MANILA, Philippines - Louie Prieto would have been 46 today. My elder brother tragically passed away in a motorcycle accident 15 years ago. Even if time heals the pain of losing a loved one, the sentimental feeling of absence will never go away. When the family remembers him on special occasions, I can’t help but shed happy tears for my fun-loving brother.
As we approach the culmination of Lent, we reflect on the importance of life and the true meaning of our existence. Louie died at the prime age of 31, with so much left to accomplish, and yet what little time he spent with us, he did by always living life to the fullest.
New Bench model
When one is young and full of promise, that person really exudes a refreshing aura. That’s the exciting vibe I was getting from the newest Bench Body endorser, Dingdong Dantes.
The GMA teleserye sensation is so hot that the crowd at TriNoma Mall just went wild when he was introduced as the newest Bench model.
In true explosive Bench fashion, Dingdong’s Edsa billboard was unveiled with a Pasig River cruise, a nationwide broadcast and a bevy of fireworks. His promising career will surely see him soar to great heights.
It’s really fun to see what the young are up to. It’s great to see that so many of the young generation of today are not just idling time. Instead they are more willing to make a difference.
Fundraising race
Take Ton Concepcion, the young president of Concepcion Durables. An avid diver in his spare time, Ton has merged his business and social interests by sponsoring the Condura Race for Tubbataha.
If there is one natural resource worth preserving, it is Tubbataha. Our very own Unesco World Heritage site is beleaguered by poaching and other illegal-fishing issues.
The Tubbataha Reefs in the Sulu Sea are the largest reef atoll in the country and serve as sanctuary for the majority of wonderful marine life in the region. Because of its vast area of almost 100,000 hectares, it has been a gigantic task to protect it.
The Condura Race for Tubbataha (www.condurarace. com) was a fun run that raised funds for the preservation of the reefs. Just for the sake of almost 400 species of coral, around 500 species of fish, 11 species of cetaceans (whales and dolphins) and 11 species of sharks, the Tubbataha Reefs are worth every centavo raised!
As with any race, my greatest challenge was getting to the starting line on time. The night before, I am plagued with anxiety as to what racing outfit and accessories to use. Before I know it, it’s time to get up, have a Herbalife protein shake and some power gel. And at that early hour, my body is not yet coordinated with my head.
At the Condura starting line, my running buddy Rosan Cruz had already joined the rest of the 10K racers while I was still fiddling my Nike+ iPod. By the time I was race-ready, the 5K and the 3K runners had taken off as well. So I started off all by myself.
Unaware of the different courses, I accidentally ran the 3K first. No wonder the pace was slower and all the runners I was passing were tinier than me.
Just when I thought I was running so well, I realized the 3K was practically a mom-and-kids event, some even equipped with strollers and dogs!
After finding my way to the official 10K route, I was now running against the flow as the throng was headed to the finish line. It was quite an experience to actually cross Edsa and run along the city’s streets.
As I was almost the last runner, the Red Cross ambulance was trailing me. I appreciated their concern, but then I realized they just wanted to have a photo with me! Well, what’s another minute or so anyway.
The Condura Race fun level was extremely high, what with an 80-piece marching band playing and costumed sea people and fish headgear seen throughout the course.
Cold water and RFM drinks were available at aid stations, cute fish-designed loot bags and T-shirts were all part of the well-organized event.
The 10K top finisher was Rene Herrera with a time of 31.03 minutes. In this race, I wasn’t so much a Sea Princess as a sea turtle, with a time of 1:25. On the bright side, that’s my personal best for a 13K.
Ani, my inspiration
Form before function has always been my motto, but when it comes to running, my inspiration and training coach Ani de Leon (tel. 0915-444-0290 or e-mail anikarina@gmail.com) has been patiently building my strength and endurance with our bi-weekly drills in Manila Polo Club.
She has shaved off several minutes off my time and improved my running form.
My ultimate goal is to run the NY Marathon in November, a small feat compared to Ani’s recent accomplishment of completing the Langkawi Ironman in 12 hours and 21 minutes.
Although she is a veteran triathlete, Ani was a beginner to extremely long-distance swimming, biking and running just a few short years ago.
Her finish was even sweeter because she finished first in her age category, thus gaining her a slot at the mecca of all triathlons, the Ironman Worlds in Hawaii. For true super triathletes, this is the ultimate dream and for Ani, her training life goal.
Crossing the finish line was not an easy feat with another racer from her age group breathing down her neck. She was extremely stressed but determined to win. Catch out her exciting story on her blog at www.anikarina.multiply.com/photos/ album/67 and be inspired.
Thanks to Ani, I was on time for my next 10K race, Pinay in Action (www.pinayinaction) at The Fort.
Being a flatter course, I ran a personal best of 1:01 and didn’t get lost this time. For the first time, I was behind the starting line all ready to go with my brand new Nike+ running shoes and Nike Dri-fit pink gear.
I was so early that I was even able to pose beside race organizer Sen. Pia Cayetano for the paparazzi.
The reason I ran extra fast at Pinay in Action was because I wanted to shop afterwards in the all-day expo bazaar inside The Fort Tent. There were lots of accessories, baby products and organic items. That was, indeed, the perfect reward after a fun run!
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