Prok's First Run at the Doggie Run 2015

Doggie Run 2015

Last March 14, Prok finished his first official run event with the Doggie Run 2015 at SM Mall of Asia, brought to us by Pet Express. The event included 5km, 3km and 1.5km distances. Prok offically became a doggie runner at the 1.5km category.

Pre-Race

Prok is a mini-dachshund and being part of the hound breed, running is natural to him. Most of our morning consists of him running crazily. Every Sunday morning, we would travel to Makati Avenue so we could run at Ayala Triangle. Since some dog owners bring their pets for a walk, Prok gets to meet and play with other dogs as a bonus. We'll head home tired and he'll sleep afterwards, making a slightly peaceful end of the weekend afternoon.

Race Outfits

One day, Evan (formerly known as Ivan) tagged me in an event poster and I registered as soon as I had the funds for the registration fee. I was super excited to register 'coz there were doggie shirts on display at Pet Express but as it turned out, they were for sale and only bandanas were part of the race kit.

Actual Race

We woke up extra early and boarded a taxi heading to SM Mall of Asia. We arrived just in time but I was shocked to find out that they were just calling out the start of 5km runners so the gun start was delayed by an hour. It was a fun run and we were late so I didn't mind. We, then, took the opportunity to take photos at the venue.

Doggie Runner in action

A few minutes later, the host started calling for 1.5km runner and we went to the starting line. Prok was more concerned with searching for a nice girl instead of running. But he was ready to run when I started speeding up. We ran for half of the distance until he had to mark his territory and pee on the half way marker.

Prok's loot bag is bigger than him

We, then, ran to the finish line and dodging dog poop on the race course until the finish line while trying to catch up with the group of dachshunds. At the finish line, we got his first finisher's medal and Prok was an official doggie runner.

Post Race

Prok's finisher's loot bag was super cool most 'coz it was bigger than him. They offered free dog food, dog shampoo and tons of other stuff. We lined up for a photo with Saint Roche before heading home.

Finished 148/453 doggie runners

We passed on the souvenir photo as the line was super long.

Race Review

I like the relaxed feel in the race venue. It was all about the dogs and their furparents getting as much mementos of the event. I wish these kind of events would be held more than once a year.

Meet the Go Girl Ambassadors

Get to know them by checking out the official social media pages.

Facebook - facebook.com/pages/Go-Girl-Expo
Instagram - @gogirlph

Exceeding Yourself at Run United 1 2015 - Pacer Duties

Run United Series has became a staple event for progressive runners for the past few years. Most runners had made it a point to join in all three events (or more) of the series. This year, the first event also known as RUN UNITED 1 was held last March 8, 2015 at the SM Mall of Asia.

RU2 Pacers

Becoming a Pacer

Last year at the Run United Recovery Run, Unilab Active Health has decided to introduce pacers to help runners reach their target times. It went great so they decided to continue the program and I took the opportunity to join my fellow bloggers to help runners progress by guiding them into their target times. Personally, I was a bit nervous since it has been a while since I did races. But with the pressure of owning up to our promise of a target time time, I had to make it work or die trying.

35 minutes goal

CJ was the lead pacer for our pace group. Since we usually run at the same pace, I led the group with him. I arrived pretty early just to be sure I arrived on time (and I'm also excited). In fact, I arrived just about the time the 21k runners started running and we were running 5km (2 hours earlier). Our pace group also included Nel and Sherdon.

5km RU1 Pacers for 35 minutes

Before gun start, we were introduced in front of the 5km crowd and we even waved to the runners. That was a great experience. Then, we started among the 5km runners. The pace group started running together at around 7min/km. It was a slow start so at the third kilometer, I started speeding up to reach the 6:30min/km goal. At the fourth kilometer, we exceeded the prescribed pace and we had to slow down at the last kilometer to finish at 35 mins.

People paced with us but they didn't keep with us all throughout the race. Some dropped the pace while some went ahead. But this experience will contribute to the next time we'll be pacers and hope more progressive runners will join the pace group all through out next time. I finished at 33 minutes and we then cheered on runners who finished at the same time until our target time at 35 minutes.

It was a fun experience nonetheless.

What's next?

We did it at 35 minutes!

Unilab Active Health is improving the pacer program. Hope my readers and friends would join me in Run United 2 on June 7, 2015 and pace with me at 5km or 10km. Watch out for more announcements in the coming weeks.

Personally, being a blogger pacer is my new motivation. I shall do what I have to do to bring fellow runners to their target times. Let's exceed ourselves together!

See you on Run United 2 2015 on June 7 at SM Mall of Asia!

Garmin Log: https://connect.garmin.com/activity/714214425

Run United 2 2015 - Event Details

Run United 2 2015

June 7, 2015

SM Mall of Asia

Registration Schedule

Prepaid Selling Venues

• RUNNR Store BGC
• Toby’s Shangri-La Mall
• RUNNR Store Trinoma
• Toby’s MOA
• Toby’s Arena Glorietta 2
• Toby’s Robinsons Metro East

Registration Fees

Assembly and Gun Times

Singlet Design

With Chaf Reduction Technology

Finisher's Shirt

Finisher's Medal

For more details, www.runrio.com.

GO GIRL! EXPO: A Pursuit For a Healthy and Active Filipino Women

Press Release

In a study conducted by World Health Organization, more women in the Philippines are considered inactive whether it is occupational, non-occupational, or leisure-related activities (WHO 2010). The same study also reveals that women are more active in domestic activities than men more than ever. Furthermore, physical inactivity may contribute to coronary diseases, diabetes, and obesity.

This is the reason why Jump Start, Fondo Manila and Yabang Pinoy are working together to bring the very first GO GIRL! EXPO- Empowering Healthy and Active Filipinas. It is by promoting a holistic well-being among women--- a healthy and active Filipinas--- can we achieve a healthy and active Philippines. We further define a “GO GIRL!” as a well rounded Filipina that balances life, work , play, adventure, sports and more importantly – knows how to have fun.

GO GIRL EXPO will be held on May 30-31, 2015 at Rockwell Tent, Makati City. This event will be a celebration of every Filipina’s pursuits and women’s success and empowerment in different fields. The expo will feature faces of healthy and active Filipinas from different walks of life- from the working Filipina to moms, from outgoing women to social women. Furthermore, the expo will be a collection of products and services from different companies and industries that will cater to the needs of a healthy and active Filipina.

The expo will also be an avenue for women’s inspiration—tapping Filipinas who are considered “Go Girl!”. These women will share their impassioned stories of both success and struggle, how they achieve where they are now, and what keeps them active despite the daily routine this age has offered to them. Their stories will be installed in a gallery wall together with the commitment board that will gather responses from women of different size and age.

Come and be part of this milestone that will encourage Filipinas to shift from ordinary women to GO GIRL!.

Borlain sisters rule Alaska IronKids Triathlon in Subic

Press Release

Tara and Samantha Borlain again finished one-two in the same category (Girls 11-12) during the 2015 Alaska IronKids Triathlon held in Subic over the weekend. Open to children 6 to 14 years old, Alaska IronKids is the local junior version of the international triathlon series, Ironman.

Tara trailed Sister Samantha in the swim and bike part of the race but relied on her strong finishing run to prevail. Other 1^st place winners in the girl category are Nicole Danielle Eijansantos (13-14), Alison Ann Noble (9-10) and Justicia Mariearl Tan (6-8).

Brent Valelo also relied on a strong run to rule the Boy 13-14. Other 1^st place winners in the boy category are Juan Francisco Baniqued (11-12), Mark Grist (9-10) and Dayshaun Karl Ramos (6-8). 

Christine Levi Gaspar and Una Janus Sibayan placed second and third in the Girls 13-14. Everly Janarie Macalalad finished third in the Girls 11-12.  Patricia Tolentino and Ana Maria Mempin placed second and third in the Girls 9-10. Franchezka Borlain, youngest of the Borlain sisters, and Caitlin Gaw finished second and third in the Girls 6-8.

Sabino Czar Manglicmot IV and John Caleb Barlin placed second and third in the Boys 13-14. Jose Manuel Arao and Karl Rafael Pamakid placed second and third in the Boys 11-12. Matthew Thomas Alumbres and Juan Miguel Tayag placed second and third in the Boys 9-10. Jabrielle Marcos Delizo and Reggeal Victoria placed second and third in the Boys 6-8.

Four races are lined up for 2015— two aquathlons and two triathlons. The next races will be the Alaska IronKids Aquathlon Apr. 19 at The Village Sports Club; the Alaska IronKids Aquathlon in Subic Bay; and the Alaska IronKids Triathlon Aug. 1 in Cebu.

The races will have three categories: Race Category (with Podium Medals) with four age groups; Play Category (with finisher’s medal but no age categories) with short and long distances to promote outdoor play and increase participation for non-competitive participants; and the Relay Category (with Podium Medals) with two mixed age groups.

Alaska Milk Corporation President/CEO Wilfred Steven Uytengsu said he is ecstatic with the huge turnout.

“It’s really nice to see the parents supporting their kids promoting a healthy lifestyle, a lot of kids today spend a lot of time on their iPads or playstations. It’s important to develop your technical skills but you also have to be physically fit,” said Uytengsu.

Alaska IronKids Philippines is an annual sporting event that aims to promote the healthy and active lifestyle among children through the winning combination of proper nutrition and physical activity. The Alaska IronKids Race Series is just one of many sports development programs that Alaska conducts yearly to engage children to come out and play.

Pioneering athletic programs like the Alaska IronKids Philippines Triathlon has managed to take children away from their video game consoles, cellphones and cable TV remotes and out into the sun to swim, bike and run in triathlon races. Alaska’s sports programs hope to encourage children to get into organized sports while learning positive values like hard work, discipline, determination and teamwork. The program for 2015 will continue to bring excitement as it helps future athletes realize their dreams.

Become an inspiring athlete too and join Alaska’s sports programs now! NUTRITION. ACTION. CHAMPION. For general information about the Alaska IronKids please visit www.ironkidsphil.com; Alaska Milk Corporation visit www.alaskamilk.com; and for live Twitter updates follow @ALASKAsportshub & #AlaskaIronkids.

"Why do I run?" - Benjamin Alves for Brooks Running PH

Celebrity Runner Benjamin Alves shares how running fuels him throughout the day.

The Passing of Baton of Leadership in PATAFA

Press Release

2015 is a new dawn for the new leadership of the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association.  The baton of leadership has been passed.

Track and Field has produced a lot of sports heroes in the likes of Lydia De Vega, Elma Muros Posadas, Isidro del Prado, Marestella Torres and so many others. In 2002 Mr. Go Teng Kok formed his GTK Army that reaped honors from international competitions and won the most number of gold medals in the 2003 Vietnam SEA Games and proclaimed as the “Winningest Sports Association”.  This was again duplicated in 2009 when PATAFA was bestowed the honor as the “National Sports Association of the Year” by the Philippine Sportswriters Association. Indeed, the feat of GTK Army is worth emulating and this is a big challenge for the years to come.

The baton has been passed.  It is now in the hands of Dr. Philip Ella Juico.  Dr. Juico is no pushover in sports.  He was the chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission from 1995 up to 1998.  He served also as the chairman of Super Liga from 2013 to 2014. He is the Executive Vice President for the Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines (ICFP) from 1991 up to the present. At present, he is the Director National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) since 2012. He has a weekly sports column for the Philippine Star since 2000.  He also writes occasionally for the Business World (View from Taft) and the Business Mirror (Mirror Image).  He has a weekly radio program (Sports, Balita at Kalusugan) over the AM station of El Shaddai, DWXI..

Dr. Philip Ella Juico has accumulated decades of experience at the most senior levels in government, business/industry organizations, in the academe, and in several NGOs. His strengths are in visioning and strategy formulation, starting up new business organizations, recruiting and developing managerial talent, setting up performance standards and measurement, and negotiations related to joint ventures and other forms of partnerships and marketing/public relations.  These strengths were developed during a career that has spanned more than 40 years and several business cycles.

With Dr. Juico at the helm of PATAFA, his initial program is to bring back the Philippine National Open-Invitational Athletics Championships at its lofty place as the prime project of PATAFA.  With the province of Laguna under Governor Ramil L. Hernandez as the co-host, this annual event will be held at San Luis Sports Complex in Sta. Cruz, Laguna on March 19 -22, 2015.

To invigorate the association, Dr. Juico is inviting several stakeholders in Athletics such as the UAAP, NCAA and the SCUAA and active Athletics Club like TMS Ship and the National Masters and Seniors Athletics Association of the Philippines (NMSAAP) to increase the numbers of Board Members thus having a wider membership and broader minds to work on the plans and programs of PATAFA.

Several ideas are still in the offing. Expect a more vibrant and dynamic PATAFA.

PATAFA Ushers Back the Premier Athletics Championships in the Country

Press Release

On March 19-22, the country will witness the rebirth of its athletics glory. The Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) will be staging, after a five-year absence, the 2015 Philippine National Open-Invitational Athletics Championships at the San Luis Sports Complex in Sta Cruz, Laguna. The Open will be hosted by the Laguna Provincial Government through Gov. Ramil Hernandez with the PATAFA as a partner co-host.

The Philippine National Open-Invitational Athletics Championships is the centerpiece sport event of PATAFA. It is an annual track and field competition showcasing the athletic prowess of current members of the national athletics team pitted against the best of the best across the archipelago. This year, expected to provide formidable competition are over 3,000 up-and-coming and powerhouse track and field athletes all over the Philippines plus invited top-notch athletes from neighboring Asian countries.

The National Open will feature outstanding athletes from China, Chinese Taipei, South Korea, Hong Kong, Brunei, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, Myanmar and the Philippines. Like most of the invited Southeast Asian countries which are preparing their respective track and field contingents for the 28th Southeast Asian Games (SEAG), the Philippines will use this gathering of the Philippines' best in athletics as one of the, if not the final tryouts for coveted slots in the Philippine team to the Singapore SEAG.

An estimated 72 athletes and coaches from the 12 overseas teams (Malaysia is expected to  be represented by both Peninsular and Sabah teams) will provide tough opposition to the local standouts. The Philippines will field entries from the national team, the national training pool and collegiate leagues like the UAAP, NCAA, SCUAA.

The 2015 Philippine National Open-Invitational Athletics Championships is supported by the Philippine Sports Commission with major sponsors Laguna Water, Pacific Online Scratch It KaskaSwerte, Papa John’s, Foton Philippines, PCSO, Smart, PLDT, Summit Natural Drinking Water, minor sponsors SSS, PAGCOR, Milo, Gatorade, L TimeStudio, Asics Watch, and media partners Buisness Mirror, Endurance Magazine, and The Philippine Star.

Pro Earth Run 2015: Run the Race for Mother Earth

Press Release

In its Global Climate Risk Index 2015, Germanwatch listed the Philippines as one of the countries most affected by extreme weather events in 2013.

It also reconfirmed that "less developed countries are generally more affected [by extreme weather] than industrialized countries, and forewarned that “if mitigation efforts are not immediately taken, the world will continue heading down the path towards dangerous climate change.”

Is it a downward spiral from here? Prayerfully, NO.

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” said Chinese Philosopher Lao-tzu. So is the race to protect, respect, and oversee care for Mother Earth.

To increase awareness on environmental responsibility and raise funds for Earth Day Network Philippines' continuing projects and programs, do join the PRO Earth Run on 25 April 2015, 4:30AM, Mall of Asia Grounds, Pasay City. To register, simply click the link below.

Let's all run the race for Mother Earth! 

More information at http://www.earthdayphilippines.org/

Five financial fitness tips to get your accounts in shape

Press Release

Everyone has been there – we pledge to lose weight, eat less, exercise more, gain muscle, and get enough rest. But it’s not just physical fitness that we need to mind. Financial fitness is just as important if we want to secure our well-being, quality of life, and of course, our future. Think it’s hard to get financially fit? Here are five easy steps from UTrade you can take to get started on this road.

Measure yourself. Just as you need to measure your vital statistics before any fitness regimen, it’s equally important to know where you stand on the financial scale. Take stock of your earnings, spending, debt, and investment and create a series of goals.

Save more. Weight gain happens when calories taken in are more than calories burned; conversely, savings decrease when money spent overtakes money set aside. Give up a daily or weekly item – it can be as simple as a daily coffee at a designer coffee house or a lunch out at work and replace them with homemade snacks. The savings can then be used for future goals, whether it’s for a trip or for your future.

Start investing. Gym memberships, workout outfits, even time off to get fit have their financial fitness equivalents. Start looking into investment products that can give more bang for your buck compared with a bank. UTrade is an online stock brokerage that allows you to invest in a variety of products depending on your budget and your goals.

Diversify your portfolio. The best results are seen when you change up your routine, and even when you reward yourself every now and then. The same goes for investing, and even with supplementing your income. For example, you can turn hobbies into income-generating activities. For your investments, your UTrade advisor can assist you in other financial products to invest in, making sure your long-term goals are met.

Look at the long term. Fad diets and pills will not benefit you in the long run. Likewise with being financially fit. Save at least 20% of your salary and reserve at least 3 months’ worth to cover for emergencies. Invest in long-term instruments such as stocks as well to ensure a nest egg for your retirement. An example of a long-term investment is UTrade’s SIP or Stock Investment Program. It allows clients to regularly invest a fixed amount on chosen Philippine stocks for a year or for a longer period. Since it does not rely on current pricing, the investment becomes profitable in the long term the returns are based on the cumulative average cost.

Just follow these financial fitness tips and you will be well on your way to a healthy financial future.

Nat Geo Earth Day Run 2015

April 26, 2015

SM Mall of Asia

Registration Details

ONLINE: February 23, 2015 to April 12, 2015

log on to: www.runrio.com/natgeorun2015

IN STORE: March 16 to April 19, 2015

Registration Sites:

• SM Aura

• Toby’s SM MOA

• Toby’s SM North EDSA

• Toby’s Shangri-La

Singlet Design

 21k/42k Singlet Design

5k/10k Singlet 

Finisher's Shirt Design

42k Finisher's Shirt

21k Finisher's Shirt

Finisher's Medal Design

 21k Finisher's Medal

42k Finisher's Medal

Assembly and Gun Start

Race Routes

 5km Route

 10km Route

 21km Route

42km Route

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL’S EARTH DAY RUN 2015 EXPECTS LARGEST PARTICIPATION OF 20,000 RUNNERS

Press Release

Earth Day Run 2015, powered by National Geographic Channel (NGC), will be introducing new and exciting changes to mark its sixth year as one of the biggest running events in the Philippines. With RunRio at the helm, Earth Day Run 2015 is expecting 20,000 runners to participate on April 26, 2015 at the Mall of Asia Open Grounds, with the addition of 5,000 runners for its Baguio leg. Support from the registration of all participants will help raise money for portable solar powered lighting kits that will be sent to communities in Mindoro, a project of NGC’s environmental partner, World Wildlife Fund for Nature.

These portable solar powered lighting kits will provide light and electricity to the Tawbuid Mangyan tribesfolk and Forest Rangers’ camps that are not directly connected to power grids. The lighting kits eliminate the use of highly-flammable kerosene to light up their homes and gives them access to a safe, stable and sustainable energy source that gives more opportunities for community development and advancement. 

NGC’s Earth Day Run has consistently helped in promoting sustainable living and supporting environmental advocacy utilizing the popular platform of running in its six years of operation. As a result, participation in Earth Day Run has increased year on year, allowing NGC to contribute significantly to various environmental causes. 

Earth Day Run 2015 expects to register 20,000 runners this year, and slots for 5K, 10K, 21K and 42K (Manila leg only) will be open beginning February 23,2015, via online registration at www.runrio.com. On-site registration starts March 16 to April 19 at the Lower Ground Floor, SM Aura Premier BGC.

NGC, together with its partners, aims to raise awareness on the benefits of sustainable energy while ensuring that the events at Earth Day Run 2015 will involve fun celebrations that include races, awards and shows of skill. Besides providing recreation and fitness benefits through Earth Day Run 2015, NGC will also be partnering with its participants to make substantial contributions to the sustainable development of the Tawbuid Mangyan tribesfolk and to provide support to the Mindoro Forest Rangers advocating the preservation of our Tamaraws.

Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA presented by Alaska Regional Selection Camp kicks off at Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Press Release

The Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA young players showed their best shot during the 2-day Regional Selection Camp in Puerto Princesa, Palawan

The 2-day regional selection camp in Puerto Princesa, Palawan concluded with 3 boys and 1 girl as the first batch of Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA hopefuls. Mary Nicole Carlos- 11 years old; Gerald Dagot- 13 years old; Jam Patrick Tinbancaya- 13 years old; and Jahzeel Jared Trinidad- 13 years old will join the 50 boys and 24 girls during the National Training Camp on April 24 to 26 at PICC Forum Tent and SM Mall of Asia.

Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA presented by Alaska Regional Selection Camp will also be held on February 28-March 1 in Biñan, Laguna at Alonte Sports Arena; Iloilo City on March 7-8 at Ateneo de Iloilo; Baguio on March 14-15 at St. Louis University; Bacolod on March 21-22 at St. John’s Institute; Davao on March 28-29 and Manila on April 11-12 at the PICC Forum.

Alaska continues their partnership with Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA this year to nurture young boys and girls become better individuals by encouraging them to embrace a healthy lifestyle, not just by drinking milk but also by leading an active lifestyle through sports.

Become an inspiring athlete too and join Alaska’s sports programs now! NUTRITION. ACTION. CHAMPION. For general information about Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA Philippines, please visit www.jrnba.asia/philippines; Alaska Milk Corporation visit www.alaskamilk.com; Alaska Basketball Power Camp visit www.alaskapowercamp.com/basketball and for live Twitter updates follow @ALASKAsportshub #JrNBAPH #JrWNBAPH