, booty-shaking, and chest pump. Anything more complicated or technical than that, I might as well be the girl born with two left feet.

And then there's free weights. I was not a fan of fitness clubs before. I dreaded the smörgåsbord of exercise machine, most of which I didn't know how to operate. And back when I used to carry a little bit more weight on my petite frame, I would get completely self-conscious around gym members who look better and fitter. But when my body began to improve little by little, I must admit, I would sometimes be a little shameless in showing off. No, not full monty of course, but maybe just a tight tank top or a sports bra top and shorts or capris for workout which often get a lot of appreciative looks from men and uhrrrm, very scary dagger looks from some women. Though it may be deemed as little bit too much in the self-promotion area, but my rationale has always been that I worked hard to achieve my ideal body shape and form and if I can inspire even just one person to do the same, then I'm happy. Whether it's for health reasons or just plain and simple affectation, it doesn't matter, so long as I get to motivate people to do something about their fitness and looks. After all, who wants to be obese in the first place or for the rest of their lives for that matter?

So yes, lately I have also been spending some time in this fitness club I frequent - mostly to do free weights workout and spinning or RPM. My friend who's a complete health and fitness freak got me into it and I must say that he knew exactly what he was preaching about because I have seen significant improvements in my body and most especially, my overall health and fitness. I am more agile and flexible now. My endurance has also improved a lot and it may have been brought about by my strengthened core.

Last night, at the gym, I bumped into one of my favorite Takbo.ph friends Dennis. In his spare time, Dennis is studying to be a full-fledged fitness instructor/personal trainer. Last night, I was his guinea pig. He showed me a lot of workout routines targeted to develop and tone specific areas of my body. He even showed me how to use some of the exercise equipment there, much to my delight because I have always felt that it's such a waste that I don't get to maximise my monthly club membership. But that's going to change from here on in.

So going back to the question on what I exactly it is that I do to keep fit. Well, here are some of them...

This one here is called the Russian Twist and it's mainly for core strengthening. This is also how you get that nice line on the sides of your midsection. And the 5kg weight plate I'm holding as I twist to the left and right also helps give my arms a very nice definition.

This is more of a free weights alternative to the equipment-aided squat exercises. The bar weighs around 20lbs or so and as you can see, it's not that tough to carry. I still have to work on my execution of the squats because I tend to get self-conscious extending my butt out like a duck.

This one right here is obviously for the legs and very necessary for runners like myself.

This one, if i'm not mistaken, is called the preacher's curl. I don't exactly know why it's called as such but this is a good workout for the biceps.

This is the cable crossover exercise equipment which is good for the chest muscle group. It was my first time to try this last night and I kinda liked it so I reckon I will be using this more often in the coming days.

And finally, here's a short video clip taken a few days ago by one of the PTs at Fitness First. The execution could do a lot of polishing but I think I'm well on my way there. Sorry about the bulge. I guess I was busog at that time. hahaha!

http://s757.photobucket.com/albums/xx214/vickyras/?action=view&current=VID00000-20100918-1047.mp4