The Wonder of Sir Jovie, the Bald Runner

Every runner blogger knows Sir Jovie aka Bald Runner. Like Jaymie, this remarkable person is undeniably a celebrity in his own right. Unfortunately, I never had the chance to catch him in the four races that I ran this year.

Then came Wayne, the SFrunner.

Picked up Wayne at his hotel in Makati last Nov. 14, 2008 to attend the orientation of the Nike Running Clinic at Ultra. I did not register for this event knowing that it would be totally impossible for me to make it. Lucky for me though, my guardian angels found a way to make the impossible possible.



The chaotic traffic condition (caused by payday falling on a Friday) prevented us from reaching Ultra on the scheduled time of 7 PM. Thank God I brought one family size pizza with cheesy pops and a cooler filled with Diet Coke and mango juice which I hope Wayne enjoyed while we talked about running, races, and just about anything along the road. My son Gio also joined the conversation, throwing questions at Wayne from time to time which the SFrunner patiently answered with gentleness and all humility.

We arrived at the venue very very late, and as soon as we entered Brent gym, I suddenly felt uncomfortable because of the heat that greeted us at the entrance.

But my uneasiness disappeared when I saw Sir Jovie grinning at Wayne and me.

Contrary to my preconceived expectations (you know, BR must be stern and quiet kind of guy), he was warm, gracious and surprisingly funny. Why, he even dropped a hilarious joke which really caused my tummy to explode! But due to existing moral restrictions of our society, I dare not divulge it in this blog . . . sorry!

Sir Jovie, I enjoyed very much our lively chat, though very short. Thank you for helping me forget (temporarily) the pain of driving all the way from Las Pinas to Makati and then to Pasig. You are truly, truly a wonderful person. Your hair may be gone but your heart is overflowing with love and compassion for others.

Then Gio and I walked across the gym to say hi to Jaymie and her group: the ever-thoughtful Jay together with JunC, Marga and Annie. We talked and laughed for a while and then I went nearer the speaker to learn a few tips about running.

That's where I found Wilbert and Vimz who was so kind to accompany me to the ladies' room and showed me the beautiful oval track where they usually run. She also introduced me to the rest of the Happy Feet group whom I haven't met at the VSO (won't mention the names one by one anymore kasi baka masaktan yong nakalimutan kong pangalan . . . hirap talaga ng gurang!)

Thanks to Wayne for being instrumental in my attendance at the Nike Running Clinic Orientation. Because of him, I was able to finally meet the Bald Runner and all of you wonderful guys! (now I know how and why Mark & Tiffin came to be)

More VSO Photos From Bro. J and Vimz

Thank you soooh much, Bro. J and Vimz for these awesome pictures!



With Baby, Bro. J's sweetheart when we met before the race.

While waiting for the countdown to begin the 5k Race.

Right after we stepped out of the starting area.

Oh no! We are going up! Will I make it back???

Thank God I made it back!! Yehey!

The evidence is clear: I finshed ahead of at least 3 members of the Team Navy heh heh . . .

Thanks again, Bro. J!

One last photo: Thanks, Vimz for sending me my very first shot with the Happy Feet gang.

My First VSO Run (Part 4)

In the midst of the excitement in meeting the runner bloggers, I saw Philip from afar and we both called out our names, at the same time! Finally, the day that we've been expecting have finally come.

With Philip, Wilbert and Wayne.

With Vimz and the wacky Happy Feet Group!

One last pose with Philip and the Happy Feet runners.

With the very "delicious" Doc Doray and Wayne.

Again, with Doc Doray and now, with Roselle!

With Jaymie--my mentor, idol and inspiration. Without her, this blog wouldn't even come to exist.

With that, I end this four-part series of My First VSO Run: A Dream Come True.

For the other runner bloggers that I haven't met last Nov. 9, 2008--hope to see you all in future races!

My First VSO Run (Part 3)

(I'm sorry this came quite late. It was my father's 84th and my daughter's 9th birthdays yesterday. Everything has to be put on hold)


I'd like to think that I was running too fast that Jenny had trouble putting my image in the middle of this picture (that's me in the orange cap) heh heh . . . Nauna pa nga ako sa macho gwapitong naka Team Navy sa likod!



Taken right after the race. First time to be given a sports drink after crossing the finish line. Parang trophy ang dating sa akin, after conquering that hilly route!

After drinking my precious Rush, I planned to go back to the area before the finish line to shoot pictures of runner bloggers and much to my surprise, my fairy godmother again whisked her magic wand and there appeared right in front of me, Gigi and her adorable son Sky! It was truly, a magical moment for me. She was with her friend Jaimie but unfortunately, my official photographer failed to capture a pose with her. Maybe next time.

When I arrived at the entrance of the finish line, Bro J and Baby were also there. Sir Jovie came dashing in and we called out his name which he acknowledged by waving his hand. I took a shot of his enigmatic "finish look" but sadly, it turned out blank (still have to practice more with this digital camera. I had no problem before with the conventional camera).

Accepting the painful reality that I couldn't get decent shots of bloggers while they were running, I decided to wait at the exit of the finish line instead. On the way back I met my cousin Jun, holding his finisher's certificate. He advised me to get mine and I did.

With Jun and our future recruits: Jenny and Bembet with her 2 sons Bikoy & Paulo.

Then I looked around and saw more runner bloggers!

Top and below: With Vener and his wife Cristy, Joe the loonyrunner with his famous backpack and Dennis.

With Jinoe, the brains behind TAKBO.ph.

The two love-birds of 11 solid years: Jinoe and Que!

With Jesse, Tanya and a friend.

Oh, my! Tanya and I look like mother and daughter . . . Could she be my long lost daughter?

To be continued . . .

My First VSO Run (Part 2)

(Part 2 of My First VSO Run: A Dream Come True)


Then I told them I still haven't seen Jaymie. I don't remember anymore who informed me that Jaymie was just standing right behind me!

Like a fairy godmother whisking her magic wand, I turned around and there was Jaymie, together with Jay, the Honorable Doc Doray and JunC!

Two weeks ago I was in a room filled with Kapuso stars and I must admit I was thrilled.

But the excitement in finally meeting the runner bloggers is beyond comparison.

I felt like a teenager again in close encounter with my first love!

We had a lively chat (thank you Jay for the very kind words) and though I still wanted to stay and share more stories, the emcee started to count, signalling the start of the 15k race. I said good luck to all of them and made my way out of the pack. I was almost tempted to run the 15k just to spend more time with you guys but I'm glad I didn't.

I tried to look for my cousin Jun but he was nowhere to be found (I found out later that he positioned himself at the front row). Thank God I again saw Baby, Bro. J's swthrt. I desperately needed someone I know to run with me for the first kilometer.

I wasn't prepared for a hilly route. The KOTR was almost flat from start to finish. No sweat. This time, I almost gave up, for I already felt the soreness in my legs. I told myself I will just try to finish the race, no matter what the time. The most important thing is, I'll finish it without any injury.

And by God's grace, I did it!

But when I woke up this morning, my whole body is in pain. I remember the Triathlon Ad on TV:

"The human body is not made for this kind of sport. But the SPIRIT is!"

Watch out for Part 3 . . .

My First VSO Run: A Dream Come True

When I registered for the VSO Run last Oct. 14, the singlet was not yet available. When I claimed it at ROX 5 days before the race, I was ecstatic to see Coach Rio there who gladly pose for this commemorative picture.

Jenny and I arrived at the Fort before 5AM. Unfortunately, no runner blogger in sight.






After almost losing hope to see any runner blogger, Bro J with his 'new' hair & darling Baby suddenly appeared! He told me that Wayne & the other runner bloggers were already inside the assembly area.







I dragged Jenny (my official photographer for this race) inside the 15k starting area to look for the runner bloggers. It wasn't difficult to see Wayne, standing tall amidst the pool of runners.
I approached him and he immediately recognized me! I couldn't believe I finally met the SFrunner! We exchanged kisses and then posed with the runner bloggers who were around him. It was almost a dream that I found myself surrounded with these gorgeous guys: Taki, Wilbert, Joe, Dindo and Glenn.

















To be continued . . .

A Prayer for Jaymie's Father

Join me in prayer for Johnny Crisostomo, the father of Jaymie (The Bull Runner) who passed away last week:

"O Lord, we commend to you the soul of your servant, Juanito Crisostomo, that, having departed from this world, he may live with you. By the grace of your merciful love wash away the sins that in human frailty he has committed in the conduct of his life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him."

Interment is scheduled on Nov. 5, 2008. For more info, you may Call Arlington Sta. Mesa at telephone # 715-1026.