We Ran Miles for Smiles

It's an annual event that began in 2003. Miles for Smiles - Run for Cleft Care benefits children with "bingot" or cleft palates.  It is a brainchild of Noordhoff Craniofacial Foundation Philippines, Inc., a team of surgeons and doctors who endeavor to raise awareness that this condition is treatable and for free. On August 22, 2010, the 8th edition of Miles for Smiles took place at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig which featured 3K, 5K, 10K, 16K race categories and a 400-meter kiddie dash.

HOMECOMING RUN

I was back to a familiar place. Fort Bonifacio used to be our playground back in the days, having spent my younger years here. What was formerly a golf course and a training ground of the Philippine Army is now regarded a premiere business hub and known today as Bonifacio Global City. A domain of the city of Makati before but now forms part of  the city of Taguig. Surveying the race route prior to the event gave me an exciting feeling, thinking I would be traversing again a territory which was home to me decades ago.

REUNION RUN

In 1996, we were a bunch of twenty-somethings assigned to D&B, a financial project. We are not accountants by profession but a two-week training transformed us into balance sheet and profit and loss experts.  Since then, we have walked different paths - Mildred (legal), Ate Letty (consulting), Rodel (financial), Jojo (health) and Derick (outsourcing).  As for me, you know how I have been.  We have stayed in touch though through the years, thanks to an innovation called mobile texting and a phenomenon called Facebook. And thanks to running, Miles for Smiles provided a venue for us to get together after ages. As I write this post, they're already planning for the Oct. 3 Avon Run - splendid! BTW, it's the same team that bestowed on me the BossMan or BM moniker way back.

MY FIRST 16K RUN

Another milestone run for me since it's my first 16K.  I had intended to advance further one step at a time because I firmly believe that still, timing is key.  It's the second of my 3 preparatory runs going into my first ever half marathon in early September.  I can't believe that's eight days away.  After six months of being in the game, my D-Day is almost here.  I want for that moment to be sweet, memorable, and me feeling and looking healthy as I cross the finish line. I’m getting ready, getting ready...Oh boy, what a day it's gonna be...

RUN & EAT!

It's the second most fun part in every race, next only to saying "cheese" or "eight" in front of the cam.  It's chow time!  I had a simple breakfast in mind but the gang thought otherwise. We ended up along Macapagal Avenue in Pasay, in one of the dampa-style restos and feasted on sinigang na salmon sa miso, buttered chicken, pinaputok na tilapia, adobong kangkong and pansit, for (the celebrant's) long life.  Coupled with good laughs, a videoke and free Starbucks frappuccinos - indeed, it was a perfect Sunday!  Until our next run.

Next stop: 1st Recoletos Run (back to Cebu!).