Mt. Sembrano Trail Run

Mount Sembrano is a mountain located between Rizal and Laguna of the CALABARZON region in the Philippines. Mt. Sembrano is situated about 60 kilometres east by road from the capital city of Manila. It is my first trail event for 2018, and I really not planning to run this event but since i cancelled my trail run in Cordillera and I will be overseas the following week I decided to run just not to waste all the training I did for the Cordillera Mountain Run. They say it’s a pancake but not really I find this trail challenging because of many ascent going to the peak. Not to mention the first 6km of ascend. Al in all it was a fun and challenging race not to be missed by every year. Thank you to all the volunteers in every aid station specially to AS1. Thank you to all the photographer who witnessed all our suffering going up to the peak of Mt. Sembrano. Jaja Ferrer , Active Pinas group of shooters, and Be Trail Ready photographers.

Finished in 5hrs 59mins.
Ranked 48 out of 200+ runners

Race Host non other than Mr. JoMa Sison #rutanginamore

 

Clark-Miyamit 50mile Ultramarathon (CM50)

Through the ups and downs of running, I have found new perspective in life. The suffering and success has made me a stronger, happier person.

This year’s CM50 bad ass race is my second and considered as one of the Asia Trail Master’s Philippines Super Trail. It’s my second year meaning I did learn fairly on my first attempt and hoping for a best result. But as they say this year’s CM50 is more tougher due to its muddy trail going up to the peak. Nevertheless, race is a race and for whatever reason you have to deal with it. Just run and finish the race.

A big thank you to all the volunteers and marshall in every aid station, the aetas who help us cross the raging river, the photographers and lastly to Race Director Atty. Joniffer Lacanlale. Again thank you!

“Truly you will eat your own words once you recovered… see you next year!”

#asiatrailmaster #trailrunning #ultramarathon #clarkmiyamit #CM50
#peakperformance #southsideruner #ultratrail

Approaching the peak.

Cleaning my trail shoes full of mud and lahar. Photo credit: Kian Vicera

Miyamit Falls. Photo credit: Kian Vicera

Tired going down the strais. Photo credit: Jaionline. 

Approaching the peak. Two runners walking conservatively to the peak. 

Beautiful trail. Sunflower all around the trails.

Mt. Arayat.

Finished in 17hours 31mins.

My second year CM50 race.

Miyamit Falls Trail Marathon (MF42)

Running is so symbolic of life. You have to drive yourself to overcome the obstacles. You might feel that you can’t run any uphill anymore but then you find your inner strength by looking at the mountains and realize you’re capable of so much more than you thought. Trail running isn’t just about adding miles upon miles. It’s about becoming a balanced athlete who can respond to diverse conditions.

After a steady start I begun to crank it up, catching a few runners and make friends along the way and through aid stations, all with my signature smile just to hide the feeling of tiredness but deep inside you expect it to be hard and know that you’re going to have repeatedly challenge yourself of a never ending uphill/downhill from Miyamit Falls. But time flies every foot strike carries me forward and I have reached the finish line. Three years in the making and I finally made it. Because the MF42 event always conflict with our conference overseas.

Thanks to all volunteers who have given their time to support us. All the photographers at the Miyamit Falls led by Phen Avanzado, Glairold Recella and Jaja Ferrer at the finish line. Special shout out to Joma Sison for his signature voice at AS3 junction. Race Director Atty. Jonnifer and the rest of the staff, Thank you. See you in my next race CM50.

———

A quick glance of the beautiful route to the Miyamit Falls. Credits goes to Expedition Support and photos by Koi Grey.
https://www.facebook.com/bykoigrey/

Ranked 28
Time: 8hrs. 31mins.
Elevation Gain: 7,141 ft.

Endurance is one of the most difficult disciplines, but it is to the one who endures that the final victory come. ~Buddha

#southsiderunner #southerner #merrellph #peakperformance #trailrunning #MF42

Miyamit Falls as seen from a far.

Amazing scenery.

Locals of Moyamit, the Aetas.

Approaching the finish line. My quads is really hurts.

Quads, glutes, calves, and core…. damn really hurts!

Happy and sad that I didn’t bring enough candies for the Aetas. Finished in 8hrs. 31mins.

This shoes really serve me well in all of my trail races. I think it’s time to buy a new one. Merrell ph.

Start/Finish line at Sandbox Alviera in Porac, Pampanga.

41st National Milo Marathon

Still unlucky to qualify for my age category. I hit the wall at 39km and started to walk and run to the finish line and finished at 4hrs. 20min. way far from my previous 4hrs. 10mins.

I will try again next year! There’s nothing so personal i just want to have some fun and add more mileage to my running life.

I hope next year they will allow 42km in provincial elimination instead of the usual 21km. Thank you to all the sponsors, event organizers, and most specially to all the volunteers!!!  #southsiderunner

Climbing Mt. Kinabalu

Ascending Mount Kinabalu requires no specialized mountain climbing skills but it pays to be fit mentally and physically. Locals begin climbing the mountain from the age of three. The trail to the highest peak winds along the southern side of the mountain. It is an 8.5 km (5.25 miles) trek to the top. For most people, from a 9 month-old baby (carried by father) to an 83 years-old New Zealander, the journey takes two days.

The terrain stretches upward from lowland rain forest to montane forest, cloud forest and sub alpine meadow, before finally reaching a crown of bare granite.

During our climb to the summit on April 4, 20 out of 120 climbers made it to peak with Ver Castro and Robert Viray of Team EARCOS. The Summit Temperature is 2°C with a Wind Speed of 5km/h plus shower of rain during our ascent to the peak. Let the photo tells the story of our journey to the peak of one of the highest peak in South East Asia Mount Kinabalu. Elevation 4,095.2 m (13,435 ft).

Magnificent Mount Kinabalu in North Borneo, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.

Dinner time before the big climb tomorrow. Team EARCOS Dr. Joe Petrone, Ver Castro Dr. K, Me, Robert Viray, and Mary Petrone.

Thanks to Mr. Ravi of Sutera Harbour we’ve stayed in their first class cottage.

Another great view of the mountain.

Waiting for our guide. The condition in the mountain changes every 15 minutes rain starts pouring.

At Mt. Kinabalu National Park getting ready for the first stage of the climb. after 15mins all clear again scary what will be the condition at the peak.

There we go… a long decend.

still feeling relax.

Dr. K decided not to go further due to unseasonably heavy rains and a rapid heartbeat. at this point i’m already waiting at 4km but I had to go back when i heard that he is going back just to give him a big hug that we will try our best to conquer the peak.

After we have reached KM4 this is the most difficult climb big rock and water coming down from the summit and rain never stop at 2,000+ elevation. Those are porter carrying a load heavier than ours.

Soak and Wet. Arriving at Laban Rata base camp. I immediately changed my clothes and take some paracetamol. Altitude sickness starts embracing me.

After an hour my condition start to normalized while waiting for Robert to arrive. with Ver Castro he just finished his Yosi break.

Viola! I made it to the peak. REWIND >> before we ascend at 2:00AM mountain ranger advised our base camp that it is impossible for us to climb because the rain never stops and there is one portion at the peak that we have to crossed some strong running water coming from the peak and the rope might not be visible. But around 3:00AM they signal us that the rain stops that we are now able to climb. BUT the cut-off time is still 6:00AM. I arrived at the peak at 5:30AM.

20 out of 120 climbers made it to the summit.

The Summit Temperature is 2°C grrrrrrr!

The Summit Temperature is 2°C I can’t barely have a good smile.

No pa-BEBE smile this is the real condition. so cold.

Taking a few more shot before we decend.

Decending from the peak.

Decending fast, a sign of relief looking at the base camp for a big breakfast.

Thank so much Dr. K, Dr. Joe, Mary, Sherry, Nora, Finna, and the whole Sutera Harbour for arranging this climb for Team EARCOS.

3rd Conquer Ascend 42K – Maragondon 5 Peaks Trail Marathon

Energy and persistence Conquer all things – Benjamin Franklin

Thanks to RD Benedict J Meneses for putting up this trail running event in Maragondon, province of Cavite. Thanks to all Conquer staff and most specially to all Maragondon local volunteers, sorry guys I forgot to bring some candies/chocolates. In most of my trail run I always give something to the local guide who stay up late to guide us. It’s nice to see some seasoned KOTM ultra trail runner specially RD Jonel C Mendoza who joined the event.

Seeing those trail runners gives me motivation to run all the flat and power walk all the up. But in reality you can’t run side by side with them they are veterans of the mountain. So all I did is to greet them good luck as they fade away into the woods then you realized they already reached the turn around point. hahahahha!

Anyway there’s a natural water source waiting at the peak of Mt. Bulbok. Time flies I reached Bonifacio Execution site and then few more kilometers to the finish line. I finished the race in 7hrs. a good preparation for my next month climbing Mt. Kinabalu one of the tallest mountains in South-East Asia.

See you on the road/trail fellow runner~ #southsiderunner #southerner

Race briefing at Maragondon Elementary School.

Me at the back listening to the race director then got lost early stage of the race epic fail. LOL!

Group photo and me at the back massaging my legs.

Arriving at Aid Station(AS) 1

Coming down from Mt. Bulbok

Coming down from Mt. Bulbok. I ran fast as the heat of the sun already greeted us.

Still looking good but actually hungry and sleepy.

Great weather and most of all beautiful scenery.

Heading to Bonifacio execution site.

First time to be here in this historical Bonifacio monument, amazing.

I made it finished in 7hrs. 4mins. ranked 37.

With the Race Director Benedict “Jigs” Memeses. Good luck on your next event see you at Altra100 Philippine edition.

7 Eleven Run 2017

A week after my father died I decided to register for a full marathon just to unwind. No training for one month. I finished the race in 4hrs 36mins. #southsiderunner

2016 Workout Summary

A winner is someone who sets their goals, commits themselves to those goals and then pursues their goals with all the ability that is given to them.

#southsiderunner #southerner #peakperformance

Clark-Miyamit CM50 Ultramarathon Trail

“A winner is someone who sets their goals, commits themselves to those goals and then pursues their goals with all the ability that is given to them. That requires someone who believes in themselves, who will make self sacrifices, work hard, and maintain the determination to perform at the best of their ability.” – C. Leeman Bennett

Clark-Miyamit Trail Race: CM50 is considered as the Philippines’ SuperTrail in the 2016 Asia Trail Master championship and last Super Trail of the year. (PinoyTrails)

There’s a lot of reason for me to be proud of what I have achieved last Sunday event the Clark-Miyamit CM50 Ultramarathon trail running in Clark, Pampanga. First it landed on the date after our conference and for the past three years when they schedule the race it always landed on the same date of our conference. Second, one year of proper training which I think I executed very well by joining a 50K trail running event. I considered the Conquer 50K and Deadman’s 300 trail running ultramarathon that have given me lots of lesson for the CM50 ultra. Third, proper planning of elevation and kilometers between each aid station(AS) is the key for me that I have finished the race with an hour to spare before the cut-off time. Fourth, run all flat and downhill trail and walk/power walk all uphill trail. Fifth, whatever happens NEVER QUIT!

This is the second time I joined that the trail are properly marked, as in hand down to RD Atty. Jonnifer Lancanlale and the rest of the working crew that they placed a reflector light along Pasig-Potrero river you will see the lighting from a far. Thank you to all veteran runners in each of the aid station(AS) in supporting us specially at AS4, guys you really keep us going, down to Miyamit Falls and up to the PEAK. Thank you to RaceYAYA for a smooth registration process and timing chip. Thank you to Jose Ramirez of PinoyTrails, Active Pinas, and Ace Cazar for all your great action photos.

CONGRATULATIONS to Manolito Divina who won as 2016 CM50 BadAss Champion and become the first Filipino winner of the Asia Trail Master Championship, while Female category was dominated Baguio’s pride, Sandi Menchi and followed by 2015 Champ Majo Liao. (PinoyTrails)

CONGRATULATIONS to all Certified BADASS finishers! See you again next year!

arriving at the AS1 and reviewing my cheat sheet. Actually it’s really hard for me to read without my reading glass.

Tired and sleepy.

Arriving at the Miyamit Falls getting my shoes clean before going up again in AS4.

Exhausted and hungry.

washing my socks full of lahar and mud.

at the Miyamit Falls. The photographer is more focus on the falls instead of focusing the lens to the face. hehehe blurd face~

15hours of running in the mountain with lahar sand inside your trail shoes is really F*&%&! S*&^!!!

Veteran move NEVER QUIT! at the Pasig-Potrero river.

My race and elevation profile. 86km total.

Compressport Forest Run 2016

It’s my fourth trail running event for this year and just wanted to thank the Race Director Thumbie Remigio and staff for putting on an outstanding event last Sunday. Great course (I had never run it before), great local location, easy to sign-up, easy to park and great volunteers. It was so well done it looked more like the 10th, not the 1st. I sincerely hope you organize this again next year, I am really talking this up with anyone that even owns a pair of trail running shoes hahahah. Clearly it’s a ton of work to pull one of these events together, your efforts and those of all the volunteers are greatly appreciated! Thank you to Pinoy Trails and Active Pinas for these beautiful action photos.

Congratulations also to my wife Sheryll for finishing strong in 21K category in 3hrs 19mins. Congratulations also to all my friends who greeted me along the traill, see you on the road/trail.

Compressport Forest Run 2016
La Mesa Nature Reserve
Finished: 5hrs. 26mins.
Ranked: 43 out of 164

Thank you to Pinoy Trails and Active Pinas for these great action photos.

Starting line.

RD Thumbie Remigio in yellow shirt.

Merrell Shoes official sponsor

42k and 21K gathered at the starting line. Compressport official sponsor.

off we go. me at the middle of the pack.

my wife Sheryll in 21K category in front of Gatorage tarp and I let her use my UD hydration vest.

Past 6AM tired after hammer that long downhill.

tired and hungry. sorry not able to smile

coming out of the woods

coming out of the woods

at the La Mesa reservoir

Running hard as I hear the sound heading to the finish line.

Running hard as I hear the sound heading to the finish line.

Finished at 5hrs 26mins ranked #43 out of 164 runners

Finished at 5hrs 26mins ranked #43.

With Manolito Divina Asia Trail Master. Congratulations for winning the race.