It's been more than a month since the fiancee and I started running. By that, I mean the occasional fun runs that we join in, our weekly jog at the Quirino Grandstand and Rizal Park grounds and the regular jogging that we do almost nightly at the comfort and security of our neighborhood. Our goal is to run our way back to good health since we both gained so much weight last year.

We have a love-hate relationship with running. At this point, we can say we are loving it so much because little by little, we're seeing improvements in our body and in our health. And we're proud to say that aside from getting physical benefits from running, we are also able to help other people by joining fun runs that promote important causes. Just like when we joined the United Nations - World Food Programme's End Hunger: Walk the World running event that benefited the children of Mindanao.



Actually, our ultimate running dream is to join a marathon. We're getting there. We just have to do a lot of preparations first. I remember that to get us started in running, we got ourselves new running shoes. I have always believed that investing in a pair of good running shoes is a must if one is to make running a part of his lifestyle. There are many brands of shoes in the market today that choosing your pair becomes quite difficult. For so long, we have been loyal to this brand of running shoes because of their continued innovation on the style, design and high-tech features of their shoes. We don't mind spending more if it would mean we'd get high quality running shoes. After all, a good pair of shoes could last us a long time.

Speaking of running shoes, did you know that there is a new brand of running shoes coming to the Philippines soon? The name is On Running. Hmm, I wonder if they have my size (US 7.5, UK 6). I always have a hard time finding the perfect running shoes because most of the time, the style I want doesn't carry my size. Or they just run out of it easily. Haha.

My running experience with the fiancee has been good. I like it that my body is getting stronger and my muscles, leaner. I can feel that we're getting healthier each day. I just hope we are able to sustain our interest in running because it is a great way to achieve optimum health.

How about you, are you also into running? How's it been so far?


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More than any other times in the past, much emphasis is being given to nutritional supplements today. This is due to the fact that more and more people are recognizing the need to promote our health and well-being for us to be able to live a full and meaningful life. Our worsening lifestyle is also one factor. As we age and start to acquire life-threatening diseases, we seek the help of nutritional supplements to bring back the balance in our system the natural way. But are all nutritional supplements legal and safe to take?

It could be my age or the fact that I’m not so convinced yet with the benefits (and sometimes healing powers) of nutritional supplements that made me not try them. I have a friend, though, who takes training supplements, something like NO Explode NT, as he’s currently undergoing some rigorous physical training to achieve a fit and well-toned body. I once thought he dreamed to be a body-builder, but I found out later he just wanted to be physically fit and healthy.

He shared with me that he belongs to a family with high health risks and so he just wants to be on the safe side by minimizing his health risks as much as possible. Not a bad precautionary measure, if you’ll ask me. We all should take good care of our health, especially at this time when the cost of healthcare is skyrocketing. If you want to take nutritional supplements to improve your health or just feel better, it's your choice. Just don't forget to do a thorough research first before testing one.


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Sometimes I hate watching the news on TV because it makes me depressed, especially if it's about crimes people commit to other people. Carnapping there, killing and robbery here. The behavior of people gets worse each passing day. Are we still safe? I believe safety should start at home.

Through the years, technology has made it easier (in more ways than one) for us to protect our homes from wicked elements in society. From gates with sensors and electronic bar locks, we now have ADT Security System. Actually, ADT is now widely used in the US and other developed countries in providing the highest level of security and protection to homes and properties.

When I tried searching for a home security system online, I came across HomeSecurityTeam.com. They offer a wide range of home security services at competitive prices. If I had money, I wouldn't hesitate getting this kind of service for our Cavite home.

Does your home have ADT Security? Are you satisfied with the service? Would you recommend it for use by other households? Why or why not?


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That's right. I was one among the hundreds of participants who went up to Tagaytay one chilly Saturday morning for this event. A group of bloggers was invited by Agatep Associates (Canon Philippines' PR handler) to cover it and at the same time, enter the contest to experience how it is to join a photomarathon. Canon Photomarathon is an annual event held in several countries in Asia. I guess it is called photomarathon because of the number of themes given. During the Canon Philippines Photomarathon 2009 in Tagaytay, we had three.

I woke up late that day and good thing the group I was with didn't leave me. I was thankful they waited for me while I rushed to the meeting place (some Shell Station in EDSA). We got to the venue past 8:00 a.m. and immediately got our contest kits at the registration area. The program started five minutes after our arrival. We were just in time, thank goodness.


After the first theme was revealed, photographers of all genders, shapes and sizes hurriedly went out of Tagaytay International Convention Center (TICC) to start taking photos. Shuttles were provided to transport contestants to their places of interest (and inspiration). There were three categories: DSLR, Point and Shoot and Video (new!). Only Canon cameras were allowed. Mine was a Canon 1000D which I bought late last year.


with my fellow bloggers who participated in the photomarathon
For the uninitiated, everything is free at Canon Photomarathon Philippines. From the registration (which is done prior to the event at Canon Philippines website) to the food and transpo, no one shells out bucks. You just have to be there armed with your Canon camera(s) and you're good to go. A little creativity and some good photography skills and you might end up winning the contest. This year, the prizes at stake were trips for two to Japan and Canon DSLRs, among others. If you wouldn't be that lucky, find consolation in the lens and body cleaning services they give to the first 500 Canon users.


Canon technicians at work


with Superfriend Nice




venue for the dinner and closing ceremony


foooooood
Due to time constraints because of the overwhelming number of participants this year, Canon Philippines had decided to move the announcement of winners to this week to be able to judge all the entries well.

So, how was my Canon Photomarathon experience, you may ask. I think it was fun and everybody had a great time. Actually, it was my first time to join a photo contest of this caliber. I really enjoyed. Also, it was nice seeing Tagaytay again. Its enchanting Taal Lake continued to draw tourists and I thought it was a good thing. If my breadwinner schedule permits and my photography skills improve, I will still join Canon Philippines Photomarathon 2010.


Taal Lake in the afternoon


kids at Tagaytay Public Market


random people at Starbucks-Tagaytay

Many thanks to Dani Salasalan of Agatep Associates for taking good care of us blogger participants and to Canon Philippines for making this event possible. You guys rock! :)

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I've always wanted to excel in the sport of badminton but for some reason, I couldn't. It must be because whenever I start playing badminton and then stop abruptly, my momentum dies with it. I know I have to really focus on the sport if I wanna be great at it, or at least good.

There's also this idea of going to the gym that's been sitting in my head for days now. My one-month free membership to Fitness First is about to expire in a month's time. I was pushing myself the other day to call Fitness First-Robinsons Ermita and get an appointment. But my stubborn self did not respond affirmatively.

If I wanna live long, I know I have to start leading a healthy lifestyle. Looking at myself in the mirror today, I know I can do it. I just have to push myself further. Either badminton or gym can make a big difference in my quest to live a healthier life. Now it's decision time.


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