Running Never Stops - Takbo.PH Runfest 2014

Running has become my favorite exercise. So its no surprise that I started joining fun run. However, I don't just join whatever fun run that I heard or saw. I weigh them and do some research. Yeah, I'm serious about running. Since I'm paying to join I should be careful and really examine the run I'm going into.

The recent fun run I participated was the Runfest of Takbo.PH. Takbo.PH is popular for organizing run. They have a website where you can check the fun run hat are scheduled for the whole year. They are very much credible that every runner knows their site.

Their Runfest happened on July 13, 2014 at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. As early as 3AM runners are already on the venue especially those participating for the 21K event.

The Runfest has three events - 21K, 10K and 5K. I registered for the 10K event. When we reached the venue, at 4:30AM the 21k event has started. We already saw the runners on another street.

The assembly time for the 10K event was at 5AM. The event was hosted Bearwin Meilly. He was able to made the morning very lively and fun because of his jokes. More than that, he shared some of his experience as a runner. His story was very inspirational. He is very disciplined in his running.

The sun was already on the horizon and we still have not started the race. The guns start was at 5:30AM. A t this time I can already feel the heat of the sun. I think that we should have started at a much earlier time like 5AM when the sun was not yet up. I have not yet completed 3KM but I feel exhausted because of the heat. There were even no wind that morning. I felt relieved when I saw the first drinking station.

Since the race seems to start late there are part of Bonifacio Global City that have passing vehicle. Everytime I have to pass an intersection or street there is an urge to speed up my run. Unfortunately, when I was about to pass Market Market there were already cars and passenger jeeps and obviously there are irritated of the traffic that we have caused. We were stopped by the traffic enforcer and marshal of the race to give way to the vehicles. After that its a run going up to C5.

The route to C5 I can say is the most challenging part of the race. Going down was easy but going up is very tiring. Runners knowing that they will easily get tired decided to walk while going up back to Market Market. After C5 its only 1KM to finish line.

After a few minutes, its Finish Line!

The run was very exhausting and dehydrating. I wish we were able to start earlier when it was still a bit dark. Anyway, I still enjoyed it and it has become a part of my running story.

Up in Antipolo

Famous for its church which is popular for people seeking guidance and protection on their voyage and trip is the city of Antipolo. The National Shrine of Peace and Good Voyage has been a run to place for people praying for safety especially for those who have to work in a foreign country.

Antipolo is also famous for its resorts. There are several resort with overlooing view in the city that is found in Antipolo. It is usually a good place for those who does not like long travel and traffic for relaxation.

More than just the magnificent Shrine of Peace and Good Voyage, resorts and cashew vendors there are some places in Antipolo that is worth seeing. One of them is the Pinto Art Musuem. I have written an earlier post about the museum but I still can't get it out of my head that I have to mention wrote another post about it. I even have a post just made to show other photos of the museum.

The 1.3 hectare of the museum house 300 artworks. Most of which are paintings and sculptures. Aside from being amazed on the work of art, you will also be mesmerized on the garden. And it is not your usual garden because with its lush green grass are sculptures. Every room and every corner of the garden just have a a touch of artistry! Its just amazing how everywhere you see you can't just stop being awed. 

The whole place was owned by Dr. Joven Cuanang - a neurologists. The paintings in the museum are his collections. 

Below are some pictures in the garden. I would love to stay here, read books or just listen to music only if we have the time.

Of course, when in Antipolo the visit to the National Shrine of Peace and Good Voyage is somehow like a tradition. For me, it's a sign of respect to the Blessed Virgin and I believe that life is a journey so it is just quite right to pay her a visit and ask her for guidance.

I can't remember when was the last time I visit the church. There were no Mc Donalds and Starbucks back then only locals selling cashew nuts and rice cakes (suman).

After the National Shrine for Peace and Good Voyage, we went to a another church in Antipolo. This church is most commonly known as Taktak Church. And yes, it is because it's near the famous Hinulugang Taktak in Antipolo. The real name of the Church is Parish of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

The Church is a popular place for weddings because of its beautiful scenery. Unlike most churches, it does not have any walls. Only the upper part of the church has a glass ceiling or cover to protect people from rain or intense heat.

The transparent glass in the altar gives an optical illusion that the cross is floating. The ambiance is very calm and a nice place to pray and reflect.



Bamboo trees surrounds the church giving cool breeze. You can also hear the rustling of the leaves and the singing of the birds.

Try going to these places on your next visit to Antipolo and I'm sure you'll be happy in doing so.

Ang Museo ni Oble

The University of the Philippines (UP) is considered the top University in the country. Popular for being a school for lower income family but also now also a choice school for family belonging in the upper class. Aside from a home of intelligent kids, it is also a place for endless food trips. A trip to UP is incomplete without trying the famous isaw ni Mang Larry and the Devil's Cake at Chocolate Kiss. A photo with the famous Oblation statue is also part of the to-do-list. However, when I want to my Alma Mater last week I have put in my list the visit at Vargas Museum. In my four years of attending graduate school I wasn't able to get a chance to visit Vargas Museum.

You can never miss Vargas Musem when riding the ikot jeep. Its prominent landmark are the huge sculpture of chicken feet found in front of the building. Aside from that, there are other statues surrounding the museum. Outside the museum is also a cafe.

The museum is open from Tuesay to Saturday from 9AM to 5PM. The entrance to the museum is not free however the fee is not to expensive. UP students, faculty, employees and alumni has to pay P20.00 while the regular rate for non-UP is P30.00. Every Wednesday admission is free for UP students, alumni, employees and faculty. Unintentionally, I went there on a Wednesday so I get a free pass. I just showed them my school ID.

The museum was named after Jorge Vargas, the country's first Executive Secretary. He donated his collections of arts, stamps , personal paper and even his library to the University in 1978. All his collections were first placed in his residence in Mandaluyong and in 1986 the transfer of his collections to Diliman campus started. The museum was formally inaugurated by President Corazon Aquino in February 22, 1987.

The second floor of the museum holds his collections. His collection mainly consists of oil paintings, watercolors, pastels, drawings and sculpture. Unfortunately, taking of pictures are not allowed in this area.

Two exhibits are currently on view at the Vargas Museum. First is the Crux of Things by Ernest Concepcion that was open last June 17 and will run until July 17, 2014. The Crux of Things shows the dynamics of religion and what people idolizes. I can say that it takes really hard work to finish his art. Instead of using the ordinary like acrylic or watercolor paint on canvas or paper, Ernest Concepcion used enamel and acetate as medium for his works.  The Crux of Things is located on the Ground floor of the museum.

At the third level of the museum shows the rich Filipino mythology, folklore and legends. The is the second exhibit at the Vargas Museum. The stories behind our myths and legends has help us dream in our childhood. It has widen our imagination and has help us understand the lives of our elderly.

The painting below somehow reminds me of Lola Basyang. A famous Filipino character wherein the lola or grandmother tells stories to grandchildren. Of course, her stories are abut Filipino myths and legends that aims to teach children moral values.

Most popular subject of the painting is about Maria Makiling, the deity of a forest. In this painting, it tells the story of Maria Makiling after she learned that her lover has married a mortal woman. Based on the story, Maria Makiling only shows herself when the gale moon light shines in the night sky.

Mermaids are also subject of the exhibit. Of course, Dyesebel would never be left out.  The art work below on the right is made of paper cut-outs.

This artwork is very much different form the other paintings. Entitled "Are You For Real?" is doen by using oil in metallic leaf with embossed metal.  The title is very suitable because as we all know the question on the existence of mermaids is still unanswered.

Legends are not always about the impossible or that story that came from the creative imaginations of our grandparents. There are legends that has made a name for themselves on their chosen career and has made a big impact. This is one of my painting in the exhibit. Eugene Torre, because of his greatness and ability to inspire other he has become a legend.

  Aside from paintings there are also sculptures in the exhibit. There are scultpture about the "Tikbalang" and of the "Mananaggal".

Below are some other paintings and artworks for the exhibit Filipino Myths and Legends.