tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30810645596984480302024-03-13T11:41:21.631+08:00The Good Run"...let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." - Hebrews 12:1liannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031320368381128188noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081064559698448030.post-70931539695927545132013-08-07T07:42:00.001+08:002013-08-07T07:42:49.286+08:00Today's Devo<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I have to be honest. I haven't done my quiet time in a while. I try to read the Bible as much as I can; and I have constant conversations with God throughout the day, but lately, I haven't set aside time alone with God to talk with Him and read His word. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I know I have to do my devo. There is so much I want to know. I need wisdom and understanding. Before going to work today, I decided to have breakfast at the coffeeshop across the street. I was listening to John Waller's "While I'm Waiting" on loop. As I walked in, the song, "Everything" by Lifehouse was playing. I knew that God is with me. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Here is a part of the song: </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">"Find me here, and speak to me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">I want to feel you, I need to hear you</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">You are the light that's leading me to the place</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">Where I find peace again</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">You are the strength that keeps me walking</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">You are the hope that keeps me trusting</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">You are the life to my soul</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">You are my purpose</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">You're everything."</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">And this is what I read in my devo: Psalm 32:8-10</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Ps-32-8" id="en-NIV-14364" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">8 </sup>I will instruct<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14364A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> you and teach you<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14364B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> in the way you should go;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-32-8" style="position: relative;">I will counsel you with my loving eye on<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14364C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> you.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-32-9" id="en-NIV-14365" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">9 </sup>Do not be like the horse or the mule,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-32-9" style="position: relative;">which have no understanding</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-32-9" style="position: relative;">but must be controlled by bit and bridle<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14365D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-32-9" style="position: relative;">or they will not come to you.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-32-10" id="en-NIV-14366" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">10 </sup>Many are the woes of the wicked,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14366E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-32-10" style="position: relative;">but the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>’s unfailing love</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-32-10" style="position: relative;">surrounds the one who trusts<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14366F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup> in him.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-32-10" style="position: relative;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-32-10" style="position: relative;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I was reminded again that my primary purpose on earth is to glorify Him. Indeed, He is everything in my life. He is my light, my strength, my hope, my life. I know I've been a bit lost and confused lately in a lot of aspects of my life but I have to look at the bigger picture and focus on Him, not on anything else. Not on all the trivial concerns that weigh me down and wear me out every day. God is my source of strength. Also, after I read these verses in Psalm, I'm assured that God won't withhold His wisdom from me. He will grant me wisdom and instruction, all I need to do is ask and to continue trusting in Him. I thank the Lord for continuously reminding me of His presence in the midst of confusion. </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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liannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031320368381128188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081064559698448030.post-81846996298797018802013-07-23T01:47:00.004+08:002013-07-23T01:47:58.087+08:00Hello Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today didn't start out so bad. I woke up early as always, had an unusually healthy breakfast, and even had the time to reflect on the message at the service the previous day about praying without ceasing. </div>
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I went to work and I suddenly had mixed feelings about my career. 5 years into my profession, I still feel insecure about my skill and, given my passion for things not related to the law, I still wonder whether I'm actually still fit for this job. Circumstances (major, life-changing ones) the past week made me rethink about my track as a photographer. Suddenly, I want to devote a lot of time on it (again). I was telling my friend that morning that I wanted to have lunch alone at the condo that day, but due to some meetings, I didn't have the time to leave the office for lunch. </div>
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As the day progressed, I received not-so-good news that may impact my future/my career. Later in the afternoon, I was asked to go to the Supreme Court for research. I went back to my old office to ask for help from a former colleague, who was nice enough to accommodate me. 'Also met up with an old blockmate. It felt strange visiting the court compound. It was the second time I visited since my employment ended a year ago. Some of the guards/employees still remembered me and were asking me where I work now. Whenever I mention I work at a private company, they would ask why I would prefer that over working at a government office. </div>
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It was getting late, and people were raring to leave because of SONA and the traffic. I wasn't able to get the documents I needed to research on, and I thought about postponing my leave (I'm supposed to go to Palawan this week with the family), so I can finish this tomorrow. I felt frustrated at how difficult it was to obtain documents from government offices. I was even misinformed that some records were destroyed during Ondoy. Good thing the person in charge rechecked and told me the records are in tact. </div>
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On our way back to the office, we passed through Quirino ave. When I glanced to my left, I saw a black car with a weird contraption on the windshield. It took me a few seconds to realize that the contraption was a camera, and a car scene was being filmed. I tried to look who was inside the vehicle, and lo and behold, it was Ser Chief and Maya. Haha. I think I exclaimed so loudly that the driver told me, "Gusto niyo pala sila, Ma'am?". I thought I was expressing a completely normal reaction. I felt that anyone, BCWMH fan or not, would've been as excited. :)) </div>
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When I got to the office, I was so hungry that I almost consumed an entire slice of chocolate campfire cake from Purple Oven, bought by one of the people from the department. It's like devil's food cake from Chockiss, but infinitely better. I told our boss that I wanted to postpone my trip so I can finish the work at the courts, but he told me to push through with my flight. I'll just probably coordinate with them while I'm on vacation. </div>
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I went home earlier today to an (almost) full house again. Though I was a bit late, everyone else was still at the dining table, talking and laughing. It lifted my mood for a while. And then I remembered that Pwintet (aka Princess. See above pic) is already dying and may pass on anytime soon, as told by the vet this morning. She's been in an out of the vet for weeks now and she has been really weak. She couldn't get up anymore. My mom and our maid cried the whole day when they heard the news. My mom's eyes were puffy from crying. We visited Pwintet at the vet after dinner and I felt bad that I'll be in Palawan until Friday and it may be the last time I was seeing her. Then we rushed home because I haven't packed yet and I need to do some other work. </div>
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It has been a long, strange, and confusing day and I honestly don't know how to end this entry. Ehe. Hoping to get some stability and lots of great photos in Palawan. </div>
liannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031320368381128188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081064559698448030.post-20455610858405123232013-07-07T09:21:00.000+08:002013-07-07T09:21:21.204+08:00Yez I'm BackSince I last posted, I turned a year older (I'm now officially in my early thirties :(( ); I've had two beach trips; my siblings from the US arrived (and the entire family is together again); moms' day passed; dads' day passed; my eldest niece just went to college; I lagged behind in running; and Maya Dela Rosa officially became Sir Chief's girlfriend. Harhar. I had tons of material I could've written about and a lot of photos to accompany them, but I simply couldn't make time for blogging.<br />
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Three weeks ago, our office sent us on a training to take up a course led by a Harvard Business School Professor. I've always contemplated going to business school, but I think I have too much on my plate already that it's impossible to add anything more (and that would probably force me to give up shooting, which I can't do), so I'm glad that we have the opportunity to take these courses once in a while. </div>
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These are just some of the photos from our seminar: </div>
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The fog was so thick, a friend messaged me on Instagram, asking if I was in Singapore taking photos of the haze. :)) I'm hoping to get the official group photo soon so I can post it here. Ehe.<br />
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On our first night in Tagaytay, I had a lot of time in the evening and nothing to do (aside from reading up on a case study we were supposed to discuss the following day). I had no one to go with; the only other people I knew were the bosses and some acquaintances who had other people to go with. I had no means of transpo to go anywhere. I didn't want to spend the entire night holed up in the hotel room so I decided to stay in Starbucks to Facebook/study. Hehe loser. I realized then how much I missed my family. (And the sun.) I got so used to spending time with the entire family the past weeks that I wasn't used to spending time alone anymore. Thing is, before they arrived, being alone was the norm for me. As long as there's work to be done (and work never gets finished hehe), I'm ok with being alone. After the balikbayans leave, I'm sure it will be difficult to go back to my daily grind.</div>
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In stark contrast, this is how I spent the past week with my family: </div>
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When I arrived from Tagaytay on Wednesday, I went straight to dinner with my siblings and their families in Don Day. Yes, I was home again. :)</div>
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liannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031320368381128188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081064559698448030.post-15437717829885281162013-03-29T06:37:00.000+08:002013-03-29T07:29:58.862+08:00My First Half Marathon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For the longest time, I kept the race kit for my 21K run unopened. Normally, opening a race kit excites me. I always want to know what freebies to get and what the singlet looks like (or if it even fits). Not this time. I didn't want to think about the impending race and opening the package would just make it...real. It would cement my resolve to run a 21K and it will make my decision irreversible. Yes, I'm that anxious about my first 21K :)) (For all I know, the kit may contain a 5K kit by mistake so I'd have nothing to worry about. Hehe)</div>
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Last year, when my friends asked me if I wanted to join them for 21K at the Condura Run, I chickened out. They planned on running months before the race but I felt I wasn't ready. Then I decided to sign up for the RU 21K Run after I got a go signal from our coach. Looking back, I think I had more time to prepare for the Condura Run than the RU Run. After I signed up, I began to regret my decision, given the relatively short training time. And I wasn't sure if my body can handle 21K just yet. Our coach assured me that I'll be able to run 21K as long as I'm consistent with training. She also advised me not to push myself too much at the race. Besides, it was my first 21K so it's not like I have a personal record to beat. I wouldn't want to run/walk leisurely though (especially since I had somewhere to go at 8:00 a.m. that day. But that's another story); and I didn't want to be at the tail end of the running group. I also want to run injury-free (and very much alive too. Hehe).</div>
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I had a lot of motivation to train for the 21K, and I really wanted to take it seriously. Since I decided to go for 21K, I didn't miss training every Tuesday and Thursday. We were also required to run LSD every weekend. While I didn't get to join our group during the weekend runs, I ran on my own or with other friends. Most of the members of our group have been running 21K, so I had to step up. The past weeks, I found myself running through the busy streets and "uphells" of Ortigas, Pasig and C5, alongside cars and public utility vehicles; we ran and trained under the rain, ran 25 rounds around Ultra, did core exercises. There were days when my body felt sore all over. But I knew that to be able to withstand the 21K distance, I had to push myself to train. There are no shortcuts.<br />
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On the day of the race, I got to the venue (SM Mall of Asia) early. I usually arrive a few minutes before gunstart (or even after hehe). I was so focused on getting at the venue early that I forgot my iPod with me; and this I realized right before gunstart, so I had no time to get it in the car. There were so many runners that I ended up in Wave 2. I thought I wasn't going to see anyone I knew, until I saw some runners from Milo Apex QC. Later on, I also saw Mommy Norms, who I train with every Tuesday and Thursday at the Philippine Sports Commission.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I saw this runner with the Bible verse, Philippians 4:13, tacked at the back of his singlet. Phil. 4:13 says, "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">I can do all this through him who gives me strength."</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span>I realized running is such a good way to spread the Word and encourage people. </td></tr>
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We ran through the MOA grounds to Makati. It was dark out (we started at 4 am). I stopped at every possible water/Gatorade station. Runners would run past me but I had to remind myself not to push it too hard. Without my iPod with me, I became more observant and conscious of my surroundings. I saw familiar faces on the way, mostly classmates from training, and seeing them encouraged me to run.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These signs gave me much encouragement, believe it or not. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I didn't think I'd be so happy to see cups of Gatorade. And water<br />
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Seeing all these runners (thousands in this one) makes me wonder what each and every one of them is running for. I know we all have reasons for doing so, and it's interesting to hear each person's inspiring story.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This sign made me so kilig I was on the last stretch :)))</td></tr>
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After 2 hours 38 minutes and 10 seconds (based on chip time), I was able to finish the race :) I was actually expecting worse, considering I stopped to drink a lot and walked during some parts, but I'm glad to have finished with this time. AND I was injury-free :) (Except for a bad headache after, but I think that's mostly because I lacked sleep :P) I think I had it even worse during my first 5K ever and in some of the 10K races I've ran. There were races when I just wanted to finish and I could really feel my body struggling and dragging on the entire time. Surprisingly, this one I sincerely enjoyed. :)</div>
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So in this particular episode, I relearned a very important life lesson - having a goal pushes you to keep at it. This goes without saying, and I'm sure we've heard it a thousand times before, but it's exciting when you witness this principle unfold in your life. A year ago, running a 21K (or even a 10 at that) would have been unimaginable, but I was able to move from one point to the other with training, a support group, and of course, with God's provision. If I was able to go from 0 to 21K in running, I'm certain that I can do a lot more in other areas in my life - through Christ who strengthens me.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scene at the finish line</td></tr>
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Friends from training:<br />
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My friends from church who I met after the race, Peaches and Jen:<br />
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<br />liannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031320368381128188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081064559698448030.post-47633379663851072432013-02-23T17:03:00.000+08:002013-03-12T01:18:32.171+08:00The Lawyer Chronicles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Last year, I took on a new job as a corporate lawyer for a private company. As general counsel, my work is quite unpredictable. Unlike in my previous job where work is a cycle of reading records, research, writing, and revising, my current job is much like my law firm job where I was required to do a little bit of everything (except court appearances. and personally filing documents with government agencies. Which I loathed. Hehe). </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">As part of my current work, I had the rare opportunity to interview a well-respected lawyer in his early eighties, together with a group of lawyers, for his deposition. We paid him a visit at his house - which is very cozy and beautiful, by the way - and positioned ourselves by the round breakfast table fronting a wide lawn. When he saw me, the only female in a group of five, he shook my hand and asked, "Oh, so you're a lady lawyer?" For the rest of the interview, he kept on referring me as the "lady lawyer". He must be used to dealing with dominantly male lawyers in practice. I think he has no inkling that 70% of students in the major law schools are now composed of women. At least in our school, that was the composition.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">The interviewee talked about his life story, his closest friends in school-turned business partners-turned political allies. This seemed to be a common trend back in the day. It made me think how different things are now, when a lot of close friendships and relations are also borne out of a common interest or group, at whatever age you're at. The interviewee told stories, most of which had no relation to the case. But I found them interesting. It was like listening to a history lecture, with a twist. I was amazed at how sharp his memory is that he could remember the minutest details from more than 50 years ago. He also made it a point to recall each of our names. He asked us what law school we graduated from. I tried to hide the crack in my voice while I told him a little bit about himself. I still get jitters every time I'm placed in the spotlight, even if the stage is set in a brightly lit dining area with a small audience of five. It was supposed to be a morning meeting, but our interviewee was so engrossed in the topic that we extended until after lunch. I became aware of the time when I got distracted by Maya Dela Rosa's voice in the background. The maids were watching her show in the adjoining room. I was so tempted to look to the direction of the TV screen. I haven't seen the show in a week and I was wondering what happened to Maya's flight attendant training and Abby's new yaya. I started to feel hungry and I wondered why no one was getting any of the chocolates placed in front of us to eat. And I didn't want to eat until somebody else does because that's the normal, Pinoy thing to do. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">In the middle of the talk, the interviewee suddenly thought it would be better if his answers were recorded. By instinct, he looked to my direction and asked if the "lady lawyer" brought a recorder. (I suppose the "lady lawyer" is the default secretary. Hehe) He didn't say it with condescension; in fact, he said it so nicely and sincerely and I didn't take offense in it, but it reminded me of one episode in Parks and Recreation when Leslie Knope (played by Amy Poehler) tried to address the issue of female bias in the workplace. I was about to bring out my iPhone to record when one of the lawyers took out his own phone and started recording the conversation. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">I was distracted again when the interviewee called the attention of one of the maids by clapping his hands in the air twice. I tried to hide my laughter as it reminded of several times when my sister would pretend we're part of the old rich and do the exact same thing at home. I want to do that the next time I call my imaginary, all-around servant, Facundo. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">We finished the interview at almost 1 pm. As we were wrapping up, the interviewee was beaming as he looked at all of us, and he said, "I look at you and I remember how I was as a young lawyer, decades ago." Before we left, the interviewee shook our hands firmly. In an effort to recall and memorize our names, he gave a short roll call. He pronounced everyone's full name clearly and articulately, but he failed to mention mine. After the other lawyers left, he turned to me and uttered my last name hesitantly. He interchanged the last two syllables by mistake so I politely corrected him. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">We left the interviewee's house and went back to the office. I was worried about the interview at first for unknown reasons, but it didn't turn out so bad. I remember what the interviewee said about seeing himself in each of us. I wondered if he saw himself in me. It's been almost five years since I passed the bar and I still don't feel like a lawyer. I feel like a major chunk of the pay I receive every month goes to my talent fee for playing the part. Most of the time I'm just relieved that my well-pressed blazer and seemingly confident voice are enough to convince other people, especially myself, that I really am a lawyer. </span></div>
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liannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031320368381128188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081064559698448030.post-56310372323062072612013-02-21T00:23:00.000+08:002013-03-08T01:01:18.772+08:00On Waiting (Part 1)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TOvtvMna0Ac/USSI8LakkNI/AAAAAAAADFk/E_NjyKH4_jw/s1600/480644_10151350229934401_671467885_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TOvtvMna0Ac/USSI8LakkNI/AAAAAAAADFk/E_NjyKH4_jw/s640/480644_10151350229934401_671467885_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Last Monday night, I was in <a href="http://www.ccf.org.ph/location-time/makati/">CCF Makati,</a> the satellite church of CCF Main in Ortigas, where I usually attend. </div>
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I have good memories of CCF Makati. My first visit was when I worked as backup photographer for <a href="http://www.georgepadua.com/George_Padua_Photography.html">George Padua</a> at the <a href="http://thegoodrun.blogspot.com/2012/03/todays-shoot.html">25th wedding anniversary</a> of a well-loved couple in church. I was truly blessed by the stories shared. The posters about "love" tacked on the church pillars spoke volumes on the general message sent out to the church attendees. I was going through personal struggles at that time, and it was then that I strongly felt God's loving assurance. It was also the day before our flight to the US for a long overdue family vacation/reunion. The three weeks that followed was a manifestation of God's love and generosity. And it was the best vacation I've had in my 30 years of existence. </div>
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This time, I went back to CCF Makati for Monday Bible Study. It's a weekly bible study group for Christian singles targeting yuppies in the Makati CBD, the same group that organizes the B1G Retreat every year. I've been meaning to attend the B1G Retreat either as participant or volunteer, but there's always a conflict in my schedule. So I planned on attending the MBS regularly, which is the next best thing.<br />
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I first attended MBS a week ago, and I instantly felt comfortable with the people. I didn't know anyone. I was worried that the regular attendees would mostly be singles in their early twenties. But I realized later on that most of them are around my age so I didn't stick out like a sore thumb. Everyone I met was very warm and amiable as well. I met two sisters who I prayed with during the first bible study. When we talked further, I realized one of them is a law schoolmate and we have several common friends. </div>
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I attended again last Monday and the topic was on waiting. Specifically, waiting for "the one"- or "God's best", as many would like to call it. It was deliberately scheduled for post-Valentine season. I've always wanted to blog about waiting, so this is an opportune time to do so. If there's going to be a college graduate - or an MBA graduate on waiting, I would probably be that person. I've gone through several waiting periods in my life - from waiting for law school to finish, to waiting for the results of the bar exams, to waiting for - yes, "God's best". There are many things I'm still waiting for right now so I really could use a refresher on the subject. </div>
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I wasn't expecting to hear anything new last Monday, but Ickhoy de Leon (founder of MBS and speaker last Monday) gave some new, fresh points on what waiting on the Lord is about. </div>
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The first thing that struck me was when Ickhoy stated that we don't like waiting <i>not </i>because of the anxiety/worry it brings. We simply hate it because of the <i>awkwardness</i> it causes. We feel like we're in a position we're not supposed to be in; we're at a standstill, waiting for the next step or directive before we can go on. </div>
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I experienced this feeling of awkwardness last Saturday, when I attended two events - the first one was the 1st birthday of my friend's son, and the other one was the Stars concert. I was excited to attend the birthday party and I even promised my friend I'd be doing a photo coverage as a gift. When I got there, I realized I was the only one unmarried among the female guests. My friend's sisters and our high school batchmates all had their partners and babies/toddlers with them. The moms were talking about the best diaper products for their kids. (Or was it baby food? It all sounded the same to me. LOL) Somehow I felt thankful I had my camera to keep me busy, otherwise I'd be stuck in a conversation I know nothing about. Unless I speak from experience. But diapers weren't invented yet during my time. Hehe. Bottomline, I felt like I didn't belong. </div>
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That same day, I watched Stars live in concert. The band has been around for quite some time, so I was expecting to see a lot of people my age. When I got there, most of the concert-goers were hipster-looking kids in their teens and early twenties, and some others who looked like they went there straight from the prom. Most of the girls were in outfits I can't imagine myself wearing anymore, and I felt like they were speaking a language I wasn't familiar with. It was like the Laneway Festival all over again. And I just plainly felt old. Again, I didn't feel like I fit in. </div>
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When I got home that day, I began to wonder where I should place myself. Sure, there are a lot of other single women my age - but more often than not, I'm forced to be in extreme situations I described above. The people in my department at the office are all married; most of my batchmates from high school are married. "Singles" events usually attract people in their twenties. I feel like an overextending "super senior" (a term we used back in college for those who are still in the university after 4 years). I've always been part of 80% of the population, but now I'm a minority. People think there's something wrong with me by staying single at this age. And that explains the awkwardness.</div>
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During the talk, it was mentioned that the feeling of awkwardness leads to a torn level of confidence. That's true - in my case, also a bruised ego and a compelling sense of inadequacy. And yet, I can't do anything to bring me closer to "the one". It's not really something you can work hard for, like an exam you can study for; nor is it something measurable, like an ideal weight you can achieve after months of working out. It's something that only God can fix for you. Waiting for someone, not even sure if there's someone to wait for in the first place, is a true test of character because you have nothing else to do but let go. Since we are inherently control freaks, it's very difficult for any person to leave everything to God, most especially when society has a different view and even deem you at fault for not going out of your way to meet other singles.</div>
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What then do you do if you "can't do anything"? Do you simply sit and wait for a husband (or wife) to fall on your lap (figuratively, because it would be scandalous otherwise :P )?<br />
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This wasn't discussed in the talk anymore, but I think, before considering what we should do, let's emphasize first what not to do as a single person - and that is to decide based on how you feel (usually, it's panic. or desperation). Don't grab the first guy (or girl) that shows interest in you just because the awkardness level has reached an all-time high, or you're nearing your self-imposed deadline to get married before the age of 30, or you're extremely lonely and you need someone in your life right now. We all know that making decisions when you're emotional (and/or hungry :P) leads to disastrous results.</div>
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The only thing we can do right now is to ask God to show us His ways and to move towards His direction for us. At the talk, it was emphasized that "waiting" does not mean staying put and doing nothing. Some people can't move on until they have that special someone. Awkwardness brought about by the lack of a partner should <i>not</i> immobilize us and prevent us from accomplishing great things. If you really want God's best for you, then doing what God wants you to do is the key. There's no other way. You can manipulate the situation or try to do things your way, but trust me, you won't get the full blessing God intended for you to receive. </div>
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Things will continue to be awkward - that's a given - but if you're comforted by the idea that your life is in God's control, you will feel an internal peace that you won't get from settling for any person. This is one of the take home verses I got from the talk. I will keep this to heart, in case I get the same feeling of awkwardness again (and again):<br />
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Psalm 25:1-7:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="text Ps-25-1" style="position: relative;">In you, <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> my God,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-25-1" style="position: relative;">I put my trust.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14253A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup></span></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="text Ps-25-2" id="en-NIV-14254" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">2 </sup>I trust in you;<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14254B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-25-2" style="position: relative;">do not let me be put to shame,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-25-2" style="position: relative;">nor let my enemies triumph over me.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-25-3" id="en-NIV-14255" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">3 </sup>No one who hopes in you</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-25-3" style="position: relative;">will ever be put to shame,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14255C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-25-3" style="position: relative;">but shame will come on those</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-25-3" style="position: relative;">who are treacherous<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14255D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup> without cause.</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="text Ps-25-4" id="en-NIV-14256" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">4 </sup>Show me your ways, <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-25-4" style="position: relative;">teach me your paths.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14256E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-25-5" id="en-NIV-14257" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">5 </sup>Guide me in your truth<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14257F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup> and teach me,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-25-5" style="position: relative;">for you are God my Savior,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14257G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-25-5" style="position: relative;">and my hope is in you<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14257H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup> all day long.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-25-6" id="en-NIV-14258" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">6 </sup>Remember, <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, your great mercy and love,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14258I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-25-6" style="position: relative;">for they are from of old.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-25-7" id="en-NIV-14259" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">7 </sup>Do not remember the sins of my youth<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14259J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-25-7" style="position: relative;">and my rebellious ways;<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14259K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-25-7" style="position: relative;">according to your love<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14259L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup> remember me,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-25-7" style="position: relative;">for you, <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, are good.</span></span></i></span></div>
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liannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031320368381128188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081064559698448030.post-24588539313470918862013-02-20T05:56:00.001+08:002013-02-20T05:56:50.868+08:00Running Reflections<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zFkkEAIV2iQ/USPrRyFiMQI/AAAAAAAADEk/fdqY3kFlb8U/s1600/photo-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zFkkEAIV2iQ/USPrRyFiMQI/AAAAAAAADEk/fdqY3kFlb8U/s640/photo-5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="text Heb-12-1" id="en-NIV-30214" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="text Heb-12-1" id="en-NIV-30214" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="text Heb-12-1" id="en-NIV-30214" style="background-color: white;">"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30214A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> with perseverance<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30214B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> the race marked out for us,</span><span class="text Heb-12-2" id="en-NIV-30215" style="background-color: white;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>fixing our eyes on Jesus,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30215C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> the pioneer<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30215D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup> and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30215E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup> scorning its shame,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30215F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup> and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30215G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup></span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="text Heb-12-3" id="en-NIV-30216" style="background-color: white;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30216H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup> and lose heart."</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Heb-12-3" style="background-color: white;">- Hebrews 12:1-3</span></span><br />
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I ran last Friday to make up for the canceled training last Vday. I needed to burn all the fat I consumed the previous day AND the fat I was going to eat the entire weekend (I believe I wasn't successful because I ate more than I burned. Hehe.)<br />
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I suddenly realized how boring it is to run alone, and how I felt unmotivated without a group and a coach to push me to run faster. The short running track didn't help - it was tiring to run around the same track over and over. After several rounds, I decided to listen to a podcast from CCF to help me pass the time. I randomly picked out a message given last year by Pastor Peter Tan-Chi. The title of the message is, "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDiZI5aeN8g">The greatest Legacy: Intimacy with God</a>".</div>
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As always, Pastor Peter's message is replete with wisdom but one of the lessons that stood out from the message is his discussion of Hebrews 12:1-3, particularly the first verse which talks about throwing off "everything that hinders". The New American Standard Bible translation mentions "encumbrance", while the New King James version refers to it as, "every weight". Pastor Peter mentions that these "encumbrances" affect our walk with God and slows us down. It's interesting how the author emphasizes that these "encumbrances" are different from sin, but they equally prevent us from pursuing what God wants for us.</div>
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In our walk of faith (at least in mine), we overemphasize the need to avoid sin, to battle with sin, to confess our sins to God. Without doubt, sin causes us to stumble and fall; and to even ultimately cut our relationship with the Father. The need to be vigilant when faced with temptation and sin is, of course, important, but what we don't realize is that other things - which may not necessarily be bad or evil - can prevent us from doing what God wants. For me, these things can be dangerous because some of them appear to be good; we get so immersed in them that we don't realize we've been distracted already. A seemingly harmless hobby, venture, or interest may evolve into an obsession that derails us from our godly pursuits.</div>
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I carefully thought about the "encumbrances" in my life and I was able to come up with the following list. It's incomplete, as I'm sure there are a lot of other hindrances that I may not notice:</div>
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<i>The constant need for comfort and convenience</i>. Comfort is something we all want and aspire for ourselves and for those we love. But the need for comfort becomes destructive when one refuses to do God's will because of it. In my case, I've been used to living a certain way that I can't imagine doing things differently, or exerting more effort to achieve something. As much as possible, I avoid getting into something that would cause me discomfort and stress - even if it would mean achieving a higher good. For a time, I thought about giving up attending my discipleship group because it takes me one hour to go there every time. But the truth is, God is more concerned of our character than our convenience; there are cases when the latter should not be a primary consideration when making decisions, especially major ones. I think we should not be limited by our comfort zone. I do believe that getting out of the comfort zone to do what God wants us to do will bless us exponentially.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saw this photo on Pinterest and I just thought it may be apt</td></tr>
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<i>Facebook.</i> And also, mindless surfing. :P I think we're all guilty of overfacebooking at some point. Since I'm a photographer, I can easily justify Facebooking and tell myself that I need it to upload photos/reply to clients. In reality, half the time, I log in to Facebook to gather chismis and/or stalk people. I sometimes set 30-minute deadlines but almost every time, I fail in my attempts and I end up Facebooking for hours. It hasn't come to a point when my work actually suffered because of it, but I'm thinking if I can Facebook for hours in a day, I can't claim to have no time to read the bible or do my devotions.</div>
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<i>Unnecessary splurges.</i> I don't spend much on major tangible items (except for cameras or anything camera-related), but I feel that I spend more than I should on food, clothes, and concert tickets. Hehe. Also, on several occasions, I booked myself on trips because I felt low and I "needed" to get out. Never mind that I didn't have the budget for it and I could've saved a lot had I waited for a proper timing. The worse part is, I sometimes fail to give to the church because I fall short on cash. I know when I go over my budget because it gives me an unsettling feeling inside. (Yes, that unsettling feeling is called guilt :P)<br />
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A friend told me before (and I forgot where she got this from) that before I make any major purchases (or minor ones as well), I should ask myself the following questions: 1) Do I want it? 2) Do I need it? 3) Is it within my means? 4) Does God want me to buy it? This would help a lot and prevent me from making rash decisions on money. I guess it may be applied also to making decisions on other matters. So the next time I think of booking another trip to Singapore (because I feel down/bored/pissed/frustrated), I should ask myself these questions.<br />
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<i>The need for other peoples' approval.</i> As much as possible, I play it safe when dealing with anyone. I try not to say anything that would be hurtful or offensive so I can gain the approval/acceptance of other people. This might lead to me not talking at all. Because of my constant need to be accepted, I fail to voice out my opinions, specifically, those matters related to my faith. I'm guilty of not sharing my faith and testimony because of the fear that people may reject me for it (or at least roll their eyes at me, which is an equally repulsive thing to do and I will hate them for it. Hehe). If I can't overcome this hurdle, then I don't think I'd be an effective Christian leader. So this is something I should pray for also, in addition to the ten thousand other things that I should be lifting up to God. </div>
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As I said, I'm sure there are a lot of other encumbrances, but these are the ones I should work on at the moment. If anyone is serious in their walk in the Lord, I suggest that, aside from focusing on the sin that easily entangles, consider and mull over also on those encumbrances that slow us down.liannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031320368381128188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081064559698448030.post-91582311876644598922013-02-15T11:58:00.000+08:002013-02-15T00:13:33.973+08:00Happy.....Birthday Kris Aquino!<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">If today didn't end the way it did, I would've cursed Vday forever and ever. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">This morning, I woke up at around 7:15 - which is later than the usual time I get up - and I knew the day isn't going to run smoothly. I usually wake up at 6 am, 6:30 at the latest. Our office is just a five minute drive from where I live, but I move pretty slow, and I want to get to the office a lot earlier than 8 am. I was able to get to the office before 8 am, thank God, then I attended a meeting with the boss, the big boss, and the bigger boss, together with other lawyers, to discuss something that involves a little bit of Philippine history. The rest of the officemates were celebrating Vday in a restaurant somewhere while I was stuck at a lunch meeting. When I got back to my cubicle, someone played a prank on me and turned Vday into April Fools'. I was really looking forward to running tonight while the rest of the world is on a date, when I found out training has been cancelled. Apparently, a lot of the runners couldn't make it. (I think I was the only one who can. LOL) </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Well played, universe. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">I was thinking of something else to do that's less pathetic than going straight home to edit photos (in short, working), when my mom texted me and asked me if I can make it to a family dinner tonight. Two uncles from the U.S. and a close cousin from Saudi just arrived and one of my uncles (who's celebrating his birthday today) wanted to have dinner with us. I don't know why I was told about it only a few hours before. They wanted good ol' Pinoy food, so we planned to eat at Gerry's. Hehe. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">When we got to the resto, I found out my uncle reserved around thirty seats. As it turned out, more relatives were invited to dinner. (Why do I not know about this?) We had a mini-reunion there, where we bonded over kare kare, pinakbet, sisig, crispy pata and tuna belly (and some other dishes I can't recall). I was able to catch up with my two uncles and my cousin, who I haven't talk to in a long time. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">I may not have a romantic date tonight, but God has reminded me once more that He has given me a loving family who will constantly be there for me no matter what my marital status is. It's funny also that I've been worried about having nothing to do and nowhere to go tonight, when a solid plan has already been set. God truly has a way of surprising us even when things don't seem to go our way. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">I also received the following sweets: Clockwise from top left - 1) mini red velvet cupcakes from my good friend Jen (as you can see, only one cupcake is left. I already ate that one too :)) 2) more cupcakes from one of the bosses 3) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">flower pastillas, also from one of the bosses </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">4) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">a personal note with the cupcakes</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Now I feel bad that I didn't get anyone anything. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">(Added blessing: I found out tonight that I'll be able to watch Stars live this Saturday! Thanks Melay! :D)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">And to end this entry with something Vday related, here are some quotable quotes given by Miriam Defensor Santiago for Vday: </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Insight # 1</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Alam niyo ba ang iba pang tawag sa Valentine's day? Para sa malungkot na single, ang tawag dito ay Single's Awareness Day. Para sa mga masaya na single, ang tawag dito ay Single's Independence Day. Pero sa mga walang pakialam, ang tawag dito ay Thursday.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Insight # 2</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Did you know that an earthworm has five hearts, whereas an octopus has two hearts? Kaya kung may kilala ka na nagmamahal ng higit sa dalawa, tanungin mo kung anong klaseng hayop sila.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Insight # 3</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Kapag ikaw ay nagmamahal pero sasaktan mo rin lang naman, hamunin mo na lang ng suntukan.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Insight # 4</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Ang taong nagmamahal nang tunay ay parang matalinong estudyante na kumukuha ng exam. Hindi siya tumitingin sa iba kahit nahihirapan na.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Insight # 5</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Para sa mga single, umuwi nang maaga mula sa school o sa trabaho para isipin nila may date ka.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Hope you all had a great Vday :D</span></div>
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liannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031320368381128188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081064559698448030.post-7785922622273257462013-02-13T18:41:00.000+08:002013-02-13T18:43:36.582+08:00The Next Level<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the group I train with now, headed by our super kind, motherly coach, Coach Janette Agura. I resumed training after "graduating" from Milo Apex Running School in early December</td></tr>
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I'm not one to get emotional about...most things, but last week, I had a surge of mixed feelings as I - drumroll please - signed up for my first 21K! I was anxious, excited, worried, proud, all at the same time, although it was mostly anxiety I was feeling. Or more appropriately, panic. I wanted to shout to the high heavens and ask God, "What have I done??" :)) </div>
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Truth is, it took me a while to sign up. I attempted to register for <a href="http://runrio.com/2013/01/2013-run-united-1/">Run United</a> twice at the website, but I chickened out and clicked "Cancel" on both occasions. I finally mustered enough courage to register, paid the fee using my credit card (as opposed to paying via bank deposit, where there's a chance I might just "forget" to pay), and waited for the confirmation through e-mail. </div>
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I've been running since May 2012, but I didn't think I'd commit to running a half-marathon any time soon. Running had been fun so far. It was refreshing for me to engage in an entirely new activity (it has been all about legal work + photography for me the past few years), to get myself acquainted with the running community and be exposed to the running subculture. I ran my first 5K and 10K races last year. Although running requires discipline, my commitment level to it was hardly 100%. I missed training every now and then, lacked sleep before running, "carbo-loaded" the wrong way. I slipped in and out of training, depending on what's convenient for me. I never set personal records, nor did I push myself to run more than I could have. I didn't get into in-depth study of what I was getting into. I'm not even conversant on running gear, shoe brands, or on the best energy drinks/food gel variety in the market. </div>
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The moment I signed up for 21K, I knew things are going to be different. 21K requires commitment, constant preparation and focus. Lack thereof may result in major injury (unfortunately, in some cases, it even led to loss of life). This means giving up nights out with friends, cutting down on rest time, waking up before daybreak to train. This commitment carries with it certain discomforts that I would rather not go through. </div>
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Every time I feel that signing up for a 21K race was a bad idea, I remind myself that this episode would teach me so much about dedication and discipline. I believe that discipline in sports can translate to other aspects in life, especially in terms of my relationship with God, which is something I need right now. Having a goal motivates me to persist on what I'm currently doing. I couldn't excuse myself anymore from running 21K under the guise of "not having enough training" (which was the same reason I used for not signing up at the Condura Skyway race. Hehe). I couldn't go on training one more day, knowing that I'd miss the one after that and be back to square one in a week. There has to be noticeable improvement in terms of my strength level, speed, and overall physical condition. I know I still have ample time to prepare, all I need is focus and consistency. And of course, God's grace. </div>
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So yes, the next few weeks until Run United on March 17 won't be easy. I train twice a week with Coach Janette Agura and the members of "Team Ice Cream" (comprising of some students from Milo Apex Running School). Last night, we did hard core speedwork that left me feeling exhausted until now. But I know this is all going to prepare me to become stronger and hopefully, a lot more fit than when I first started. </div>
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I'm really thankful that I'm training with a group of 21K runners - the "Team Ice Cream" from Milo Apex Running Clinic. And of course, I'm thankful for our very patient and dedicated coach, Coach Janette Agura who used to lead us when I was training for 5K. Training with a group of runners who are stronger and a lot more experienced than I am have pressured me - in a good way - to step up and go beyond what I usually do. It's funny that I actually signed up for training with their group not knowing that they were all training for 21K. Training with them reminds me of Jeremiah 12:5 which says: </div>
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<i>"If you have raced with men on foot</i></div>
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<i>and they have worn you out,</i></div>
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<i>how can you compete with horses?</i></div>
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<i>If you stumble in safe country,</i></div>
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<i>how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan?"</i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ultra/Philippine Sports Commission Track Oval</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">I just have to post this. Yesterday's "carboloading" at Yabu during lunch time :D</td></tr>
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liannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031320368381128188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081064559698448030.post-73562504288360395132013-02-12T23:59:00.001+08:002013-02-13T00:09:24.565+08:00Milo Finals (A Super Late Post)<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N-67aGWxXtA/UO7mDegdeyI/AAAAAAAADAk/wBpM3NAz0X8/s1600/DSC_6851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N-67aGWxXtA/UO7mDegdeyI/AAAAAAAADAk/wBpM3NAz0X8/s640/DSC_6851.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">What: Milo Finals</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">When: December 9, 2012<br />Where: SM Mall of Asia<br />Category: 10k<br />Time: 01:09:43</span></div>
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Last December, I joined the second Milo Run for the year. For the first Milo Run, I joined the 5k category; this time, I was able to finish 10k. I'm still in awe by the fact that I can actually go from 0 to 10k in a few months. Haha. I don't think I've stuck long enough in a particular sport this long.<br />
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At the Milo Run, I was with my running buddies Riza, Wawa, and Jen. We saw a lot of our classmates from Apex Running School headed by Coach Jim Saret. Jen and I (as always hehe) came in late. We were texting each other before the race and found out that we were almost at the same area at the same time. I picked her up at the gas station near Blue Wave and we went to the starting point together. The 10k race had begun when we got to the starting line. We were running and fixing our race bibs/iPods/hydration belts at the same time :)) No warm-up whatsoever (and I highly discourage this :)) )<br />
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Despite the lack of warm-up/preparation, I felt at ease at the race. I didn't exert much pressure and I told myself I'll enjoy it as much as I could. The 10k group reached Roxas Blvd./baywalk, where there was an ongoing dragon boat race. It didn't feel as long and obligatory as my previous races.<br />
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After a little over an hour, I got to the finish line. I went to the car for my cam and took some after-run photos:<br />
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Like last time, all the Apex Running School students had free water/sandwich and our very own tent.<br />
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This is Coach Danny, one of the Apex Running School coaches, with his marathon medal:<br />
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This is "Team Ice Cream", runners from the 10k group:<br />
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Team "Sabanana", also from the 10k group:<br />
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Rico from Milo Apex 21k in QC and Coach Madel:<br />
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This is Coach Jim with everyone. A few days before was Coach Jim's wedding. Fun fact. Hehe :P<br />
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This is the youngest member of the 10k group, Pablo. He finished 10k too and he's been consistently training with us at the Clinic. He's such an inspiration to all :)<br />
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Some members of the Fitfil, headed also by Coach Jim:<br />
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<a href="http://thegoodrun.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-milo-run.html">Hello, little buddy</a>. We meet again:<br />
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Me with the TSW girls and Peach. With Coach Danny of course:<br />
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Photo op with Coach Danny's medal:<br />
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Breakfast at Gerry's after the run:<br />
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liannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031320368381128188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081064559698448030.post-78908101986435900852013-01-04T07:26:00.000+08:002013-01-04T08:18:34.741+08:00Gunstart 2013<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally got my 2013 Starbucks planner yesterday. And look, they got my name wrong :P </td></tr>
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They say the first day of the year sets the tone for the following 364 days, so you have to be keen on how you spend new year's day. Of course we all know that the first day of the new year is no different from any other day but it's nice to think of it as a fresh start, a chance to leave behind disappointments from the past year and to begin life anew. It's the perfect time to shake off all the bad vibes and enter the new year with a clean slate. </div>
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As I wrote before, we spent new year's eve at the cemetery. My mom was in a sullen mood for the rest of the day and she didn't have much time to prepare for media noche. One of our good family friends was nice enough to give us turkey that day as a late Christmas gift, so at least we had something prepared on the table. I was thinking of joining my sister's family at Shangri-la Makati where they were spending the new year, like last year (where there's a street party/concert/countdown to 2013). But my mom wanted to stay home and I decided to join her and my dad, my uncle and cousin, who my aunt left behind. It was the most quiet and uneventful new year's eve I've experienced. No additional guests, no bonggalor spread on the dinner table, no fireworks. Last time we had a quiet new year (back when I was 5? or 6) I threw a tantrum and insisted that we play the usual parlor games before everyone goes to bed. Hehe. My mom slept the night away (until my siblings from US called anyway) while my cousin and I watched GGV :)) I talked with my sister and brother through Skype and later on watched the neighbors' fireworks. </div>
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I woke up early on January since I had a lot of sleep from the previous night. I wanted to start the year right so I opened the Bible and did my quiet time. I fixed my room a bit, had breakfast and lunch with the family, and later on met up with law school friends. One of our friends from Singapore flew in to Manila unexpectedly. After she left for the airport, I went shopping for new office outfits at the mall then went to UP to run. As expected, there weren't much runners. I planned on running 5k. As my car entered the University Ave., I saw that they still had the Christmas lights around the oblation statue:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's nice that they haven't taken down the Christmas lights yet :) I feel more affiliated with UP as a UP oval runner than a UP Law graduate. Hehe</td></tr>
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When I reached 3 km, it began to rain. I was tempted to stop, as I was feeling a bit tired anyway, after weeks without training. But I told myself I committed to finish 5k and I wasn't going home without finishing the distance I set. I got drenched in the rain but I was able to finish my goal. </div>
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If the first day of the year is really a gauge of how the rest of the year would fare, I'd say it will be a year of stepping up, growing up, going further, leading, and reaching more goals. It will be a year of strengthening my relationship with God, my family, and true friends. I look forward also to continuing the things I loved to do the past year and taking them to the next level - photography, running, and traveling. I want to serve others more through the limited knowledge/skills I have. I intend be more active in church and be equipped enough to lead a group. This year, I also want to focus on something I've set aside and neglected for years - art. </div>
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I'm sure it's going to be another challenging year ahead, but I know I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Whatever the year brings, as I always say, I hope it will take me closer to where Christ wants me to be.</div>
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liannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031320368381128188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081064559698448030.post-67045682266483037562013-01-01T10:25:00.000+08:002013-01-01T12:21:05.187+08:002012 Year End Meme<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-okHLVtvcIOg/UOJG9L6ZwiI/AAAAAAAAC88/Wp2NH7lZ4jo/s1600/DSC_5814+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-okHLVtvcIOg/UOJG9L6ZwiI/AAAAAAAAC88/Wp2NH7lZ4jo/s640/DSC_5814+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #464646; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"></span>And I now present the annual year-end meme. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1. What did you do in 2012 that you’d never done before?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">- Go to the US armed with a DSLR</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">- Join a fun run and finish 10k/12k!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">- Put up our own photo biz/group</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">- Live independently (sort of)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">- Surrender a great part of my life that I've been holding on since forever to God</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">2. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I didn't make resolutions, but I made a list of goals. From the list, I was able to accomplish the following: find a new stable job, start the photo biz (emphasis on start), run regularly, continue to attend D12 group and services</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">3. Did anyone close to you give birth?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">My high school bestfriend Nirvana (for the fourth time!) Hahaha</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">4. Did anyone close to you die?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Yes :( (See previous post)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">5. What countries did you visit?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">US and Singapore. That Singapore trip came as an afterthought. I didn't plan on taking other trips after the US trip, but I booked at the last minute. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0i5tfeHfFsE/UOJG6HqW3LI/AAAAAAAAC80/SlssBKk3xjA/s1600/000019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0i5tfeHfFsE/UOJG6HqW3LI/AAAAAAAAC80/SlssBKk3xjA/s640/000019.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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6. What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012?</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Determination, confidence, an alert mind (harhar) and leadership skills</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">7. What date from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">July 16, 2012 - when I started working at my new job. December 27, 2012 - my aunt's death</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Finding a new stable day job, starting Sunny Side Photo and running 10/12k! :)</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Not my medal. Haha)</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">9. What was your biggest failure?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Not being able to run well during the 12k race I joined</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">10. Did you suffer illness or injury?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Yes, my right food/leg sustained injury from running</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">11. What was the best thing you bought?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Photoshop actions? Haha I'm such a geek :)) Clothes/accessories I bought in US during Spring Break; Oh, my iPhone. How can I forget :P</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">12. Whose behavior merited celebration?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">A lot. I'll have to list them down in a different entry</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This certain supplier I had to chase after. Grrness. But it's all done now thanks to my friends</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">14. Where did most of your money go?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Again, travel (which includes shopping funds). And camera gear of course</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Spring break US trip! :)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">16. What song will always remind you of 2012?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Underneath the Sycamore by Death Cab for Cutie. I never went out of my way to understand what the song's about but I'm assuming it has no direct relevance to my life in 2012. Hehe. But I've been listening to it since the Spring Break trip and it never got old. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">17. Compared to this time last year, are you:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">i. happier or sadder? Despite the recent events, I'm definitely happier and steadier.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">ii. thinner or fatter? fatter</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">iii. richer or poorer? richer (in my relationships. chos)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">18. What do you wish you’d done more of?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">art-related stuff; reading books</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">19. What do you wish you’d done less of?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Facebooking/mindless Internet surfing; doing/redoing things because of carelessness/absent-mindedness :P</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">20. How will you be spending New Year’s?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I spent it at home with the parents and the cousin. And my brother and sister on Skype. We had turkey courtesy of a family friend, arroz caldo and ham. We had a GGV marathon. It was the quietest New Year I've had ever</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">21. Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">On cellphone, my good friends Diane and/or Lai :)) On Skype, my sister (as always)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">22. Did you fall in love in 2012?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Nope :) 2012 had left me single (yet again hehe) but things have been surprisingly steady</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">23. How many one-night stands?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Durr</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">24. What was your favorite TV program?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Still, Parks and Recreation; Big Bang Theory. I also started watching Suits</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I think so. I just couldn't recall who. Hehe. I promise to hate less this year</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">26. What was the best book you read?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Lemony Snicket's new book (which I gave my niece Patti for Christmas :)) )</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">27. What was your greatest musical discovery?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Toe; Laneway Festival artists (Of Monsters and Men, Polica, etc); Bon Iver</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">28. What did you want and get?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">New job; more shoots; to join races</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">29. What did you want and not get?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">My aunt's recovery</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">30. What was your favorite film of this year?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Hunger Games</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I had a simple dinner with my family in Old Vine, Eastwood; had several other dinners with friends (on different dates). I turned 30 :((((</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Complete independence from my parents; or a full-time job that I really feel passionate and excited about</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Shifted from casual government to corporate. Bwahaha. And I wore singlets a lot :))</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">34. What kept you sane?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Knowing that God is in control and letting Him stay in control. And I say this in all honesty, without the cheesiness. This year I learned not to force things and just allow Him to work in my life. I swear my load became 50% lighter. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Also, my family.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The Ms. Universe Runner-up, Janine Tugonon. She's the only person I can think of at the moment. Hehe</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">36. What political issue stirred you the most?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">RH Bill turned Law</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">37. Who did you miss?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">My aunt; a friend who left the country for good (but we still get to see her every once in a while so it's ok)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">38. Who was the best new person you met?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">new running friends</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I learned a lot, but the major life lesson I've come to realize is that, when you say you want to follow Christ, it means giving up EVERYTHING for Him. It took me a long time to realize that part of the Christian life is giving up things you want that are not aligned with what God wants for us. He knows what is best so the best thing to do is to trust Him and let go. </span><br />
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Last year, I also learned to value my family more, starting from our reunion/vacation in the US up until my aunt's recent death. I feel blessed to have a family (and a bunch of friends as well) who will always be there no matter what happens.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; line-height: normal;">When there's a burning in your heart</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">An endless yearning in your heart<br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Build it bigger than the sun<br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Let it grow, let it grow<br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />When there's a burning in your heart<br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Don't be alarmed"</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">- You are a Tourist (Death Cab for Cutie)</span></span></div>
liannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031320368381128188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081064559698448030.post-41565464729072856452012-12-31T19:28:00.004+08:002013-01-01T10:27:38.232+08:00Goodbye Auntie Norvelle<br />
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This year's new year's eve has been unusual so far. We spent the entire morning until lunchtime at the church and cemetery, where my aunt's body was eternally laid down to rest. A few days ago, right after Christmas, our dear aunt, Auntie Norvelle, lost her battle against cancer. She had been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer a few months ago and her health deteriorated from then on. It was difficult seeing her struggling against her disease, getting weaker every time we saw her. She's the closest aunt I have, and she's the sibling my mom is closest to. They only live right across our house and we would normally spend special occasions (including new year's celebration) together. She's very kind-hearted, humble and selfless and it pains us to know that we won't be spending another new year's celebration with her while here on earth. </div>
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When I found out about Auntie's death, I was in the middle of a wedding shoot. Days before, I was hoping she won't pass on on that day. It was also the same day when her nurse and her maid took their day off. I felt bad that I wasn't able to assist my cousin and my uncle on the day of her death since I had work. While I was at the shoot, I wanted to burst into tears but I had to hold back. I found myself crying when I got home late at night that day.</div>
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I realized that no matter how much you've anticipated the death of a love one, nothing can prepare you for the time it finally comes. It's worse that Auntie Norvelle is very close to us. For the days that followed after her death, I kept on thinking if we've showed her enough how much we loved her. When she was strong enough to talk (and smile), she has thanked us many times for the love we showed her. I saw her get misty-eyed when we handed her a Christmas gift. But on her last days, we barely talked. Breathing was getting difficult for her. I feel bad for not praying for and with her when I visited her in the past, that during her last days, I wasn't able to text her as much bible verses and other encouraging words as I used to. While there's nothing anymore I can do about my relationship with Auntie, her passing has motivated me to maintain stronger relationships with the people she has left behind. I also realized that, in times like this, the only thing you can do is to hold on to God's promises. If you know God's character and have an intimate relationship with Him, you will be comforted that He has everything under control. </div>
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Before she died, I told Auntie that people are immortal until they've accomplished their mission on earth. Auntie Norvelle has proven to be a great mother, husband, friend, and the best aunt and sister (especially to my mom). Through her kindness, gentleness, and humility, I know her work is done. May she be eternally joyful in God's presence. </div>
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liannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031320368381128188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081064559698448030.post-77317876166915631392012-12-26T11:46:00.001+08:002012-12-26T12:57:29.719+08:00Sunpiology Run<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">What: Sunpiology </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">When: Nov. 24, 2012<br />Where: McKinley<br />Category: 12k<br />Time: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Never mind. Ehe. Ok fine - 1:39:48</span></span></div>
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I was driving along EDSA once when I saw this poster lording over the highway. While Piolo's inviting eyes could lure any woman (and man) to join the Sunpiology run, I was motivated to join because it was organized by Sun Life, which I'm a client of (chos). Plus the fact that I've never experienced running with celebrities yet in the few races I've joined in the past, and I thought it would be fun to run alongside and/or literally chase after TV personalities. The run was also scheduled to be in the afternoon, so I didn't have to wake up so early to be at the starting line on time. I thought afternoon runs would be easier. I thought.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Some of my runner friends warned me about the heat and the inclined roads of McKinley Hill. I thought it wouldn't be so bad until the day of the race itself. I don't think my body was prepared for the late afternoon sun, the steep inclines, and the pollution. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">We gathered at the starting line 30 minutes before gunstart. I met up with my running buddy Jen. Matteo Guidicelli went onstage to greet the runners. Right before we started, Papa P went onstage and gave his spiel. The crowd went wild. I only caught a glimpse of him. I was craning my neck just to see him with everyone else flashing his/her camera in front of me to take his photo. </span></div>
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There weren't as many runners as I expected, probably because of the higher than average reg. fees. There were a lot of cameramen though. Hehe. </div>
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If you look closely, you'll see Piolo Pascual himself. Yes, he's the one in the middle with a yellow visor on. Harhar. I'm so jologs I just had to take a candid photo of him:</div>
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I was excited to run at first. It was my first time to try running at McKinley Hill. And the celebrities around me added to the crowd's hype. At gunstart, I found myself running a few meters away from Matteo G. and Xian Lim, who both had a couple of pacers with them. Xian was wearing distinctively huge earphones to keep himself distracted. At one point, I thought a lady in her forties was wishing me good luck, until I realized she was calling out Xian's name (which sounded like mine) and waving her arms frantically at him. It wasn't long before Matteo and Xian went ahead of me. I realized at the first km that this race was going to be more challenging than the other runs. It was really humid, and breathing was a struggle. After around two kilometers, I developed a side stitch which got worse as I ran faster. I had no choice but to slow down and walk. I walked for several minutes, watching groups of runners sprint past me. It was a painful sight to watch. </div>
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Things got worse when we got out of MicKinley Hill. It was heavily polluted outside. Traffic was terrible. And it was still humid. I was dragging on for half of the race. We went all the way to Heritage Park. I was probably one of the last few ones in the race. At least I saw several celebrities (most of them rising celebs though and unfamiliar to me) run past me after they make the u-turn. I felt pressured as it started to get dark. I forced myself to run faster during the last 3 km just so I wouldn't be at the bottom of the list. </div>
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This race was the longest run I've had, and it turned out to be my worst. I ran for almost two hours for only 12 km (sub 60 naman eh. wahaha), mainly because I had to walk most of it. To make things worse, my right foot felt painful after. The pain extended to my right ankle and shin. I had to take meds on the days that followed. That was my first running injury. </div>
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I just felt so relieved when the run was over. When we got back to the starting point, we were greeted by big yellow mascots and endless Gangnam music. I took comfort in the free Gatorade and sandwich. No wonder the registration fee was quite steep (at PhP1,000.00) - there were a lot of freebies. They gave all the 12k runners medals as well. Our running kit also includes a nice water bottle and life insurance effective for one year. </div>
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Jen and me:</div>
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Jen and I had a quick dinner at Mom and Tina's after. </div>
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My take home for this race: </div>
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<i>Don't feel complacent/overconfident about your strength/skills.</i> I ran this race at about the same time when I was feeling discouraged about work, and I think God wanted me to learn this lesson then. Constantly train and prepare yourself for the task ahead. Don't think that you can wing it every time. Every race is different and I should've considered the conditions during this race during my training. It would've helped a lot if I tried actually running at McKinley Hill or even at Heartbreak Hill in UP just to familiarize my legs with the inclined roads. </div>
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<i>Don't underestimate the 2k difference.</i> I realized that every kilometer matters. Just because I've ran a 10k doesn't mean I can easily run 12. I have never ran 12k during training and I belatedly realized that I should have. </div>
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<i>Avoid having heavy meals before the race. </i>I had a heavy lunch of pork and rice right before the race. It didn't feel good during the race; I felt I was dragging my heavy body across the pavement. I think I should've taken in more fluids, or at least had a healthy meal before. </div>
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<i>Don't be hard on yourself. </i>I didn't feel so proud of myself after the race. I wasn't even planning on blogging about it because I underperformed and the whole world need not know about it. But I should be thankful that at least I was able to finish it. The conditions weren't perfect, and I know I could've done a lot better had I trained more, but I learned from it and I still had fun. There are a lot of races to look forward to.</div>
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<i>Pogi pala si Xian Lim. </i>Bwahaha. But I'd rather see JLC. Or Bernard Palanca (where the heck is he now anyway??)</div>
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Until the next Sunpiology race, Papa P. I promise to come prepared next year. :P</div>
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liannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031320368381128188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081064559698448030.post-71992758962490495032012-12-19T02:45:00.000+08:002012-12-19T08:07:25.388+08:00Next Race: Rescue Run on December 23, 2012I read about the Rescue Run yesterday. Since I haven't ran since the Milo Race, I was looking for a race I could join soon, although I didn't think there would be one a day before Christmas eve. Apparently, a run had been organized at the last-minute for the typhoon Pablo victims in Mindanao, scheduled on December 23, 2012 (this Sunday):<br />
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I've noticed that everyone seemed so busy with Christmas preparations that the impact of this disaster may have been overlooked. To date, more than a thousand residents of Mindanao have perished on account of the typhoon. For all runners out there, this is the perfect opportunity to do your part in helping the victims. This is also a good way of losing some of the holiday fat. :P<br />
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I was supposed to run the 10k category, but a group I was going to join is only running 5k, so I planned to run 5k instead. But then another friend told me she's running 10k, so I upgraded to that level. Hehe. As another friend put it, this is peer pressure at its finest :))<br />
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Here are some of the details I got from <a href="http://www.pinoyfitness.com/2012/12/rescue-run-2012-for-pablo-victims-december-23-2012/">Pinoy Fitness</a>:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">December 23, 2012 @ 5am<br />Bonifacio Global City<br />10K and 5K with barefoot categories and Zumba as stretching<br />Donation only. Minimum P200/runner. Racebib only.<br />No cash prizes. Medals for 24 podium finishers.<br />Tokens for Best in Rescuer Costumes and Best in Christmas Costumes (solo,tandem,trio & team).<br />5:15am – Assembly of all runners<br />5:25-5:45am – Zumba for all runners (20 mins)<br />5:55am – 10K Gunstart<br />6:00am – 5K Gunstart<br />MIZUNO:<br />- Trinoma (T.9166495)<br />- Eastwood (T.4704549)<br />- Galleria (T.5846174)<br />- Boni High Street (T.8561432)<br />- Mall of Asia (T.9151946)<br />- Alabang Town Center (T.846687)<br />- Teachers’ Village (T.2384005)<br />- Ortigas Home Depot (T.9140283)<br />- GreenHills G-Strip (T.9457856)<br />Email : greentennial@yahoo.com<br />Facebook : Greentennial Run<br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pinoyfitness" rel="nofollow" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3b5998; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/pinoyfitness</a><br /><a href="http://www.twitter.com/pinoyfitness" rel="nofollow" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3b5998; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.twitter.com/pinoyfitness</a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></span></span>liannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031320368381128188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081064559698448030.post-70951033680605585482012-12-12T23:30:00.000+08:002012-12-26T13:28:58.712+08:0012.12.12 and Other Random Thoughts<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And I'm posting this just because. Taken at a recent wedding shoot in Boracay</td></tr>
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Days of doing due diligence is seriously making me rethink my existence. Srsly.<br />
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One of the highlights of my "career" (career!) as a photographer is getting encouraging messages from complete strangers every once in a while, telling me that they admire my work. That doesn't happen to me very often (because by "a while", I mean 9-12 months), but when it does, I am reminded of why I do photography and why I should continue doing it no matter how busy it gets in other areas of my life. A few months ago, a random girl outside my network commended my work and told me that she wants to be like me someday. I still get warm and fuzzy every time I remember that message, but a part of me wants to warn her, that if she finds herself at age 30, unsettled, single, having an insatiable appetite for cupcakes, and having frequent bouts of financial impulsiveness, she might regret what she said years ago about me :)) </div>
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Honestly, I'm ok where I am right now - with a steady job, photography, great friends, a loving family. I doubt I can consider this as being at my best though. But I'm ok. Everything's steady. <strike>like calm before a storm</strike> But sometimes I can't help but wonder if I'm still on the right track to where God wants me to be in five or even two years.<br />
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<u>on karir</u>. </div>
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Earlier today, I saw a lot of photographer friends posting on FB that they were on their way to/from a wedding or that they had a fun/weird/funny/crazy experience at some wedding. It's a hot date for obvious reasons. Never mind that it's a weekday and the traffic is presumably intolerable. The date is freakin' 12.12.12 and that's the only thing that matters. I also shot weddings on 101010 and 11111 (for similar reasons) and I felt so important, like a soldier deployed for battle together with probably over a hundred(hehe) other photographers. Months ago, I've received several inquiries to shoot as photographer for 121212 weddings. I had to turn them down because the day happens to fall on a weekday and I didn't know where I'll be on this date - if I'll have a regular job or not and if I do, if I'll be able to take a leave.</div>
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Apparently, I made the right decision in not getting a shooting job today because things have been quite busy at the office lately. If I could go back in time and talk to my younger self, I'd explain that she couldn't shoot a wedding on 121212 because she'll be busy rushing a due diligence report to be submitted the following day. Of course the younger me would rather shoot than do anything else; and the present me shares the same sentiments. 121212 or not, I'd prefer to shoot than do legal work. I've mostly been honest and transparent that photography is something I could not let go of. I've toyed with the idea of going full time in photography, quitting my day job and doing only photography for a living. I came close to doing just that years ago when I actually quit my first job and attempted to be a full time photographer, only to realize that I jumped in prematurely without any funds and was compelled to find another stable legal job (that at least had a better schedule and allowed me to shoot on most of my weekends). </div>
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Years later, I think I've matured enough to hold on to my head and my heart. I was able to pursue photography without sacrificing my legal career. I knew what I'm passionate about and I went for it, and at the same time, I've grown to be practical enough not to let go of my stable job. I can't rely on my parents anymore to shoulder my expenses (which is likely to happen if I decide to go full time, unless of course I'm consistently earning enough from photography). There are a lot of things in the legal profession that I feel iffy about, like public speaking and getting buried in piles of paperwork, but I know these things are teaching me heaps about life and are molding me to become a tougher person. Of course, all of my career plans are always subordinate to what God ultimately wants for me. If he has other plans, I would drop everything and follow Him. <i>If he has other plans</i>. And I'm waiting on Him for His plans. </div>
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<u>on God's best</u>. </div>
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A good friend suddenly texted me today about a singles' Christmas event at their church. The text exchanges let us to a short chat on being single and finding God's best in our lives. My friend, let's call her A, admitted that she's been praying about finding a husband since the year started but there have been no developments in that area of her life. She asked if I was praying about it too and I said I do pray about it whenever I remember. But mostly, I don't. One of my reasons for not praying is I don't know what to pray about. Should I pray about a specific person? Should I present to God the characteristics I want in my future husband? What if I'm bound for single blessedness? Another reason why I don't pray about it as much as I did in the past (or as much as I would want to) is that it only reminds me of my unfulfilled desire to be married and have a family someday. It somehow emphasizes the lack of a significant other in my life and that's something I don't want to think about. Praying about it might just open the floodgates to all other negative emotions (worry, frustration, regret). I'm ok with being single, but I can't deny the fact that a God-ordained marriage is a beautiful thing that I would want to embrace.<br />
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My friend A told me that God wouldn't plant in us the desire to get married if He wasn't preparing us for marriage; and IF we are bound for single blessedness (forever and ever hehe), he'd prepare our hearts for it. That makes perfect sense. IF I am bound for single blessedness, I would rather be in that status anyway with God in my life rather than be in a relationship that is not glorifying to Him. Apart from God I am nothing and I know He has the best plans for me, in whatever marital status I'm in. I also realized that any feeling of uncertainty, anxiety or resignation I might have just shows my lack of trust in God and in His good and perfect will. A and I decided to pray for each other about this as the new year rolls in. I've grown hard and cynical on this aspect and maybe God is teaching me to soften my heart a bit. </div>
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So yes, my 121212 is filled with thoughts about the future; nothing remotely interesting. Probably the most striking incident that happened to me is when I got off by mistake at the 12th floor when I attempted to get off one floor up. Ehe. Hope your 121212 was less uneventful. </div>
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liannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031320368381128188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081064559698448030.post-40860946404984980662012-12-12T06:06:00.001+08:002012-12-12T06:23:45.480+08:00Tetra Pak - RFR Run<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">What: Tetra Pak RFR<br />Where: Bonifacio Global City<br />Category: 10k<br />Time: <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">1:05:10</span></span></div>
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Last sunday was the Milo Run Finals. But before I blog about that, I'll be posting about my previous runs (because I'm OC like that) I had two 10k races prior to the Milo Run - the Tetra Pak Recycle.Feed.Run and Sunpiology (hihi) which is the subject of my next entry. </div>
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When I signed up for RFR, I was prepared to run alone. I was hoping one of the TSW ladies or at least someone from the Milo Apex group was going to run (and I was almost sure someone will, I just didn't know who), but I decided to sign up anyway since I needed the training. </div>
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It's interesting how each race has its own advocacy/cause. The last race I ran promoted breast cancer awareness; this one encouraged participants to do their share in caring for the environment. Registrants are supposed to give two empty tetrapacks along with the payment. (I didn't, but thankfully they still let me register anyway hehe) Sometimes I wonder, if I were to organize a race, what cause would I promote? Probably I would put up a race to encourage people of whatever age to pursue their passion/s. Then I'd strategically put John Lloyd at the starting line. Wahaha. </div>
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I'm happy about this race for several reasons. One major reason is that I was actually early enough to do warm-up exercises with the other participants (yes, this is a big achievement :P). Usually, I arrive a few minutes before (or after) gunstart. This time, I completed the warm-up exercises together with the other runners. We even saw Diana Zubiri and Jan Marini (from Ang TV, for the uninitiated) onstage.<br />
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I was supposed to run with Jen, my friend from TSW/Milo Apex, but she wasn't able to arrive in time for the 10k so she decided to run the 5k category instead. When I got to the starting point, I heard a familiar voice call out my name - it was Coach Jackie Gutierrez, one of our coaches from the Milo Apex Running Clinic (10k group). There were other Milo Apex runners with her so I decided to join them. After warm-up, we made our way to the front of the line. </div>
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The starting point was at 28th street at Bonifacio High St. but the route was from BHS to the Edsa-Buendia flyover, all the way to Mapua Institute in Makati:<br />
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It was tempting to go all out at the first kilometers, but I didn't want to get sidestitch again like I did at my previous runs. I did a steady, comfortable pace during the first half. It helped that we ran a different route this time. It kept the race interesting. Of course it was quite a challenge running uphill at the Buendia flyover, but it was a surreal experience. I was amazed at the runners who were already making their way back to the starting point.<br />
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I only stopped a few times to drink. They were offering Tropicana Coco Quench at the water stations, which was really good. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Instagramming while running. Ehe.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took this photo on my way back to BHS, before going up the Buendia flyover for the second half of the race</td></tr>
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A runner saw me taking photos with my phone, and offered to take my photo before I ran up the Buendia flyover. (Thank you sir!) Too bad the lighting was bad and he didn't know how to adjust brightness using the iPhone. Waha. And I'm too lazy to edit this in Photoshop so good luck finding me in this photo :))</div>
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After I was done with the first half, surprisingly, I didn't feel as exhausted. No throbbing headache, no side stitch. At about the same time in my first 10k run (the Avon run), I was merely forcing myself to run for the sake of finishing the race. I could see a lot of other runners walking their way to the finish line but I was still running. I had enough pent-up energy that I decided to sprint the last few meters. WHICH I don't think I will ever do again because I look unflattering in photos :))))) I thought I slowed down and smiled at every camera, so I don't know how THIS turned up. Wahaha. Crap, I look like a man in this photo :)) But anyway, thank you Mr. Philippe Villareal for the photo. This inspired me to pay more attention to the photographers. The challenge for me is to still look fresh (or at least look like a girl) at the finish line in my next races. Harhar </div>
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Finally, the finish line! I beat my PR at 1:05:10 (chip time). 3 minutes better than my last 10k run </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jen and me after the race</td></tr>
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Me and Yas, my classmate from 5k last season in Milo Apex QC. She was in the PMA back in the day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Kevin (at the left) our "classmate" in the Milo Apex 10k group, who I ran with at the start of the race<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just love how the morning sun shines after the race</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free drinks! (in tetrapacks)</td></tr>
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Then I had a cup of Jamba Juice after the race: </div>
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liannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031320368381128188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081064559698448030.post-56813248860228150622012-12-07T06:31:00.003+08:002012-12-07T06:47:11.748+08:00Running in SG - Botanic Gardens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last Sunday, some of our coaches and friends from the Milo Apex Running Clinic ran half and full marathons at the <a href="http://marathonsingapore.com/">Standard Chartered Marathon</a> in Singapore. This post has little to do with that. :)) In as much as I wanted to participate in that run, I severely lacked preparation and funds. I'm including an SG marathon (or half-marathon at least) in my bucket list. </div>
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<a name='more'></a>So I'm going to post about another running moment during my recent trip to Singapore. We were supposed to have a group run in Botanic Gardens, until I realized my two companions overslept and won't be able to make it :)) I came there early (around 7:30) as originally planned. I thought 7:30 was too late - races start at around 5 am to avoid the heat. But when I got there, it wasn't hot and sunny at all.<br />
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I was amazed at how much running space the park had to offer. It was a refreshing break from my UP oval/Fort runs where I usually end up running literally in circles just to reach 5k. There was so much to see at the Botanic Gardens. It helps to have a scenic view while running - it doesn't feel so obligatory anymore. Of course during this run I spent the first 30 minutes walking around, observing people and taking photos. I was still a tourist, after all. There were a bunch of other runners in the park, a lot more serious-looking than I did. </div>
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I met some furry creatures along the way:</div>
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There was a huge lake in the middle of the park. It reminded me of our leisurely run during spring break back in Maryland, where my sister attempted to have photos taken with the ducks and she ended up chasing them away. :))</div>
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I was carrying all these while running. I must've looked like I've stolen a pouch and a la sardina cam</div>
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Oops:</div>
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Interesting art installation somewhere:</div>
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I had a difficult time though getting a taxi when I was done, so I decided to call up one of their taxi companies to get one. Within 10 minutes, a taxi came to pick me up. I love how fast and efficient everything is in Singapore. But before that, I got myself a can of Milo from a nearby vendo:</div>
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The next time I go to Singapore and I have the urge to run, I'll definitely include the Botanic Gardens in my itinerary. Glad to have visited the park during my last trip; at least I was able to do something different in Singapore, something I haven't done in my previous trips. And at least I was able to burn off (hopefully) all the calories I've consumed during our food trips at Marche with my parents :)) I hope I can run there again during Laneway Festival weekend next year. And I pray I'll be able to sign up for the Standard Chartered Marathon as well :D</div>
liannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031320368381128188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081064559698448030.post-50714736790117879092012-11-03T23:54:00.000+08:002012-12-26T13:29:21.965+08:00Last Friday's Run - Clarke Quay, Singapore<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I wish I could write about an actual race I ran in Singapore (or in some other country), but for now, I can only share about my experiences in my leisurely runs in different places. Since our US trip last Spring Break, I've made a conscious effort to include running in my travel itinerary. It can be difficult, especially when I would rather dedicate all my time to touring around/pigging out/spending quality time with friends and family. But later on I realized that running is a good way to explore a foreign country and bond with friends/family. One of my most memorable experiences during our US vacation last spring break was when my whole family (sans my mom, who had all sorts of excused cooked up so as not to engage in any physical activity that doesn't involve shopping) went jogging at a park near my brother's house in Maryland. Of course, half of the time we were taking group photos, but at least we had the intention to run together as a family in the name of good health. Hehe. It gave me the chance to see places in a different light and to explore areas I've never been to before. It's so refreshing to visit the local park after days of going to the outlet/eating at the best restos. </div>
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On this Singapore trip, I decided to bring along my running shoes and workout clothes. It can be a hassle to pack my running shoes, so I decided to just wear them during the flight (kebs na lang sa porma). We didn't have a set schedule yet, so I thought I could probably squeeze in running/jogging in the morning or late at night. We stayed at the Studio M Hotel at Robertson Quay, near the Clarke Quay area. There's a nice walkable/joggable trail right beside the hotel that extended until Clarke Quay. Yesterday, despite lack of sleep, I woke up at 7:40 and started running at the riverside. It was still a bit dark out. </div>
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Our hotel was near this bridge:</div>
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There was a host of other runners going through the same trail. A lot of them seemed to be serious runners, complete with hydration belts and ipod cases strapped to their arms. I also saw several locals walking their dogs, a lot of foreigners, some old folks doing tai chi, moms taking their young kids to school.<br />
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There was a row of hotels and restos a few meters away from our hotel, across the river. A lot of the restos were still closed. The morning sun shone beautifully on the empty chairs and tables as they waited for the customers to arrive:<br />
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At around past 8, the sun was already up. The city view and the cloud formation was really nice:<br />
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Upon my friend's recommendation, I crossed the overpass from Clarke Quay and went to Fort Canning, hoping to run more. But when I got there, I was already done with 5km and I felt exhausted going up the inclined paths. <br />
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There was an empty park. I felt like I was in the middle of the Secret Garden:</div>
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I didn't go around Fort Canning since I was too tired and I'm a lola like that. </div>
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After last Friday's run, I've concluded that Singapore is arguably the best city to run in. The weather's nice (at least, that morning), there's no pollution, there's a running/walking/biking trail everywhere. There are runners anywhere you go so you don't feel awkward doing long runs around the city. I enjoyed running in Maryland too months ago, but I felt my ears were going to fall off from frostbite :)) Singapore weather is like Manila but a bit more humid, minus the pollution. My goal is to run at the Standard Chartered Marathon next year in Singapore. I hope by then I can run a half marathon already. (Or full. Who knows? :) )</div>
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liannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031320368381128188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081064559698448030.post-43516830418355642692012-11-02T11:54:00.000+08:002012-11-03T10:33:31.278+08:00Long Weekend in Singapore<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This sums up my Thursday.<br />
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First 6 photos: Our hotel, Studio M, in Robertson Quay, Singapore. I have mixed feelings about this hotel. It's cute, very modern. The facilities are nice and minimalist. We stayed at a loft with a view of the Clarke Quay. This is the first time we tried a new hotel though and the mother is not very happy because of the cramped shower area and toilet. I must agree, it's not very claustro-friendly. I think it's ideal for two young people but not for 2 tanders + 1 me. </div>
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7: Aglio Olio for breakfast at this cafe across our hotel, Book Cafe. There was a nice Filipina girl serving us. I made the mistake of ordering the spicy kind. I only finished half of it. </div>
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8: Lunch at Marche (my dad's fave resto here). I had crepe. My dad had three entrees. We were there for around 2 hours. Haha. They did some shopping at OG Centre in Orchard. For some reason, it attracts a lot of elder shoppers. </div>
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9: I found this nice 2013 planner at a cute store, Typo, in Somerset 313. I know I might be the only 30 year old who has a planner (and I bet there are 50 other high school girls with the same planner hehe). The size is just right and it's not too heavy for my everyday handbag. Let's see about the Starbucks planner though. </div>
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10: I bought this small blackboard also at Typo. Great prop for family/kids portrait shoots. I just need colored chalk.</div>
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11-12: Lomo books/films and lomowall at the Lomostore in Chinatown. First time to go there. I bought a La Sardina cam which I will post in my next entry :)</div>
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liannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031320368381128188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081064559698448030.post-45226366773089534772012-10-28T17:47:00.000+08:002012-12-12T13:50:38.511+08:00My First 10k<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FXqIpH-_MrQ/UIun-adm73I/AAAAAAAACfA/zElbAMQc1xE/s640/blogger-image--880802067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FXqIpH-_MrQ/UIun-adm73I/AAAAAAAACfA/zElbAMQc1xE/s640/blogger-image--880802067.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a><br />
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What: Avon "Let's Walk the Talk!", run for breast cancer awareness<br />
Where: SM Mall of Asia<br />
Category: 10k<br />
Time: <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">1:08:03</span><br />
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Last year, I joined some friends from my old church as we tackled the series on "The Significant Woman." The series was aimed at helping us realize and act on our God-given purpose and serve as a venue for us to encourage each other as we try to reach our goals. In our attempt to stay fit and healthy (which is an important item in our goals list), we all decided to sign up for the Milo Apex Running Clinic last September. Since some of us have joined the 5k group before, we signed up for the 10k category this time. Last Sunday, we joined our first 10k run together at the Avon Walk the Talk breast cancer awareness run. It was my first 10k ever. We picked this one because the singlet's nice. And we want to support the cause against breast cancer. And yes the singlet's nice. :P<br />
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I was already wide awake at 4 am, mulling over whether I should get up or not. Then I remembered I had two cupcakes waiting to be devoured - a red velvet cupcake and a chocolate cupcake from my friend's wedding the night before. So I sat up quickly and prepared my things for the race. I have such a healthy pre-race diet :P</div>
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I met up with the TSW girls at MOA at past 4:30. We were at the starting line (or so we thought) a little before 5 am. At gunstart, we realized we were with the 5k crowd, and the other 10k participants were steps away from us, in front of a metal divider. (So that was what the divider was for :)) ). We caught up with the group as quickly as we could. We were steadily running together at the beginning but eventually we ran separately at our individual pace.</div>
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The run made me realize there is a world of difference between a 5k and a 10k race. 5k runs are generally leisurely - I remember running 5k races alongside kids, families, dogs, camwhoring teens and disgruntled employees who seemed to have been forced to run as part of an office activity. There was little pressure since everyone was in a slow pace. At the 10k run, I saw participants run past me one by one. Most of the runners were focused and determined to finish at the fastest time possible (which is the whole point of a race anyway. Hehe). I wanted to keep up with them, but I knew I had to preserve my energy to last me until the finish line. I stopped at all the water stations to keep me hydrated the entire time. It slowed me down, but I didn't want to risk dehydration. Despite seeing more and more runners get ahead of me, I learned to focus on my own run. I felt encouraged after each kilometer, knowing that every step will lead me closer to the finish line. </div>
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At some point in the race, my brain becomes a clutter with random thoughts rushing in, from "I'm tired" to "What is that other runner thinking?" to "Where are we going to have breakfast?" At those times when I feel myself running out of breath, I instinctively prayed and ask God to guide me as I finish. At the last half kilometer, as I was feeling really tired, I turned on my ipod and listened to the best running songs I have in my playlist. It always helps and this time, it allowed me to finish strong. I didn't get to self-time my race this time, but according to the official results, I ran for 1 hour and 8 minutes. I placed 100th in the list. </div>
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It might not seem like much, but I consider this as one of my biggest running achievements for the year. I had little confidence in my capacity to finish a race at the start of the year. Even when I was training for 5k, I didn't think I'd be able to run 10k and beyond. I thought I'd be stuck in 5k forever. After every long run, I experienced migraine that lasted for hours and would require me to sleep it through for the rest of the afternoon. I often got side stitches during the run. I noticed I would mostly start fast but get burned out easily, forcing me to walk the last lap. I felt I was doing something wrong. Thankfully, I was able to correct a lot of these during training. I was advised by our coaches in Milo Apex not to go on a full throttle at the start and to keep taking deep breaths. In the event that I do get side stitch, I was taught to hold the painful area and stretch from side to side. I was also told to keep myself hydrated all the time. It's been weeks since I last underwent a post-run migraine. I think it just takes getting used to. </div>
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Running has taught me a lot of important lessons about life the past months, but these are some of the most important things I've gathered:<br />
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">Learn to finish strong.</i> As a beginner (as most beginners are, I believe), I was intent on going for speed. So during runs, I would sprint at the start and end up getting burned out in the end. I learned that before going for speed, I should focus on maintaining proper posture first and building endurance. I've learned to pace myself and estimate how much energy I have to exert at every point of a run to enable me to still run fast at the last few meters.<br />
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">With proper training, you will improve. </i>I know this is a simple principle, but as you grow old, you tend to adopt the mentality that you're wired a certain way and you're just incapable of improving. At least, that's how I felt about running before. As it turned out, I was able to increase my speed and even get over my migraine episodes. So yes, even if you've been living a sedentary lifestyle for 30 years,<br />
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">Things are much better when you're with a group of similarly-situated, similarly-minded, awesome people. </i>Hihi. Running with a group definitely beats running on my own. Of course there are still times when I want to run on my own and just listen to music. But it's always more encouraging to be with other runners. My circle has vastly expended through running and it's nice to see diverse people united by a common interest.<br />
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">Have a mentor or two. </i>And don't be afraid to ask when there are things you don't know. I feel blessed to be surrounded by coaches/expert/professional runners and <i>"mamaws" </i>because there are always people to pressure me (in a good way) and guide me on how to run properly. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy birthday Jen! :D</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So here's my number... :P</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello dog! :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Claiming the loot bag</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I finished this instantly. So hungry. Hehe</td></tr>
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After the run, we went to Harbor Square and had breakfast at Pancake House. There was a free aerobics class there:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice view :)</td></tr>
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liannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031320368381128188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081064559698448030.post-1395576271088171532012-10-18T05:08:00.002+08:002012-10-18T05:08:48.397+08:00Run (WALK) for Pasig<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm not counting this in my official list of races for this year, because I literally walked the entire time. Hehe. I'm not even sure if I reached the 5k mark; I took a u-turn somewhere in the middle of the Tandang Sora flyover. BUT it was an interesting experience nonetheless. </div>
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Weeks ago, my niece, Patti, asked if I wanted to join the Run for Pasig River on September 30, 2012. She was running with her sister (they were given an incentive in school for it). It was only (Haha ONLY) a 5k run, and the registration fee was pretty cheap, so I said yes. </div>
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I later on realized that I had two shoots that weekend - a wedding on Saturday and a birthday party on Sunday. I figured I can tolerate the fatigue; my only concern was I might develop a migraine on Sunday (which I sometimes get after running). The run would've been manageable if I hadn't developed a sort of flu days before the weekend. I had terrible cough and colds (and I didn't take a leave). I got home past 12 midnight on Saturday night and we had to wake up at 4:30 for the run. I didn't want the reg fee to go to waste (no matter how cheap it may be :P), so I slept for a few hours and pushed myself to wake up the next day. Patti told me the assembly time was at 4:30 (I tried to negotiate the time since the gunstart was at 6 am, but she told me the school asked them to go at 4:30). So we got there on time and gathered with the rest of their schoolmates at Cluster 27:</div>
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30 minutes later, I told my nieces to just run without me and I needed to sit this one out. Sleep was more important (especially since I had a shoot that morning). So I trooped back to the car and took a nap. At 7 am, I woke up. The sun was out, and they were in the exact same position they were in at 4:30. They hadn't started running yet!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Patti. She isn't hard to miss. Hehe</td></tr>
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I was feeling a little better, so I decided to join them. I had no intention of running - I was planning to just walk and take photos (I mean, how bad can it be?) <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My other niece, Bianca</td></tr>
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My nieces walked/ran with their friends while I was taking photos of the other "runners"/onlookers:<br />
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It's raining....<br />
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Walking on the flyover! Probably the only chance I'll get to walk on the Commonwealth flyover:<br />
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I realized my nieces were gone. I called Bianca and found out that they took a u-turn a few meters back. I walked to the finish line as soon as I found out.<br />
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Then we had Pancake House for breakfast. The best thing about running is probably carbo-loading. After the run :))<br />
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liannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031320368381128188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081064559698448030.post-1128144762863216182012-08-24T21:18:00.002+08:002012-08-25T12:28:24.383+08:00The Milo Run<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So my runner contacts have been posting that registration is already open for Milo Apex Running School, Season 5, which starts on September 10 in QC and September 11 in BGC. I suddenly realized two things: 1) I haven't blogged about the Milo Run last July 29; 2) I haven't ran outdoors since the Milo Run. Last Tuesday, I had no work and had nothing better to do, so I joined some of the Milo Apex QC runners for a run at the QC Circle. It was also the first day of Coach Jim's Metafil boot camp (we joined in some exercises and the program was more intense than the running school). I realized how much I missed running outdoors. It simply doesn't compare to running on the treadmill. I'm more motivated to run longer distances (and faster at that) when I'm outside, especially with a group of other enthusiasts, rather than running on the treadmill alone.</div>
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Anyhoot, here's my short account about one of the biggest (if not the biggest) runners' event in the Philippines, the Milo Run/Marathon. It's a yearly event that has been in effect for more than 30 years already. Last July, around 38,000(!) runners joined the marathon.</div>
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To make sure I don't make the same mistakes as I did on my first 5k run, I prepared my things the night before - belt (to hold my phone/water), running shoes, Milo singlet, jogging pants, water bottle, towel. I also brought an extra shirt just in case. My 5k classmates, Mavic and Mia, were supposed to meet me in Cubao at 3:30 in the morning. I set my alarm to 2:45 and turned in at around 9 pm. The next thing I knew, I got a text message from Mavic, telling me that she was on her way to our meeting place. I looked at the clock and saw that it was already 3:15 am! I discovered that the alarm didn't go off. When I checked my alarm, i saw it was inadvertently set to 2:45 PM. I quickly changed clothes and prepared to leave the house. Good thing I prepared everything the night before.</div>
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Despite the lapse, we were able to get to the venue early, at around 4:30 am. The gun start for 5k was at 5:30 am. It was still dark out, but a lot of participants were milling around the area. So many little kids participating that day. I felt like I'm part of something really big.</div>
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There was a special booth for the Milo Apex Running School Participants (because we're spoiled like that):<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warming up before the run</td></tr>
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Minutes before the 5:30 gunstart, we went to the starting line. I realized there were several "waves" at the starting point to accommodate all runners. We ended up at the second wave.<br />
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We were so excited when the race started. Coach Jim was waving at us at the finish line like a proud father watching his kids onstage on graduation day. Haha. Everyone was cheering (and taking photos, of course). It was a wonderful feeling. Then, the race began. I started out with Mavic, Mia, and Sir Mon (our tito/big boss at the QC group. Haha). But later on, we all went our separate ways. </div>
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The weather cooperated the entire time. It was cloudy, and I knew the rain would start pouring anytime, but it didn't (at least for the 5k run). It was quite crowded, so I had to zigzag past the other runners. It was interesting to see how diverse the people were - from little kids to young pros to lolos. I was observing the crowd and at the same time keeping track of my time. I finished the race in 34 minutes 44 seconds (according to the chip time). It's almost the same as my first 5k run although this time, I felt I was in a better condition since we did warm-up exercises and I was able to rest well the night before the race. </div>
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Finish line:</div>
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We went back to the booth where we saw the other finishers. We were given water and sandwich (because again, we're spoiled like that. Hehe). And then it was a long photo op after the run:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Runners with Coach Jim and his fiancee :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9CBrJ7TromU/UDNKNbHxgAI/AAAAAAAACEo/nCpxlg4UdCc/s1600/IMG_0381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9CBrJ7TromU/UDNKNbHxgAI/AAAAAAAACEo/nCpxlg4UdCc/s640/IMG_0381.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With some of my classmates from 5k (and some 10k runners as well)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3CVHkvFD-qE/UDNKRMGN9CI/AAAAAAAACE4/r0LUDBslIWw/s1600/IMG_0383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3CVHkvFD-qE/UDNKRMGN9CI/AAAAAAAACE4/r0LUDBslIWw/s640/IMG_0383.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cute kid!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vek6jhTU5wQ/UDNKSqLNqKI/AAAAAAAACE8/BR65KoIO_70/s1600/IMG_0384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vek6jhTU5wQ/UDNKSqLNqKI/AAAAAAAACE8/BR65KoIO_70/s640/IMG_0384.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At some point, it began to rain. But it didn't last for long</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vTj4Vz2JGlc/UDNKULMSdkI/AAAAAAAACFI/6rZwZO8XdI4/s1600/IMG_0390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vTj4Vz2JGlc/UDNKULMSdkI/AAAAAAAACFI/6rZwZO8XdI4/s640/IMG_0390.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with my good friend Riza (who told me about the clinic) and her sister Ruth</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SzQbsdpuhUk/UDNKXcyz3mI/AAAAAAAACFQ/6Vmjga10TH0/s1600/IMG_0401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SzQbsdpuhUk/UDNKXcyz3mI/AAAAAAAACFQ/6Vmjga10TH0/s640/IMG_0401.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With our very own Coach Danny! Who finished as one of the top runners in the 42k category. At that rate, he even stopped during the race to help some runners who got injured. He's one of the most inspiring coaches (and the funniest too) at the clinic</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j1a2r2Lx6HY/UDNKbhjSwJI/AAAAAAAACFY/7uvTsu6PrGA/s1600/IMG_0402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j1a2r2Lx6HY/UDNKbhjSwJI/AAAAAAAACFY/7uvTsu6PrGA/s640/IMG_0402.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">more cute kids</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PKgyDPI-AK4/UDNKeB2pLII/AAAAAAAACFg/famiCMs4Plo/s1600/IMG_0403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PKgyDPI-AK4/UDNKeB2pLII/AAAAAAAACFg/famiCMs4Plo/s640/IMG_0403.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and another one</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bxyz4ifiMCQ/UDNKfjrkqqI/AAAAAAAACFk/SUGqWYAeCUs/s1600/IMG_0404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bxyz4ifiMCQ/UDNKfjrkqqI/AAAAAAAACFk/SUGqWYAeCUs/s640/IMG_0404.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were performances also</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xYS6iSp46cU/UDNKgw_g8WI/AAAAAAAACFw/0QYdG-5WUco/s1600/IMG_0405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xYS6iSp46cU/UDNKgw_g8WI/AAAAAAAACFw/0QYdG-5WUco/s640/IMG_0405.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spongebob runner taking everyone's photo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fHcucI20TlQ/UDNKi6mPSEI/AAAAAAAACF4/Kq59B_QuVUo/s1600/IMG_0406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fHcucI20TlQ/UDNKi6mPSEI/AAAAAAAACF4/Kq59B_QuVUo/s640/IMG_0406.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meet everyone. Hehe</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0H8NwiYzjEY/UDNKlY4CfnI/AAAAAAAACGA/G6WBkaLnxLU/s1600/IMG_0409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0H8NwiYzjEY/UDNKlY4CfnI/AAAAAAAACGA/G6WBkaLnxLU/s640/IMG_0409.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone looking at Coach Danny's medal</td></tr>
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AND of course, the 5k coach (the best coach everrr hehe), Coach Janette Agura who was Top 3 in the 42k female category! Congrats Coach Janette!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeling lang :))</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gkg3XemYtxE/UDNKwm4vWHI/AAAAAAAACGw/cFOkL56Js70/s1600/IMG_0428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gkg3XemYtxE/UDNKwm4vWHI/AAAAAAAACGw/cFOkL56Js70/s640/IMG_0428.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Coach Janette :) Thanks so much for everything Coach!! You've been such an encouraging and inspiring coach and friend. You deserve your medal for all the hard work you've poured in to this sport. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lj90Hw19RAU/UDNKy3psEwI/AAAAAAAACG4/zSLKb8BfAvI/s1600/IMG_0429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lj90Hw19RAU/UDNKy3psEwI/AAAAAAAACG4/zSLKb8BfAvI/s640/IMG_0429.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coach Janette is also Riza and Ruth's coach at the BGC 10k group :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-89xnqGgpoIQ/UDNK3xFyLsI/AAAAAAAACHI/vmrRit9h1AE/s1600/IMG_0436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-89xnqGgpoIQ/UDNK3xFyLsI/AAAAAAAACHI/vmrRit9h1AE/s640/IMG_0436.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ehrmergerd runner dog!!</td></tr>
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It was just a 5k run, but my Milo Run experience is probably one of the best things that happened to me this year. It was such a privilege to be a part of an institution, to have witnessed such a grand event in the world of running. It was an honor to meet a lot of other inspiring persons who motivate me to do better in running. Definitely, I'll join another fun run/race in the near future. </div>
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I went home that day feeling refreshed and energized. I knew I had to nap though. </div>
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I hope I can join Season 5 next month :) </div>
liannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031320368381128188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081064559698448030.post-59817082993055860632012-08-23T06:30:00.000+08:002012-08-25T05:31:50.236+08:00The Middle East in Bible Prophecy<div style="text-align: center;">
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I've been stuck in the book of Ezekiel for so long (still stuck now hehe) but this sermon gave me a fresh perspective on the book. It was given by a Jewish speaker, Amir Tsarfati, in CCF. He relates the prophecies in the book of Ezekiel to current events. It just left me awestruck, knowing how real and relevant God's words are through the prophet Ezekiel. (The message went on for more than an hour and I didn't even notice the time!) It gave me more impetus to read God's word, as it will prevent us from speculating on the last days and would urge us to be more aware of current world events, especially those in Israel/the Middle East. I think the important thing to think about is where we fit in God's grand story. I hope everyone would take the time to watch it.</div>
liannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031320368381128188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3081064559698448030.post-15214680553145715332012-08-21T21:52:00.001+08:002012-08-25T05:36:12.930+08:00Rest in Peace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>"Later on in life, you will realize that it is neither your successes nor your conquests that will give you satisfaction. It is your contribution that really matters – paying back what you owe the community that nurtured you." - Sec. Jesse Robredo </i></span></span></div>
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So many photos of the late Sec. Jesse Robredo have been posted online, but no other photo struck me as much as this one did. I think this one, among all the other photos I've seen, best captured his extraordinary character, his joyful, positive disposition despite the circumstances. Although I haven't followed his short stint as DILG Secretary, I've heard a lot of exemplary things about him, especially from my Bicolano friends. He is truly a man of integrity and I hope that we will all be inspired by his legacy. I feel like tearing up every time I see updates about him on Facebook. I'm sure my friends from Bicol are twice as affected. </div>
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In 2003, he gave this speech to the college graduates of Ateneo De Manila University. I'm part of that batch and I hate that I don't remember the speech at all :( It's quite long, but I urge you to read it and be inspired by the way he lived his life. Read it, when you start getting discouraged about our country, when you feel that nothing can't be done to remedy our seemingly insurmountable issues. The least we can do now is to emulate the same optimism he had when he was still alive. </div>
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Sec. Jesse may have passed on but he continues to touch the lives of many Filipinos. Rest in peace, Sir. </div>
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Taken from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/notes/gma-news/mayor-jesse-robredos-commencement-address-to-the-ateneo-de-manila-university-cla/10150977631067693">GMA News</a></div>
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<strong>FOLLOW YOUR HEART; PURSUE YOUR DREAM</strong></div>
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<strong> </strong><strong>BY JESSE M. ROBREDO</strong></div>
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<strong>CITY MAYOR, NAGA CITY</strong></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Reverend Fr. Ben Nebres,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Distinguished Members of the Board of Trustees,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Reverend Fathers of the Society of Jesus,My Dear Graduates,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My Dear Parents,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ladies and gentlemen,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Good Afternoon.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am deeply honored to be your Commencement Speaker today.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I must confess I do not consider myself prominent enough to merit the invitation. I must also confess that I come from that other equally distinguished school along Taft Avenue. Nevertheless, like I always do when called upon, I will give it my best shot.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Humbly I stand before you today. Humbly I relish at the thought that perhaps one of the reasons why you have chosen me as your Commencement Speaker is that you want me to share with you the good things that we have accomplished in Naga City.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You, my dear graduates, might wonder why after six years in the private sector with a lucrative job, I finally decided to involve myself in local governance, which is otherwise known as the complex world of politics.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It is not common that we find young men and women, at their early stage, stake their future in politics. The old fashion way is for older or more seasoned men, especially those who have been successful in their profession and have nothing more to prove, to indulge in politics as a rewarding refuge. In my case, I simply wanted to go home and see what I can share to the city of my birth.</span></div>
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<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A STRONG HEART</span></strong></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Fifteen years ago, at age 29, when I first became Mayor of Naga, what I got into was a city in shambles.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The city had a huge budgetary deficit; City Hall employees were underpaid, their morale was low; and with a city council of ten members, only three of them belonged to my party.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I had a weak mandate, made even weaker by a system of political patronage. But I did not have an equally weak heart. I knew in my mind the kind of governance we would pursue. The options were clear. We either provide a leadership that was exclusive and authoritative or a leadership that was inclusive and consultative ----- a leadership that imposes its will on its constituency or a leadership that encourages people participation and engagement.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We understood that we did not have the monopoly of wisdom. We felt that we should know when to lead and when to be led.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We chose to take the side of our constituency. We fully wagered our political future on their response. To secure their confidence, we tackled long-standing problems that beset the city --- vice, urban blight, red tape, graft and corruption, and poor tax collection. We organized and reached out to all the sectors of the city --- the sidewalk vendors, drivers, urban poor, farmers, professional and business circles, non-government organizations and religious groups.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We viewed the poor, of which Naga had plenty, as our partners and assets. We launched Kaantabay sa Kauswagan (Partners in Deveopment) Program which so far provided security of tenure to 5,000 squatter families. Today, they are proud owners of homelots in neighborhoods that speak of their dignity as empowered citizens of the city. Working with the poor, we resolved long-standing land tenure problems dating back to the 1950s. Such was our success that no less than the United Nations Center for Human Settlements made our program a model in the Habitat II Conference in Turkey in 1996.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Viewing our constituency as our partner and asset, we enacted a People Empowerment Ordinance, the first of its kind in the country, which instituted the Naga City People’s Council. This Council represents over a hundred non-government and people’s organizations who are empowerd to propose legislations and vote at the committee level of the city council.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Today we engage ourselves in a program that looks at every Nagueno as the focal point of what government enterprise is all about. We call it the i-Governance Program. It not only recognizes the citizen’s right to know but also encourages them to engage their government. It has two basic tools: the Naga City Citizen’s Charter, the first of its kind in the country and the naga.gov.ph website. These tools are both designed to empower the citizen by promoting transparency and accountability. Because of transparent governance and accessibility of information, construction of roads and purchases of supplies and medicines cost much less in Naga City than government standards.</span></div>
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<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">DRAMATIC REBOUND</span></strong></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The People Empowerment Ordinance has resulted to a dramatic rebound for the City of Naga. By the end of my third term as city mayor in 1998, we have regained our stature as the premier city of the Bicol Region.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The rebound was described by Asiaweek Magazine as “more institutional than physical” even as it acclaimed Naga City as one of the 4 Most Improved Cities in Asia in 1999. For similar reasons, Naga City was presented the Dubai-UNCHS International Award for the 10 World’s Best Practices in Urban Governance and for its Participatory Planning Initiatives in 1998.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Why am I relating to you all these, my dear graduates?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It is because in some Asian countries and even in our beloved country, people say that democratic principles cannot work, and that the Oriental model of “ruling with a hard hand” is the call of the hour.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We disagree. Our experience in Naga is our best argument against the traditional and authoritative ways in the management of people and governance.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Our experience, too, proves that our people are our best resource and our best hope. Our experience, and that of many others, have shown that if we can not do it at the national level, we can begin at the local level. Collectively, successful local governments, driven by constituencies who are well-informed, constructively engaged, and willing to share the burden of community building, can build our country.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Despite all our problems, I know we shall overcome. It just might be a matter of changing course. It just might be a matter of leading from the bottom rather than being herded by the top.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Again, why am I relating to you all these, my dear graduates?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It is because many of you will be leaders of our country someday, or may even become President of this Republic. But is it not ironic that while many of our leaders have succeeded in achieving their personal goals, the country has lagged behind? Maybe it is because they have failed to make heroes out of the ordinary Filipino. Maybe it is because they have relied solely on their own capacities, rather than on the contributions of the ordinary people they are responsible for.</span></div>
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<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">MAKING HEROES OUT OF THE ORDINARY</span></strong></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Not all of you will graduate with honors or with distinctions. Only a few --- a very few --- will be privileged to receive medals and honors. But all of you tonight will come up this stage and be honored with an Ateneo diploma.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Not that I am giving less importance to the honor graduates. We know that they have significant roles to play. But that I would like to focus more on the majority of the graduates this year. I was just like one of you when I graduated from college in 1980. To you, I address my experience in Naga City --- for it is our kind, the ordinary, regular kid on the bloc, who made the City of Naga rise over its difficulties.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Our political history has shown that we have put the burden of running this country to our “best” people for too long. And yet the gap between the rich and the poor has grown wider. For this country to succeeed, we need to make heroes of the ordinary people. We need to make heroes of ourselves.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I must say that the ordinary employees and constituency have made the success of Naga possible. In Naga City, we have a woman streetsweeper, who held on to her broom for twenty years. Literally, she had swept every square inch of the city’s business district. But through sheer determination, she was able to finish her secondary studies in a night school and graduated, at 54, with a bachelor’s degree, some 8 years after her own daughters had theirs. To her the City of Naga conferred the Mayoral Award for becoming an inspiration to ordinary citizens, one who despite overwhelming odds, has risen above them. Today her broom has become a diploma. The woman was not an honor graduate --- but an ordinary citizen, struggling to make life better for her family.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Why am I relating this to you, my dear graduates, and my dear ladies and gentlemen?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It is because the world today lacks the values that used to mould the disposition and the character of the ordinary citizen.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The world today, despite the advances in science and technology, has yet to learn about how to live, what to do, and how to be. As one tired and retired government employee remarked, “One learns many things when one gets to be my age. But one has to unlearn many more things that one has gathered with age.”</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In pre-school, as bestseller writer Robert Fulghum observed, we used to be taught these: “Share everything. Play fair. Do not cheat. Don’t hit people. Put things back where you find them. Clean up your own mess. Don’t take things that aren’t yours … When you go out into the world, hold hands and stick together.”</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">How sad ---after ten years in basic education and four years in higher education -- we seem to have forgotten the basic tenets learned in pre-school.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When graduates go out into the world of business or politics or entertainment or government service, will they still “share everything”, “play fair”, “put things back where they find them”, and “clean their own mess”?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Our experience in governance in Naga City is nothing but our personal encounter with the necessity of returning to the basic governance --- a return to the essential meaning of service --- a return to what is simple and practical --- a return to the values that our forefathers taught us: the value of honesty, hard work, of fairness and most all the holy fear of a just God.</span></div>
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<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">SMALL FISH IN A BIG POND</span></strong></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This Address will not be complete without venturing to answer the question as to where will you go from here.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Should you choose to be a big fish in a small pond, or a small fish in a big pond? Whatever your doubts are, follow your heart. When I left San Miguel Corporation, in 1986, I knew that serving home was where my heart was. I must say that desire and commitment far outweigh knowledge and skill. The latter can be learned. Without the former, your life’s work will be a profession and not a vocation. Find your own niche. Change careers if you must. But make sure you succeeed.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You must always remember that you can not give what you do not have. Measure success in terms of how pleased you are with what you have done and not as to how people define it, with its attendant perks.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Later on in life, you will realize that it is neither your successes nor your conquests that will give you satisfaction. It is your contribution that really matters – paying back what you owe the community that nurtured you.</span></div>
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<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">THE CHILD IN US</span></strong></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Let me end by narrating to you the conversations I had with Grade 6 pupils of a public school in Panicuason, a mountain barangay in Naga City, some four years ago.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Some of these children had to walk 3 to 4 kilometers just to attend school. I asked them what their ambitions in life were?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A boy said he wanted to be a doctor because there was no doctor in the barangay. A girl said he wanted to be a teacher so that she would make sure that all the children in her barangay would go to school. Another boy said he wanted to be an engineer so he could improve the roads and provide irrigation systems for the farmers.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Like all of us, they too wanted to be somebody someday. But despite the deprivations and difficulties, they were all for a noble purpose – to be of service to others. Not one of them said that it was for fame, money or power. They were so young, yet they know what was good for their community and for others.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As you leave your beloved Alma Mater and pursue your own dreams, do not forget the child in you. Keep in your hearts always the Ateneo idealism of being men and women for others. Hold on to it. I am certain you will do no wrong if you keep that idealism as your guiding light.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Congratulations.</span></div>
liannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031320368381128188noreply@blogger.com0