My 1st Ultra Marathon (50KM DNF) Solo Joiner; VJ100UTC Baguio 2024

Filipino Ultra Trail Run Solo Joiner 14-Dec-2024 Sunday in Baguio City, Philippines

My 1st Trail Run (32KM) in the Philippines; San Rafael Mountain Run

"Fast running isn’t forced. You have to relax and let the run come out of you." - Desiree Linden, long distance runner

This Fun Run served as my First ULTRAMARATHON (50KM) as a Solo Joiner, and 3rd Trail Run following the San Rafael Mountain Run (32KM), My main objective is just to finish the race (beating my previous PR is optional), I want to enjoy the run at my own pace.

VJ100 Ultra Trail Challenge 2024 (VJ100UTC) is an “extremely challenging” route set within the stunning trails of Camp John Hay, Baguio City in the Philippines. VJ100UTC brings you the best that trail running has to offer.  Trail runners will challenge their physical and mental limits whilst devouring some of the very best trail scenery the world has to offer.  VJ100UTC’s goal is to challenge the norm, lead the way in trail running event standards and most importantly, greatly improve the overall experience of all participants from runners and supporters through to marshals and support crew.

 

I've been a Fun Run Solo Joiner since 2007 but not as a runner (walker actually as most of the time I was walking), just for the sake of Race Singlet and being a joiner. My longest distance was even 10km (about 2x only), and usual for 5km. I stopped joining because I was lazy and lost interest. More than 10 years later until April 13, 2024, my first official run training for Fun-Run, I was so bored I had nothing to do and no regular hobby (so somehow it was a spontaneous decision). My main triggering factor was the FINISHER SHIRT (bragging entitlement shirt) and TikTok / FB Reels of running tips randomly (not that motivated, just for a push on my interest). From 10km to a Half-Marathon, I suddenly decided again to elevate the distance to a full marathon (42.2km) as my running interest is getting addicted out of boredom and depression. 

Race Name: VJ 100 ULTRA TRAIL CHALLENGE     Distance Joined: ULTRA TRAIL MARATHON (50KM)

Registration / Inclusion: PHP 4,200 (early bird) / Event Shirt, Finisher's Medal, Post Race Meal, medicine kit

Location: CAMP JOHN JAY ROUTE (5 loops)     Cut-off Time: 14-Dec-2024 Sat 2300H-1500H (16 hours)

Finished: NO               Time: 10:31:34 (3 loops)               Pace: DNF          ITRA: 1 point          UTMB: XXX 

New PR: N/A               Elevation Gain: 3,500m               Rank: DNF 

Route difficulty: The excess distance per loop is around 2km and yet the cut-off is short. Thus, many DNF runners (around 50% of the participants per category) and obviously not beginner-friendly. Creating 5 loops for an ultramarathon is somehow boring. Altitude gain is 700m per loop.

Remarks (My rating: 1 of 5 stars): (1) Lots of DNF runners (around 50% of the participants per category) and obviously not beginner-friendly (2) Creating 5 loops for an ultramarathon is somehow boring. (3) Altitude gain is 700m per loop. (4) Well-organized, started on time. Lots of refreshments in the water stops. (5) Event shirt design is not good / No Finisher Shirt. (6) Registration fee is expensive for a local trail run.

If given the chance, would I like to join this race again? Definitely No (not beginner-friendly)

My 1st Ultra Marathon (50KM DNF) Solo Joiner; VJ100UTC Baguio 2024

6 Day Budget DIY Solo Trip in Baguio City (Pre-Christmas December 2024)

Chill Pre-Holiday Adventure in Baguio City, Philippines December 13 to 19, 2024

Budget DIY Family Trip in Baguio City (2007) - main trip

A Day of Commute from Sagada to Manila (2011) - side trip

Baguio City Side Trip, Stone Kingdom and Colors of Stobosa (2022) - side trip

This trip served as my 4th visit, where my 1st visit happened last 2003 for my College Educational Tour, the reason why I brought my family was because I was mesmerized by Baguio city's beauty. Also, the main reason why I came back is because of my 1st Ultra Trail Marathon in the Philippines.

Baguio City is located at an altitude of 1,450 meters above sea level on the Cordillera Administrative Region in the middle of the island of Luzon, in the Philippines. Due to its cool mountain weather, Baguio is considered the summer capital of the Philippines. Because of its many pine trees it is also called the City of Pines. In October 31, 2017, it became part of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network, the first city in the Philippines to join the list.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Baguio

6 Day Budget DIY Solo Trip in Baguio City (Pre-Christmas December 2024)

My 1st Trail Run (32KM) in the Philippines; San Rafael Mountain Run

Filipino Trail Run Solo Joiner 01-Dec-2024 Sunday in Rodriguez, Rizal, Philippines

My 1st Trail Run (12KM) Solo Joiner; North Face Kathmandu Ultra 2016

Your mind will quit a thousand times before your body will. Feel the fear and do it anyway!

This Fun Run served as my First TRAIL RUN IN THE PHILIPPINES as a Solo Joiner, and 2nd in Trail Run following the North Face Kathmandu Ultra (12km) last Jan. 2016, My main objective is just to finish the race (beating my previous PR is optional), I want to enjoy the run at my own pace.

 

Join us and be captivated by the beautiful sunrise over the breathtaking Mount Ayaas of Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges. This trail running event is an eco-tourism project by Trail Crew PH in partnership of the Municipality of Montalban, Barangay San Rafael and Tourism Department on December 1, 2024 for the Leg 3 of San Rafael Mountain Run Series.

 

I've been a Fun Run Solo Joiner since 2007 but not as a runner (walker actually as most of the time I was walking), just for the sake of Race Singlet and being a joiner. My longest distance was even 10km (about 2x only), and usual for 5km. I stopped joining because I was lazy and lost interest. More than 10 years later until April 13, 2024, my first official run training for Fun-Run, I was so bored I had nothing to do and no regular hobby (so somehow it was a spontaneous decision). My main triggering factor was the FINISHER SHIRT (bragging entitlement shirt) and TikTok / FB Reels of running tips randomly (not that motivated, just for a push on my interest). From 10km to a Half-Marathon, I suddenly decided again to elevate the distance to a full marathon (42.2km) as my running interest is getting addicted out of boredom and depression. 

Race Name: SAN RAFAEL MOUNTAIN RUN    Distance Joined: 20MI. (32KM)

Registration / Inclusion: PHP 3,499 (late) / Event Shirt, Finisher's Medal/Shirt, Post Race Meal, Tourism fee

Location: MONTALBAN, RIZAL (back trail)     Cut-off Time: 01-Dec-2024 Sun 0400H-1600H (12 hours)

Finished: YES               Time: 09:39:24 (SUB10)               Pace: 16:57          ITRA: 1 point          UTMB: XXX 

New PR: YES               Elevation Gain: 2,097m               Rank: 61.54% (8th of 13) 

Route difficulty: Malasya back trail is difficult (brutal), especially with continuous rain throughout the race. Lots of steep slippery muddy ascents/descent damaged trail (almost no flat terrain), ideal for experienced competitive trail runners. Mobile signal is deadspot in the entire trail/area. Trails needed to be more marked, I lost a couple of times. There are only 4 Aid Stations available. 

Remarks (My rating: 2 of 5 stars): (1) Weather is horrible, raining throughout the race (2) Not so well-organized, insufficient marshalls, trails were not sufficiently marked. Only 4 Aid stations available. (3) Event / Finisher shirt design is somehow good. (4) Finisher medal is not customized, same for all categories (5) Registration fee is expensive because I'm late and there's an outreach fee. (6) Tote bag full of freebies (black mamba, vitaminboost, lightwater, etc) (7) I won the age category (40-49 yrs old), finished without hiking poles support

If given the chance, would I like to join this race again? Definitely No (don't wanna experience that trail again)

My 1st Trail Run in the Philippines; 32KM San Rafael Mountain Run

My 2nd Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; Asics Rock N' Roll Manila 2024

Filipino Marathon Fun Run Solo Joiner 24-Nov-2024 Sunday in Rizal Park, Manila, Philippines

My 1st Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; Manila Marathon 2024

"Run often. Run long. But never outrun your joy of running." - Julie Isphording, long-distance runner

This Fun Run served as my Second FULL-MARATHON 42.2KM as a Solo Joiner, following the Manila Marathon last Oct. 2024, started my running enthusiasm on 13-Apr-2024. Finished a complete full Marathon trained in less than 6 months (not my aim during the early phase). My main objective is just to finish the race (beating my previous PR is optional), I want to enjoy the run at my own pace.

ASICS Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Manila with its on-course entertainment, live bands, DJs and ensembles, to its unique heavy medals. Starting in Luneta Park, then heading to the National Museum and Manila City Hall, Fort Santiago, to Chinatown in Binondo, and the Manila Bay strip, the course is certified by the World Athletics Association of International Marathons and Distances Races (AIMS). This fun run would be my last to Asics Rock N' Roll due to the awfully scammed expensive registration fee ₱4,800 (changed my distance from 21km to 42km) despite being registered more than 5 months before the event. What made me more disappointed was they kept bringing the introductory fee which was around ₱2,600 every month. I emailed and messaged them on their social media, but only seen mode with no response until now. Moreover, I heard that there was a running group that they offered around ₱400 fee only for every Marathon joiner. The race route was not even good, loop repeated three times and finished before sunrise (5am). I do not recommend this race to anyone, the most terrible fun run race I had.

 

I've been a Fun Run Solo Joiner since 2007 but not as a runner (walker actually as most of the time I was walking), just for the sake of Race Singlet and being a joiner. My longest distance was even 10km (about 2x only), and usual for 5km. I stopped joining for more than 10 years because I was lazy, tired, and lost interest.

More than 10 years later until April 13, 2024, my first official run training for Fun-Run, I was so bored I had nothing to do and no regular hobby (so somehow it was a spontaneous decision). My main triggering factor was the FINISHER SHIRT (bragging entitlement shirt) and TikTok / FB Reels of running tips randomly (not that motivated, just for a push on my interest). One week after, I joined the 10km Fun-Run (Earth Day Run) (1:15:00) then 2 weeks after my 1st Half-Marathon 21.1km (Milo Marathon 2024 Manila Leg) (2:45:00). Then, I just bought around 4 brand-new running shoes and keep reading some tips online. After four Half-Marathons and one 32km race (4:04:00), I suddenly decided again to elevate the distance to a full marathon (42.2km) as my running interest is getting addicted out of boredom and depression. My very first Full Marathon was MANILA MARATHON 2024.

Race Name: ASICS ROCK N' ROLL 2024     Distance Joined: FULL MARATHON (42.2KM)

Registration / Inclusion: PHP 4,800 (early bird) / event shirt, finisher medal/shirt, shipping fee

Location: MANILA KM 0 ROUTE (3 loops)     Cut-off Time: 23-Nov-2024 Sat 2200H-0530H (7.5 hours)

Finished: YES               Time: 05:31:09 (SUB6)               Pace: 07:45     

New PR: YES               Elevation Gain: 79m               Rank: 51.42% (578th of 1,124) 

Route difficulty: Awesome weather. Creating 3 loops for a marathon is boring though the music bands helped to lessen the boredome. Mostly flat, uphill/downhill part was the Jones Bridge only, good for beginners.

Remarks (My rating: 1 of 5 stars): (1) Well-organized, started on time. Lots of refreshments in the water stops. (2) 42km Event/Finisher shirt design is not readable / ease to look at. (3) Registration fee is awfully scammed expensive for a local Marathon. (4) I achieved my target time somehow with fewer body pains (stomach cramps) compared to my 1st marathon. (5) Local rock bands are electrifying.

If given the chance, would I like to join this race again? Obviously No, I don't recommend it also

My 2nd Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; Asics Rock N' Roll Manila 2024

My 1st Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; Manila Marathon 2024

Filipino Marathon Fun Run Solo Joiner 06-Oct-2024 Sunday in Metro, Manila Philippines

"Good things come slow - especially in distance running." - Bill Dellinger, middle-distance runner

This Fun Run served as my First FULL-MARATHON 42.2KM as a Solo Joiner, started my running enthusiasm on 13-Apr-2024. Finished a complete full Marathon trained in less than 6 months (not my aim during the early phase). My main objective is just to finish the race (beating my previous PR is optional), I want to enjoy the run at my own pace.

The MANILA MARATHON 2024 brings together athletes and enthusiasts as they traverse the streets of the Philippines’ capital. Fueled by determination and a shared passion for running, the event promotes fitness and celebrates tourism. I registered on an early bird promo for my first Full Marathon 42.2km Fun-Run for PHP 3,200 (Race Singlet, Finisher Shirt, processing fee, shipment fee).

 

I've been a Fun Run Solo Joiner since 2007 but not as a runner (walker actually as most of the time I was walking), just for the sake of Race Singlet and being a joiner. My longest distance was even 10km (about 2x only), and usual for 5km. I stopped joining because I was lazy and lost interest.

More than 10 years later until April 13, 2024, my first official run training for Fun-Run, I was so bored I had nothing to do and no regular hobby (so somehow it was a spontaneous decision). My main triggering factor was the FINISHER SHIRT (bragging entitlement shirt) and TikTok / FB Reels of running tips randomly (not that motivated, just for a push on my interest). One week after, I joined the 10km Fun-Run (Earth Day Run) (1:15:00) then 2 weeks after my 1st Half-Marathon 21.1km (Milo Marathon 2024 Manila Leg) (2:45:00). Then, I just bought around 4 brand-new running shoes and keep reading some tips online. After four Half-Marathons and one 32km race (4:04:00), I suddenly decided again to elevate the distance to a full marathon (42.2km) as my running interest is getting addicted out of boredom and depression.

Race Name: MANILA MARATHON 2024      Distance Joined: FULL MARATHON (42.2KM)

Registration/Inclusion: PHP 3,200 (early bird) / singlet, finisher medal/shirt, loot bag, processing/shipping fee

Location: PASAY TO MANILA ROUTE (one loop)     Cut-off Time: 06-Oct-2024 Sun 1200H-0800H (8 hours)

Finished: YES               Time: 05:59:48 (SUB6)               Pace: 08:34     

New PR: NO               Elevation Gain: 104m               Rank: 67.65% (297th of 439)

Route difficulty: Raining throughout the race (before the start until I went home), my entire body was soaking wet (literally Raining in Manila), felt discomfort/pains, especially in my stomach, legs and feet. Awesome scenic route, good for beginners. Mostly flat, uphill/downhill are the 4 bridges of Roxas Boulevard, Jones Bridge and Intra-Binondo Bridge. 

Remarks (My rating: 4 of 5 stars): (1) Well-organized, started on time. Lots of refreshments in the water stops. (2) Finisher shirt fabric is very thin, it might not last longer. The design is not good, "FINISHER" is not readable. (3) I didn't achieve my target time due to continuous rain and body pains. (4) Free professional photos provided with a watermark.

If given the chance, would I like to join this race again? Definitely Yes (just don't rain please)

My 1st Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; Manila Marathon 2024

Pinoy Backpacker's shared Experience with Immigration Officers

adventure of challenging airport and border immigration interrogation for Pinoy global dream 

Revisiting Japan for 3 Consecutive Year (May 2013, Aug. 2014, Feb. 2015)

1st Europe Solo Trip; Arriving in Paris, France (Oct. 2013), Departing in Rome, Italy (Nov. 2013)
Visiting United Kingdom using the same Multiple Entry Visa in 3 seasons (Jun. 2014, Oct. 2014, Dec. 2014)
3rd Europe Solo Trip; 14 Countries in 23 Days including non-Euro members (2015) 

NOTE: Tips on how to react properly in dealing with Airport and Crossborder Immigration Officers abroad (based on my more than 100 airports and crossborders combined visit). This pointers are essential especially if its your first time doing leisure travel outside Philippines. Please read also query comments of our Kababayan's case experience (very important!).

Memorandum Circular 036: Guidelines on Departure Formalities for International Passengers

The following are my personal rate of experience (solo travels mostly) on Immigration Officer encounters in airports and crossborder checkpoints abroad. I rate it on scale of 1 to 5, [1 - VERY RELAX (typical inspection & zero interrogation) to 5 - STRICTEST (rigid inspection & extensive interrogation)]:

All Southeast Asian Nations are very relax so far  [Singapore(2011), Malaysia border(2011), Ho Chi Minh(2011), Cambodia border(2011), Laos border(2011), Kota Kinabalu(2013), Yangon(2014)-1, Bangkok(2014), Bali(2014), Kuala Lumpur(2015), Bandar Seri Begawan(2016)];-1 Incheon(2011)-1; New Delhi(2012)-1; Beirut(2012)-1; Cairo(2012)-1; Yerevan(2013)-1, Shanghai,Hongkong(2013)-1; Osaka(2013)-1; Czech Republic border(2013)-1; Rome(2013)-1; Tbilisi(2014)-1; Colombo(2014)-1; Marrakesh(2014)-1; Istanbul(2014)-1; Nairobi(2014)-1; Tanzania border(2014)-1; Nagoya(2014)-1; Beijing(2015)-1; Ulaanbaatar(2015)-1; Croatia border(2015)-1; Bulgaria border(2015)-1; Copenhagen(2015)-1; Kathmandu(2015)-1; London(2014)-2; Dubai(2013)-2; Slovenia border(2015)-2; Paris(2013)-3; Palestine border(2013)-3; Gibraltar(2014)-3; Male(2014)-4; Manila(2014)-4; Frankfurt(2015)-4;  Hungary border(2015)-4; Iran border(2015)-4; Switzerland border(2013)-4.5; Tel-Aviv(2013)-5.

Immigration Officers, IO's (known also as Passport Control Officers) play an extremely important role in the security and safety of any countries. At all times, he/she may arrest any person that he has a reasonable suspicion of committing an indictable offense using the "any person powers" (also known as citizen's arrest). In Philippines, many Filipino's today are open-minded in terms of leisure travel. All are dreaming of going abroad just to tour and experience of being there. Therefore, planning how to go is vital especially if travelling on tight budget basis. One of the process along the way is having interviewed by an Immigration Officer. The role of Immigration Officers are to ensure that immigration legislation is enforced. This can cover the rules of entry for Visa applicants, foreign nationals, those seeking asylum or pursuing those in breach of immigration and criminal laws. 

South East Asia visa-on-arrival (VOA) stamps (2010-2011)