Crossing the Finish Line: Kahit Isang Araw Lang Unity Run 2012

       Lakad... Takbo... Lakad pa ng madami... Konting takbo na lang... malapit na ang Finish Line! (sabay tingala sa taas kung nasaan ang mga photographers at taas ng hintuturo at ngiti ng malaki sa camera). Photo opportunity. Proud lang na nakasama sa mahalagang pagtitipon na ito. Proud na maging kabilang sa mahigit dalawang-daang libong tao sa pitong syudad sa Pilipinas na tumakbo para sa edukasyon ng mga kabataan. 

     On January 22, 2012, we were among the roughly 209,000 Pinoys and supporters from other nations who joined Kahit Isang Araw Lang Unity Run. This fund-raising event was such a huge success, surpassing the Guinness World record bagged by the 2010 Run for Pasig River.

     The proceeds of this fun run will be used to provide computer laboratories to selected schools across the country. Last year's Unity Run made possible the opening of the La Verdad Free College in Caloocan. This institution welcomed 200 scholars --- all enjoying free tuition fees, free books, and free meals.


Milestone: My First Fun Run 

     Our group met at around 4:30 am near One Esplanade at the MOA grounds. By the way, I'd like to extend my sincere gratitude to Ms. Roselyn Beltran for inviting us to join this cause. Carlo, Jojo, and Burn from Team Rae joined forces with me, Lyn, Raffy, and Jaco. Our very special guest was my bf's pretty sister, Marga. Bonding with her and Carlo made this experience extra special :)

     The RUN was indeed FUN. We ran alongside people from all walks of life and age groups - students, teachers, employees, celebrities, senior citizens, and even babies in their stroller (this is for the 3k event where I joined).

     We weren't in it for the prize money or the raffle, except for the ever-so-competitive Jaco :)  Personally, this is a big thing for me as I wanted to start this year right. It's something that's very close to my heart, because I got the chance to take part in this social advocacy alongside Carlo, Marga, and my friends at work.

      A truly humbling experience. It's definitely not my last run.

   
     Kahit isang araw lang, nagising ng sobrang aga, pinagpawisan, nagutom, napagod ng husto, hiningal, tumawa ng malakas, tumawa kasabay ng lahat, lumakad, tumakbo, tumawid sa finish line... Hindi pa nga isang buong araw, ilang oras lang. Ilang oras lang ang inalay mo, pero kahit papaano ay nakatulong ka na sa pagsagip sa kinabukasan ng mga kabataan sa pamamagitan ng edukasyon.

Before the run - with Lyn, Jojo, Jaco, Carlo, and Raffy

With my pretty sis, Marga