MANILA, Philippines - Marriage has kept me occupied for 14 years. My husband Dennis and I, have had an enjoyable joyride through a labyrinth of child rearing, fitness conquests, social entertainment and all the rest of the unpredictables life throws at married couples. My costumes get larger and my wigs become more colorful, yet Dennis has been my stabilizing force, keeping me grounded and focused on priorities.

I remember our Day 1 with Dennis totally surprised at our wedding program, which included an Afghan hound, live hamsters in cages along the church aisle, magicians, jesters and Gothic décor. After that, he knew he was on board the Tessa Express.

We honeymooned in Palau, as it is the ocean and all that live in it that has been our common bond. Through our aquatic journeys we have collected tons of sea-loving friends.

Foremost of these has been my aunt, Mary de Leon, who recently acquired the Oceanea Maria, a dive boat that is now sailing our beautiful Philippine shores. I was lucky enough to join one of her Tubbataha trips, where we got to visit the brave Rangers that patrol and protect this Wonder of the Natural World. During their months-long stints, the Rangers? only entertainment is TV, and I was amazed that they recognized me from ?Celebrity Duets? last year!

Another of our dive friends is First Daughter and World Wildlife Fund Coral Triangle champion Luli Arroyo. She recently hosted a reunion of all the divers who were on board the Oceanea over the summer cruising season.

If there is ever a reunion that is not to be missed, it is one where Luli is the hostess. She?s gracious and charming, and the food she prepares is certifiably good. And how often does one get the chance to have a private tour of Malacañang Palace?

The dress code for the reunion was Oceanea T-shirts, but I decided to come a tad overdressed. I decided to wear my new Ronald Enrico terno, which just seemed so appropriate given the location. It made me feel so Imeldific to tour the palace in a dress so identified with the former first lady.

At Manila Ocean Park

Right after lunch with Luli, our dive group all headed to the new Manila Ocean Park. This latest addition to our tourist attractions is an awesome, world-class, giant aquarium.

The main tank has a 25-meter long, 220-degree-curved walkway that tunnels under it. It?s the best way to be a fish. The complex has already joyfully experienced natural births of sharks, stingrays, eels and seahorses. And in partnership with the World Wide Fund, the park also holds regular conservation talks.

Located behind the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta Park, the center is a great introduction to the underwater world and features touch-and-feel ponds where kids and adults alike can pet turtles, starfish and small sea critters. Their website is still a work in progress, so contact them instead at 5677777.

Last week, Celebrate the Sea was held at Manila Ocean Park, with acclaimed photographer Gutsy Tuason. I was also fortunate to meet Stan Waterman, a living legend in marine films.

Personal Adidas

Scuba is our common ground, but Dennis and I have evolved towards separate, other sports. He is now into Pilates and underwater hockey. This unusual, coed sport has been around for years and the Philippine Underwater Hockey Confederation will even be hosting the 2nd Asian Underwater Hockey Championships this coming November. See www.puhc.com.ph for details.

As for me, I am into Bikram yoga and am training for the New York Marathon. For my running shoes, I recently discovered Adidas. As my twice-weekly training with my coach, superstar Ani de Leon, intensifies, my feet are getting sorer!

So Ani took me to the Adidas Shop in Trinoma Mall to get a custom-made pair. Mi-Adidas is a program that does a foot scan and running analysis to create best shoe for your feet. The best part for me is that I could choose my own color combinations and even put my name on the shoe!

And more accessories

Running is an accessories paradise. For sunshades, I highly recommend the ultra-lightweight Oakley Flak Jacket. The hydrophobic lens is the toughest and yet sweat and sunscreen lotion just wipe off easily. The G30 interchangeable lens has UV protection and wraps the face, providing maximum sun protection around the eyes.

For those into music while running, the Timex Ironman iControl watch has the ability to control your iPod from your wrist. If that can shave off a few seconds off my race time, I definitely want it.

Global City run

Bonifacio Global City seems to be the hottest running venue these days. Their spacious, tree-lined streets and extensive orderly service are unbeatable.

The 4th Annual BGC Fun Run, in partnership with Anta, had over 1,500 entrants. Then the Fun Run for A Cause raised P43,000 for Taguig Science High School. The school is being subsidized under the leadership of Mayor Freddie Tiñga.

Yet another race was the 2nd Japan Airlines Run, raising funds for the benefit of the Aetas in the Tent City in Pampanga. I ran all these, the last with a Hello Kitty tiara, since Hello Kitty had flown in from Japan just to award the winners and finishers, accompanied by JAL head Toshio Morita and Gift Gate queen Virgie Ramos.

And there?s another race coming. On July 13, La Salle Cares is organizing ?One Run. One Family. One La Salle.? This inaugural event will launch LS Cares, a charity of De La Salle Alumni Association for its charitable projects. Log on to http://lasallecares.org/orofols/index.html to register for this fun run.

Short plugs

Urban Spa will have a Client Appreciation Party on July 1, 2 p.m. onwards. All are invited to enjoy free makeovers using mineral make-up line Jane Iredale. Snacks and treatments are complimentary all day. Urban Spa is located at the 5th level of Shangri-La Plaza Mall. Call 6876195 for details.

Also on July 1 is the opening of a new PAGCOR e-Games Café at IPI Buendia Tower, 501 Gil J. Puyat Ave. in Pasay City. Come at 7:30 p.m. to experience all the thrills and chills of Internet gaming. Dennis and I will be there to check out this latest joyride!

E-mail the author at seaprincess@inquirer.com.ph.