J. Bond's Challenge (and mine too)

O!M!G! J. Bond woke me up at 5am last Saturday only to have his photo taken. 

He was off to conquer the summit in this year's Globe Cordillera Challenge, and represented number 215.  

The day began at 4am with room service breakfast -- a case of disrupting Casa Vallejo's kitchen operations since they normally begin their day at 6am.  But thank you Casa Vallejo for making special arrangements.  He reached the highest summit at 12:30pm, then returned back to the hotel close to 3pm feeling more energetic and ecstatic.  He committed to participate again next year.

While J. Bond conquered the summit, I conquered my own short summit called Session Road. 

I had fun strolling along except for the going up part.  I did these four times (end to end), but with numerous shopping, coffee or photo shoot breaks.  Unlike J. Bond, I culminated my challenge out of breath and with swollen leg muscles.  Obviously, there's a major lack of exercise here.

Thank God, I only knew of very limited details (just date and time) of J. Bond's challenge.  Otherwise, I would have freaked out and denied him of his participation.  Details were only shared after (J. Bond's way of sharing bike stories these days) -- a total of 27 kilometers of biking uphill towards the highest peak of the Cordilleras, and with 3 stations to complete (a part of which where all had to carry his/her bike).  A co-biker only reached station 1, station 2 was the steepest and J. Bond completed all 3 stations!

Watch this Part 1 video that shows where J. Bond and his co-courageous bikers were off to.  Can't wait for Part 2 to be posted.



Thank You

I am in Baguio.  And before I get going with my activities lined-up for the day, I'd like to take time to give thanks.

Thank you for the cool relaxing weather.  I froze last night but I did not mind.  This rarely happens anyway.

The reason why I am in Baguio, J. Bond's participation in Globe's Cordillera Challenge.  This photo was taken at 5:30 this morning.  Thank you for keeping J. Bond safe (and in one piece) despite accidents and bruises from his previous courageous acts  of conquering rocky and thorny mountain trails.

Christmas 2011, our annual get-together.  I am grieving and I am still in denial.  I thought it would come easier than expected.  But I was wrong. This morning came the realization and tears.  Thank you dear LUKE  for the left and right shoulders I have once cried on (which you have never ceased to tease me about), for being an obedient driver on days I needed a ride, for spending time with me and the rest of the gang in the south whereas you live in the north, for the plenty treats and the money loaned when Market Market was launched (which took years for Patti and I to repay.  Lol!  I know this drove you crazy.), for being my beck and call Kuya (older brother), and for the many many years of true friendship.  I will miss you!  Rest well... Lukey (in yellow).