First 10k at the Citigym Halloween Run

Today is another milestone in my running adventure. I took the leap of going out of my comfort zone by running my first ever 10k at the Citigym Halloween Run 2012. It was a last minute decision when I asked the husband to register me for 10k a day before the run...weak knees and painful heels be damned. For someone who has been running 5 - 6k during the past 3 years, this is already quite a feat and I deserved some bragging rights for such courage. While the rest of my buddies in IGAT Runners savor their victory for finishing their first 32k or receiving their medals for the first time in 21k, I gave myself a tap on the back and celebrated in silence. 

I was mostly alone during the first 5k enjoying the company of Chris Brown and Rihanna hits in my ipod. I didn't put much pressure to myself. I walked a lot and jog a little. I didn't aim for any sub churva...my goal is just to finish the race still standing. I was happy to tag along the trio headed by Sir Alex Unabia - a fellow IGAT Runner in the last 5k. If not for them, I wouldn't be able to clock-in in 1 hour and 39 minutes. 

I have been on a roller coaster ride when it comes to running. Some days I loathe running, some days I am in love with it. I wish I could sustain the love more often. So, cheers to my first 10k...this I promise myself from now --- I am never going back to 5 or 6k again. Let's bring it ON!!!

(Photo swiped from Facebook)

My Online Shop

Not known to all, I also maintain an online shop in Facebook called UKAY CEBU which I started almost 2 years ago with my sisters. It's a shop for preloved and ukay items such as clothes, shoes, bags, belts etc. The idea was inspired by the The Fab Grab at Multiply who also sells second hand and ukay clothes. With a thousand pesos in our wallet, we bought several items in Carbon, took pictures with Magee as the model and upload them in Facebook. It was well accepted by some friends and our Batch 1 was SOLD OUT in less than a week. We'll, that's how we started and the rest they say is history. 

The shop is now on its Batch 66. I admit that there were times when I really get frustrated especially when the shop still has a lot of unsold items. It's really a risk but usually we would just give them away or keep them for ourselves. Most days, we get lucky to have sold the entire batch. We don't really care much about the profit -- we're not even keeping a record of our expenses versus income. The most important thing is that we're enjoying what we do despite the risks. It's also like a bonding session with my sisters. You just imagine our excitement while waiting for the bundle to be opened. And we have so much fun during styling and photoshoots. We share the load as well --- somebody will take care of the ironing the clothes, the photographer, post process the photos and uploading in Facebook. Somebody also takes care of the kitchen to make sure that we're not working on an empty stomach. It's what we call "division of labor". Afterall, we also share the benefits --- the model gets to have one free item of her choice, it's where we get my siblings' daily allowance and it takes care of my daily ride to and from the office. 

We also get to meet new friends. Everyday, we get several friend requests from people we don't even know.  We now have more than 700 friends in Facebook --- some we know and others are merely strangers. We try as much to get to know them especially during meet ups and some of them would really come back and purchase again. 

It's not really our bread and butter as we maintain full time jobs but this hobby turned business keeps our sanity in tacked and has served as a stress-reliever. Whenever we hear the word "ukay", everything seems to  brighten up and we always look forward to that weekend ukay adventure. 

Click the link below to visit our online shop:

Today, My Little Sister is Getting Married

Dear Magee,

TODAY, your life takes on a different path, a new journey, a new chapter. Call it destiny, serendipity or whirlwind romance...whatever it is, I want you to know that I am happy for you and Jhun. I know it wasn't an easy decision to make and I admire your strength for leaving everything behind here in the Philippines and find your luck in a strange country. You did not only chase after your dreams, our dreams but you were there to finally meet the man destined for you. 

Until now, I still find it surreal that my little sister is finally getting hitched. I still see you as my little sister. But most importantly, you are my bestfriend. I love that we socialize together, know each other's friends and even hang-out with the same circle. You were my ukay-ukay shopping buddy and my ultimate videoke adversary (including Mary Ann). We were each other's cheerleaders and staunch supporters. And despite the 4-year gap,we speak the same language and you are the only person who understands the real me. To watch you grow into the person that you are now, I take pride in knowing that I may have done something good  somehow being your second parent. 

I wish we could be there to witness and celebrate this important milestone in your life. I know it's never the same without us, your immediate family in the picture. However, don't make a big fuss about it and just enjoy this moment. There's still that big wedding we're looking forward to this side of the world. By then, the puzzle will be complete. Oh, I'm quite excited of the beach wedding reception. 

And to my new brother-in-law, I wish you will take care my little sister. We're giving her to you now to love and to hold until forever. 

Congratulations Little Sister...Welcome to Jungle!!! (joke)

I love you and I'm going to miss you more but I also feel assured in the knowledge that you're in good hands now. May this be the beginning of an amazing life together and hopefully some little de Torres who speaks straight Italian soon. 

Cheers!!!

All my love,

Ate Lou

Boracay Series: Nightlife

One thing that we also look forward to in this trip to Boracay aside from the beach is the nightlife. After the sun sets, party lights starts to glitter like fireflies along the shores of Boracay. My husband and I are not to be left out...where the party is, we go! As what I've said, we already made some research on the best party places in Boracay.

On our first night, we walked a mile by the beach to look for Cocomangas Shooter Bar. We thought that this famous bar is located at the beach front only to find out that it has been transferred along the highway. Cocomangas is famous for their "Still Standing After 15 Shots..." drinking challenge. When we arrived, the place is already jam-packed with both tourists and locals. The dance floor was already in full swing. I tried one of their famous drinks, the Jam Jars, which according to their website are "oversized cocktail jars containing potent mixes of alcohol". Husband settled for his usual beer. 

On the succeeding nights, we were already hopping from one bar to another. Since the drinks are quite expensive, hubby already have a can of beer or two in his hand while we walk by the beach to search for a place to chill. 

We've tried Tito's although I think their music/entertainers really sucks. I will give them credit though for a very nice ambiance which is by the beach and they have affordable beers and accommodating staff. 

Our favorite party place in Boracay would definitely be Epic located just a stone's throw away from D'Mall and our hotel. We were there for two straight nights. They have a DJ mixing some famous tunes. They're are bit pricey though compared to other bars but it's the best place to chill. What I enjoyed most is watching  people party like there's no tomorrow without a care in the world. We even spotted a local celebrity party the night away. We also had an epic conversation with one of the tourists at the bar and it was one swell of a night. We always hit the sack at almost 3am. We've never partied like this before but hey we're in Boracay, might as well enjoy it to the brim.

We've passed through several bars but didn't get the chance to really try them. Perhaps in our next trip to Boracay, we'll make it a point to try them all.

Boracay Series: Our Accommodation

Before embarking on this trip, hubby made some little research (well, it wasn't just a little research coz he spent sleepless nights on this) on where we could get a cheap yet cozy accommodation in Boracay. We have to thank Google for leading us to some best secrets as told by bloggers http://jenniyawanders.blogspot.com and http://justwandering.org. 

After several discussions with arguments on the side, hubby and I finally decided to book at Namaste Guesthouse less than 5 days before our trip. I called up a number we found in Google and inquired on how to make reservations. They asked for my email address and from there we communicated via email. A certain Net Sacapano sent me a statement of account and where/how I could pay the deposit. We were quoted Php3,000 for a 3-night stay  with breakfast for two - a really good deal. Three days before our trip, I made sure that we already paid the 50% requirement to guarantee our room and sent the deposit slip via email. I was told that after paying, a confirmation will be sent to my email, but on the day of the trip, I still didn't receive the confirmation. But it didn't matter since I have the deposit slip as proof.  

From D'Mall, we walked for 5 minutes to get to the place. There's a small alley right smack in the middle of Station 2 where you can find a compound of guesthouses. We were supposed to stay at Namaste Guesthouse but there were some repairs done on that side of the compound. We were then directed to Tan's Guesthouse still inside that compound. We were told that they have the same owner so we didn't bother complaining especially when we finally checked in to our room...

We were assigned to Room # 8 at the 2nd floor. The room has two huge beds (of course we only occupied one bed *wink*), cable TV, hot and cold shower, a closet and a mini ref. The room is so huge I think it can accommodate 4 people. I guess it's true what they say about the number 8...we felt lucky having that room. Come to think of it, the place is just a stone's throw away or 20 steps more or less from the white beach and very near D' Mall and other restos/bars. 

We had daily breakfasts at the roof desk served before 10am. Nothing fancy though --- we had the usual breakfast menu. My favorite is of course the tapsilog paired with brewed coffee. 

...And now we're set for this Boracay escapade! 

All Roads Lead to Boracay

The succeeding posts will be a blow by blow account of our ultimate travel this year --- our anniversary escape to the island paradise of Boracay. I'm sharing our experience in this blog in the hope that other travelers may also learn from it.

We boarded Cebu Pacific Air bound for Iloilo. As mentioned in the previous post, sometime March I was able to score a piso fare deal and only paid a total of Php1550. This is already good for two passengers round trip. Since we'll be in Boracay for four days, we were bringing a luggage that's already beyond the allocated allowance. I got a tip from some friends that it's better to purchase in advance luggage upgrade coz it's cheaper compared to just paying it at the airport. We paid the luggage upgrade a day before our trip and only paid only Php150 per way instead of Php300 if paid at the airport. 

Anyway, after less than an hour, we were already in Iloilo City. The last time I was in Iloilo City was more than 8 years ago and I am amazed at how big and modern their airport is. It's even better compared to Mactan Airport. 

From Iloilo airport, we rode a van to SM Iloilo and paid Php50 each. From SM Iloilo, we took a cab to Ceres Terminal and paid the taxi driver Php150 (amount in the meter is only about Php120 but the taxi driver was so nice we gave him extra). We immediately boarded the next bus that will bring us Caticlan. Bus fare is Php336 per passenger. 

After almost 6 hours, we finally reached Caticlan. We were dropped off at Jetty Port only to be directed by security to Tabon Port for some reason. We boarded again another tricycle paying the regular fare of Php25 per pax. At Tabon Port, there were 3 counters that you need to approach to be able to board a boat that will bring you to Boracay. We paid the following fees per person:

Terminal Fees: Php50 

Environmental Fees: Php75 

Fare: Php20

Boat ride from Tabon Port to Boracay Port only takes 15 - 20 minutes so we were already in Boracay in no time. From Boracay Port, we took a tricycle that will bring us to D'Mall. Since we already made initial research, we made sure that we only paid the regular fare of Php25 per person. 

After walking a few meters in the sea of tourists, I finally got a glimpse of the beach to my dismay. The beach was totally deserted and waves were really huge. The resorts built these windbreakers and sand screens at the beachfront. It's feels like were isolated from something. But of course, I didn't allow that sight to ruin our vacation. We're finally in Boracay and there's no turning back.

NEXT POST: Our home for the next 3 days

Cheers to 10 Years

"Being together isn't about a honeymoon. It's about the real you and me. I want to wake up with you beside me in the morning, I want to spend my evenings looking at you across the dinner table. I want to share every mundane detail of my day with you and hear every detail of yours. I want to laugh with you and fall asleep with you in my arms. Because you aren't just someone I loved back then. You were my best friend, my best self, and I can't imagine giving that up again..." 

- Nicholas Sparks -

Last August 3, Earl and I celebrated our 10th year wedding anniversary in Boracay Island no less. I was able to score a piso fare deal from Cebu Pacific last February for a flight from Cebu to Iloilo (and back). Being with each other on that beautiful island on our 10th wedding anniversary is our gift to each other. The weather in Boracay didn't cooperate though as it was windy and there were rain showers most of the time. We also didn't get the chance to swim and enjoy the beach as the waves were very huge and unsafe for swimming. Nevertheless, we still enjoyed each other's company for 4 days. We went out and party the Boracay way hopping from one bar to another and getting wasted after --- something that we haven't done together in years. 

Until now, I am still amazed at how far we've come in this marriage. Fact remains that we're two different personalities combined and though at times we clash and collide, we remain steadfast in our commitment, love and respect for each other. I give credit to my husband for putting up with me and my imperfections all these years. 

So, cheers to 10 years dad --- more blissful years to come!!!