RACE RESULTS CAOAYAN CENTENNIAL RUN 2011

A Cherished Write-up

Just want to share this write-up about me, made by my daughter for a school assignment.

A Local Hero's Profile

Most people would describe heroes as those who sacrifice their personal comforts to live and die for special causes.

At this day and age, heroes come in different shapes and sizes. For me, they are not just of the political kind that we always hear of on television and read about on the papers. Heroism can also be seen in people who show great passion in whatever fields they are in, in those who go beyond themselves, strive to spark change and inspire their fellow.

I believe my dad is one of them. As a husband to my mother, and a father to us siblings, yes he is our hero. But there is more to him than just the sacrifices he does as the head of our family.

First and foremost, he is a hero to those who suffer the unbearable pain of ailing gums and teeth. As a dentist by profession, he is the superman who will always be ready to save his patients when they've had too much sweets to eat and forget to brush their teeth at night. Not to mention, further to his private practice, he also sets off to offer his services for free in various dental mission initiatives. This is his worthwhile way of using his profession to help the less fortunate members of the community.

Second, my dad is a leader in all sorts of fields. He has headed developmental programs of the local chapter of the Philippine Dental Association, where he served as President. He was also President and is currently active member of Rotary Club, where he takes part in the implementation of goodwill projects for various sectors of the society.

Third, my dad has been most notable for his contributions to sports in the province. He has founded the LITAKEM Ilocos Sur Badminton Club (LISBC). Through this initiative, the Ilocos Sur Badminton Center was built. This badminton hub stands to house enthusiasts who come together with their friends to play leisure and competitive games of the sport.

My dad has also founded TARAYEM, an organization of passionate runners in the community. What started as a hobby and a practice for personal well-being has now become the advocacy that he envisions to share with the community. Through his selfless sharing of his time, expertise and love for the sport, he has created several venues for people to also experience the transformative power of running as a sport, a hobby and a community-building activity.

Having finished seven marathons (42km) and three ultramarathons (43km and up) to date, my dad has established for himself a record that only highly-determined, dedicated and disciplined people can achieve. This has allowed him to inspire people to also embrace such virtues and has given him the credentials to be considered a master of the craft. He has then organized several running events and races that drew people to love the sport and practice healthy lifestyles, alongside. Now, given the prevalence of the sport in the province, I believe my dad has been successful in realizing his noble vision.

At the end of the day, heroes are those that move us to live for something bigger than our own dreams for ourselves. While most men of his age are primarily dedicated to making money and building their own estates, my dad has profoundly shown me the greater fulfillment that comes from pursuing one's passion and initiating relevant causes that benefit the community, even those that do not necessarily involve money in the process. Most of my dad's achievements are actually fruits of pro bono work and his utmost dedication to effect change.

As a witness to all his benevolent contributions to the community, I will always live by the example of my dad. His unending passion, charm and commitment to his craft will always be something I'll look up to, as I strive to be a hero in my own little ways, as well.

Taray PAMULINAWEN 2011

Joined the 'Taray Pamulinawen | Laoag Sand Dunes Challenge' last February 26, 2011 in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

Carbo loading party on the eve of the race

Having my coffee fix before the run

With my team TARAYEM

Shaking hands with Michael Luis of Pinakbet Group

The race begins

Running along the sand dunes

At one of the checkpoints during the race

With Dado Culabat

Approaching the finish line, after 1hr and 49 minutes!

With my fellow TARAYEM runners in our finisher shirts

2nd QC International Marathon

Stills from the 2nd Quezon City International Marathon last December 5, 2010.

My race bib

At the starting line

With my nephew Christian

With my Team TARAYEM

With Maffin from SMART

Along Commonwealth Avenue

Nearing the finish line after 4 hours and 40 minutes!

With my running friends and our finishers' medals

Photos from Photovendo

Pasuquin to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte 70 Km Ultra Marathon

Last August 29, 2010, I ran my very first ultra marathon, along the scenic roads of Pasuquin to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

My running gear: I am Ninoy Runners shirt from Rudy Project ; CW-X compression shorts ; Nathan hydration belt ; K-Swiss running shoes ; Nike cap ; Garmin Forerunner 305 watch

With my fellow runners, Galo and Edward at Pasuquin bridge

Along Kapurpurawan Rocks, Burgos Ilocos Norte Still along Kapurpurawan Rocks and the South China Sea With Bhrein Salazar and the Bangui Wind Mills at the background

At Cape Bojeador, Burgos Lighthouse

Finally, at the finish line! Saud Beach, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte Awarding of finishers with my new running friend, Bhrein Salazar and race director Jovie Narcise

With the Bald Runner, Sir Jovie Narcise!