Greenfield Clean Air Run - RunRio Series Leg 2

It was more than a year ago when I first hit the evening roads of Laguna during the Greenfield City Sunset Run. That was also my first successful Pikermi with an upset stomach which made me almost surrender in the final 5k of the race.

This year, Greenfield City will be holding their 3rd race at the same location (Greenfield City, Paseo De Sta. Rosa, Laguna) on May 29, 2011, but at a different time. Sorry for those who have not experienced their sunset run! But don't get disappointed as this race promises to let the runners breathe the clean air of Greenfield City, thus the "Clean Air Run".

The race will have four (4) race distance categories, as follows:

Online registration period is from April 29 to May 15, 2011 only. Delivery of race kits
will start on May 6, 2011.

Regular In-store registration period is from April 29, 2011 to May 15, 2011 only at the
following venues:

• R.O.X. – Level 2 R.O.X. Bldg. Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City (12nn – 8pm, Tel # 8564638)
• Toby’s SM Mall of Asia – G/F Entertainment Mall, Roxas Blvd., Manila(12nn – 8pm, Tel # 556-0445)
• Planet Sports Glorietta – 2F Glorietta 3, Makati City (12nn – 8pm, Tel #8177896)
• The Athletes Foot Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City
• Planet Sports Trinoma – 2nd level, Trinoma cor. North EDSA, Quezon City(12nn – 8pm, Tel# 9167451)
• The Athlete’s Foot Robinsons Galleria – 3F Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas Pasig City(12nn – 8pm, Tel# 6363162)
• Paseo de Sta. Rosa, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna (Tel# 046-5412845, 02-4208003)

Late registration period is from May 16 – 22, 2011 at the following venues:

• R.O.X. – Level 2 R.O.X. Bldg. Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City (12nn – 8pm, Tel # 8564638)
• Toby’s SM Mall of Asia – G/F Entertainment Mall, Roxas Blvd., Manila(12nn – 8pm, Tel # 556-0445)
• Planet Sports Trinoma – – 2nd level, Trinoma cor. North EDSA, Quezon City(12nn – 8pm, Tel# 9167451)

How to get to Greenfield City in Laguna:

As for the Metro runners with only running or walking as their means of transport like me, there will also be a Shuttle service available on a first come, first serve. Upon registration, just inform the personnel-in-charge if you're opting to hop in on the Shuttle service so they could give you a bus stub.

Simply-colored but very attractive singlet.

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Bodivance Promo Winner

Congratulations!

We now have a winner for the Bodivance "Why I Love Sports?" Promo opened last April 11, 2011. The winner will be given a Bodivance Shirt, Bodivance Sports Bag, and 80ml Bodivance Pump Bottle worth Php 800.00 (check this link for sample image).

The winner posted the following answer from the question "What Sports do you like and why do you like that sport?":

I'm usually a timid person receiving copious amount of stress from the corporate world. To unleash my inner aggression and relieve stress, nothing beats a combat sport.
Freestyle Wrestling, I like!

Congratulations Joms for winning this entry! Drop me an e-mail (gmail: runningatom710) for details on how to claim your prize!

To my readers and subscribers, thank you very much for your participation, and don't feel disheartened. There are more contests, promos, and giveaways to come! For those who have not subscribed yet, subscribe now!

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Integrity Run

In support of the Integrity Initiative, the ”I run for Integrity” is envisioned to be a historical running event and a bold move by the private sector as a CALL FOR THE WHOLE NATION to join the RUN towards a New Philippines.

The event is designed for a participation of 5,000 runners with representatives from all sectors of the society- private sector, government, judiciary, academe/youth, civil society, church, media and all Filipinos who care enough to effect a culture change in winning the fight against corruption in the Philippines.

Highlight of the event is the RUNNING FLAG, where participants will be wearing singlets with the colours of the Philippine flag – WHITE (3K), RED (5K), BLUE (10K), and YELLOW (15K). This symbolic run aims to unite participants toward a common goal – to initiate a collective action in the fight against corruption!

When: May 29, 2011
Where: 28th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Assembly Time: 4:30AM
Distance Categories: 3k, 5k, 10k, 15k
Registration Fee: Php 500.00 (all categories)

Inclusion: Singlet, Race bib, Finisher's Certificate, Items from Sponsors, 15K Finisher's Medal

Registration Sites:
a) ECCP office, 19th Floor, AXA Life Building along Gil Puyat Avenue corner Tindalo St. Makati City
b) Chris Sports Branches: SM North Edsa, SM Megamall, Market! Market! at the Fort, Glorietta 3, SM Mall of Asia & Festival Mall Alabang

Singlet Reference

Race Maps: (click image to download larger size):

Be a part of history and join the FIRST Running event in the Philippines that is aimed at FIGHTING CORRUPTION head on!

For more information or inquiries:
You may e-mail: events@integrityinitiative.com
or call 845-1324 and look for Cay Castanos
Visit the website of Integrity Initiative.
Like IRun For Integrity on Facebook
Follow Run for Integrity on Twitter

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Run And Get A Prize For Mom

Last 2009, there was a Philippine Star Celebrity Run. This year, the Philippine Star, in commemoration of their 25th year anniversary, will be holding another yet exciting race event specifically designed for my Mom and your Mom. The race will not be solely for the Women or for the Mothers, but is open to all gender and age, and those who will be crossing the finish line will get a token/gift for their beloved Mother.

How exciting is that? Set aside first the goal of a finisher's medal and let us all run for our Mom who made our lives possible here on earth.

Read below for more of the event details:

What: The Philippine Star Run For Mom
When: May 8, 2011
Where: Venice Piazza @ Mckinley Hill
Distance: 2.5K and 5K
Gun Time: 6:15AM / 6:00AM

Registration: April 1 - May 1, 2011 at the following:
a) Online credit card
b) Off Line manual registration at RUNNR store, Bonifacio High Street, BGC, Taguig

Registration Fee:
Php 450.00 - 2.5k
Php 750.00 - 5k

Includes: Singlet; Gift to Mom for all Finishers; Free photo for runners who will come with their Mom; Gift Voucher for all Finishers.

Prizes:
Top 25 placers for each race category (2.5 and 5km) will win P 2,500 each, for a total of 50 winners!

On top of this, all finishers will pick a prize for a gift for Mom. Up for grabs are
Havaianas slippers, David’s Salon Gift certificate, Lay Bare Waxing Salon Gift Certificates, Del Monte and Kellogg's Gift Packs.

Free body jam session, beauty treats for moms, lootbags and raffle prizes at stake: watches and surprise gift packs.

Singlet Design:

2.5k Singlet

5k Singlet

Gift Voucher for all Finishers:

Visit Star Run for Mom for more race info.

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Bodivance Promo Giveaway Items

A few weeks ago, I've posted a personal review about my own experience with Bodivance. Then last week, Bodivance was so generous enough to run a "Why I Love Sports?" Promo here in my blog. ("What? Really?") Yes my dear reader! If you don't know yet what I'm talking about, just click the above links for your reading.

Now here's a sneak peak of what you will get when you join the mentioned promo and get picked for your answer.

Bodivance Sports Bag

Bodivance Shirt

80ml Bodivance Pump Bottle worth Php 800.00

How will you get these? Just join the promo contest on this link and leave a short line of comment/reply or an e-mail about what sports do you like, and why do you like it.

This promo was also announced at Bodivance Website.

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2nd Qtr Discount Coupon Giveaway Winners

Congratulations to the following lucky subscribers who joined and won from my second quarter discount coupon giveaways.

For this quarter, since only one of the total valid subscribers have mentioned what their discount coupon wish is, the remaining three coupons were randomized through random.org. The resulting random number was matched from my subscriber's list in order. I excluded the first e-mail subscriber from the raffling since, I own that e-mail address. Hence, here are the result:

Timex 15% discount Coupon - Ed Diente

Mizuno Php500.00 off discount Coupon - Eden Castro (subscriber #8)

The North Face 10% discount Coupon - Joel Baluyot (subscriber #15)

Figaro FREE 8oz Hot drink Coupon - Engr Paulo Marquez (subscriber #10)

Drop me an e-mail (GMail: runningatom710) so we could coordinate when and where you could claim your discount vouchers.

Congratulations to all of you! More to come...

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FREE RACE KITSss - Alaska Family Run

This Entry has already CLOSED!

Yes! Another free race kits are being brought to us, now by Alaska - the only milk that's been holding IronKids event in the Country for quite sometime now!

The Alaska Family Run will be held on May 7, 2011 at the SM Mall of Asia.

Free race kits will be given away for a pair of Adult-Child tandem (adult may or may not be a parent, therefore, a Guardian is allowed for the Child's adult tandem) UNTIL SUPPLIES LAST! Available categories are as follows:

3K - Adult + Child 4 to 10 years old
5K - Adult+ Child 11 to 14 years old

Assembly / Call / Gun Start:
3K – 6:00AM / 6:30AM / 6:45AM
5K – 5:00AM / 5:15AM / 5:30AM

To qualify for the free race kit, all you have to do is accomplish the following:

a) Be a fan of Alaska's facebook fanpage.
b) Just answer this simple question (post your answer as a comment):

Where do you think your kids should be spending their free-time? (Sample of answer: In front of his PSP; Doing his homework; Chasing cats; Chasing Dad at the Ultra).

c) This one's the most important though after accomplishing the above. Send me an e-mail (GMail: runningatom710) with the following information:

• Adult's Name and Age
• Child's Name and Age
• Address
• Contact # of the Adult

Oh, here's a preview of the cool Finisher's shirt for the first 1,000 adult-child tandem:

Now I'll be waiting for your answers. The number of free race kits can't wait though!

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MultiSport 101 - Swim, Bike, Run

I remember a few years back when I posted a few photos of my come-back run, some of my relatives thought that I was shooting for an IronMan event/title that they already started cheering and giving me moral boost. I was quick to react and told them that it might not happen and it never will. Although I first learned how to bike than the proper running form, the ocean world of swimming has never been my sanctuary.

Now as most of the runners are already into 'Tri-ing', I can't help but to also get curious what's in a Multisports world, what's the feeling of accomplishing a duathlon or aquathlon, and much more on a tri event? Since the curiosity was already born, it will be a bad habit to just let it pass without me taking a plunge! But how will I start? When will I start? Maybe when I already have time. Maybe when there's someone close who will push me into trying the multisport. Maybe when I already have enough guts. Maybe when I already have my own swimming pool. Maybe.... maybe... why not now?

Gladly, MultiSport magazine Philippines from Hinge Inquirer Publications, will be holding a few legs of Swim, Bike, and Run 101 class schedules specifically for the likes of me to learn about the correct techniques, injury prevention, proper nutrition, heart rate training and more from the Country's premiere coaches. The class schedule will be held from different locations within the Metro.

To register for any or all of the classes, just sign up for 12 printed issues of MultiSport Philippines. Subscription to the Magazine is FREE! (Pay only for the delivery fee of Php 10.00 per issue which must be settled via bank deposit).

Click the image below or visit MultiSport101 to get the class schedules:

How to Subscribe:

Option 1: Visit and register via MultiSports' Facebook page.

Option 2: E-mail the following info. to multisport101@gmail.com with "MultiSport 101 Registration" as the subject:
Name, age, sex, address, telephone no., mobile no., marital status, household monthly income, magazine delivery payment via Security Bank or BPI, desired class schedule.

Option 3: Fill out the subscription form and fax to (632) 519-5815 or e-mail the filled-up subscription form to multisport101@gmail.com with "MultiSport 101 Registration" as the subject.

Option 4: Register at the selected outlets starting April 18, 2011:

1. Chris Sports - Market! Market!, Glorietta, SM Annex North EDSA, Festival Mall
2. Olympic World / Olympic Gold / Olympic Village - Alabang Town Center, Trinoma, SM Megamall, Robinson's Galleria, Market! Market!

A confirmation e-mail will be sent after successful registration.

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Bodivance "Why I Love Sports?" Promo

This Promo has already closed!

As most of us know, Bodivance has been here with us already for quite a period. I myself have benefited from its Scientific breakthrough and the accounts of my own personal review of Bodivance can also be read here.

And to my lucky readers, you may also get a chance to try Bodivance for yourself by joining the "Why I Love Sports?" Bodivance promo.

What's at stake if you join? Read more below about the mechanics, and the award for the lucky one:

Prizes to be given:

1 - 80ml Bodivance pump bottle (yes, it's a bottle, not just a sachet)
1 - Bodivance shirt
1 - Bodivance sports bag

Mechanics:

1. Just leave a short line of comment/reply or an e-mail about what sports do you like, and why do you like it.
   
   For Example:
   

   “I love running because it gives me and my family extra bonding time when we run every Sunday morning” or “ I love cycling because I get to witness beautiful sceneries, get a gush of fresh air and feel free every time I compete out of town” or “I love swimming because I get to exercise without aggravating my knee injury from my other land sport”

2. The entry will be judged according to clarity, cohesiveness, value interest, and total impact.
3. Bodivance team (from Marketing and Communications) will be the one to judge and pick one (1) winning entry.
4. This promo will run for two (2) weeks only starting today up to Apr. 24, 2011.

It's as easy as that and you don't have to spend a penny just for you to be able to try this breakthrough product in your acitivity or sports. So share your thoughts now about your loved sports, and why do you love that sports.

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2nd to 4th Quarter Discount Coupon Raffle

Get a chance to win any of the following discount vouchers valid for use until the end of each quarter of 2011. Winners will be announced every 1st or 2nd week of the quarter. You'll get the announcement right through your inbox if you're validly subscribed. So start subscribing and get these exclusive discounts from any of these specified establishments.

1) Mizuno (2nd and 3rd Qtr)
- 2nd Qtr: Get Php 500.00 off for a minimum purchase of Php 5,000 worth of Mizuno products. Valid at any Mizuno outlets.
- 3rd Qtr: Get 10% off on running caps and accessories at any Mizuno store.

2) The North Face (2nd to 4th Qtr)
- Get 10% off on regular prized non-consigned items at the following TNF outlets:
2F SM Annex North EDSA;
G/F Bldg. A SM Megamall;
G/F Shangri-La Plaza Mall;
2F Glorietta IV, Ayala Center;
E/M SM Mall of Asia
G/F SM City Cebu
G/F SM City Davao
G/F SM City Cagayan De Oro

3) Timex (2nd to 4th Qtr)
- Get 15% off on a minimum purchase of Php 3,000.00 worth of Timex watch at the following outlets:
All Timex shops nationwide
All Watch Republic shops nationwide

4) Figaro (2nd to 4th Qtr)
- 2nd Qtr: For a minimum purchase of Php 300.00, you will get one FREE 8oz. HOT DRINK.
- 3rd Qtr: For a minimum purchase of Php 200.00, you will get FREE brewed coffee.
- 4th Qtr: Buy any drink and get a 20% off on selected pastries.

5) Eco Things (one coupon available - valid until Dec. 31, 2011)
- Get 10% off on your favorite Ecothings planners and paper products for orders online at www.ecothings.net or through calling (02) 473-9277.

How to Join:

• You must be subscribed to this blog's mailing list by entering your e-mail address on the upper right subscription box.

That's all it takes! But take note of the following reminders to make your winning and subscription valid:

1. Only verified and active subscribers will be included on the raffle.
2. You may post a comment on the raffle post to specify what voucher do you want to win if in case you get drawned. If your email address won but have not specified a discount voucher, you will be given only the remaining voucher available.
3. New and existing subscribers for each quarterly draw gets a chance to win once for that quarter.
4. Raffling will be automatically done on the first or second week of January, April, July, and October of 2011.

*Special thanks to Nature Valley. Get started naturally!

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Bodivance On My... Body

Bodivance - when I first read about this word a few months back, I thought it was some kind of height increasing technology that has reached the Philippine soil.

At first glance of the catch phrases "speeds up circulation", "accelerates warm-up", "prevents cramps", and etc..., my initial internal-reaction was "lol! how can a topical cream can give such benefits"?

But then I continued to read the flyer just to give fair justice about what the product is all about. As you can see, I'm not the kind of guy who easily believes the marketing or sales talk about a particular product unless someone or somebody has already testified about it. To prove my point, I returned back the flyer after reading it and shelled-out a Php 55.00 for the sachet of Bodivance I was holding (is that enough proof? lol!).

Now it's my time to prove to myself if the science is really effective on the following events. Not wanting to give you information overload, I'll just cap out the things that were most noticeable during my attempts to prove what Bodivance claims. And to give you some background about my fitness status, I have been suffering from plantar fasciitis since January 16, a day after my trail run at the Road xTrail in Nuvali.

Actual thermogenic test of PKB's Nico D'Haenen during the Product Launch at ROX

1. The First Test - Greentennial Run
• Activity: 3k run
• Applied area: ample amount on my back, hips, shoulder blades, legs, knees, calves, feet and plantar muscles.
• Before the activity: During my warm-up stretching, I seem to sweat faster despite the cool breeze.
• During the activity: I was expecting that my plantar pain would surface, instead I was surprised that I was able to run from moderate to race pace speed for the whole 3k stretch.
• After the activity: At the finish line as I stopped running, I felt a tinge of pain on the mid-inner portion of my left heel. I rested for a bit and did some stretching (foot rotation) to relax my feet and muscles. Afterwhich, me and my buddies were still able to walk from BHS to EDSA for our bus ride going home.
2. Second Test - aNR 5th Sunday Run
• Activity: 1k sprint
• Applied area: a conservative amount on my legs, thighs, and calves.
• Before the activity: Since I wasn't able to immediately warm-up after the application of bodivance, I thought that the effect was no longer there. Instead, as I was doing my dynamic stretchings, I already felt that my muscles has already warmed-up that I only needed to loosen my joints.
• During the activity: Didn't notice anything since my mind was all focused in chasing our time.
• After the activity: Finishing my 1k part in 00:03:42.82, I felt that my thighs are going to explode; But the speed of recovery was remarkable just after a few cool-down stretches. I also noticed that for the first time, there were still beads of sweat on my shin and calves. Plantar pains didn't manifest.
3. Third Test - RunRio Trilogy 2011 Leg 1
• Activity: 21k run
• Applied area: me and my running buddy's knees, legs, and calves.
• Before the activity: After 15-minutes of warm-up jog before the race, and despite the cool breeze of air, sweat beads are still forming on my shin and calves.
• During the activity: With the lack of sleep the night before the race, as well as lack of preparation and training for a 21k run, I was expecting that I'd feel some cramps on my legs and knee (ITBS) pains. But none of these has occurred. While to my running buddy, she felt a build-up of cramps on both of her legs as we reached the 16k mark. She usually feels the cramps before reaching 5k distance.
• After the activity: Nothing hurts. Legs felt relaxed, except for a heartburn and some chest pains, probably due to zero hours of sleep!
4. Final Test - Mountain Climbing
• Activity: About 3km steep 706 masl (miles above sea level) ascent to Mt. Maculot
• Applied aread: left leg and left calf only
• Before the activity: Hardly notice anything since before the ascent, there was not much activity going on.
• During the activity: I totally forgot that I have applied bodivance in my left leg. I was only reminded when we were already about 2/3rd of the elevation. My right legs cramped, while my left leg still feels fine. It is unusual since I usually cramp in both leg at the same time. Also, I was constantly re-fuelling my electrolytes with 1.5L gatorade even before we boarded the bus.
• After the activity: Upon reaching the peak, we were still constantly moving doing some chores and checking out the other sides of the mountain. My right leg, which has no bodivance, is still feeling some tightness whenever the leg muscles contracts. The left leg with Bodivance is doing great.

You may visit bodivance's website to know more about the technical details of the product.

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pEDo

"Pag-ibig? Sarado na ang pintua't mga bintana ng puso ko sa bagay na iyan! Pagsusunog muna ng kilay, bago ang pagbabaga ng puso." Ewan, mga katagang bigla na lamang naibubulalas ng utak sa murang isip. Mga bagay na walang kasigurohan!

Image from NoRhymeOrReason

Nagtapos sya ng haiskul, mag-iikatlong taon na ang nakakaraan. Mag-iikatlong taong paglipas ng una nyang kasawian. Kasawiang hindi nya inakalang hahantong sa tatlong araw na 'di nya pagkain at tatlong araw na wala sa katinuan ng pag-iisip. Hindi sya nasiraan ng ulo, subalit, nasira ang kanyang mithiin, mithiing magkaroon ng unang pag-ibig. Pag-ibig na magbibigay sa kanya ng kasiyahan. Kasiyahan na pagmumulan ng inspirasyon. Inspirasyong maipagmamalaki.

Mahina ang loob nya noon e! Kapitbahay nya lang 'yung babae. Madalas nyang nakikita kapag nagsasampay ng nilabhang damit. Nakikita nya tuwing pumapasok, tuwing bumibili sa tindahan ni Tomboy, tuwing namamasyal sa kabilang barangay. Kulang na lang makita nya kung paano matulog at maligo. Pero ni minsan, hindi sila nagkakilanlan ng maayos. Hindi nya rin nakakausap. Nalaman nya lang ang pangalan sa pamamagitan ng pagtatanong, pag-eespiya sa mga batang may koneksyon sa kanya. Taga Pampanga, nag-aaral sa isang pribadong paaralan sa Baguio rin, magtatapos na ring tulad nya. Katamtaman ang taas, maganda, makinis ang kutis, maputi, masarap..... magluto. Ito ang mga katangian nung babae na mahirap maihalintulad sa kanya. Taga Baguio, nag-aaral sa pang-publikong paaralan, medyo maliit, medyo guwapo, medyo makinis ang hita, medyo maitim, medyo masarap..... magpatawa!

Sulat? Bulaklak? Ah, oo! Nagbibigay rin sya, pero hindi niya ibinibigay ng personal. Naghihintay sya sa gabi. Kapag tulog na ang karamihan, saka nya ihuhulog sa bintana ng bahay nila ang nobelita nyang liham, o kaya naman, iiwanan nya sa pinto ang rosas na may kalakip pang mensahe. Lagpas-taingang ngingiti. Sabay kakaripas ng takbo pauwi at hingal na magtatago sa may garahe. Mag-katapat lang ang kanilang tinitirhan. Maraming beses niyang ginagawa iyon. Maraming beses din siyang naghihintay sa sagot ng kanyang mga nobelita. Unti-unti ring daw mahuhulog ang loob niya sa kanya. Ganoon siya kabilib sa sarili at sa mga ginagawa niya.

Tuwing hapon ng sabado, naghihintay naman siya sa kanyang paglabas upang i-sampay ang nilabahang damit, naghihintay siya hindi para makausap, kundi para magpakitang-gilas. Nag-eeksebisyon sa pagbabasketbol. Hindi niya naman maabot ang ring, dahil maliit nga siya. Tsambahan lang kung maka-buslo ng bola.

Image from dragan

Pagsapit naman ng alas diyes-y-meja ng gabi, may tangan na siyang bulaklak, hindi niya binili, kundi kinuha niya mula sa katatapos na resepsyon ng kasal sa pinapasukan niyang "summer-job". Iiwanan niya ito sa may pinto at kakaripas na naman ng takbo pa-uwi. Siyempre, lagpas-tainga na naman ang ngiti niya. Natutulog siyang nakangiti. Gigising sa umaga na nakangiti pa rin, lalo na kung nakikita niya ang mala-diwatang niyang kaanyuan. Naks, naman!

Pero, lahat ng kabaliwan niya'y nagtapos rin. Nakatanggap siya ng liham mula sa kanya e! Abot-noo naman ang ngiti niya ngayon. Hindi mo na mahahalatang may mata pa siya. Ate ng kinababaliwan niya ang nag-abot sa kanya ng nasabing liham na para sa kanya. Nahihiya rin ata ang babae, kaya pinatawid-tulay na lang din ang sulat niya. Laking pasasalamat naman ng tanga!

Bago niya binasa ang sulat, inamoy-amoy niya muna ang munting papel, nilanghap, amoy mamahalin ang papel na pinilas sa kuwaderno. Nilapat pa niya ang nakatupi pa ring papel sa kanyang dibdib, pinakiramdaman sandali ang pintig ng puso. Iba ngayon ang nararamdaman niyang pagpitik ng kanyang dibdib. Hindi na talaga siya makapaghintay. Dali-daling binuklat ang papel na muntikan pang mapunit dahil sa kanyang pagmamadali. Pumikit sandali... dumilat. Nanlaki nag mata niya. Una niyang nabasa ang kanyang alyas na siya niya ring ginamit sa mga ibinigay niyang sulat.

Paliit nang paliit ang ngiti ng kanyang labi... unti-unti'y nawawala ang hugis ng bilog niyang mukha. Unti-unting lumalabas ang mumunting butil ng tubig sa kanyang mga mata. Maaaninag ang namumuong kalungkutan at pagdadalamhati ng kanyang damdamin. Nabasa ang munting papel sa patak ng kanyang luha. Nagkamali siya ng inaasahan. Gusto niyang magwala, gusto niyang sumigaw, gusto niyang tumalon sa kanyang kinatatayuan, gusto niyang malunod sa hangin, gusto niyang sumisid sa ilalim ng lupa, gusto niyang... Ah, ewan! Marami siyang gusto. Puro kabaliwan.

Ika-sampu na naman ng gabi. Dalawang araw na ang nakalipas mula nang matanggap niya ang masaklap na kasagutan mula sa kanyang kinababaliwan. Nag-iwan na naman siya ng sulat sa bahay nila. Mas mahaba ngayon. Mas makapal. Kalakip pa ang isang tula. Ang kauna-unahang tula na kanyang naisulat. Tula na mula sa kanyang pagpapantasya. Pantasya na kasama ang iniibig niyang babae. Babae na nagbigay sa kanya ng kabiguan. Kabiguang gumising sa natutulog na niyang isipan. At kabiguang nagpaluha sa damdaming nakapikit sa katotohanan.

Lumipas ang ilang araw, manhid na ang puso niya, hindi sa sakit, kundi sa mga katok ng pagkakataon. Pagkakataong maaari na naman siyang mabaliw. Mabaliw sa mga babae. Babae na kanya ng iniiwasan. Halata sa kanyang pagkilos. Bihira siyang lumingon habang naglalakad. Hindi niya nililingon ang nasasalubong na mga dilag. Malayo ang tingin ng malamlam niyang mata.

"Pagsusunog muna ng kilay bago ang pagbabaga ng puso."

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