Zamboanga City - My Very First Visit

What did I do in Zamboanga City?

My very first visit in  this place is just for 3 days, this is  to join an ultra marathon race held on the place. But because the event will happen on the 3rd day yet, we decided to go around and visit many good places and eat the most delicious delicacy of the city. 

Day 1

 Left Manila Friday, February 24, 4:20am. Upon arrival in Zamboanga City, bringing our luggage at  the place of our host family, Leni and Joji, we enjoyed a sumptuous breakfast prepared by them, curacha in alavar sauce, shrimp, tinolang tangigui, mixed fresh vegetables and fruits. First check on my list, curacha in alavar sauce. After breakfast we head  to  the Department of Tourism to register our trip the following day to the island of Sta. Cruz. That begins our adventure for the rest of the day.

1. Lantaka Hotel by the Sea - it's a hotel decorated in a local native way beside the sea. Great view of the peninsula straight but we are not for that, we are here to see their famous sea pearl that ranges from the cultured items to the most expensive authentic one. We bought few pieces, a good souvenir of our visit, besides it really looks great too. 

2.  Fort Pilar Shrine and Museum - this place is a remnant of Zamboanga's  colonial past. With a Marian Shrine upon entrance of the fort, making it just appropriate to ask for thanksgiving  and light ed colorful candles before doing anything else.  A museum inside the fort is a great way to know , discover and experience the rich culture and heritage of the place. 

3.  Ateneo de Zamboanga - a visit on one of  the famous university of the city, to see the two kids of our hosts and at the same time have a tour of the campus of the university which us celebrating  its 100 year anniversary  and our Atenean friend might want to grab a souvenir, he got a pen. 

4. Lunch at Mano Mano na Greenfield Restaurant - now hungry, we drop by this restaurant and order the local delicacy, kare-kare, grilled pusit, kangkong, tinolang bangus, calamares, and mango shake, we are not  just hungry but  very very hungry.  The dessert will just follow later. It's a Friday, supposedly an abstinence from eating meat, but how can I resist  to the yummy kare-kare.

5. Pasonanca National Park - a visit to this famous park reminds me of my elementary and high school days, I always hear of the Boy's Scout's  national camp on this place but really haven't got a chance to be part of an event held here those days. I finally got  a chance to see it when it's quite, no campers around. After which we just take a look at the big famous swimming pools while riding on the car. The place is famous for it's beautiful park with big public pools and a slide of flowing water. 

 

6. Abong - Abong and Climaco's Freedom Park - This is actually a freedom park build in honor to the famous   Cesar Cortes Climaco who served the country and become one of those who fought for democracy. This place is also the gateway to the highest peak of the city, Abong Abong passing by the station of the cross before reaching the place overlooking the entire city up to the island of Sta Cruz and Basilan. 

7. Palmera's Knickerbocker Dessert  -  a famous dessert of  mix fresh fruits, jelly, shaved ice, milk topped with ice cream only found on the city of Zamboanga. A very appropriate one on a hot and humid afternoon after our long travel and walk to several places already.

8. Yakan Village - the Yakans are considered among the finest weavers in the country, they are the original inhabitants of Basilan, now forming a  small community in the City of Zamboanga. Weaving is their main means of income by selling the items on the the shops just below their community fronting the main highway accessible to tourists. They are kind enough to show us how it is being made.


9. Vista Del Mar - a sightseeing tour of this resort by the sea, it did not even take us 15 minutes to go around the place by car. Not so maintained anymore but the place is just really huge  with cottages for beach goers. We just go down to take few pictures of the resort's signage.

10. Paseo del Mar - we end our day on this beautiful reclaimed area. It's well lighted with colorful ones with benches fronting the sea with several restaurants around that strollers can enjoy a full meal or just a desert of knickerbocker or just have bottle of drinks while listening to a live band. We started looking at the boat people asking for coins which they swim for it using an improvised musk and fins. Some of them are with handcrafted merchandise they offer to visitors. Our friend Cherrye take the time to see and buy few items from them. After which we look for some food for dinner.

Day 2 (Saturday, February 25)
An early trip to the  airport to meet one last addition to the team on this adventure.

1. Wet Market of Sea Foods
Because we are leaving for the island  of Sta. Cruz today to  enjoy the white sand and clear water, we need to buy food that we will bring to the island. First off, we went to the wet market of sea foods, lot's of it. Curacha, crab, fish of so many kinds, sea shells, shrimps of different sizes, seaweeds, etc. There's just too many to mention, and with the help of Joji, Cherrye just take time to choose which among those she wants to buy and eat for lunch.

2. Fruit Stand
A short stop over at the fruit stand to buy fruits we can bring to the island as well especially for FR who is a full vegan. There are many fruits familiar to us but something distinct in the Mindanao region is marang, rambutan, durian (which I really do not learn to love eating), there was avocado, my very favorite fruit, but it was too expensive. I thought I'll just let go of it at this time.
3. Barter Trade

With lot's of sea foods ready to be cooked and fruits ready for eating, instead of going home straight Joji thought of dropping us off at Barter Trade while Leni will cook what we bought. I grow up in the province hearing about the Barter Trade of Zamboanga, I vividly remember the soft white rabbit candy with edible inner wrapper. But it was when I am there that I am so amazed with how it is being done. Most of what they sell are all imported from Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunie, especially those grocery goods: maggi kari, maling meat loaf, corned beef, ensure milk, milo powder, cookies, lotion and more. I am more amazed with the linens and malongs sold in almost every stoles. With so many good designs, I just got so confused which among those items I will get but of course I need to decide. I spend but I am glad and happy.

4. Sta. Cruz Island
A 20 minute boat ride from the city of Zamboanga, Sta. Cruz island is known for its pinkish white sand. This is just a small island right in between the city of Zamboanga and Basilan. Contrary to most of the people's notion, the place is peaceful but despite that, all that is going to the island should be escorted with one PNP personnel. This is just for safety purposes. The island has around 75 houses of family but not visible to where beach goers are being brought. They serve as the guardian of the island making sure that it is clean and maintained. All beach goers are not allowed to stay overnight, one is just allowed to stay and enjoy the beauty of the place for a day. The island is beautiful, with wide white sand one can just lay sarong  on the sand and relax, it has clear water that one can enjoy swimming though the current is just really strong or just stroll around the place and enjoy the view. One is discouraged though to stray on the other side of the island. We swim a bit and enjoy the cool water despite the bright sun.

Among the many things that we did for the past two days, the many places that we visit, the yummy foods that we eat, the people that we meet, I had so much fun and I enjoy a lot. But it is the sleeping birds lining on the electric wires on one street, on one street of the city,  yes just one particular street ton he heart  of the city of Zamboanga that I am in so much awe. How come on the middle of a city such as this, birds which we call sayaw (cave birds) in my local Cebuano tongue  has find a home on this street even if it's well lighted, this is not dark at all.

 Day 3 (Sunday. February 26)
Vinta Ultra Race
The race proper, the very main reason why we are here. It took us almost the entire day spend to finish the race having no time anymore to go one more round of even the Barter Trade. After the race we had to rush back at Leni's house, change and go to the airport. Wait for our flight that is more than 2 hours delayed. 

That ends my 3 day weekend full of fun and adventure. I hope to come back this place and enjoy it's beauty someday.   

Vinta UltraMarathon 2012

I haven't been to Zamboanga. So when my friend Rica posted a race on this place I said go, even without putting much thought about it. This will be my cool down to my HK100 kilometer trailrun a week ago in Hong Kong, a 50K run cool down, I thought. But will this really be a cool down for me?

Rica found a friend who can offer an accommodation and transportation for us to go around the place prior to the race. That makes me so excited that I decided to book for my flight and pay the registration fee for the event.

Vinta Ultra, we said, aside from the run we will search the famous Vinta of the Zamboanga Peninsula, it turn out this colorful sail boats only come out on a special occasion every October. Anyway, we just enjoy our stay in the city by savoring the place's yummy seafoods and visiting beautiful places without thinking so much of the race. Upon showing the race map to our hosts, they said it's going to be a far distance away from the city without also telling us of the terrain. I got excited thinking I get to see more places on this race. 

The first two days we spend going around the city and eating  so much yummy seafoods, without even thinking of the race on the last day of our stay in the city. It seems like we are here for the sightseeing and not the race itself. 

With almost healed legs, the sore on my legs that I've been feeling the past few days after my HK100 a week ago is now totally gone, probably the walking around the city also help recover. My right leg has one dead toe nail, one small blister and a minor pain on the knee which I did not feel anymore as well, I am now ready to face another challenge. 

The past days, just when we wish for a cloudy rainy not so sunny day, that did not happen, so it is expected that the race day will be another bright sunny day.  Saturday, I have again my monthly period, something I did not expect on this race, I did not prepare for it but good thing I bring with me full tights,  even if I have in mind using  shorts due to the weather, I have no choice but to have long tights despite the hot sunny day. I do not want another bloody legs on this run.  Sunday come, it's already our long run day.  There are 4 of us coming from Manila who lives together in Lyne's house for this race. Wake up earlier than the ring of my alarm clock, prepare and get ready for the event. We all agreed this will be an easy pace for us, just a cool down for me and Zean, the very first ultra for Rica and a slow race for FR as well.  Zean and FR promised to take the race slowly and pace with us. After taking breakfast, my stomach started not to feel too well. I have to go to the toilet twice before the race started for nature calls. So a super good luck to me, doing an ultra road run with an upset stomach and having my monthly period. 

As we arrive more than 30 minutes  before the gun start, there are already few runners around at  the starting area.  Upon claiming our race bibs, we take some pictures, relax, meet other runners both from the city and others from Manila, and I do another visit to the restroom. Surprisingly Sir Carl from Smart and Ariane are there too, though Sir Carl is not running, only Ariane. We are released at exactly 5:00am. A super goodluck to us, we really do not know what we are  putting ourselves into on this race. 

The first 14 kilometer is just following the highway from the gun start at Golden  Orchid Hotel going to Ipil. It's still early, the sun is not out yet and  I am glad we do not have to share the road with so many motorists. The four of us just take a slow pace, sometimes I am on the lead with FR. Zean and Rica is just following us at the back. I enjoy the view, as we run further distance, it leaves the city structure and it becomes more of the wider horizon of trees and plants. We take note of several newly build subdivisions, the designs are just so modern. Upon reaching the 8 kilometer mark, a water station is already available, though we are not hungry yet, Zean decided to get water and pack of chippy, yes chippy, upon the request of Rica. Service to the highest level.

After several kilometers, the sun is already up, and another support crew is waiting, bringing some ice candy. At first I thought of  not taking one, I am still ok, not hungry, not warm. We continue with our highway adventure, another water station appeared, at this time with cracker and water. I thought of not taking anything yet, I can feel my stomach not really   on a very good state. My sanitary napkin is still ok, what is not ok with  me is my stomach, I got so conscious that whatever I'll take will upset my stomach,  so I only drink water, not even gatorade. 

The 14 kilometer marker is the turn left sign going to Barangay Guisao.  The sun is already up, bright and shining, a sign of a bright sunny day ahead of us. We still  run together, the four of us. From the highway, the turn starts with a downhill road followed by an uphill one until it reaches a community, with more trees, rice paddies, vegetable plantation,  bushes and grass. It becomes greener and  there are now less artificial structures around and less vehicle pollution, something I love to see.  At the 16 kilometer mark is another turn left going to the mountain slopes of the area. We hydrate again at this mark, eat some crackers and drink more water. I can feel my stomach is already starting to get upset again. I did not think about it and just focus on my pace. After few kilometers of flat is already an uphill road with times that it goes down a bit but goes to another uphill as well. At times it's rough road. It's at around kilometer 20 that I can feel I really need to use the restroom. Nature calls and I really cannot stop it anymore. I tell the group to just go ahead and I will stop for a toilet break. I asked one house, at first the lady is hesitant, they do not have a clean toilet, I don't mind, I even want  to do it in the bushes anyway. So there  it goes. After several minutes I resume my uphill adventure now just alone, passing by some runners sometimes. There are some photographers riding a car or motorcycle that pass by and took pictures of us. Most of the time we greet locals and they are amazed how far we have been running. At one community there are several children bringing some flaglets forming two lines greeting each runner that will pass. I did not get a chance to take picture of that but it feels great to see them. I hope I inspire them to go into running when they grow up someday.

taken from zean's album

After few kilometers I catch up with my running mates. There are already few runners coming back and saying we are almost to the 25kilometer turn around point. But ofcourse that did not happen soon. At this time most of the road is now down hill, to the next down hill up to the next super down hill. I can imagine how this will be on the way back. I run last among the four of us, I do not want   to put so much pressure on my knees and might get injured on the downhill road. As much as I wanted to race til the bridge, I just really cannot. The turn around point is already visible but it's still a downhill run. After few minutes, finally reach the station, hydrate, eat cracker again take some pictures, then decided to leave after FR ahead of Zean and Rica.  The sun is totally out and it's just shining to it's brightest. I  think  of stopping somewhere and use the toilet again. But after several minutes Rica and Zean catch up with me, I tried to move faster on the uphill road but I just really cannot. I keep on thinking at some point I will ask again a house where I can use the toilet or just do it in the bushes. But I continued running. 

taken from zean's album

There are few runners who did the half relay that finished the first half and now on motorcycle going back to the starting/finish point, some of them  asked me if I am ok, what do I need, I forgot I needed some  more tissue paper, I almost consume what I brought on my first toilet stop. Oh well, I only thought of asking one after the first vehicle asked me. I thought I should ask on the next support crew that will come.  As I deal with the downhill road, it's now becoming very hot. I pass by some male runners, other pass by me too. At some point a support vehicle is park on a downhill road asking if I need water, banana, gatorade, ice. Having the tissue in mind, I asked for it. Unfortunately they don't have. I just asked some electrolyte drink and more ice. I  have been thinking my worst scenario if I run out of tissue paper and if ever  nature calls again, I might use my precious headware which I do not want that to happen. I am thinking I cannot take more solid yet. And off I go with my adventure going down. Zean and Rica is not  within my sight anymore, I am sure  they are far ahead of me already. At some point I wanted to ask again at the house where I asked first for a toilet break, but I thought I can still wait for it until some time. 

taken from Zean's album

I just take my time going down, I know I am almost the 16 kilometer station. It's already hot, I already wish I brought with me a small towel where I can wet with ice cold water at the water station and put on my head. Most of the time I just run on the side portion of the road, until from a far I thought  there is a meter long stick without me realizing it's a snake. I am less than a meter close to it. To my surprise I shouted and that scared the snake, it comes to an attack position, without looking back I rush to my fastest pace without thinking the pain in my legs. That was my closest encounter of the a snake and it scares me to death. After few kilometers I already reach the 16 kilometer marker and to my surprise my running mates are at the sari sari store waiting for me while drinking soda. I hydrate more and refill my hydration bottle and get some crackers. I feel I need to eat, I am just really afraid to take my energy gels it might upset my stomach more. Finally I use the rest room after Rica did and she offer her wet ones. So kind of her, unfortunately the sari sari store did not sell any tissue paper. 

After my toilet adventure we started our way back to the main highway, now on a scorching heat of the sun. There are few kilometers left on the local road before a right turn to the main highway, there are still trees on the sides, so our approach is run for the next shade, when on the shaded area we walk  then run again as we come to the next exposed area. It's really very very hot. But upon reaching that signage of the main highway, it was just really totally a blistering heat of the sun that greet us. Totally hot all over. We are like bread baked in an over with heat coming from the sun  above and heat below from the ground. Still our approach is to run to the next shade but on the highway there are just really very minimal shade. We just continue with our walk jog approach. Upon reaching kilometer 14 I started to take one pack of Gu energy gel. With only cracker, one piece banana and 3 candies on almost 7 hours of on the road, I can now feel my sugar level going down. I need to have something despite my stomach condition.

After sometime on a never ending highway road going back to the starting/finishing line, to our surprise,  buko for sale. FR already stop for one and we thought of stopping as well. I am hesitant of getting one but I thought the water of the buko will help me hydrate. After finishing it, I can now feel I need to go to the toilet, it's not later but now. We are on the middle of a highway with out any house, it's bushes beyond the highway fence. I step over the below the waist fence and find my spot among the bushes, nature calls,  hearing the vehicle pass by or the voices of some runners that also take some buko did not bother me at all, I just need to do it on that place. It was a relief after that break.

And off we continue  with our adventure on the highway under the heat of the sun. I can now feel my  face, arms, shoulders totally burned from the sun. I just pray nothing will happen to me, I am so afraid I will get dehydrated from lack of fluid intake or even very less solid for the past several hours. And aside from that I was thinking the heat might be too much and heat store might strike. I am just thankful to the vehicle crew who offers water, that gives us time to hydrate and wet our head to cool a bit. At the kilometer 8 marker, I was thinking we are almost there, 42K done, 8K more under two hour time. With this we just focus on our way back, after Rica stop to a gasoline station for a toilet break which I did not do, I started looking for the next gasoline station, we pass by three but all on the right side, nothing on the side of the road where we are. I am so tempted to asked on some stores, clinics and even karenderya for a toilet break but I just continue. Until we pass another water station on the right side of the road just beside a gasoline station. We decided to take a water break, but I  go straight to the toilet. When I come back Zean and Rica waited for me. So happy to see them.

from Sir Carl's album

We continue having Zean on the lead me at mid and Rica at the back. After the wet market of fresh sea foods I know we are almost there, but ofcourse that did not come soon as well. There are still several intersections we pass. The weather cooperates, some clouds cover the sun making our last stretch of run less irritating to the skin, though I am already totally red, my skin is now bunred. After passing by the intersection of Jollibee and Chowking, I know very well we are almost there, but the tall building of the Golden Orchid Hotel is still not visible. It's really like taking forever to the finish line. When I see the Marcian Hotel, I know we are almost there, until the marker of the finish line is just visible several meters away. Yahoo, finally we are done. 8 hours 35 minutes of running under the heat of the sun.

I am so glad to cross the finish line with my running mates, Zean and Rica, FR finish few minutes ahead of us. The organizer of the race Jonel is also there waiting before we cross the arch of the finish line with Sir Carl. And surprisingly our support Cherrye, Leni, Joji and Claudien are there too. It's just feels great seeing them cheering for us as we cross the finish line.

I survived my first road ultra and finish the run injured free and thankful nothing happened to me despite my condition. Rica did a strong finish too, she is fast  and strong despite this is her very first time to do such long race in that heat and terrain condition. I'd like to commend Zean and FR for staying with our pace despite the fact that both of them can run faster and finish way ahead of us. So thankful.

I'd like to congratulate the Zamboanga Runner's Club and Front Runner, for a successful event. Their constant monitoring on the runners especially on the way back to the finish line really is a big help. Job well done.

Another adventure conquered. 

Vibram HK100 2012

Vibram® Hong Kong 100 Vibram ® 香港100

The Vibram® Hong Kong 100 is an ultra endurance race that takes place in Hong Kong.  The 100km course starts in Pak Tam Chung on the Sai Kung Peninsula and covers some of the most beautiful scenery in Hong Kong, including remote and unspoilt beaches, ancient forests, nature trails, reservoirs and steep hills.  The course is based around Hong Kong's famous Maclehose Trail, but with some diversions to ensure that runners spend more time in its most scenic sections, as well as finishing with the descent from Hong Kong's highest peak (Tai Mo Shan).  The course involves a cumulative elevation gain of over 4500 meters and the cut-off time is 32 hours.  This is a unique, challenging and beautiful run for the trail running enthusiast and a chance to take part in an unforgettable event. (Extracted from event's site) 

the view of the trail that I am going to take up to the mountain

I decided to sign up and join the race and make some amazing memories! That in itself is already an adventure for me, taking the challenge head on, saying yes despite the fact that I know I will face on the actual race. Upon finally registering, it's a mix feelings of excitement and scared. I know it's going to be a very long run and despite that I want to take the challenge. Especially that it's going to be on a winter in Hongkong, how it will be running on the mountain slopes of this place on a cold weather. Inspired by some of my friends who did this trail before and those who wants to do for the first time just like me, I gave it a go. I made use of whatever available days left of me after my big climb to train for the event.

here is the elevation chart, towards the end of the race is the killer trail

I said to myself, I'll just have to goal of finishing the race, though having to run for 32 hours I cannot imagine myself doing it that long. After which I thought, it would be nice if at least I will be able to bit my time on my first 100K run, I'll just goal for that. Though having  a trophy would be nice as well but that would already be a super bonus if I will be able to do it. As I always mentioned on the past, I don't run fast, I just do it consistently and never give up while on the race and  while my body can. I run to develop physical endurance and mental toughness to prepare myself for bigger outdoor adventures.

So with so much prayers, I got so excited on the race day. I prepared the best that I can, and just made sure that I have with me in my pack whatever I needed in  the race. At the starting point, there are so many runners, 750 all in all both locals and international participants, coming from more than 30 countries. We meet our fellow Filipino runners, there are more than 10 of us running for this event and I meet some of my friends from other country like PS from Singapore and Seow Kong of Malaysia. It's great seeing them again.

The race starts at the eastern side of Hongkong, at Pak Tam Chung Park. As the  runners are released, it also is the start of my run/ walk strategy, having in mind I have to take this slowly for this is going to be a very long run but always making conscious of how my body is reacting to my pace and the distance that I have been running. And I am always conscious that I  should also enjoy the view of this beautiful place.  Upon reaching the start of the first trail head, it was already a bottle neck of humans, all eager to pass the entrance  of the trail and start doing the ascend. The uphill trail is  manageable and I am beginning to see the beautiful view of the mountainous part of Hongkong with body of water and islets in between. Reaching the first 10 kilometer, at the Support Crew station, there are already food. I grab some though I am not hungry yet. I am not mindful at all how many hours I've been running.

I manage my energy by refueling on each CP stations, sometimes taking some energy gels and gatorade drinks even before reaching the next station. Thank goodness for the food on each CP, that was a big help though upon reaching CP8, I just force myself to take something even if my throat cannot swallow anything anymore. Drinking some water while eating helps  me have something on my stomach towards the end of the race. I know I need to have food in order to sustain my energy.  The support crew and volunteers are really of great help. They are always helpful upon reaching each station, they help refill my bladder with water, offering what ever food I want to eat from the array of food that they have. 

It has always been a cycle that after each CP is a long road after which it leads to an uphill steep cemented or rocky trail up to the highest point of that area then a downward steps most of it cemented as well before it goes again to a road before it reaches to another CP. There are times just when I already enjoy jumping from one rock and boulder to another before reaching another check point, the trail leads again on a cemented one. I guess it is around 60% of the trail are either cemented stairs and trail and  road making the course really challenging. I can always do long treks on a real trail but not on paved and cemented one. But at this time I have to deal with it.

I am doing very well on each stations, I know my legs started to ache upon reaching CP4 but it's still manageable. I am just conscious I need to hydrate well and have enough sugar level before reaching each station for I do not want to have that same experience on my first 100K run. Having that in mind is a very big help for me. At CP4, I already wish I brought with me my trekking pole. It could have been a great help on the steep ascends. Upon reaching CP5, it already starts to get dark. It's a big relief I got to go the the toilet and after which I eat hot noodles. It keeps me warm on this cold temperature. I put on my headlamp, my gortex jacket, bonnet and started using my trekking pole.

Beginning at the half point from CP 6 onwards, I trek alone most of the time, my training in mountaineering helped me a lot to be more conscious of the trail signs, that helped me not to get lost and it never dawned on my mind to be afraid despite the total darkness on the wilderness. I also thank my resent climb in the big mountain, that helps me sustain the cold night and strong winds on those exposed areas of the trail.  It was the barking of the dog before reaching CP8 that I got so afraid I waited the next runner  to arrive.  He said I have to be afraid of the monkeys not the dogs. Whahhh....and he asked,  don't you have any companion from the Philippines that can join you trekking at this time of the night? So brave of you to do it alone at this time.  I told him all of them are already ahead and most likely are done and cross the finish line. With that I have no choice but to trek alone, besides I am having fun doing it alone, it's like having a date with myself in the wilderness. 



Thanks to Pong Pong Law for this shot

But it was on CP 9 towards the finish line that I wish there could  have been an injection that I can  temporarily take away even for just that stretch  of the route my feeling of pain on my legs. But ofcourse that is never possible, I just thought, giving up at this very moment is not an option at all. I can feel the pain in all parts of my legs up to the toes, I've been running/trekking for more than 20 hours already with very minimal rest. Where is the love of the Race Director of this race, just when one is about to finish, you have to go through this long challenging stretch again. I gave up my wish of having to finish the race on sub 24, but my only goal is  to finish it before 9:00am.  The 4 kilometer descend from Tai Mo Shan seems like forever, I've been waiting to see the arch  of the finish line or wish to hear a sound system, music or some  voice from an announcer at the finish line. But that did not happen soon. I have to run fast again  despite my painful legs and cross the finish line, it was 8:45am, that was almost 25 hours of extreme adventure without sleep at all. Painful but awesome adventure. I like the view so much, that side of Hongkong that I never thought exists. The awesome view of the mountain slopes and bodies of water on day time and the glitters of the lights on the streets and skyscrapers on both sides of Hongkong at night time is just really fantastic. I know I cannot see such magnificent view without having to go through that challenging trail.  I thank  my running mates for convincing me to join this race, I thank  the organizers for such a great event and  I thank God for giving me the strength to endure that long.

What helps:

1. Having been able to run the same distance before, I am very mindful when to eat and when to hydrate, in order to sustain the sugar level of my body.
2. Being conscious when to put additional layering of clothes and not wait for me to get cold.
3. Eating real food on every check points.
4. My experience in mountaineering, having been able to do several night treks before and  probably my being lead pack most of the time made me so mindful of the trail signs and making me aware that I should be on the right trail. I thank God I never get lost on this race.
5. My recent AC climb help me a lot on how to deal with the cold wind at the middle of the night.

6. When it was already around 2:00am, I thought of bringing out my music to keep me awake, though I only use it several minutes, it run out of battery but it helps.
7. Taking an all alert chewing gum, though the taste was really bad but somehow I know it keeps me awake.
8. Having Boy Bawang and Happy Peanut as my trail food on those dark stretch of the trail,  having to count how many I have put on my mouth made me awake on those wee hours of the night.
9. Saying the rosary over and over again especially on those parts that is so dark and I am alone trekking.
10.  Bringing a trekking pole, it could have been better if I brought two but one is better than nothing at all.
11. Keeping a positive happy thoughts especially on those moments that I am just alone.
12. I love doing the stairs, even when I did my  first outdoor adventure training almost 12 years ago,  than running. But on this race, it's a never ending steep ascend of stairs or a forever descend of either cemented or stairs made of rocks and stones. I learn to bless them and send positive vibes on them, that they will not harm so much my knees and that I never curse them, instead embrace the challenge with enthusiasm. I think that helps too...hehehe 

Inspirations

Several days after my year 2012 started, fresh from my big expedition and still uncertain what races to join and mountains to climb for the year, I learn from my friend  Seow Kong Ng whom I met last year  in FB and personally  meet at Kinabalu Climbathon that he is running this year (2012) those races that I dream of doing in the future. All I can say is WOW, amazing, he truly is an inspiration for me to aspire for more. At times I thought, where did he get all his strength having to do all that he is doing now. With that, all the more I cannot say that my being a woman and at my age I can make it an excuse not to push beyond what I think I can do.

Having that awe inspiring feeling,  I thought it's about time for me to write down my list of inspirations on the field that I love to do. They are not the people on the limelight but rather they are simple, humble, low-key people whom I meet along the path that I love and enjoy. I admire their passion and enthusiasm to do the outdoor sports and adventure. They inspire me to do the same as well. They are the people that I meet on different mountains that I've been to for several years now which I keep in touch until now.

Sky Biscocho (Philippines) - is one of my mentor when it comes to matters about outdoor adventure. A fellow climber from Tanauan, Batangas, I met him on my training years in AMCI when I was first introduced to this adventure almost 12 years ago. Since then I look up to him when it comes to strength and endurance on climbing whether on an exploration or on an established trail. And aside from his passion on climbing he paints well and sings well too. Outdoor person and talent in arts combined, blessed guy. 

Mr. Su (Taiwan) - my very first mentor in alpine/snow climbing. I met him on my very first snow/winter  climb way back February of 2008. Without any knowledge and experience on winter climbing (it's even my very first time to see a snow), the three novice on alpine climbing decided to climb on a winter and he  agreed to guide us all the way despite our being inexperienced and unprepared. He patiently check our gears and recommends to us what to use, which gear we should buy and which gear we can improvised, what to do on a high altitude trek, when to stop on the trail,  when to eat trail food, what to do in order not to feel too cold, what we should do on the camps, and he cook great food for us. He speaks very little English but he makes it an effort that he will get his message across when we are conversing. And one thing I really admire him, despite his age he is still very physically active in sports, mountaineering, badminton and biking. He has been to Nepal twice. As short and stocky and at his age, he is strong, carries more than 35kgs pack, not really pack but a cabinet and he treks fast. He takes care of us every time we are in Taiwan, brings us to the best local restaurants and order the best fresh foods and drink with the boys too and tour us around. Thank you Mr. Su for the friendship and the fun. He is my father in alpine climbing.

Tatang Haron (Philippines) - is from General Santos. I met him on the 3rd Mt. Napulak invitational climb in Iloilo last January 2011. Since then we become good friends.  His playgroun is Mt. Parker,  he promised to bring us there, which he did and not only that he also showed us to neighboring mountain, Matutum and enjoy the beauty of Lake Sebu. What made him so amazing, despite his age, he still trek mountains a lot and joins adventure races and triathlons too. Strong man, and full of life.

Miguel 'Lito' Sanchez (Argentina) - an Argentine, our lead guide in Mt. Aconcagua. He keeps an active lifestyle on the outdoors and teach others who are into that same passion when it's off season of climbing in their place. His achievements on climbing as a person is superb, having been able  to do those difficult and not ordinary climbs in the past. He takes care of us on our climb to Aconcagua, making sure that we are doing well and adjusting well to the altitude. I know him not that long enough though but I hope to keep in touch when it is possible and hopefully when I go back to that big mountain I still can get him as my lead guide. His achievements in mountaineering inspires me to aim for more and never stop dreaming of climbing the big mountains. 

Seow Kong Ng (Malaysia) - a Malaysian that lives almost half of his life in China. When it comes to ultra running and ultra endurance races, this man is just simply amazing. I cannot believe where he gets all his energy with all the ultra races  that he has been joining. And not just that, despite his age, he still perform well in almost all of each race that he participated. I meet him through FB last year when one of my friend made a comment in one of his races, since then I followed his posts of his races and read stories about each race. Amazing is all I can think of him. He joined those races that I wish I can join and be part of someday. In his case, he did it already. Isn't that incrideble? His strong will to endure and grit to persevere is just amazing. With him, I know I cannot put again my being a woman and my age to be a hindrance of excelling in something on what one wants to achieve. I wish to do some of the races that he has done, I know not all but at least some, when I have the financial resources and still have the physical strength to do it.  His achivements will always be a source of inspiration.

Macon Dannogan (US) - the man I meet at Zara Tours in Springland Hotel in Moshi, Tanzania when we are about to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. He is not an African but rather he is an American from Charlotte, North Carolina who inspires US climbers  of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and guide them through Zara tours. Since my successful summit that year, he keeps in touch until now. He patiently answer to my queries about climbing, and outdoors. He has been to Mt. Kilimanjaro more than 20  times now. When it comes to climbing for a cause, he is a master of it. He never gets tired of bringing others and showing Mt. Kilimanjaro to those interested. I wish to join some of his organized climb when I will have the chance to be in North Carolina one of this days.   

Matthew Brown ( US) - my guide from Rubicon Outdoors when I did the Grand Canyon trek on a winter season December of 2009. He is very helpful in every way on my trip. And not just that, he made sure that we have the most comfortable accommodation on the tent despite the freezing cold temperature. He also lend us some gears without any rentals at all. It's his hobby to bring others not just to this amazing canyon but also to other beautiful outdoor destinations in Prescott Arizona. And not just his being an outdoor person that I admire him most, he is a family man too, married to an outdoor lady from South Africa and now having two beautiful little girls whom he also bring in the outdoors when possible. We keep in touch until now. 

There it goes. They will forever be my source of inspiration.

Less Than a Day in Iguazu - Argentina

Visiting a huge place like Argentina and a beautiful continent such as  South America, there are so many beautiful places that are really great and worth visiting for. Argentina  alone has so much to offer for a first time traveler like me. But the very main purpose of my trip is to climb Mt. Aconcagua. The expedition alone will take so much of my time (we are only allowed a 30 day visa) and financial resources. In as much as I really want to visit the other beautiful places like Patagonia, Arenales, or Punta de Inca in Argentina or La Paz in Bolivia or Sao Paolo and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil or Macchu Pichu in Peru, I really cannot. 

There is just one place I said to myself I should not miss on this trip, visiting Iguazu, one of the great natural wonders of the world and listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage. This is located in Puerto Iguazu in northern part of Argentina and shared among the boarders of Brazil and Paraguay.  The falls stretch for over one and a half miles on the Iguazu River. Not only do the falls separate Brazil and Argentina, they separate national parks in Argentina and Brazil. In terms of surface water flowing over the falls, they are taller than Niagara Falls, and twice as wide.  2/3 of the popular Devil's Throat section of Iguazu Falls sits on the Argentina side of the border. When translated from the native Indian language, Iguazu roughly translates to mean "Big Water" because truly it's not just big, but very very big.

Both sides of the park are well served with foot trails. On the Argentine side of the park there's a small  train free ride leaving about every half an hour from near the entrance going all the way to the beginning of the trail to the Garganta del Diablo.

The  Falls are an awesome sight as tonnes of water throw themselves over cliffs and the mist rises amongst the jungle which forms some rainbow. It is well worth spending a day on each side of the falls, especially if you plan to do any of the boat rides or other activities offered. Don't just rush past the main viewpoints and leave. It's important to get a good perspective on the park overall to appreciate this awesome sight. Whilst the majority of the falls are in Argentina, a better overview is had from the Brazilian side, that's what they said but having to see just one side of the huge waterfalls, I am already happy overall. 

From Umnibus station at Puerto Iguazu, there is a bus that leaves every less than 10 minutes for AR10.00 starting 7:00am everyday to the Iguazu Park entrance. Bus ride is around 15 minutes from the main bus station to the park.  Park entrance every 8:00am. The same bus will take you back to the  city up to 7:30 in the evening. On the Argentine side (100 AR$ pp, second day for half price if you get your ticket stamped before leaving on the first day, subsequent days are free if you tell them you are staying at the Sheraton). Wear waterproofs and protect your camera as it can get quite wet on some viewpoints. Some people visit the waterfalls in swimsuits (recommended in summer). The park itself is fairly well organized, they have a train line so you can get from the entrance to the main circuits (Circuito Superior, Garganta del Diablo, etc.). They also have food stands inside the park close to the train stations, but food and drinks are very expensive there. It is a good idea to bring some food and water if you are going to spend the day on the park. During summer, it's going to be very hot, so wear cotton shirt or just tank top and board shorts, and bring lots of water. I saw one drinking fountain where one can refill water bottle, a good option than buying inside the park, it's very expensive.

There are five main tracks all of which are paved and well marked with the exception of Sendero Macuco:
Circuito Superior - is a short walk to some nice viewpoints along the upper rim of the waterfalls
Circuito Inferior - is a longer walk on the bottom end of the falls with the main attraction being the lookout to watch Salto Bossetti and Dos Hermanas. This pathway leads also to the free ferry service to Isla San Martin (that may or not be closed), and the tour operators.
Isla San Martin - has two main lookouts to different sides of the falls. There are also a lot of birds. Access by boat only (free). This may be closed when the river level is high. You can always ask the park authorities or watch the information tv sets within the park to see if the access to the island is open.
Garganta del Diablo - The main attraction of the Argentine side. There is a free train running up to a 1 km-long walkway across the river to stand just back from the main horseshoe of falls where the roar and spray are most tremendous.
Sendero Macuco - is the trail through the rainforest to the Arrechea waterfall and is a good way to get away from the crowds. It's about 7 km return on an unpaved but easy path starting at the Estacion Central. Swimming is possible beneath the fall, so consider bringing a bathing suit and towel. An informative brochure for the trail is available from the park information desk. It is recommended to do it in daylight, so don't start it if it's 3 or 4PM.
Garganta del Diablo is the main attraction on the Argentine side - do not leave without having seen it.
boats. Go in boats on the river

Argentine side

• Iguazu Jungle Explorer, info@iguazujunglexplorer.com, [2]: offers trips, including boat rides (recommended) and rides on 4WD trucks through the park (not so interesting). To be booked near the entrance or on the circuito inferior before going down to the ferry. If you do one of the boat rides (AR$100 for a short one, AR$200 for a long one which also takes you some way down the river), prepare to get soaked to the skin (you'll receive a dry bag for your camera). 

I join all the rides, but if I may suggest you can do almost all on your own having just to follow the map that you can get at the entrance of the park. It's only best to join the boat ride that will bring you up close to the falls and even making you soak wet and come out drenched in the water. That has been a great experience for me. But because I am in so much hurry due to my time constraint, no regrets that I joined all the guided tour. This place is simply amazing and I will always want to visit this place again, given a chance someday.