Takbo Tuny, Takbo! (Greenlane to Wakefield CBD)

My new running route home from Greenlane Hospital. Total: 5.9Km. Nothing exciting about this one, but long enough for a good workout.

This is NZ: Whangarei Heads

I told my boss I was going to Whangarei (Pronounced Fa-nga-rey) for Easter, she said "Whangarei??? There's nothing in Whangarei..."


I beg to differ.


Oh-ah, pwede na ba akong mag mow-del ng shoes? 3 hours from Auckland CBD, on the east coast of New Zealand's Northland region are the Whangarei Heads. “Heads” is a geographic term for a hilly area at the entrance to a harbour. I guess Maculot is a head, and the climb is similar (minus the sari-sari store at the top).


I went with my North Shore buddies Deck, Tess and Marie, and we stayed with our new-found friend Kristy and her super-dooper cute bob, Alyysa. Bob's kiwi for baby.

The schlong-looking rock in the background is the summit. Madali lang ang climb, mga 2 hours para sa mga puti, 3-4 sa pinoys, 5 hours for the Japanese and Chinese (inde dahil malakas sila, kundi dahil mahilig tayong mga asians na mag-pose, hehe). Nothing to see on the way up, pero when you reach the first view point, it's a Vee-U-Teeh, veveh!



Wag kayo malikot (me nangungulangot, shhh, hehehe).




After 2 hours and a thousand photos, we reached the end of the tourist trail which was a viewing deck at the base of the tallest rock. Deck and I saw a path around it and we decided to go exploring. The trail got narrow and narrower.



We saw two trails and decided to split. Below's a photo of Deck I took.




And that's me. Ang ganda ng view noh? We met a couple climbing down, and we asked "Is the view worth the risk?" Usually they'd sa yes, but this one answered "Uh... I can't answer that for you." We soon understood why.




The trail went 30, 50, 80 degrees, then naging wall climbing na sya. Naku pow, nanginginig na tuhod ko't nagfla-flashback na ako sa nerbyos, hehehe. Maori legend says when their chief dies, the body is brought up the summit to prevent it from being desecrated by rival tribes. We never got to the summit (I could have, pero naiihi na ako eh, hehe).




My new friendster and facebook pic (add me!).

"Writing about climbing is boring. I would rather go
climbing."
— Chuck Pratt.

"I love climbing because it feels so good
when I stop..."
— Karl

Tuny's Day Out: Penitensya Run

Ever wake up in the middle of the night with a uncontrollable urge that made you twist and turn, grumble and mumble? I did, and at 4AM, Biyernes Santo, I opened my eyes and told myself "I'm going to run to 14 churches today."

Nothing holy really, but a result of frustration. Was planning to go to Cape Reinga for the long weekend, but it didn't push through. I didn't want to waste the day, so I slept thinking what I should do Friday.

I thought running was just perfect. I could perform my penitensya, get my excercise, and see parts of Auckland I've never been to. So after getting that out of my system, I slept, woke up at 9AM, took a shower and kumain ang tira-tirang tocino. I went to online to wises.co.nz and typed in "Catholic Churches" under business name.

The reds mark Catholic Churches in Auckland City. After admiring my masterpiece, I was off at 11am.

I decided to start my run at Balmoral and took the bus from the flat. People complain about the bus here, but I love it. It's reliable, clean and inde ka ma-tra-traffic because of bus lanes. Yun nga lang lahat ng suburbs dadaanan (kung from CBD eh 15 mins lang by car to Sylvia Park, sa bus eh 1 hour).

After getting off, my penitensya didn't run as smoothly as I hoped. Spent an hour looking for the first church, asked around, but was pointed to an Anglican, Samoan Church and an Indian temple (They were all in one street). Shows how much tolerant NZ is to religion. Later on in my run that day I even found Tom Cruise's church.

Finally, I found Good Shepherd Church unofficially the bastion of Filipino catholicism in New Zealand. May Filipino Mass (even a pinoy priest) dito every 11am Sunday, and after the mass para kang nasa Divi, kasi me mga nagtitinda kasi ng sisig, laing, igado at bibingka sa parking lot(yu-mmmyyy). No food today, so after my prayers I was off.

It's 3.5Km to St. Francis Friary in Hillborough. Mejo maaraw, so was trying to run under every shade I can find. Good thing I met the Laderas family and they offered me a ride. Formerly from Bulacan, almost 10 years na sila dito. Their daughter can understand Filipino but not speak it. I wonder if the same happens to the girls.


I think this is Assumption Churxh in Onehunga. That's the Laderas family walking in.


Then to Christ the King in Mt. Roskill.


Next was St. Therese Church at Three Kings, and said goodbye to the Laderas. Good people, and I hope to bump into them again.

Naku po, not sure how to get back on track and didn't have a city map. I ran for 20 minutes till I saw the summit of...


... One Tree Hill in Cornwall Park. I could see it in my wises map, and I ran 4.1Km to reach it. Nagbaon ako ng konting tocino at rice, and had lunch under a tree while being serenaded by a Tui. I love Auckland Parks, fresh, cool, clean at pwede ka humilata sa makapal na grass at alang langgam na kakagat sa dragon balls mo, hehe.

Pahinga muna bay, kasi umpisa pa lang ang penitensya. The next leg is a about 8-9K.

Great South Road, Ellerslie Panmure Hway... Nyaks, ang init at parang gusto ko na mag-bus, pero iniisip ko na lang eh "8K na lang... 6k... 4K... 2K..."

Finally, St. Patrick's Church. To find it I had to ask a homeless person. Don't be afraid to ask for directions here in Auckland, mababait naman ang mga tao(halos). Yung tinanong ko nga eh sinamahan pa ako hanggang makita ko ang church. Also saw this nice heritage house.

6 churches down, 8 more to go. The next one should be close, 2.9Km. I felt a sneaking chill rise from my spine while in this leg. Somehow I felt I shouldn't be here. Oh-oh...

Kung me Tundo sa Pinas, me South Auckland naman dito sa NZ. It's a rough urban area with a large Polynesian and Maori community and I was sticking out like a sore thumb. It's known for having large gangs like the Mongrel Mob & Black Power. I asked for directions from a Samoan and all I got is "No!"

Ngeee... After an hour I found the church but it was behind a row of houses and fences. It's a small one at 5 Waddel Avenue, and could only see the cross. Didn't dare go and made a sign of the cross na lang (baka brief na lang suot ko paglabas). I also looked at the clock and it was 5pm. Have run about 20Ks and a bit tired. Really tired.

I tried getting on a bus, but the driver didn't have change, so had to get off and sit on the curb to catch the next one which arrives an hour later. And I didn't feel very safe, with young hoodies driving pass in cars staring, one group shouting and laughing at my direction before racing off. Immature jerk-offs. Happens a lot here.

Should, or rather Can I continue to St. Helier?

(To be continued...)

This is New Zealand

I have crossed a thousand bridges
In my search for something real
There were great suspension bridges
Made of spiderwebs of steel

Oo na, it's kinda gay, pero ano magagawa ko, eh that's the song that played on and on (and on) in my head as I soaked up this scene. We went tramping in Waiheke Island two weeks ago and did the Northern Walk. Amazing how 45 minutes from the city you get this. Back home an hour beyond Las Pinas you'd be in Molino Road (Traffic eh)... Or maybe Corregidor, which is pretty but... You know what I mean.

Ahh, these are the days that I really appreciate New Zealand: Te Whenua o Aotearoa, rolling hills, sailboats, the youngest country on Earth, the land of just 5 million people. And it isn't just a pretty face either. Kakalabas lang ng latest Global Peace Index study.
Anyway, tama nang "eh sa NZ ganito, eh sa NZ ganun" griping ko. Honest, para sakin ala pa ring katulad ang Pinas... ang usok ng jeep, ingay ng kalsada, at swimming sa baha... heaven.

Enjoy the pictures and enjoy Waiheke.

We took the Fuller's ferry downtown, arriving at Matiatia wharf at high noon. We followed a hidden (or to be exact, partially submerged) trail behind the port.

That's the Tekateka hill. Inde Maori yun ha (puro tinik kasi ang trail, so pagsumabit ka eh lalabas sa bibig mo eh "tekatekaTEKAAA").

Future house namin. Kawawa naman si Julia pag inutusan kong bumili ng suka sa bayan, tsk-tsk.

Naglabasan ng mga pata (ulk! erase-erase...)

Tess doing her Bb. Pilipinas Pose (or holding invisible trays??).

Shiva po yang ginagawa namin... errr.. never mind.

Ang lambot ng grass maski tuyo... At walang mga anik-anik na nangangagat...

The map took us through secret bays, vineyards and lookout points with 360-degree views. We even found a cave that led to a secret beach. The map said the trail will take max 3 Hours walk. Well, helloooo... Mali ang map, kasi it took us 5 hours... Ay akala namin 3 hours walk AND picture taking

We capped it with a swim near the wharf. Medyo kadiri kasi murky yung ilalim, but a nice way to end a fine, fine day.

There's a bridge made of colors
In the sky high above
And
I'm certain there must be
Bridges made out of love

La, la, la...

Byebye Sir Edmund

I asked my boss today if I could spend a longer than usual teabreak so I could go to a wake at St. Mary's, about 50 metres where I work. She said "Go ahead, it's very important." It was the wake of Edmund Hillary.

She said there has never been a state funeral for a long time, and that she wanted me, as a new Kiwi, to feel how it was. I was tempted to say we had something like that when FPJ died.

I was expecting a long cue that took forever when I got there. But instead there was just a crowd of about a hundred, and a steady cue not longer than 100 metres. People patiently waited for their turn to see the good man. Volunteers walked around passing water bottles and smiles, and seniors huddled with their partners to keep warm(it was drizzling). Mothers and fathers came with children and kept them behaved with stories about Hillary's adventures. His apos would have had the most amazing time listening to his exploits.

Inside were four state guards around the casket, but had their backs turned and heads bowed. It was as if they reflected how the country mourned the loss of a father. No man stood higher than Hillary in his time, yet in the middle of the church was a plain-looking casket under the NZ flag. Maybe it reflected how Hillary was-- A simple bee keeper that knocked-off that bastard.

It was a long casket (he was about 6'5"), and I imagined where his head was, and if he was wearing his hiking boots and crampoons. He captured the imagination of mountaineers and non-mountaineers around the world. To people like me, who could only dream of things he has done, he was a demigod. I wonder when he met St. Peter, he asked: "Hmmm... This place looks familiar, have I climbed this before?"

Before leaving, I wrote on the guest book:

"Thank you sir for making simple people believe
we can conquer mountains...
From Tuny, my family, and from ALL Filipino Mountaineers around the world."

Teo torriatte konomama iko...

How do you define a good day?

It starts at 7:45AM, and I realized it's just Thursday.
Didn't sleep well, so had to drag my sorry arse into the shower.
No breakfast today(no leftovers last night).
And outside its pouring.

In my mind I say "Auckland sucks" and zombied off, blending with a sea of black coats of other zombies that had just said the same thing.

40 minutes on, the boss is still there (Heartbreaker! You promised to be in the US today).
She groans about things not getting done (But it was. You just change your mind too often).
Thank God her husband arrived and received all the flack (it could have been me).
And don't forget about the annoying girl behind me, who bitches the WHOLE day (Grrrr, asan ba ang tsinelas ko???).

Burying my head under a new pile of deadlines, I look at the computer clock (it's just 3!). "Today's just never going to end."

But like magic, it's was suddenly time to go.
I switched off and switched into my running gear.
It's cold and wet, but that was the last thing in my mind.
It's this song in my MP3.

Teo torriatte konomama iko
Aisuruhito yo
Shizukana yoi ni
Hikario tomoshi
Itoshiki oshieo idaki...

Thinking: Wow, who ever thought Freddy Mercury sang in Japanese?

20 minutes into the run, the sky opens, and I'm drench to my underwear.
I run harder up the hills, racing the Overlander as it passes by Domain.
I almost forgot how delicious it was to stomp on puddles.
And I meet a man in his drenched suit, at the stoplight before the bridge.

"Fuck an umbrella, nice day for a swim, eh?"

Reaching home, I shower and change into crisp, clean clothes.
I slap the sizzling porkchop that was marinated in vinegar and garlic on the pan (smells sooo good).
And while waiting for the rice cooker to pop, I lounge on the sofa and listened to Apo.
I feel clean, relaxed, and tomorrow's Friday.

Good days aren't defined by how you start it, but how you end it.

Let us cling together as the years go by
Oh my love my love
In the quiet of the night
Let our candle always burn
Let us never lose the lessons we have learned

On Men and Women Hunting...

A man and a woman were asked to go shopping for clothes for a hunting trip.

What did they get?

Will catch a goat.

Will catch a bloke

While women shop (Hon, binili ko kasi it looked lonely on the shelf, last pair na sya eh. At Look! It matches my hairclip... ), us men hunt.

We stalk our prey for weeks, and being efficient hunters, go for the biggest, most beautiful prize. We research, compare, let it sleep, and allow our primieval instinct to tell us when to strike. We know that although it may cost more, it will last longer than the next sale(thus actually cheaper) and do its purpose (not just look good).

And besides, we have to make it count. We're only allowed one kill (Pam: Hindi mo naman kailangan yan eh! Ibili na lang natin ng gatas...).

The North Face Hedgehog XCS

Got these at Bivouac New Market on sale (NZ$250, less NZ$80). Lightweight, dries fast, breathable (has an inner Goretex membrane), and has knarly traction. I used it on a muddy tramp/hike up at the Hunua Ranges and stuck like rubber, except when the slush got deeper than the shoe. Its specs are so excellent, it might even save my life one day.

Ok-ok!! I'm just trying to justify buying an expensive shoe (Pam, It's Ben's fault!).

Happy Feet: Soundtrack of my life

I own an MP3 player, and personally think its the best thing that happened to running since the invention of the water bottle.

It wakes you up. It motivates you.

All your dreams are made

When you're chained to your mirror with your razor blade

Today's the day that all the world will see

Need a little time to wake up

Need a little time to rest your mind

What's the story morning glory

[Morning Glory, Oasis]

It pumps you up.

Im the trouble starter, punkin instigator
Im the fear addicted, danger illustrated
Im a firestarter, twisted firestarter
[Firestarter, Prodigy]

Keeps you company.

I tried to give you up
But I'm addicted
Now that you know
I'm trapped sense of elation
Breaking this fixation
You will squeeze the life out of me
[Time Is Running Out, Muse]

It paces you.

Messin with my mind, I wake up
Chase down an empty street
Blindly snap the broken beats
Said it's gone with the dirty trick
It's taken all these days to find ya
I tell you I want you
[Club Foot, Kasabian]

It keeps you going...

Go write your message on the pavement
Burnin' so bright I wonder what the wave meant
White heat is screaming in the jungle
Complete the motion if you stumble
The world I love, The tears I drop
To be part of, The wave can't stop
Ever wonder if it's all for you
[Can't Stop, Red Hot Chili Peppers]

And keeps you going...

Life goin nowhere. Somebody help me.
Life goin nowhere.
Somebody help me, yeah.
stayin alive.
Youre stayin alive,
stayin alive.
[Stayin Alive, Beegees]

Nagtatanong lang po: What's running in your MP3 today?

Happy Feet: New toys | Domain Forest Walks

Look at my feet. Naka-smile.

Ket?



New toys! Ala eh, kaming mga boys pag na-ho-homesick, dinadaan sa pag sho-shopping ng mga hobbies namin. Naalala ko tuloy mga Tito kong nag-Saudi dati, na pag nagpapadala ng pics, laging katabi ang bago rin nilang laruan(component, TV, betamax, or while hawak-hawak ang micropono ng kanilang bagong karaoke).

Sale sa Kathmandu Queen St., and I bought (at 50% off):
- Polycarbonate active bottle (NZ$6.95)
- Headtorch dual light (NZ$39.95)
- Polycarbonate cuttlery (NZ$3.95)
Total: NZ$50.85

Papicture sana ako katabi mga eto, kaso wa-class (ano ako, mag-pose para ipagyabang plastic na tinidor at bote? Hehe). Luma na pala yung MP3(Creative Zen V+), yung Philips sports earphones ang bago. Nalalaglag kasi plugs ko pag pinapawisan tenga ko, so asked Val to get me one with earhooks (discounted, he works at Dick Smith kasi).

Tamang-tama ito dito...

New trails!

Green dots mark the trail.



Click here for more photos of the trail.

The Auckland Domain Forest Walk is a 2K trail lined by thick vegetation(silver ferns!), old trees, and a stream that flows from Auckland's first water source. It's a trail that runs parallel my running route home. A portion is near a railway, na pwede mo karerahin ang metro tren when it passes(tapunan ko kaya ng basura sa bubong). It's also alive with birds. Today I saw a flock of parrots beside the trail. Kainis ala akong net, sarap ibenta sa Cartimar, hehe.

My feet trying to spell "L". Playing in my mind now:
Johnnys always running around
Trying to find certainty
He needs all the world to confirm
That he aint lonely
Mary counts the walls
Knows he tires easily

Kaululan at KFC

Pagdilat ng mata ko kanina, tatlong salita ang agad na bumagabag sa isip ko:

Comfort food ko ang KFC. Ewan ko ba, pag kumakain ako nito eh sumasaya ako. Ang malutong at gold na balat, ang maalat-alat na gravy, tapos sasabayan ng dalawang mainit-init na cup of rice... Ahhhhhhhh...

So I laced up my shoes, and ran down lower CBD to buy KFC.

Larger, Better
Blue dots starting route
Maroon dots return route
A= start point,
Red block w/white spot=KFC store

I now name this as The KFC Running Route, hehehe. It's about 15Km from our flat to the jetty and back, and features the beautiful bay area, lined by yachts and Rangitoto island watching beyond the coast. Its a favourite running and cycling spot, with a beach where you can stretch and meditate. I started my run at 11PM, was sunny, but the air was so fresh and cool, it was alright. Click here to see photos of my earlier runs at the bay.

OK, I lied. Hindi KFC ang unang naisip ko when I woke up. But passing by it was soooo irresistable, I could almost smell the gravy. Para bang tinatawag ako ng manok na mascot at sinasabi "Tuny, kainan naaaaaa....."

New playground: Mt. Eden, CBD

I felt motivated enough this morning to run a route I've been aching to do since last week, the Maungawhau volcanic challenge, an 8.5 kilometres dash from Symonds St. to Mt. Eden.

Click here to read the route

Maungawhau is the Maori name of Mt. Eden, is an extinct volcano(I hope) that juts out of the Auckland CBD. The plan was to start from Wakefield, Symonds, turn left to Park Road, then up to Mountain Road. When I saw the map, I expected a straight forward and leisurely urban run, leading to a killer uphill to Mt. Eden. Ho-hum.

Until...

Trails!! Woo-hoo!!

Aysus, lumawit dila ko doon ah.

The entrance to the park was an asphalt walking path but immediately turning to single track trails (with roots, ruts and all) and leads all the was up to the highest point. I walked a good part up with my achilles(tama ba spelling? Hehe) starting to ache. After stretching and taking in the sights and fresh air, I ran around the crater and went through beautiful gardens that led to look-out points.

This is perfect training for the 21st. And the view ain't bad either.

Sabi ng cow "Balang araw makaka-akyat din ako sa Skycity..."

That's the creater. With lava (joke, gravel ata yun)

I went down via Mt. Eden Road, passed by St. Benedict, down Queen St., and up Wakefield. Started at about 8Am and ended around 10AM. I'll time this properly next time, feeling tourist kasi ako kanina eh.

Ayus na Tuny Day this week, bring it on!

**Btw, photos ain't mine, right click to check where they're from.

Tuny's Day: Went Tramping

I need a break.

Working 7 days a week for the last 5 months, including some dragging as much as 13 hours a day, has taken its toll in me. Some days I just felt I was falling into depression, and here in New Zealand, that's actually classified as a serious mental sickness. We don't want that happening with about 77 days, 2 hours and 19 minutes to go till my return home.

So I created Tuny Day. It's one day of the week that I do something I like, or something new, or something crazy(or weird). Something all for myself.

Me, me, me, me.

My first Tuny Day last week(Sept 29), I organized a tramping trip with friends, including ones from Auckland Pinoys I met just on that day. We went to the Waitakere Ranges and did the McKenzie-Maungaroa Ridge track.

Started at 10am, and finished the circuit at about 2PM. We had two hours and enjoyed Piha, Auckland's surfing destination(Nakow! Ang mga mata ng mga girls napako sa mga lawlaw na shorts ng surfing dudes nagkalat, hehe) , and even climbed the Lion Rock.

It's amazing how 35 minutes away from where I live you can find a place like this. And this was just one trail from Waitakere's many. Tramping btw is New Zealand english for hiking. Good weather, light hiking, lots of posing, good company, it was great. I came back home fresh, ready for another grind.

Wonder what I'll do next week (excited!).

My Daily Commute: CBD Running Route

Today was the fourth day running home. The day starts by walking to the office at about 8:15AM, arriving 35 minutes later at the office. I get off work at 6PM to start my evening runs, arriving here at the flat at about 6:45PM.

I grabed a map at Wises to plot the route. Blue dots show my morning walk, the red dots my evening run home.


The morning walk starts with a gradual downhill along Symonds Street till a very steep foot path inside the Alten Reserve. A long uphill follows at aptly named Parnell Rise, which peaks just after our office (A). It's a good warm-up to start the day.

Evening runs are scenic. It starts at Parnel Road, immediately turning right into Auckland Domain(Parang Luneta or Rizal Park satin ba, pero much prettier-and cleaner!). The running paths here are lined by large, old trees, manicured grass and gardens. I ran up the museum once (the shield shaped figure in the park) to do stair drills and stretch. It's a good place to view the CBD sunset and the Sky Tower light up (Today it's blue and yellow). Next week I'll do speed drills sa rugby grounds (wag sana ako mapagkamalan at i-tackle bigla, nay ko pu!).

The route then leads to the Auckland Hospital (good to know its there :)), Grafton Bridge, then back to Symonds. When I get a camera, I'll take photos of my evening running route. Much better than Gamboa Carpark in Makati :).

I love running in the evenings, to let off steam after a stressful day. Beyond the stiffness (expected after not running at all for the last 5 months), everything's fine. I'm now more relaxed and sleep well at night. I don't know if I snore louder though (Kawawa naman ang flatmates, hehehe).

Running back in time

Indi ako nakakapost recently kasi busy po kasi ang lolo nyo. I've been working hard sa office kasi busy period namin, at tumanggap ako ng maraming shift sa part time job ko during weekends. And with house work filling in my spare time in the evenings, there isn't really much time to write.

And besides, what is there to write?

Ah, nakuha ko na pala residency ko.

Yehey...

Bat maliit lang? Ewan ko ba. Siguro kasi eh nung nakuha ko yung sulat eh magisa lang ako sa flat, at wala akong maka-chest pump man lang. Siguro I reached a plateau dahil na-achieve ko na lahat ng short-term goals na na-set ko when I first arrived (1. get a good paying job 2. get your residency). And with the family arriving in February pa, it's a waiting game from now on.

I'm not good at waiting. I need a new goal.

So today I decided to run.

A jetti(or port?) along Tamaki Drive, on the way to Mission Bay

At JM Savage Memorial. Napalayo ata takbo ku..
(Doon pa ako uwi sa mga building sa malayo, waaaa)

I rediscovered running and why I loved doing it for about 8 years. I loved the rush and the zen, and can't wait to run (and run) again tomorrow and on the weekend. Call me Forrest Gump for all I care but, God, running makes me feel so... alive.

Maybe it's the runner's high, or the getting there, or getting to the finish line. The last two are things I can relate to in a deeper sense. The plan now is to do these and join the Auckland Marathon (well for now a quarter marathon).

And it's such a beautiful country to run. So clean and runner(and bike) friendly. Care to join me?