Outbreak Manila

Without exaggeration, this "Run" was beyond amazing. Once you see the first set of zombies, you'd instantly "get in the zone" and feel like it's a real zombie apocalypse mainly because the zombies looked real & they played their roles very well, moreover, the participants are all hyped up and screaming too. I've never imagined myself joining marathons, not even Fun Runs, but Outbreak Manila added an extra twist to the common running events by having (realistic) zombies blocking & chasing you and this time, even having the run held during the evening. 

Some of the zombies we managed to take photos of. See how realistic they are! They were also acting and making those silly zombie sounds. Haha! If it wasn't raining, I would have taken a dozen more photos of various zombies dressed in all sorts of costumes!

This is just the second time that this one of its kind event has been done in Manila. But I'd have to say that this version suits me better (First version was held in Nuvali during day time) because I'm not exactly fond of running, most especially if it's under the scorching heat of the sun. We're probably fortunate (or not) that it also rained during our wave, adding more fun to the already enjoyable run. Downside of this though is, less pictures! 

We just had an epic fail trying to run as a group. Originally, we were supposed to be in the same wave with my friends. However, Leo and I arrived exactly at 8:50PM, the time our wave is supposed to start the race. To  add more stress to our delayed arrival, our race bibs were with our friends, who already went ahead. After going around a couple of times (For the lack of signages!), we finally managed to get in, but Leo & I ended up running with a different wave. 


Moving on, there are 2 small tents for registration purposes and for getting your "lives." We had a hard time looking for the starting line due to lack of signages. The jump off point / registration area was filled with numerous sponsors & participants alike. The run starts at a huge tent which serves as the holding area for gathering the wave members and sponsors giving out freebies.


As the host announced that we could now "run for our lives," everyone was so enthusiastic & hyped up that it's infectious. Haha! We then saw the first set of zombies who successfully warmed us up and got us in the zone;-) We then realized that if you're running with a huge group or with anyone in that matter, it's probably best to talk among yourselves to just meet up right after passing through a set of zombies. Because once the zombies try to chase after you, the only thing you'll think of is running away from them without getting caught, regardless of who you're with! hahaha


The 5-Kilometer track was infested with zombies who usually came in groups of 3 or more for the difficult part. If you were a legit runner, you surely can outrun all the zombies. But for people like me who joined for the art of enjoying a zombie run, you wouldn't get out alive with 3 lives (considering you're wearing the flags in the proper manner). Because apart from zombies playing "patintero" with you in the open road, there are a few obstacles (as seen in the next photos) and zombies await you right after the obstacles. I wasn't able to take a picture of the first obstacle though, which was mainly huge garters because we were still attempting to run from the zombies! haha. 

This is a set of chimes, we were trying to wait for more participants before passing through this because there was a number of zombies waiting ahead. As participants scram through this, it made loud & nice chime sounds.

While we were waiting for more participants to join us, before passing through this, I was able to take a snapshot of this little zombie girl:) Kudos to their make up artists! Despite the strong rain throughout the run, their make up was still there.

 Zombies waiting..

 Please bear with my extremely blurred photos. As I've said, it was raining & dark when we ran:)

 Also, they brilliantly scattered buses, jeeps and cars at one leg of the race, making it easier for zombies to catch you. Here's a group of zombie kids waiting for more runners to scare. :) I also can recall seeing a little zombie kid wearing CSA uniform! Too bad I wasn't able to take a photo because he tried to snatch one of my lives! haha

If you've seen "The Walking Dead" series, some parts of the race looked like it because of the vehicles scattered around.

Here's another obstacle. A small maze of plywood, looking exactly alike in every turn. We managed by following the people who tried to figure their way out. Haha!

The zombies were good. Because despite the fact of us not having any more "lives" (red flags), they still try to scare you off with their zombie sounds and zombie actions. I had a good number of times when I didn't intend to scream, but I still did. haha!

Participants were also game! Here's one who dressed up as a dalmatian! Along the way, I saw Dora the Explorer, Iron man, and Spider man too, plus a lot of people not exactly in running gear. It felt like Halloween!

It wasn't smart of me to carry a pouch because it rained hard and I was drenching wet. But it came in handy for car keys, camera, etc. There wasn't a place for lockers, so it's best to leave everything inside the car and just bring the essentials.

Met up with the girls at High street for late dinner and coffee. I'm so glad we joined Outbreak! It's a very nice experience for first timers like me, and surely, if we had the chance to join the next, I am so joining!:)

The shirts which came along with the race kit were nice! I like the design and the fabric altogether:) However, to make sure that the participants will join the run, the shirts could be claimed after the run. Thou shall not lose the race bibs!It was indeed a night to remember! Here's a snapshot of our cute trusty ride:) Looking forward to more Outbreak Manila fun:)

July 28 2012

Moody Monday

This is crazy! Haven't been writing anything here for more than a week already:( I was preoccupied with nothingness. Haha! THE IRONY. The cold rainy weather simply amplifies my laziness, 10 times! Moreover, there's something about this week which makes me disturbed & very uncomfortable. First, I was supposed to go to Green Hills for our usual saturdate, however the weather was just impossible that day, so we had to cancel. I was looking forward to this day out:( Next, I was supposed to finally undergo this 6-day training (Starting today - Monday) which I should have taken up last year but I just don't feel like it yet at that time. Then the very moment where in everything's prepped already, confirmed and worst, I was already THERE, this trainer tells me that this week has already been reserved for a private company training -- And I really really hate it when plans get cancelled! I have this advanced (you might regard this as paranoia) thinking where in I tend to plan & schedule EVERYTHING ahead of time to make sure things will push through the way I want them to. I didn't exactly plan out every little detail (It's isn't an out of town trip. haha), but I've prepared the requirements and conditioned myself into attending another training / seminar, just to find out it's rescheduled. Define hassle!

Anyway. I have been locked in at home for a week, or a few days which seemed more than a week to me! Well except for the intimate family dinner we had for my grand mother's supposedly wedding anniversary (How I miss papa - my grand father). I don't really know how I've adjusted to this laid back, pressure-less kind of living from my toxic schedule in college & my fast paced schedule at my previous job. It drives me crazy at some points, but I've found a way to keep myself (sort of) busy & still earning. I'm actually considering teaching to be among my back up plans if all else fail. I just realized that I might actually have a thing for teaching, considering my high school history, where I've always been a student teacher.

Moving on, during days like these, I honestly wish I'd be neighbors with my close friends, so I could simply go outside my house and knock on their doors and get bored together:) Last Wednesday, I was able to see TeamFort (haha! It's what I call Vi, Zahra & Meg, who are always always at Fort) for a quick jog, but later on finding ourselves at McDonald's - I'm totally aware of how useless that jog is. Plus, also had a quick meet up with Jim, one of my good friends from college who happens to be successfully working at St. Lukes Global:)

Despite cancelled plans, good thing I tagged along with my mom earlier to get some fresh mall air (haha) and my favorite meal: Green Tea Frap & Chicken & Mushroom Pesto :)

This probably is my first ever photograph-less blog entry. I just felt like writing spontaneously about my daily rambling this Monday. Nonetheless, I will keep myself busy this week by accomplishing (or attempting to accomplish) adult tasks. I've got my NBI clearance renewal, TIN ID, and the list goes on. I shall blog about them & the processes IF EVER I push through:)

Oh and I'm so looking forward to Outbreak MNL this Saturday. Now praying for good dry weather throughout the week so I can also continue my pretentious jogging routine. ;-) 

XOXO

More Fun in the South

You've probably heard of the "Dirty South." I forgot how they regarded the North. Maybe uptight? haha. I remember one of my friends sharing her observation that whenever she goes to Rockwell, everyone's all dressed up, seemingly prepped to attend a party, while whenever she goes to Alabang Town Center, everyone's in their comfy flip flops & shorts (always ready for the beach? haha). Really shows how laid back the South is. True enough, I've noticed that people from the south (like me) prefer chill drinking sessions at home rather than dressing up to kill & partying at bars.

Anyway, we had our usual Saturdate Night Out. Before heading out, I was surprised when he let me drive around his village despite my ignorance & lack of driving skills:) It's so shameful that I still don't know how to drive at this age! His car was automatic so it was like driving a huge go kart, but I still need to learn how to multi-task and drive for real. Thanks for teaching me though:)

After my crash course on driving, we went exploring farther down BF Homes. I haven't been to the far end of BF, where I was surprised to see numerous restaurants & chill drinking places lined up at the main road. Not having a place to go to in mind, this South Diner caught our attention while we were checking out places to eat at. It's always good to try new things!:)

 They have Coca Cola collectible items all over! Especially at the counter:)

 Really enjoyed the feel of American diners!

 These ladies are to die for! 

 Cheese Fauta - Not sure if I got the spelling correct. They're real good! Deep fried cheese which melts in the mouth with a delicious tomato based dip to balance the taste:) 

Vanilla shake was okay, typical vanilla ice cream taste. We go this so we could try it:)

They serve American food (obviously. haha) of all sorts - burgers - hot dogs - salad - breakfast dishes, etc. I got Sloppy Joe burger & Leo got an upgraded version of their regular Mushroom & Bacon. The sloppy joe is basically flavored ground meat plus egg. It lacks taste though and I was able to consume only half. It has this taste where in you'll get tired of it easily. The Mushroom and Bacon though was really delicious! Burger lovers will surely enjoy this dish:)

 Sloppy Joe:

 Bacon was cooked to a perfect crisp! Mushroom & cheese all over the burger!

 We then headed for dessert. We were actually thinking of Figaro or Starbucks, and of course we ended up at Starbucks:) haha! I've been having my Green Tea cravings & boy were they completely satisfied!:)

 Starbucks' Green Tea & Berry is my current cheesecake fave. But this Guilt Free cake down there was equally tempting! This small slice is heavenly! However, I chose to have green tea for the night.

Paired my cheesecake with Green Tea Frap:) TIP: Have the barrista replace the usual vanilla syrup with Hazelnut syrup :)

Indeed, it was an evening to enjoy:)

P.S. Thank you to Leo's mom (fresh from a short vacation from the U.S.) for thoughtfully giving me pasalubong:) And thank you to Leo for generously sharing me his all time favorite Trolli eggs:)

CSA & UST, my beloved Alma Mater(s)

Going back to your second home always brings back memories - Never fails! Today, I decided to finally claim the documents I requested from UST earlier. Since this week is also the monthly examinations of my friends from the lower batches, I decided to have a quick lunch with them:) Thank you for making time!:) Unfortunately, I wasn't able to take photos because I failed to recharge my camera's battery. Anyhow, I'll still include pictures I previously took. haha! I'm really not used to 'blogging' without including any photos!

It's unbelievably insane how fast time really is. Back in college, I enjoyed being (somehow) part of the student council, thus I became a full pledged staffer (The students who help the student council in all their projects). For me it was fun & fulfilling:) I was able to do something productive other than just merely studying, not to mention, I was able to meet lots of people & make new friends, beyond the confinement of our classrooms. We were blocked (sections) alphabetically, so you're likely stuck with your classmates for the rest of your college life and the only way to meet new people is by joining organizations & co-curricular activities.

So proud of our 'babies' / 'kids' :) haha! From being those baby staffers we worked with fondly to full grown council members & committee heads!:) I'm just glad I was able to see some of them today:) They're among the best people to work with who share the same dedication & passion as we had. (Next time, I'll make sure to have a picture with them)

Pictures below are from the Freshmen Tour 2010. So, those freshies are now juniors. Just imagine.

Next set of photos were taken a few months ago:)

For today, I had lunch at 1236 (a small restaurant at Asturias) with Vana, Miko, Gelo, Rogie, & Chuck. It was quick but I enjoyed their company. I've been out of school for more than an academic year now, so we did some catching up:) I wanted to stick around longer , however they still have exams the next day. Hopefully, I can spend more time with them sometime else. I really miss college. I'm just glad to have spent it the way I did:)

We finished just in time for the actual lunch time - 12NN, thus I met up with Tracy who was also with Waves & Telet, and later on again, Miko. Plus saw lots of familiar faces in immaculately white uniforms top to bottom. Made we wish I pushed through with Med.:) Yeah I love white. Kidding! We just talked a bit as I watched them eat, since I already had my lunch. Oh, yes I enjoyed the refreshing Mango Graham shake which Waves introduced me to. A 25-peso refreshing fruit shake which I couldn't even finish because it was big enough. How I miss UST, Dapitan & the whole package! (Even the flood. haha Kidding. But it's part of being a Thomasian!) 

Moving on, we had to part ways because they still had classes at 1. Plus I have to go all the way to Sucat to get another piece of document. I failed though. Screw your disorganized system. I was already with my mom when we went to Sucat - a useless trip thanks to your 'system' - from there we had to go to CSA to pick my brother up. Thus, my short lived visit to CSA:)  

Photos were also taken previously:) I just included them for the art of it. haha! I love this school too much:) It's where I grew up:) But, no matter how much I miss this school, the people I grew up with here are no longer there, so basically, I tend to just admire its development from way back then. This gymnasium is beautiful compared to what we had before.

The gymnasium has always been a venue for our ever famous Cheering Competition - the highlight of our high school days. haha! Here's a clip from my batch:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qn3Xw00AQb4 

There are a lot of better videos already, each generation improving with their cheers & stunts. Our batch lost big time, but we made the best memories (& scandals)! haha:)

I basically grew up with my batch mates since 1st grade. CSA, being a Catholic school, we celebrated the mass every certain day of the month. So when we were in high school and we had this sense of stronger friendship bonds, the Chapel would be in chaos during the peace offering. Everyone would go to there respective circles, regardless of how far they are from each other and exchange the 'Peace be with you.' And worship songs here are the best:) 

 Our very long campus still lacks parking space somehow, so they added eventually.

 Our massive soccer fields served as our play ground & venue for batch activities from grade school through high school. (Each batch has approximately 450-500 students)

 Never had the chance to try these tennis courts out:(

So much for walking down on memory lane! I should probably pay a visit with my friends so we could eat at the so called longest canteen in Asia :) I should have kept a blog since high school so all the drama & once in a life time events are well documented & transcribed in the world wide web! Oh well. Better late than never;-)