When Nobody Notices…

“Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” -Colossians 3:23

Seven days to go, and I will run again my fifth Ultramarathons (running more than 42 kms). The 2nd edition of Bataan Death March 102 kms from Mariveles Bataan (km 0) to San Fernando Pampanga (km 102) will be done on March 6, 2010  at 12 midnight and will end on March 7, 2010 at 6 pm. That’s right, a cut off time of 18 hours will be implemented same last year. Meaning to say, I must finish the race within 18 hours cutoff period.

Last year, I finished it in 17 hours and 25 minutes, placed 49th overall out of more than 70 runners who have joined and tasted what it like running a distance of 102 kms.

The route was historical. It was where our forefathers together with their American counterparts marched as they were being held  captives by the Japanese soldiers during World War II. Some made it to their destinations but majority died along the way due to hunger, thirst and tiredness.

Joining this race again will enable me to almost feel their pains and sufferings as our heroes then fought for our freedom.

This race will be tough both for the body and to the mind. The brutality of the distance, a cruel 102 kilometers will definitely separate men from the boys.

But beware of those temptations. In wanting to get that ‘bragging right’ to be called  ‘Ultra-runner’, some will deviate from standards.

Some  will cheat specially when no one seems to notice them. They can do it during dark times or in broad daylight.

Ultra-runners must be not only men of endurance but of dignity and integrity. If worse comes to worst, it’s better to quit than to cheat. For you can still look  straight in the eyes with pride and honor in humbling defeat rather than stare valiantly but done deceitfully.

Let’s run this race not only to get people’s  attention but God’s approval as well.

Honesty is the key even if nobody notices.

2/26/2010 Donors Update HOLY RUN on HOLY WEEK 250 Kms RUN For the Chosen Children From Luneta to Baguio City…

Dante Oliver P50

Robert Cruz P50

Let Guieb P50

Erick Guieb P50

Mesopotamia P25

L.Aniel P25

Amazing Grace P35

Conrad Aquino –

Abet son P50

Juvy Pagtalunan –

Jinoe and Quennie Gavan –

code name:Matthew P5 per km for every km that I can run

code name: Pinay from Boston $50 (sent already)

Billy and Mai San Juan P1,000

Danny Almendrala –

‘Anonymous’ UK30 (sent already)

You can deposit your donations on my BDO Savings Account no. 598-002-7964, Fernando de Lara, on or before March 25, 2010. After doing so, send me a notification via sms to this number 0928-5548057. That ‘foundation’ monitors this activity via this blog and my facebook account, so you can have the assurance that your money will be given to them.

God be Praised!

This Little Light Of Mine…

“I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the light that I have. I must stand with anybody that stands right, and stand with him while he is right, and part with him when he goes wrong.” -Abraham Lincoln

When I visited Pandan Island in Mindoro last year, I was fascinated by its beauty. As a beach lover, I have collection of ‘sands’ from various seashores and beaches all over the country.

But going there was not easy. From Laguna, you have to take a bus going to Batangas Pier, ride a ship going to Occidental Mindoro  for more than 2 hours.  Here, in this area, you can see some lighthouses. The structures are varied in size, shape and color, but each has a unique charm and beauty. Pictures of the lighthouses are featured in books and calendars, and some people collect replicas and other lighthouse items.

But lighthouses were not built just to be admired; they were built to hold lights that guide sailors to safety. A lighthouse is most useful and appreciated when, in the darkness of the night, only its light can be seen – not the structure itself.

Let’s admit it. Our world is in complete darkness. You can see and hear it in the news. Wars, famines, murder, killing, recession, corruption, greed, lust, selfishness, love for power…If only we could share a little light, this world can be a better place.

My RUN for A CAUSE can shed some light to those ‘special children’ and I’m glad for some supports coming from unexpected places.

‘Pinay from Boston’ and ‘Anonymous’ sent $50 and UK30 respectively via Western Union and their donations will be given right after my RUN FOR A CAUSE on April 5, 2010 to the ‘CHOSEN CHILDREN FOUNDATION.’

These two people along with the others who pledge certain amount for this worthy cause will shine brightly in the sight of those ‘children.’

Indeed, this  little light of mine can be insignificant in this dying world full of darkness, but if we can unite them together, we can ablaze and put the world on fire.

Arise and Shine, in words and in deeds!

Tomorrow, we will bike all the way from Laguna to Magallanes Cavite, the twilight zone of that area.

God be Praised!

2/24/2010 Donors Update HOLY RUN on HOLY WEEK 250 Kms RUN For the Chosen Children From Luneta to Baguio City…

Dante Oliver P50

Robert Cruz P50

Let Guieb P50

Erick Guieb P50

Mesopotamia P25

L.Aniel P25

Amazing Grace P35

Conrad Aquino –

Abet son P50

Juvy Pagtalunan –

Jinoe and Quennie Gavan –

code name:Matthew P5 per km for every km that I can run

code name: Pinay from Boston $50 (sent already)

Billy and Mai San Juan P1,000

Danny Almendrala –

‘Anonymous’ UK30 (sent already)

You can deposit your donations on my BDO Savings Account no. 598-002-7964, Fernando de Lara, on or before March 25, 2010. After doing so, send me a notification via sms to this number 0928-5548057. That ‘foundation’ monitors this activity via this blog and my facebook account, so you can have the assurance that your money will be given to them.

God be Praised!

Every Inch Of Me!

“Some guys they just give up living, others start dying little by little piece by piece, some guys come home from work and wash up, and go racing in the streets.” -Bruce Springsteen  (American bandleader, rock performer, Singer and Song Writer)

If God will continue to lend me His strength, I want to do the following:

1. BDM 102K Ultramarathon on March 6, 2010

2. Biking from Laguna to Kalibo Aklan, via Caticlan and Boracay on March 11, 2010.

3. A Run For A Cause Luneta to Baguio City 250k on March 30-April 2, 2010.

4. TNF 100 on April 24, 2010.

5. Cobra ironman on August 2010.

That’s why I’m always training for endurance. Yesterday, I biked again a difficult route, from Laguna to ‘Palace in the Sky’ in Tagaytay and vice versa. It was an 89 kms route and I did it in 4 hours and 8 minutes non-stop biking. I said it was difficult because the course  was uphill and rolling terrain. I’m glad to conquer Palace in the Sky by means of biking. It was a tough ride and worth the trip.

Why I’m doing all of these? I love to conquer places. My passion is to dedicate those places to the Lord and claim it for His glory. I anoint those places so that many will come to know HIM.

Let me tell you a brief story:

Shortly before Peter Doot died at age 92, he said, “I am six foot four, and every inch belongs to the Lord.” As a younger man, Peter had left a well paying job so he could serve as an evangelist for his church. He made a profound impact on hundred of lives, even though  he had little formal training.

What made Peter so effective? His way of life. Everybody could clearly see that God was His Master.

We too can make a difference. Let’s yield ourselves to God so that we too can say, “Every inch belongs to the Lord.”

2/24/2010 In our meeting place going to Palace In The Sky…

We arrived here after 2 hours and 15 minutes…

It took away  several calories in reaching this pinnacle. Thank you SPYDER for my sunglasses.

Great view, great ride.

Roaming around the area…

with Dan as we conquered this majestic city.

with dan and Joe.

inside the Palace in the Sky…

At lunch time, we were invited by my dear friend, John Power in his household.

Thank you John for this delicious meal. 🙂

2/24/2010 Donors Update HOLY RUN on HOLY WEEK 250 Kms RUN For the Chosen Children From Luneta to Baguio City…

Dante Oliver P50

Robert Cruz P50

Let Guieb P50

Erick Guieb P50

Mesopotamia P25

L.Aniel P25

Amazing Grace P35

Conrad Aquino –

Abet son P50

Juvy Pagtalunan –

Jinoe and Quennie Gavan –

code name:Matthew P5 per km for every km that I can run

code name: Pinay from Boston $50

Billy and Mai San Juan P1,000

Danny Almendrala –

You can deposit your donations on my BDO Savings Account no. 598-002-7964, Fernando de Lara, on or before March 25, 2010. After doing so, send me a notification via sms to this number 0928-5548057. That ‘foundation’ monitors this activity via this blog and my facebook account, so you can have the assurance that your money will be given to them.

God be Praised!

Wearing Two Pairs Of Shoes At The Same Time!

2/23/2010…In one of our biking adventures in Salawag Dasmarinas Cavite, a 49.8 kms in 2 hours and 39 minutes and 699 calories burned.
“Every man can transform the world from one of monotony and drabness to one of excitement and adventure.” -Irving Wallace

Instead of starting from Monumento, the HOLY RUN on HOLY WEEK will start at a real km 0 post, in Luneta Park, so that the measurement can be almost equal to that of a 250 kms. The route will be from km 0 and  it will just follow the LRT station in Taft, Carriedo, D. Jose, Bambang…all the way there in Monumento. Since there will be an extension in terms of distance, day one’s  time will be adjusted from 5am, to 12:01 am on March 30, 2010.

So for those  who will run with me, take note of that changes.

Also for some update regarding this Run for A Cause: Code name ‘Pinay from Boston’ sent $50 yesterday via Western Union as the first donor. That amount along with the others,  will be given to the ‘CCVF’ on April 5, 2010, during my birthday.

Let me tell you a short story.

Over the past 15 years, a New Jersey businessman has anonymously given away more than $600 million to charities and other beneficiaries. When a legal complication forced him to reveal  his identity, he explained his generosity by saying, “Nobody can wear two pairs of shoes at one time. I simply decided I had enough money.”

What is my point in sharing this?

If you have a spare, share it to others. For you can’t wear two shoes at the same time.

And if you have nothing to share, you can still give a portion of yours.

Giving is not an economic quality but a spiritual attainment. It is not a state of accounts but a state of heart.

After I finish that 250k, I will also donate. Your money plus mine can make a difference for those ‘special children.’

God has given me good health although financially I’m also in dire need but that will not prevent me from helping other people specially those ‘chosen children.’ And this advocacy will continue even after that HOLY RUN.

Thank you SPYDER for my eyewear yesterday.

2/23/2010 Donors Update HOLY RUN on HOLY WEEK 250 Kms RUN For the Chosen Children From Luneta to Baguio City…

Dante Oliver P50

Robert Cruz P50

Let Guieb P50

Erick Guieb P50

Mesopotamia P25

L.Aniel P25

Amazing Grace P35

Conrad Aquino –

Abet son P50

Juvy Pagtalunan –

Jinoe and Quennie Gavan –

code name:Matthew P5 per km for every km that I can run

code name: Pinay from Boston $50

Billy and Mai San Juan P1,000

Danny Almendrala –

You can deposit your donations on my BDO Savings Account no. 598-002-7964, Fernando de Lara, on or before March 25, 2010. After doing so, send me a notification via sms to this number 0928-5548057. That ‘foundation’ monitors this activity via this blog and my facebook account, so you can have the assurance that your money will be given to them.

God be Praised!

Sharing The Pain!

“The greater your capacity to love, the greater your capacity to feel the pain.” -Jennifer Aniston

I appreciate these people who will run with me on HOLY WEEK on HOLY RUN FOR A CAUSE on March 30 – April 2, 2010.

Abet Henson   day 1 –  km 0 to km 70

Romy Irevera  day 1 to day 4- km 0 to km 250

Totoy Santos   day 1 to day 4 -km 0 to km 250

And still, many are contemplating of joining us for this worthy cause.

Truth to say, Holy Week is the best time to be with your family, to have a vacation after those tiring months  from the office. And joining this event is a little bit ‘boring, weird and painful.’ And expensive too. The logistics, supplies, foods and drinks, those fees for inns   must be shouldered individually by each runners. We will just look for cheap inn at night so that we can renew our strength at daytime.

If you can’t sacrifice a little bit for this worthy cause, then this RUN is not for you. This is not a fun run or just mere publicity to gain popularity. In fact, some  people will antagonize  you for doing this. But you can’t please everybody. I can’t be affected by that, knowing the authenticity of my motive, I’ll go on.

Here are some guidelines for those who will join me RUN for this notable cause:

1. All expenses must be provided by each runners.

2. We will run as a group and I’m the pacer for this event.

3. Our target mileage for each day will be: Day 1 morning 5am-minimum 35 kms, afternoon 4pm-30 kms

Day 2 morning 4am-minimum 35 kms, afternoon 4pm-30kms

Day 3 morning 4am-minimum 35 kms, afternoon 4pm-30 kms

Day 4 morning 4am-30 kms and after 2 hours break, we will resume running/walking the remaining 25 kms on the way to the finish line which is the Burnham Park.

Note: time can be can be changed or adjusted specially the 4am. We will see if the place is accessible to run during that period. I advise all who will join to bring headlamps/blinker lights.

4. To prevent heat stroke or possible skin cancer, we will not be running from 10am up to 3.59 pm not unless the day is cloudy. That’s why we will start at 4am. We will have plenty of time to spare before reaching the 35 kms mark.

Visit this blogsite from time to time for more updates.

Also, for those who can’t run with us, you can also help this advocacy by donating an amount not ‘too painful’ for you. For the sake of Holy Week and for those ‘special children’, you can make a difference.

2/22/2010 Donors Update HOLY RUN on HOLY WEEK 250 Kms RUN For the Chosen Children From Monumento to Baguio City…

Dante Oliver P50

Robert Cruz P50

Let Guieb P50

Erick Guieb P50

Mesopotamia P25

L.Aniel P25

Amazing Grace P35

Conrad Aquino –

Abet son P50

Juvy Pagtalunan –

Jinoe and Quennie Gavan –

code name:Matthew P5 per km for every km that I can run

code name: Pinay from Boston $50

Billy and Mai San Juan P1,000

Danny Almendrala –

You can deposit your donations on my BDO Savings Account no. 598-002-7964, Fernando de Lara, on or before March 25, 2010. After doing so, send me a notification via sms to this number 0928-5548057. That ‘foundation’ monitors this activity via this blog and my facebook account, so you can have the assurance that your money will be given to them.

Those ‘special children’ are hurting. I and my three companions will be in pain too on March 30-April 2, 2010.

Hoping you could share your ‘pain’ with us.

God be Praised!

Eyes For The Prize! (My Triathlon Experience)

“You can stand tall without standing on someone. You can be a victor without having victims.” – harriet woods

First time to swim this way, and I’m so nervous!

with Ultra-runner Caloy Nobleza during our ‘water warm-up.’

In the transition period, from swimming to biking.

I’m ready to pedal!

At the finish line with friends…

Let me continue my story about my first ever triathlon done yesterday here in San Pedro Laguna.

As I emerged from the pool coming from a 750 meters competition, I grabbed my bike and I’m ready to pedal my way for a 20 kms. route. We have to complete an 8  loops from Nonino Resort going to a Bridge, then turning right at the intersection going to San Pedro Town Proper then turn right again to Noninos. It was  a loop of more or less 2.2 kms, similar to that of  A FAT ASS  24 hours RACE in Clark where I also joined last January 6, 2010.  On my 4th loop, I fell down from my bike as I crossed  a railway.  There was a minor scratch and pain, but it  was tolerable. My good friend, Ultra-runner Caloy Nobleza whom I invited was not so lucky enough. He also fell on the same spot in different occasion and he suffered wounds on his knees. As a true warrior as he is, he was able to conquer that setback, and like me,  he became a triathlete yesterday. After more than 20 minutes, I completed the loops and now I’m ready to run.

But there was a problem. My legs were not accustomed to running after swimming and biking. And so, I have a difficulty running my first kilometer.  It was so hard. It was painful. It was like I already ran an 80 kms. Maybe, I lost 50% of my strength in swimming and another 25% in biking. I only have 25% left strength left in me and still  4 kms to go before reaching the finish line.

All of a sudden,  a  reliable source  yelled at me in the last 2.5 kms of that triathlon and he told me that I could still make it in the top 3 in my age category. That was very tempting. Me, to be included in the top 3? Why not?

I regained my last strength and reached the finish line in an approximate time of 1 hour and 15 minutes or less.

Here comes the awarding…

But my name was not called.

As I checked my status later, I learned that I’m at  the 4th place.

There might be  a ‘manipulation’ in the awarding of prizes but I’m not so sure about it, besides, I have no evidence to prove it. I’m only thinking why a certain athlete  should be given two awards, one in the top 3 and the other in the age category? If you’re already included in the top 3, I think you’re no longer eligible to win in the age category group to give way for another deserving athlete. I maybe wrong, but that is my thought regarding this event.

In fairness to those winners, all of them are  strong triathletes, no doubt about it.

I’m not after for a ‘prize’ but I’ll accept it willingly If  it really belongs to me.

I must train harder and better. But first, let me polish my swimming skills.

Let me thank the following people for this event:

Ivan Sarmiento for lending me his goggles in the swimming competition.

Fred for inviting me for this event.

Benny Marzan for watching me and in many times became my photographer.

Joe Asuncion for motivation.

SPYDER for my eyewear.

LORD JESUS for being with me all the way.

YOU…for reading this blog.

See you in the 2nd edition of Bataan Death March 102 kms on March 6, 2010.

God be Praised!

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2/2i/2010 Donors Update HOLY RUN on HOLY WEEK 250 Kms RUN For the Chosen Children From Monumento to Baguio City…

Dante Oliver P50

Robert Cruz P50

Let Guieb P50

Erick Guieb P50

Mesopotamia P25

L.Aniel P25

Amazing Grace P35

Conrad Aquino

Abet son P50

Juvy Pagtalunan ?

Jinoe and Quennie Gavan ?

code name:Matthew P5 per km for every km that I can run

code name: Pinay from Boston $50

Billy and Mai San Juan P1,000

May the Lord bless you all!

I Survived My First ‘Triathlon!’

“The more you help, the more powerful you can be.” -Ronnie de Lara

No. 1 at last hahaha

At the finish line 1 hour and 15 minutes…

After 4 years of running and 3 months of biking…I earned another title. Thank You Lord!

I’m amazed with my courage to join a triathlon even though I have no basic training in swimming. I can endure, no doubt about it, but the thought that I’m going to swim a 750 meters is really frightening. I can bike and I can run, but swimming? Never mind.

I can still remember when I’m still a young kid then. I used to swim a lot in the river which was so near in our house in Cavite. In fact, I learned to swim  at the age of 5, when a notorious guy threw me in the midst of the river which was so deep. I don’t want to die so early and so I kicked, I jerked, I  struggled until I reached the riverside. The bully laughed maniacally  upon seeing me survived, but I was crying then  because I swallowed plenty of water. Unknown to me, that will be  the start of my journey in swimming. I learned swimming in a hard way in an  unorthodox style and I paid a lot this morning in terms of skills  when I joined my first ever triathlon.

The event started at 6:30 am with I think more than 50 participants. I can sensed early on that all of the participants were all veteran triathletes, through their attires, gadgets and physique. After a brief introduction, the race begun with a 750 meters swimming competition. The pool size was 50 meters and so I need 15 turn arounds to get it done. Saying it was so easy, doing it was another story.

On my first loop, I have a difficulty in breathing already. On the 4th, I have leg pains, on the 6th, shoulder pains. On the 10th, I’ m so tired like a horse. But you know, I’m not at the bottom. Maybe I’m at the middle of those triathletes. My swimming style was ‘dog swim’ style only but I was able to catch up with them or subdued some of them.

Of course, I was able to finish my biking and running competitions too  in  decent times.

I’m overjoyed when I learned that I placed 4th in my age category. Way to go in triathlon but I’ll embrace it too as one of my sports.

Pictures to follow later.

Need to rest for a while.

God be Praised!

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2/20/2010 Donors Update HOLY RUN on HOLY WEEK 250 Kms RUN For the Chosen Children From Monumento to Baguio City…

Dante Oliver P50

Robert Cruz P50

Let Guieb P50

Erick Guieb P50

Mesopotamia P25

L.Aniel P25

Amazing Grace P35

Conrad Aquino

Abet son P50

Juvy Pagtalunan ?

Jinoe and Quennie Gavan ?

code name:Matthew P5 per km for every km that I can run

code name: Pinay from Boston $50

Billy and Mai San Juan P1,000

Touch Me In The Morning!

“I would rather feel compassion than know the meaning of it.” -Thomas Aquinas

When I visited the Chosen Children Village in Silang Cavite last Thursday, I was overwhelmed with the way those children coped up with their difficulties. If I’m not mistaken, I saw more than 70 children  ages from 1 to 16, and almost all of them have existing paralysis such as Down Syndrome (a condition in which extra genetic material causes delays in the way a child develops both physically and mentally), Hydrocephalus (intracranial pressure inside the skull and progressive enlargement of the head, convulsion and mental disability.) and a Cerebral Palsy. And most of them are blinds.

With the help of Mam NoreenAvetria, I was able to see them inside their classroom while having a lesson, on their break time, inside their rooms, and a group of small children on their wheelchairs, for majority of them can’t even walk.

I have also  had the opportunity to see those children placed on the ‘isolated area’ which was very clean and organized. The scenario here was so moving. Only a heart of stone will not cry upon seeing these little angels.

As I entered that room, many children ran after me and grabbed my hands. They don’t talk for they can’t speak. As I looked into their eyes, they were so happy that a man like me visited them. Maybe they missed their dad for all their lives, maybe they haven’t seen one. Maybe I’m different on their sight. Maybe they saw me as an angel. Or just an ordinary human being who will just pass by and will do nothing.

Before  I left that place, I saw the scenario above, and asked permission to take a picture. A small child who was sitting on the wheelchair has a hydrocephalus and  that young male teenager who was pushing a stroller has a Cerebral Palsy. He had a plastic helmet on his head, as a protection maybe  just in case his paralysis attacks.

Instead of touching them that morning, I’m the one who was touched by their will power to survive. Their smiles, their cries and the way they touched my hands will forever remain in my heart.

Hoping I could help in my own little way!

You inspired me to continue living. Thank you my little angels. Now I see life in different perspective. 🙂

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2/20/2010 Donors Update HOLY RUN on HOLY WEEK 250 Kms RUN For the Chosen Children From Monumento to Baguio City…

Dante Oliver P50

Robert Cruz P50

Let Guieb P50

Erick Guieb P50

Mesopotamia P25

L.Aniel P25

Amazing Grace P35

Conrad Aquino

Abet son P50

Juvy Pagtalunan ?

Jinoe and Quennie Gavan ?

code name:Matthew P5 per km for every km that I can run.

God bless you ALL!

My First Ever Triathlon Tomorrow Is For Those ‘Chosen Children!’

“How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because some day in life you will have been all of these.” -George Washington Carver

I will try to join my first ever Triathlon tomorrow, February 20, 2010 here in San Pedro Laguna dubbed as ‘First Sampaguita Sprint Triathlon.’ It comprises of 750 meters swim, 20 kms bike and 5 kms run. Entry fee is P200 only,  organized by SPTUSA (San Pedro Team Unified Sports Association) and Sponsored by Mayor Calixto Cataquiz and Vice Mayor Celso Ambayec.

Prizes are P3,000 for the first placer, P2,000 for the 2nd placer and P1,000 for the third, both for male and female. There will also be age category in each group.

There’s also a nice commemorative singlet for those finishers.

And what a nice exposure for those who will join the Camsur’s ‘Ironman’ this coming August 2010.

Now, I don’t know how to swim  for my swimming lesson hasn’t started yet so  what’s the purpose of my joining?

If  I could finish this event, I’ll donate a certain amount for the benefit of those ‘Chosen Children.’ The challenge for me is on the swimming competition where  I have no basic training. All I knew is a little bit ‘dog swim’ style but it is a 750 meters distance and I don’t know if I could sustain using my style for the entire duration of the swimming competition. That’s the challenge. If I could not finish it, then I have nothing to give for those ‘Chosen Children.’ But since, I really wanted to help, I’ll finish it even if  I’m the last ‘triathlete’ to reach the finish line.

And on Sunday, we will try to reach Magallanes Cavite by means of biking, the twilight zone of that Province, farther than Ternate Cavite.

I will continue exploring places and reach those uncharted territories.

Remember, a good heart is better than all the heads and skills  in the world.

In one of our biking adventures somewhere in Quezon Province, a more or less 100  kms away from my residence with my SPYDER eyewear.

God be Praised!

Wanted: More Hearts With Compassion!

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” -Dalai Lama

I went to the ‘Chosen Children Village Foundation’ this morning by means of biking with my cycling  mentor and the President of TEAM TURBO, Joe Asuncion.  We were  supposed to be more than ten but at the last minute, some of my biking buddies backed off due to some unavoidable reasons. The address on their website is km 48, General Emilo Aguinaldo Highway, Lalaan 2 Silang Cavite.

We reached this km 48 post in 1 hour and 35 minutes, all the way from San Pedro Laguna.

Joe Asuncion, a Triathlete veteran with  many honors and awards under his name.

I conquered this place with a total time of 2 hours and 45 minutes (back and forth), 51.6 kms distance, average speed of 18.6 kms per hour with a maximum speed of 39.6 kms per hour. Also, I burned 710 calories for this biking activity.

The actual location is not at that km 48 marking but some 800 meters more going to Tagaytay, you can see this signage.

At the outpost, you can see this…

As we approached  that village, the security guard greeted us and he  was so courteous. I introduced myself to him and I told him I have an appointment with Mam Noreen because last night, I emailed her regarding my intention to visit this place.

As we entered her office, I noticed that my name was written on the ‘white board’ of the CCVF calendar. I met Mam Noreen and she toured us to one of the most ‘endearing’ places I have ever visited…

I also noticed a popular actress who donated a building for this foundation. With that, I salute you Mam.

Hats-off to you Mega Star!

I’m not allowed to take pictures of those children to protect their identities but all of them are special in a way that they are ‘physically and mentally’ challenged. You can see it with this notice…

After getting a permission, I was allowed to take this because you can’t see their faces. The one sitting has a Cerebral Palsy and the one standing has a Dawn Syndrome and majority of them are blinds. When I saw this, I cried silently.

Me too have galore of problems but the moment I saw them, I was strengthened and  energized and I vow to help them. My 250 kms run is for them!

Those children touched my heart and I will not allow any selfishness and hypocrisy  ruin my 250 kms HOLY RUN on HOLY WEEK from Monumento Caloocan City to Baguio City on March 30 to April 2, 2010.

Thank you Bro for being with me as I visited this ‘heavenly place’ for those special children.

Before, I run and bike just to conquer places. Now, I want to do it for a worthy cause!

After almost 2 hours of orientation, we left that village at 10:45 am. As I took my bike, I said to myself that, “LIFE, EVEN THE HARDEST LIFE, IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND WONDERFUL GIFT GOD HAS GIVEN.”

Thank you Mam Noreen Avetria, for a very nice accommodation. As promised, I did not post your picture here. 🙂

To all who would like to be a part of my RUN FOR A CAUSE for those ‘CHOSEN CHILDREN’, this blogsite will be happy to hear from you.

Run for a cause. It may not be a popular choice but in God’s eyes, you’re the real winner!

Remember,  You can give without loving but you cannot love without giving.

God be Praised!