Testing the Nike+ sports kit

I did a test run on my Nike+ sports kit and ipod yesterday at BHS. I went there with Josiah (our younger son) and our officemates couple, Connie and Dennis. I planned to check if the sports kit was correctly calibrated, so I measured the distance of the perimeter of the BHS block. It measures 1.2 K from our car’s odometer. We parked at the area near Honda Cars Global City. After stretching, we proceeded with our run. Here are the results of the two workouts:

Workout #1
Distance: 4.11 km
Time: 36:21
Pace: 8:48 min/km
Calories: 347

Workout #2
Distance: 1.14 km
Time: 6:58
Pace: 6:02 min/km
Calories: 97

I did the first workout with Josiah. It was 3 rounds around the block at an irregular pace since Josiah was running with me. I had to jog slower( or even jog in place) for Josiah to keep pace with me. There were times I had to stop and wait for him at road intersections. Anyway, the result showed a total of 4.11km. It was suppose to log approximately 3.6 km. The discrepancy of the distance may be attributed to the irregular pace and to the jogging in place I did. After the third round, Connie and Dennis were done with their exercise. I asked them if they could take care of Josiah because I want to run one more round at a consistent pace and see if it will give the same result. The result was more accurate. It gave a log of 1.14 km for one round. The difference maybe because I ran at the side walks (inner lane) which has a shorter distance than when I measured it with the car’s odometer. It gave me confidence that the sports kit is working properly. I guess I’m ready for the Nike+ Human Race on Sunday. See you there runners! God bless!

Photo Talks

The Nike+ Virtual Human Race

Water welling up to eternal life

Water or hydration stations during races are very vital. Runners should have enough water to keep them running. Having runners dehydrated will be critical to their health and may even cause their lives. Many articles have been written about the importance of water. The human body’s composition is 70% water. According to research, drinking five or more eight-ounce glasses of water a day could help lower our risk of heart disease by up to 60%. It regulates body temperature, it cushions joints, moistens oxygen for breathing, helps body absorb nutrients and more. Water is essential to life. Just like in our spiritual run, water can be likened to God’s word. It is important that we always hear His voice and understand Him through His word, the Bible. His word will always be our source of strength when we are weak. It will be our comfort when we fall. It is our spring of water of life. Jesus said, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."(John 13-14). How often do we drink from the well of life? Do we desire to learn more of Him by reading the Bible? I’m also guilty of these things and I thank the Lord for reminding me the basic truth about His word through running and blogging. God bless us all!


He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."

He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son. - Revelation 21:5-7 (New International Version)

Now I can join the Nike+ Human Race…

It was an exciting weekend. Last Friday before going home, I got a message from my wife that the balik-bayan box my brother Relly sent us already arrived. I knew that my Nike+ shoes and sports kit were in there. Hooray! I can now join the Nike+ Human Race on Aug. 31. It was really a blessing from God that I have a brother and a sister abroad who never forget me and my family. They are always there to help us and share the blessings they received from God. The package also includes PS2 for the kids and more. So you could just imagine how happy JM and Josh were.

The Nike+ Turbulence and ipod plus nike spors kit

Swthrt and I decided to run on Saturday morning to break-in my new shoes and see if it comfortably fits me. We arrived at UPD at around 6:30am. We ran 2 rounds at the academic oval together. On the second run, swthrt felt pain at the arc of her foot and on her shins. She had to walk from time to time to give her feet some rest. We finished the run together with 40 min. on my sports watch. I continued to run another round and had a time of 13:57 for the additional 2.2K run. I ran a total 0f 6.6K. This was the first mileage of Turby, my Nike+ Turbulence. I have already given it a name.

Turby after his first 6.6K

Sunday morning was another day to test Turby. There were lots of runners when we arrived at UPD. It was part of the route of the QC Red Cross 10K run. It gave us a boost to run. It was as if we were with the race minus the race bibs. Swthrt ran another 4.4K while I did another 6.6K. Again, swthrt felt pain at the arc of her foot and shins after running several kilometers. This has become a usual occurrence for her. To runners out there, what do you think causes the persistent pain? Do we need to change swthrt’s shoes?

Monday, swthrt had some laboratory exams done at the hospital. After which we went to BHS to register for the Nike+ Human Race. It was unfortunate that I did not bring with me the sports kit which was needed for the registration. I should have listened to swthrt, hehehe. Anyway, the registration will be open until Aug 30 and so I plan to register today after work.

Of the two days run, I was not able to test the sports kit. I’m planning to test it today when swthrt and I will run this afternoon. Hopefully it will not rain, since I heard from the news that there is a typhoon named Lawin within the Philippine Area of Responsibility according to PAGASA.

BHS run

I was able to run yesterday afternoon at Bonifacio High Street together with my officemates and my son Josh. We arrived at BHS before 5:00 pm. We did one round (1.4K) of easy run for our warm-up before doing some stretching. I ran on a slow pace to accompany my son Josh. He already experienced in joining a race during the Mommy Milkshake Fun Run. He was excited when he joined us in the run. He considered it as a training for his next race. Josh is a little bit chubby and he always jokingly say that ‘he’s on a diet’ and he needs to exercise. He ran the first round easily. On our second round, Mae, Connie and Dennis (my officemates) went ahead because we need to buy a bottled water for Josh. This time Josh is quite tired so he had to run-walk the course. What I did, I ran a fast pace for about 200 meters, then ran back to where Josh is. I did this for at least four times. When Josh and I caught up with Dennis who is already walking, Josh joined him while I ran fast enough to join mae and connie. Our third round was more challenging, mae and I did our tempo run. The fourth round was a cool down. We just walked around the block and finished the exercise at around 6:00pm. You could just imagine how hungry Josh was. We went to Market! Market! for Josh’s dinner at Jollibee. We had to wait until 7:00pm because we are banned on the street under VVRP of MMDA.

Most of the runners, except for the elites, join races not to win it, but just to be part of the race. Being ranked 100th, 125th, or 200th on a race of thousands of participants does not really matter. For most of us, what matters is we finish the race. For some, they race to break their personal records. Running is an individual challenge. It is a challenge against one’s self. Runners or other athletes practice regularly to be able to do better on the next race or game. They have the discipline to do what they are supposed to do. Or to follow the instructions their coaches gave them. This discipline is a product of their determination to accomplish what they have set as their goals.

In our own personal race in life, we have goals. How determined are we to accomplish these? We attend seminars, trainings for our personal development. Do we have the discipline to do the tasks assigned to us? In our spiritual race, have we set our eyes on the reward of being with Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith? Are we disciplined and willing to trust and obey the coaching of Jesus? God trained us through the different experiences we have in life. Have we learned and gained wisdom from these experiences? We will always hear that discouraging whisper telling us to stop, that we are liable to fall, that we give up on this goal. Let us not listen to this little voice. Let us persevere in finishing the race and finish it strong. God bless us all!

“ Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 1:6

Photo Talks

Men's Health 10,000Km Miracle Run at Global City

The Miracle Run

It was another first for me last Sunday. I registered for the Men’s Health Miracle Run and ran the 10K. This was my first official 10K race. Excited and anticipating a good race ahead, I woke up at 4:00 am. I drank a cup of coffee and ate a banana for my breakfast, and we were ready to go. My wife and I arrived at the Global City at around 5:00 am. I was starting my warm-up when I saw Erlito ( HS classmates, also running) and his friend. After a few minutes of warm up and stretching I was ready to toe the line.

All the runners were called to the starting area. I heard from the announcer that we will start at 6:40am to give way for the on-site registrants. The organizers gave a short speech, then the countdown begun. 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1…. And up we went!

I was set to run a 5K pace at 7.5 min/k. I felt confident that I can finish the run and beat my time during my simulation run (1:19:00). It was a good first round for me. There were enough water in every water station. Gatorade, which was one of the sponsors, were also available for the runners. One thing I noticed, runners don’t mind throwing bottles of Gatorades which they don’t even consumed half of it. For me it was a waste of money. Maybe next time sponsors like them should think of having smaller containers. What I did was I brought along with me the bottle I took from the first water station. It took me 36+ min for my first round (5K).

On my second round, the sun was already up and I felt the heat on my face and nape. It was a good thing I have the bottle of Gatorade and need not wait for water stations for my re-hydration needs. As georgieboy had instructed me, I should be able to run comfortably on the second round. Since I already knew the course, I can determine where to give it a push and where to slowdown. I reached the finish line at 1:12:57 (unofficial - from my sports watch). I was really happy to have run this race. As the slogan goes – “I made a difference”. I was also very thankful of having a supportive wife who’s always there for me. We were also glad to meet “Run for Change’s Eric, the Passion Runner.

After the race, swthrt and I went to Kopi Rotti at Katipunan Ave. to have a cup of coffee, toasted bread with butter, and coffee bun. It was a wonderful day! Praise God!

My insights today was not actually about the race I just joined. It was about the race of life. After the race last Sunday, we went to Bulacan to attend on the interment of my uncle who died from various complications due to diabetes. Maybe this is one race that nobody wants to be first, but everyone was in it including me. Just like in any race, we train hard to prepare for it, to be able to finish the race. We eat the right food to give us energy. We practice the course to be familiar with it. We even train on hills to overcome courses like it. But for our spiritual race, how much have we trained? Are we ready to reach the finish line and say, I have ran a good race? Are we eating the right spiritual food for our souls? Are we familiar with the voice of our great coach in life, Jesus Christ, that while living in this life we trust and obey Him? Have we learned the lessons of the different hills we encountered in our life and be victorious over it? It will not be an easy race but God has given us His word through the bible. He gave us time to meet and worship Him. And He gave us lessons in life to make us better, victorious Christians. God bless us all!

Another first for me, 10K race

It will be another first for my running records on Sunday. I will be joining the Men's Health Miracle Run. Please pray for me and the others runners, that all will be well and safe from any injuries. God bless all the runnners! See you at the starting line!

Peace which transcends all understanding.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say again rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
– Philippians 4:4-7


Amidst all crises and news of war around us, where can we eventually find peace? In the letter of Apostle Paul to the Colossians, he wrote: "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as a member of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." (chap 3 vs 15)
Trials and conflicts are part of human existence. In our daily activities, we are faced with problems that lead us to fear and apprehension. News headlines on price hikes, terrorist acts, and political instability make matters even worse. As Christians, we are called to seek peace and to live harmoniously with others (1Peter 3:8-12).

But whatever circumstance that you are in, hard as it may be, do not be troubled. God is just a prayer away. Lift up your worries and concerns in prayer with thanksgiving and the Lord will give you peace .

Since when did you pray for peace? For yourself? For the nation? Seek God now and you will realize the true meaning of peace and joy that could only come from Him through Christ Jesus.


Published in NAMRIA Newsletter Vol. IV No.2, 2000.

Easy 4.4K run at UP

Swthrt and I was able to run at UP yesterday. After work, we just checked on the kids then went to UP for our weekdays run. We arrived at our usual parking area at around 6:50 pm. We started at 7 o’clock, warmed up at about 500m before doing some stretching. Then, we ran twice around the academic oval having water breaks after each round. On our second lap, swthrt felt some pain in the arc area of her foot. She had to walk a few meters to take a rest. She told me to just continue with my run. I picked up on my pace and ran all the way to our starting point. I finished at 7:32pm. I ran back to check on swthrt, and saw her running in front of the engineering building. She reached our starting point at 7:35pm. It was approximately 30-35 minute run for the total of 4.4K. It was a good easy run for both of us. We dropped by the supermarket to buy something for the kids before going home.

My log:
Date: Aug 12, 2008 Distance: 4.4K Time:32 min Place: UP Acad. Oval

Photo Talks - Mommy Milkshake Marathon

Photo Talks

A busy weekend

10K – Same route, different experience

In the morning of August 09, 2008, I ran the same 10K route which I previously run a week ago. This is in my preparation for the Men’s Health Miracle run. I started at 5:50 in the morning. It was a fair weather condition and seems that the sun will be up in a matter of minutes. At the start, I ran at my 5K pace of 7:45 min/km. It was an easy run to K5 which took me 38+ min. Again, I took a brief stop at Shell Select to buy a bottle of Rush. It was not an easy run anymore on my way back. The sun was up and I really needed to take a sip of Rush at least every 200 or 300 meters. This time I did not feel the pain on my foot which I had during my first 10K run. I finished the course with a time of 01:19:02. It was chicken adobo (becoming my regular food after a long run) and rice for breakfast. It was great to know that I did it again with lesser effort. It gives me confidence that I am ready to finish a 10K race.

Running the same route for the second time will give you confidence that you can do it. Being prepared from the obstacles and difficulties you experienced in the last run makes you think that you can do better. But reality will tell you that you will have a different experience in different parts of the course. And as I was running in the difficult part of the route, I could hear in my head the voice of georgieboy telling me you do this, or do that….as if he was right beside me coaching on my run. I finish the run and gain new experience to become a better runner.

You can never tell that – “you’ve been there, and done that”. Just like in the race of life, we sometimes experience almost same situations in life. But the way we will have to deal with it will be different from the first time we encounter it. We can never be proud to say that we know what to do because we have done it before. God allows different experiences in same situations in life to make us better Christians. He wants us to listen to Jesus in every moment in our life. To trust and obey God, it is only then that we will know what to do. Jesus is our greatest coach in this race of life. How much of our time have we spent with Him? Are we ready to listen, trust, and obey Jesus? God bless us all!

Evening walk with swthrt

After a week of suffering from vertigo, swthrt wanted to be on the road again. Every Saturday evening we run at UP. This time I suggested that we only do a walk. We did two rounds of the academic oval (2.2K). It was a good recovery walk for us (for her after the vertigo, for me after the morning run). We also get to talk on lots of things and have a great bonding moment.


Mommy Milkshake Marathon

It was an exciting Sunday morning for us last Aug 10. The whole family joined the “Mommy Milkshake Marathon”. A fun run on the advocacy on breastfeeding. It was a 2.6K run around Bonifacio High Street. The race started at 8 o’clock in the morning. Our eldest son, JM was eager to finish the race soon and went ahead of us. Swthrt and I kept pace with our youngest son Josiah. He was having fun and even asking me if he could pour the water onto his head just like what runners do in a race. It was a very good experience especially for the kids to introduce them to sports at a very young age. After the race, there were snacks and freebies given to the moms and other participants. Congratulations to the organizers! It was another great bonding moment for our family.

Josiah at the waterstation.

two in a row

Just a short post. Today, i ran another 5K at the base. That's two in a row. This time, i ran around the course 5 laps clockwise and 5 laps counterclockwise.

My log:

Date: August 07, 2008 Distance: 5K Time: 38:15

Back to Base.

Yesterday I was able to do my 5K run at our office compound. This is where I started to run. We are blessed to have an office compound here in Fort Bonifacio, big enough to run and away from pollution. One loop is approximately 500m. The course is also ideal for running because it is not all flat. Before, I can’t even run the whole loop without walking. I do the runs after office hours. Our flexible work schedule at the office allows me to be off by 4:00pm, if I punch in by 7am. I usually start my runs at around 4:30pm.

My log:
Aug. 06, 2008 Distance: 5K (10 loops) Time: 36:57:55

For our spiritual run

During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
“Come,” he said.
Then Peter got out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord save me!”
Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him.” You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
- Matthew 14:25-31

Walking in faith

Today, new discoveries, inventions and technologies develop in very fast paces. Mankind seems to conquer everything, and miracles are things of the past. But there are times in our lives that we need more than what the solutions of this world can give. Depression due to worries of high cost of living. The fear brought about by losing a loved one to an incurable disease. The anxiety in thinking how we can protect our family against imminent dangers. These are only a few things that need firm resolutions.

Like Jesus’ disciples, we are sometimes terrified of the miracles Jesus performs in our lives. We doubt His power. We even question His existence. But Jesus encourages us to be courageous. Like Peter, we can come to Him and walk on water. We can go to God even when it seems impossible. What God requires is for us to focus our eyes on Him. Peter began to fall when he took away his eyes from Jesus and focused on the circumstances that brought fear in him. Focusing our eyes on Jesus conquers the fear that tries to enter our hearts. Peter could have walked to Jesus if he continued to look at Him and forgot the conditions existing before him.

We have our own winds in our lives that distract our attention in coming before God. What it takes is for us to have faith in order to prevail over them. Faith is to trust and obey God. Let us try to have more of it and see the wonderful miracles God can give.
God bless us all!

Published : NAMRIA Newsletter, Vol.5, No.2, April-June, 2001

For the Cookie lovers

These cookies are delicious and trans fatty free. Hope you'll like it too.

Oat Bran Oatmeal Cookies

3/4 cup olive oil (or soya oil for substitute)
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 1/2 cups oat bran
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
raisins, nuts (optional)

Direction: Beat together oil through vanilla.
Add oats through baking soda and beat well.
Add raisins or nuts, if desired.
Drop by tablespoons onto ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake 12 minutes at 350. Cool on wire rack.

My first 10K run

It was a great day last Saturday, August 02, 2008. I ran a distance of 10 km. My longest since I started running last May of this year. It was a goal I set to gauge myself if I can run and finish a 10K race. I woke up at around 4 o’clock in the morning which is my regular wake up time. After drinking a cup of coffee, I returned to bed thinking if I will still run since there was drizzle. At around 5:30… I decided to run. After drinking another cup of coffee and doing some stretching, I am ready to go. I’m off the road at 5:50 am. My course was from our home going down to Libis to E. Rodriguez up to corner of J. Vargas, my turn around point. Then, all the way back home. The distance is approximately 10K. It was an easy run for the first 2K, maybe because I was excited. I was running at my regular pace of around 7min per km. As I reached Shopwise, I went slower thinking that it will be a long way to go. I also noticed that the course was not all flat. I reached shell station at 38+ min (kilometer 5) on my stop watch. I took a short stop for about 2 min. to buy a bottle of Rush at Shell Select which I brought on my way back. It was more difficult on my last 5K since I’m beginning to feel tired. There was also this uncomfortable pain on my foot, which I assumed caused by blisters. As I reached Honda Libis, It gave me an added strength knowing that there will only be a few more kilometers ahead to finish my run. The challenging part of the course was my way up the Libis area going to Boni Serrano. I finished the course at 1:19:48. Not bad, I hope for a first timer. After the run, I have my breakfast of fried adobo, egg and rice prepared by my sweetheart.

My log:
Date: August 2, 2008 Distance: 10K Time: 01:19:48




Setting a goal and being determined on doing it makes one’s run more meaningful. You know that you have accomplished something. But running the course is something else. There will always be obstacles along the way. There will be different experiences in different parts of the course. Just like in the spiritual runs, we can set goals to make us grow in our trust and obedience to God. We can make ourselves determined to be sensitive in His leadings. And our ultimate goal of finishing the race and be with our Lord and Savior. The course is not at all easy; it’s not all flat roads. These things makes us better runners, better Christians. But if we focus our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith then we will have the strength to do it. How about us, what are our spiritual goals, commitments that we set for God’s pleasure? What are the experiences we have? You will be surprised at how God has given you strength to do it. God bless us all!

Below is an article written by the man who have inspired me to run for a healthy lifestyle. Kenyan, as we fondly called him, guided me in my training prior to my first 5k race together with gemini0522. Thanks Georgieboy for the encouragement!

Race for a healthy lifestyle
by Aubrey George T. Corpuz
(This article was first published in the latest issue of the NAMRIA newsletter.)

George at 169lbs(left) and him with son nonoy at the finishline of the 29th National Milo Marathon 42K finals.

Studies show that cardiovascular-related diseases are already among the top five killers in the country. If you are overweight or obese, chances are you will later suffer a heart attack or stroke. And if you have relatives who have suffered from or are suffering such diseases, you double the risk.
More than a year ago, it was so exhausting for me to carry a 169-pound frame for a 5 foot 3 ½ inches height. Reaching the third floor using the stairs already stimulated my sweat glands, and caused me to breathe deeply. Traveling from the main building to the RSRDAD office (about 500 meters) really knocked me out. Aside from scandalous snores, I also occasionally experienced a somewhat needle-pricking sensation on my chest. Until one day, I went to the NAMRIA Clinic to check my blood pressure for a suspected alta presion and I was really shocked: 160/110 for a late 20s guy! Taking maintenance medicines was an option if I wanted to live longer. If my lifestyle continued, what would happen when I get 30 or 40, or can I even reach the age of 50? Maybe I should find another alternative, I thought, other than taking Pritol, Lipitor, Betaloc, Calci-bloc, Neobloc, Acupril, Diazepam, or Trazepam the rest of my life.
It was good to learn that we have officemates who were then regularly participating in fun runs. But the problem was, whether I could complete the five- kilometer (5K) run or not. The Takbo Para sa Kalikasan of ABS-CBN/DZMM was scheduled on February 2005. The invitation was received in January, a month before the run. I had four weekends to train so that I would finish the then grueling 5K. During practice, I had to walk and jog alternately, since my body weight tortured my legs as I pounded the ground. After logging some kilometers and shedding a couple of pounds, I told myself that my only goal is to cross the finish line. Luckily, I did not only complete the fun run but I was among the top 10 percent finishers with a pretty good race time. That was the time when I started to join every race, and I overcame the crucial start of a healthy lifestyle.
Invitations from various race organizers and running clubs kept pouring in. Almost every month, we participated in various races. There were times when we joined three consecutive races in three Sundays. From less than 10 regular runners, we ballooned to almost 40 including NAMRIA dependents. We are now starting to gain recognition from the running community as among the national government agencies that are actively participating in road races. All of us are enjoying the healthy benefits of running. From the friendly 5K we have also tried longer races such as the classic 10K and 10-miler, the heart-pumping 21K (half-marathon), and even the killer 42.195K (full marathon).
Health experts always tell us that the road to a healthy lifestyle is to have a balanced diet and to engage in exercise or sports. Running is highly recommended, since this is the cheapest and most convenient way to get back into shape. Cheapest because all you need is a good pair of running shoes and most convenient because as long as there are roads, there is running.
After a well-disciplined training program and logging 70-80 kilometers per week, I was able to join and complete two full marathons, the Third Manila Marathon and the 29th National Milo Marathon-National Capital Region elimination leg. A number of our runners also joined a half-marathon event during the 3rd Armed Forces of the Philippines-Department of National Defense Invitational Marathon and are expected to participate in full marathons next year.
From the hefty pounds with 36-inches waistline, I now only weigh 120 pounds with a size 28 waistline. That’s the ideal weight for my body mass index. Of course, my blood pressure has also reached the normal range to 110 / 80 and I can chomp guilt-free of whatever food I want, since I can burn thousands of calories within my running workout days.
For beginners who are interested in running, feel free to get in touch with us, so that we may assist you along the way. This holiday season is the best way to start engaging in exercise and sports since we will have a long Christmas break. Moreover, statistics show that the month with the highest cases of cardiovascular-related death is January. Why? Blame it on the all-day, all-night gobbling up of tons of foods and gallons of alcoholic beverages during merrymaking and reunions in the Yuletide season. The verdict: high-blood pressure, over-fatigue, and stress which may lead to stroke and heart attack. We can all prevent this if we will involve ourselves into sports and eat a well-balanced diet. This year’s been a good year for us NAMRIA sports buffs. We also give special thanks to the Administrator for his unwavering support to the Civil Service Commission’s physical fitness program. We have ran whopping 17 races and hope to break the record next year. We are also projecting for at least 100 runners to join us in various races. Have a healthy Holiday Season and a healthier 2006. Keep on running!!!

The author is currently employed as Media Production Specialist at the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), an attached agency of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. He is the Assistant Editor of the NAMRIA Newsletter.

“A friend is one who strengthens you in prayer, blesses you with love, and encourages you with hope.”

A true friend

Looking for a meaningful topic for this issue’s article had been difficult. The idea, however, came unexpectedly during one weekend. It was from an episode about friendship of a popular television series which featured young people.
These days it is hard to find a person with whom you can share your dreams, your victory or your defeat. It is difficult to find someone you can trust, someone you can depend on, someone you can express your feelings to without fear of rejection.
As friends, the youngsters in the show were able to experience love and concern for one another. Then of course, there were times when this was not the case. Notwithstanding the sorrow and pain, they remained friends. Why? Because they learned to accept one another for who and what they are. They were willing to humbly ask for forgiveness and ready to give the same. They learned to be sensitive to the needs of another and give wholehearted support. They sowed words of encouragement. Love for a friend meant willingness to make sacrifices, even to risk one’s own life if necessary. Aptly enough, the title of the episode was “Insights”.
In our daily living, have we found someone whom we can consider as a true friend? Have we treasured this person? Have we learned to show understanding, acceptance and forgiveness for whatever pain may have been inflicted on us? Are we willing to give our life to this person we call “friend”?
Someone was able to do all of these. His name is Jesus. And He is waiting for us to accept the friendship He is giving.

Published: NAMRIA Newsletter, Vol.5, No.3, July-September, 2001

Photo Talks

Swthrt (with cap) with our two sons, JM and JD and her officemate E.

About J

I’m Joseph C. Estrella, a husband and father of two boys. Friends call me Otep, others J. We are presently residing in Quezon City where I have live my whole life. Currently connected with a government agency, my job is to document projects and activities of the agency in video. I do audio-visual presentations, layout publications and design information materials for the agency. I also used to write a section in our office newsletter entitled “Insights by Bro J”, thus the nickname Bro J came about.
I started running last May of 2008 with some push from my officemates. I have always wanted to run and join races but I got to many reasons not to. As they say “Kung gusto may paraan, kung ayaw may dahilan”. But the effects of being overweight have gotten into me. Big tummy, getting tired easily, sometimes chest pains, to name a few. I said to myself, I wanted to live longer. I wanted to be with my loving wife and see our children and grandchildren grow. I told my wife, “I will try to run and have an exercise”. And she gladly supported me in my desire of having a good healthy body. And not only that, she is now running with me.
I started with a walk-jog program until my body had adapted to running. After a month of training, I finally got the courage of joining my very first official race. I registered for the 5K event of the “Rush to Infinity Run 08” held at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City last June 29. I finished the race. And the rest is history……

Rain, rain go away

It has been raining for the past few days every afternoon. Since it was my only time available to run, I missed my running schedules. Also, I missed my bonding time with swthrt. She is my wife, my friend, my running buddy. We run at UPD at least three times a week if we are not so busy with work. On Saturdays, I do long runs (longer than my weekday runs) together with some friends. Tomorrow, I will try to run 10K to gauge my self if I can do it. I’m planning to run in Men’s Health, Miracle Run. I just thought it will be a good race, since you will be helping other people by just finishing the race. So, I pray that it will not rain tomorrow morning so I can run.