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 to finish the race, to beat my previous PR is optional. I just want to enjoy the run at my own pace that's why I called it a Fun Run, not a race.

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, tired, and lost interest.

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 an impulsive, all-of-a-sudden decision). My triggering factor was the FINISHER SHIRT (show-off entitlement shirt) and TikTok / FB Reels of running encouragement randomly (not that motivated, just for a push on my interest). One week after, I joined the 10km Fun-Run (Earth Day Run) (01:15:00) then 2 weeks after my 1st Half-Marathon 21.1km (Milo Marathon 2024 Manila Leg) (02:45:00). Then, I just bought around 4 brand-new running shoes and keep reading some tips online. After four Half-Marathons and one 32km race (04:04:00), 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: YES     Rank: 67.65% (297th of 439) 

Route difficulty: Awesome route, good for beginners. Mostly flat, uphill/downhill part are the 4 bridges in Roxas Boulevard, Jones Bridge and Intra-Binondo Bridge. 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.

Remarks: (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. (my rating: 4 of 5 stars).

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

​My Greatest Travel Achievement as Filipino Solo Backpacker

Traveling Alone on Budget DIY Itinerary as Philippine passport holder only (2010-2024)

How Challenging to have a Philippine Passport as Pinoy Solo Backpacker

Pinoy Backpacker's shared Experience with Immigration Officers

Visa on Arrival / E-Visa Countries for Philippine Passport Holders

"Live a life to inspire, live a life with a sense of accomplishment, live a life you will remember" - Mang Andoy

​Despite the weakness of the Philippine passport (having only less than 70 countries that provide free visa/visa on arrival privilege) and challenging visa application, immigration, profiling and interrogation all throughout the journey (especially in NAIA Terminals), I managed to accomplish the following successfully and beyond what I anticipated. #livealifeyouwillremember

01. 2013 - First Europe get-away (23 Days Solo Autumn Experience in Central Europe, 9 countries visited) then to the Promised Land of Israel (including Bethlehem of Palestine) coming from the Arab country in the Middle East.

02. 2014 - Hopping to three continents (Asia, Europe and Africa) with hiking to Mt. Kilimanjaro (Africa's highest mountain and one of the 7 Summits) and Self-guided Hike to Mt. Fuji (Japan's highest mountain). 

03. 2015 - Winter Trans-Mongolia Train Ride from Ulaanbaatar to Beijing, experienced the coldest capital city of the World at around -25'C.

​My Greatest Travel Achievement as Filipino Solo Backpacker

Continent: Grandeur of South America (all 12 Countries visited)

exploring the world's best tourist spots on a Filipino-style budget backpacking

To achieve greatness, one must first dream of it. - Simon Bolivar, "George Washington" of Latin America.

"Be Brave, Take Risks. Nothing can substitute Experience." - Paulo Coelho

My First Continent with Countries All Visited as a Budget DIY Pinoy Solo Backpacker - Philippine Passport Holder only.

The Quest to visit all 12 Countries of South America is now completed (2018-2024).

My journey to this Beautiful Continent is now signing off. Timog Amerika, pinapalaya na kita.

Muchos Gracias Sur America. #livealifeyouwillremember #southamerica

#brazil #argentina #uruguay #chile #colombia #bolivia #paraguay #peru #ecuador #guyana #suriname #venezuela #philippines #pinoy #travel #backpacker #pilipinas #spanish #latinamerica

Philippine passport holders are VISA FEE WAIVED - VISA ON ARRIVAL:

Brazil, Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Guyana, Suriname

Philippine passport holders need to APPLY BEFORE ARRIVAL:

Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Paraguay, Ecuador, Venezuela

My Remarks based on my experience traveling to these awesome 12 countries;

I wanna go back - Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela. Chile

Enough of one-time visit - Guyana, Suriname, Paraguay, Uruguay

Hardest visa to apply - Ecuador, Venezuela, Chile

Easy public transport - mostly I think (Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Argentina)

Hardest public transport - Suriname, Guyana

Best food - All Spanish-speaking countries (I think they offer the same sets of menus, cheaper also)

Did I study their language before traveling - NO, just offline Google translate and I learned Spanish Numbers through Bingo game when I was young. 

Scariest Experience - Venezuela Police checkpoint during 17-hour overnight bus trip due to language barrier, lost around $130 for robbery/bribery plus whole body frisking.

Memorable Adventure - traveled to most of these countries during the pandemic for 7 months (PCR tests, travel requirements, cross-border restriction, Philippine passport weakness, flight availability, lockdown, tourist landmark closure, limited public transport, etc).

Any Surprising Observation - Venezuela has better public transportation (Caracas has 7 lines of metro subway and 2 carousel bus lines) than the Philippines and other South American countries. The huge inflation reported by Mainstream Media is not even felt as most of the expenses I made (transportation, food, hotel, basic goods) are the same comparable to other South American countries. Yes, it's safe as a Solo Backpacker like traveling to other South American countries. 

Other remarks - If flying from MNL, flights are very expensive and usually transit to US airports which requires a US visitor visa.

Interesting Facts about the Continent of South America;

1. There are 12 countries in South America. These are Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

2. The Andes Mountains is the longest mountain range in the world. It stretches for 4,400 miles along the west coast of South America, from Chile to Venezuela. It passes through Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.

3. The Amazon Forest is the largest natural rainforest forest in the world. At 2.7 million square miles, it covers 40% of South America. Its square area can fit about 40 USAs.

4. The Amazon River has the largest water volume of any river in the world. In fact, it has more water than the next seven largest rivers combined.

5. South America was named after the Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci.

Continent: Grandeur of South America  (all 12 Countries visited)

COUNTRIES OF SOUTH AMERICAN CONTINENT(all visited)
1	Argentina	4	Chile	7	Guyana	9	Peru	11	Uruguay
2	Bolivia	5	Colombia	8	Paraguay	10	Suriname	12	Venezuela
3	Brazil	6	Ecuador

Continent: Beauty of North America (visited 18 of 23 Countries)

exploring the world's best tourist spots on a Filipino-style budget backpacking

5 Countries remaining (Antigua, Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica, Saint Kitts) to complete the 23 countries of North America, traveled as Philippine Passport Holder only Solo Backpacker #livealifeyouwillremember #america #northamerica

Interesting Facts about the Continent of North America;

1. North America is the third largest continent in world, ranking just below Asia and Africa (which are the first and second largest continents, respectively).

2. The word “America” comes from the name of Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci. He is the first person to have realized that the West Indies and Brazil are actually not connected to Asia but are part of another separate landmass of their own.

3. The name “America” used to refer to only South America alone. However, when the land mass of present North America were added to maps, most mapmakers opted to retain the original name.

4. North America is contained entirely within the Northern and Western Hemispheres.

5. North and South America are usually considered as subcontinents, while America is the larger continent of which these two are part of.

6. North America is bordered by three of the world’s largest oceans, namely the Atlantic, Arctic, and Pacific.

Sightseeing the Continents; the beauty of North America

COUNTRIES OF NORTH AMERICAN CONTINENT (18 of 23 = 78%)
1	Antigua&Barbuda	6	Costa Rica	11	Grenada	16	Mexico	21	Saint Vincent
2	Bahamas	7	Cuba	12	Guatemala	17	Nicaragua	22	Trinidad&Tobago
3	Barbados	8	Dominica	13	Haiti	18	Panama	23	United States
4	Belize	9	Dominican Rep	14	Honduras	19	Saint Kitts
5	Canada	10	El Salvador	15	Jamaica	20	Saint Lucia

3 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Caracas

My 2024's Second Trip on my quest to go beyond #lakbay100... Sep. 07 to 13, 2024

2 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Merida

2024 America Continent Trip day 18: 13km afternoon walk trip in Venezuela Capital city of Caracas.

2nd run in South America; Venezuela's capital city (Parque Zamora to Quartel Montana), my 1st uphill running. Akala ko di ako makakatakbo dito hehe! 1st kong tumakbo na dala-dala ko passport, daming pulis eh. #livealifeyouwillremember #venezuela #caracas #run #takbo

#solobackpacker #pinoytraveller #pinoy #solotravel #travel #america #southamerica #venezuela 

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT CARACAS

1. “Caracas” means “Valley of Paradise” or “Place of Abundance.

2. Caracas is the birthplace of Simón Bolívar, leader of independence against Spanish Empire.

3. Home to the World’s Longest and Highest Cable Car.

4. Caracas is Earthquake-Prone.

5. Caracas Has One of the Highest Elevations of Any Capital City

Day 18: September 10 Tuesday VENEZUELA 4

1000H ETA Caracas; metro to hostel (Capitolio stn)

Hotel Grand Galaxie 1N ($22/₱1.3k) PAID

Lunch (legua de salsa) $6; souvenirs $10 / Walk to Teleferico (13km); snacks $1

National Pantheon, Plaza Bolivar, Cathedral, Bolívar Birthplace House, National Art Gallery

Caracas Teleferico (closed), Parquel Zamora, Cuartel de la Montaña 4F / Comino China Dinner $5

E-TRAVEL PHILIPPINES arrival registration 

TOTAL: $22 / ₱1,320

Day 19: September 11 Wednesday VENEZUELA 5

0600H 5km Caracas run (Parque Zamora); breakfast $3

0900H Hotel check-out; walk to airport bus

1000H ETD Caracas; airport bus $5; chocolates $70

1355H ETD Caracas CCS UTC -0400H; flight TK183 ₱67K

TOTAL: $78 / ₱4,680

3 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Caracas

2 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Merida

My 2024's Second Trip on my quest to go beyond #lakbay100... Sep. 07 to 13, 2024

7 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Summer Venezuela Preparation and Full Itinerary

One of the world's longest and highest cable cars (teleferico) is on the mountainous part of Venezuela passing through Pico Espejo (4,765masl), highest cable car point overlooking the Pico Bolivar (4,978masl), Venezuela's Highest peak. 20 USD return fare for foreigners.

Despite what happened last night as my scariest checkpoint ever, I still find a lot of kind locals including these two gorgeous ladies who supported me to a wonderful experience here in Merida.

#solobackpacker #pinoytraveller #pinoy #solotravel #travel #america #southamerica #venezuela #caracas #merida

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT MERIDA

1. Coromoto Ice Cream Parlor achieved the Guinness Record for the largest variety of ice creams in a single location.

2. Visit the incredible theme parks: "La Venezuela de Antier" and "Los Aleros".

3. Exploring La Laguna de Mucubají (3,575masl).

4. Hiking to La Laguna Negra, surrounded by majestic mountains (3,500masl).

5. Taking a bath in the thermal waters of La Musui.

Day 15: September 07 Saturday VENEZUELA 1

0500H ETD Paramaribo PBM UTC -0300H; flight BW884

0535H ETA Port of Spain POS UTC -0400H; 2hr transit

0800H ETD Port of Spain POS; flight BW300

0955H ETA Caracas CCS UTC-0400H ₱28K / Airport immigration queuing took long

UCAMC bus (Domestic Terminal) to Parque Central metro (line 4) $5

Metro to La Bandera Terminal (line 3) free ride / Lunch $10

1700H ETD Caracas; night bus $35 / No charger, no wifi, 17 hours on road

2345H Police Checkpoint; scariest, lost $130 cash during inspection

Scariest Experience - Venezuela Police checkpoint during 17-hour overnight bus trip due to language barrier, lost around $130 for robbery/bribery plus whole body frisking.

TOTAL: $180 / ₱10,800

Day 16: September 08 Sunday VENEZUELA 2

1000H Merida; taxi to hotel / Hotel Luna Azul 1N $25; lunch $5

1330H Merida Cable car, world’s highest/longest cable car

12.5km journey, $20 (9AM TO 2PM) / Pico Espejo (4,765masl), highest cable car

Pico Bolivar (4,978masl), Venezuela Highest peak

1630H walk-around to Centro (Heladeria Coromoto, Basilica) dinner ,$5

TOTAL: $55 / ₱3,300

Day 17: September 09 Monday VENEZUELA 3

0700H random morning walk; lunch $5

Due to the traumatic checkpoint experience, tired to do anything; morning random walks; snacks $5

1400H Checkout hotel; walk to Bus station 

1700H ETD Merida; night bus $30

TOTAL: $40 / ₱2,400

2 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Merida