Year of The Franc (Year 6)

I think it’s safe to say that 2011 was a good year.    I’ve been writing the Year of the Franc blogs for the 6th straight year and each year was different.  2006 was a banner year with me finishing MBA and getting promoted. 2007 was taking on new responsibilities and conquering new frontiers. 2008 was about learning fund raising skills. 2009 was about chasing and conquering the impossible. 2010 was a roller coaster ride and finding new passions.  2011 was about chasing new goals and enjoying the process.
My Thoughts
It’s a challenging year but the bigger challenge came from balancing a crazy work schedule with a hectic training schedule and a little bit of travel.  I was practically busy the whole year being a Franc of all trades from writing to running to raising funds to solving accounting issues to traveling and so much more.  I guess all the good that happened during the year outweigh the bad.  I’ve nothing much to complain… Not that I have time of day to do so.  Somehow, I’m a different person in 2011.  Less time worrying about life and more time living it. I’m bringing the no complains, no excuses attitude to 2012.
My Travel
I did have my share of travel for the year with 7 out of the country flights and 3 domestic flights. 4 flights in Taiwan was pure business as it wasn’t much a thrill visiting this place as I’ve been here for so many times already.  2 Singapore trip was partly business, mostly pleasure and Hong Kong Trip was purely pleasure.  Traveling around the Philippines has been one of my priorities as it would sound embarrassing that foreigners you get to meet has been to most part of the country than you.  So this year, I was able to sneak in a trip to Coron with its rich marine life, Boracay with its soft white sand beach and to Bellarocca with its Santorini like ambiance.  I also did out of town runs in Subic, Corregidor and Tagaytay Highlands.  Running is one good way to appreciate the outdoors and explore a new territory.  I  have yet to layout my 2012 travel plans but I’m looking forward to it.
My Runs
I’ve reached two of my running goals in 2011, finishing 10K at sub60 and finishing my first half marathon.  Of course, all that didn’t come easy as it was 40 to 50 kilometer training a week schedule and over 1500 training kilometers for the year and 232 kilometers worth of racing in 21 races in 2011. It was a great chase starting the year nearly hitting my sub60 10K goal in Subic and finally hitting it in February.  I had my first run on foreign soil via 6K run in Singapore. I had my 3 months preparation for my 21K and finishing well in my first 21K run. I ended the year with the scenic and challenging Tagaytay Highlands and Corregidor runs.  It also wasn’t free of scares like running injuries to cramping big time in a race but it’s all part of the experience. I got a new bike towards end of 2011, so I hope to be in my first duathlon event in 2012.
My Team
The bigger highlight of the year was the birth of Team Total Fitness.  It started as a dream, then an idea and now a reality.  The team made its Debut race in November ans was immediately featured in Total Fitness Magazine in November.  It’s great to be part of Team Total Fitness whether I get to run or get to support the team in races or blog about the team’s adventures.  You get to enjoy and be challenged in group runs by passionate runners and triathletes.  You get some perks from sponsors and you get to be featured monthly in Total Fitness Magazine.  With great perks come great responsibility and that responsibility is to live up to the brand we represent. Looking forward to 2012 with Team Total Fitness.
My Site
Though I had a blog site since 2005, 2011 was the time I moved everything to a new home (francramon.com).  It was meant to cater to a larger reader base and I’m really flattered that I’m hitting several thousands of readers now.  Writing is such a passion of mine since high school and even as I was meant to deal with numbers the most of my life, I really look forward to writing this blogs.  Aside from the upgraded site, it was a real bonus to be writing my first piece for an online magazine, Lovin’ La Bellarocca.  It’s been years that I’ve been saying I’m going back to my writing roots and finally 2011 has been the year I’ve done that.  I will be writing more in 2012.
My Work
I always have the ‘hate’ – ‘less-hate’ relationship with my work that sometimes even if its the easier decision is to leave, I still don’t find it the logical one.  Somehow, I am just able to balance things out to make it tolerable in some ways.  One of the things I don’t hate about my work is that I’m able to raise big-time funds.  Even if I don’t get the rewards I deserve, being able to master the art of raising funds is my future.  This is one of the things I want to do when I finally move out of my regular work.  It’s gonna be difficult but it’s gonna be more rewarding in the end.  Of the things I hate is the year end closing and its coming in 2012.  That’s one of the things I don’t look forward to in 2012 but I’m a trooper and I’ll get past that.
My Family and Friends
To do the improbable balancing act of mixing business, pleasure and blue-collar training would probably take a hit to your social life.  Somehow, I was still able to spend time with family and friends.  I used to a lot a day in a week to meet up with non running friends and I’m trying to make the most of my off-season for my family and friends in the celebration of the Christmas Season.  I’m not as visible as I used to but I’m still around.  Looking forward to a great 2012 getaways with family and friends.
My Gratitude
I’d always want to end this Year of the Franc blogs with a message of thanks.  Thanks to everybody who shared the year with me, helped me in the things I chased, joined me in my adventures and supported me through thick and thin.  2011 won’t be a good year without you.
My 2012
2012 will be another crazy and fun-filled ride.  It’s gonna be a new beginning, It’s gonna be new goals to fulfill.  It’s gonna be new disciplines to conquer.  It’s gonna be new places to uncover.  It’s gonna be new riddles to unravel.  It’s gonna be a fantastic 2012 and I’m ready for it!!! Bring it ON!!!

Tales of Christmas Past

Baguio City – Once the ‘ber’ months hits, we get all excited.  It is when you start hearing Christmas songs on the radio or you start counting down days before Christmas in school.  Studying in a Catholic School, you get to countdown Christmas by the lighting of the Advent Candles.  With the chilly and breezy climate, you can actually see the mist coming out of your mouth at this time of the year.  We actually try to out do each other while waiting for our ride to school by who can make a unique or biggest shape out of the morning mist.

We start saving from our little allowances just to be able to buy gifts for our Kris Kringle.  Even at a young age, we were taught to save and earned extra credits for good grades or helping out on a chore.  Somehow, we came prepared when Christmas day comes and it’s not because we saved a lot but we had meager expectations on what to give and what to receive.  We have our Christmas socks that magically has candies after the night.  I once caught my dad placing candies in the sock one time and he just said that Santa asked him to place it there.  We’d count the days before Christmas and sometimes gather as a pack to do our rounds of Caroling for extra cash.  Having cousins 2 to 3 years apart makes it easier to form a group.

When Christmas comes, we used to have singing and dancing contest for a glorious sum of P20-P50.  The sum would be enough to buy you snacks and drinks or even chocolates.   We enjoyed the thrill of winning and felt the sting of losing. We had the tradition of who could give the best piece on ” The Greatest Love of All” and we also sings it as a group with our parents and grandparents as audience.  We’d take our dinner together after all the contests and then we proceed to exchange gifts. We didn’t expect big toys or expensive gadgets but we’d be happy to have a simple pull back car toy or matchbox we’d crash against each other.  Anything over that is already a luxury. We then proceed to church for an anticipated Christmas Mass an hour or two before Christmas.   Then we countdown the minutes before Christmas, open our gifts and have our Noche Buena as a family. After that we resume counting down to the next 365 days before Christmas.

Somehow this is how I always wanted to see Christmas. It’s a lot different now with our pack in charge of the gifts and with the younger and older ones being the recipients.  Things have changed with the simple gifts or prize of the past replaced by gadgets and cold cash.  It’s not the price tag that I am afraid of but Christmas has gone commercial with the pricey celebrations and expensive gifts.  It’s always nice to look back at tales of Christmas Past when the spirit of giving and family was at its strongest.

Pasko sa Pinas!!!

Here's a simply Christmas treat!!!
We usually do this caricature way back in our college publication, The Pinion, so I requested my good friend Mike Famaranglas to come up with one on the Christmas traditions that makes the Philippines the happiest part of the world in this time of the year.
Merry Christmas!!!

My 2011 Favorite Races

I wanted to do a top 5 out of the 21 races I've joined this year but I'm getting 7 on my mind so might as well go with 7 on the list.  This list is based on how I enjoyed, the innovations made and the overall challenge of the race.

7) Globe Run for Home

Photo credit: Estan Cabigas

Runrio could easily dominate any top list though for some scheduling conflicts, I was only able to run 3 Runrio race during the year and 2 of them would be in this list.  Globe Run for Home had a unique treat of running in the Ayala Avenue coming from the Fort area.  This is my second 15K run and it was a good arena as the race area was well defined, hydration stations are sufficient and results came out immediately.

6) Greentennial Run

Photo credit: Daisy Mae Castaneda

Greentennial has also been creative and innovative in their races.  Greentennial Run was my first 15K run and it was fun with a capital F U N. It was a photography haven with those jump and look back shots.  It also had sprinklers along the race course and hydration was overflowing.  The course was well plotted with a combination of the Fort and Buendia Area in Makati.

5) Subic International Marathon

The running along the perimeter of Subic Bay and fresher air sets the Subic International Marathon apart.  Subic Marathon has been my first race of 2011 and was my first shot at closing in on sub 60 for 10K.  I enjoyed the race and running along side physically fit policemen makes it a little more competitive.  It's also refreshing to see the Subic Bay on some areas of the course and it also helps that the course is straight in chasing a good time.

4) Nathan Ridge Run

Photo credit: Pinoyfitness

Scenic Tagaytay Highlands was the backdrop. 2 to 3 kilometers climb was the challenge.  Environment friendly run was the advocay.  This is what sets Nathan Ridge Run apart.  It was indeed a tough course or as they say race redefined.  Despite the difficult climbs you get rewarded by a nice view of Taal Volcano in the cold mist of the morning.  It was also nice to take those suicide plunge on the descents to make up for lost time.

3) Corregidor International Half Marathon

Photo credit: Leo and KB Photography

Phenomenon is definitely the king of hardcore when it comes to race organizers and the best of their brainchild is Corregidor International Half Marathon.  It's on a league of its own with an upmountain experience combined with a trail run plus you get to see all the scenic and historical structures in Corregidor and a view of the ocean at some points.  It does also give you an eerie experience crossing 3 times in a dark Malinta Tunnel.  It's definitely a great culminating race for your running season.

2) Condura Skyway Marathon

Photo credit: Runners' Runner

Condura will always be among the best race in the country in any year.  Going up the skyway and seeing the city from the top is not only thing that sets the bar high when it comes to Condura.  They also have seamless execution of every race detail from singlet design, registration, water stations, race marshall until you cross the finish line and claim your finisher kit making the participant focus more on the run part of the race.  It always support a cause and aims to get better after every staging.

1) Adidas King of the Road

Photo credit: Spartan Runner

On the 2nd straight year, I selected Adidas KOTR as the race I transition to the next level.  I moved to 10K in 2010 and 21K in 2011.  Adidas on its own is one of the top races in the country but if you partner it with Runrio, you get an unbeatable combination.  It made the event bigger with a S.E.A Championship accross 5 countries. The Philippine staging was flawless to the tiniest details, even the weather cooperated as it was a cool morning at race day. Definitely my top race for the year and I did spend time to train for this one.

2011 Racing
There goes my favorite races for the year.  Of course, each race I ran is a different story and experience and most of the time, I just focus on the positive part of the race.  If there's one thing I learned on the races I joined is that it's my race, my responsibility.  At the end of the day, what matters is that I gave it my best shot whatever race conditions are.

Off Season

My 2011 racing calendar has just ended.
Off Season
Just like that... 21 races covering 232 kilometers of adrenalin rush and over 1,500 kilometers of trainings is a thing of the past.  Just a few days away from all the races, I already miss the satisfaction of crossing a finish line whether it be the strong finish I've always wanted to do or the limping finish after being meticulously broken down during a long run.
I'm taking a step backward hoping that it gives me two full steps forward.  I'm taking my time to recover from the wear and tear of the year.  I've reached the point of muscle failure in a race yet still had enough will to finish but being down cramping on both legs in the middle of nowhere is humbling.  On one hand it does make you feel vulnerable but on the other side, it makes you stronger and builds your character.  I'll be taking some time off from high-intensity running in time for the holidays. When I resume my build up...  there will be no excuses, just a determined me going for new heights.
Hello Friends!!!
'Tis the season to be chubby... La la la la la la la...  Christmas parties are here, there and everywhere.  I love that I'm finally meeting some old friends who I haven't seen for months or even years but I'm hating the excess pounds it brings plus the lesser time to train.  I haven't bought a single gift and it's not because I am stingy or something.  The parking spaces are always full and to my advantage, I haven't been spending much on retail therapy.  I have a few more weeks to meet non-running friends or even running friends in a non-running capacity.  This is gonna be fun!!!
Bike... Bike... Bike...

I finally got my road bike that took me sometime to decide.   Getting a bike is like rocket science.  I had to ask so many people who's into bikes on what would be the best to buy and I ended up buying a Scott Addict R3 2011 with Shimano 105 Groupset and Mavic Aksium Wheelset.  Even after having the bike with me, I'm still having nosebleeds listening to some of the aspects of the bike.  I'll consider this my Personal Christmas Gift.  It's gonna be a new sport to learn and I'm a newbie once again. For now, it'll be secret trainings til I get the hang of it.  Still focus on run training until Condura and include bike by mid-February and hoping to join my first duathlon event in 2012.  I'm gonna enjoy this and it seems I may be able to reconnect to some friends who's also into biking.   Bike ON!!!
Offseason Blogging

I'm really overwhelmed with the increasing number of hits at francramon.com.  I started blogging way back in 2005 and it was more of just an outlet to unleash my thoughts.  I was happy just having a few friends read my blogs and really appreciated those few hits and comments.   Now I'm getting hundreds of readers for my blogs.  Its been really overwhelming having readers, and people liking and sharing my blogs.  I just had to close the comments section as I got several spams crowding my comment section but be rest assured I'm very much thankful for anyone who visit my site or share my posts.  I'll do my best to write more on relevant topics, more visual travel tales and by the kilometer race experience.
Team Total Fitness
It may be weeks away for good measure but I do miss those hardcore group workouts we do but it'll be interesting how tormenting 2012 workouts would be... I'm Thrilled!!!

Behind the Scenes

Behind the Scenes
I've so much respect for people who play behind the scene roles in the running and the multi sport arena.  Borne out of passion for the sport or their craft there are a lot of people who do wake up early on race day, bring in their own gear and cover races or throw in their support to the participants.  When you're running or chasing PRs, you get to appreciate the well wishers whether it be race marshals, hydration and those who capture your priceless moment on the race course.
Powerade Duathlon

I love my time when I am running but I also appreciate the time when I'm part of the support group.  I had my first chance at support during the last leg of the powerade duathlon in Nuvali as part of Team Total Fitness.  It was also my attempt to further spur the desire to switch to duathlon and at the same time support the team.  First supporting role was to be a photographer covering both the run and bike leg.  Of course, I'm still a novice of photography though I'm lucky enough that my Sony Nex3 is smarter than me in taking shots so was able to take several good shots.  It was a different experience seeing how athletes compete and seeing how the multi sport community is such a close knit group.  Most important of all, I am now hell bent on buying a bike and joining the festivities.
PCL Immuvit

I was asked to tag along PCL Immuvit for the support group as most of Team Total Fitness Tri competed in a 100 km road race from Clark all the way to Dinalupihan via SCTEX and back to Clark.  Mascy was the designated driver of the support vehicle and me having a do-it-all role as photographer, hydration support for the cyclist and to provide timely update on Team Total Fitness Facebook Page powered by Smart Bro Pocket WiFi.  It was a lot more difficult taking photos of moving cyclists from a moving vehicle.  It was also nice to help the team in whatever capacity I can whether to provide hydration or just cheer them as they approach.  Well, a 100 Km road race is out of my immediate goals but who knows.
Writer

I also maintain my own blogsite covering my thoughts, my travels and my runs and now also team developments.  I really enjoy documenting my runs as a means to share the experience.  I usually use the first person perspective in my blogs to give more vivid description of the experience and hope that in reading my blogs people get to feel the fun in the sport and in the adventure.  While running is my current love, writing will always be my first love.  I'm also glad that I'm writing for two mags now.
For the love of it
It's not easy being able to comply with so many roles but I always see it this way.  There are things you do to earn a living and there are things  you do that gives you a great deal of satisfaction. The most satisfying acts are those you do without expecting anything in return.  This is where what most of what I do fall, doing things for the love of it.  Whether I'm in full attack at a race or just doing things behind the scene, it doesn't feel like a burden.  Of course, there are perks of the adventure like the thrill of conquering your old record or new terrains; catching the morning sunrise or evening sunset and just getting to meet people and then there's the price of being fit and healthy and that to me is priceless.

Hello Pasko!!!

“It’s the time of year when the elaborate bright decorations dominate the night skies but it also comes unbearable traffic and parking situation, congested airports, mall and restaurant spaces, overzealous well wishers and extra-picky taxi drivers.  Love it or hate it, Christmas is coming.“

Pinoys Love Fun

The wonder of being stuck in the part of the world that has the longest and most festive Christmas celebration. It is where people remains resilient even when times are tough and circumstances are rough.  The Philippines is a nation of celebrations.  We celebrate for the slightest reasons from a kid graduating to an employee getting promoted or retiring and not to mention those regular birthday parties, anniversaries, town fiestas and of course, the annual countdown to Christmas day.  Knowing how to appreciate the little blessings we get and our anticipation for the next celebration is what makes us resilient.  That’s why I always like spending my December here – In a country that can poke fun of having an infamous airports or take humor on the political turbulence or even the latest events in the showbiz circle.

Christmas

I’m always mixed with anticipation and apprehension every time Christmas approaches as the festivities and events are always a welcome diversion but I’m also stuck in a profession that gets busy once year end approaches and the closing of the books begin.  I think this year is much easier to plan as a year ago, I was jumping from planning one party after another while doing my regular training routines and cramming some year end stuff.  This year I’m taking it easy just focusing on my training and racing schedule and little time with family and friends and gifts…  oh wait shouldn’t the buying of gifts be already a part of my system at this time???  Oh poor family and friends as I haven’t caught up with the spirit of giving yet. That’s still a full 24 days more to cram, I guess or better yet avoid the holiday rush by not shopping at all.  When I get to have a time, let’s make a list of who’s naughty or nice.

Work

The board meeting is over and for that I can breathe a big sigh of relief.   It was short and painless. I’m starting to buy that telecon meetings are better. Less questions… less answers… less mistakes and no need to travel much.  It’s gonna be busy soon but soon is not today so that’s good.  I’ll bid my time and reserve those precious energy and much needed  patience until the time calls for it. Work… Rest… Work…

Train

It’s been difficult trying to build up endurance lately with multiple races and another two race in the succeeding weekends plus some work stuff and the festive mood.  Focus.  I’ll be pushing myself more, have some races as training runs and have fun in the process.  I’ve been going through that exercise lately focusing more on the run and the fun of it rather than be conscious with time.  I also need to start thinking of what bike I want as soon I should start moving on to duathlons.  Think… Save… Think…

Vacation

The travel bug in me has been itching and itching real hard.  Looks like the vacation I’ve been planning is falling apart but let’s see I might still have a few tricks of my sleeves.  Seriously, I miss my travels… Not the work related ones but the one in which I get to go to new frontiers.   Plan… Plan… Plan…

It’s December!!! It’s festive, busy and I’m very much upbeat on things to come.  I’m in a much better situation now and things are just heating up and after the haze of a busy board meeting has cleared up, I can now see Christmas so I say with much joy… Hello Pasko!!

Accountability

The sequence of events in the political landscape this month would rival top rated reality shows with a mix of down the wire suspense. melodramatic scenes and unending twist and turns.  From a former president's attempt to flee the country on account of 'sickness' with the aid of a high court's TRO to a lawyer pledging his balls for his client to a resistant Justice Secretary and finally a trial court issuing an arrest warrant.  It was a battle of legal innuendos on a persons basic right and a persons accountability. My take, I'm always in the belief that a persons right ends when the person starts violating or oppressing other people's right and that is where a person's moral obligation begins.  I used the wold 'moral' as even without the complicated rule of law, at the very least a person should be accountable for his own actions.   The previous administration had so many glaring violations but the biggest one of them was that we were forced to fathom a society without accountability.

A former president, despite her call for sympathy and melodramatic means to sway the concerns of the public, had all the chance and the power to clean her name but 'un'-moderated greed has reared it's ugly head.  Had she not hidden from her allies in congress who made a mockery of the impeachment process or from the veils of executive privilege or through the political warlords in Mindanao, or votes of the high court or skewed Comelec officials, we would have a fair assessment of the truth.  Why would you move Heaven and Earth to deny people having a fair idea on all those allegations?  We've been witnesses over the years of how power and political affiliation fed us on what was just and unjust but justice is not based on debt of gratitude but rule of law.  If those who are suppose to safeguard justice tries to prevent it from happening, can you sue them for obstruction of  justice?

It was compared to a boxing match with the previous administration's camp winning the first few rounds with a TRO but the government was able to hit back with an actual case and the match continues.  I do hope that they are ready for even a thousand rounds because the Filipino people deserves the truth and if by chance, justice or the truth is still denied by men blinded by political loyalty, there will be one final knockout punch that awaits coming from the hands of fate and of a Higher Authority.

Travel Tips Around the World # 2

In tradition of one of my first blogs Travel Trip Around the World, I am now finally able sit down and digest the next few years of travel on the tips and experiences I got during those travels.  I've been lucky enough to have a 6-10 a year out of the Country trips the past few years.
Phnom Penh

40. Cambodia looks like a province in the Philippines 20 years ago but it's fast catching up.
41. Main means of transportation is via motorcycles.  Crossing the streets can be such a burden with all those motorcycles zooming past you.
42. Houses here are built like a fortress as they tend to keep their treasures in their own house instead of banks.
43. It's nice to see the Independence Monument and Royal Palace both during the clear skies of the day or the darkness of the night.
44. Go exotic as they have alternative dishes like black spiders and other insects.
45. There are gazillions of holidays here.
Cambodia Angkor Wat

46. Angkor Wat is ancient Infrastructure (8th to 12th Century) that manage to stand out even at present time.
47. Angkor Wat is one of the most famous temples here along with Bayon and Ta Phrom Temple.  The Bayon Temple features the four faced Buddha and you can take an elephant ride going in while Ta Phrom is an old Temple with Trees and shrubs growing in between the borders.
48. Tomb Raider was shot here.
49. Take a $20 ticket past 4:30 pm and you get a pass the next day and also be able to catch the sunset in the afternoon.
50. Tuktuk drivers are so friendly and they even get to share the history of the places.
51. When you haggle for souvenirs, they tend to start a bargain at a higher price so haggle and haggle hard.
52. The deeper you get in the temple, the more breathtaking the experience become.
53. Wear a comfortable shoes.
54. There's a Cambodia Cultural Village nearby that features the mix of cultures in Cambodia.
Hangzhou, China

55. Hangzhou is a cosmopolitan City just an hour by train from Shanghai.

56.  The famous West lake is here. It has a picturesque landscape and surrounded by numerous temples, gardens and attractions nearby.

57. It gets cold in here towards end of the year and even with a chance of snow beginning of the year.

58.  They have a strip that sells souvenirs and you can even have a stamp of your Chinese name.

Shandong, China

59. Shandong when enveloped by fog looks like those foggy fields of Russia you get to see in the game red alert.

60. It gets real cold in here and it snows here during the winter months.

61. Zibo City Park is nice to look up even under the foggy skies.

62.  There are also a lot of exotic food here.

Shanghai, China

63. The World Expo was held here in 2010 and it featured exhibits and structures from all parts of the world.

64. The Bund and the TV Tower is always spledid to look up at night.

65.  There seems to be a race to the skies here as skyscrapers continue to rise in Shanghai.

Taipei, Taiwan

66. Taipei 101 is splendid to look at at night.

67. There's now a bullet train that can take you from North to South of Taiwan in just 2 hours.

68. Yehliu is located North of Taiwan and features rock formations including one called the queen's head.  There's also a dolphin attraction nearby.

69. Take a walk at Yangmingshan Park which is just a bus ride away.

Macau

70. Macau is just an hour away from Hong Kong via Ferry.

71. Macau Tower is one of the tallest in Asia and you can go extreme via Skywalk, Skydive or even climb its peak.

72, The Ruins of St. Paul and Senado Square is one of the more famous areas here.

73. This is Casino heaven.

Hong Kong

74. Disney is now in Hong Kong.

75. It's now easier to go to the Sitting Buddha via Cable Car and there's even a Ngong Ping Village as additional attraction.

76. Go to the Stanley Market for souvenirs.  It's a lot cheaper.

77. Ocean Park is a lot bigger and better than it used to.

Singapore

78. Universal Studios is now in Singapore.

79. Take the Singapore Flyer or the view deck at Marina Bay Sands for a 360 degrees view of Singapore.

80. There are two casinos in town, Resorts World and Marina Bay Sands

81. Go to the No Sign Board in Geylang and be treated to one of the best seafood meal.

82. It's best to shop for running gears and accessories here.

Saigon, Vietnam

83. Vietnam used to be a french colony and that is why you get to see a version of the Notre Dame in Paris here.

84. Just beside the Notre Dame is another tourist spot which is the central post office developed under the influence of french architecture.

85. Take a night cruise along Saigon River for a sumptuous meal and a view of Saigon at Night.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

86. Kuala Lumpur is a bit congested and it does remind you of Cubao in Manila.
87. The world famous Petronas Twin Towers is located here and it stands out on a bright day or when it is illuminated at night.
88. Just 25 km south of Kuala Lumpur is Putra Jaya where the seat of the government is located.
89. Want to be in two countries at one time. Go to the border of Singapore and Malaysia in Johour Bahru.
Sydney, Australia

90. The thing that sets Sydney Opera House is not only its unique architecture but also it's aided by the splendid view of the Sydney Harbor.

91. You can actually pet those cute koala and baby kangaroos at Featherdale zoo and Taronga zoo.

92. The blue mountains is blue because of the blue haze coming from the eucalyptus tree.  You get to see the famous three sisters and take a train ride and lift to the Katoomba mines.

93. Cave all you can in Jenolan Cave.  The limestone formation is this cave is amazing.

94. Bondi has a very long stretch of fine white sand beach.

95. You'll love fish and chips in the Fish Market or within the Kiama blow hole area.

96. It's best to have a car here especially if you're staying in the suburbs though they do have a very efficient bus, train and ferry transport system.

97. The CDB offers so many attraction like the St. Mary Cathedral,Hyde Park, Queen Victoria Building, Harbor Bridge, The Rocks, Opera House, Darling Harbor, Orbit Lounge and the Sydney Harbor.

98. Most of the shopping areas closes up early to give way to the bars.

99. Barbeque with family is fun.

100. You can also make your own chocolate drink out of melted chocolates in the village near blue mountains.

Next up: Travel Tips Around the Philippines.

Weekend Wars

Runners and triathletes always look forward to weekends as it is the time they increase the mileage in their bike and run training or brick training to build their endurance base or it's the time they take all the preparations they had and enter the race arena.  November 5 and 6 is a big weekend for Team Total Fitness as the team took part in back to back runs at Bonifacio Global City and it was also the debut of Team Total Fitness Tri  at Anvaya Cove.



Energizer Run - November 5, 2011


Bonifacio Global City - Team Total Fitness braved the rainy skies as it joined thousands of runner powered by energizer head lights running in the 3K and 10K Category. Team Total Fitness Members Rojan Pajarin, Mario Tani and Franc Ramon ranked 12th (12:43), 27th (15:58) and 54th(17:54), respectively in the 3K race category out of more 1,000 runners and James Orlanda ranked 34th (51:02) in the 10K race category out of more than 700 runners.

New Balance Power Run - November 6, 2011

Bonifacio Global City - It was another rainy day run for the team but of course, it won't stop the team from taking part in the New Balance Power Run.  The team did well with Rojan Pajarin placing 49th out of more than a 1,000 runners in the tough 25K category with a time of 2:04:07 and Charles Dominic Diño placing 38th place out of more 1,000 runners in the 10K category with a time of 50:11.

4th Anvaya Cove Invitational Triathlon - November 6, 2011

Anvaya Cove, Morong, Bataan - Team Total Fitness made its triathlon debut covering 1.2 kilometer open waterswim, 32 kilometer bike ride and 6 kilometer run in Anvaya Cove's waters and challenging terrain with steep uphill climbs and slippery downhill paths caused by the rain but the team braved the tougher circumstances and had a great and strong finish.  Team Total Fitness member Jose Arcega topped the 25-29 age group and placed 4th overall with a time of 2:23:54. Team Total Fitness Percival Joseph Cendana held on to third place of the 25-29 age group with a time of 2:47:21.

Special thanks for the support of our sponsor:

Total Fitness and Airo Media for your unwavering support and featuring the team in the November issues of Total Fitness Magazine.

Andy Leuterio and Alpha Training System for all those tough workouts and training programs that builds us up to conquer our running and multisport goals with a no quit and no excuse attitude.

ON Running Shoes and Chris Sports for providing the official shoes of Team Total Fitness and inviting us in your bloggers' night.  The ON Cloud Surfer 3D cushioning system and lightweight feel has set us forward to a faster run.

Brooks Apparel for providing high performance apparels for our training and racing needs.

Oakley for providing those cool eyewear that not only protects us from the sun but also make the team look better.

Cep for providing the compression technology that gives additional protection in our training runs and our official races.

Polar for running and multisport watches that help us monitor our runs and heart rate.

Dermplus Moisturizing Sunblock for protecting our skin from the heat of the sun on our trainings and races.

Epic Sportswear for coming out with our high quality and eye-catching tri-suit and race singlet.

Honey Stinger for providing gels and bars that give us extra energy on our training runs and official races.

i-pure for running accessories that provides more balance, strength and additional energy in our training runs and official races.

Moving comfort for fitness tops and accessories for the female members of the team.

If the Shoe Fits

Finding the right running shoes has been like rocket science to me.  While most running shoe store would be able to suggest shoes to match your foot type and pronation, nothing beats trying your shoes for a run to know if it fits you perfectly.

When I started running, I didn’t even care what shoes I had on as long as it matches the color scheme of my outfit but of course, you suffer all the discomfort of a mismatch in shoes during a run or it might take you a longer time to recover.  

I shifted to cushioned shoes and it felt fine but I did feel the strain of lifting the weight of the shoes as I started piling the miles on a long run.  Any additional ounce of cushion on your shoes, you take that every step of your run.

I then shifted to lightweight shoes and it felt real easy to run and I was able to run faster and smoother but the problem is you feel more impact with every stride you make.  You get more beat up with a lighter shoes so balancing weight and cushioning has always been a dilemma when it comes to buying shoes.

And then came ON Running Shoes which came in as the Official Shoe Sponsor for Team Total Fitness.  It was the perfect compromise a lightweight shoes weighing just about 9 ounces and a cushioned shoes with the Cloud Tec cushioning system which effective cushions the impact of each stride but as I said earlier, the effectiveness of the shoes is well tested during actual runs.

The first time I put it ON, I literally couldn’t take it off as it had the soft cushiony feel that provides comfort to your feet. First test was a 10 x 800 meter speed session and it was a breeze as the bouncy feel gave more power to my stride and was able to finish my speed sets faster than my usual pace.  I also tried it ON for a long run and since the 3D cushioning reduces wear and tear in the legs, you feel less fatigued in the latter part of the run allowing you to finish stronger on a run.  I also took it on a hill run and it did help me conquer the hills.  It’s also durable with my ON running shoes about two months already and I barely scratched the outsole.

I have now found the shoe that fits me perfectly and it makes perfect synergy that the newest kid on the running and multisport block, Team Total Fitness is enjoying the newest shoes on the block, ON.  I’m a proud member of Team Total Fitness and I am a proud ONbassador and that to me is a perfect fit.

November Resolutions

"Why wait for January when you can keep a monthly resolution?"
November starts with 11.1.11 and would have 11.11.11 in a few days and somehow, you get the feel that this month's special.  I just came up with an idea that while we wait for January in gleeful anticipation for a new beginning.  We can actually have a monthly or even a weekly resolution.  Maybe that's the reason we miss so many resolutions is that we promise something we would do for the rest of the year.  A monthly and weekly resolution is probably a more realistic task as you can reset or maybe even upgrade it regularly.  It's as simple as laying out what you want to achieve in a month and going for it.
November Resolutions

• Be fit

Since I'm into running, being fit should be out of the question but no, I still want to do more to build core muscle strength and reduce excess flabs (that's a lot of work).  I used to do 200 push ups and 200 sit ups at least 3 times a week but wasn't consistent in doing it so that's a target for this month. It'll do me good once I resume my 21K training and races.

• Be thrifty

I'm always a big spender every month and I now want to keep excess spending at a minimum.  After all, it's not how much you earn that matters, it's how much you save and with the holiday season approaching fast, it'll be good to have the excess cash for maybe a not so thrifty month of December.  Now, Let me think who's been naughty or nice for December???

• Be Slim

For some reason after doing my first 21K and several low intensity runs, I somehow feel bloated again so back to reduced meals for me.  I really want to reduce maybe about 5 pounds or more to add more speed to my runs.  Running light is a lot better than running heavy and to finally settle at a leaner shape.   Of course, it should do me well to be slim and with a faster metabolism once those holiday pounds do come in.

• Be Patient

With another board meeting fast approaching, I'd want to try lengthening my patience and just get the work done.  Whine less, do more.  Even if some people don't deserve the patience given to them, it maybe  better just ignoring their annoying ways.  You'll need all the effort to eke out a good day.  If things are not in the right place, learn to improvise.  If things get difficult, learn to survive.  If things get to be impossible, learn to move forward.

• Be Thankful

November has started on the right foot and I am ever so thankful. Finally have my first published article, Lovin La Bellarocca in the November Issue of Yapak Travel and Leisure magazine. Time to start thinking of my next article.  I'm also thankful for being a part of Team Total Fitness and being featured as part of the team in the November Issue of Total Fitness Magazine.  It's also been great writing several write ups on Team Total Fitness Facebook page and having increased readership in this pages.  I'm loving the fact that my byline is back and I'm back to my writing roots.
These would be the five resolutions for the month.  It's not gonna be easy but it's gonna be fun.  It's gonna be exciting yet it's gonna be challenging.  It does take great deal of focus to get things done.  I'm sure this month's gonna be great and I hope to sneak in a travel or two in my schedule.  It's a wait and see how far I'd go on my November Resolutions but it does give a goal to see and a framework to follow.

The Newest Kid on the Running and Multisport Block is Here

What was once a dream. It has now become a reality - Mascy Cabuhat, Manager of Team Total Fitness

The Beginning

When you get used to training and joining races as a group, you'd always dream about having to be able to run as a team.  It always starts with a dream and any dream can be a reality with a lot of hard work and then came Total Fitness Magazine seeking new avenues to channel its brand. Team Total Fitness is a fusion of a magazine that promotes Total Fitness in Mind, Body and Soul and passionate runners and multisport athletes.

Of course, everything doesn't come easy as sponsors don't immediately jump into a new band wagon but we are eternally grateful for Total Fitness and our maiden list of sponsors (Oakley, ON Cloudrunners, Brooks Apparel, Polar, Cep, i-pure, Chris Sports, Honey Stinger, Dermplus,  Epic Triathlon and Cycling Wear and Moving Comfort) and our Coach Andy Leuterio of Alpha Training System for giving us this shot.  The bulk of us have been training for some time now with Coach Andy and the best thing we can offer is our commitment to our sport and to carry the Total Fitness lifestyle and start chasing new PRs, longer distances and more sport disciplines.

The Team

We have a good mix at Team Total Fitness from sprint and long-distance triathletes who make it a habit to finish strong, to champion swimmer and hardcore cyclists, marathoners and ultra marathoners, to elite runners who consistently finish in the top tier of the races and to your regular passionate runners who strive to be better every race day.  We may compete on different disciplines and at different levels but the thing we have in common is that we always want to put our best running foot forward and that we'll contribute whatever we can to make the newest kid on the running and multisport block a successful one.

The Events

• Photoshoot

The first thing we did as a team was a photo shoot as the team would be introduced in the November issue of Team Total Fitness which would be available on your favorite bookstore and magazine retailers in November. Being featured in a monthly "total fitness" magazine is definitely an added motivation.  Of course, it does also mean we have to be good ambassadors of the Total Fitness brand.

• Contract Signing & Courtesy Call to Management

The formalities was next in line - 6 months as member of the first season of Team Total Fitness in a contract signing session held at Goldilocks, Shaw and a courtesy call to owners of Total Fitness Magazine.  It was indeed our honor to meet the people behind Total Fitness and it was nice of Mr. Mark Sosmeña, CEO of Total Fitness and Speed to share an inspirational talk on humility.  While we aim for new highs at Team Total Fitness we'll always be intact to our roots.  Greatness without humility is like skydiving without a parachute.

• Debut Race

And then the event we've all been waiting for - our debut race, Adidas KOTR 2011.  All 14 members of the team joined in both 16.8K and 21K category and it was a good one as we all had a good race and strong finishes and a member of our team even placed 12th in the 21K category.  We also had some photo opportunities at the Swim Bike Run (SBR) and Dermplus Booth.

And there goes the first chapter of Team Total Fitness.  Of course, you all know that this is just the beginning.  Catch us on our Team Total Fitness Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/TeamTotalFitness), monthly issues of Total Fitness Magazine and also catch us at the runs, marathons, cycling, duathlon, aquathlon and triathlon events near you.

21 Things I Learned Doing 21K

My first running goal was to reach sub60 for 10K and after months of training, I've finally reached that milestone. My next goal was completing a half marathon. It was something I never saw myself doing but you'll never how far you can go unless you try.  By the time, I decided to go for 21K, I was already able to do two 15K races at a decent time so I thought half mary shouldn't be a farfetched goal but somehow, I did hit a wall being struck with cramps towards the finish of a 10K run and then came vacation season followed by the rainy season and after all those breaks, I struggled and hit a plateau.  It felt like a restart but I finally decided to do myself away of all the excuses and go ahead with a training program I am bound to follow.
So there you go, three months worth of training program for me to level up to the 21K level.  No excuses was my mantra for that period and whether it rained, I was busy or I was traveling, I had to go with my program especially the long runs during Sunday.  I slowly built up my endurance and it wasn't easy but it was worth it.  Of course, there are a lot more fun alternative to do on a weekend but it's a matter of commitment to my training program and today I did hit my goal a 21K run and it was a solid debut and a decent time and a consistent pace with only water breaks as rests.
I'm half a marathoner and here were the things I learned the past few months.

1. Believe it is something you could do.
2. Love what you do.  Everything is much easier when you are enjoying it.
3. It's a long run. It's not how fast you run but how fast you recover.
4. There are no short cuts to building up endurance.  You got to run long and run consistently.
5. You got to love the hills. It strengthens your legs and increases your stride length.
6. You got to appreciate the easy runs.  It lets your muscles recover and at the same time, it keeps them from being stale.
7. Learn to rest and recover.  Your body will never learn how to recover unless given a chance to do so.
8. Conserve energy. Go for long and powerful strides.
9. Building up your upper body strength gives you additional stamina in the long haul.
10. Run high and run proud. A firm posture and consistent cadence does makes it a smoother run.
11. Listen to your body. It will tell you how far and how long you can go.
12. Take short walking breaks or do some drills a long the way.  It takes away the monotony of running.
13. Running conditions may change at an instant. Learn to live with it.
14. Learn to test your limits. You might fail at times but it'll make you better.
15. Experiment on what works for you on training runs - your gear, your gels and your pace.
16. Take the run a kilometer at a time. It's easier that way.
17. It's refreshing to run in the rain.
18. Compete with yourself to get better.  There is always a next level.
19. Feel good about yourself, nothing beats a positive outlook.
20. Try to visualize the finish line, it will give an extra motivation to go on.
21. When all else fails, it's your will to finish that would cross you through the finish line.

Thanks to my awesome running Coach Andy Leuterio for not only preparing me for my first 21K but also instilling some positive values in me that come a long way.  Thanks to my running team, Team Total Fitness and all our sponsors for the support.  This is just the beginning of the many races we'll have together.
Please support our team by liking our page.
https://www.facebook.com/TeamTotalFitness

The Real Life

“Having the time of your life is not the same as having a life.”

Fun is not the only ingredient that makes life a life.  We get the impression that we have a better life the more the fun we have but on the contrary having fun is just part of it.  The other part is that it is not bereft of problems and responsibilities and it is what makes it feel real.  It’s the same logic when we pinch ourselves just to know we are not dreaming.  No matter how we’d like to live our happily ever after, it won’t always go that way but not having it all is what makes life fair for the same reason that if you don’t have everything, then there will be something left for others and vice versa.

People do get the impression that I’m laid back with my travel-a-holic ways and some see me as a hardcore runner with the frequency of my training runs but there are also those who see me as intense and workaholic.  Well, I get to divide my time in the three endeavors and even more as I also get to spend some time with family and friends.  The ideal life is that you get to find time for all your endeavors but the fact would always be that you have to choose and prioritize.  Over the past three or four month, I’ve given up so much of my travel load just to fit my increasing training load.  Training has been a lesson on its own as you get to see the benefits on training hard – the more you push yourself, the better you become.  I’ve also tried to make the most of my time at work.  Though I’m way past the overtimes, in terms of stress… It does give the most.  My work is like being a breadwinner of a family with unlimited expenses. It’s kinda tiring endlessly sourcing funds and still always end up short and unappreciated.  Oh well, that’s the real life creeping in.

I get to have a challenging job with very minimal appreciation and satisfaction.  I just have to appreciate the milestones I’ve made and I know it should come handy in my future career alternatives.  That’s the thing about striving in the worst of condition, you are ready for anything that happens.  I’ll eventually move on to something better or at least that idea keeps me striving.  Even if life sucks at time, I’m still giving it my best efforts.  I’m lucky enough to be brought up in a condition where I always felt contented and responsible.  I’ll always credit my father for being strict enough when I was younger which has given me a grasp of ownership of my action.  Ok… Sometimes, I do hate my goody-to-shoes persona but knowing that it took you just 17 years to shape me as a person like that makes me appreciate it better.  Happy Birthday Papa and I wish you shared more than half a lifetime with me but you are part of who we are so I just have to make do with that.

I do hope I can do everything I want to do but that would be next to impossible.  I have fun at times, I take a breather at times, I indulge at times but for the most part, I am aware of my responsibilities and I know even if these are the things and people that weigh you down, it is what makes you going,  it’s what gives you purpose, it’s what makes you different.  The real life is not having what you want or doing what you want but taking choices, being a part of a whole and taking part in alleviating what makes life difficult. Sometimes, we really need those burden to keep us grounded and be able to reach out on things that matter.

If life feels a bit hard then your in the right track.  It’s not always easy but think about it, where you’d be if you always took the easy path.  It’s either you’d still be in the same location or probably asleep from boredom.  Life is like a cup of coffee, it’s the bitter taste that keeps us awake.

Welcome to Francramon.com

3 Become 1

I’ve moved to a new home and now all those post about my thoughts, my travels and my runs are now located in a single website, Francramon.com.  I started blogging way back in 2005 via Inkblogs with a day to day anything under the sun topic range. I then set up my own travel blog via Travel tales for those who’d like to hear more about the travel part of the adventure and less of the drama. Lastly, after being seriously hooked on running, I started to document my races via Run-A-Holic for those who’d like to take part on the running experience with each race.

And now… 3 become 1 as Inkblogs, Travel Tales and Run-A-Holic are all in a single dot.com site but the good part about it is that it’s sorted in categories and pages so you can just follow what you want at your own pace and at your own risk but I do hope you get to enjoy the site. 

I may not be blogging as much as I used to or want to as work-life-family-friend-travel-run balance is not the easiest of tasks to accomplish but I’m here to share a fraction of my thoughts, the excitement of my travels and the thrills of my runs or even some relevant topics that come in between.  The move to a new site has been months in the making as it does take time to migrate more than 500 blog posts in a span of 6 to 7 years but I’m glad that my work-in-progress is now complete.

Welcome to Francramon.com!!! 

The More Things Change, The More it Stays The Same

While I’m moving to a new home, I’d like to go back to the first blog, I’ve ever written.

” Busy days are quite common in existing as a young urban professional and taking an enormous load in graduate school… Somehow, events comes out with its heartbeat stopping twist… and the plot thickens… deadlines come and still come and still come (hey… why don’t they go)…

I always believe that each person has a story to tell and a life to live… Each one being a hero in his own story with all the twist and turns that unravel as we wake up day by day… each having to face conflicts and roadblocks… each story having its ups and downs… each story climaxing to a certain ending… The ending we create by the choices we make…

Decisions are made each moment… decisions which may impact a lifetime… The odd part is that we don’t always come up with the right choices… Being able to react positively or negatively to this defines our character… Success is not based on who gets the most but rather on who is happiest with what he got…“

Except for the part that I am no longer in Graduate School, most part of it could have been something I could’ve written even at the present time.  Makes me think, had all the past 6 or 7 years been such a routine.  It wasn’t.  It was in fact a rough and tumble emotional roller coaster ride but the good part is that even at the low points, I do manage to get back at a comfort level.  I guess that’s how to be resilient. No matter what life throws at you, learn to adopt and go back to your comfort level.

I’m now at a much different level right now and chasing different goals but my approach to life has always been the same.  Take life as it comes and make the most out of it.

Learn to Adopt to Changes, You’ll Acquire a New Skill in the Process
Things change.  There is no escaping that and most of the time it is beyond your control but change is good if you learn from it.  It’s always how you react that determines the outcome.  There are things I had no idea I could do until I tried it out and it turned out to be a better move.  I learned a lot of new stuff when I was left with no choice but do it myself.  Necessity is such a good teacher.

It’s really easier to let the Universe run its course than waiting in futility to have the Universe revolve around you cause it won’t.  Hold firm on the fixed stuff and be flexible on the variable stuff.  One key variable you have complete control is your attitude so next time you’re stuck with difficult situation or impossible odds just remember that whining about just delays you from finding the right solution.  Fate may not always swing in your favor but having a life without looking back with regret is a life well lived.

October Running
After being upbeat all September on big things to come, I am slowly getting to peak form for October.  It’s just a few long training runs before the big 21K debut.  I can’t wait to get over the hump and finish my first Half Mary knowing that it’s been worth several months of effort and sacrifices.  I am setting modest goals as of now but it’ll always be my best running foot forward for this run. Another thing that keeps me upbeat is that something new will also come to town and it is not much of a surprise but still I won’t spoil it all I can say is the next big thing is so close and things are heating up for its grand entrance.

Travel mode will be activated shortly as I’ve been idle on the travel scene to focus on my training schedule.  No details yet but this should shape up in the next few days and along the way, I should start to get my thinking cap on for future getaways.  I should plan early as I have to fit it in as much without compromising my busy schedule.

It’s gonna be back to those busy days at work as the year end approaches.  I’m stuck in a profession that has work building up towards year end and insufferable months after but being busy is part of my comfort zone so game on.  Bring in the hostilities!!!

Advocacy

"For life to matter, you just don't have to survive it... you have to make a difference."

Sometimes we are just content in surviving life and probably at times, it's the only choice we have but what does it matter to survive without a cause or a vision to believe in.  It's like groping in the dark or aimlessly wandering on the road without direction.  Making a difference is quite an ideal mindset and a part of me with always be an idealist but it's a simple formula, everyone does extend an extra hand and more people would be in a better position. That would be a better world but I for one should come up with a real advocacy to stand for.  I know I do my fair share of doing good but I'm caught with the idea of doing more on a consistent basis.

That would be the day but first things first, I have to shape up better financially.  I'm not well off nor am I on the short end but I do spend and spend a lot.  I guess, it doesn't matter how high you earn but the important part is the part you set aside.  I do have a fixed amount saved but it really isn't anything to crow about so I have to cut those unnecessary expenses and save more.  I've always had the 'today' mentality though it is also sound fundamental to equip yourself for today's battles as it builds on your instinct.  Of course, it does help that you also have a piece of your mind looking at where you're going and where I'm headed is quite exciting with big things coming.

Big things are coming!!! Changes are coming and it make each day something to look forward to.  I'm so excited, I just can't hide it but for now, I'll have to zip my lips, hold my posts and keep things in covert mode until the changes sets in.  Everything is moving at such a fast pace so it's just matter of time.  And with time moving so drastically fast, I may not be as good as I used to be in managing time.  I barely have time to update my blogs, kept travel at a minimum and have been less all over town as of late.  The reason being is that it's all systems go training for 21K and I can't afford too much slack.

And on that note, I still have to shed a few more pounds to bring in more speed and do more long runs to bring in more endurance.  It's quite challenging coming up with longer routes and digging deep in your energy reserve just to finish the run.  There's a lot of sacrifice to running but the upside is you build on your confidence, discipline and focus plus you get to lose a lot of weight.  I should be back to my writing roots and travel itch once I've done my half marathon or then again there's the possible shift to duathlon that's playing in my mind.

There's a lot of things thats playing on mind and like anything else, it's a step at a time...