10 Rock-Hard Reasons to Join the Corregidor Marathon and the 4th Corregidor International Half-Marathon

Press Release

# 10    Corregidor is so near Manila, but away from the city chaos

# 9      Corregidor is traffic-free, smog-free

# 8      Run through history

# 7      Race shirt, Finisher’s Medal, Finisher’s Medallion, Massive 42K Finisher’s Medallion, Limited edition Jacket

# 6      Ferry ride, identical gears

# 5      “Hardest” race in the country

            All-terrain race

# 4      CM & CIHM is the perfect year-opener for runners aiming to start the year with a bang

# 3      Cross the finish line with the view of the infinity line

# 2      Corregidor offers runners the best possible way to cool down after a challenging race – taking a plunge in the Corregidor beach

# 1      CM & CIHM are both for serious and fun runners, the two races are loaded with fun

Few more slots remaining for the CM 42K, 5K Blitz, 3K Thrill, CIHM 21K, and 10K Challenge. Race registration ends on January 3, 2014. Message us thru our FB fan pages “Corregidor Marathon” and “CorregidorInternational Half-Marathon”. 

18th Alaska Football Cup continues finest football competition in PH

Press Release

Witness once again the biggest, most eagerly anticipated football tournament in the country when over 300 teams composed of 4,200 players compete in the 18th Alaska Football Cup on December 7 and 8 at the Alabang Country Club Fields, Muntinlupa City.

No other football competition in the country comes close to the Alaska Football Cup which is played in 29 football fields under the supervision of more than 100 referees, which will find more than 2,600 goals scored in more than 700 games.

Alaska promotes positive values of teamwork, cooperation and fair play through sports activities like the football cup. Likewise, Alaska leads in promoting a healthy lifestyle through proper nutrition by drinking milk regularly and by engaging in sports.

Football players who are six to 16 years old participate in the Alaska Football Cup coming from all over the Philippines including Metro Manila, Baguio, Olongapo, Angeles City, Tacloban, Naga, Bacolod, Cebu, Palawan, Legaspi, Los Baños, Iloilo and Batangas.

This partnership started in 1995 when Alaska teamed up with former professional international football player Tomas Lozano to create the 1st Alaska Football Cup. Alaska has contributed to the phenomenal growth of amateur football in the country through this annual competition.

Promoting the participation of the youth in football along with other sports like basketball and triathlon through the Alaska Power Camps exemplifies the company’s commitment to nation building through nutrition and sports.

The Alaska Football Cup has been widely acknowledged for its outstanding contribution to youth sports and development in the country, particularly in the grassroots level.

For more information, check out the Alaska Football Cup website, www.alaskamilk.com and live tweets and updates @ALASKAsportshub

Latest "Lakas ng Pinas" Commercial is in Digital Animation by Jeff M. De Guzman

Press Release

Jeff M. De Guzman shows Lakas ng Pinas in digital animation
Famed Hollywood Digital Artist crafts latest Cobra commercial

(Manila, Philippines) The visual FX and animation industry has taken off in the last decade, and has long featured Filipino talents among its roster of designers and directors. One of the most respected names in the industry is Filipino digital artist and creative director Jeff De Guzman, who has long inspired numerous kids and kids-at-heart by bringing to life much-loved characters in Hollywood blockbusters like Pacific Rim, Iron Man, Transformers, Mission Impossible 4, Star Trek, and Battleship.

Nonito Donaire embodies the Filipino strength and 

power from within was launched as new Cobra endorser

Born and raised in the Philippines, Jeff defied the odds by making it to the big leagues of animation both in the US and in the UK. A self-taught artist, he started his career by joining contests before getting noticed by Industrial Light and Magic (ILM), a Lucas Film company.

Today, he is a sought-after digital artist, best known for producing computer-generated graphic images for live-action films. Despite his international success, he wishes to work on more projects in the Philippines in order to push the limits of local animation.

Jeff was given this opportunity, and the chance to share the stories of Pinoy pride through the latest TV Commercial (TVC) of Cobra Energy Drink led by world champion, Nonito Donaire Jr. Also featured are the Cobra Philippine Dragon Boat Team, BMX rider Danny Calaug, and Philippine Elite Triathlete Arland Macasieb.

Hollywood animator and Creative Director Jeff M. De Guzman

 leads the Visual FX and animation of the new 

Cobra Lakas ng Pinas commercial

He shared his expertise by spearheading the graphic development from the creation of digital environments down to the robots used. Just like in the Hollywood movies, the Cobra endorsers interacted with life-like robots in scenes showcasing their own individual interpretation of what it means to be the Lakas ng Pinas.

He likened the TVC to that of international sci-fi flicks, “Cobra really pushed the boundaries and the quality of the commercials both in the aesthetic and creative fields.”

Abe Cipriano, AVP for Marketing for Non-Alcoholic Beverages of Asia Brewery is proud to work with another world-class Filipino talent that matched the excellence of the endorsers.  “We wanted the commercial to reflect the strength, perseverance, and determination of the Filipino spirit. We hope that this inspires Filipinos, even in a small way.”

Avoid the Morning Rush: Take the morning plunge with Nestea RTD

Press Release

Do you go through your mornings in one big blur?  Do you find yourself racing from one task to another without enough time to breathe? 

The morning rush is something we have grown accustomed to and we no longer question if chaotic mornings are the only way to go. But peaceful and blissful mornings are possible if we take the plunge the night before. A great day starts with good night’s sleep, making the morning plunge a relaxing dip into your day.

So here are a few things to do the night before to finally avoid the morning rush.

Have a to-do list and plunge into it

Instead of taking the morning plunge without warning, write a to-do list the night before to keep you focused. The first thing on every to-do list is to gather your wits and relax, and the best way to do this is to refresh your body and your mind. Drink your favorite Nestea in a Bottle as you make your list and you’ll find yourself in the zone and taking the plunge before your day even starts.

Plan your outfit

One of the stress-inducing parts of the day, especially for ladies, is thinking of what outfit to wear.Make it fun and have a theme, like matching it with your favorite drink, like Nestea RTD. If you love Lemon, then plan for classic mix and match pieces. Cool on the inside but fiery red on the outside just like the Apple variant? A touch of color is the right accessory for you.Edgy and trendy? Then your Lemon Ice craving can be matched by bright neons.

Map your route from bed to boardroom

Think road traffic is the only way that makes us late? Looking for keys, finding the other pair of shoes, and preparing our baon also congests our daily routine. To avoid forgetting anything as you take the plunge into your day, make sure your essentials are on your route on the way out. A shoe and coat rack by the door, keys hung near your shoes,baon beside breakfast, shaves minutes into an otherwise jam-packed day.

A baon favorite perfect for the morning rush is Nestea in a bottle. Packed in convenient easy-to-carry bottles,it has long been known for its sweet, refreshing taste. Mornings are made sweeter with its three flavors, Lemon, Apple, and Lemon Ice.

So whatever your day brings, it’s easy to take the morning plunge with Nestea RTD.

Sante Barley Domination Run

Sante Barley Domination Run is a fun run with 3k, 5k, 10k and 21k distance, held at the Aseana City, Paranaque. The race route covers the Cavitex road. Held on November 24, 2013, the event was mainly sponsored by Sante Barley.

Pre-Race

After my second marathon, I was pretty unmotivated to run. I had no training runs and I given up on the fact that I was on "off-season". Most of my workout were done in the gym and the rest was in the pool. Up to the day before the race, I was hoping to skip this race but CJ insisted we run so he was my motivator for this run.

Actual Race

On race day, I was half-expecting CJ to oversleep which means more sleep and no running for me. But on 2:30am, he said he was on his way and I prepared for the run. I knew we weren't going to run for a PR so I was prepared to finish before 4-5 hours.

I found CJ in the activity area and we chatted with other blogger friends, Jinoe, Queenie and Franc while waiting for the delayed gun start. For the first part of the race, we went with the excited runners and ran but on the first intersection, we walked. After a while, we decided to do 2-1 run walk galloway. Running in Cavitex wasn't really a treat. Most of the time, you are running besides trucks and buses and I don't get what is novelty of that.

Takbu kunwari with CJ

Halfway in the route was the long road to the turning point. It was a great sight and since we weren't in race mode, we stopped and took photos. At that point, we spotted Bee who stopped to push us to run. As lazy runners, we continued to walk until we found a downhill turn and did 2-1 galloway.

Posing sa mahabang bridge

The sun was starting shine brightly after we passed the turn around point and we decided to walk as the road was an uphill climb. At the 14km, we saw the last runner which means we were in the back of the pack. We continued walking and running a little until we passed some runners who were wore some sort of costume.

Puro lakad

For the rest of the way to the finish line, we did mostly walking. It was getting hot and most of our friends were halfway done in their post run breakfast. At the last turn around point, we found fellow runners making their way out of the venue but we still continued walking. (Di naman kame last runners!) We passed by the already done color obstacle and walked to the finish line.

Lakad until finish line

As we claimed our finisher's shirts and medal, I lined up at a slightly bigger size as I would expect that the small ones would already run out but the medium sized ones also ran out. (C'mon that was more than 3 hours!) And I ended up with a large shirt.

Post Race

The food places near the venue was full and our friends had already made their way home so we opted to have breakfast at MoA. We were tired and hungry and after checking out a few restaurants, we ended up having a chicken meal in McDo. Not a lot of food for that 'coz we burned less than 1,000 calories on the slow running and walking for that race.

Review

The race route was a welcome change but as I mentioned there wasn't really noteworthy that makes Cavitex a must run road. You run alongside trucks and buses. In the later part of the race, a car was even on the road where runners were allocated to run. The sights were mostly trash and sunrise and the air wasn't that fresh.

Post Race

I wasn't running on peak race mode so this wasn't an issue for me but all hydration stations were composed of water stations and no sports drink. For a 21km run that would a pain. We found no bananas on the route, maybe 'coz we were slow. But we didn't get to eat anything on the route.

The finisher's items were unique but reminded me a lot of Shrek (so parang rip-off ng Shrek... :p ) but the giveaways were cool. I intake and drink most of them in my morning meals.

Overall, it wasn't a bad event as most netizens would suggest but it wasn't the best either. It was just fine. Just OK...

Congratulations to all the runners!

Thanks to the organizers!

Garmin Log: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/407932072
Photo Credits: Photo Ops

Easy Soft by World Balance

Easy Soft is a division of World Balance that specializes in mold-injected footwear. The items are made with VICRO-tech material, a plastic base that's made to be durable, water-proof, flexible, and shock-absorbing which is great as an alternative for an office shoe, especially on rainy days where leather shoes aren't supposed to withstand such elements.

Other features of Easy Soft include:

- Designed with mould-injections that results in the shoe being stretchable without tearing it apart
- Perforated design of insole to provide a lightweight shoe experience
- Removable EVA insole for added cushioning

As Easy Soft is not made of leather, the pricepoint is very affordable. SRP ranges at PhP 299.75- PhP 319.75. Likewise, at first glance, you will not know that it's made of plastic as the items look similar to leather.

Here are the available designs:

First Impressions

Friends from World Balance had sent me a sample of Easy Soft Oakland shoes to test out. At first glance, it does look like your regular leather shoes. I tried the pair on and it didn't feel like I was wearing plastic at all.

For the rest of the office day, I decided to try it out and I felt like I had comfy slippers on instead of regular black shoes. Unfortunately, the shoes didn't match my office outfit but I was really comfortable so I even walked and commuted home using it.

I have yet to test the shoes in actual rain since that season is over but I am planning something to test that out but I think I'll make another blog post for that. But given the promise that it is water proof, it is a great shoe for rainy season where your regular leather shoes weren't designed for. I wouldn't wear it for now as it wouldn't fit my office attire but I will check how it would look in my casual wear.

I would recommend Easy Soft for the rainy season as it promises to be water proof and durable.

Gift Suggestions from Toby's Sports

Press Release

Gilas “See You in Spain” Shirt

P495

Support our very own Gilas Pilipinas team with this “See You in Spain” shirt!

Go Fit Training Gloves (Men and Women)

P670

Has an advanced, ergonomic palm design with padded palm pressure points.

(Note: Gusto ko nito!)

Polar Water Bottle White 24 OZ

P650

Polar Bottle is the original insulated plastic sport bottle and has been keeping liquids colder, longer, since 1994. Combining the thermal properties of an insulated vacuum bottle with the lightweight, flexible features of a plastic bottle, Polar Bottle's insulated water bottle is the ideal choice for active people. Simply fill with liquid and ice and hit the trail. For even longer cooling power, fill your insulated bottle and store it in the freezer before use. Either way, it will keep liquids cold twice as long as conventional water bottles.

Mitre Stratum IP Shin Guards

P695.00

Has interchangeable color inserts with a vented k-resin shell that combines breathability and protection.

Shake Weights for Women

P895

Total body workout in just 6 minutes, increases muscle activity compared to regular dumbbells, bonus 3-in-1 DVD

Sport Disc Ultra Star

P925.00

The world standard for the sport of Ultimate, and the exclusive official disc of the USA Ultimate Championship Series since 1991. With its contoured grip and aerodynamic engineering, the Ultra Star has set the standard for quality, consistency and performance.

Biggest Loser Fitness Scale

P1,295.00

Measures weight, body fat, bone density and hydration levels.

(Note: Gusto ko din nito!)

Molten GF7 Basketball

P1,570.00

Synthetic leather. Has a 12-panel design with a deep pebble and scuff resistant outer cover. The ball is nylon wound and has a butyl bladder. Ball has a dual cushion technology.

Go Fit Pro Stability Ball

P1,795.00

Follow the professional instructional DVD and training booklet included, to significantly improve your core stability, balance and strength.

Go Fit Gravity Straps

P2,300.00

Can be easily installed in doorways that offer effective workouts that build strength, increase balance and gain core stability.

Mikasa MV310

P2,995.00

Competition performance synthetic leather.

Berghaus Remote Bag

P2,995.00

•       Step up version of TWENTYFOURSEVEN

•       Comfortable to wear, better back system on moisture management

•       With better internal divider

Mitre Delta V12 Ball

P2,995.00

FIFA approved professional match ball. Provides superb power and player response. Size 5

TRX I Suspension Trainer

P5,495.00

Revolutionary method of leveraged bod weight exercise, easily set-up and portable, build power, strength, flexibility, balance mobility and prevent injuries.

Skora Phase X Running Shoes

P5,995.00

·         360 degree Reflectivity

·         REAL FIT last

·         Airmesh upper

·         Laminated reflective overlays (no-sew)

·         Asymmetrical lacing

·         Anti-slip microfiber heelpad

·         No-tongue design

·         Reflective details

·         3mm Antimicrobial sockliner

·         IBR (Injected Blown Rubber) outsole

Newton MV3 Running Shoes

P7,295.00

At a mere 5.2 ounces, the MV2 is the lightest Newton Running shoe ever produced. Our Race line offers lightweight performance products crafted for fast-paced running. Ultra-lightweight and designed for speed, the MV2 is a racing shoe with a zero-drop profile. It’s designed for short- o mid- distance racing and weekly speed workouts.

Note that the MV2 is designed for a race fit. If you are a Newton Running customer and are looking for a snug fit in both length and width, stay with your current size. If you are looking for a comfortable, everyday fit, you may want to go up a half size over your current Newton Running shoe size.

Adjusting to a zero-drop shoe will take some time.

Adidas Crazy Light 3 Shoes

P7,795.00

KREM-TOP’S CHANGE FOR THE BETTER PILIPINAS CAMPAIGN

Press Release

Can a brand bring about positive change towards community progress and nation-building?  By encouraging everyone’s desire to change for the better during New Year, one brand did.

In 2010, Krem-Top was launched as a superior coffee creamer.  In the moments when people were open to changing many things in their lives, Krem-Top inspired people to chart their destinies through small and simple resolutions. 

As Krem-Top started its Happy New Change campaign towards the New Year, Krem-Top encouraged Filipino’s positivism towards a bright future to be expressed in their resolutions.  This was done through an ad that showed a series of changes that they promised to make.  It challenged the viewers with the question – what will you change for the better?

In the succeeding years, Krem-Top continued the call for change through campaigns that emboldened people to be inspired and bring to life their resolutions. In throngs, people were motivated to make them no matter how small or mundane - all because everyone wanted to change for the better. 

For 2013, Krem-Top pushes the envelope, telling Filipinos that small changes when done together can effect a change not just for the individual but for an entire country.  All it takes is the will and participation of the greater majority. 

Encapsulated in this year’s campaign line “Change For the Better Pilipinas”, Krem-Top’s advocacy asks not of big things but the small changes that one can actualize and perform.

With the help of Krem-Top’s brand ambassadors Papa Jack and Richard Yap, a declaration of a better Pilipinas will not remain as a vision but a reality.

For more information, log on to our facebook page: facebook.com/AlaskaKremTop or follow us on twitter: @kremtopPH

ADIDAS REVOLUTIONIZES THE RUNNING WATCH

Press Release

Adidas revolutionizes the running watch

miCoach SMART RUN Gives Runners Everything They Need in One Device

Philippines, Friday, 29 November 2013 – adidas introduces the miCoach SMART RUN, the most advanced and intuitive wrist based running device on the market. For the first time, runners will be able to track their runs using GPS mapping, monitor their heart rate off their wrist, listen to their favorite music and get real-time coaching in a single, simple, color touch screen running watch.

As SMART RUN uses optical technology to track your heart rate from your wrist, there are no cables, straps and additional sensors with this unique all-in-one device. A built-in accelerometer counts every step so you can monitor your stride rate. GPS tracks your speed, distance and logs your route and an MP3 player with Bluetooth^® wireless audio delivers music and audible coaching guidance, eliminating the need for head phone cables and music players.

“By combining the latest innovations, such as the Mio Wrist Based Continuous Heart Rate Technology, design and ease of use navigation, we consciously defied the rules that define other running watches,” said Simon Drabble, director of miCoach at adidas.

“But it’s not just that which sets us apart from the competition. As part of the miCoach training system, it truly unlocks the runner’s full potential by making smart training easy and accessible. Whether you’re starting a new running program, training for a 10k or competing in another marathon, miCoach SMART RUN will make your training more efficient so you get the results you want,” continued Drabble.

Interval (or zone) training is the best way to improve strength, speed and endurance. The miCoach system is founded on this concept with four colored zones – blue, green, yellow and red. SMART RUN uses these zones to coach you throughout your workout. Guidance comes in various forms including vibration, through the 1.45” color touch screen display and, if you are using a Bluetooth headset, the coach will tell you to speed up or slow down.

Drabble continued, “Many runners fail to get the most out of their current running watches. Building training plans, transferring workouts and personalizing display information is cumbersome with these devices. With SMART RUN we change this. It is fully integrated with our web platform so training plans, completed workouts and settings are synced seamlessly over WLAN.”

Smart training is not just about intervals. You will need to combine cardio with strength and flexibility to get the results you want and SMART RUN excels here too. More than 400 anatomically correct animations combine to make hundreds of workouts and plans. The animations play right on the watch helping to guide you correctly through each repetition and circuit.

“The completeness and simplicity of Smart Run is astounding.” Terrence Mahon, Lead Endurance Coach, UK Athletics Federation said.  “The visual and audible guidance for interval training is a leap forward from any other watch available. Another aspect that is often overlooked by runners is how important strength and flexibility workouts are in realizing performance gain and reducing injuries. To have this guidance on the watch too is truly groundbreaking.”

Unrivaled in innovation and feature-set, the miCoach SMART RUN is completed with premium design language and fine styling, including athletic lines, stainless steel trim, high performance guerrilla glass and magnesium.

The miCoach SMART RUN is available for purchase exclusively at the adidas eShop (shop.adidas.com.ph) at a retail price of PHP 19,995 from 1^st December 2013.

About adidas miCoach

miCoach is an interactive training service for anyone who wants to train for his or her favorite sport, general fitness or just for fun. Bringing the knowledge and experience of adidas’ elite coaching partners to the masses, miCoach provides users with real-time coaching and all the tools they need to track performance and monitor progress to get the results they want. The breadth of the offer includes a free to access web platform and training community with hundreds of free training plans, free mobile apps on iOS, Android and Windows Phone 8 as well as a comprehensive range of devices for tracking all aspects of performance, both in game and in training. Visit www.micoach.com. 

Do you have the WILL to WIN? ENERVON ACTIV brings you big discounts on RUDY PROJECT Gear

Beat sports fatigue, train harder and be rewarded for it! If you have the will to push yourself, avail of the Enervon Activ Will to Win Promo. Get guaranteed discounts up to 70% off on premium Rudy Project gear online on select watches, shades, helmets and more. To avail, just purchase 60 Enervon Activ capsules from Mercury Drug Stores. Promo is from Dec 1, 2013 – Jan 31, 2014. Visit now the Enervon Activ Facebook page for more details. (www.facebook.com/EnervonActiv)