THE HELL HOLE CALLED PRC

Being a professional, dealing with PRC is a real bane for me. Every three years, I have to go back to this government office to renew my license. And everytime, I question myself why I need to go through it. WHY do I need a plastic card to affirm my existence as a teacher!?! WHY!?!?! (Yes we all know the real answer but every PRC experience brings out the existentialist in me hahahaha).

Heaving and sighing and relenting and resigning -- I went yesterday to renew my license.

*backtrack. My license then, which was ready by 2005, I only went back to PRC to get it in 2007. I was THAT traumatized to go back to THAT place. *

The first thing you notice when you enter the place is the order - it's non-existent! Nobody knows where to go and you have to ask to have a general idea of what to do to accomplish your task. Now IF ONLY someone realizes this, streamlines the process and posts it on the walls or on the website, the PRC will not be full of headless chickens/professionals running around the place. Haven't they ever heard of the word TECHNOLOGY? There is such a a thing as having a paper-less office and doing transactions online..which they are slowly attempting to do but the operative word here is SLOWLY. But no, you have to run up to the third floor to get a form, run to the cashier to pay, run up the third floor again because the imbecile at assessment wrote the wrong amount, go back to cashier again and assert that the assessment and the amount is correct as I dont need to pay for a penalty....grrrrrrrr WHY DO I EVEN NEED TO DEFEND THAT PERSON IN ASSESSMENT TO THE PERSON AT THE CASHIER THAT SHE DID HER JOB AND IN THE PROCESS I'M DOING ALL THE RUNNING AND EXPLAINING IN BETWEEN!?!?!?!?!

LOOK AT THE LTO! My favorite government office...you can learn a thing or two from them! Their concept of EXPRESS RENEWAL is getting your ID in an hour. PRC's concept of EXPRESS RENEWAL is getting your ID within the day....that means within a 12 hour period. Tama ba yun Lord?!?!?!

And this GIRL, let us call her OGRE, at the document stamps area had the nerve to be very rude and say "O bakit pa kayo naka-pila e mag-lu-lunch break na kami?" WHAT RESPECTABLE GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE SAYS THAT!?!?! The thought bubble in my head is "just do your damn job and stop your bitchin!". I mean all respectable companies dont even have a lunch break. They have what you call "shifting" so the office is still up and running throughout the day and people just take shifts on their breaks. Sigh.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE I'm hoping that in three years (that's 2011 for you) things will not be this bad still.

BUT the highlight of my day is that I got to test the comfort of wearing crocs. Got a pair the other day as I need to start learning how to wear closed shoes to work(being the dress code in that other school) as am used to working in an environment that has no dress codes hehe (imagine working for 8 years in schools without a uniform! this is a big change for me hahaha).

I must say crocs are really comfy. I found my current favorite work shoes... goodbye Ipanemas, you'll only see the light of day after school =)

AND THE PACMAN WINS AGAIN!!

I've always been a Manny Pacquiao Fan, not just because he wins all he time, but because he got to where he is now because of hard work and perseverance... even before the big paychecks started coming in, the commercials, the cars, the mansions, the controversy, at the heart of it all he still is and will be an athlete, and that I respect.

Being an athlete is no joke, as it takes a huge toll and difference in how you live your life. You train, you're away from family most of the time, you put yourself on the line everytime you compete, and the money doesn't come until your famous.

Being a recreational athlete, I understand what it means to be committed, to schedule your life around your training days, the mindset in following and executing a training plan, the pain of training, having bad or OFF days which make you want to walk away, the excitement of competing, the humbling experience of admitting when to quit, choosing your battles (in this case, battling with your own mind and body - like talking to your feet and knees telling them not to give up on you when they so want to) and simply just doing the work because in the end you only have yourself to blame.

Back to Pacquiao, he put up a huge fight. He tried his best and came close when we all thought he was about to knock Marquez out. I jumped with joy inside the movie house because I thought that was the end of it. I also noticed Marquez too seeing how he became a better fighter, being very smart inside the ring, and showing just how good he is too. Seeing that last round, there was a fine line between who was the better boxer. They were both exceptional.

In the end, with Pacquiao winning and Marquez losing his title, the one thing that remains are these athletes are still at the top of their game. They earned the right to be in that ring, competing with only the best. And that I respect more than anything else.

MIZUNO INFINITY RUN 2008

MIZUNO INFINITY RUN O8
Never stop

"We are different, in essence, from other men. If you want to win
something, run 100 meters. If you want to experience something, run a
marathon."
Emil Zatopek


Mizuno is challenging you to push yourself to the limit! Push your
mind and body. If you think you have the endurance and the power to
drive yourself to maximum performance, take the challenge. Brave the
Infinity Run.


The first MIZUNO INFINITY RUN, this will be a 5, 10, 15 kilometer fun
run open to all runners. More than 70,000 pesos in cash and Mizuno
items to be won!


The Mizuno Infinity Run would not have been possible without the help
of RUSH Fitness Water, Mail and More, McDonald's Mckinley, Heritage
Park, Mckinley Hill Village, Citgo Lubricants, BMG Solar and Beeline
Helicopters.


What: MIZUNO INFINITY RUN
Registration Fees:
5k - P150
10k - P200
15k – P250


When: March 30, 2008 (Sunday)
4:00am – start of registration
6:00am – start of race
6:00am – 15k
6:30am – 5k and 10k


Where: Global City, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City
Starting point: Federacion Drive
(the street near NBC drive and The
Fort Strip)



- Registration will start on March 11, 2008 in any Mizuno store and
Mail & More branches in NCR.

- Race packs can be claimed starting March 15, 2008 in any Mizuno
store. Race pack includes race number, map of the route and race
information.

*runners can claim their packs on the day of the race but it is
strongly advised to claim it before the 30th.


IMPORTANT:



1. Upon registration, runners will be given an ACKNOWLEDGMENT RECEIPT.
They will need this to claim their race packs. *NO A/R NO RACE PACK.



2. Do not forget your race number on the day of the race. RUNNERS
WITHOUT RACE NUMBERS WILL BE CONSIDERED UNREGISTERED.



3. Start of race is 6:00 am. Please come early.





For inquiries please contact 757.31.60 local 520 and 517, Mizuno marketing dept.



NEVER STOP TESTING YOURSELF. BRAVE THE INFINITY RUN!



5/F BMG Centre
San Antonio St. Paseo de Magallanes
Commercial Center,
Makati City, 1232 Philippines

T: +632.757.3160
F: +632.757.3161
M: +63922.857.3161

PINAY IN ACTION 2008

One of the reasons why I got into running was because it's personally very challenging, but I never imagined it would challenge me in an entirely different way.

* enter Beni *

We were having one of our easy runs one day when she mentions how she used to run with Wawel and his wife Mila. She had an embolism during childbirth how many years ago, thus rendering her unable to walk, talk, and care for herself and her family. But her husband Wawel and friends stuck by her side and decided that IMPOSSIBLE IS NOTHING.

Thus Team Mila was born, and they would take turns in pushing Mila on her baby jogger in running events, with hubby and friends behind her all the way.... to include everyone in everything....

cut to 2008...

* enter Team T2 *



So Beni invites us to push for a cause and yes why not!?!? Of course we had to have a practice run with the stroller which we did in Corinthians since we didn't want to have any untoward accidents with Mila.


One the day of the Pinay in Action Run, I was a bit nervous because, heck, I've never tried anything like this before.... but as we were pushing and cheering each other on, it felt very different. This time I wasn't running for me, I was running for someone else...and that's where the difference lies.

Come and run with us someday, you'll know what I'm talking about =)

THOUGHTS ON LIMBO...

Limbo is a very real place to be in. I felt it, was in it, and now I'm out.

Haven't you ever felt that way in your life at some point or another? It could be that moment after a test and waiting for the results. Or the time after a big fight but before the talk-after-the-fight. It can also be as simple as the time you were hungry-enough-to-eat-a-horse and ordered fast food but it wasn't fast enough (especially when you order that double cheeseburger which strangely takes a little longer to prepare).

My limbo felt like I was suspended in time, trying not to mind the tick-tock-tick-tock of seconds passing by, all the while having truckloads of what-ifs and whys rampaging through your head. But there were times when I felt like everything was going fast forward (like in those MTVs) and you were the only one left standing still. Funny but true.

Now everything feels like that old school Bugs Bunny cartoon, with Bugs in the forest, lounging around with his carrot and *insert classical music here. Things are right on track even with Elmer Fudd just around the corner. Even if you know he's looking for that "widdle wabbit", this Wabbit is having the time of her life.

Everyone has been through their own Limbo and I just survived mine.
I'm dwelling in the moment =).

Will see a lot of you guys down south very very soon!

WEIRD PHONE CALLS

I am forever fated with getting the weirdest phone calls... like this morning for example, I was just about to start my early morning Parent-Teacher Conference (2 more parents to go yahooooo!) when I get a phone call with the 032 code... and for those who know what I've been waiting for this past month...this made my hear a-flutter and go ba-bump ba-bump. As I gingerly said "Hello?!?" a lot of thoughts were racing through my head...is this finally it? But then all that the person asked on the other end of line was...

"Were you wearing a yellow dress during the interview?"

HUWAAAT!?!?

Were they too enamored with the person wearing the yellow dress that it was the only thing they remembered?? Never mind the beautiful smile, the pretty face, the smart and witty answers to their questions?!?!?! hahahahaha

But I digress, I answeresd "Sorry no, I was actually wearing a dark blue striped suit". Curiosity killed the cat and I just had to ask "Why are you looking for that person in the yellow dress?" and the only reply was "I know it might seem strange but were trying to look for this person as we need to get in touch with her." VERY PREGNANT PAUSE HERE.

After saying goodbye, it got me thinking.... Hmmm maybe L was wearing a yellow dress???? I love a good mystery. So after the PTC (which I did in autopilot mode because while talking about Physical Development, Socio-Emotional Development, Cognitive skills blah blah blah my brain was thinking....it might be L in the yellow dress!!!!) I texted L asking if it was her and she was wearing yellow only it was a blouse. Close enough eh? So I send an email to the person behind the 032 number saying, "I might have solved your mystery...."

Apparently, they called her too and it was her they were looking for and they will get in touch with her within the week, which is the same news for me.....

*insert twilight zone music here

*enter Voice Over "Believe it, or NOT!"

*** Thanks to bluefly.com for the wonderful picture.

ROYCE POTATOCHIP CHOCOLATE

Two of my most favorite things.... chips and chocolate.

And Royce came up with a product combining both... winner!

It sounds strange but the outcome is quite yummy, a little salty yet sweet at the same time, crunchy and creamy and chocolate-y. YUMMM. I remember a few months back my friend bought something similar in the Salcedo (or was that Legaspi?) Market but Royce Potatochip chocolate is at a whole different level...the difference is really in the chocolate.

For those who are still un-initiated in Royce, personally I like this chocolate because of the quality, always very smooth and high in cacao content, never too sweet (as with all Japanese chocolates like Meiji, another favorite of mine).

So if ever your in Hongkong, or Japan, or I heard in the Singapore airport (which has a store that sells Royce), give it a try....my motto with food has always been "Come to Mama!!" hahahaha.

2008 CONDURA RACE FOR TUBBATAHA

This I wrote yesterday as soon as I got home...but being DEAD tired, I failed to post it hehe.... here's what happened yesterday...

Thanks to A for the pic!

********************


Have been awake for close to 20 hours already and badly need sleep, but can't let the day pass without writing about it because I really want to capture today's events and more importantly, how it felt... so here goes...

4:30am
Woke up to the sound of my phone alarm as I had to get ready for the Condura Tubbataha Race in Fort Bonifacio. Didn't really sleep well I was (as usual) excited and still wired up the night before, which made it all the more harder to sleep early. First order of business was to text Team T2 for a wake up call. I actually prepared all my stuff the night before, what to wear (check), gear and change of clothes (check), race number (check), water belt and Gatorade (check), Polar and Road ID (check) and I'm ready to go. Went to pick up KR a little earlier than promised although it was good too as we had a senior moment that entailed going back for a race number and was well on our way to the B1 meeting area by 5:20am.

5:40am
At the B1 parking area, met up with BA, and M and V came shortly after. BE and H we met at the starting line, which was kinda packed and it helped that there was a band that added to the festive mood. A little before we had ourselves checked in, BA was talking about setting a goal that day, with the condition of rewarding herself with a Timex watch if she broke her the 1 hour and 5 minute barrier. With all of us being game about it, I decided I wanted in on this cause and steeled myself to keep up the pace no matter what.

6:00 am
Race starts promptly (thank God). Started off with BE close to the starting line and this is where it gets interesting. My first km was a haze as the pack was tempting and had to hold myself back to not get carried away by the pace of those around me. Good thing M, V and BA caught up with me and as we reached the Benz showroom, we were all shoulder to shoulder in going up the flyover. I really felt good as we were going up the Buendia flyover and actually stayed strong throughout the rolling hills. Had a lot of fun too with what I call falling forward running when we reached the downward slopes.

6:30 am
Reached the turnaround point (Malugay street) without any incident although was feeling the strain but could still keep up. Was breathing a bit heavier than usual but my heart rate wasn't maxxed out, which meant I could still handle the pace. Saw A as we approached the flyover and was glad to final have a flyover picture (hopefully) as I think we surprised her as we almost passed her before she recognized us.

6:55 am
Now to the home stretch. After we went down the flyover, BA began to go on overdrive and I was like "uh oh" crunch time. As I reached the long stretch of road going back to the NBC tent, I was basically thinking "what else have I got to lose!?!?" and decided to up the pace. At the last few meters it was all or nothing. Seeing the clock turn 1:00 was disappointing as I really wanted to do a sub hour, and so this was my defining moment. Went on an all out sprint and mentally held on and scolded myself for slacking off earlier. The seconds were ticking by and all I could think about was reaching the finish line before 1 hour and 1 minute. 40 secs, 50 secs, at 1 hour and 55 seconds I had to do something! So digging down I ran as fast as I could and reached the line at exactly 1 hour and 1 minute flat! A new PR record!!!! YAHOOOOOO! I was ecstatic! Now I know what the phrase "runners high" really feels like...

I can't wait for our next run.

(We all set a new Personal Record today! Woohoo!)

*edit

V sent the race results!!! My time for the run was actually 1 hour and 58 seconds!!
271st place out of 478 runners.

Good race everyone!

PS. RACE REVIEW

The Condura Run for Tubbataha (I felt) was very well organized. My only comment is for them to enlarge the race check in area as it really was a squeeze being there. But otherwise, the water was a-plenty and in plastic bottles (!!! so different from the plastic cups I'm used to hahaha)and the security and marshalls were really looking out for the runners. With the designated lane for the runners and enough police at the busy intersections, it really made a difference in making runners feel safe being out in the street. And the swag!!! =) It was nice getting a re-usable bag with the cute sea turtle on it, 1 small can of Corned Beef, 2 juice boxes, and more water. The t-shirt was cute although as usual, free size, which means one more shirt to add to my sleep wear (yes it's that big). And they came out with race results the day after the race!!! Winner ka talaga Mr. Biscocho! I give 5 out of 5 stars to the Condura Race for Tubbataha.