Half Pang Lasing.. Half Pang Bagong Gising

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It’s 3:00 in the morning and I swear not too long ago this was the time I would just be on my way home from a gig or a night out with the boys. I find myself in a now brightier more commercial Tapsi Ni Vivian in Tuazon Ave. Marikina. Though the place does look more appealing it doesn’t lose its flare for food nor the characters that fill the tables in this 24/7 “panghimasmas-bago-uwi”.. Nightspot.. Or should I say.. Early morning spot..

You have your poker players most looking like they lost the world and a few feeling like they’re on top of it.. Treating the gang. Then you have your typical all male testosterone filled barkada.. Trying their latest pick up lines on the next table.. Which happens to be bar girls with their manager who have just finished work in the nightclubs around. You can tell a lot just by sitting and observing as your free to seat in this iconic place this side of town good for one or twenty one.

I’ve been on a bulalo /nilaga spree the past weeks and this is no day to let down on my streak. I ordered Nilaga.. Which would usually mean Nilaga Baka or Beef Shank Soup in broth. I’m surprised they offered NILSILOG.. I was starting to think of the taste and the texture of food in my head ad how the flavours would lead up to..

Time to get adventurous… I just don’t know how nilaga would taste with fried rice.. And with fried egg to boot. It’s like you’re suppose to order a a strong dish match it with mild sidings or starch. Not this morning.I’m going all fireworks. I asked for 3 calamansi (kumkuats citrus) and siling labuyo for my dip..

I know it’s just tasteless of me and utterly baduy to order three-in-one coffee with my nilaga.. But that’s just me. The disk arrives and as expected.. The festival flavours of brothed tender beef, leafy veggies, chilli citrus fish sauce, runny fried egg on fried rice may just be too much on the pallette. Specially if you take in a few spoonful sips of warm beef broth to go with it.

These 24/7 bulalo houses have their own secret “bulalo since the beginning of time” concoction. It’s.just tasty.. MSG lightly present though.. But still beefy.. And UNLI! Yep you could have as much as you want
. Unlike those joints in the now snobbish tagaytay district when you can no longer ask for extra soup.

The solo fried rice and fried egg won’t cut it though. So the P135 price would end up something like p170.. For your additional fried rice and egg.

It’s 3:58 in the morning.. And I’m now seeing runners.. Cyclists and families coming in.. And a new day begins this side of town where the sun shines first only in the east.

Why Running Corregidor is MY FAVORITE RACE (42km 5km 3Km Dec 7 21km Dec8)

Why Running Corregidor is my Favorite Annual Race

Why Running Corregidor is my Favorite Annual Race

Ive been active in the running community for sometime now, both as a runner and being involved as host in numerous running events. I am stating, no, personally declaring! that running a Corregidor race is a definite YEAR ENDER for a runner and one of my faves if not my top pick. My other top picks would be Run United Series, Condura Marathon, Adidas KOTR, Obstacle Race by WithoutLimits (immuvit / Optimum Nutrition),  Color Manila Run and Midnight Run (i havent join the zombie runs yet, most trail runs which are awesome, and ultra marathons but a Bald Runner Ultra race  T2N and finishing a BDM102 is in my bucket list) this list of which Id blog at another time.

Even if you are running only a 3KM or 5Km, THIS RACE IS SO WORTH IT and will definitely be close to your heart, as it is to mine ever since I was able to experience it last 2012.  Even more if you are joning the 42km. Stupid me, how time flies, and maybe its late for me to prep for this race to run, walk , crawl this 42km race. I guess Ill have to settle running 5km or even 3km.

There is STILL the CORREGIDOR HALF-MARATHON!!! this one is happening on Dec 8. So for those fans of the 21km distance.. frown not.

But I assure you, if there is 5Km run or 3Km run that you should join in a YEAR, this has to be one of them
What makes Corregidor Run my favorite?

1) Going to and from this Race is an Adventure in itself.  Mababaw lang ako. Pucha kung bakante nga MRT ng alas dos ng hapon, masaya na ako sa joyride dun.  I love riding the Ferry to and from this race. Not recommend to run this alone. Ikaw na ang loner. Might as well text yourself “Kamusta na me?” “Kumaen na me?” “Wer na me?”. Make sure you grab your love one, training bud, the girl your courting (DA BEST!), your family or the rest of your TEAM, barkada (Hey may 3km!!! lakarin at gapangin na yan!) or company (if youre a cheapskate para kumpanya mag bayad)

My wifey by the Ferry, ride going to the RACE! Remind me to bring a tripod next time so im in the pic too!

My wifey by the Ferry, ride going to the RACE! Remind me to bring a tripod next time so im in the pic too!

2) Good vibes all the WAY! Bawal mag inarte! Imagine kung nag LQ (lovers quarrel) kayo ng loveone mo, teammate or what have you, youre stuck with him or her, during the whole trip. ITS AN ISOLATED ISLAND! You cant bail out when you want to.

Good vibes all the way! Ultimate Date trip. Snuggle time!

Good vibes all the way! Ultimate Date trip. Snuggle time!

3) The race itself is going to be in the HISTORIC island of Corregidor, prepare for an adventure.  If you want a feel for history and connection with the past, and pay tribute to our soldiers but not ready to run the Bataan Death March? Then this is the next best thing! Its scenic Corregidor, 50% historic 40% nature trip 10% creepy, 100% adventure. This the nearest place from Manila you can run that is as adventurous and as exotic. If the scenic nature and terrain, dont mesmerize you, the ruins, gun battery will surely will.

You will run here, in historic Corregidor.

You will run here, in historic Corregidor.

4) Challenging Run. For those who have been in the running community for the longest time but havent ran this, didnt you notice that when you come across with people who did run Corregidor, there’s an air of secrecy or mystery about it when they talk. Thats because WE CANT SHARE THE SURPRISE!!!! for those running 42KM… your running through that SURPRISE TWICE!!!! The terrain is a killer. Like being in a war, I ran on road, asphalt, dirt, sand, and grass. But do wear your road shoes, majority of it is road. Do hill repeat training! Expect insane grade hills. INSANE!!!! Bragging rights after running Corregidor.. YES even if its 3km … it could be your hardest, most exciting 3Km!

Proudly having my picture taken just right after that...that... THING i just ran .. no walked..no walked backwards.. no crawled through...

Proudly having my picture taken just right after that…that… THING i just ran .. no walked..no walked backwards.. no crawled through…

5) FUN FUN FUN!!!! I had a game face when I joined, some “hardcore” runners were eyeing on me at the Port pa lang and would ask… “you sure youre running 21km? [sarcastic smirk follows” … It was indeed tough, I was gunning for a time, but I was just mesmerized by the place, other than your SHOES, dont forget to bring your CAMERA!!!!! This is one of the few runs, that people were going crazy and just taking pictures during the run! Which is a nightmare ofcourse for the Coach Edward Kho and the organizers, because YOU HAVE TO FINISH by the TIME alloted or TAKE THE NEXT BOAT to MANILA!!!

Other than your shoes, BRING A CAM! just make sure you finish in time or be left out and the next boat trip THE NEXT DAY!

Other than your shoes, BRING A CAM! just make sure you finish in time or be left out and the next boat trip THE NEXT DAY!

Scenic and Historic Ruins in Corregidor

Scenic and Historic Ruins in Corregidor

A sight you will often see during the run, notice other runners taking pics as well! Wifey shown here about to enter Malinta tunnel.. not for the faint hearted

A sight you will often see during the run, notice other runners taking pics as well! Wifey shown here about to enter Malinta tunnel.. not for the faint hearted

OA na ito but this was really taken during the run.. had to stop for hydration, CR and the souvegnir shop had it all!

OA na ito but this was really taken during the run.. had to stop for hydration, CR and the souvegnir shop had it all!

Time could be better, but given all the time we spent taking pics and having fun.. and just surviving corregidor.. its all worth it! Imagine crossing the finish line by the dock facing the sea...

Time could be better, but given all the time we spent taking pics and having fun.. and just surviving corregidor.. its all worth it! Imagine crossing the finish line by the dock facing the sea…

Now for some serious running stuff, my tips on running Corregidor

1) Book / register in advance. Limited slots. If youre running the marathon, best to book accomodation and stay at least a day before race day.

2) Bring your cam, but be wary of the TIME, if you take too much pics may affect your time, and im not talking about your PR, im talking about the cut-off that you may be left behind by the ferry.

3) Stick to the organizers schedule. The place just screams vacation and adventure. Dont go wandering off on your own, stick to the organizers schedule, specially the Ferrys schedule. DONT BE LATE…iiwanan ka talaga!!!! Going to.. and from.

4) TRAIN FOR THIS!!!! you dont just decide you will be running Corregidor on a whim.. Respect the Distance… RESPECT THE COURSE… its hilly, some grades are insane. Make sure you incorporate strength training and hill repeats in your training. Again, Train for this.

5) Expect, 90% road, 8% grass and dirt, 2% sand.

6) Support is to rave about, dont bring too much, they have numerous hydration, and aid station, Its actually my first time to taste fresh cranberries during my race last year. Wow.. sossy!

Now for the race details…

Do visit Their facebook page for updated news on the event

THERE ARE NO ONSITE REGISTRATIONS.. see registration bulletin
https://www.facebook.com/CorregidorMarathon?fref=ts

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Race Backpack for 42km finishers only. Yes. You have to finish to earn it

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Medals

CM-RACE-SHIRT-white-4threv42km Shirt!

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ExperiMENTAL Animation Workshop with RoxLee

Animation Workshop

Animation Workshop

My talented bandmate Rembrandt Vocalan, musician, visual artist, chef, entrepreneur (balaw balaw restaurant) will be hosting an Animation Workshop by RoxLee.

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Anong connect nitong pic sa workshop? wala lang.. proud lang ako sa bandmate ko..!

Over the years ive been a fan of the eccentric art and humor of the Cesar Asar comic strip.  Get a chance to learn more and engage in a soup overflowing with talent in the workshop. Details of the  workshop is as follows:

For details and registration: http://www.workshop.baybayinproductions.com/
P4,000 course fee
Apr 26,27,29,30 2013 (Fri to sat. and monday tuesday) extended til first week of May.
At Balaw-Balaw Restaurant
16 Doña Justa Subd. Ph. I, 
Manila East Highway Angono,
For reservations pls call Rembrandt
379.6186 / 651.0110 or 0923.7144.209

Learn the animation using unconventional formula. Produce your own creation at the end of the workshop!

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ABOUT ROX LEE
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Roque Federizon Lee aka Rox Lee is a pinoy animator, visual artist, musician and moviemaker. Starting out as a cartoonist for Jingle Magazine, he became a household name through the widely popular Cesar Asar strip for Manila Bulletin. Rox Lee is one of the founding members of Animagination, now evolved into Animahenasyon. He is considered by many as the Godfather of young Filipino filmmakers with his independent approach to animation, working with the barest of materials, usually with just ink and paper, to
conjure powerful images. Rox Lee continues to maintain a loyal following in Western Europe, Japan and Singapore. In 2013 he is currently busy finalizing his book entitled “Cesar Asar in the Planet of the Noses,” a collection of his cartoons and short stories – that is when he’s not babysitting his two boys Zerox and Zentrum.

More about Roxlee:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roxlee
www.youtube.com/user/zeroxlee

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ABOUT BALAW-BALAW RESTAURANT
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Established in 1983 this restaurant is accredited by the Department of Tourism. It is a popular food and culture venue in Angono, Rizal. Balaw-Balaw was famously showcased in International Discovery Travel and Living byt host Andrew Zimmern of the show Bizarre Foods.

More about Balaw-Balaw
www.facebook.com/pages/balaw-balaw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzMwzewzzG0

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ALAY SA KAWAL : 2nd Vice President Jejomar Binay Racing Festival

It was my first time to go to a horse racing festival and I must say it was exciting.  The annual event was the 2nd Vice-President Jejomar Binay Racing held at the Manila Jockey Club at San Lazaro Liesure Park in Carmona Cavite, December 29, 2012.
A major event just before the new year ends, and it was truly a memorable experience for me to cap off the year.

From left : Alay sa Kawal (ASK) Chairman Emeritus Atty. Ramon A. Pedrosa, ASK Corporate Treasurer Cesar N. Sarino, ASK President Atty. Alfonso R. Reyno Jr.

From left : Alay sa Kawal (ASK) Chairman Emeritus Atty. Ramon A. Pedrosa, ASK Corporate Treasurer Cesar N. Sarino, ASK President Atty. Alfonso R. Reyno Jr. They were at the lobby to welcome Vice President Binay [ Manila Jockey Club San Lazaro Liesure Park Carmona Cavite ]

Vice President of the Phlippines Jejomar C. Binay

Vice President of the Phlippines Jejomar C. Binay

Manila Jockey Club President  Atty Alfonso G. Reyno III

Manila Jockey Club President Atty Alfonso G. Reyno III addressing the guests

Manila Jockey Club President Atty Alfonso G. Reyno addressed the guest and best summed up the spirit of this event.

“Whether it is keeping the peace or defending the nation during wartime, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have remained a bulwark of Asia’s first democratic republic. The men and women of our armed forces heroically risk life and limb to protect the lives of every Filipino. The perform duties with honor, and frequently, for little recognition other than the profound knowledge that because of their sacrifice, our republic endures, and Philippines democracy continues to flourish. The Alay sa Kawal (ASK) Foundation was founded to uphold the rights and welfare of our soldiers and their families. Established in 1986 ASK has created and been an active  participant in programs that support the families of soldiers who were killed in action, or those seriously wounded in combat. Manila Jockey Club (MJC) is a proud partner of this supremely righteous cause.” ~  Atty Alfonso G. Reyno

Manila Jockey Club Marketing Director Eduardo Ramirez de Arellano at the Manila Jockey Club betting station

Manila Jockey Club Marketing Director Eduardo Ramirez de Arellano at the Manila Jockey Club betting station

After the program I was toured by Manila Jockey Club Marketing Director Eduardo Ramirez de Arellano at the grounds, first stop is the betting station. Before betting, information is everything. Horse racing analysts are everywhere. They are friendly to share their predictions. Its a play of statistics, science, experience, intuition, and luck! Even if all odds are against one, you’ll never know the outcome of each race. More blog articles to come on how to place bets.

Parade of Horses

Parade of Horses

Before Each race, every Race horse and Jockey go through the parade grounds near the view deck. This gives the crowd  a close view of the horses they are betting on, or have yet to bet on. Even if information is everything, its  great to see these fine horses up close.

San Lazaro Liesure Park View Deck

San Lazaro Liesure Park View Deck

As excitement brews in the viewdeck. The horses get ready for their race. There are multiple horse races in an event and you can wager on each one of them, or like me, just enjoy the excitement you can feel on the stands.

And there they go!

And there they go!

As the siren goes off, the host or barker starts with his signature phrase “And there they go! ..at the outside line …. ” the excitement is something else. This is no video game, and watching it upclose where you literally here the horses hooves rumble the ground is as real as it gets.

About to cross the finish line!

About to cross the finish line!

A majestic shot on the beauty of Manila Jockey Club at San Lazaro Liesure Park.  This is a shot of one of the many races in the Alay sa Kawal races. One of the most exciting portions is the race to the finish line ofcourse. The race isnt over till the finishline. You can see horses overtaking each other. Truly exciting. Taken here, is one horse a millisecond away from the lead by the finishline. One race lasts only 1 to 2 minutes. But that is one action packed 2 minutes.

Mayor Benhur Abalos Winning the top Horse Owner / Breeder award

Mayor Benhur Abalos Winning the top Horse Breeder award

Mandaluyong Mayor Benhur Abalos winning the Top Horse Breeder award for his horse Hagdang Bato.  “Hagdang Bato is a locally bred horse. I bred him myself. It’s not easy being a breeder, because it takes so long for you to see the result of your research and study. A mare is pregnant for 11 months before it gives birth, then it’s at least two-and-a-half years before the horse is ready to race.”  as quoted from Mayor Abalos from Butch Maniego article at Spin.ph on the newest track hero.

Author Running Host Boy Ramos with top Horse Racing Jockey JB Hernandez

Author Running Host Boy Ramos with top Horse Racing Jockey JB Hernandez

Im seen here, with Top Horse Racing Jockey JB Hernandez. If youre in the horse racing scene, this guy is a rockstar. Good thing I was able to catch a short photo and shared a few words with him. He won the top prize in the event. Its no rocket science, so next time I know who to bet on! Thats why no one really blogs about horse racing..  if everyone knows who’s winning .. where is the excitement in that that. Kidding aside, with a few pounds to lose, I think I could take on riding a horse.  Maybe ill try it first at Wright park in Baguio!

Till my next visit to San Lazaro Liesure park. There is so much to see there and to do there other than Horse racing at Manila Jockey Club… did you know that a Playboy Rock the Rabbit concert was held there? Im so blogging on that soon