Our run last Sunday, sponsored by the American Chamber Foundation Philippines, turned out as one of the best running events I have ever attended.

I know I said in my previous blog that I didn't like how Takbo.ph organized the ProFriends Run last February 17. (Read: ProFriends and security for runners) But this time, it turned out to be a great one.

At first, I was a bit frustrated because we can't find our way to the venue. We were not alone. We met fellow runners who also can't find their way. First of all, we are not really that familiar with the place. Secondly, the landmarks in the map they provided are not really "landmarks." Maybe, it would have been easier if they indicated Bonifacio High Street or Serendra as a point of reference -- since it's one of the few places most first time runners at the Bonifacio Global City are familiar with.

Then, it started to rain shortly after I arrived at the venue. I am not worried that I may need to run under the rain. I was more worried that the organizers would cancel the event. No! And they didn't.

I enjoyed running while it was drizzling. It was also cooler though Mike insists that it turned out to be more humid (because he said our sweat can't evaporate, which would normally give our body a cooling effect -- whatever Mr. Einstein!)

Aside from superb security and efficiency of the organizers' team, I also enjoyed my new route at BGC. Kudos to AmCham and Takbo.ph.

Here's our official time:

This kind of run -- is exactly what I needed the most. It was a "dark" period in my life. So I'm super thankful that this run helped me mend my heart and keep up the promises I have made nearly six years ago.

Photo courtesy of Shiela Coo. Task completed.

My first 10K run wasn't that bad. My official time is 1 hour, 26 minutes. WOOT!

Aside from the fact that this is my first time to do a 10K run, it's also my first time to join a running event organized by Takbo.ph. Our route is similar to our Cafe France run. But since I was doing a 10K run, we had to do the 5K route twice.

The first loop went well. But my second was disastrous. Members of the events organizers were already hiding from the sunlight. So many left their posts, leaving the Pasay City traffic enforcers to do the job alone. Well, if you check how bad the traffic flow is in Buendia and in Libertad, you would know they're not the best there is.

As a result, I was nearly hit twice -- by a taxi and a private SUV -- during my second loop. Pasay traffic enforcers allowed some of the cars to pass and cross the event's route. And since they were caught in "heavy traffic," the drivers were not very cooperative in waiting patiently until no participants were in sight.

It was good thing that I'm not the kind of runner who wears headphones and plays loud music. So my attention was fully concentrated on the run and on my safety. Otherwise it would have been my fatal end.

I believe this is a big lapse in the security. Just last year, triathlon athlete Sandra Araullo Gonzales and husband Peter was hit by a car in a running event in Cebu. Both of them suffered multiple injuries and were brought to a hospital. This should serve as a lesson to all organizers, but apparently not for this event.

Overall, the run was still a success. I finished it without losing or breaking my limb.

And, most of all, I am happy because my friend Shiela won first place in the female 10K category. What's even more amusing is that she won without even trying at all. For her, it was her "normal" pace. Well, not for me. Haha. Her official time is 1 hour 5 minutes. Very good!!!

For now, task completed.

Welcome to my birthplace, the beautiful city of Legazpi.

It's nearly 10 years since I last visited my family here -- and, of course, the ever majestic Mayon Volcano. I almost forgot how it stood proudly in the center of Albay. But, as Councilor Celoy Chan points out, there are many other activities we can do here. 

Inside the Japanese-built tunnel in Lignon Hill. Super cold and scary inside, especially when with your granny who scared us to death when she narrative harrowing tales during the World War II. Yikes.

My family. I heart.

A well-deserved trip for Tikgirl. Task completed.