Sagada Marathon Etag Festival 2014

I started to join running events last 2013. It was the habit that I wanted to build a long time ago.  Gladly, my body loved the sweat and the burn. It gives me the blissful feeling whenever I crossed the finish line. 

Medals are now my collectible items. Seeing it reminds me how I managed to survived. 

Last January 2014, a friend of mine, Agnes Vinluan invited me to join the Sagada Marathon Etag Festival. Impulsively, my mind and mouth said “Yes”.  It would be a challenge – the trail, the weather, the strength and endurance. We both registered for the 21km.

As we arrived from our Banaue Trip, our restless feet head us toward this wonderful place - Gaia Cafe. 

beautiful view at the back of the cafe

Hot chocolate - just the right drink for the cold weather. Ironic as it may sound but we're in a hurry at that time. Registration and Carbo-loading was on the red alert of our checklist.

Team Malaya discussed the 3 pit stop of the 21km route - Suyo, Lake Danom and Kiltepan. 

Look what kept us busy. 

Crowd was overflowing but meal wouldn't be complete without dessert.  You must try this one at Yogurt House. Two thumbs up!

Gun shot time was 6:30am. The sun was hiding so we're advised to used headlight. I was on a steady pace since the trail is known to be a tough one.  It consists of the feeling of a never-ending uphill and downhill.  My mind kept on screaming  “Push!  You can do it. It’s mind over matter.” But my legs felt like giving up.  Some runners pumped up my energy because of their simple greeting “Good morning! “ or their simple way of motivating me “Malapit na.”. Thank God for their kind words.

Captured moment at the second pit stop- Lake Danom

 Here’s my Nike Running app results though the distance was not accurate. Finished the race roughly 3 hours and 28 minutes.

Thank you Ate Ags for motivating me and inspiring me to finished strong.

 Well deserved breakfast.

Thank you Lord God for everything. Thank for this awesome adventure with ate Ags at Sagada. To God be the Glory!

Sinulog 2014

Travelling gives you the chance to discover not just the world but also yourself. Good thing, my friends and I share the same passion of exploring the planet. It will always be fun when you create yolo moments together.

We started the year with our first adventure last January 18,2014. Our first destination was Cebu. I landed down solo. (High five for being Ms. Independent.)

Day 1: Time stamp 9am – So far the earliest time alcohol was ingested in my system.

Lunch time was spent at the movie house of SM Cebu. We watched 47 Ronin while we're waiting for the availability of  our rooms.

 ETC PAINTENSITY was definitely an awesome wet and wild party! You’re naked skin will be surprised because anyone may shoot you with beers, colorful paint, and foam. Thank you to the organizers of ETC. Two thumbs up for the great music!

Since some of us still had the energy to drink and dance the night away. We landed to our second pit stop, Vudu. We literally looked like a mess because of the spilled paint and beer. Nevertheless, the world can't stop us from having fun. We played  a drinking game, I loved to called, ”5 seconds inom”. Once the drink drops down to the base of the table, you need to drink it as soon as possible. Crazy as it sounds, but yes we did it. 

Started day 2, three hours before the sun hides again. Visited the basilica before heading to Baseline Area. Streets were filled with different kinds of people. Any type of transportation is not even advisable because everyone is just walking around and screaming “Pit Senyor” at the top of their lungs. It was a legit street party.

 Feet was tired due to walkathon, so this is a well deserved sumptuous dinner.

Energy pumped up again so our system was craving for liquids a.k.a. alcohol. Thus, We went to our happy place -- Distillery.

Searched for seven eleven stores, just because we need to try the Soju mixed with Slurpee drink. Soju was not available so we bought gin instead. My drink was filled with ¼ slurpee and the rest was strange to my taste buds. 

Cutest photo for the the first adventure of the year 2014!

Indeed,it was Epic. Thank God for Awesome friends!

Super Girl

Dear  Reader,

One dream came true today. Finally, I created my first blog. I entitled this one as “super girl” since I feel like I am one.  Kidding aside, I just feel extremely happy today.

Let me start by introducing my superficial self to you. I am Athena Grace Mondonedo, 24 years old, and in a relationship with my loves a.k.a. gym.

I work for the government , shift is from 8am-5pm then I head towards my second work. It could be either teaching dance or body balance. Additional to my schedule, which I am now claiming it, is my load as a student.

If you look into the deeper side of me. I am a person filled with love, positivity and happiness. I am inlove with all the things that I am currently doing. I work towards my wildest dreams. I feel the hunger for learning and adventure. My feet  loves to walk thru all the paths of this beautiful world.

I decided to start this blog because I just want to share my happiness to you. Hoping I could inspire people with my love for life ,fitness and adventure.

That all for today. I just want to share a piece of me.

Love,

Athena