Lavender & Coffee Stains

My scheds were:
September 11-12: Mt. Natib in Bataan
September 17-18: Mt. Talamitam in Batangas

Actually, it was already Friday mid-afternoon that I had confirmed that I COULD join the climb in Mt. Natib. I finally got an answer from my mom that my father would not be spending his time at our house in Manila and would continually stay in Cavite. Knowing the growing unpredictability of everybody's movements in the house, I decided to scatter SOME my climbing stuff and gear in my bed early Friday morning. Better prepared and be ready to pack them if I would join.

Despite the confirmation from my mom, uncertainty still pervaded my decision. You see, some of my trekking get-ups (from the previous climb) were still in the laundry and to top it all, I still had to manage with my laundry of 2 weeks. I was pretty worried about my attire for office work still on que in the washing machine.

Knowing myself, I will join because if I want something, I'm gonna get it, no matter what the cost.

Dex picked me up after office hours and grabbed dinner somewhere (I forgot where). He brought me home and waited for me while I packed my stuff. It probably took me 45 minutes to reload the stuff in my bag. After changing my office get-up to a more comfortable fit, I bid my mom and siblings sayonara. Dex and I took a cab towards a friend's house where I spent the remaining hours of the night.

By 3:00 in the morning, Dex picked me up from my friend's house and off we go to his apartment. There I took my bath while he packed. After dressing up, Dex took his bath while I unloaded my trekking bag for repacking (I still had to lodge my 2 liters of water and food). A few minutes after 5, we were ready to go. We proceeded to Richard's house and there we found him...sleeping. Hehehe. He said he had fallen asleep waiting for the right time to go.

Anyway, we met with JR at a convenience store a few walks away from Coastal Mall. We had a last minute shopping for groceries. Hehehe. By 5:30, the four of us decided to hit the road to Cubao. We arrived 15 minutes before 6.

Since everybody wasn't there yet [we saw Jay(he arrived at 5???!) and Rommel], Dex, JR, Rommel and I went to Chowking to take breakfast. Afterwards, we headed back to the Five-Star Bus Station.

The events that unfolded after this had somehow tainted a supposedly exciting climb. Pardon me but this is my own opinion.

Supposedly, we should had left the station by 6 or 6:30 perhaps. But we were only able to leave Cubao to Bataan by almost 10:00 in the morning. Promise. That was so unbelievable. At 6:30 in the morning, all ATMC people were already complete except for 2 people. To think they were only invited guests. Actually, somebody invited the dlsuoutdoor group and 2 MFPI climbers.

Some of the members of dlsuoutdoor peepz had left earlier. I was told they had a private ride to Bataan. We would just meet with them at the Public Market of Orani. The problem that heavily affected our itinerary to Bataan was the inconsiderate attitude of just a single person. I am not so sure of the exact time but all I know is that we waited for Alex for more than 2 hours. Somebody from dlsuoutdoor group came late but that was sort of tolerable (?). By the time we were about to check our transport, another problem came up. I heard from an officemate that we would be transferring to another bus station near AliMall since we were not able to catch up with the next trip. While we walking along Edsa, it was some kind of déjà vu for me. What it was, I promise not to tell. Anyway, upon arrival, we were told that there were no bus trips heading north, only south. To cut the story short, we rented 2 vans and left Manila a few minutes before 10 in the morning. It was already blazing hot.

Sorry to say this but Alex was really a great pain in the ass. His being late for almost 2 hours not enough, he influenced the guys in the van that I was riding on to get drunk. They bought a few bottles of gin. Can you believe it? They were drinking in broad daylight! I was a little worried because drinking while driving is prohibited. Sure, the driver of the van was not drinking but what if the police made a mess out of it. All I want was to enjoy my weekend with a hobby I love the most. I am sorry again to air this out but I was a little pissed off with Rommel when he told me to relax and that we were just enjoying and having fun. I know that, my dear, but sometimes you have to think about the boundaries of sheer enjoyment. Can you still enjoy if the police decided to let you spend the day in the precinct? I don't think so.

Despite the late itinerary, I still found myself at peace. But what almost ruined my day (correction: my day was already ruined) was the disappointment over a highly-regarded (I see him that way) ATMC member. I never expected him to act so stupid. Yes, the effects of alcohol. I never thought he was that drunk when he whipped off my chocolate sundae in my hands. I sort of got mad with him because I told him to take care in dipping his French fries off my sundae. Guess what? He intentionally did what I told him not to do. Alex, on the other hand, kept on pulling the tie off my hair. I told him a number of times not to and the asshole really tried to provoke me.

I joined the climb because I really wanted to be with Dex and I wanted to change things. I wanted to end the days without me picking a fight with him. As much as I wanted to shout at those two, I kept my mouth shut and pretend like nothing happened. But then, I could not helped but cry feeling sorry about the whole thing. As usual, Dex thought that I really could not stand his friends. It frustrated me even the more when I saw the look in his eyes. All I wanted was to have the day passed with some normalcy. But things did not cooperate.

With finality, I decided to be me. So what if I vent out how I perceived the things happening around me? Well, some people knew about it. I berated the people in the van how stupid their act was for me. I do not care if you guys will take it against me for saying this. Ask everyone and you would really know how those people thought about what you guys did.

Anyway, we finally reached the public market and it was past lunchtime already. My two officemates went to the market to buy the ingredients of the evening dinner. I stayed and tended this friend who got drunk. I could not just leave him there even though somebody will for sure take care of him. As much as I really wanted to get mad with him, I just do not have the heart leaving him like that. He is a friend and no matter what stupid actions he did, I know I can still forgive him. After all, he was really apologetic and guilty for what he did. I almost laughed when I saw his eyes while saying sorry. As in nakangiti pa ang mokong. Hehehe.

By 2pm, we boarded a van/jeep towards Barangay Tala from the public market. It was just a 20-minute drive from the market. The supposed 10:30-in-the-morning-trek from the jump-off point materialized almost in the afternoon. Before conducting our business, we uttered a small prayer for safety and guidance. Thirty minutes after three, the trek to the summit started. Dex and I were the sweepers together with some ATMC peepz. Richard, I think, was the lead group together with the dlsu peepz. Despite the heat of the sun, I enjoyed the beauty surrounding me. I was at peace being there, walking amongst the trees and the plants. The cold, playful wind was refreshing. We had photo shoots and we specifically liked the rock to pose on.



The fog was already settling in nearby and so we continued the trek. We were able to go past “pinagbutasan” and from there, I got a view of the summit. The trek went on and on and a few minutes after 6 in the evening, we reached a local’s house. The elders told us that the climb to the summit was ‘limatik’-infested and trail was very slippery. The light pouring of the rain made the summit climbing more difficult because of the leeches, they said. There was some kind of a votation who would want to climb and who would opt to climb the following morning. I was thinking if the majority voted on the affirmative, would I still go? You see, my period just started and I was really an attraction for those leeches out there. Maybe I could do away with the icky thought of leeches clinging unknown to me, but to climb without daylight and minding the feel of leeches drove me crazy.

Anyway, we decided to pitch our tents there and started to mind my own business. I was feeling giddy due to my heavy period and the coldness of the air did not help. I decided to spend the night inside the tent, watching out for leeches crawling inside. While the people outside held the socials, I re-arranged the sleeping mat and our other stuff inside the tent. I thought I was safe enough and that I could get a goodnight’s doze. Heck! I suddenly saw this thread-like leech inching its way towards me. I almost froze but I realized to grab the alcohol and splashed the leech with it. I watched it struggling and when it stopped, I got tissue and crumpled it inside a mini plastic bag. The thought that something was lurking somewhere near me got me a raging hormone. I removed the sleeping mat again, checked the underside and the sides of the tent and tapped all the things inside the tent to make sure that nothing was creeping there. Talk about being paranoid. But I found 2 more and armed with alcohol, they were gone for good.

The next day, I decided not to join them since my period was bugging me. Jerry and Carmi also stayed. With nothing to do, I started packing my things inside my bag and prepared Dexter’s stuff. After a while, I got bored and I asked Jerry what was the menu for lunch. I told him if that was the plan and if it was alright to volunteer to cook since I had nothing to do and it would be better to do so since the people who tracked the summit would be so hungry. To cut the story short, the three of us cooked rice, ginisang sitaw with corned beef, boiled eggs and omellette with tuna. It was fun, actually.

It was almost a quarter past one when the last of the batch of climbers were finally settled in the camp. Everybody started taking lunch and afterwards, packed their stuff. We broke camp and we started the descent by 3pm (if I remember it correctly).

As usual, Dex and I were the sweepers. We were the last one to leave the local’s area and made sure that everything was accounted for (read: neglected trash and forgotten stuff). Aside from the face towels and soap and tissue packets, which were claimed later on by some of the climbers, I left the plastic bag of trash I was holding. Dear Manang was so kind to get the trash bag and include it in their garbage. I was actually planning of taking it all the way to the dumpsite, which we passed by while on our way to Barangay Tala a day before.

Despite being the last one to leave the camp, we were still able to catch up with these 3 people from dlsuoutdoor. It did not happen just once or twice, but a lot of times. Dex and I had our own ‘kodakan’ moments and still we would catch up with them. I was wondering if they were taking their rests every 5 minutes. It was like they were taking so much time, like they were moonlighting at the park. Hello! In case, you did not know, we were also trying to catch up with something, especially the transport from the town, the bus to Manila. Oh! Of course, you would not know that because you had your own relaxing ride back to the metro.

Our last stop which was almost a few walks and a few minutes away from the ‘paliguan’ (still catching up with them), we found the 3 and one of them got a minor sprain. Dex asked her if she was okay or if she needed help at all. She said she could manage. Dex gave her a bandage and asked her if she could do it herself. She said she could. Dex asked them for the last time if they could manage and they replied in the affirmative. Dex told them to send a texted message to Richard in case they could not really manage. I suggested that Dex gave his number, too.

It was only 3 minutes past when we left them that we met Richard on a horse. The girl with the sprain could not walk after all. I was wondering if she just felt shy or something. One thing I could tell them: if you think you really need help and you could not do it alone, don’t be shy. Forget about it. Just think of the consequences of your actions when something bad happened. The people you’re with are also concerned with you and bear in mind that you will not be the only one affected if something untoward happens to you.

I thought things would be a little smoother than I expected after all of us had taken our baths. Well, somehow it did not. The guy who was the cause of all major misfortune did it again (now that sounds Britney Spears to me). Actually, not really but almost likely. We were already boarding the jeep/van that would take us back to the public market. He was drinking and in fact, he was engaging the others to do the same (this happened while the rest of us were refreshing ourselves). Almost everybody was on board and still, we waited. While somebody fetched him, I could not help but yell to anyone (who’s guilty, anyway) to stop acting like some VIP. Those types of people were better left alone in the city and not in the countryside or in the mountains. Their attitudes have no place in those areas.

Anyway, he was convinced to ride back with us to Manila. Believe me, Jill and I was tempted to smack him in the face for being so rowdy. Out of irritation, we joked about pushing him so he would be left off in the bumpy road (that was pretty mean of us, we admit). It was already quarter past 7 in the evening when we reached the market. We had to wait for the private, comfy transport of the dlsuoutdoor peepz since their ‘sundo’ had a mixed-up with the supposed meeting place. Among ATMC peepz, small arguments were being refuted (uy, may issue daw o). After 30 minutes or so, everything was set aside with the dlsu peepz were headed for home. The ATMC and some peepz from dlsu who were with us from the trip from Manila the previous day still had to go to another block (I think) to catch the buses plying Manila and Bataan. It was 10 minutes past 8 in the evening.

Unfortunately, Alex was still with us. If you could only see him while all of us were waiting for the bus. He was silently sitting in one corner of the waiting shed. Like the first time that it happened (when he was face-to-face berated by my colleague for being an asshole), he was back to his normal, irritating self. He was so spirited (in a negative way, though) without being so loud. I told myself that if this annoying person started to open his mouth and scandalize the people in the bus, I would swore to everyone that right there and then, I would say things he would never wished to hear at all.

But it seemed like luck was smiling Alex’s way. I was not forced to carry out my plan on him.

Anyway, we reached Manila safely. I just forgot what time it was.

Photos are courtesy of Jill's camera.





I will just post what happened to our Mt. Talamitam climb in the next entries.

Before I bury my head into serious thinking about my workload, let me share this sensible article about rushing ourselves just because of love. Read on and ponder its message.

A Rush on Love

Somebody once told me that: "Finding the right person is very hard
and very wrong...it is best to be the right person for the one you
love and start from there...you'll always end up disappointed when
you set standards and define a "right person" for you...and don't rush
things coz somewhere somehow God is preparing somebody for you."

Don't be in a hurry to get into a relationship because you can never
find love if you insist that you are already into it. Try to find time to
really understand your real feelings, to know who you really are,
and what you really want in a relationship. You're right, there's
no such thing as a perfect relationship, but there's a compatible
partnership that goes along with it. If you already knew that you're
too big to fit into a small sized t-shirt, don't give it a try. You'll
probably break it and pay for the damages you have made.

If you knew and felt that the relationship will not last, don't go
deeper into it. You'll just suffer the consequences and live like
hell for the rest of your life. It's really hard to say goodbye
though, but you can't make it any better by just pretending you
still have the same feelings. Try to let go and give yourself a
chance to live life to the fullest. Give yourself a chance to grow
and give your heart a much-needed attention. Then you will find that
you have made the right decision and you made it all by yourself.

We call it love when we can't leave someone and see them crying as we
try to let go. We are wrong, it's just pity. We call it love when
we're too attached and think that losing the one we love will
somehow make us weak and unable to face the storms of life. We
misunderstood; it's just that we're too much dependent to them.
We call it love when we give our whole life to them,
The wholeness of us and imagined that if they leave,
no one would accept us and our past.
We are mistaken, its just insecurity.
But no matter what the definition is, the truth still remains
that love isn't something you can buy or beg.
It is real and existing.
You can't touch it but you can feel it in your heart.
You can't find it, but it will knock before you
when you least expect it to come.
It can make you the happiest soul in heaven,
but don't forget that it can also make you the most
miserable person in the whole galaxy.

Unconfirmed reports are going the rounds in Malacañang that the President had also appointed Elizabeth Oropesa as board member of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) and Nora Aunor as the new head of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) replacing its current head, Maria Consoliza Laguardia.

Aunor helped Mrs. Arroyo in her campaign; Oropesa is also a known supporter of the President in the election.

The Superstar and La Oropesa, appointed by GMA? Huuaattt?!

MAJOR AND MINOR
Contributed by Sally I. Kennedy

The Lord made you; He formed you in the womb and he will help you. (Isaiah 4)

By late morning I had finally gotten myself outside. Armed with a pair of
rusty clippers, I was ready to tackle the overgrown bushes in the back
yard. I was getting into it and having fun chopping and trimming. All of a
sudden I realized I was hot as a firecracker and about to have a heat
stroke. I threw all the branches in a pile and jumped in the water to cool off.

That was when I noticed the bracelet my husband had given me was no longer
on my wrist. I was angry with myself for wearing it to do yard work.

Carefully I moved the cuttings, one by one, watching for the bracelet to
fall. All the while, I was looking at where I'd been working. It would be
nearly impossible to spot it in the high grass or the flower bed rocks.

I said to God, "Lord, you know everything. So you know where EVERYTHING is.
Therefore, you know where my bracelet is. It is not the biggest thing in
the world, but it is sentimental to me. I should have taken it off, but I
didn't. Now, I'm asking you to show me where it is, and - to please let it
be in plain view."

I finished moving the whole trash pile, sighed, and looked up. There, on
the decking, was the lost bracelet. It was perfectly curled on a narrow
piece of wood between two cracks.

I thought, God is SO nice! He not only loves me, but He likes me! He shows
me in the most real ways. Maybe He dispatched an angel to lay it there for
me to find.

In the big picture, it's a pretty minor thing to lose a bracelet. It's
major, though, when God so clearly reveals His caring in the ordinary
things and our everyday lives. And if God takes care of minor things like
this, how much more then will He take care of us, and the important, major
issues in our lives?

---------

I just received this message this morning and I was thinking what a coincidence this was for me. When I got home last night, I was wondering where my ring was. It was given to me by my mom on my birthday together with a set of earrings. I checked my jewelry box and I got worried because it wasn't there. I looked everywhere in my bed, drawer and even the sofa where I usually lie down at night when I arrive home exhausted from the trip. Still, I could not find it. I said a small prayer requesting God to show it to me. The ring is very important to me, very sentimental. I looked again and checked the newly-ironed clothes lying on top of my cabinet. I could not recall placing it there. But God made me look in that area to make sure I could see it. Sometimes, we think it just as simple as that but God really knows how to work things out as easy as that. :)

This was actually an email sent by Mr. Regie Pablo of MFPI regarding the updates on the Philippine team in the elusive Mt. Everest Expedition.

----------

Hello!

Here's a short report from our training in India:

We had our training at Manali, India. Manali is a town under the jurisdiction of Himachal Pradesh. Manali is about 15 hours drive from New Delhi and about 500 kms. away.

Our training center is called the Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (formerly Western Himalaya Mountaineering Institute). Our senior course instructor was Rajeev Sharma, a two time Everest Summiteer. He has also summited Lhotse together with the French Army Expedition Team. He led the Indo-Nepali Joint Women's Climb in Everest which put the former record holder of the youngest woman summiteer of Everest, Ms. Dicky Dolma. The team met Ms. Dicky as she is working at the insitute. She sumitted Everest at the age of 19 (the new record holder I think did it at the age of 16). We met a lot of Everest summiteers in the Institute.

Our team was given a special course which incorporated a basic mountaineering course with an alpine expedition to a 6,000 meter peak.

The first part of the training concentrated in Manali where we had theoretical and practical lessons on rock climbing, aid climbing, knot tying/ropemanship, river crossings / tryolean traverse, leadership, etc. This is about two weeks of training.

After this, we move to the village of Parsiu which would be our holding camp. Parsiu is about 3,100 m. asl.

Our first acclimatization climb was done at Baralacha Peak. The estimated elevation of Baralacha Peak is 5,450 m. asl. Everyone in the team except our camera crew ( due to signs of AMS) made it to the summit.

Then we move to our basecamp. Our objective were the peaks of Kyorang Range. Before the expedition, we continued with our training and took lessons on ice climbing, glacier travel, crevasse rescue, cramponing and ice axe techniques, etc.

The team was divided into two teams, Team A and Team B. Team B was assigned Kyorang Peak 1 and Team A was assigned with Kyorang Peak 3. Team B made it to the summit of Kyorang Peak 1 at an estimated altitude of above 5,800 m. asl. Team A made it to less than a 100 meters before the summit (estimated elevation of Kyorang Peak 3 is 6,300 m. asl.). They had to turn back because the route identified had a very deep crevasse before the summit and there was avalanche danger. It was a good exposure though for the team at an altitude above 6,000 meters.

At the endorsement and recommendation of the Institute, Kyorang Peak 1 will be renamed as Pinoy Peak. As President of MFPI, I have already communicated the requests to the Indian Mountaineering Foundation. I will make the request formal when the UIAA holds its General Assembly in New Delhi on October 14 - 16, 2004.

We would like to invite you this Saturday at the Central Plaza, Libis, Eastwood for the TNF Adventure Race. We have some videos and photos to share with you.

Sa mga patuloy na naniniwala at sumusuporta, maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat! Epsecially to the people of the The North Face and Primer Group, maraming salamat po!

Regie Pablo

p.s. to Banong and Uly, pasensya na at di na kami nakadaan sa inyo, medyo di na namin kayang lumabas sa Hongkong...

Maraming salamat ulit!

Our mountaineering group, ATMC is getting better and bigger. The core peepz like Dex, Richard, Jenard and the others said that it is high time to organize and sort of formalize the group. Plans like membership, IDs, t-shirts, SEC registration and other concerns will all be discussed in the first ever general assembly. Oh, that is pretty great.

Anyway, wanna see the suggested (courtesy of Rommel) look of our ID?



Muy guapito talaga si Papa Brad Pitt! :)

You know what? It seems like September is such a good-natured month for me. Suddenly, my messages from my mailbox were not much of forwarded emails but more of messages sent with personal touch. I know you guys will agree that receiving correspondences with bits of small hullos from friends of long ago will touch your heart. It is rather nice to read their messages inquiring how you were and struggling how to reconnect their lives again to you. In fact, the cherished memories of the innocent past will come tumbling back to you. Either those unforgettable moments will make you smile, cry and even laugh. Isn’t it such a delightful feeling to vividly recall the fondest thoughts of not so long ago?

------------------------

Dante called me at home Sunday afternoon. I was unusually surprised when he called up because for the time being, he had replaced me as the unreachable person ever in the barkada (whenever my tropa plans to go out, I would always be in the nowhere-to-be-found-list because of my busy schedule). So, imagine me when he called up. He rarely calls asking me about my plans in the next few months nor invites me and the tropa to have a nightcap. Surprise! Surprise! He did call and asked if we can all go out sometime December. I asked him why the out-of-the-blue invitation? He said he might be stationed somewhere off in the illustrious city in the Visayas soon and he wants to meet up before he leaves. Okay. Pretty convincing. I said yes, why not? Maybe it is time to hook up and rekindle the flickering warmth of friendship.

For about 30 minutes, we caught up with the recent happenings in our lives – about work, other friends, school, gimmicks and of course, lovelives. I also invited him to join me in one of our climbs. He seemed interested so I told him I would call him up if there would be an upcoming minor climb. He was kinda worried about the things he needed to bring and I just told him that climbing for the first time with regards to personal stuff wouldn’t be so taxing. Worry about that when you think you are ready to pursue climbing as a hobby.

With our December gimmick, I volunteered to arrange it. He said he preferred a place where we could have a cozy, relaxing chat. So, going in a bar is already out of the question. Actually, I am considering of either Corregidor or perhaps Island Cove. I still have other ideas but I need to check out some stuff first.

------------------------

Gay, who used to my co-volunteer in UP Oblation Corps, sent me an email as well. Right now, she is sort of a lecturer in the paradise (she said so) of physical therapists. If I wasn’t mistaken, she finished occupational therapy. It was nice of her to stay. While almost all graduates of her course went to pursue their dreams, earning their toil in a foreign land, Gay opted to stay and be loyal to her alma mater and her country. It may not be of patriotism that made her stay but just the same, the impression remains. I admire her for that. I think the same goes to my Kapampangan tukayo, Ivan as in Ivan John Leopoldo Guanzon III. I also heard he is a lecturer of Biochemistry in UP Manila. To think about it, they have the necessary capabilities to go overseas but still, they preferred to stay. Talk about contentment and confidence?

------------------------

Short but frequent exchanges have also been occurring between me and my ‘dreaded’ instructress in one of my major subjects in college. I really couldn’t recall how everything started but it seemed like we could now just sit down and chat everything under the sun. You see, she was just a few years older than my block mates and me when she started as a lecturer. To think that there was just a small generation gap between us and yet, we were damned terrified of her. She is smart and very, very strict. In fact, whenever I meet her in the hallways of the college, I would always look down the floor or pretend to read a book rather than acknowledge and smile at her. I was scared of being rebuffed at. Ask everyone. She had the impression of strict snob.

But I am glad that things are a lot different now. She has loosened up from the uptight, smart stude of not so long ago. She is a lot more talkative and comfortable to be with now. Hopefully, we will be able to meet again sometime next month and have a cup of mocha frap and yak about the old days.

I am still stuck here in the office, rushing my report to be submitted tomorrow. Sheesh! I need to get home because I have to do something important and I have not even told my mom about it. I am even supposed to join my office buddies to have a time-out at Max Brenner in Greenbelt. Goodness! I miss the chocolates and even the cute, bald-headed waiters. Hehehe.

Anyway, I am just cooling off before I launched into writing my report again. Let me end this post with this photo. I hope it will fit in. Hehehe.

Dex sent the yahoogroup an email awhile ago about the deadly Poison Ivy. Browsing through the site made me learn more about the plant. Previously, all I know about it was that it was a vine that climbs and once you touched it, it will make you itchy. But watching the slide show made me want to puke. Yikes.

I have not checked it out yet but do we have that in the Philippines? Somebody told me that it grows at the renowned Mt. Apo.

Join the 2nd Manila Marathon 2004!
5k,10k and 42K full marathon on November 28, 2004.

RACE INFORMATION

A sea of humanity will fill the historic Luneta Park when the biggest footrace on Philippine soil - the Second Manila Marathon - fires off this October.

Mayor Atienza will lead the runners when they are flagged off on Roxas Boulevard Kilometer O (between the Rizal Monument and Quirino Grandstand) and will be joined by the country's top sports officials led by chairman Eric Buhain of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), officials from various national sports associations, as well as national athletes.

The 42-kilometer race will begin at 4:00 am and will pierce through streets and landmarks in the country's premiere city from Tondo, Quiapo, Binondo, Sampaloc, Singalong, San Andres, Malate and back to Luneta Park.

The 10-km, 5-km and 3-km will be flagged off at 6:00 am and will cover Roxas Boulevard and part of teh Cultural Center of the Philippines and Diosdado Macapagal Avenue.

Registration : We only require participants to donate any canned goods upon registration.

For more details, please visit .

I think I have found the one that God has prepared for me but this article still makes me cry.

I am wondering at this very minute if you are thinking of me, if you like me, are wondering what is taking us so long to find each other. Many times I thought I finally found you only to be disillusioned by the fact that my wait has not yet ended. I get up each morning hoping, dreaming, longing to meet you.

I am thinking of how we will meet. Would it be as romantic as the ones I have seen in the movies? Or is it possible that I have known you all my life but we have yet to realize that we are meant for each other? Oh how I wish you were here right now because you are the only one who has the answers to all of my questions.

Sometimes I ask myself if I have ever really known love. I do not have the answer to that question either but I believe that more often than not, we will never really know what love is until we find that right person. And since I have not found you yet, maybe I do not really know what love is. You just don’t know how often I dream of finally knowing what it feels like to be in your arms. Even at this very moment I am imagining how you will simply sweep me off my feet. Perhaps I would be drawn to you by your smile, or your eyes, or maybe even how you manage to make me laugh with your silly little ways. I don’t really know for sure but I am praying that God will help me recognize you when the right time comes. I think of all the pain that I have gone through in the past and of how much I have cried since the day I began my search. I just wanted you to know that I find my strength in clinging onto the vision of the beautiful life ahead of me - the life that I shall spend with you. In my mind and in my heart I know that you are worth that pain and sacrifice.

After all, the tears have become a part of my life and I believe that they are slowly washing away my flaws so that I would become perfect, not perfect in its truest sense, but perfect for YOU. I wonder if you’ve gone through so much pain as well. I wonder if you’ve been hurt so many times along the journey.

But my dearest one, please don’t ever give up because I am right here, patiently waiting for you. I assure you that when we finally find each other I would slowly heal those wounds by my love.

At night, I would look up out my window and stare at the beautiful sky, hoping that somehow you are also looking up and wondering about me. I utter a silent prayer and send all my cries to the heavens above thinking that in time they would reach you. And when I feel impatient, I just close my eyes and believe that you are on your way and that you are longing to see me as well. It is funny but when I finally fall asleep, it is still you that I think of, for you are always in my dreams. It seems that, for now, that is the only place where I can hold on to you, long enough to tell you how much I love you. In my dreams you would kiss away my fears and wrap me with your arms of love. And this, all the more, makes me want to wake up and face the new day ahead with the hope that soon enough, you will no longer be a dream but a reality. Once again I am assured that you are worth the wait. And when that time comes, everything will fall into its place, just as I had imagined, just as I had thought and dreamed, just as I had believed it would be! By then, I would simply look back and smile at all that I have gone through, in spite of the pain and amidst the simple joys of life. I would be very thankful because they all led me to you.

In the meantime, take care of yourself for me. Hold on to our dream and don’t ever think of letting go. Believe in you heart that we would find each other no matter what happens. God has planned the course and it is up to us to follow the directions. Don’t worry, don’t be afraid about getting lost, God saw to it that all the roads, no matter which one you choose to follow, lead to me.

She walked into the room and his eyes lit up.
She didn't have to say a word,
her being there was proof enough that she loved him.
They had both lost someone they loved.
So this day of all days was a difficult one.
She wanted to make this work.
She was hurt, lonely and afraid.
It wasn't supposed to be this way.

But the fact was he knew how she felt.
There was an obvious pain in his heart, too.
So the one thing that strengthened their love
for each other was heartache, the most sorrowful kind.

Their eyes locked. He smiled and she responded.
He had a special way of bringing a smile to her face.
It was the little things he would do that would touch her heart.
But we all know that the essence of true love
and commitment is in the little things.

She stood there in the doorway and
he motioned to her to sit next to him.
Not trusting the childish grin he now had on his face,
she hesitated for a moment, but gave in.
She always did.

She sat at the far end of the couch teasing him,
he quickly responded by sliding right next to her.
She laughed and he knew it was alright.
He seemed to be stumbling for just the right words.
There was an awkward moment of silence between them.
She, making an effort to calm his nerves
reached over and held his hand.
He looked at her with a grateful smile
and returned the favor by placing his hand on hers.

They looked at each other again,
somehow knowing that this was a difficult time for both of them.

Then suddenly he reached behind the pillow
placed strategically nearby.
He pulled out a large red envelope and
nervously handed it to her.

She snapped back with a look of surprise
because she really hadn't expected this.

"Wait, this goes with it," he said.
Then he handed her a small box,
wrapped perfectly in white tissue paper
of hearts and flowers.

She couldn't believe what was happening.
How could he have pulled this off?
And why?

"Now," he said, "read the card."

In great anticipation she ripped the envelope
without hesitating.
She wanted desperately to see what he had to say to her.
She hung on every word.

It read as follows:

I know that this isn't easy for you.
It has been a tough year for both of us.
I know that Valentine's Day is a special day
for people in love.
I am sure that you would rather be out at a fancy dinner,
I'm sorry.
But I want you to know that...
I love you.

I know that Valentines are supposed to get chocolate.
But I went to the store today to buy some for you.
I got the last piece.
I told the clerk it was just perfect.

She stopped for a moment and looked at him.
Her eyes sparkled in the lightas tears formed in each corner.
He knew he had done the right thing.

Slowly she unwrapped the box,
careful not to rip the paper
for she was sure that this was a keeper,
a moment she will never forget.

Removing the lid she found a chocolate heart
that was broken into pieces along with a note:

"The lady said all she had left was a broken heart.
I told her so did we."
"I am so sorry that Dad left us Mom.
But I just wanted you to know we still have each other.

"Happy Valentines Day,
Love,
Your son,
Adam

What better love on Valentine's Day
than the love of a mother and child.

Makes you cry just the way it does to me, right?

Sinong mahilig sa Kamiseta tulad ko? Sale po ngayon sa SM at Glorietta. Hehehe.

Bajoy, wala ba akong discount? Para mas madami ako mabili. Hehehe.