It was this innate optimism that helped when Typhoon “Pedring” stranded our little running group that participated in the Camsur Marathon last week. With all flights to Naga cancelled, we had to rely on the generosity of Governor LRay Villafuerte to lend us a van to ferry us home.
Rain poured during the entire nine-hour drive. I can only hope each of the 21,000 runners made it home safely. Governor LRay was so lucky in that the second Summit Water Camsur Marathon was held the day before the typhoon hit.
Race day was perfect, with just the sun slightly peeking through the clouds. The weather was the best ever, compared to the other runs I had joined in the past.
Philippine Tatler editor and first-time runner Anton San Diego was happy that he had a good run and still enjoyed some wakeboarding afterwards. Also doing the run-wakeboard duathlon were Anthony Pangilinan and his kids.
Perfect theme
The marathon theme, “Race to a Greener Philippines,” is so perfect, given that we all need to be focused on the environment. Given the rash of weird weather these past years, if we want to keep seeing rainbows, we need to be good to Mother Nature.
Camsur, the country’s No. 1 sports tourism destination, has vowed to plant 12 million trees by 2012. So far, Governor LRay’s El Verde program has already planted three million trees.
Among the Camsur marathoners were birthday boy Rovilson Fernandez and Will DeVaughn. Both ran and then partied at the Happy Endings Bar to celebrate another fantastic year.
King of the Road will surely be another successful run, thanks to RunRio’s Coach Rio de la Cruz, who also organized the Camsur Marathon. Rio promises fast and accurate race results and more exciting race innovations.
I suggested to Rio to have photo walls in every water station so the runners will keep smiling through the race. To register for Adidas King of the road, visit www.adidaskingoftheroad.com.
The new designer outfits from Adidas are the cutest, and perfect for my workout classes in Plana Forma at The Fort. I believe cross-training is the key to having stronger runs.
When it comes to getting ready for a race, my pre-race ceremonies are the longest. From chafing creams to anti-fatigue lotion to sunblock sprays, my rituals take about an hour for me to get race-ready!
New deodorant
The launch was equally charming, a black salon show at the Makati Shangri-La. The collections of top female designers Czarina Villa, Camille Co, Michi Calica and Charina Sarte, all in black, highlighted the new deodorant’s key selling point—anti-white mark technology so that ladies can slip on their little black dresses after spraying on their deodorants without fear of staining their tops.
Anne Remulla, Rexona’s brand manager, did an on-stage test with host Bianca Valerio that was truly impressive. All that and superior protection from wetness and odor as well. New products can truly impress these days.
High-impact show
Speaking of deodorants, there is a coming show where the performers will truly need protection. “Stomp,” the high-impact, international theatrical sensation is coming to Manila on October 18-23.
“Stomp” features a unique combination of percussion, movement and visual comedy. It is played entirely on non-traditional instruments, such as garbage can lids, buckets, brooms and sticks, transforming the stage into a pulsating, witty and utterly irresistible theatrical event.
Concertus is truly one of those businesses that combine fun and profit. In January, it’s bringing in “Mamma Mia!,” another winning production featuring the classic songs of ABBA, like “Dancing Queen” and “Take a Chance on Me.”
It’s so much fun to watch shows like this, because no matter how hard it rains, the weather is always perfect inside a theater.
Follow Tessa on Twitter @tessavaldes or email her at seaprincess@inquirer.com.ph.