All Systems Go for SIERRA 51050!

*** Press Release ***

All Systems Go For SIERRA 51050

TEAM GETS THE SPOTLIGHT!

January 9, 2014 MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Rundezvous, Inc. is inviting runners, schools and corporations for Sierra 51050, Team Comes First on February 23, 2014, Sunday in Tanay, Rizal.

Sierra 51050 is a team race that calls for strategy and endurance. Set in the scenic roads and the rolling hills of Tanay, Rizal, Sierra 51050 aims to strengthen team unity and friendly competition among teams.

The teams will assemble at Sierra Madre Hotel & Resort at 3:00am and the race will start at 5:00am.

Regular registration fee is PhP3,500 until February 8, 2014. Late registration (PhP4,000) will be until February 15. The team racekit will include the racebibs (5) and finishers’ kit that includes the Sierra shirts and giveaways. The first three (3) teams to cross the finish line will be the winners of Sierra 51050 and will receive citation, team trophy and cash prize for each team.

The teams are encouraged to don their uniforms that will make them stand out during the race. A team is recommended to bring a support vehicle throughout the race. With the challenging terrain in Tanay, a runner is recommended to be comfortable covering a minimum of 10 kilometers. Teams are not limited to registering just one entry but they can register as many teams as they can form! A set of frequently asked questions is available for download in the Facebook page.

To register:
(1) Go online and register your team:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1m0CEx6xmlzqUPG3Y8LgQNyBoraK1W1KOgr7pvygJvZE/viewform
(2) Deposit thru BPI Savings Account 4949 6250 74 (under Mark Anthony Terrado) and email teamrundezvous@gmail.com. Rundezvous, Inc. will contact the team via email or SMS to acknowledge receipt of payment.
(3) Download the Team Waiver from the Sierra 51050 Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/SierraFiveTenFifty

There will be a Team Leads Orientation on February 6, 2014, 7-9pm at Escalades, 20th Avenue Cubao, Quezon City. Racekits will be made available in the orientation after receipt of the signed team waiver.

Interested teams may visit Sierra 51050 Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SierraFiveTenFifty or Rundezvous, Inc. Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/RundezvousInc

Sierra 51050 is in partnership with Running Atom and Running Free Manila.

Alaska's Basketball Cup Program in Cebu

*** Press Release ***

Alaska Basketball Cup-Cebu partners with Cebu Basketball Youth League for its 7th year

Alaska Milk and Cebu Youth Basketball League proudly announced their partnership in Alaska’s Basketball Cup Program last December 17, 2013 at the Cebu Press Conference.

Given the growing issues on health as well as the fast-changing technological environment, which is affecting children’s interests, Alaska Milk believes that there is a need to reinforce its thrust in leading a healthy lifestyle through sports. For more information, just log on to www.alaskamilk.com or www.alaskapowercamp.com/basketball. You can also like our facebook page: Alaska Basketball Power Camp or follow us on Twitter: @ALASKAsportshub

2013 Year End Report: My Top 6 Races

First day of the new year deserves a blog post of my 2013 year-end report. It was such a blessed year for running - injury free the whole year and a few new personal bests.

The Numbers:

One of my goals last 2013 is for my practice run mileage to exceed my race event mileage, and so I'm very pleased that I have done so. I want to lessen my mileage dependency on just weekend races so I find time to run regularly - on the gym treadmill, or just anywhere runner-friendly (BGC, UP, even on Manila Memorial Park).

As usual 21km is still my top race category for 2013, with 14 races overall. Quite disappointed I did not meet my goal of running a full marathon once per quarter, as I failed to run a 42.195km event last Q2 2013.

Still, a lot to be thankful for. Which brings me to my year-end race report. 2-0-1-3: 2 plus 0 plus 1 plus 3 equals 6! So I have my top 6 races for the past year! (Seems quite forced reasoning, right? Hahahaha!)

TOP 6

Rexona Run To Your Beat

Race Category: 21k

Race Organizer: Runrio

http://deemenrunner.blogspot.com/2013/10/rexona-run-2013-race-experience.html

Run To Your Beat pioneered the best race party ever with music from the startling line, extending all along the race route and ending at SM Mall of Asia with a live concert. Best part for me is when we passed through the neon tunnel!

TOP 5

Alaska World Milk Day Run

Race Category: 10k

Race Organizer: Sunrise Events

http://deemenrunner.blogspot.com/2013/06/alaska-world-milk-day-run-2013.html

I seldom join 10k races but Alaska World Milk Day Run's one well-organized event! I love the World Milk Day advocacy - with race participants even given the chance to have souvenir photos with milk moustache! The 10k route was challenging as well, making use of Buendia flyover which you normally don't see on 10k races. The race loot bag's a great bonus too!

In the photo: Runningshield Patrick Concepcion and Speedy Titan Rolly Pangilinan

TOP 4

Takbo.ph Runfest

Race Category: 21k

Race Organizer: Leadpack

http://deemenrunner.blogspot.com/2013/07/takboph-runfest-2013-postrace.html

A race event for runners organized (and manned) by runners - takbo.ph started it all! 2013's Runfest introduced its longest distance yet - the 21k category. Leadpack did a great job organizing this event - even utilizing the C5 flyover as part of its 21k route, which is a welcome (and challenging) change to runners.

In the photo: Jump shot with Thirdy Lopez, Run Adobo King CJ Lampad, Ryan Santos, Miriam and Rodel

TOP 3

Run United Philippine Marathon

Race Category: 42.195k

Race Organizer: Runrio

http://deemenrunner.blogspot.com/2013/10/run-united-philippine-marathon-2013-race-experience.html 

Ending the Run United Trilogy with a bang, full marathon runners were in for a treat as they finished the race in style - passing under the event stage, walking on red carpet and being greeted with photographers for their post-marathon photo! RUPM 2013 is also memorable to me as this as I was able to pace 4 other runners, of which 3 are first time marathoners - Rom, Marte and Joshua. Such a great feeling seeing them succeed on their first marathon!

In the photo: Rom Guevara, Ryan Santos and Marte Millo

TOP 2

Nike We Run Manila

Race Category: 10k

Race Organizer: Runrio

http://deemenrunner.blogspot.com/2013/12/nike-we-run-manila-2013-race-experience.html 

The biggest surprise was the announcement that the 2013 edition of Nike We Run Manila will be held at Marikina! A lot of skeptics predicted a race disaster but Coach Rio proved them wrong by staging a big, well-organized race at such a small city. Nothing would be cooler than seeing a sea of runners all donning their red Nike We Run shirts. Another finisher (white) shirt greeted finishers at the Marikina Sports Complex. Nike is LOVE!

In the photo: Friends from Team Titans - Rusell, Paul, Rhon, Flip, Jake, Hazielle, Rolly

TOP 1

Tokyo Marathon

Race Category: 42.195k

Race Organizer: Tokyo Marathon Foundation

http://deemenrunner.blogspot.com/2013/04/tokyo-marathon-2013-epic-awesome.html 

Before reaching this point, you've probably guessed this will be my top race for the year, for obvious reasons. My Tokyo Marathon experience still tops every race I've joined in since I started running. I've done a few international races but nothing compares to the magnitude of grandness of racing the streets of Tokyo. This is a race worthy of being put in every runner's bucket list. It's expensive, but definitely worth it.

2014 will just be bigger and better! Thanks for reading and have a blessed new year!

A Cancellation and A Replacement

Rumors were circulating for some time on Condura Skyway Marathon 2014 not pushing thru as promised on the 2nd of February next year. December 11th it was confirmed via an official statement released at the Condura Skyway Marathon Facebook page. The announcement got mixed reactions - some applauding the move, and some dismayed and disappointed. For me, I was really eyeing joining the marathon next year, and the cancellation news was a big upset. I'm sure there's more reason behind the cancellation, but as for all losses, we just need to respect and accept what has transpired, and move on.

Official CSM2014 Event Cancellation Announcement

I really wanted to join a 42.195km event, with my personal goal to do one full marathon every quarter. So with a motivation of an impulse, I thought of my original plan B - Cebu Marathon! It's 3 weeks earlier than Condura, which will definitely affect my planned training schedule, but I think it's the only worthy marathon event replacement for Q1 2014.

Fortunate that Cebu Pacific was still offering promo fares, so I was able to book a flight leaving Manila January 10 morning and going back January 12 afternoon. Perfect flight schedule and just one vacation leave at work. Runner friend JP also offered to share accommodation (Thanks JP!) so that's two items marked on my checklist.

Last item is of course the race registration. Tried doing an online registration but to my surprise, credit card option's already marked SOLD OUT! PANIC!!! I messaged Ally from Runrio asking for help, and she told me she'll reserve me a slot (Thanks Ally!). December 15 though, I chanced to pass at Riovana BGC and luckily, 42k prepaid cards were still available so I grabbed one with a late registration fee of Php2200. A bit pricey, but I know it will be worth it!

See you Cebu!!!

So far, I know already some runner friends going to Cebu as well for the race - JP, Becky Runner, Syril, Wyatt, Wesley and Mish. This will surely be one enjoyable quick getaway! See you guys in Cebu in a couple of weeks! 

Marathon #9 is a GO!

Starting 'Em Young at the Alaska Football Cup

*** Press Release ***

18th Alaska Football Cup Continues Finest Football Competition in PH

Witness once again the biggest, most eagerly anticipated football tournament in the country when over 300 teams composed of 4,200 players compete in the 18th Alaska Football Cup on December 7 and 8 at the Alabang Country Club Fields, Muntinlupa City.

No other football competition in the country comes close to the Alaska Football Cup which is played in 29 football fields under the supervision of more than 100 referees, which will find more than 2,600 goals scored in more than 700 games.

Alaska promotes positive values of teamwork, cooperation and fair play through sports activities like the football cup. Likewise, Alaska leads in promoting a healthy lifestyle through proper nutrition by drinking milk regularly and by engaging in sports.

Football players who are six to 16 years old participate in the Alaska Football Cup coming from all over the Philippines including Metro Manila, Baguio, Olongapo, Angeles City, Tacloban, Naga, Bacolod, Cebu, Palawan, Legaspi, Los Baños, Iloilo and Batangas.

This partnership started in 1995 when Alaska teamed up with former professional international football player Tomas Lozano to create the 1st Alaska Football Cup. Alaska has contributed to the phenomenal growth of amateur football in the country through this annual competition.

Promoting the participation of the youth in football along with other sports like basketball and triathlon through the Alaska Power Camps exemplifies the company’s commitment to nation building through nutrition and sports.

The Alaska Football Cup has been widely acknowledged for its outstanding contribution to youth sports and development in the country, particularly in the grassroots level.

For more information, check out the Alaska Football Cup website, www.alaskamilk.com and live tweets and updates @ALASKAsportshub

Sierra 51050 on February 23, 2014

*** Press Release ***

SIERRA 51050 TEAM COMES FIRST!

13 December 2013 MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Running is an individual sport. It brings out the best and the worst in you, yet you still go back for more: another mile perhaps tomorrow. With the benefits of running, no wonder runners have formed groups or clubs just to get the most out of each run or race.

Rundezvous, Inc. has come up with a race that will encourage running as a group or team. Sierra 51050 is a race that is geared towards fostering teamwork and team spirit. A team will be composed of five (5) runners and will cover increments of ten (10) kilometers and will run the 50-km route. Set in the scenic roads and the challenging hills of Tanay, Rizal; it will be a first of its kind promoting camaraderie among team members and bringing out the best in each member.

The opportunities for a team race multiply, with the following benefits:
- Runners will be required to register as a team.
- Groups may be motivated to train for the race.
- Teams may be interested to make uniforms for recognition.

Sierra 51050 will be on February 23, 2014, Sunday with registration fee of P3,500/team (P700/member). Registration starts real soon with an early bird registration fee of P3,000/team so watch out for it!

Reservation is on-going, interested teams may visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SierraFiveTenFifty

Sierra 51050 is in partnership with Running Atom and Running Free Manila.

2013 21k PR at Milo Marathon Finals

Milo Marathon is a race I definitely want to join every year; it's basically a tradition. My 21k PR is 2011's December edition, where I got a time of 1:51:19. Until now, I still could not beat that PR. Haha! I've been dreaming of getting a sub 1:50 half marathon. Maybe 2014 will be kinder.

The Milo Marathon uses a winning race formula, and Runrio has already perfected the execution of this top-notch event. The cut-off of 2 hours and 30 minutes for 21k makes it one of the tougher, yet more fulfilling races to participate in.

Here are some of my race observations:
- Overflowing (cold) hydration - both water and sports drinks - as always from a Runrio race
- Lots of marshals and security
- Fun post-race activity area
- I won't get tired collecting the finisher medal even though the design does not change much - there's something "elite" about having the Milo Marathon medals as part of one's collection
- The only improvement area - I was a bit confused with the 21k kilometer markers - a lot of them were misplaced along the route. Not sure what happened here, but got the same feedback from fellow half-marathoners.

Read also from Facebook a number of posts regarding rampant cheating on the long distance categories this year, even on the full marathon! Very disappointing to find out what some people would do just to get a medal and some loot. Sigh.

On a positive note, I have lots of cool photos to share! Haha!

On the way back! Photo courtesy of Tong Pascua

Just took a bath! Haha! Photo courtesy of Art Mendoza

With Ryan and Rolly (Speedy Titan)

With Ryan and 21k race buddies Hazielle (it's her first 21k and she beat the cut-off!) and her pacer Rhon

With Becky Runner and Rolly (and Syril posing at the background)

Group shot

Had to take our photo at the race village entrance

Jake doing the headstand (and Rhon pointing to something)

From Official Race Results - 1:56:34 - My 21k PR for this year! Milo brings out the best in me!

Thanks Nestle and Milo for continuing to provide running shoes to children who dream of being future athletes of the country. See you at the Milo 2014 events!

It’s the season to be healthy with Men’s Health this December!

Shed off the pounds this Christmas holiday

with Men’s Health this December

This December, Brazilian-Japanese model Hideo Muraoka shows he is ready for action as he takes on this month’s cover of Men’s Health Philippines for the first time. This season of giving, Hideo shares his coveted training plan followed and outlined by the muscle guy himself to get that rock-hard abs like his.

Men’s Health also shines the spotlight on the country’s top South East Asian (SEA) games-bound athletes before their battle begins in Myanmar this December 11. Get to know Taekwondo’s Galilee Tanaya and Rani Ann Ortega; Archery’s Earl Benjamin Yap; Boxing’s Josie Gabuco, Rogen Landon, and Mark Anthony Barriga; Basketball’s Kevin Louie Alas and Kiefer Ravena; and Wushu’s Daniel Parantac as these champs show you how to sharpen your brain’s innate power to overcome obstacles, and unleash your A-game.

So what does it take to win? “You have to learn how to let go of the bad shots. If you learn how to accept that you’ll have bad shots, it will gradually cancel out and you’ll eventually shoot good shots until you can perfect it. Let go and have fun,” shares 2007 Asian Archery Champion Earl Yap.

For the 2-time UAAP Champion Kiefer Ravena it’s about accepting criticisms. “Critics are your number one fans. They’re there when you do something bad. And I like to believe they’re still there when you do something good. Be motivated na lang to prove them wrong. Instead of looking at the negative, try to see the positive side, na concerned sila.”

With countless Christmas parties and sumptuous buffets this holiday season, Men’s Health gives you the low-down on 6 crazy diets that deliver realistic results in MH Extreme Diets. Learn more about the Juice Cleanse Diet, Paleo Diet, GM Diet, Morning Banana Diet, and Beer and Sausage Diet – as MH breaks down where these extreme eats are right, where they’re wrong, and more importantly, how you can make them work for you. Not only that, Men’s Health gives you the info on the unusual flab suspects you should avoid this festive month with Luquid Bombs. Remember, what you eat is not the only culprit behind the excess weight. You might be slurping it right now!

The December issue of Men’s Health with Brapanese model Hideo Muraoka on the cover is available in Summit Newsstands (www.summitnewsstand.com.ph/mens-health), and in leading newsstands, bookstores and supermarkets nationwide for only P140. For more information, become a fan of www.facebook.com/MensHealthPhilippines on Facebook and follow www.twitter.com/MensHealthPH on Twitter.