TGIF Gratitude List 2015

Its Christmas time again and our Bible study group in the office, TGIF (Thank God its Friday), is having its annual Christmas Lunch party with the rest of the employees. We have invited one of our Mentors in faith Del to talk about Gratitude as it is the theme for this year's Christmas Party.

I was tasked to contribute a testimonial as a regular member of the group to inspire others to be open to possibilities of having a deeper relationship with God. I was reluctant at first because what shall I talk about? I'm still in the process of getting to know Him. But with God's grace and the help of Anni who shared with me the OMW - One Minute Witness Template, I was able to make one.

Project Gratlist : printed 200 of top 10 Gratitude list of 2015 from ricaperalejo.ph

There was a time in my life when…

I was a worrier (how can I hit my target,  my son’s yaya left, pano na? ..)

I was a jealous and suspicious wife.

I was an impatient parent.        

Attending TGIF in the past was because our GM asks me to attend. It was actually out of obedience towards Grace that I attended. “Nakakahiya if I say NO”, “baka ma-OSDA ako”. I also used to go because of  my friends. Carol, Nica, Erben, Jen and Abi – we became the “Crying Ladies” because we usually cry when there’s a  breakout sessions. Except for Abi and I, everyone has moved on to a different country or a different company. It was then, I realized it was no longer because of Grace, no longer because of friends that I attend TGIF, its now because I want to know more about God’s love. I want to have a personal relationship with Him.

I’m still in the early stage of getting to know Him. But he has already done amazing changes in my life. I no longer worry about my sales targets because He solved that already, He moved me to corpcare which does not have sales targets –but have an equally tough responsibility – zero complaints?! – mas mahirap yata yun kaysa sa sales targets!

But seriously, I no longer worry about life because I trust his word that He will take care of all my worries. Whatever it is, however difficult it is, He will handle it.

^{1Peter 5:7 Give all your worries to HIM , Because he cares about you.}

He does not look at what religion you belong to, what he sees is what’s in your heart.

So in my Gratitude List of 2015, TGIF is one of my Top 10.  Because, without the help of TGIF, I would still be a worrier, a jealous wife and an impatient parent. I am still a work in progress so I need to continue building the foundation of my relationship with God through TGIF.

I hope to see you next year at TGIF.

My Top 10 Gratitude List

TOP 10 Gratitude List of 2015

1.     Family

2.     Good Health

3.     My Job

4.     Andre’s Good grades

5.     TGIF Group

6.     Our Travels in SG, MY, Coron

7.     Quality Time with Family and Friends

8.     Safety

9.     No scam complaints for the past 3 months

10.  OTWOL- James Reid

The Bull Runner Dearm Marathon 2016: 1st Bull Session

The Bull Session (Clinic) and Bull Circle (Talk) is what makes The Bull Runner Dream Marathon different for any other marathon events out there (sorry if there are other similar events like this, but this is based from experience and what I know :-) ). This event was founded for all first-time marathoners and 2nd-time marathoners who would like to (1) make their dream to run a marathon a reality (2) finish strong. I have done four (4) half marathons in a span of 6 months but until know I still dread even hearing the word Forty-Two. The Bull Circle and Bull Sessions are done once a month until race day to prepare the participants in what's to come and teach them what the dos and dont's of running a marathon. I have not yet attended any of the Bull Circles (there were already 2 last Sept and this month) due to tutoring priorities with my son. So hubby gets to go and shares with me what he learned. But he promises to let me attend the next one (yahoo!!) which will be on November and the topic will be "A Marathon Ready Body" - Strength Conditioning for Marathoners and Injury Prevention. So I'm looking forward to that... but in the meantime..... Let's talk about the First Bull Circle.

Before the Bull Session starts, we found the wallflower, Czarinna and our new friend Roma "Oms". We represent Mandaluyong TBR Dreamers!

Photo Courtesy of New Balance FB Page

Jaymie "the Bull Runner" Pizarro, the TBR Dream Marathon Founder,
making her opening speech

The Bull Circle is a running clinic where in Coach Lit Onrubia shares some running insights with the participants. Its open to all (friends and relatives of the participants are welcome), So since my 9 year old son wants to run and join us in training, I asked him to come with us. After the proper intro of The Bull Runner herself, Jaymie Pizarro, and the short Talk of Coach Lit and the warm up. We all gathered to join our chosen interval pacers. We have the Run All the way, the 4:1 (4 mins run: 1 min walk), the 3:1 and the 2:1. There's also the fast 4:1 and the slow 4:1. Me and hubby chose the 3:1 interval as we use this during our half marathons and training. 

Coach Lit Onrubia taking about safety, route and loosening our shoe laces
(our shoes won't run away so it shouldn't be tight)

3 Minutes Run : 1 Minute Walk around BGC, Taguig

My son is so competitive (all kids are I suppose) that he wants to be in front, running along side with the pacers. I was a mother and pride myself as I see my son able to run the same pace as the certified marathon finishers (our pacers are from TBR BATCH2015). Ang galing lang... I was slowly being left behind as my steps are getting smaller and I am starting to get tired. In 4.5KM I saw my son's face is already rosey red. I asked him if he was tired and I told him that we can just walk going back to Track 30th where we started the run. So we walked for the next .5K and finally reached our finish line and saw that he finished his FIRST 5K run/walk today.

My son AJ, pacing the 3:1 interval group

3 Minutes Run : 1 Minute Walk around BGC, Taguig

The Bull Session closed with a group pic of the runners and selfie photos with Jaymie "the Bull Runner" Pizarro and more groufies with the other participants who we became more acquainted with as we met previously at the Subaru Run and regularly exchange messages in Viber and FB Messenger. Thanks to this session, I was able to meet and put a face of the names that I see on Viber and FB.

Until our next Bull Session. Ciao!

XOXO,

S

Selfie with the Bull Runner herself

Stretching after the 45 minutes LSD 

Runners come together with only one goal in mind.... FINISH STRONG!

TBR Dream Marathon Batch 2016

All this craziness and chaos

Compression Leg Sleeves : Why do I need them?

I remember when I started running (the accidental 10K run), 500m to the finish line I felt my muscle cramps at the back of your lower leg. I started to skip and run just to reach the finish line. It lasted a few minutes and then I was fine. I did some stretching to ease the pain. On my next run, I did finish the 10K race without any hiccups but while walking back to the parking lot, the sudden pain stopped me at the side street and it was too painful to talk. I had to stop at the sidewalk and stretched my leg. When I came home. I had ice pack all over my legs.

So aside from proper training, how do I avoid having muscle cramps? Compression Technology is the answer. And as a serious runner you have to really invest in either a compression tights to leg sleeves. So in my first 21Km run, It was a good decision to bought a Compression Tights (from New Balance, priced at P1,950) and it made a lot difference in my long distance run. I did not feel any muscle cramps at all.

So yes, I do recommend them. I also want to get a compression leg sleeve but those in store are really expensive. So I seeked the advise of one of my running idols, The Bull Runner herself, Jaymie Pizarro. In one of her instagram posts, she was wearing a compression sleeve so I ask which is a good brand. As they are really expensive. Jaymie said:

" I wouldn't recommend buying cheap brands. I would go for  Zensah, Compressport, 2XU or CWX. Pricey but you are paying for the compression technology." 

And so as I search for these compression leg sleeves (there are available online too) I found Zensah at Runnr Store in BGC (priced at P1,995) and pick out the xs/s as this fits those in the height that ranges from 5'3" and below.

Wore it for the first time in Coron during our runcation

Training for TBR Bream Marathon 2016.. 23 weeks to go

Before I got into serious running, I thought that running is the most less expensive sports because you only need the road and a rubber shoes. But no... to be safe and injury free in this sport, you need to invest, know your feet (get a free gait analysis) and know your body. As for me, I've invested on Stability Shoes (for training and race day), compression tights, compression leg sleeves, dryfit and anti-chafing shirts, sports bra and a good pair of socks. Not to mention other essential accessories to runners like cap, hydration belt and a Garmin watch. But all these were acquired on a budget and had been carefully saved for...for those practical runners, go and shop during sale season or visit our secret shop (the Surplus Shop).

Happy Shopping :)

xoxo,

S

Coron Palawan Scrapbook: Day 4

Its our last day in Coron and we feel that its so ‘bitin’. This 4 days 3 nights (technically 3 days as the arrival and the departure takes 2 half days already) is not enough! I think if you plan to visit Coron and want to really make it worth your while, I thing 7 days would be just right. We still have not yet visited the island of Cullion, did not do the Safari Tour and the Ship wreck Tour. More reasons to visit again :)

Buying pasalubong and tour of the city made eaaasy with these tricyles

Our last day in Coron was spent on another city tour but this time with the purpose of seeing the city for the last time and buying ‘pasalubong’ for our family and friends. Our first stop was the Public Market. Where in we bought the special Danggit (specially marinated in vinegar and garlic) that I tasted at the Coron Westown Resort Café. There’s a big pack which is worth Php 400 pesos and a smaller pack sold for P100 each.

on board a Tricycle on our way to the Public Market near the port

Next stop was the Cashew as Palawan is know to have a plantation of cashew. Our tricycle driver brought us to Coron Harvest, a small store where they sold baked cashew and garlic roasted cashew. Apparently famous Pinoy actors has come to visit the place, including Kris Aquino, Solenn Heussaff and Isabel Daza and I assumed bought some of these nuts. They sold their cashews in P100, P200 and P300 per pack.

Baked cashew, the healthy nut. They also have adobo flavor which is fried. But I like the natural nut taste of cashew.

Of course a souvenir shirt is a must but not for us but for our little guy who was left in Manila with Grandma because he cannot miss 2 days of school. Our tricycle driver brought us to Majuka as the Island souvenir store is closed on Sundays (which most restaurants and establishments are close as well). There we bought him a Coron Shirt for P140 and a P60 refrigerator magnet to commemorate our trip to Coron.

Green Mango Shake and Buko Lychee Shake

After which we head back to the hotel to check out and leave again for lunch. We were suppose to eat at Santino’s Grill but it was close on Sundays so we ended up eating at Balinsasayaw Restorant. Food was okay. Not a 4 star but maybe a 3. We ordered their Balinsasayaw Special which is a seafood in read sweet and spicy sauce, lechon kawali and enchaladang talong.

my husband so hungry

After lunch, it started to rain so we just went back to the hotel to wait for our transfer to airport and chill.


Here are some of my Coron Tips for the DIY Travelers out there:


1. Take the earliest flight possible so you can still do a city tour when you arrive. What to do in the City Tour?

a. Take the 700+ steps going to the peak of Mt. Tapyas. I recommend to go there around 4pm or 4:30pm depending on how fast you can reach the peak- so you can catch its great sunset and a good view of the islands surrounding the island.

b. Head to Maquinit Hot Spring after Mt. Tapyas. The hot spring will surely relax your tired and sore muscles from going up and down Mt. Tapyas.


2. Get all the brochure that you can find at the arrival area of the airport. Pick the best island tour and adventure that suits your budget and book it once you have decided where you want to go.

a. The Malcapuya Island Tour and the Ultimate adventure Tour provided by JY Travel and Tours were great. Ask for our Tour Guides Charlie or Bert (they are the best and funny too!) Bert did our jumpshot photo shoot in Smith Beach and CYC Beach.

b. Do not talk to sales reps or 3rd party travel and tours as we have a bad experience. ( we were not booked on the original tour that we chose so we end up paying 500 pesos more for each pax.

3. Be aware of the Tricycle fare so you won’t be shortchanged.

a. One way per person is Php30- going to the city proper.

b. Hire the Tricycle going to Mt. Tapyas or anywhere in the city as an exclusive transport –P300/max 4 passengers

c. Hire the Tricycle going to Mt. Tapyas and to Maquinit Hotsprints and back to hotel – P400/max of 4 passengers

4. Bring Snorkelling gears and aqua shoes as there are lots of island that you can snorkel but need to be careful of dangerous marine creatures like stone fish, gelly fish, sea urchin etc.

5. Bring insect repellant when you decide to go to Kayangan Lake.

6. When in Kayangan lake, enter the small cave for photo op.

7. Some Restaurants are closed on Sundays (Santion’s Grill, singugba sa balay etc) so make sure to visit them on weekdays

Hope these tips help you enjoy your Coron stay as much as we did :)

leaving on a CEB Plane

Bye for now Coron, Palawan see you next time

XOXO,

S

Coron, Palawan Scrapbook: Day 3

Our third day in Coron started great, we finally woke up early and was able to get our butts off the bed and run. On the day we arrived, hubby noticed a sign 200 meters from our hotel that Joggers and hikers are welcome. Which was great because I brought with me 3 pairs of socks, 3 sport bras, 2 shorts and 2 leggings and 3 running shirt for the whole 4 days trip. (which I realized, I just needed 1 pair coz we are too lazy and tired to get up early). I did not finish my 5km planned run because the shorts I was wearing was chaffing the already chaffed thighs. I told hubby that its time to go back to the hotel to get some breakfast because its already 7am and we’ll be picked up by our tour guides by 8am.

The Fernvale Subdivision is open for joggers and hikers

Running with a view and a bit of uphill and downhill route too.

At breakfast I had the best tasting danggit so far in my entire life (better than those from Cebu). And vowed to get some home for mom. And so I was waiting at the hotel café and checking my watch and its already 8:18am, we should have been picked up by now. At 8:30am I told hubby to call the agent that we spoke to. Adrian was furious and ask me to talk to the lady on the other line because we were not booked for the Tour A which was want because its cheap (PhP 1,000 for 5 destinations already).Oh shit! was what my brain was saying, this I not happening to us, this will ruin the whole trip if we won’t go on tour today, there will be no other time anymore as we are leaving tomorrow.

So I spoke to the person on the other line. I want to shout at her and tell her why she didn’t book us at that tour since she was the one who suggested that we get the Tour A on a Saturday instead of last Friday. But its useless because she won’t be able to squeeze us into that tour. Told her instead that we need to go to Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon and she should give us a tour that include these two destinations. She said there is still a slot for the ultimate tour which includes those 2 destinations including 5 more Islands, the Siete Picados, Skeleton Ship Wreck, Smith Beach, CYC Beach. But is 500 pesos more expensive. I decided to just get on with it so as not to ruin this vacation. Didn’t negotiate anymore as its already getting late and it will just waste more time if I do so. We were picked up after 15 minutes and took us to the port.

When we arrived to the port, I saw a couple waiting and the boat and when hubby asked the tour guide if its just the four of us, I heard he said yes. Oh no! But they seemed to be nice people. So once I stepped into the boat, I flashed my awkward smile and said HI! And they introduced themselves as Lester and Joanne. After the introduction from our side. We were discussing about the events the led us together: They were about to leave already when they were advised that another guests will be joining their ultimate tour (that’s us!) They also were waiting for their rented aqua shoes that they recommended I too should get. So I did. But the one thing that I did not rent is the snorkel because I had trouble breathing through my mouth yesterday so I decided that I will not snorkel.  Before leaving the port I got to know a bit about the couple (Joanne was so happy when she learned that I also don’t know how to swim) I think she was relieved that she’s not alone in this battle to learn how to swim. Lester was a Nurse by education but a Sales person by profession. Which I too can relate as I said that I used to be in Sales before moving to customer service….

Anyway enough of that… Lets just summarize the happenings that day with these wonderful photos by us and by our tour guide Bert (JY Travel and Tours).

First destination was Siete Picados which compose of 7 islets where we did our snorkeling around the largest islet. Since me and Joanne does not know how to swim, our guide Bert pulled the lifesaver so we can move around the islets. Unfortunately no pictures here.

Second destination is the famous Kayangan Lake. Kayangan is a Tagbanau term for entrance. Entrance to all other lakes. It has a brackish water, a combination of 70% fresh water, and 30% salt water. It serves as the cleanest and greenest lake in the Philippines. We also entered a tiny opening to a small cave when we were swimming on the lake. Unfortunately, we didn't get a good photo while we were inside. I guess you should go to Kayangan to see it for your self.

entering the Kayangan Lake

The Kayangan Lake

And hubby took the first plunge to the cleanest lake in the Philippines.

Clear water everywhere. And lime stones everywhere. How amazing is our God?

Our Couples Tour with Joanne and Lester

The obligatory Kayangan Lake view Shot for all visitors. 10 years to 10 years more!

When you search Coron Palawan in Google, you'll see a lot of this famous shot.
A postcard worthy image taken by our guide Kuya Gilbert

The trek going to and from the lake

Lunch time at Kayangan Lake. Seafood galore!

Third Destination is the Twin Lagoon. I think this is my favorite spot of all destination as there were less people that Kayangan lake and It was low tide when we got there so we were able to pass through the opening to the lagoon under the limestones. Anyone who wish to swim in these lagoons (which I highly recommend you do) will be able to experience changes in the water temperature or known as Thermo Cline. As the water becomes deeper, the temperature increases and becomes warmer due to linestone deposit at the sea bed. Sometimes the water becomes cool and sometimes the water becomes warm because this is where the salt water and fresh water meets.

entering the Twin Lagoon

Did you know that the limestone increases 1 inch in hight every 100 years?
How old do you think these lime stones are if they are this tall?

Enjoying our Lagoon Swim.. no Brooke Shields here or Leo DiCaprio (it could have been great though)

That small opening at the back is the entrance to the Twin Lagoon

Our 4th Destination is the Skeleton Wreck, Where you can see from the boat the fishes and the skeleton of a Japanese boat covered by corals. We enjoyed snorkeling here because the fishes were big and they are too close to us like there are so happy to see us and play with us.

view from the boat. You can see a part of the ship wreck on the right covered with corals.

off to our next destination

The 5th Destination is the Smith Beach-- we were the only ones in the beach and I took the time here to give in to the call of nature haha!

We had this beach all to ourselves... The Smith Beach

Having fun with one of our guides who photo bombed our shot

Another Jump Shot courtesy of our tour guide, Gilbert

Off to the next island... so how do I get to open this Buko (Coconut) Shell?

So this is what scattered rain showers looks like...

Our Sixth destination was at the CYC Beach (Coron Youth Club) where we did another round of snorkeling and saw lots of sea urchins and tiny fishes and clams. We were greeted by 3 guard dogs that were guarding the  beach.

The Welcoming Committee

CYC Beach

This is how we fight.. after several tries.. i still can't lift my leg.

Fighting Jump Shot Failed!

Lets just do a jump shot minus the fighting haha!

Me and my husband agreed that this was a fun tour. We enjoyed it way better than yesterday because, We get to do more snorkeling, more trekking, the islands that we visited were unique and not all sun and sand. It was really an adventure for the both of us. Also it will not be fun if it was not because of Lester and Joanne, I know we will have fun on our own, but its nice to share a new experience with another great couple   as they are both easy to get along with. Not to mention we had a great tour guide who swam with us, patiently pulled the butter nut donut lifesaver so that me and Joanne can get from 1 place to another. And took great photos of our jumpshots.

We had great memories here in Coron and as we settle down for the night. I Thank God for the unexpected turn of events from good to disappointing to wonderful. Now i truly believe that our plans is no match to God's plan for us. And His plans are way way better than ours.

Good Night from Coron.

xoxo,

S

Tip for the day:

1. Confirm your tour booking the day before it is scheduled to make sure that there is no misunderstanding and not waste time and avoid paying for more than what you have budgeted for the tour/trip.

2. I recommend JY Travel and Tour island hopping/adventure packages and ask for Bert to be your guide (or Charlie) 0920.5532361/ 0920.5531710. You may also contact our guide Bert directly at number 0999.4941877

3. Bring water proof camera or under water cameras so you can take pictures without worrying  to damage you camera or phones. If you don't have one. Buy one of those water proof bags where you can put your phones, cameras and cash.