Race Review: Leg 1-Natures Trail Discovery Run @ Daraitan

The rains were heavy in Q.C. from late Saturday evening up to early Sunday morning, and i was already having second thoughts if travelling for more than an hour to get to Tanay for the Natures Trail Discovery Run was worth the trip.

While waiting for running buddy Jun to fetch me, i even texted Manny Santos, over-all Race Director of the NTDR to ask if the race was pushing through. He was surprised at my message and re-assured me that the race would go on as planned and that only a short drizzle hovered over Tanay the night before.

Truly, the roads and trails in Tanay were almost dry while the rain held-out Sunday morning for the duration of the whole race and we had very good weather over-all.

Jun and i arrived at the venue at about 4:30am and were in for an unusual sight. The start and finish line area was located inside a large multi-purpose gym just in case it rains outside. We then claimed our race packets and in a few minutes we were off, together with the other 21k runners.

Runners start to arrive at the start and finish area

When the starting gun was fired, i was so not feeling it! Felt sluggish, even sleepy that i had to struggle on that first uphill road. Things change a bit when we hit the trails and it was daybreak by then, no need really to use those head-lamps which i forgot to bring anyway.

Having ran this route in a familiarization run organized by Pimco a few weeks ago,  it was nice being up there seeing the Sierra Madre mountain range once again as we crossed small rivers and intruded into small communities where residents were still fast asleep on those early hours.

At one of the river crossings. I wonder why they had to cross this on the right side which was slippery when they could have just easily stepped on that sturdy bamboo pole (lower left portion) which i did.

Passing along a shack

Part of the single track trail

On a hilly terrain

The trail part is short, just about 2.5kms before emerging on the national road on the way to Daraitan. This part is largely uneventful, a mad dash along the highway, vehicles still scarce as you crissed-cross the road to cut corners leading to Gen. Marking Road.

This stretch of road seem to go on forever. It’s a combination of rough and cemented roads, some parts crowded with people while the rest are mostly just  farm fields but with great views of the mountains. Except for a short detour at the Macaira Gardens, it was mostly this road that we had to contend with, an uphill-downhill of rolling slopes.

I was feeling good at this point, met some new friends while re-filling our hydration bottles at one of the aid stations and one thing positive about this race is the availability of ice, lots of it and cold sponges. Some parts of the rough roads were sandy and i had to stop several times to untie my shoe and remove small pebbles which found itself inside that made it uncomfortable to run on.

It was like heaven when we finally reached the wooden bridge at Daraitan after like running forever. The trails were both sandy and rocky but at least, we were in a Nirvana-like scenery, the gushing river running beside us, more mountain views and large, white boulders scattered all over the place.

The Tinipak rocks

At the turn-around point with Rnold Eming

The views at the turn-around point

Nice to take a dip here if there was more time

Another view from atop the trail

Beyond this is the trail to Nakar, Quezon where the 50k runners went further

The way back was a tough one, knowing you’ll be running the same endless road of uphills and downhills. It would now be a test of perseverance, walking ability and still lots of stored patience! Seems that the only way to overcome it is to move slowly during the uphills then get back to the shuffle/run rhythm at the downhills. I was quickly losing steam and all i wanted to do was to get  to the end.

The sponges provided on crucial aid stations were God-sent as i was able to pour ice-cold water on my head may times and that was refreshing! I already knew that the distance we were going to complete was about 28 to 29 kms just based on the distance at the turn-around point which was 14 kms. Nice bonus for us mileage addicts!

An amazing guy, Voltron Visda who, for the whole duration of the race ran barefoot, battling sharp macadam surfaces, rocky terrains, hot cement roads and plenty of strewn broken glasses along the route! My hat’s off to him!

On my way back!

When we finally reached the National Highway, there was another 4 to 5 kms to tackle before the finish line. I got back into a running rhythm, really forcing myself to run the downhills fast and slowing down to a walk during long inclines. Around this time, I went past several runners who were slowing down or were just walking continuously.

At around the 29 km mark, i could now see the side of the roads teeming with people as the area is a highly commercialized one where business establishments abound. The sight of the gas station on the right side signaled that i was nearly there at the finish. And finally, the sight of the Gym where we started about 5 hours ago. Eventually i was inside the gym and crossed the finished line with some announcements of my arrival  (thanks to event hosts, Iris and Nonoy).

The distance was 30.7 kms finishing it in about 4:59 (per my GPS watch). I felt exhilarated, finishing another 30+ km run after running the 32k Run United-2 race, just the week before.

Capping the run was a free 30 minute++ massage and the therapist really worked on both my legs and feet!

Over-all, another great race by Pimco with stunning views to die for!

At the finish line

Thanks to Lito Mallari, Rnold Eming and Voltron Visda for some of the photos!

Explorac Trail Run By AyalaLand

I was fortunate enough to be invited by the good folks of ROX Philippines for Ayala Land’s Explorac 11k and 22k Invitational Trail Run to be held at Porac, Pampanga on June 8, 2013. This trail run is presented by Ayala Land which is about to develop a 1,000-hectare residential area complete with recreational facilities, leisure park as well as schools, industries and golf courses within Porac.

I was told by a friend that the trail run would pass parts of the Clark-Miyamit 50-Mile and 60K Ultramarathon which i had the chance to visit and run with friends last November. The route includes rough roads, trails, mountain passes and undulating hills!

The Porac trails

The Ayala Land development will be in Barangay Hacienda Dolores and will start in the third quarter of 2013. The project is perched on hilly portion of the SCTEx and is about 25 minutes from the Subic Bay Freeport (SBF) and 10 minutes from the Clark Freeport via the SCTEx.

Explorac Route

Explorac Trail Run offers 11k and 22k rough terrain.  Trail run will start at  Ayala’s Visitor Center and will end at the Ayala Nature Park.  The  course has a flat to hilly terrain and majority of it is hard surface.

The trail features wet/dry river bed, it not all, are heavily silted by mudflow due to Mt. Pinatubo eruption way back 1991 and succeeding lahar flows.  In some areas, moderate steep climb will be experienced along the rough terrain portion and huge lahar track will potentially challenge your trail running skills.

Opportunity like running under the SCTEX bridge and passing through beside waterfalls are a few of the scenery that the trail offers.

In conjunction with the trail run, a Trail Running 101 will be held on June 4, Tuesday, 7:00PM at the ROX Store at Bonifacio High Street. The lecture will cover the do’s and don’ts of trail running and tips on how to run trails the proper way.

Speakers will be ultra-trail running blazer Jon Lacanlale and ultra runner Pen Nepomuceno.

How to get to the Explorac Trail Run start

For more information, please visit their events page athttps://www.facebook.com/events/338897039569060/?ref=22

PTAAKBUHAN Trail Run in Nuvali: June 16, 2013

Nuvali in Sta. Rosa, Laguna has one of the finest trail routes located outside Metro Manila and it has been a favorite venue for trail runs and races. What i like about the venue is that its trails inside are moderately challenging, not too technical although it can get too hot during the summer months.

Its rolling loop takes in woodlands, wide open green hills and the rural serenity of a grassland, a New Zealand-like scenery.

Nuvali once again hosts another trail run on June 16, 2013 with a 3km/5km/10km race and a 1km run with your pet which promises runners new to Nuvali another great experience of running one of the best trail routes south of Manila.

Here are the details:

The Philippine Travel Agencies Association in cooperation with the Department of Tourism, Nuvali, Maynilad and Contiki presents…. PTAAkbuhan …More Fun in the Philippines! A Fun Trail Run with a 3km, 5km, 10km and an exciting 1km run with you pet is in store for you this coming June 16, 2013 (Sunday) at the Nuvali, City of Santa Rosa.

Win fabulous and exciting prizes like free hotel accommodations in Metro Manila, Palawan, Davao, Cebu and Bohol and Free Air tickets to wonderful destinations. Enjoy the clean healthy crisp air while you run with your family and friends at the City of Santa Rosa. (Press Release)

PTAAKBUHAN More Fun In The Philippines Fun Trail Run 2013

June 16, 2013 @ 5:30 AM
Nuvali, City of Santa Rosa Laguna
3K/5K/10K and 1K with pet
Organizer: Pep Squad Events & Marketing Services Inc.

Registration Fees:
All Categories – Php 600

Beneficiaries: Hero Foundation/ I Love Sta. Rosa Foundation

Registration Venues:
PTAA Secretariat Office:
12-1G EGI-Rufino Plaza, Taft cor. Sen Gil Puyat Avenue. Pasay City

Pep Squad Office:
2F Raha Sulayman Building Benavidez St. Legaspi Village, Makati City

Hemispheres Travel Corporation:
G/F Unit 11 Paseo 3, Paseo de Santarosa, City
of Santa Rosa, Laguna

Also:

Shuttle service pick-up points for PTAAkbuhan:

a. Manila – Harison Plaza Century Park parking lot Babes Carzano – 09228878136-
b. Makati – MRT Magallanes Station JR TAN – 09228878135
c. QC – Araneta Center Paulo Abelardo – 09228878137

*Departure time is 4:00 am (June 16).
With minimum 2-way rate charge.

Online Registration: http://www.ptaakbuhan.runningmate.ph/

Event Singlet

Here’s a look at the trails of Nuvali:

Test Run: Nature’s Trail Discovery Daraitan Trail Route

The Daraitan trail route is refreshing! And that’s not just a comment on its cool and sparkling river (above). The Tinipak rocks mushrooming on both sides of  the northern side of Daraitan river looks something like large chunks of ice falling down from the sky. Only, it didn’t melt away but gave the river an animating and intoxicating feel, ala scotch-on-the-rocks!

To describe yesterday’s test route run would be quite a task, but Pimco’s forthcoming Nature’s Trail Discovery Run-Daraitan Ultramarathon route this coming June 9 would be another jewel to their crown of showcase trails worth raving about. Pimco’s past trail races like the  Daranak Falls Trail, the Calinawan Cave pass, the Maysawa trails, the Sta. Inez Peak were all worth  every trail runners’ money and time and the Daraitan trail will be no less different.

STARTING LINE VENUE:

I had no clue where the exact location of the test run would start so i texted Manny Santos, big boss of Pimco Sports for directions to the venue. Running buddy Jun and I were set to go and we were taking with us Iris Cortulas who wanted to tag along and try out the route. We bonded together and set off to Masinag where we were meeting other runners so we could do a convoy and leave in tandem for the venue.

Reaching Masinag at 4:15am, we were able to touch base with Ultra runners JJ Layug, Mar Marilag, Bong Alindada together with Milo Fitness Coach Jackie Gutierrez so they followed us in their car with ours, leading. Our destination: The Ynarez Gym at the corner of Sampaloc Road and Marcos Highway in Sampaloc Tanay.

This is also going to be the starting line of the June 9 race.

At the Ynares Sports Gym, Sampaloc Road, Tanay–the venue of the Daraitan Ultramarathon with Pimco boss Manny Santos (in pink shirt) and Race Director, Alvin Valderama, 3rd from left.

THE TRAIL ROUTE:

We arrived at the venue at about 5:45am and were met by Manny and Alvin of Pimco Sports. We couldn’t start as yet as we were waiting for other runners to arrive as some had lost their way and had over-shot the venue. But since it was getting late, our group decided to go ahead and all the others who arrived late will just have to follow so a guide of Pimco was left to wait for them.

The run started at about 6:20am as we were led at the other side of Sampaloc Road, crossing the street. The first kilometer was on a concrete road that took us inside a residential area that led to the start of the trails. The trails measured a distance of about 3-4kms.

This is one of the nicest sections of the route, all trails of mostly single track and offers excellent footing, uphills and downhills, a pleasant scenery including the vast Sierra Madre Mountains, old-growth forests, a river lagoon, farm animals and a variety of trees.

As always, i struggled over those uphill climbs and slippery river crossings but got over those as time went by. Here are some pictures of the trails with short descriptions as we went along:

The trails were mostly single track inside small villages

Uphills will be a continuous fare for this run

There will be wide open spaces but the views are exhillarating

Passing by an old shack

Running along the ridges with nice views of the Sierra Madres

Taking a short break, 2.5kms after our start

Mostly single tracks dominate the trails

Another small shack in the middle of nowhere

Approaching a small river crossing

Runners have to be careful here. These rocks are slippery!

A river lagoon

It’s one crossing runners will pass through

Figuring out how to cross that river and jump over to the other side

Getting help from Jackie and JJ.

A smile from everybody. Photo by Jackie

Jackie in her ceremonial dance. Liveliness!

ON THE WAY TO DARAITAN:

Once we were out of the trails, we all found ourselves back on the main highway and it was a short jaunt to the road leading to Daraitan and to the Tinipak Rocks. We couldn’t help but stop on some areas to marvel on some views which you can never find in the city. To hell with smoke and smog, we were now breathing fresh air and savoring the soft breeze coming out of the mountain range.

A quick look on the way to Daraitan:

Coming out of the trails and running the stretch of this highway on our way to Daraitan

Iris leads the way.

Stopping over a bridge over-looking a valley (L-R Me, Mar, Jackie, Bong and JJ)

The road to Daraitan. It’s another 7 kms of rough roads and some concrete portions before we reach the place (I wonder why those bananas were hanging on the signage?)

A pause before we venture the ascents and descents to Daraitan

Start of rough roads going to Daraitan

The Macaira Garden Resort serves as the turn-around point for the 10k runners. However, runners of all distances will pass inside the resort.

STOP-OVER:

Look what we found here! En-route to Daraitan, Alvin led us into an obscure resort called the Macaira Garden Resort which would serve as the turn-around point for the 10k runners. Veering inside astounded us all.

Here is what we saw:

A “blue” pool and an unusual rock formation greets visitors to the resort.

More rocks and a wooded area at the back

The limestones were here for ages

Iris and Jackie atop the rocks

A cluster of limestone rocks and Jackie as its guest model

Owner says there is a cave beyond those trees which we weren’t able to see due to lack of time

A small rest house at the base of the rocks

It was one of the most fascinating views i have ever seen! I cannot even describe to you succinctly how this rock formation came about as even the photos above don’t seem to do it justice. I could here some oohs and ahhs from the group as i could only mutter, wtf!

On to Daraitan!

More of the rough roads going to Daraitan

Emerging from a mountain trail

This is Iris’ turf. The mountain trails

More of the trails. We would reach that mountain farthest on the background later (Thanks for the pic, Jackie)

Endless picture taking

A backdrop of the road ahead. Iris giving the thumbs up

Two “punks” at a convenience store. They listen to Deicide and Slayer Bands

Finally, arriving at Daraitan

Almost dry river bed during this dry month

Trails along the river. It can’t get rockier than this!

The sandy trail leading to the Tinipak Stone river

The group in a hurry

The trails leading to Tinipak

Rocky trail ahead

Nearing the base of the Tinipak stones

Macadam trails

The 21k+ and 50k runners will pass these trails leading to Tinipak

TINIPAK ROCKS:

After about 15 kms, we finally reached our destination! Daraitan with the Tinipak rocks looming everywhere like guards protecting their kingdom. I’ve been to this place once before about 3 years ago and it still was mesmerizing seeing it today like it was the first time i saw it.

The clear river was oozing with its rushing waves, the tall white rocks that everybody wanted to scale as soon as they saw it and the chorus of “WOWs” that emanated from everybody. The sight was absolutely stunning seeing so much of nature even just for a few minutes.

We lost no time in getting ourselves cool and intoxicated with the scene:

Finally here at the start of the Tinipak stones

Eye-catching view of the Tinipak Stones and river

Large rock formation

Jackie, Iris and Alvin

Bong Alindada, below

June Santiago relaxing with the cool waters

Nice views all around us

Climbing atop the rocks. Don’t do this on race day!

“Mt. Tinipak”

“Nagpapa lamig din paminsan, pag may time”

Great way to cool off

Caption this…

A look beyond Tinipak rocks

Group pic

Daraitan’s Ferrari tricycle (take a look at Iris’ expression). Wagas!

With Jackie

Capping our run, lunch of Bulalo, BBQ Chicken, vegetables…burp!

And before i forget, expect the 21k route to have some bonus kilometers added (the orginal 21k route did not include the Tinipak Rock section) and PIMCO has now decided to include this section so my estimate would be a total distance of 25 to 27 kms!

Registration for this June 9 race is still open. You can check out my previous post here: http://jazzrunner.wordpress.com/2013/05/15/natures-trail-discovery-run-daraitan-trail-run-june-9-2013/ or visit PIMCO’s webpage at: http://www.pimcosportsevents.com/

Natures Trail Discovery Run: Daraitan Trail Run, June 9, 2013

Registrations for the Nature’s Trail Discovery Run II (Leg 1), PIMCO Sports’ Championship Trilogy series is now open and will showcase another marvel of a trail route, the DARAITAN Trails, which features the Tinipak River with its white rock formations plus the majestic Sierra Madre mountains in Tanay, Rizal.

The race features a 50k Ultramarathon, a 21k, 10k and 5k with routes ranging from single track trails, mountain passes, river crossings and dirt roads. There will only be limited slots for the race and registration can be done via on-line at Pimco’s website, http://www.pimcosportsevents.com/ or at their registration center at ROX, Bonifacio High Street (3:00pm to 8:00pm).

Here are the details:

Nature’s Trail Discovery Run II
1st Leg, Trilogy Championship  

Date: June 9, 2013 (Sunday)

Venue: Sampaloc-Daraitan, Tanay, Rizal

Categories:

Advanced (10k) : Entry Fee is P750.00 inclusive of race kit, finishers shirt, and medal. Open to all Nationals, Male and Female

Seasoned (21k): Entry Fee is P950 inclusive of race kit, finishers shirt, and medals. Open to all nationalities, Male and Female

Masters (50k): Entry Fee is P1,750 inclusive of race kit, finishers shirt, and medals. Open to all nationalities, Male and Female (One category only).

Beginners Trail Fun Run (5k) : Entry Fee is P550.00 inclusive of race kit, provisions, giveaways, finishers medals. Open to all nationalities, male and female

Limited Slots:

Advance (10k) Category 200 slots only
Seasoned (21k) Category 200 slots only
Masters (50k) Ultraman Category 100 slots only

Newbies (5k) Fun Category open no limit

Registration Venue:

–*ROX:  Bonifacio Global City (3pm to 8pm)

–  Online registration at www.pimcosportsevents.com

*(Suggest you register physically at ROX)

Finishers Shirt for the10k / 21k / 50k

Public Transport:

To get to Tanay using public transportation, you can ride jeep at Star Mall in Mandaluyong City to Tanay market. From there you can get tricycles that can bring you directly to the venue.

Runners and their families and friends who would like the outdoors may get accommodation near the venue. This is highly recommended as there are amenities that you can try your hands for very affordable rates.

Shuttle Services for Metro-Manila Runners:

Additional fee of P300.00 per runner will be charged for the shuttle bus to the race venue and going back to the same pick up points as follows:

Pick up Details:
Date: June 9, 2013

Pick up points:
Shell Station, Makati Edsa
Mandaluyong, City Hall Circle
Quezon City Circle
Masinag, Marikina in front of Mercury Drug

Time of Pick Up:
2:00 am Shell Station Makati Edsa
2:15 am Mandaluyong City Hall Circle
2:40 am Quezon City Circle
3:10 am Masinag, Marikina

The Bus will pass-by and will not be standing by so please be at the pick-up point at the time to avoid inconvenience and present your Service Stub. The Time of Pick-up are estimated arrivals at the pick up locations given.

If you miss one pick up place, you can still catch up by proceeding immediately at any of the pick up points ahead. The Shuttle Bus will not wait.

Time of Return Trip: All Runners must be at the shuttle bus for the return trip to Metro-Manila from the race venue after the race event on June 2 not later than 2:00 pm

Hydration Stations - No cups will be made available! Bring your own hydration bottles/ hydration belts/ hydration back packs for re-fill. There will be hydration stations every 5 kilometer distance for free you can use for refill of your hydration bottle.

Banana Stations - There will be banana stations for each of the race category the Aid Stations and at the finish line for free.

Finishers Kit - All finishers will receive their kits that include the medal, finishers shirt, and loot bag at the Finishers Booth for the 10k, 21k, and 50k only.

5k has no Finishers Shirt but will have finishers Medal.

Awards & Prizes for Male and Female Division (Except for the 50k Division which will only have the over-all first 3 placers):

Winners on each of the Preliminary Legs are given Winners Gift Packages (Non-Cash)

Awards and Prizes for all Categories Advanced (10k), Seasoned (21k), and Masters (50k) Ultramen:

1st – Gift Package + 1st Medal + Winners Shirt
2nd – Gift Package + 2nd Medal + Winners Shirt
3rd – Gift Package + 3rd Medal + Winners Shirt

Finishers – Finishers Medal & Shirt + Loot Bags

Awards and Prizes for Newbies (5km):

1st – Gift Package + 1st Medal
2nd – Gift Package + 2nd Medal
3rd – Gift Package + 3rd Medal

Finishers – Finishers Medal + Loot Bags

For more details, check out Pimco Sports website at: http://www.pimcosportsevents.com/ or their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/PimcoSportsEvents?fref=ts

Here are some pictures of the Daraitan trails:

PIMCO’s Run2Run Trail Run in Tanay: May 5, 2013

The Run2Run Trail Run Adventure will be held on May 5, 2013 at the Ten Cents To Heaven Resort in Sitio. Mayagay II, Brgy. Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal, just a kilometer away from the Sierra Madre Resorts. This trail run comes a week after the Merrell Adventure Trail Run this coming Saturday which i will also be running.

I was able to document part of the 21k route during a test run i did with other trail runners a few weeks ago (you can read it HERE) and i would say that this is one nice route, a combination of single track trails, rough roads and the main uphill highway.

One main attraction we weren’t  shown is a hidden trail en-route to Tuntong Falls, part of the 21k course. The race will start at an elevation of about 600-700 meters above sea level so the first kilometer or two will be an all downhill trail. Over-all, the trail run will be an awesome combination of two of the most scenic mountain trails, the May Sawa mountain scenery and the Laiban River trails

Along the main highway

Remember that this is a buddy run where you have to be a pair to register, start together at the starting line and arrive together at the finish line.

Remember that each runner should bring his/her own hydration bottle, hydration back pack or hydration belts as the organizers are not going to provide paper cups as this is an eco-friendly race. Organizers will only be providing re-filling stations along the race route.

View at the starting line

Here are some details of the race:

PIMCO AMAZING RUN2RUN TRAIL RUN ADVENTURE (Buddy Run)

Date:  May 5, 2013, Sunday
Venue:  Ten Cents To Heaven Resort, Mayagay II, Tanay, Rizal

DISTANCES:  5k/10k/21k

ASSEMBLY TIME: 4:00am

GUN START:  21k  –  5:00am/  10k — 5:15am/  6k — 5:30am

REGISTRATION FEES:

5K  :    P550.00

10k  :  P750.00

21k   :  P950.00

REGISTRATION VENUE:  ROX at the Bonifacio High Street (3:00PM to 8:00pm)

Shuttle Services for Metro-Manila Runners:

Additional fee of P300.00 per runner will be charged for the shuttle bus to the race venue and going back to the same pick up points as follows:

Pick up Details:
Date: May 5, 2013

Pick up points:
Shell Station, Makati Edsa
Mandaluyong, City Hall Circle
Quezon City Circle
Masinag, Marikina in front of Mercury Drug
2:00 am Shell Station Makati Edsa
2:15 am Mandaluyong City Hall Circle
2:40 am Quezon City Circle
3:10 am Masinag

The Bus will passed-by and will not be standing by please be at the pick-up point at the time to avoid inconvenience and present your Service Stub. The Time of Pick-up are estimated arrivals at the pick up locations given.

If you miss one pick up place, you can still catch up by proceeding immediately at any of the pick up points ahead. The Shuttle Bus will not wait.

Time of Return Trip: All Runners must be at the shuttle bus for the return trip to Metro-Manila from the race venue after the race event not later than 2:00 pm

For more information about the race, just visit their website at http://www.pimcosportsevents.com/#/amazing-run2run/4573658703 or check-out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PimcoSportsEvents

Update: Merrell Trail Run 2013 at Camp Sinai, San Mateo, Rizal

Four days to go before we hop and skid, jump and splash along the trails and rivers of Pintong Bukawe in San Mateo! But hey, don’t let the excitement cause you to forget important things to prepare before this race and the organizers have given these reminders for Saturday’s trail run:

If you don’t have these special equipments above, an empty water bottle will do or any container that you can re-fill water into and grip easily with your hands while running.

Please be reminded to come to the race venue on time, late comers will only be allowed to run if they arrive 10 minutes after the gun-start of their respective categories.

Please take note of the gun start time

I’m seeing many inquiries on the Merrell FB page https://www.facebook.com/MerrellPhilippines regarding where the venue is and where they could take a ride going to the site. If you were not able to avail of their special transport services from Trinoma or BGC, Merrell’s FB page have stated that there will be Jeepneys plying the SM-Masinag to Pintong Bukawe route starting at 3:30am early morning of Saturday.

Here is Merrell’s advisory:

For commuters, there will be provision of jeepneys AT SM MASINAG as early as 3:30 am until 4:00 am only. This service will bring you straight to the venue for a fee of Php 50.00, and will be on a first-come, first served basis. We strongly advice you to take this ride since there will be no public vehicles during this time. 

For non-commuters, going to Mt. Sinai will be via Marcos Hi-way, pass Masinag Market Junction to Brgy Cabading. Please take note that there is no passable route (that will reach Pintong Bukawe) from Batasan and San Mateo.

Shuttle Service

So there!

I am posting the map going to the venue itself and i hope others may find this useful.

Wishing everyone good luck and happy trail running!

Urban Trails: The Filinvest Transformation

Filinvest in Alabang is presently undergoing a modern transformation from the business hub that it still is today to expanding in other venues to support different lifestyle choices. Formerly called the Filinvest Corporate City which catered to attract corporate businesses as its main thrust a few years ago, it is now simply called Filinvest City, opening its doors as a new urban center.

I’ve lived in the area for about 3 years, living with my two kids and former wife at Katarungan Village, one of the peripheral villages along Daang Hari, a 10-minute drive away and saw Filinvest grow steadily, where we shopped and did our marketing at the Festival Mall on an almost daily basis, where the Alabang Town center was the weekly hang-out place for my kids.

It’s a great place but sort of an out-of -the-loop area when you work in Makati or Quezon City. But everything now has changed.

Aside from being a prime central business district, Filinvest City is now gearing to be a livable Garden City where trees and flowers now abound, promenades, trails and walkways are to be expanded to allow residents to walk, exercise and play through a park grade separate from cars and other pollutants.

It also will boost itself into being a Modern Metropolis where more amenities for leisure and entertainment, shopping and dining, culture and the arts, and health and wellness will allow its residents and visitors to enjoy a truly cosmopolitan lifestyle.

The running bloggers who tested the Filinvest City trails yesterday

Lastly, Filinvest City will serve as a Convergence hub where people coming from the north of Manila and the Calabarzon region in the south can easily access its urban center via the newly expanded Skyway in the north to the ever improving South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).

Yesterday, i had another chance to return to the area as me and other running bloggers were invited to try out their new established pathways, trails and open spaces as part of their vision in making Filinvest City a haven for outdoor sports enthusiasts.

I was mesmerized by the lush landscapes, the tree-lined trails which would cater to both mountain bikers and runners. There is a thriving biking community using these trails and they must have been ruffled by our presence as we runners tried to invade their periphery and crowd many of the single track trails.

Our presence also coincided with their project called “Carless Sundays”, where vehicles are prohibited to use the City Loop, from Commerce Ave, Corporate Avenue to Parkway Avenue to give way for residents to play uninhibited within the area.

Here’s a sneak peek of what the trails look like. Warning: There are no mountains, river crossings, waterfalls nor steep uphill climbs to conquer here!

The trails near the promenade looked like a mini-slalom trail, perfect for bike rides

The open area trails snaked beneath the shadows of high-rise buildings

Near Commerce Avenue

Along one of the many shaded area of the course

Most of the trails here are smooth, perfect for speed-work and intervals

Along a single-track trail

Reminds me of the many partly shaded trails of Nuvali

Nice thing about these trails is that it’s never crowded, except when you’re sharing the trails with bikers

Right straight into a wooded area

A most unusual part of the trail. A tree was almost uprooted during one past typhoon and cut off the trail. However instead of cutting the tree off, park workers dug the trail deeper under the tree so bikers and runners could pass under it.

Another single track as we trudged through it under the heat of the sun

A trail just beside a small creek

That’s KB Runner trying to catch up at the back

Another of the switchbacks along the route

One of the few uphills

Again, you have to share the trails with bikers

Another switch-back

Speeding it up on the downhill

A secret passage to a very nice trail

…It goes upwards along a fenced property

…and into a wooden part then you see this…

A wooded trail

You wouldn’t think you were in a city

Looks like the fallen leaves have stayed on the ground forever!

Here comes more of the bikers

Seems Mr. Goatee is avoiding the advances of KB!

A walking break near where buses are parked

Towards to where we started

I think this is bounded by Ayala Alabang on the other side

Bee and KB with actor-triathlete Matteo Guidicelli

At the Palms Country Club for the Filinvest City presentation and breakfast

Ten Cents To Heaven Trail Run in Tanay: A Sneak Peek

This view up above Tanay is the reason why i like to run on these mountains and the trails that spring up and down below its crest and inside its forests.

One of the grandest views atop the Ten Cents to Heaven Resort in Tanay, Rizal

The pic was taken atop the Ten Cents to Heaven Resort in Sitio. Mayagay II, Brgy. Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal just as we arrived at about 6:30am. The clouds had bridged several of the Sierra Madre Mountains. The breeze wasn’t as cool as i had expected but it was still far from the warm and humid temperatures in Manila even in the early morning.

Pimco Sports has cracked another winning trail combination and for its May 5 trail outing called Run2Run, with its longest distance, a 21k trail run, the race will start inside this resort, replete with garden trails, pineapple plantations, cement roads, rough roads and single track trails many trail enthusiasts will truly enjoy.

Yesterday, i had the privilege of joining a test run of this route together with about 22 other trail runners, the biggest group who had joined a Tanay test run so far. We didn’t run too far although the 7-8 km scheduled run we were given was a great sneak peek of what we were “partly” to expect for the May 5 race.

Photo credits to Maribel Patañag

We set off at about 7am and were made to run inside the resort as we snaked in around the gardens, open spaces, climbed up stairs…still not sure if this would be part of the route. When we were led at the rear-end of the resort, only then that we knew we were heading outside for the trails already.

The trails starts on a fairly manageable downhill run and we were apparently going down to the base of the mountain since we were situated on one of the highest part of that area. The latter descent parts were slippery, as we held on to small bamboo trunks to keep us from sliding down our butts as many did! We were all very careful as the surface was covered with dried bamboo leaves which didn’t offer much for us to step on the brakes.

The Ten Cents to Heaven Resort has the longest zipline in Luzon covering a total length of 1.1 kms. Since the zipline from the resort extends that distance to another mountain, our objective was to reach the end of this zipline so we had to practically go down from Ten Cents then trek our way up to the next mountain where the zipline ends.  And the 1.1km distance is no walk in the park!

The run up the 2nd mountain reminded me of the recent Salomon X-Trail run where we had to literally crawl up. Only here, its just pure trails, no steps to propel us up and it wasn’t very easy. We all had reached the end of the zipline and that 1.1k distance was like a 5k effort race!

It’s a challenging climb from the bottom of Sitio Mayagay to the top of the 2nd zipline but you’ll be rewarded with one of the most amazing vistas in Tanay. After the zipline, we exited into a concrete road leading to a residential area of Brgy. Cuyambay and from there, it was trails galore.

The trails here offer moderately challenging paths, dirt roads, single tracks and takes in some light streams and the rural scenery of Tanay. As always, we were only offered a sneak peek of the route, a mere 7-8 kms of trekking and running some of the easiest parts. Expect something colossal on race day as Race Director Alvin Balderama will once again unleash his poisonous fangs once we get inside his private territory!

I’m leaving you with the pictures i took on our run. Enjoy!

The air is usually cool here every morning but not to much today in this hot summer

From the patio from where the zip line begins

A closer view of what runners will see during the start of the race

Flower gardens that surround the resort

Our run started with a tour inside the compound

At the courtyard before climbing up a series of stairs

We wiggle our way at the resort’s back exit

Nearing the start of the trails

The trail run begins and starts with steep descents going towards pineapple plantations.

In blue is RD Alvin Balderama waiting for all runners to descend

After this descent, we climb up the other mountain (foreground) where the other zipline is located

Part of a bamboo forested area

This is the steepest downhill part where it’s easier to slide down from your behind

A 12 feet ravine. According to Alvin, ropes will be attached to poles on race day itself for runners’ safety

What goes down must come up!

A couple takes up the rear of the group with Alvin giving support at their back

Maribel taking it easy atop the end of the zip-line

That mountain on the other side is where we came from

A cemented road as part of the route

Taking a break at Brgy Cuyambay while waiting for the others

Elite running couple, Ems and Ron Nills (left and middle) with their equally fast Ilocano-”Kenyan” friend, Hadji from Tuguegarao

At Baranggay Cuyambay, Tanay

The terrain here is rolling with single tracks and rough roads ahead

These rocks are to be delivered to Metro Manila for landscaping businesses

A short rough road that leads to another set of trails

This is part of the 21k route

The road thins out to a trail

Crossing out a small stream

The group follows

Looking for something, Jun?

Alternating between shaded and open part trails

Back to an open space

The trails in this part is generally flat so we just took our time to survey the course

Trails go in and out of secluded areas. Here, we approach another stream

There’s this feeling of peace and serenity just running on these trails

We sort of miss the gushing rivers but nice to have our feet dry this time.

It was a long hike-run on the trails

Coming out of the woods

More of these bamboo trees lined-up in between trails

Entering a small village

A short uphill climb

Taking another pit stop with the group

Last of the trails before heading back to the highway

One last pit-stop

They call this the stairway to heaven, a short cut to the resort

A stair-trail path suffused with flowers

A dizzying climb to the top

More steps to climb, but i didn’t mind

Almost there…

A light brunch was waiting

Teacher Ella Mae was glad to make it back the top

At the cabana

A Chapel inside the resort

For more info of the Run2Run Trail Run on May 5, 2013, please check out PIMCO’s website which you can find here: http://www.pimcosportsevents.com/#/amazing-run2run/4573658703

Race Recap: Salomon Penitencia X-Trail Run

As the final Lenten week approaches, i will again witness bare-chested males marching in the streets of Pampanga, flagellating their bodies with bamboo whips until blood oozes out from their backs. Eventually, i will also get to watch on tv actual crucifixions where either men and women will be nailed to the cross for real!

These are Lenten rituals of some Christian devotees, an act of penitence to atone for their sins, give thanks for curing their illnesses or to grant their wishes.

Yesterday, I, together with a thousand others were subject to another form of penitence, not because we wished to repent for our sins and ask for forgiveness from the Almighty but because we, devout runners, had to scale ridiculously steep mountain trails of the Hamilo Coast in Batangas for this year’s Salomon X-Trail Run that in the end, we were asking for his salvation!

I didn’t expect it to be this difficult and even though i had only managed to enter the 12k run, it seemed like we were pushing at double the distance, much more for the 24k runners who were finishing it from 4 to 6 hours!

The mountains had undulating steep inclines and there were many more of it when we finished the beach run and started to ascend on the second mountain trails. The trails were pretty narrow on some parts so a single line were formed and it was rare that one could pass through other runners except when downhills would offer that chance. Every trail goes up until it comes down.

The run along the beach on our way to the second mountain

At the rocky shores before the first uphill climb

At the 2nd mountain

This was the scene for most of the trails. Like zombies wandering aimlessly!

One rare chance we get to jog (Photo by Runaholic)

I was feeling very sluggish and heavy during the ascend on top. Many times, i had to stop and so did the others as i felt my chest was about to explode or you get to drown on your own heavy breathing. Nice to have those small tree trunks to propel you up but it mattered very little when you were scaling continuously on top.

The downhills were much easier for me although i think you should have that level of self-confidence because any hesitation or doubts on where to land your feet would require much more energy or slow you down as i saw many runners who stopped, hesitated then fell on all fours on the steepest of descents. I had a misstep on the 8th km myself when i hesitated and missed the small rock i was to land on and the result, a fall on my butt that resulted to cramping on my left calf muscle.

One complaint i have on this race was the utter lack of hydration stations in the mountains. The organizers should have made the effort of hauling those gallons of water atop those hill crests as this is where runners need it most. One female runner even asked me if i could spare some from my backpack so i took the pack off, poured some water from the water bladder into her water bottle. She was safe in the meantime.

Rest muna, teh..

One instance when we all had to stop and catch our breath

One runner leaning on the trunk of a small tree

This runner seems to be like she was stretching

Despite the difficulties, i would love to come back on these trails again

Despite the slight rains the night before, the trails were dry and no marks of any muddy tracks, whatsoever.

There was to be a cut-off time for all the distances and so many of the 24k runners did not managed to make the 5-hour cut-off even if they announced late into the race that it was extended to another 30 minutes.

During the last 3km, i was just exhausted to even make a run for the cut-off time of 2:30 for the 12k distance even if it was all downhill so i just took my time. I just shrugged when i saw my time at 2:45 upon crossing the finish line. My usual 21k time on road races was even faster than this.

This is probably one of the hardest trail races i have ever done. I am however glad that i took part in it, getting to feel what a mountain race is all about.

Kudos to all runners who participated and finished this race!

With friends after the run

My next trail race will be the Merrell 21k Trail Run in San Mateo, Rizal next month. And before i forget, i saw Thumbie Remigio, the organizer of the Merrell run who was in the middle of the pack during the early stages of the 24k race! I hope he won’t upstage this Salomon event by changing the Merrell course into a more difficult one like what we experienced here at Hamilo Coast.

If that happens, someone is going to get flagellated this time!