AXN Runs Philippines 2011

Queueing for ages for the finisher's medal

This morning I participated in AXN Runs Philippines. I was very excited because this is my first, and might be the only, race I have in the Philippines. This is also my second 21K in the last three months.

Starting time for 21K was 5.30 in the morning. The race was quite well managed except for the finisher medal and t-shirt distribution. I have to say that the latest one is very terrible. I think I could have finished another 5K while queueing for the medal.

As expected, I didn't manage to improve my personal best. I just passed the fasting month of Ramadan and during that time I didn't run too much. Therefore, I wasn't in my good performance. I even got very sore legs that I don't think I can run for the next two days!

However, this is still a fantastic experience for me!

Keep on running!

Technical Details:
How did I get this?
Where? Pasig City, Philippines
When? September 18, 2011
How Much? PHP 750 (for late registration and without finisher t-shirt)

Halal Food in the Philippines

Finding a halal restaurant in a country like the Philippines is not an easy job. When you can get one, especially if it's just a walking distance from your place, then it would be like finding an oasis in a desert.

Halal Restaurant at Saint Francis Square, Pasig City

I was prepared only to buy fruits, vegetables, and fish from the supermarket and then do my own cooking at that time. That was until I ran into two ladies with head scarf at two different occasions when I walked to my project site.

The two ladies went into Saint Francis Square, a small and packed shopping complex in Pasig City just across SM Megamall, where they sell anything from cellphone, accessories, clothes, shoes, food, and so on. Intuitively, I went inside to do my survey.

My finding was a very good surprise! It didn't take me too long to finally see, in one corner at the back of the shopping complex, a very humble halal restaurant. I learned later that there are quite a number of local moslem workers in that building.

Technical Details:

How did I get this?

Where? Ground Floor, Saint Francis Square, Pasig City 1600, Metro Manila, Philippines
When? From July 2011 to May 2012 (hopefully)
How Much? Between PHP 90 to PHP 160 for a meal

Garmin Forerunner 610 + Premium Heart Rate Monitor

Runners love the statistics of their runs. They love to analyze and evaluate the results. This gadget makes it happen perfectly.

The complete result can be seen directly through this GPS sport watch. The more complete result can be seen after being uploaded to Garmin Connect or Nike+.

Initially I intended to buy Forerunner 410. However, knowing that 610 is only RM 55 higher than 410, I couldn't resist to buy this compact, relatively slim but full of features gadget. And it has touch screen some more!

Keep on running!

Technical Details:
How did I get this? 
Where? Garmin Malaysia at 43, Jalan Jejaka 2, Taman Maluri, Cheras, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
When? June 25, 2011
How Much? MYR 1,255