Know the Runners

Alona Mae H. Agustin, 38, enjoys not only running but also watching movies, travelling, and going to the gym. For her, running events provide her the opportunity not only to meet new friends and bond with her running buddies but also to be of assistance to others.

Helen Grace D. Arabia, 37, is a full time manager at a real-estate marketing company and mom to three kids and wife to a very busy doctor. It is in running that she can escape the "harassment" of the daily grind. She always tell everyone that running makes her a better worker, mother, wife and person because she learns to value patience, silence, listening, hard work, mental fortitude and friendship. A year ago, she was only running 5k races. But a friend challenged her, saying that he will never wake up very early in the morning just to race for a few minutes. This got her into registering for a 10k, 21k, 32k and eventually a full marathon! This is it!

Nina Beltran, 30, recently had new found love for the sport. She runs to veer away from work and for having nothing better to do. Aside from running, Ninay is also into surfing, roller-bladding, and oh, treating patients. She is a pulmonary fellow doctor at Lung Center of the Philippines and hopes to catch her breath in her first full marathon.

Suzanne Rona O. Bermudez, 27, runs to keep fit and for healthy living. She works as an applications engineer in an IT company. She wants to offset all the sitting hence the running. Aside from running, she also enjoys swimming and would like to try biking but not all three altogether. Not that hardcore. She’s a homebody that enjoys reading and watching anything under the sun.

Oscar C. Cosme, Jr., 28, joined his first race in 2008 to try something new. Since then he’s hooked to the sport. Running has helped him improve his health and energy levels. As he likes challenging himself, he wants to try cycling and swimming as well. Photography, going to the gym, watching tv, travelling, and listening to music are his other interests

Brian John Anthony A. Dee, 28, a businessman and currently the Operations Manager of R.S. Dee Manufacturing, runs to keep fit. Finishing a race also gives him a high and a sense of accomplishment. He may be too busy at work, but he still finds time to run and enjoy his other hobbies like basketball, photography and travel.

Richelle Luz Corinne A. Dee, 18, runs to keep herself fit. Though her studies demand much time from her, she still finds time to do other sports which she take pleasure in like swimming and table tennis.

Rycca Sofia Yzabelle A. Dee, 10, enjoys running as much as she enjoys swimming, watching tv, and playing computer games. Her studies and spending time with friends keeps her busy.

Teresa Gangan, 34, considers running as her own version of stress tab. She is a single mom of two kids and a woman in uniform who loves to read and travel. Being a Mom keeps her busy.

Grace P. Gayao, 28, enjoys photography and traveling. She runs to build endurance physically and spiritually.

Chers Gumangan lives and breathes for the outdoors. Travelling, mountain climbing, rapelling, and now surfing serve as her outlets to release the daily stress from the corporate world. Running on the other hand gives her solace, a moment on her own, and a chance to outperform herself.

Gerald T. Hidalgo, 39, runs to keep fit and ensure that he can still play with his children when they grow up. His kids are aged 7 and 2 and the youngest is about to be born this April. He has lost 30 pounds ever since he started running. His own automotive repair business keeps him busy aside from running. He is also aiming to finish the 2011 Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines.

Sunny Katigbak, 25, is a CPA and works in the government, but it doesn't end there. A closet nature lover, he is taking up environmental management for his graduate studies. Aside from the great outdoors, he enjoys photography and has started doing running and yoga as part of a lifestyle change.

Maria Fe Macaraig, 40, is a CPA by profession and a mother of two wonderful and loving daughters. She runs not only to lose weight and stay fit but for her, running has proved to be more than a rewarding competitive outlet for the drive and passion that was always within her. Apart from running, bonding with her daughters keeps her busy. Dancing, watching movies and reading books are her other interests.

Imelda P. Mampusti, 46, runs to be physically fit and healthy. Running has been her means to bond with her boys – her husband and two kids. She plays bowling, craft beadworks, does some cross-stitching and runs and walks her dogs during her spare time

John Joseph A. Ong, 24, runs initially for health and fitness, but helping charities became a significant reason and motivation too. If he’s not running, you will see him usually playing the piano and composing music during his free time. You can also check out his blog at http://shortfilmaddict.blogspot.com.

Juvy Pagtalunan, 29, is a Customer Engineer Associate in one of the telecommunications company in the Philippines. She runs because she simply enjoys running and because of the sense of fulfillment she gets when she crosses the finish line. Running has also allowed her to meet new friends and share the same passion in running. She joins races often to support a charitable institution or foundation. She knows by just simply joining a race, she has contributed to a cause and has given her support in her own little way.

Eryck Pangindian, 35, single parent, works for Alta Resources as a Business Development Officer. He runs to be healthy and for stress relief. He loves the outdoors and being active and likes pushing himself to his limits. He is also into mountain biking, baseball, surfing, and travelling. Watching movies and TV, listening to music and playing with his kids are his other past time activities.

Jordana S. Queddeng, 31, works in a regional development bank dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific. Amid her demanding schedule at the office, she runs. Running for her is a great stress reliever, a source of self-fulfilment, and a means for self-realization. Apart from running, she enjoys watching pinoy teleseryes, movies and short films, listening to music, singing, photography, and travelling.

Siegfred Sumicad, 44, a Mechanical Engineer and Registered Nurse runs to lose the extra pounds and improve his health. He is into other sports like Soccer, Mountain Climbing, and Biking. He works as a Project Manager for a global manufacturing and technology company. He also enjoys watching movies and bonding with his sons during weekends.

Elizabeth R. Valmores, 46, describes herself as level-headed but occasionally insane. She works for multilateral development finance institution and enjoys running and badminton as her pastimes.

Maridol N. Yabut works as a Research Project Manager. She runs to keep fit and test her limits. Running for her is a very humbling experience. She enjoys photography, cooking and engaging in outdoor activities. A homebody too, she lazes up to read and watch TV shows that are all about cooking and outdoor adventures.