Guess Who's Studying Law for Midterms?

"Dura lex sed lex"  means ---
"The law may be hard to observe or difficult to obey, but it remains the law and must be therefore followed just the same"

Rah and Marge Covering Hot and Cold in a Jeepney

Just wanna share an intermission number Marge and I did last week in our school student body's Meeting de Avance. While studying for my next class, Marge asked me if I could accompany her sing - that same afternoon. Without thinking twice, I said yes. We played Katy Perry's Hot and Cold mashed up with Jeepney by Isponds Cola :)

 Enjoy. :)


 

Thanks for watching.

Our Kite Flying Date

There's nothing like a 10 peso peddler cotton candy in Rizal Park.
It just brings out the child in us.

Paying tribute to our National Hero, Jose Rizal.

Here's our one hundred peso kite who we named Ego the Eagle.

Up up and away! Launch pad at Quirino Grandstand grounds.

Fly fly away! There's our kite right there.
"Hang on there, Ego!"

And then, suddenly, there was no wind. So, Ego the Eagle crashed.
Here's my second attempt to launch him. Running came handy :)

We decided to retire our kite for the day. All the wind was in Binondo because it was Chinese New Year! Our next mission -- find the water dragon and witness a lion dance.

Why I'm Running

with my running mate Bong

"The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start." -John Bingham

I run because it makes me happy. I will keep on running until the day it ceases to bring happiness.

Pouring out one's reasons for running is hard. Like a confession, it is personal. Some may not understand, some may not care at all, but it is my hope that in some way people will discover the right sport for them as we runners did, whether it's running or something else.

There are a lot of reasons why people get into running: to lose weight, to heal a broken heart, to overcome adversity, some run for fitness, some - a combination of different reasons. I guess I found my self running because of a combination of different reasons, too. But if I were to choose just one reason, I think it is because of this: "Running makes me happy." Whenever I see people running, I'm like a child in awe. It's like a circus show, a cotton candy, a balloon, and all the things that can make a child in me amazed and inspired. When I'm in a park, a track oval, a race, anywhere where people are running, it's almost as if I can absorb their happy auras. The happiness running brought to my life changed my life in ways I never imagined possible.

With my speedster cousin Donna

I was insomniac ever since I can remember. The long nights were endless and the mornings were torture. I was a zombie throughout the day and an owl at night. Through the years I've tried to cure myself of this curse. Milk, listening to soft music, beer, sleeping pills, counting sheep, nothing worked - not until I tried running in the morning. I resolved to buy the largest, loudest alarm clock at SM; I resolved to set it up at five every morning and told myself that no matter what, I will run. Running at a regular schedule brought my sleeping patterns back to normal, the quality of my sleep has tremendously improved, sleeping on time became easy, and mornings have become as beautiful as ever before. Sunrise. It is glorious. For me a single sunrise is better than a hundred sunsets.

Running also showed me what commitment is about. Before I was running, I was scared to commit in anything. I was afraid to pour in my heart into something. It seemed to me that every goal was the ultimate end. I just wanted to finish a task for the sake of just finishing it. I just wanted to be on the background. I hated groups, I hated organizations, I hated any institution that required sticking around. But when I discovered my love for running, I realized that commitment isn't that hard if you're doing something that makes you happy.

Air running and the runner's high :)

Just like in running, I realized that commitment isn't a goal but a journey. It is doing what makes you happy daily (with regularity). Just like in running, where the finish line is not the ultimate reward, the prize in commitment is the belief that it makes you a better person - the belief that you are part of something larger, a bigger plan, something really important, and you are happy fulfilling that plan as a journey. In other words, running helped me discover the beauty of living in the present, living in the "now."

Running has changed my perspective ever since. I started watching out what I eat. I started looking after my health. I started to be more understanding and more spiritual. Running trained me to endure more physical and mental stress. The sense of regularity and rhythm that comes with my running allowed me to think more clearly and more efficiently - which translates to better performance at work and in school.

God has blessed me with two legs, two lungs, one heart, and two eyes with a vision. Each stride is like a prayer of gratitude for all the blessing God has given me. Everyday at five in the morning, I wake up, lace my shoes, and jog my self to church to pray. Running gives me something to look forward to. Running pushes my limits, works out my endurance, speed, and gives me direction. There's nothing quite like it. I believe it is worthy pursuit - it just makes me feel more alive. Running is love that grows in time.

The prize in running in my book, isn't medals, personal acclaim, cash prizes, personal records, loot bags, running with celebrities, no it's not. For me, running is the prize itself. And having realized that fact - brings joy to my life.

Goodnight Bimby and Klowee

Look what I've found out, best friends talaga ang doggy at cat naming si Bimbybells at si Kloweebells :) Kahit sa pag tulog, magkatabi sila :D Ang tweet tweet :)

Goodnight Bimby and Klowee :) Tsup :*

Running P10k at the Stag Run 2012:

Last Sunday morning I had an amazing time with my classmates. It's my first time to run with them. I'm so happy they are into running, too. I didn't sign up for the 2012 Stag Run: Takbo para sa Edu-Misyon, but it is included in our tuition fee. So whether we run it or not, it has been paid. Parang hold-up. 500 Pesos registration fee will get you a singlet, bib with no timing chip, and a free breakfast at Jollibee.

Ace, Judy, Raahh, Bong

I woke up early to meet up with my running mate Bong at McDonald's at P. Campa in Espana, had some hot chocolate and pancakes and from there we went to the Aseana City near the SM Mall of Asia where the race was held. We arrived around 4.30 a.m, but the race didn't start until six. Before the actual run, there were first, prayers, opening remarks, stretching, dancing, cheer dancing, at other things to occupy our time until the sky lightened up so that we can see the road. 

No timing chip, can't time your run.

We had a great run; although, it could have been organized better. One thing that raised our eyebrows was that after we finished the race, Garmin watches confirmed that the route wasn't really 10k but instead a little short of 7k. Kaya pala, I was surprised I finished the race at 40 minutes, only to find out it wasn't really 10k. It was misleading.

P10k = parang ten k, pero hindi. hehe

While I wish the organizers respected the sport of running -- by keeping a more accurate time, measuring the route precisely; and by starting the race on time, you have to put this race in it's proper perspective. This fun run is, first of all, a fund raising event.  It's not for the traditional consumer of professionally organized races. It's just what it is - a fun run meant  for charity.

I wish the fund they have raised from this event goes far more than 10k. I wish it reaches indigent students in need of education. I wish it will also support missionaries in spreading the Good News in the far corners of Sierra Leone in Africa.

There are no races anywhere near my radar soon, so I guess I'll get back to my daily jogging around our block. I'm slowly getting my groove back on. I jog everyday from our house to church then back. I'll tell you about that probably in my next post.

Thanks Judy and Sir Larry for the pictures :) 

Ciao!

-rah

Running My First 10 Kilometer Race: The PSE Bull Run 2012

PSE Bull Run. There were no bulls in sight.
This run ain't no bull*h\3.

"What! It's this Sunday already?!" I exclaimed as my running mate Bong reminded me of the schedule of our upcoming  race while running laps around the Acad Oval.

Here's a little recap of what happened in my ever first 10k race dubbed as, PSE Bull Run: Takbo Para sa Ekonomiya which was held last Sunday, January 8, 2012. The race was said to be a part of Philippine Stock Exchange's advocacy to inform the public about the Philippine Stock Market.

I almost didn't wake up for the race. We went to a party a night before, had a couple of drinks and long chats. I was supposed to go home early to get a lot of rest, but a long lost friend or ours showed up just before when we were about to pack up. We haven't seen this guy for a year - not a word about him. We were happy that he's back.

It was almost 2 am when I got home. I went straight to bed. It was a deep sleep. Thank goodness my dream was about running. I suddenly remembered that I was supposed to wake up at 3:30. I gathered all of my strength to pulled my self out the bed. The clock didn't alarm because I accidentally set it at 3:30 "p.m." I pulled out my gym bag and laced my shoes as fast as I can. The time was 4:00 a.m. We were running very late.

Where's the party?

Sweet Pea prepared her things, too. She didn't have to go with me to the race, but she did to show her support. Without wasting time, we went to the nearby McDonalds to pick up my running mate Bong.

"This race is meant to be. I wouldn't have waken up if it weren't. " - I told Sweet Pea while sipping my coffee. And just like that, I promised to do my best for my very first 10k. 1 hour and 30 is my goal time.

We made it to the event with time to spare to take a wee-wee and warm up. A couple of high knees, butt-kick, sprints, light stretches and I was ready to go. The weather was great. The cool breeze of the morning was just right. I kinda missed the usual festive mood that comes with races, though. This event was laid back, everyone seemed to just wanna run. There weren't a lot of smiling people here.

I won't give up on a miracle.

Bong and I didn't get a good position at the starting line. This little mistake caused us a lot of time getting through a sea of 10k runners. Saying "excuse me, excuse me..." to get through slower runners can really drain your energy.

There was no gun start. They replaced the gun start with the sound of bells to sound like the start of Stock Exchange trading sessions. It was kinda like the start a boxing match. Ting ting ting!

The Kalayaan Flyover was very dark and dangerous. I don't know what happened to the street lights. It was too dark and beam lights from cars form the opposite direction were hurting our eyes.We were merely guided by faint silhouettes. I felt a little scared and distracted that I had to slow my pace down.

Whatta pace! :)
It was around the 8th kilometer 
when I "shot" my self. hehe 

Around the 5k mark, the acidity from the coffee I drank earlier kicked in and started to slow me more. I stopped by the next water station to try to flush the acidity in, fortunately, it got back to normal. There were already too many distractions so I decided to use my metronome and set my pace strides. I turned on my music player started listening to Paramore songs. "Miracle" seemed to be bringing in more energy to my every stride.



On my Blackberry a song was playing...
Miracle by Paramore

xxx
I'm not going
Cause I've been waiting for a miracle
And I'm not leaving
I won't let you
Let you give up on a miracle
Cause it might save you
xxx

Finally, my last kilometer, I gathered all my balls for a that last big kick.

Finish line.

I don't know my official time, but the big timer at the finish line says 1 hour and 3 minutes. I'm so glad I finished the race. The runner's high - it feels really good.

A woman beside me was upset because she didn't make the sub one hour goal time. Another guy feels really bad because he didn't beat his personal record. I observed that a lot of runners were disappointed of their own run even if they were running very fast already.

You know, I realized there are only two things that can happen in a finish line: either you're happy with what your run or you're not. For me though, I always believed that the prize is the race itself. Just the fact that I got there, running and happy with friends and love ones - that's the prize; and it makes me feel very fortunate.

Honestly, my only disappointment was that the loot bag for 10k was lame and uninteresting, 1 Apple, 1 Banana,1 Canned beans (dapat ba talaga A-B-C? hehehe nangaasar ba kayo? :)  450 pesos registration for these?

Me and Bong together with Coach Rio, The Face of
Philippine Running.

Good thing our pic with Coach Rio kinda made up for my loot bag rant. :)

Can't wait for my next race. :) 'Till then!

Cheerio!

-- Rah

2012 Starbucks Planner

2012 Starbucks Planner

Two days ago I received a gift from Sweet Pea - the 2012 Starbucks Planner in spruce design. The planner is beautiful, but the particular planner given to me is twice as beautiful because it was given with so much thoughtfulness.

I stopped collecting Starbucks Planners two years ago because it's expensive and takes a lot of my time to collect the stickers. I just wanted a cheapo planner from National Bookstore like last year (which I ended up not using), so it really came as a surprise when Sweet Pea gave me a 2012 Starbucks Planner as a gift. You see, Starbucks Planners are not just ordinary planners, they are collector's items. Maybe that's the reason why they are a bit hard to get.

What's new about this year's planner is that the cover is made out of wood (And they are supposed to be environmentally friendly huh?), it's smaller, and comes with a coffee canvas-like pouch. It also comes with the usual year-round freebies at the back.

I like its sleek and simple design, but unfortunately, I also know a lot of people who don't like this year's planner design at all. And it's like that every year, two opinions: some love it, others don't. But love it or hate it, I guess Starbucks Planners are always interesting to own, use, or give as a gift.

Now I can plan ahead my schedules in style. Thanks again, Sweet Pea. I really appreciate it. Now, let me treat you to a drink. :)

Cheers!


pic from here.

Anti-Goals: Its Virtues

I wanted to write something about the virtues of not setting goals and being happy with it. I've been trying to find out ways to do this for the longest time, but I found a similar posted on the Zen Habits Blog that basically says all I wanted to say anyway.

New Years Resolutions, are pipe dreams; and setting goals are a waste of time. Plans are pointless, considering that life is really chaotic and unpredictable. So instead of making plans, goals, and resolution, focus on the habits that you enjoy. Daily habits. Do these habits with consistency. Focus on few practices that you enjoy doing regularly.

This is a re-post of the with the permission of the author. Here is the original link to his post.

How to Have the Best Year of Your Life (without Setting a Single Goal)

Editor’s note: This is a guest post from Jeff Goins of Goins, Writer.

This new year, do something different: stop setting goals.

If the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results, then making resolutions for another year is a sure-fire way to drive yourself crazy. I did it for years, and it got me nothing.

Resolutions are pipe dreams, and goals are a waste of time. They are designed to trick you into believing all you need to change your life is a plan.

But plans don’t work. Life is too chaotic and busy. For most of us, it’s impossible to stick to a list of goals for more than a few weeks, not to mention an entire year.

So how do you change your life? By controlling what you can: your daily habits.

The Pointlessness of Plans

Most good things happen without a plan: friendships, falling in love, finding a job, and so on. If you want to make your new year count, you’ll need to be intentional — not by setting goals, but by making space in your life for what really matters.

This was how I was able to get into shape, launch a blog, train for a half-marathon, get a book deal, and keep my day job this year — while loving every minute of it.

Most productivity systems focus on beginning with the “end in mind” and setting goals to get there. Many are based on the assumption that in order to get what you want later, you’re have to give up what you want now. You work the plan, endure pain, and win.

But this is not the only path you can take.

I just finished one of the best years of my life, and most of it was completely unplanned. How did I do it? By creating new disciplines I actually liked doing. I wasn’t only fixated on the end results; I also enjoyed the process.

This is the secret to a healthy, productive life and to making an impact on the world. Create good, sustainable habits that you enjoy, and you’ll end up with a life you can be proud of.

Instead of Goals

There is an alternative to setting goals that will bring you closer to the life you want. Focus on a few practices you can enjoy doing on a regular basis. The trick here is consistency. These four helped me:

• Get up early. When the world wakes up, distractionsabound. If you are going to focus on creating a new life for yourself, you’ll need to find the time. The best way to do this is to work while others are sleeping. At first, I didn’t like waking up before the sun, but eventually my body adjusted and I began looking forward to the solitude.
• Over-commit. The adage “under-promise and over-deliver” is a farce. It only propagates the status quo. Real difference-makers push boundaries. They test, prod, and poke until something gives. You can do this, too, by saying “yes” to more things than you’re comfortable with. Learn to stretch yourself. You might be surprised by what you’re actually capable of. Your confidence will grow, too.
• Talk to strangers. Relationships are what make the world go round. This is true for your career, personal well-being, and inner life. When you meet new people, you make connections that can lead to all kinds of future breakthroughs. Even when it’s uncomfortable, reach out and introduce yourself to new people. The worst they can say is “no.” Fortunately, many won’t.
• Practice generosity. Give away your time, money, services, and ideas. When you do this, you will get a lot more than you give. People will learn to trust you, and if you really help them, they will tell others about you. This will build your reputation, and you will have more friends than you know what to do with. And as the saying goes, what goes around really does come around.

After a year of doing these things, I ended up with a life I couldn’t have imagined or planned for. And I had a blast doing it. So I’m going to do it all over again, without setting a single goal.

The best year of your life is within reach — if you are willing to give up on the craziness of plans and instead focus on creating new habits. The first step is to begin.

Happy New Year! Good Vibes 2012!

View from our streets 2012 at 12am. :)

Welcoming 2012 with a bang! Hoping for a prosperous new year for you, for me, and for all!! Cheers!