KARALAGAN IN MANILA!!!

KARALAGAN IN MANILA!!!
(Ala Thrilla in Manila!!)

Don’t be mistaken..Bako ning laban sa boksing ni Beldad, o mga “puniti” adventures nya .Saro na naman lang ni sa mga blog report kang gimik kang Batch 93..

Inapod ining KARALAGAN ta pig gibo mi ining hirilingan na ini sa aldaw kang undas. Friday Night nagpuon, natapos Sabado, Nov. 1… Pig sabat mi ang Undas..Garo man lang pag sabat sa New Year.hehe...napagka sunduan na kina La Pussy ganapon ang hirilingan.Sa condo unit nya sa Vito Cruz...Su dae mau ruli ning bikol, puedeng mag duman ka La Pussy….. Iyo iyan ang urulay sa e-group..

Puerte!!!...nadagos mananggad ang urulay ulay..

Nag abot ako sa unit ni Mhenard La Pussy ning mga bandang alas diyes ning banggi..Hale pa kaya ako sa office..

Ang naabutan ko na yaon na, si Beldad pa lang. Of course, yaon man ang host na si La Pussy..

Ang condo unit ni La Pussy

As mentioned, ang rendevous, sa condo unit ni La Pussy..Room 2220, Pacific Regency Tower, Vito Cruz, Manila. Infront of Rizal Memorial Coliseum…Incidentally, si Bimbo Boquiron, igdi man daa naka istar (check his yahoogroup profile)..pig aapudan mi ngani sa cellphone nya that night, kaso dae nag sisimbag..baad turog naman that time.

Anyway, maurag man talaga ining condo unit ni Mhenard La Pussy. Second time ko na ining pag igdi sa unit ni La Pussy, pero it never fails to amaze me..as I mentioned before, I am proud na si La Pussy, saro sa mga ka-batch ta na nagiging successful na.At least financially…we all work hard to have a comfortable living, and here’s La Pussy, showing how it’s done..

Simple man lang ang condo unit ni La Pussy. Unit kang sarong soltero..Bachelor’s pad as they say..Puede naman ini kay La Pussy, dawa semi-bachelor sya.hehe..

Pag laog mo sa unit nya, enot mong mahihiling, ang dakulaon nyang T.V…bako pa ining LCD TV, pero garo pinag iisipan naman mag bakal ni La Pussy.

Pag tukaw mo sa couch, mahihiling mo man ang saiyang dakulang aquarium..iyo daa ini ang libangan nya.Dae ko lang nahapot kung anong mga sira ang nasa aquarium nya…garo nakahiling akong catfish duman (hehe).

Igua man syang badil na vintage na naka display sa wall kang sala nya..am not sure if it’s still working..pero maurag na pang display..
Proud man si La Pussy sa saiyang terrace. In fact, gabos na bisitang nag abot, pig dara nya sa terrace nya para ipahiling ang saiyang ginibo...Kaka arrange nya pa lang daa kaini...nag laag sya ning sadit na coffee table na may duwang tukawan..digdi daa sya makape kape pag kamata niya pag kaka aga..hmmm..i wonder lang kung tano duwa ang tukawan na naka lag. E, solo man lang sya duman..garo man tinatago samo si la pussy..hehe..

Anyway, may kasabihan baga na mas nag gagayon ang sarong harong kung magayon man ang naka istar igdi..In Mhenard’s case, mas nag gagayon ang saiyang harong dahil saiya..
Down to earth ining si La Pussy..dae ka digdi masusuya.hehe…also, napaka accommodating..asikaso ka mananggad pag yaon ka duman sa harong nya..welcome ka kung baga…that made his unit more admirable..

Ang mga nag turunga
Ang mga nag turunga sa okasyon na ini, ang KARALAGAN IN MANILA, si mga regulars na nag tutunga (hehe)..although, open man ang invitation sa gabos na Batch 93, for some reason, kami man giraray ang rayaon..It only shows garo na we have created na a certain bonding, na nauugma kami na maghirilingan from time to time...But we have always wished na mas dakol pa ang maka ibahan mi..Sa katunuyan, pig papara apudan mi si mga batchmate ta na we thought yaon digdi sa Manila.Arog na lang ni Francis Librero.Pig apudan mi kang banging ito.Kaso, unfortunately, nasa Angono sya..Abang rayo naman para maka atindir…...asin si iba pa..Kaso, either “out of coverage area”, or “the subscriber cannot be reached”..o kaya man, dae nagsisimbag..siguro, may pigtataguang tsiks.Pag dae bistado ang nag aapod, dead ma.hehehe..
But nonetheless, maogma man giraray ang KARALAGAN mi...abang kasing ogma..garo given naman pag nagkakasararo ang Batch 93.Dae puedeng dae maogma.In the first place, hale kita gabos sa Maogmang Lugar.
Of course, pag yaon ka sa tiripon kang Batch 93, malilingawan mo na may agom ka na palan.hehehe (sa sobra garong kaogmahan)…kidding aside, sa arog kaining okasyon, you are transported back to where you were before. Itong time na nagpupuon ka pa lang magkamalay …Malilingawan mo na professional ka na palan ngonian..malilingawan mo na nakaka angat ka na palan sa buhay ngonian. Malilingawan mo na boss ka na ngonian kan sarong kumpanya. …Sa okasyon na arog kaini, you are all equal..Yan ang maogma dyan……ang magigiromduman mo lang, saro ka sa Batch 93 kang Ateneo de Naga. Either paralatik ka, o ika ang piglalatik..hehe.weather-weather lang..

Bago kita marayo kang urulay, attendance muna kita!!!...Uni na ang mga nagturunga..

Ronnel “Bronson aka Puniti” Beldad
Hilinga na ining picture ni Beldad..Gwapuhon baga!!!.Malilingawan mo man talaga na dati ining Bad Boy..Ngonian, bad boy man giraray.hehe..suba man lang..
Suno ko ang pag ka atado digdi ni Beldad.Pang Artista..okey ang jacket.garo nag match sa personality nya.hehe.

Steve “ the sharpshooter”, “mr.jovit moya”, Realuyo.
Check out the beard..mayo pa man dati yan..nagpa tubo daa sya dahil sa trabaho..i dunno kung anong trabaho kaining ka-batch ta. Siguro, rapist.harharhar..
Mayong suba, mas cool ngani ang itsura ni Stevie..New look..
Saka baga, may gamit man baga yang balbas..pang romansa ni pading steve.hehehe..
Im sure, ugmahon man kayan ang mga tsikas ni Stevie..

Glenn “David Cook” Abrera
Uni ang gwaping..garo man lang si Awiel Wivewa..harharhar..maka latik man lang Cook.hehe..ini mga padi ang gwaping na simple lang...hehe.
Ever since, arog na kaini ang itsura ni Gingin…Neat asin mahamot..Yan ang sikreto ni Cook na pang akit.hehehe..


Jeric “ the master” Occiano

Iniyo ang pinaka-simple..mas simple pa kay Cook…indeed, looks can be deceiving..dae ka mag tubod sa braces asin salming kayan na itsurang maboot..in fact, mabuuton talaga yan. Dawa ano, pig bubut butan..dawa dae nya ka-table.hehehe
Pero, in fairness, nasabi na nya kaidto, good boy naman sya..naughty na lang..hehehe.

Ang host, La pussy..and yours truly.
Syempre, yaon ang host..Alangan man na mayo sya.hehehe..syempre yaon man ako. Dae ko man magigibo ining blog kung mayo man ako.hehehe.

Entertainer mi kang banging ito…accommodating man sya arog ni La Pussy.
Syempre, kulang man banggi mi kung mayo kaming entertainer / guest..pero mga padi, bago kamo mag laway, bako man arog kaini kagayon ang entertainer mi kang banging ito..representation lang ini, kumbaga..wishful thinking ini.hehe.

Ang mga pangyayari


Nag puruon mag arabot ang mga ma-urundas mga bandang 10pm..ako, nag abot ako after ni Beldad (around 10pm din)..after me, sunod sunod nang nag arabot si iba..Si Cook, may darang Andok’s chicken..Pang pulutan..

Nag prepare na si mhenard ning duwang case na San Mig Pale Pilsen..Mayo daa kayang San Mig Light sa haraning mababakalan kaya Pilsen ang inimon.Oki man lang.

Padikit-dikit, iristoryahn digdi, iristoryahan duman..Dawa ano ano…Purusngakan digdi, purusngakan duman..sometimes senseless, pero yan ang nagpapa ogma.Break naman ini sa pang ara aldaw na pang yayari sa buhay buhay ta....pag nag dadangong ka naman sa mga iristoryahan kang mga buhay buhay, kadakol ka man manunudan sa bawat saro…iniyo ang time na nakaka connect kamo sa saro saro.Kumbaga napupunuan (fill the gap) ang mga taon na dae kamo nagka hirilingan..

Si Jeric, pigpapa iristorya si mga na-witness nya sa Berlin (basta kalibugan hade).Pag puon sa mga babae na nasa glassdoors, hanggang sa bars na pig laogan niya sa Berlin..of course, pag nag iistorya si Jeric, pano ning buhay (full of life)..mayong dull moment kay pading Jeric.Papara ngirit ka na sana.Makulog lamang ang panga mo.hehe..Life of the party kumbaga.


Sounds of the Past
Ang maogma pa digdi, naisipan ming mag patugtog kang mga kantang “we knew by heart”….Siisay man ang makakalingaw sa mga lyrics kang Eraserheads..yeah!!!..syempre, chorus mananggad ang drama kang mga lolo mo sa kada kanta kang E-Heads.hehe..(Kita kita/Sa Isang Magasin/Dilaw ang ‘yong suot at, Buhok mo’y)…(Minsan sa may kalayaan tayo, nagkatagpuan/may mga sariling gimik)
Also, after kang E-Heads, Skid Row naman..18 and Life you got it..yohoo!..Stone Temple Pilots, Foo Fighters, Tears for Fears (Sowing the Seeds of Love/Sowing the Seeds/The Birds and the Bees )..These are the sounds of our distant past kumbaga..for a time, we are transported back to our youths..nostalgic!

Ang bagong camera ni La Pussy
Check this out !!!..ini ang kina araan kang banging ito..ang bagong camera ni La Pussy..
Mga padi, medyo understated pa ining nasa picture ta mayo digdi su halabang lens na naka laag, battery pack na gabat gabat na (heavy duty), asin pan di-urag na flash..kakaiba..pang PRO ining camera ni La Pussy.

Ang istorya kaini ni La Pussy, si Boss nya sa office ang nag pabakal saiya kaini..He was looking for a semi-pro camera ta na-inspire man sya kay Daboy to take photography. La pussy’s boss is also into photography. Sabi ni La Pussy, his Boss is upgrading to a new camera, kaya pinabakal ini saiya at a very good price.Hulugan pa ngani daa..Kaya instead of getting a semi-PRO camera, mas maurag ang nakua niya..Problema lang nya daa, bubuting tingon pa nya ini ta masyadong hi-tech..
Anaway, magayon ining camera ni La Pussy..ining mga pictures na yaon digdi sa blog, hale yan dyan..I should say, magayon man talaga ang quality kang pictures.

To La Pussy, goodluck sa saimong photography…as promised, iiba mo ako sa Nude Pictorials mo in the future.hehe..(tsiks ang model of course).

Night Cap
Mga bandang alas dos y medya ning maagahon, naubos na si Pilsen na pig iinom mi..Its either mabakal pa o sa ibang lugar na lang ipadagos..sa “Maogmang Lugar”.hehe.
As elected, sa “Maogmang Lugar” nalang ipadagos.

So off we go.

Ining picture na nasa ibaba, kua sa lobby kang condo ni La Pussy..Mga bandang 2.30am, paluwas na kami, pasiring sa “Maogmang Lugar”.
Pig kukua mi digdi ang I.D. mi na pigwalat sa guard kasubago bago kami nag sakat sa unit ni La Pussy.

“Ang Maogmang Lugar”
Bako ni Pading Naga City..iba man ini..pero maogma man digdi..ang tinutukoy ko, ang lugar kung sain may arak (of course), may tukawan, may kumukutitap at may very accommodating na babae…actually, second time ko ng naka digdi..pigdara na ako ni La Pussy digdi.hehehe.

Here it is!!

Let the pictures speak for itself…(Nasa Pictures Section ini kang yahoo groups ta man)

But wait, I can’t help na dae mag istorya (dawa dikit sana) behind those pictures..Of course, ang bawat saro dyan na ka-batch ta, may sadiring istorya, pero uni man lang version ko..Puede man mag nigar nalang kung sailing ninda, dae tama ang istorya ko..hehehehe..

Picture 1“Jeric and the Chinita”: sayang, bakong full body ang kua kang picture..kung whole body lamang, kua kung saen naka posisyon ang kamot ni Master.hehe

Picture 2 “Cook and the Chinita again” ; Obviously, nag lipat ining babes sa kang kangan naman ni Cook..Medyo nakahandig na ta medyo pagal na. Nahamutan garo kay Cook kaya nagbalyo..hmmm.

Picture 3 “Sleeping Bronson and the Babe” : Si Bronson, tinurugan ining tsikas..Pero style man lang nya yan tanganing maka handig..Kung ririsahon mo ang picture, medyo nakadilat ning dikit ang sarong mata nya.Nakahiling sa *****s..nice bronson!!!

Picture 4 “Group Hug” : Ini, nag papa aram na kami ta aga na..Bilang maboot asin affectionate na Atenista, nag-group hug..But wait, hilinga na si Cook, halos idukdok na ang ka-moks nya sa boobs ni babe..Si Master man, naka duta na ang payo sa ****…By the way, ining tsiks na ini, magayon man mag bayle.hehehe..gumigiling sa stage.hehehe.

Picture 5 “Ang mga gumigiling sa stage” : May dikit na “cultural shows” duman sa bar na pig dumanan mi..Actually, bako man malaswa si pag babayle ninda.Artistic ngani..I suppose, dae lang naa appreciate kang kadaklan ang mga ginigibo ninda sa stage..samong batch 93, appreciated ming maray..pirmi pa ngani ang pag upak..hehehe.

Picture 6 : “Group Pic” : ini harmless na maray..garo man lang picture kang magbaba rarkada..Dae ko lang aram kung sain naka abot si kamot ni Stevie..

Picture 7 “Si Stevie at ang ka-table nya” : iniyo, garo na-inluv na kay Steve..naka peace sign na pati…bareta ko pig sabihan ni Stevie ining tsiks na “ihahaon kita sa putikan”.heheh

Picture 8 “Master and Lock” (garo kandado) : garo man kaya kandado ining tsiks makadukot kay Jeric..Nag iba pa pating pwesto ining duwang ini..nag rayo samo..cguro, pinangakuan ni Master ning Cellphone asin Load.hehehe.

Picture 9 “Yours Truly at ang ka-table ni Mhenard” : Pig pirit man lang akong mag pa piktyur digdi..habo ko man talaga.sabi ko ngani, bading ako..pero sabi kang tsiks, papa seloson lang daa nya si Mhenard…hehehe…

So there you go, my own version of stories behind the picture..hehehe..of course, all of these were done just in the spirit of fun.

And fun it is..natapos kami mga 5 in the morning..dikit na oras na lang, may saldang na.

So after this joyous and wonderful night, it is time to go..all of these “naughtiness” will be left behind once again and be back to what we really are..We are a loving husband to our one and only wife, a responsible father to our children, an obedient son to our parents, a responsible citizen to our society….Once in a while (paminsan minsan), we are the “fun-loving” Batch 93. Young at-heart, makulit, naughty, adventureous, tsik boys..But forever, we are still the Batch 93 of Men for Others…

Till next time….

At last, a Half-Ironman Finish!!!.. My Whiterock experience..

Pre-Race Activities

Thursday - Leaving Manila
Longer vacation leave from office

Leaving as early as Thursday from Manila to Subic would mean a longer vacation leave from my office. Fortunately, my boss allowed me to do so. This is a vacation and a race, fully expense paid that is. What a treat! Thanks to Herbalife..

We (Resty, Reva, Millet and myself) left Manila at around 10am. We were picked up by our service van at the Herbalife office.

We arrived at Subic at around lunch time. We were billeted at the Arizona International Hotel, 2 to 3 kms away from Whiterock. Jomac, Monica and Rayzon (the elites of Herbalife) arrived almost at the same time as we did. I understand they have been staying in Subic doing their training.
We all had lunch together in a café right across our hotel.
After our sumptuous lunch, we went back to our hotel. There’s nothing much to do there except to relax, take naps, watch TV, eat. Sarap buhay!!
At night, we consumed our complimentary stub (one free beer at the hotel’s sport bar). The boys, Jojo, Rayzon, Resty and myself, went to their so-called sports bar and had two rounds of beer. Just had a little fun.
Joy arrived at the hotel at the around 2am. He took the bus going to Subic. Prior commitments barred him from going with us on the scheduled departure from Manila.

Friday
Light Training, Race Briefing, Bike Check-In
We woke up at around 5am. We planned to swim at exactly 7am at Whiterock.
We biked from our hotel to Whiterock, and arrived at about 6.45am. Hanged our bikes at the supposed T1, and off to swimming.
The swim didn’t take long because the water was not very clean that particular day. After just a few dips, we went to shower.
Then, off to biking. I was alongside with Jojo during the bike ride. I had some helpful tips from him on biking. I thought, it would really be cool to have a coach.
After the 30-minute bike ride, we were back at the Whiterock T1 area. We changed shoes and went on light running for 30 minutes as well.
Jojo called the entire brief training as “pick ups”.

After which, we were able to get our race packets from the super accommodating extribe people. My race number is 83.
Had a few naps in the afternoon.
We went back to Whiterock during the night for the race briefing and bike check-in.
After the bike mechanics checked the road worthiness of my bikes I hanged it at my designated area at the T1, and left the bike there for the night.
All other participants had to leave their bikes as well. One blogger had mentioned that the T1 was tightly guarded during the night since all the bike left there would cost roughly at P 20million. Not to mention also the wrath of a triathlete when his bike got lost during the night.hehehe..PSG type of guarding must have been implemented.

RACE DAY
We woke up at around 4am. Joy prepared us Herbalife shakes for our breakfast. We ought to leave and be at Whiterock at around 5am.
At the race site, we were greeted by the big boss of Herbalife. He is there for support. Super cool guy!
After a few pep talks and posing with the cameras, we went to the swim area.
The race is about to start.

AND THE RACE....


The 2K Swim…still afraid of the open-water swim.
3 loops

As always, I positioned myself behind the pack. Afraid of getting kicked, elbowed or grabbed under water. I intended to swim “alone”, away from the mayhem at the swim start. I know that I have to overcome this anxiety, but for now, I have tocontend with this thought. Just finish the swim.
So there you go, in-between my chit-chat with one of the participants, the horn sounded. The race had officially started. Everyone runs into the water and started swimming. As for me, I started walking to the water, staying behind the turmoil. I intended to walk until it gets a little deeper off my knees. But all of a sudden, bigla na lang akong lumubog. Sobrang lalim na pala. Hehe. So I panicked. I immediately searched for the bouy line, and grabbed it..huff, huff, huff..Muntik na ko dun..I paused for a while holding the buoy line to prevent me from sinking (don’t know how to tread), and composed myself. So after composing myself, I started my so-called swimming..Still anxious about the deep sea, I began the swim and hold scenario..Swim for about 30 seconds, then rest holding the bouy line for about 5 seconds.. I did this for about the first 200 meters of the swim..Then, i finally got my rhythym. I began swimming without pausing. I finally had overcome my fear but still swimming way to close to the bouy line. Evident by the arm wounds that I got from the big ropes.
After the first loop, I was happy to end it. I can now swim without the pauses. I can now catch up with at least some of the slower swimmers. So I finally did. I was so elated passing through them. So, I will not be the last man out of water..True enough, i finished the swim with at least 7 or 10 swimmers still in the water..
I run towards the T1. I was immediately greeted by my friends Jaja and Joshua(one of the nicest couple that I know). I paused for a while for a pic and a high five.
I passed by a shower area, and rinsed off a bit of the salt water. After which, I grabbed my T1 bag and proceeded to the dressing room.


Bike Leg…91KM
Stomach Cramps, Loosing my Cyclometer


Just about after the 1km mark on the bike, I began to feel stomach cramps. I have to endure it, thinking that it might just go away (later, I found out that my teammate had the same experience too during his bike leg. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to finish the race because of it). Lucky enough for me it was not too bad to cause me a DNF, but it really slowed me down.
The cramps went on from time to time during the entire bike ride. Damn!
Also, I lost my cyclometer at the start of my bike leg when I accidentally pulled it off when I adjusted it while riding. Whew!... I had an optional Garmin bike pod mounted on the rear wheel, but to my dismay, it wasn’t working too. Murphy’s Law.. I can longer see how fast or slow I was going. The cyclometer is so damn important for me since i am using it to pace myself. And now it’s gone.

Anyway, that would not me stop from finishing the race of course. I had to live with what I have (or don’t have).
Except for the stomach cramps that would occur from time to time, in betweens, I had a lot of fun. From greeting the supporters and spectators with a simple wave, to shouting “thanks” to well wishers. I feel like a star.hehehe. Every participant got this same treatment from the crowd I’m sure. Every town has its own “cheerers” and volunteers that will certainly boost your spirits up.
So after a long bike ride under the heat of the sun, battling stomach cramps and riding without a cyclometer, I finally arrived at the Whiterock for the T2.


Run Leg..20KM

The Microwave Run.



I arrived at the T2 at the around noontime. The heat was so intense. It was burning HOTTT!
Just at the start of the run, I began to feel cramps all over my legs. The stomach cramps is gone, but here comes another one. I smell trouble. Just barely 1KM from T2, I am having problem running.This is bad. Really bad..But I had to carry on.

Come heartbreak hills, it was a struggle. The elites are now on their way back. Seen Jomac, alongside with Abe Tayag, seem to be running neck-to-neck.. I am now reduced from a slow jog to occassional brisk walking. Pausing at the aid station for hydration and nutrition.

Come the Subic area, the treeless road made my struggle even worse. The intense heat was killing me. Though I had some sort of heat training, apparently, it was not enough.
Jaja and Josh briefly stayed beside me riding in their Pajero. Heat is not their problem of course. The couple was giving me some encouragement.

I was able to reach the area where Taki was assigned (at the ribbon station)... My spirit got a boost upon seeing him.

My next stop is at the 10K turn-around point. I briefly rest on the tent to get a cold shower, ate some bananas and oranges, then off to running, eh, jogging again.. The rest of the way going back to Whiterock had been a jog and walk affair.

Heat was still intense until a big cloud covered the sun on my way down to heartbreakhills. It’s gonna rain. And what a relief..

2km left, Jaja and Josh appeared again driving alongside giving me a chat. It was good thing.

Finally, 500meters to go. I am thinking now how to finish. I wanted to finish with no other athlete sharing my so-called finishing glory. I wanted to have my moment. When one athlete passed by me at the last 400meters, I let her go. Didn’t bother to chase her.

So here I am, entering the gates of Whiterock and the red carpet to the finish line.The P.A. announces my race, my name, my team, and my city where I live. It was really a very satisfying moment. I can’t describe the feeling…..crossing the finish line, hearing your colleagues shouting at you in jubilation, getting high fives to almost everyone, raising your arms in triumph..
It is true. Finishing time in this kind of a long distance race doesn’t really matter. Albeit, I have always respected people who just finish this race, now I have more appreciation and deeper meaning to it..Finishing is everything.

I had wished to jump up and down at the finish line but my numb legs prevented me from doing it. I was totally exhausted. But nonetheless, I was really in heaven having to finish this seems to be an impossible race for me (and maybe to most regular guys).

Last year, I can still remember dreaming of finishing this race. And now, I have done it.

Nothing is impossible, you just have to do it!hehe. (sounds familiar, right?)




I will end this blog entry with special thanks to Team Herbalife. I am extremely gratified for their support. I am really very lucky since i am just a beginner triathlete and yet i am getting the same support as their experienced athletes. To Herbalife, a big thank you. From the bottom of my heart.

Whiterock..10 days to go.

With less than two weeks before my most anticipated race of the year, the Whiterock Long Distance Triathlon, i am up to my final preparations. I have been reading my Triathlete's Training Bible (Joe Friel) to make sure that i would not mess up my final preps.

This is the time for taper (as i keep reminding myself). I have greatly reduced my daily training volume. Shorter workouts but still maintaining race intensities. I have wished to peak in time for the race.

I am so excited participating again in a race but also feeling edgy. I can't help it since this is my first tri on such distance. A half-ironman. My goal is just to finish it. Maybe, i would be crossing the finishline at the 6 hr-30min mark.Hopefully. But no pressure. My race time will just be a gravy. As they say, "finish your first, race the next".

And i am determined to finish it...

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Official Roster of Participants at :

http://www.extribe.com.ph/downloads/WRT2008_list_official.pdf

Animated course map:

http://www.extribe.com.ph/content/course_map.html

Ang Muling Hirilingan!..Hooters

Mala!!!!

Uni na naman ta nagkahirilingan na naman guiraray…sabi ngani ni pading Steve, you can’t enough from these guys..true enough!!

The Date
September 13, 2008, Saturday..After mag urulay ulay sa e-group, napag desisyunan na sa Sabado na lang ngani guiraray gibohon ang dikit na hirilingan..une na!

The Place

Tsk.tsk…Maorag man talaga pumili ang Batch 93..True to form, Hooters ang napiling lugar kang hirilingan..Obvious naman kung tano Hooters ang napili..Ang Hooters, sikat na bar baga sa U.S. na ang main attraction iyo ining mga nag gagayunan asin nagseseksihang mga tsiks….Franchise ining yaon sato..Located sa likod kang Mall of Asia..

The Attendees
Joam “The Voice” Santiago – ang trabaho palan kani ni Joam, dubber..Kadakol na siyang project na ginibo…ang pinaka natandaan ko, boses nya ang saro sa mga main karakter kang Naruto….sya man ang boses ni Heath Ledger sa Batman (dae man padi….suba lang!)

Zaldy “ Kiki, the family man” Santelices – kaibahan ni Kiki si mag iina nya kang pag abot nya sa Hooters..Pigpa bisto man lang kami tapos pig walat na samo si Kiki ta madalan sindang sine…garo pig check man lang garo kung siisay man talaga nag kaibahan ni Kiki.hehe…….may negosyo na ining si kiki..motorcycle shop sa Las Pinas…Pig hapot ko kung okey man ang kita..sabi nya, okey man daa..nakakabuhay man daa ning pamilya…dae ko lang nahapot kung pirang pamilya..next time..hehe.

Steve “ the sharpshooter” Realuyo – aram naman na si Steve, mahilig sa Airsoft..This time ngani, pig pahiling nya samo si lugad nya sa muro (daliri) na timaan ning bala..Battle wounds kumbaga….Sharp shooter man ining si Steve bako lang sa baradilan, pati pag “sight” sa lubot kang mga naka talikod na waitress kang Hooters..Dawa harayo, kua pa nanggad.Lufet!

Mhenard “La Pussy” Olivan – of course, kulang ang hirilingan pag mayo si La Pussy..Mayo pa ining absent si ikos puon kaidtong sa Pier One with the Saudi boys..Pirming yaon….This time, siya ang official photographer.Nag dara pa pati ning tripod na nag lalaba.,maurag!..ano daw ang masasabi digdi ni pading mhond sa mga shots ni La Pussy..salamat Menard sa mga pictures!

Jeric “the lover boy” Occiano – pag ulay mi, family day na naman guiraray.hehe....pirmi man ining yaon si lover boy, bantay si misis..maurag pati mag para istorya..life of the party ma nanggad..punong puno ng life (bakong iyo jeric!)..

Oca “the manager” Villamora – accidentally, yaon man duman si Oca sa Hooters..Garo kaibahan si mga tauhan nya sa trabaho..RSM na ni padi si Oca sa Johnson & Johnson..kaya ‘bagong ligo ang pakiramdam ‘

Norman “luv it” Pascual – sympre, yaon man ang saindong yours truly..luving every moment kang okasyon..dawa medyo mapuyat..as lang!!
L to R : Jeric, Joam, Steve, Menard, Yours Truly, Zaldy

With Oca…

Ang mga IRIDO (ang mga nagturugang maduman pero dae sumipot)

Ronnel “Charles Bronson” Beldad – nagkahelang..tinatrangkaso daa sya..pig apudan ako ning mga bandang alas siyete ning banggi sabado..dae na daa sya makakaduman ta kina kalintura siya..nag aabo abo pa pati kang kaulay ko (hehe.dae man)..

Glenn “David Cook” Abrera – ini ang malupit..sya si nag organize, sya si mayo!!..saen ka na……may hilang man daa sya.kina kalintura man..dae man mapirit ta may hilang baya..hehe…get well soon.

Tristan “Primadonna” Prima – after mag confirm sa email, asin kay pading Steve, no where to be found ining si Prima..Dae man lamang nag advise sa text kung maabot..AWOL..sana, okey lang sya..baka lang may nangyari dae maray saiya kaya dae sya nakaabot..

Ang mga pangyayari
Nag abot ako sa Hooters mga bandang alas-otso..Aram ko naman na nagpa reserve si Jeric, kaya dire diretso ako sa laog para hanapon sinda.

After a few minutes, finally, nailing ko na …Naka pwesto sa luwas na table kang Hooters.Duman kaya ang smoking area…
Tulo palang si naabutan ko.
Si Joam, pag kailing sako, tumindog para maki-handshake asin brotherly hug..
Si Steve, na naka-orange, naki pag apir man.
Si Menard, na kaka apod pa lang sa cellphone ko ta hinahanap naman ako, asin si mga ka-batch mi, naogma pag ka hiling sako..
Nagtukaw ako sa kataid ni La Pussy..kakatukaw ko palang, umaatikabo ng piktyuran..

Ara atyan, nag abot naman si Jeric..kaibahan man guiraray ang saiyang usual na entourage.hehe..Si esmi nya, asin kasambahay ninda..

Pag abot ni Jeric, piriktyuran man guiraray..

Ara atyan, si Zaldy naman…medyo nagngarak ngakan pag abot ni Kiki ta garo family day na..Kaibahan man nya kaya si pamilya nya..pero, dae man palan ma-stay..madalan palan sine si mag iina nya, at iwawalat lang si Kiki samo..

Syempre, as usual, nagka sararo na naman ang tropa..Big family kumbaga ang Batch 93, pero dawa sana dikit o pira lang sa mga “tugang” maka iribahan, mayong kasing ogma..

So, umaatikabong ngarakngakan, laratikan, iristoryahan..Medyo napuputol lang ang iristoryahan pag may maagi ning seksing waitress kang Hooters..Syempre!maka baksyo lamang..

Ara atyan man, nag hapit samo si pading oca..nasa balyong table sya naka pwesto, kaibahan si mga ka-trabaho nya..Tyempo lang na yaon man sya duman sa Hooters, kaya he took the opportunity para maka jamming samo dawa dikit na oras man lang…..Maogma si pahapit nya samo ta mas lalong tumindi ang laratikan…si mga matitinding issues kaidto, nag kaurungkat..kaya grabe ang ngarakngakan……ara atyan, naghali naman si pading oca..
Padagos pa man si iristoryahan..medyo naging seryoso ang urulay panandalian kang naging topic ang mga buhay buhay (nice jeric)..Pero this is better ta it put more sense sa paghirilingang ini..kung baga, naging balance….makanos man baga kung puro nalang ngarakngakan ta garo dae kita kya nag gugurang..pero makanos man tong puro seryoso.garo na yan prayer meeting..maogma pag arog kaini…mas nabibisto ta pati ang mga ka-batch ta..
Pero syempre, mas lamang ang kaogmahan..Kaya ngani nasa Hooters..

The Hooter’s Girls
Inarabot na naman ning karamanyakan…Ining si Menard, dae na napundo sa kaka picture kang mga Hooter girls..kung ano anong posisyon.

Hilinga na ni!!!!..




Delightfully Tacky, yet unrefined

Ining iba kong mga ka-batch, kada mag aging waitress, nag raralaba ang mga liog..dae naman pati naherak sa mga tsiks..garo na kaya ama-on o angku-lon naman lang ining mga tsiks para sa mga ka batch ko..arakion pang maray, mina maranyak na….Ewwww!!!..Lain!!

Hilinga ining si Steve, garo man lang nya akin a lang…



Matuang aki ni Mhenard!!


Pamangkin ni Jeric..


May instance pa ngani na ining si La Pussy, dae tuyong timaan kang yosi nya si legs ni Leslie (saro sa mga Hooters)..sa may tadyang pati, harani na sa singit..sa bilis kang pangyayari, biglang kinaputan ni la pussy si legs kang tsik…pinag pagan si legs na tinamaan ning yosi..aram kong dae man tuyo ito ni la pussy, pero…..tsk.tsk.

Mauurag man talaga ang tsiks digdi..puro pa ngani pa picture kami ..ining si Jeric, nag papa picture lang, pag mayo si esmi nya.hehe….from time to time kaya, nag lalakaw lakaw ining si misis ni Jeric….Kaya pag mayo, tamang samantala..pero pag yaon, tuninong ..Goodboy na to-its! (ala Robin Padilla).

Magka kamoks! (pinirit man talaga..)
Hilinga na padi ang picture mi ni Joam..Dae man baga nag kakarayo ang itsura mi..hehe..magka kamoks baga!



Pareho man kaya ang kapalaran mi..Pareho kaming suway na enot na agom, tapos may bago naman ngonian….Bukod sa pagiging kamukha mi, uni ang tale of the tape mi ni Joam..

HS Batch
Joam (J): ‘93 ‘93
Norman (N) : '93

Agom (Marital Status)
Joam : Panduwa
Norman : Panduwa (pero suway naman)

Joam : Kasal sa Enot
Norman : Kasal sa Enot

Mga Aki
Joam : 4
Norman : 3
Aki pagka binata
Joam : Saro
Norman : Mayo
Aki sa enot na agom
Joam: Duwa
Norman : Duwa
Aki ngonian
Joam : Saro
Norman : Saro

Reach (aram na!)
Joam : 12inches
Norman : 12.5inches (lamang dikit..hehe)


Pahamak si Jeric!
Pahamak ining Jeric….Pinatubod nya kami na si Oca na daa ang mag bayad kang bill mi..Ta ire-reimburse na lang daa ni Oca su bill sa kumpanya nya(nice gin!)..so, knowing na bako na kami ang mabayad, nagsi order na ning kung ano ano..

Katong mabayadan na, dae man palan sagot ni Oca..it turned out, nagusuba man lang palan…hay..pahamak ining si Jeric…

Dae man kami nag hugas ta medyo well-off naman ang mga ka-batch ta..no big deal..


Time to go
Mga bandang alas-onse, kaipuhan ko ng mag paaram..ma-bike pa kaya ako saaga ning amay..may team practice.alas singko ang hale..
Masakit mag hali actually..lalo na sa kalagitnaan kang ogmahan..kaso, mayo ning choice.
Nag sabay naman sako si Joam pauli..dae nya kaya pig dara si kotse nya ta habong mag –drive ning naka inom..pig drop ko sya harani sa harong ko sa MAndaluyong circle..nag taxi na lang sya from there..

Habang pauli kami ni Joam, napag iri istoryahan mi ang buhay buhay..lalo na ang samong love affair..let me just say, pareho naman kaming kadakol natutunan sa pakiki pagrelasyon..not just sa agom, pati sa pakikitungo sa mga aki..Bako man kaya gayong “normal” ang set-up kang samong naging pamilya..kaya may kakaibang mga instances na kaipohan ming lusutan o iresolba..
For Joam iyo lang ini ang masasabi ko..Like a true Atenean, he stands up for what is right.. He never gave up on his kids..Dawa masakit, he continues to nurture them..Pirit na tinatao ang lubos nyang makakaya para sa mga aki nya..hanga ako saimo padi..

Messages ni Yours Truly
To Kiki, take care of your family…I am hoping na lumago pa ang business mo…also, I am praying for your wife’s full recovery..
To Jeric, dae mo na padi pag sayangon ining second chance mo (you know what I mean)..magpaka boot na.hehe
To Menard, thank you for always being there (here) pag may hirilingan.
To Steve, stay cool padi..sana mag ka jamming pa kita sa dakol pang hirilingan.
To Joam, may you continue fighting..

To Cook and Bronson, get well soon.
To Prima, magparamdam ka.hehe.

To all my batchmates, hope we could see each other sa next na hirilingan…Please, don’t hesitate to join us..just experience it..you’ll never know what it will bring to you..

For me, it brought me happiness.....


Dae man risang ogma?

as always, dae pa digdi nagtatapos ni....to be continued.

Should I or should I not get this?

I have been contemplating on this particular tri-gear...a chrono helmet..here it is..


LOUIS GARNEAU ROCKET AIR HELMET 2008
The New Louis Garneau Rocket Air Helmet has the aerodynamics of the 2007 model, but with much more ventilation. 2 new huge front vent inlets and 3 new large back vent outlets allow for maximum airflow and ventilation. Like the the original Rocket, it features a large fairing that almost rests on your back when in the time trial position, creating an uninterrupted air flow across your back.

Product Features:
Weight: 14.8 oz/420 g
Certifications: CPSC-ASTM-CE
Vents: 5
Ergobuckle: Quick-release helmet fastener with ergonomic shape
Keylock: Easy strap position adjustment
Spiderlock Elite Stabilizing Device: One-hand quick and accurate fit
Sealed Airdry: Better comfort and optimum ventilationAvailable in colors BLUE and WHITE/BLACK in the following sizes:Small: 20.5-22in, 52-56cmMedium: 22-23.25in, 56-59cmLarge: 23.25-24.4in, 59-62cm

...................


For the past 2 days, i have been thinking of getting one..The idea came into my mind when a friend of mine called me asking if i wanted a new helmet.A Loius Garneau Rocket Helmet 2008, color blue (exactly the same as the above picture).And i asked, why??..He told me that he bought the helmet from an on-line store based in U.S. the other week.He really loved the helmet that's why he spent a few more dollars to get it shipped here in the Philippines.So it arrived the other day, and he got the package..But the problem is, the size of the helmet does not fit him.Arrg!!!..Too small!, he said to me.He followed the measurement guides on the site where he bought it, and it suggested a Large Size for him, but still didn't fit him. Still too small.
And now, he really wanted to dispatch it as quickly as possible.He doesn't want to spend another few more dollars to get it shipped back, and ask for a replacement...He opted to sell it to me..And of course, at a very reasonable price..

So i'm tempted..

I wanted to get it because..
.........undeniably, it really looks so cool.I can imagine wearing it, and looking like a pro-triathlete.hehehe.. I would love to wear it during my Whiterock Triathlon, and to all the Tri-Races i'll be joining in the future.
........ i never had used a chrono helmet.I wanted to feel the "aerodynamic" claim of it.Mas bibilis nga ba ako nito????hehe..Seriously, will it really help specially during "windy" bike rides.
........ i can have it at a very reasonable price.

But i'm having second thoughts, because...
....... though it looks cool to me, but at the same it also looks awkward.Parang kang si Astroboy...Not too many uses that kind of helmet, so i will indeed get some attention among my fellow riders especially during training rides.Buti kung kasing lakas ako ni Rayzon (Galdonez) mag bike.hehe..On tri events, no problem. i saw a lot of triathletes wearing it.
.....also, one minor concern, the color is little off to me..Albeit blue is my favorite color (green is also good too!), but it doesn't match with the color of my bike (big deal!)..OC lang!!..i have a black bike with yellow decals, parang hindi bagay.hehehe..

Anyway, the thought of getting it or not still bugs me.Honestly, i don't have enough PROS and CONS on my list..That's why i can't figure it out. (Laki ng problema mo tsong!!)

At the end of all the research and hearing all the comments/suggestions from my colleauges, if i am still undecided, Bahala na uli si Batman!!!!!

Im Back!!!..In time for the Whiterock..

After battling an "overtraining or over reaching" (whatever you call it) last week, i am happy to be back.Since last week, after my R&R period, i got what you so called symptoms of overtraining/overreaching. Feeling of apathy, comparatively high heart rate during resting periods, depression setting in, etc...It seems that my rests during the R&R was not enough.

Recognizing the symptoms, so i have slow down a bit on training last week.Also, rely on propoer nutrition to gain full recovery.I started to drink Herbalife shakes again!!!....On overtraining or overtraining, Joe Friel would say, "it is better to be on the side of undertraining, than on the ugly side of overtraining"(Triathlete's Training Bible).

So i did!

Last week, i deliberately slowed down..Disregarding the scheduled training regimens, and focused on active recoveries. Albeit still worried to loose some fitness, but Joe Friel had won over me..and it paid off..

Today, my first day of the week for training....Feeling stronger again, i did what i have skipped to do last week...Brick Training...

Brick Training

Woke up at 5.00am..Got the usual "tamad" feeling. Went to the shower immediately to win over it..Success!I was out at around 5.20am.

I planned to do an hour bike ride at an average speed of 30kph, and then a 2 hour run at a pace of 6.30km/min.

Bike Leg
At exactly 5.30, i am off biking..Riding on my new full carbon Giant TCR.Yoohoo!..I proceeded to MOA for the rounds.I have set to end the bike training at the hour mark. I got some hitches at the start of my ride when my Garmin bike pods didn't work. Only hassle was getting off the bike.But i was able to fix it in no time..
At the MOA, i was able to maintain my speed at 30kph.Bikers were not that many since MOnday is usually a rest day for most of the riders....It fits me just right.
The ride is usually uneventful. Just this time, i am more cautios on how my new bike works for me and how i work on the bike. Riding comfort, shifting, handling (i am a bit off with my 44 handlebar. I wanted to change it to either 42 or 40), to name a few of my concerns during the ride.
I got off the saddle at the 1 hour and 15 minute mark.

Transition
I have set up my transition area at my house. I elected to do so in consideration for the safe bike parking.
I arrived at my house at my Garmin's 1 hour and 15 mark. A little bit over 1 hour, but no big deal.
After parking my bike inside the house, taking one N.R.G tablet,running shoes change, wearing my hydration pack, cap, and shades, i am off running...Again, at the start of the run, i got some trouble setting up the foot pod this time for the Garmin. I haven't figured out yet how to change the setting from bike mode to running mode.Anyhow, i was to able fix it while running.

Run
I did the rounds at the Rockwell center. I have planned to do the Buendia route but opted the less traffic and less smog Rockwell area.
I maintained my run at 6.30 km/min...I have planned to do a 2 hour run, but i immediately run out of hydration fluids. So I have to cut back my running time to 1hour and 30 mins. I thought its just alright. I don't want to risk being dehydrated. Bawi na lang!I have to be better equipped though for the next brick session.
But nevertheles, the run was pretty satisfying. I was able to monitor my pace the whole time. Frequently checking my Garmin every so often.
I ended my run at the Mandaluyong Circle. My favorite place for the cooldown run.
Did the strecthing at my house.

More importantly, i got to swig my ice cold Herbalife shake with extra protein to ensure recovery.


So there you have it, my BRICK..

I was happy to go through with it feeling stronger. I think the overtraining/overreaching is now a history..Just really glad to be back..In time for the Whiterock!!!.

Carpe Diem Baby!

When was the last time you felt a sense of awe over a picture?

Look at this…
And read its caption..

“Monstrous waves that oftentimes creates a sound akin to thunder and produces a thud similar to gentle earthquake as it hits the breakwaters”

Captions make the picture more illustrative...or even more poetic at that…can even make the picture more inspiring.

But maybe you’ll say, “oh yeah, alright, great shot. Just one of the many pictures I’ve seen over in the internet or in some gift shops in SM Megamall”…and I’d say, “I agree…but this picture (and a lot more of it) means so much to me…You know why?...This was taken by a good friend of mine, Romulus Rueda.. He is pretty close to me since he is my kababayan, and had been my buddy when we were still in high school.”

Understandably, you will be swollen with pride when you know that a masterpiece was made by a person very known to you….But what made me even prouder, and amazed to an unimaginable extent, is the thought that I have never expected it from my friend. I have never thought that he, who apparently had this secret gift, would ever make me inspire by his works.


And here’s another stimulating shot… buzzing like flies
Note : This photo was published in one Inquirer newspaper issue.

Another one…. Night Lights

And another one…
God's Ray

But, you may ask, who is this Romulus anyway…

Well, I’ll just give a backgrounder…I have passed to describe him because I am avoiding a very long entry. I just cannot describe him in a short paragraph. It won’t do justice.

Anyway,

Romulus Rueda is also Raymond, Raymund, Rueda or Mhond to me. He is sometimes Daboy as well. He resembles the late Rudy Fernandez?? NOT!!. Actually, I haven’t figured out why he was called Daboy. I’ll ask him anyway…. We were both schooled at the Ateneo de Naga University in Camarines Sur, Bicol Region.I have known him for some extent since I am frequent visitor of their old house in Isarog St.. Back then, we listen to our “kind of music” all day..Grunge, Metal, Trash, Alternatives, you name it..Some of the popular bands we’ve been listening to were Silverchair, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, and list goes on.And take note, we were listening to TAPES. Back then, CDs are still a bit way out of our student budget. Take note guys, they are already available then (we are not that old, huh!), we just can’t afford it…We would seldom exchange TAPES for us to maximize our budgets.

So Mhond, is a “Metal”..Pronounced as Met-tal..He is not a hip-hop.At least back in our high school days......But I am sure we are more diversed now.No longer caught between the Met-tal and Hip-Hop thing.We have moved on.

And moved on indeed for Raymond..He had moved with leaps and bounds. He is now far cry from his high school image. He had definitely had grown, and moved from a lunky kid to a man.....and a thinking man!

Let me share with you how he describes himself now.I took the liberty on”copy pasting” this from his blogsite. I hope he will not mind..

He says…

I would normally say that i am a photographer, writer, painter, traveller, loner, daydreamer, programmer, biker, boxer. Then sometimes depending on my moods i can be all or none of the above. This blog is my stab to the reality of chasing the lights and realizing that sometimes it is worth the chase and sometimes it isn't. But regardless of whatever it is that i may encounter in my journeys, all of which is still an adventure.
Carpe Diem Baby!

And Carpe Diem indeed..Look at his pictures. Taken through his eyes.See and feel how Mhond seizes the moment, seizes the day, seizes the beauty that surrounds him.

Mhond now had become an inspiration to me more than ever. I could see him through his works, his photographs...He has more than meets the eye.

With this entry, I am hoping that I would be able to re-introduce my friend to the world that we both live in. To our friends, to our family, to our officemates, to our schoolmates, to all the people he and I had known. And we will be meeting in the future..

Through this entry as well, may I thank Mhond.I asked him if I could make a blog on him and grab some of his pictures posted on his site.He immediately agreed.No qualms..And of course, no royalty.What good old friends are for anyway.

To end this entry, I will leave you with one final note.

....Mhond, behind his wonderful works, had remained truly down-to-earth.He may or may not see what he has done, but I hope, he will continue doing it. You inspire people........You have inspired me.

Kudos!

As Mhond would say, Carpe Diem Baby!

May you continue Chasing the Lights....

To re-discover Mhond, just click this.

More on Mhond's thru his Multiply Site.