Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2016 - 10KM Race

ABBEY: This is the last challenge we setup for ourselves this year; to join the 10-km run of Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore. It was held last December 4. I was told by my brother-in-law to train for endurance as I need to finish the race. And since this is my first time, finishing the run fast is less priority. But my goal is to finish it within two-hour mark. 

Race day came and it took off at Esplanade Bridge by 7:25AM. Even before we start, some of the full marathon runners already finished the race. We were able to reach the first kilometer by running but Wilma got pain in upper-right part of her abdomen. We walked while she applied muscle rub. After another kilometer, we're able to race again. At the third kilometer, I jokingly told Wilma that I'm already questioning my existence and why I'm running instead of lying down in bed on a Sunday. Haha. 

We reached a drinking "pit stop" to stay hydrated. We enjoyed the sights as we run; like the Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Sands, and F1 Pit Building. It is very rewarding to finish the race itself and a bonus for receiving the medal. We both finished the race the same time and within the two-hour mark. Another item done from our list of targets for 2016.

WILL: This 2016, to cap off the year, we need to one more thing to tick off all our to-do list. Join a 10KM marathon!!! 

This is an extra challenge for me. Really! Why? I have a problem with my lungs. Since birth. Hahaha! So this is competition not against the time of the other people but a battle against my whole being. 

4am, we are up already. Arrived at Capitol Piazza minutes before 5pm and warmed up our muscles from there. Our wave, starts at 7:25. Gosh! It is too late. 

So when the loud horn was heard, we started to jog on our way. Approaching the first 300m, my right side part just below my lungs began to hurt. It is too painful that I immediately halt my jog and began my walking pace. It is an excruciating pain. This is not my first to experience that, I felt that on my practice ran months ago and I usually go home and rest. I do not stretch myself too on that time. But this is the real thing. It is now or never. So I decided to go on. Its me against me. My brain against my body. 

Motivated to finish the race, every time I see on the gutter a person holding a Active Muscle Rub tube, I always ask for a pinch and rubbed and pressed it hardly on the painful side. I do remember that until 5km, I am still on the lookout for people giving out those rubs. Haha. 

When I see the banner welcoming me on my 6th, 7th..8th. I am congratulating myself. On the 9th mark, Abbey tapping me on my shoulder and we fist bumped on our our 9.5 mark. Gosh! On last turn, there is with a camera that applauding the soon-to-finishers. 

Few steps at the mark, Abbey held my hand and we stand side by side to get the same time at the 10th and final checkpoint. 

Whew! I have done it. I know Abbey can finish earlier than that time but he is a very supportive husband. Waaa! I want to cry! 

Thanks to my eldest brother Kuya Ric. He is a professional marathoner. My parents are very proud of him. I am so jealous of his trophies and golden medals. Do you know his best time for 10KM is only 39mins... Winner right? 

Thanks Abbey and Kuya Ric for pushing me to my death. Hahaha! Joke! This is a memorable experience indeed!

***

Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2016 - 10KM Race

http://www.marathonsingapore.com/

Celebrating our 5th Wedding Anniversary with Barber's Violin Concerto at Victoria Concert Hall

ABBEY: I am a Friend of SSO, we got a pair of complimentary tickets for one of their concerts: Barber's Violin Concerto; was held at Victoria Concert Hall. 

The harmony of the instruments and the joyful beats really feels like they are celebrating with Our 5th wedding anniversary. The two-hour program includes the following:

Stravinsky' Danses Concertantes 
Barber's Violin Concerto, Op. 14
Symphony No. 38 in D major
K.504, Prague.

WILL: This year, we are really into music. We are astounded of the music created by many instruments. Being a friend of Singapore Symphony Orchestra is a real win-win thing.

We always want to try new things for us to not bore each other so this year we celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary with a blast! 

We watched Barber's Violin Concerto . Gosh! I can live forever listening to those instruments. Music is very powerful that you can feel what the musicians wants you to feel. Yep! They are one of the best in manipulating our emotions. Haha!

Glad to hear some Mozarts LIVE. I only used to listen in cds of my niece. :) 

Thanks again SSO for a free ticket for this event.

***

Singapore Symphony Orchestra

For a minimum donation of $75, 

All Friends enjoy all the Privileges above

Get your form here and fax to 6602 4222 or 
email at friends@sso.org.
RECOMMENDED BY: WILMA LAPUZ 

10k Steps Challenge - National Steps Challenge Singapore

ABBEY: We registered in Heath Promotions Board's National Steps Challenge. Aside from getting a step tracker, we also want to know if we can meet the 10,000-steps-a-day. 

First two days I'm not able to reach the target. But on the third day I was surprised when I clocked 10k steps. It was an accomplishment for me. Since that day, I was aiming for the goal as I've already did it. I'm hoping and trying my best to be on top of it.

WILL: Singapore never fails to make their health projects a fun thing to do. 

We are very interested on their National Steps Challenge program and we are so glad to know that we can join it. We download the Healthy 356 app, registered, and collected our step tracker for only $5. You can get this tracker here.   

As soon as we  we paired our trackers with our phones, the competition between me and my husband began. Haha. Well, as of now, I already redeemed the first tier. Abbey? Nahh!! Haha.

Thanks Health Promotion Board. We enjoy your program. :)

Marina Bay Sands' Painting with Light: Christmas Special

ABBEY: We went to the exhibit of Little Black Jacket at ArtScience Museum. At the lobby of the gallery was Painting by Light activity area. 

In time for the holidays, it invites guests to design a Christmas tree decoration by cyanotype; a technique similar to developing a photo on a dark room. Individuals were given cardboard shape cutouts and they will choose for a design to be used. The template will be put over the card board and then expose to UV light. Marks like snowman, snowflakes and sleigh will be etched on the board. After rinsing, the finished product will be hanged on the tree. 

Wishes can be written on the other side of the board.

WILL: After the awesome potrayals of different hollywood actors / actresses, models and known people of The Little Black Jacket, we went straight to Painting with Light just few steps away from the Chanel's exhibition room.

For free, we wrote down all our wishes. We use different kinds of designs and put it under the heat of a black light. After few more steps, the ornament came lovely in our eyes. We put it on at ArtScience Museum all-white tree. Very pleasing on my eyes.

It is my pleasure to take part on this Marina Bay Sands project.

Camping Trip At East Coast Park

ABBEY: I'm glad we fulfilled our plan to spend the night in East Coast Park. This camping is long due. It always rain when we plan it. But last October 26 the weather is perfect. Ford applied for the permit and then we had a go.

Wilma was the advance party to ECP along with Ford, Nette and April. Yes, they set up the tent. I didn't lay my hands on those as I'm having office works. I came there past midnight after our firm's year-end celebration. The tent is cozy and for 6-foot tall man I can say I had a good stretch. The sound of water sways you through slumberland. It's great no bugs or any crawling creatures went inside. We had a good night sleep and woke up refreshed. We had a few snaps on the scenery and head to Jollibee for breakfast.

WILL: This is one of the "must-do" for our year 2013, and I am so lucky to have Abbey and officemates so supportive of me to attain this. 

GeeFord really a loving officemate, he lend us their tents, guide as where to put it up and also helped us assemble it. Even strong wind cannot stop us on this plan. Since Abbey will be there after their party, three of us girls spend the night talking about anything under the sun. My hubby reached the place around 1230am and I am already sleeping that time. So I just welcomed him to our tent.

It is so relaxing to hear the soft sound of waves splashing gently on the shore. It really soothes my brain. Honk of vessels afar sometimes made my eyes pop-open.

Some pointers: bring a lot of water, tissue, alcohol and if you have time bring some cook food. Since were near at seafood restau and Ate Monnette is allergic of those, we just ordered our dinner at McCafe.

Dear users of East Coast Park's washroom,  please use it with love. The washroom is too dirty and I just found out that the caretaker cleans it once. I hope that National Park Board will look on to that.

Cocoa B DIY White Chocolate

ABBEY: One random day Wilma asked what chocolate would I want as a gift. I replied "Any type, any toppings would do". 

She joined a contest to create your own chocolate. She told me she even put a message on the bar. She was excited to see it delivered to our mailbox. It was covered with a bubble wrap then a silver-colored wrapper with cushion. What a way to protect the precious delight. It was a white chocolate bar topped with almond, macadamia nuts and floss. There's a message "I love you" which is also edible. 

Its not too sweet, just enough to enjoy it and appreciate as this was done by my wife :)

WILL: The most beautiful thing that you can give as a gift to your loved ones is not a box load of ready made commodity in a market, but was things that done by your own hands. 
      Time really pushes all our creativeness on edges, and so am I. Haha. Went to Vivo... while walking, while checking each store, there is no great idea that popped-up right before my eyes. I went home, frustrated. Nada! No gift for my Abbey for hearts' day. 
     Checking every facebook fanpage that posts their products for Valentines, I came with Cocoa B that was holding a giveaway that time.  With great passion and love for my husband, I poured my emotion while creating my own chocolate. 

Here is my entry:

I roamed around VivoCity last night and got home almost 9pm with empty hands. Nowhere to find, nowhere to go, no great gift idea for my husband on heart's day.

Until this morning I read a message in facebook about Cocoa B, bulb of imagination lit and swore when I got home, I wil be creating my OWN chocolate flavor and design.

So here it is, white chocolate (symbolizes my pure love unto him), nuts (how nutty I am when I am with my hubby), I Love You Plaque (three words combined to be a powerful sentence), & Chicken Floss (his favorite).

I will never know this when I read iisjong.blogspot.com.

Hoping to win this, by the power summoned by LOVE! ;)

     Upon checking the facebook when we came back here in Singapore, I saw that I won the contest. As I cannot hide my gladness, I asked my husband to see my entry to this contest. After he read it, he squeezed me tight. 
     The day came, chocolate was delivered by the postman, we unwrap, we took photo, we ate and our amazement can see through in our eyes when we took every bite on that whitey chocolate. Very delicious indeed when powdered with floss. 
     Thanks Cocoa B. please visit their website and surprise your loved ones with it. 

Red Dynasty Paintball Park

ABBEY: We got this at Groupon and this deal sold like hotcakes. At first it was only a 6-man group then it became a company team building. The location of the paintball ground is at Bottle Tree Park.

e were reserved a time slot for 2pm. The staff briefed us about the do's and don't of the game. They really emphasized about safety like not pointing your gun at anyone outside the grounds and wearing your mask at all times. The masks are being cleaned every after session so bacteria from sweat won't accumulate. 

Our goal is to get the bomb at the center of the field to your base and from there run and plant your flag at the center. I admit that my team didn't strategize while our opponents were busy planning to take us down. I managed to strike some of them but I went out of bullets. Our team lost but it was fun. We had a lot of stories going back home.

WILL: April and I share some interests...music & extreme and unusual sports for girls. This is our 3rd time to spent together for a non-office activity. 

      After I saw the Groupon voucher, I immediately asked April if she wants to join to build a group of 10 to book for this Paintball activity. In an instant, four of my colleagues confirmed and some of our clients. Never ever taught that one of my boss will join us and her husband, and in our great luck, our big boss paid the costs. 

     January 27 is the day, we all gathered at Bottle Tree Park to team up against each other. So sad that me and Abbey were on different team. Yeah, we fought each other, and he is my first target and first hit. Lol. Group one, we, won! 

     This is a nice and very good experience. Hoping to see another promotion from voucher dealers. ;) 

Tiger Balm - ACTIVE Muscle Rub

ABBEY: We got this Tiger Balm product from one of the contest that we joined. 

Whenever my feet is aching, I'll wash them and dry and apply the muscle rub. Put ample amount on the area. It's cold upon application. You will feel no heat after but it relieve your feet from tiredness and fatigue. It's recommended to apply before bedtime. 

WILL: Thank you so much Her World Singapore for giving away a  hamper of Tiger Balm products an one of those is the ACTIVE Muscle Rub. I am not fan of this cream before but once Abbey told me that it he felt an immediate relief from its heel pain. 
      When I got an sore muscles at my right triceps, Abbey told me to put on some of the cream, anyway there is no harm on trying it, so I nod then he rubbed it on the affected area. It is kind of instant relief. 
      I super like this non-greasy cream. Available at Watsons, Guardian. 

Kneipp Foot Bath Crystals

ABBEY: These are my feet's best buddy when they're tired and aching. Put warm water on a basin and mix in the crystals. Soak your feet and feel them revitalized. The product has a pleasant, relaxing aroma too. It's like you're having a foot spa at the comfort of your own home.  We got this one as prize on an online contest.

WILL: Salt was known for their antiseptic property so why not incorporate them at footbaths. This is one many products Kneipp gave Abbey when he won a $20 voucher. 

      This is a nice bottle to have. You don't need to go somewhere to soothe your swelling feet, in the comfort your own home, you can soak away all the pain that your feet feels.

      The aroma of this salt filled our room and give an extra relaxing aura. Thanks Kneipp for this organic foot crystals. Visit the Guardian Paragon branch for more info on Kneipp products. 

DM Archery

ABBEY: Yellow 4, Legolas, Katniss, and Hawkeye have one thing in common; they have bow and arrows. Give them a vantage point and they will slay their enemies in no time. When I watched them showing their skills its as if archery is very very easy. When I was a kid we also have bow and arrow as a toy; and just like those times my first shoot on DM Archery range is slightly of target. 

We got the voucher from Groupon, 15 arrows for 5 sgd, and booked a schedule. It was located at Orchid Country Club in Yishun. It was fun. Seeing your arrows off target after concentrating for the bull's eye will make you laugh. Handling of the bow made my left arm almost numb as it was heavy. So our friends didn't finish their session but had fun taking snaps.

 

WILL: Abbey as always hesitant when I am introducing a new activity for us. This is better than to stay at our room thinking how happy our family and friends in Manila. Hehe. We are here in Singapore to work, live and explore things and places, balancing out our personal life and our job. 

      Even having a second thought, Abbey agreed to buy Groupon vouchers. This is to test our skills, our eyes, and calculations of things against gravity. 

      David of DM Archery patiently taught us how to hold the bow, how to place the arrow, how to target and how to get the arrow from the board. We were not in the hurry since we are waiting for one my colleague, April. David saw we are taking time to pose and shoot, he asked to go to the VIP lane. Haha. 

      I got two bull's eye then the 12 of arrows just went to black and red. Me and my husband had a great time to know my colleagues out of the office. 

      You can contact DM Archery at 63464788 or just straight go to Orchid Country Club for 30minutes unlimited arrows for only $9. 

ComCrop @ NorthWest

ABBEY:  This is Harvest Moon in reality. I only do gardening in small pots and only planting the ornamental ones. But this is new experience. Starbucks is having a program for the community to plant crops. We did prepared for compost, built a land plot, plant seedlings and transferring the grown seedlings to the plot. It was tiring but fun. We were provided lunch, water, complementary shirt and dessert. This is good program and I hope we can join again someday.

WILL: I saw in Abbey's eyes when I asked him that I want to join the Starbucks' Project is quite hesitant. Why? He do not know what will be ahead for us. Haha. He agreed and now it give back time to Mother Earth. 
      I am very nervous why? There is no one calling us for to confirm our registration, so what we do?, we went back to the VivoCity branch and followed-up! ;) Not more than three hours one called up man rang my phone then were in. Ha!
    Exactly 830AM we're at the Bukit Panjang branch waiting for our group. :) Then around 9am we start the oplan tanim. :) First, they told us the composting, then we build a blocks for the plants, we was asked to get a Starbucks cup and plant out own seeds, then the last thing we were asked to plant the seedlings to the blocks we built. 
    After this affair, Starbucks provided a lunch, bottomless cold coffee, a fro-yo with dill and the most exciting part is their speech. I am so touched that in a small effort we exerted a group of aunties were relieved to many duties. 
    Thanks Starbucks and The Living! Project for giving a chance for us to serve the community, aunties, and mother nature in a small way. 
    This is a great date! Haha! Unusual and exciting!