World Vision Run 2012

It was a typical running event that gone extra special. I guess I may say that what happened that day merely started with a tweet. As what I have mentioned on my old post, when a blog on Yahoo! Philippines was written about my brother Aga, I have shared it with few running celebrities on Twitter. One of those was Ms. Jan Marini. She have read the article and told me that they would love to meet Aga. She then asked if he would be running on the World Vision Run as she and her family will be there as one of the ambassadors of the event. I told her that my brother wasn't sure yet because his trainer/navigator, Sir Gado, might be out of town on that race day. After a while, she tweeted if Aga would want to run with her husband, Mr. Gerard Pizarras. It was a query that got me bizarre. I didn't know if she really meant Aga to run "with" Sir Gerard. Right away, I told Aga about it and he said he would love to. We also informed Sir Gado about that opportunity and he told Aga to go for it as he will be traveling north that time and can't be with Aga. A bit apprehensive, we replied Ms. Jan if it would really be alright with Sir Gerard to be Aga's guide that day. She said that it would be her husband's pleasure. It was really a heart warming, unexpected gesture from the celebrity couple. After few days, Aga and Sir Gado invited Sir Gerard to run with them so they can show the techniques on how to navigate my brother on track. Then, all were set.

Came the race day, we arrived at BGC around 4:00am. There we met few other people.

Sir Gerard Pizarras, Sir  Bearwin Meily and the rest of Team Soleus with Aga.

Then, they went to the VIP tent for an interview. Yes, we were informed about it but still we were blown and so overwhelmed. 

Gunstart for 21K runners were at 5:00am. They were a bit late but they intend to so they can easily pace Aga without the rest of the crowd. My and I were just to bandit run for 5K, so while we were waiting for our gunstart, My was warming up while I was having conversations with Mama. We tried Aga's energy gel, which for us tasted so awful.hehe and I blame it for having a bad tummy that morning.

And the aftertaste? The name says it all... BOOM! 

My really wanted to run for 10K but I insisted him to run with me. So sad for him he had to slow down and just go with my pace. We finished in 42 minutes which I was happy with even with barely having an hour of sleep. My really wanted to run more so while I was watching other runners cross the finish line, My took the route for 21K runners and looked for Aga to take photos. Here are some:

Aga and the team where just about on their 10K when My went back to the finish line. There we waited for the 21K runners to cross. We saw Sir Bearwin strongly finished at 1:48. He is so admirable! hehe

 with my new crush. hehehe

Then we waited again for Aga. We knew there was something that took them longer to cross the finish line because the last time he ran 21K, his PR was 02:18 and that was even last December. With his improvements, I know he would beat his previous number. At 2:32, he crossed the finish line but without Sir Gerard. We learned that on their last few kilometers, Sir Gerard suffered from cramps on both legs. Unfortunately, he needed a massage before he could continue running. And it was so nice of him to let Aga just finish the race first even without him. A very commendable act from Sir Gerard. There were times that they slowed down and went back to Sir Gerard hoping that they could still finish the race together. But Sir Gerard insisted and encouraged Aga to still get a strong finish. On about their 5km, Aga decided to also run barefoot. Which was the very first time he tried on a running event. 

Seeing my brother sprint his last few meters unto the finish line almost made me cry with so much pride for him. He may not got a better PR but the fact that he still finished the race is still worth the medal. Then they went to the tent again to have some rest, interview and I don't know.hehe They did lots of stuff so My and I went to Highstreet to buy thirst quenchers while waiting for all else to be done. 

Ms. Jan Marini with Aga

Bought Jamba Juice smoothies (plugging?LOL)

Passed by KK store with the hotlight on! So it means. . . . . .

 Free OG doughnuts!!! Yay!

While we were walking back to the activity area, we heard Aga's name being called on stage. We ran hurriedly so we could see and take photos of him but we missed it. Aga already got down the podium when we came and was already being interviewed for..well, Sprinto I guess?

Mrs. Pizarras thanked us for entrusting them Aga. We are more thankful to the couple for letting my brother run on that event and for opening great opportunities for him. They really are so nice.

After that day, an article about Aga on www.pinoyfitness.com was posted. People now really starts to recognize him. We really appreciate the recognition people give him but what's more touching is to know how people get inspired by my brother's story. Every comment is very heart warming and we have never been this proud of Aga. We will always be thankful to God for people like the Pizarras couple, Sir Gado, R.O.X., CORE and all those who appreciate Aga. The rain that just started pouring now showers. Glory be to Him ☺♥

EyeRunForLife

Here's a design I made for a running singlet that we'll have to show support for my brother, Aga. Is it yay or nay? Watchatink?

Happy Cool Father's Day!

They may not do the laundry, do household chores, groom us when we were kids but they do things that mom can't and we know their job is as tough. Fathers, too, are special. This third Sunday of June, the day will be dedicated to all dads in most of the world. Ideally, it should be everyday that we make them feel our love in return but let's all take this celebration extra special than their everyday lives.

I'm thankful I got one of the cool dads, if not the coolest, in the world. I can hardly explain how but even my friends perceive him as that. Lucky us. He is a part of my life that made who I am right now. And I always pray all the goodness for him.

 HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, PAPA! We love you so much!

Mama's name tattooed on Papa ♥

To add the good vibes, let me share this cool and funny video about fatherhood. It is so witty and hilarious, I swear! 

Happy Father's Day to all you cool daddies!

1 a.m. Roulade

My favorite of all of her songs.

Rain have just started pouring

About a month ago, we were informed by my brother's trainer that someone will write an article about him on Yahoo! Philippines. We were so excited about it and have been holding our horses until the day we've seen it posted. Last June 11th, we thought of trying to check it online though we expected that we will be informed first of the date when it will be officially seen on the website. On our surprise, it was already a week up and we didn't even know. Reading it on THE website thrilled me that it still got me teary eyed even I have already read the draft as the author, Sir Raoul, emailed it to me weeks before he posted. We are very proud of my brother, Aga. This is one of my prayers for him. I am glad it was answered. Thanks to Sir Raoul for admiring my brother and writing this about him and his trainer Sir Gado.

In my overflowing pride for my brother, I even tweeted the blog to some of the athletes/runners that I follow on Twitter.hehe But I am happy they were able to read and share it. Some people known in the field have also shared the post. Here are few:

 Kuya Kim Atienza

 

Ms. Jan Marini 

 Mr. Caloy Bautista

 Run Philippines

 www.runnersrunner.com

www.rox.com.ph

I remember the story in John 9:1-7 where Jesus displayed the works of God by healing a man born blind. It was somewhat like what happened to Aga but somehow reversed. He let him feel his grace after Aga got blind. I know for sure that God had prepared a lot for him and I am just so happy for my brother. 

So here it is, you may read the entire blog by clicking this link: Yahoo! Philippines Sports: What's your excuse? by Raoul Floresca 

I hope you would recommend, tweet and share this short story about him. It'll be clicks away on making my brother happy and inspiring others. PS: I have been really touched by the feedbacks people send us about this article, if you got time, tell me what you think after reading it. Thanks alot in advance! ☺

Good Vibes Mardi

Love their cover of Peter, Bjorn & John's original☺

Happy Mother's Day!

Thou we deny, they are usually the people who are being taken for granted. For years that they have spent on caring for us not just because it's their responsibility but because they really do care, for every effort they have exerted just to make sure we're always for the better and merely for everything they have done and been doing their entire life, I guess they deserve much more than a day to show them how worthy they are and how grateful are we for having them.

And since today should all be theirs, a little payback of gratitude should be enough to let them feel our appreciation. I am not a mother but I know for a fact that it is a very challenging role to take, yet so much rewarding. We all do have moms and though they may not be the same, all of them are God's blessing to us children.

That being said, let me just say thanks and Happy Mother's Day to my wonderful Mama!
We love you so much!

Proverbs 31:10-12, 25-30: "An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life ... Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future. She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and bless her; her husband also, and he praises her, saying: 'Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all.' Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised."

A lot of us may hold back on telling our moms these things personally. I know, it is easier said than done. But when I came across this video on the web, it also hit the guilt in me. So let me just share it to you. Please watch this video.

Hope you realize something as much as I did. Anyway, I know this post has been austere. I have actually planned to write something much humorous with lots of Mama's old photos and I don't know why it ended up like this. haha Oh well, Happy Mother's Day to your mom and all the mothers out there! ♥