Official Members

A student athlete of Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST) and part of the Swimming Team.

Started running and became part of the RUNconada in the year 2023. I have never thought of myself to be engage into running, but now I'm addicted to it, I even ran my first marathon and Ultramarathon and it makes me want to do more.

I do believe in the power of consistency, then you'll get the result that you've been wanting to achieve.

Running, for me, is more than just a workout. It’s the one thing that I do that’s completely for myself.

Ever since becoming a mom and working from home as a VA, my days became centered around taking care of my family and getting work done. Somewhere along the way, I realized I needed something that was just mine, something that would allow me to step away from my responsibilities for a while and just be me.

Running became that space.

It gives me time to breathe, clear my head, process my emotions, and remind myself that I’m more than just a mom, a wife, or a VA. It’s my escape, my outlet, and honestly, one of the few things I do purely because it makes me feel good.

So yes, I run for my health and fitness. But I keep running because it gives me a little piece of myself back.

My Running Journey

In 2023, I officially became a member of the team. But my journey actually started way back during the pandemic, when I was still in my Bike Era.

One day, I ended up at Usant Oval, just doing some jabog-jabog running. I didn’t really know anything about proper training or running at that time.

Then I saw some athletes training around 3 PM. It was so hot, but they kept pushing themselves. I got inspired, so I decided to join them and just follow along as they went around the oval.

One by one, they started finishing their training, but I just kept running. As long as no one was stopping, I didn’t want to stop either. Before I knew it, I had already completed 15K just running laps around the Oval!

That was when I met some RUNconada members and elite runners, including Annie and Kuya Tanay, who were training for an upcoming event. When I got home, I immediately searched for Team RUNconada on Facebook.

I became even more inspired and told myself,

“Balang araw, makakasama din ako sa team nila.”

Eventually, I joined their event, Kamuya Juan, where I ran the 10K. At that time, I was still a beginner and honestly had no idea what I was doing when it came to running.But somehow, I managed to finish in the Top 7 and make it into the Top 10! And that’s where everything started.

I got recruited, joined the Initiation Run, and eventually made it to our Graduation Run, where we introduced ourselves one by one. I was even more inspired when I learned about the founders of RUNconada — ultra runners, champions, and true champion slayers!

That was when I told myself, “Balang araw, magiging marathoner/ultramarathoner din ako.”

And here I am today, looking back at how far I’ve come—from simply doing jabog-jabog around the Oval to becoming a marathoner and ultramarathoner. From the Bike Era to the running life. From knowing nothing about running to chasing bigger dreams. From joining simple Fun Runs to taking on Marathons and Ultras.

But no matter how far I go, one thing will always remain my favorite: the Fun Run momments.

Because that's where it all began. Sabay-sabay sana. 👌

I began my running journey in March 2024 when I joined our school intramurals. What started as a simple school activity eventually became something I genuinely enjoyed and wanted to pursue. As I continued running, my passion grew stronger, leading me to participate in the RUNconada Initiation Run.

From there, I started joining various fun runs and running events. Eventually, I challenged myself further by participating in my first marathon and ultramarathon, experiences that pushed me beyond my comfort zone and taught me the importance of discipline, consistency, and perseverance.

Running has become more than just a sport for me. It has become a journey of discovering my limits, overcoming challenges, and continuously improving myself.

They say love what loves you back, but no one prepares you for the sport that breaks your heart while you keep coming back for more.

My athletic journey has never been about natural talent. It’s been about stubborn persistence. I started with boxing and football in elementary, shifted to takraw in high school, and even trained in volleyball and basketball with my schoolmates always learning, always trying, yet constantly hitting walls where the progress just stopped.

Then came 2021. I started running because a friend invited me. I thought running was just casual jogging. Instead, my first run felt like my heart and lungs were about to fall out. Their pace almost killed me. I hated the feeling of getting left behind and the guilt of slowing others down. But instead of quitting, I started running every afternoon, eventually joining fun runs and finding a home with Runconada.

Just as it began, it felt like it ended. An injury struck. I gained weight, watched the soles of my shoes separate from sitting untouched in their boxes, and felt utterly devastated. I was convinced my running days were over. Yet, seeing races organized by Runconada sparked something in me, inspiring me to try again even though the injuries just kept coming. The second wave of injuries brought double the weight gain, and I swore I’d never run again.

And then, in a twist of events, without proper training, preparation, or conditioning, I found myself jumping back into races anyway. That leap of faith introduced me to the people who would ultimately keep me going.

RUNconada has taught me the architecture of resilience: endurance, the value of time, finding the right pace, and body conditioning lessons I carry into everyday life. Right now, I’m still injured, spending more time on pickleball courts than on the road or trails. But setbacks are just part of the mileage now. Injuries won't make me quit running again. I might not be good at the sport, but I am fiercely good at trying.

Ako si Miguel Sergio, taga-Sto. Domingo, Iriga City.

Dating swimmer din ako tulad ng kuya ko—idol ko kasi siya, at siya rin ang dahilan kung bakit ako nakapasok sa Team RUNconada. Magkasabay lang din kaming nakapasok noong 2023.

Kaya nakahiligan ko na rin talaga ang running, kasi dun lang ako sumasaya at wala rin akong ibang ginagawa sa bahay. Kaya nabudol talaga ako ng kuya ko, lalo na sa pag-ultramarathon!

Since laced up for the first time in 2025, I have rapidly conquered 5k, 10k, 16k, half marathons, and my first full marathon - all driven by a passion for personal health and inspiring others to join the movement.

Proud RUNconada family member running for health, inspiring others, and stepping up from my first full marathon to conquer the ultramarathon stage next.

We started running around February 2025 solely to lose weight. However, running 4 to 5 times a week at the USANT Oval quickly became our special bonding time as a couple and allowed us to make new friends. Although our busy work schedules keep us from running as often as we did last year, we still try our best to join races and group runs. We are truly grateful and thrilled to begin this new chapter as part of the RUNconada family!

It all started unexpectedly. Back then, I never imagined that running would become a part of my life. It began with something as simple as stepping out of the house one morning—no plan, no certainty. I simply thought, “Why not give it a try?”

At first, it was incredibly difficult. After only a few hundred meters, I was already gasping for breath, feeling as if my body could no longer keep going. I wanted to stop. I wanted to go home. But instead of giving up, I walked for a while, took a deep breath, and then ran again. I repeated this over and over. Day by day, I slowly began to run farther. Before I knew it, that simple attempt had become a vital part of my daily life.

As a student, things are not always easy. There are endless school assignments, sleepless nights, exams, and times when I feel like I can no longer handle the weight of everything. But running has helped me greatly. It taught me that success is not achieved through speed, but through refusing to give up.

Whenever I run and my body becomes tired, I tell myself, “One more step. Don’t stop.” I carry this exact mindset into my studies as well. When I struggle with a lesson, when I face a massive reading assignment, or when it is late at night and I still need to study, I do not give up. One more topic. One more page.

More than just helping me in school, running completely changed the way I see life. I discovered that life is a lot like running—there are flat roads, uphill climbs, downhill paths, strong winds, and sometimes rain. But you should never stop just because things become difficult.

Through the miles, I have learned invaluable lessons:

• Perseverance: Every hardship I experience today becomes my strength for tomorrow. There is no such thing as an easy success.
• Self-growth: I do not always have to be ahead. The real competition is not against others, but against the person I was yesterday. What matters is that I am better today than I was yesterday.
• Hope: No matter how far the destination may be, as long as you keep moving forward, you will eventually get there.
• Clarity: I learned to face problems not by running away from them, but by running so that I can see the solution more clearly. When I run, my mind becomes lighter and my thoughts clear up.

From being someone who could not run even one kilometer to someone who can now travel long distances, that is the transformation running has brought into my life. I did not just become physically stronger; I became a stronger person. I became braver in facing challenges and more grateful for every single day.

Running is not just a sport for me—it has become a way of life. It has shaped who I am as a student, as a child, and as a person. It will continue to push me toward achieving even bigger dreams.

Every step has a purpose. You do not have to be fast; what matters is that you never stop.

We can't remember the day we started running. We think of running as just moving rapidly on foot, where both feet leave the ground at some point in each step. But there's more to it.

I'm June Herrera Ariño, a 4th year student taking Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, Major in Science.

We all started running as far as we can't remember, but I fell in love with running in the year 2023. I'm new in this sport and have had a burning passion ever since. Though I'm not a competitive runner nor a strong endurance runner and always prone to injury — this year I'm facing an FDL injury — running has become and will always be a part of myself.

For me, running is not just defined by its definition. Running is a complex hobby. Running helps me cope with difficulties in life; it sweats my worries away. And despite feeling I can no longer take another step, gasping for air to conquer another kilometer, the sigh of relief after finishing the run is more than just a feeling of accomplishment.

It is a reminder that despite the exhaustion, struggles, and moments of doubt, I still managed to push through. Every kilometer reminds me that life may be difficult, but I am stronger than the challenges I face. Running may leave me physically exhausted, but it gives me peace mentally and emotionally.

The finish line isn't just about completing the distance, but about finding the strength to keep moving forward, both on the road and in life.

We started running around February 2025 solely to lose weight. However, running 4 to 5 times a week at the USANT Oval quickly became our special bonding time as a couple and allowed us to make new friends. Although our busy work schedules keep us from running as often as we did last year, we still try our best to join races and group runs. We are truly grateful and thrilled to begin this new chapter as part of the RUNconada family!

Running is not just about the miles I cover, but the strength I gain, the challenges I overcome, and the dreams I continue to chase.

My running journey started in 2015 when I was a student-athlete competing in the District Meet, Palarong Panglungsod, and Palarong Bicol. It was more than just running; it was a journey of passion, growth, discipline, and perseverance. I continued running until 2021, but in 2022, I took a break because life became busy. I stepped away from the sport, but running never left my heart.

During my first year of college, I found my way back to running. In my second year, I continued pursuing my passion and started joining fun runs, taking small steps to rebuild my strength and confidence. Then came half-marathons, longer races, and eventually, ultramarathons. Every step taught me valuable lessons, and every mile made me stronger, not only physically but also mentally and emotionally.

Aside from running, I am also a member of my school's performing arts group as a dancer. Dancing allows me to express myself, share my passion, and discover my talents. Both running and dancing have become important parts of my life because they challenge me, help me express my emotions, and allow me to do what I truly love.

Running is no longer just a hobby; it has become my stress reliever and my way of dealing with life's challenges. Whenever I run, I temporarily forget my worries, enjoy every step, and find peace even when my body feels tired. Running gives me a sense of freedom and reminds me that sometimes, the best thing I can do is keep moving forward, no matter how difficult life becomes.

This year, becoming part of Team Runconada is another dream come true. Being part of a team that shares the same passion and love for running inspires me to keep improving, challenge myself, and become a better version of myself.

My journey reminds me that no matter how long you have been away from something you love, you can always find your way back. Running has helped me grow, taught me to keep going when things get difficult, and reminded me that every dream is worth chasing. It has shown me that progress takes time, setbacks are part of the journey, and what truly matters is having the courage to start again.

Keep running. Keep believing. Never stop chasing your dreams.

August 17, 2025... nag-umpisa ang aking Running Era.

Ako, bilang isang dating sundalo, hindi maipagkakaila na sanay din ang aking katawan sa mga pisikal na aktibidad—mahabang lakaran, walang humpay na akyatan sa bundok, at kung ano-ano pa. Bilang sundalo, ginagawa namin ang lahat ng iyon para mapanatili ang kaayusan, katahimikan, at seguridad ng lugar kung saan kami nakatalaga. Ginagampanan ko ang aking tungkulin nang may disiplina, dedikasyon, pagmamahal sa bayan, at siyempre, pananampalataya sa Panginoon.

Fast forward...

January 31, 2025 — retirement day mula sa aking military service. Unang araw na balik-civilian na ako mula sa mahirap, masaya, malungkot, at mapanganib na pakikibaka bilang sundalo.

Nung una, medyo nakakapanibago kasi minsan hinahanap-hanap talaga ng katawan ko 'yung mga nakasanayan kong ginagawa araw-araw, lalo na ang pagpapawis. Halos pitong buwan ng pahinga, medyo nananamlay na ang aking katawan.

Kaya noong August 17, 2025, naisipan kong alukin ang aking asawa: "Magpapawis kita, agom, takbo-takbo tayo."

Sa umpisa, ang purpose papawis lang—hanggang sa naging one-day interval hobby na namin at naging bonding na rin namin. Buti na lang at nagustuhan din ni agom ang ganung set-up! Ayun, naadik na rin sa takbo at kung saan-saan na kami nakaabot magtakbo. Register dito, register doon! Hahaha!

Panalangin ko lang sa Panginoon, sana patuloy Nya pa kaming bigyan ng malakas na pangangatawan sa kabila ng medyo nagkakaedad na kami para patuloy pa rin kaming makatakbo. Pero sabi nga nila, "AGE is just a NUMBER"—lalo na ngayon na nakasama pa kami sa isang organisasyon na napaka-supportive, mababait, at napaka-inspiring na team: ang RUNconada family!

It’s hard to believe a full year has already passed since I first put on this jersey. One year of sweat, fatigue, and early mornings—but more than anything, a year of incredible personal growth and inspiration alongside Team Runconada.

When I first started running, I thought it was just going to be a way to stay physically fit. I never expected it to shape me in so many other ways. Through the discipline of training and the guidance of the team, I discovered a level of grit and determination I didn't know I had. Running taught me not to give up when things get tough, to push past my own limits, and to constantly strive for a better version of myself every single day.

Beyond the mileage and the workouts, Team Runconada became my family. The genuine support, encouragement, and unity within this group mean the world to me. On days when I felt exhausted or doubted my capabilities, the team was always there to lift my spirits and push me forward. The shared smiles, words of motivation, and collective energy kept me going when my legs wanted to quit.

Being part of this team hasn't just changed my physical endurance—it shifted my entire mindset in life. I’ve learned that no goal is out of reach when you show up with consistency, discipline, and a strong support system behind you. Real success isn't just measured by the race finish line, but by the community you build and the people you inspire along the way.

Here's to more miles, more milestones, and more memories!

I began my running journey in August 2024 by participating in the Runconada Initiation Run. After five months of running, I started joining various running events and gradually became more involved in competitive running.

For approximately a year and a half, I actively participated in ultramarathon events, taking on different distances and challenging courses. Through these experiences, running became more than just a sport for me. It taught me discipline, perseverance, consistency, and the importance of pushing beyond my limits.

In February 2026, I participated in the 100 Miles Do or Die ultramarathon but unfortunately had to DNF due to an injury. This became one of the biggest challenges in my running journey. Instead of giving up, I chose to focus on recovery and continue running at a level that my body could handle.

At present, I am focused on recovering while continuing to run, primarily concentrating on shorter distances. My journey has taught me that success is not always measured by medals or podium finishes. Sometimes, having the courage to continue after setbacks is already a victory.

Running has changed not only my physical abilities but also my mindset and outlook in life. It has helped me become more disciplined, mentally stronger, and more determined to face challenges. I am grateful for every race, every lesson, every achievement, and even every setback because all of them have become part of the runner and person I am today.

Running has changed not only my physical abilities but also my mindset and outlook in life. It has helped me become more disciplined, mentally stronger, and more determined to face challenges. I am grateful for every race, every lesson, every achievement, and even every setback because all of them have become part of the runner and person I am today.

Ako si John Rey Sergio, taga-Sto. Domingo, Iriga City.

Dati po talaga, swimmer po ako. Bago ko po nakahiligan ang pagtakbo, "swimming is life" talaga ako nun—walang ibang sports, swimming lang talaga ang gusto ko.

Pero noong 2019, na-curious ako noong nagkaroon ng fun run sa RNTVS. Dun ako nagsimulang tumakbo.

Pagkatapos nun, nabudol na rin ako ng pinsan ko na si Elizabeth Moraña. Sumama ako sa events noon sa Legazpi Aquathlon (swim and run). Nakasama ko noon ang Team Runconada sa hotel, at dun ko naisip na i-push na ang pagtakbo kasama ang pag-swimming.

Kaya noong nakapasok na ako noong 2023, ako na yung swimmer ng team. Pero nabudol ulit ako ng Team RUNconada, kaya nakasali na rin ako sa iba't ibang running events tulad ng ultramarathon.

My second chapter in life began in 2022, when my father, Cyrus Nacario, introduced me to running and taught me how to lace up my shoes. Before that, I was a chubby, non-athletic homebody. I only played basketball when friends invited me, preferring to stay at home and enjoy the peace of being around the people I love.

When I first started running, I struggled to embrace it. My unathletic background left me dealing with multiple injuries and body soreness. Yet, through the physical challenges, I discovered a different kind of peace in every stride and cadence. Inspired by my father’s influence, running quickly expanded my world. It introduced me to new friends and chosen family both inside and outside of RUNconada, connecting me deeply to a community united by a shared passion.

Driven by this new enthusiasm, I started small by joining local color fun runs. Over the years, these events shaped me through experience, friendly rivalries, camaraderie, and discipline. Eventually, I stepped up to the big leagues to test my limits alongside other passionate runners who love the sport just as much as I do.

RUNconada taught me that running is built on class, loyalty, commitment, discipline, determination, and purpose. Being surrounded by such dedicated athletes is a true privilege. They keep me motivated and inspired through every step, every kilometer, and every strong finish.

Most runner run not because they want to live longer, but because they want to see some bebegurls on the road. ✌🏼

I used to think I couldn't be an athlete or a runner because, back in elementary and high school, I wasn't involved in any sports—I was always just a spectator whenever my classmates played. But as they say, there’s a sport for everyone; sometimes, we just need to uncover our own athletic potential or discover what we’re truly passionate about. My first real involvement in sports came when I was recruited to play basketball in our barangay. Then, in 2021, some friends invited me to go for a jog. I thought it would just be a casual, short run, but we ended up covering a long distance—16 kilometers! That experience made me realize that even someone like me, who wasn't involved in sports during my youth, could develop a passion for it. I kept running, covering kilometer after kilometer, until I eventually discovered the Runconada Multisports organization and became a member a few months later.

Runconada Multisports—ever since I became part of this wonderful organization, I’ve met many people I look up to, and my running abilities have truly flourished. I’ve had the chance to run in various distant places, covering long distances, kilometer after kilometer.

I often hear someone say, ‘I’m not a real runner.’ We are all runners, some just run faster than others. I never met a fake runner.

Sports, food, and the journey in between have shaped a big part of who I am today.

My journey in sports started when I was 12 years old, when I first discovered football. What started as something I simply enjoyed became a huge part of my life. I played throughout my teenage years, continued through college, and even now, football remains something I regularly come back to. It taught me the value of teamwork, discipline, resilience, and the importance of enjoying the game regardless of the outcome.

I discovered running in 2018, although I wasn’t actively pursuing it at the time. After the pandemic restrictions were lifted in November 2020, I found my way back to running and eventually started taking it more seriously. What began as simply getting back on my feet gradually became a passion. Running challenged me in a completely different way it taught me patience, consistency, mental toughness, and how much further you can go when you refuse to give up.

Being involved in different sports has also allowed me to see and experience different places. I’ve had the opportunity to travel because of sports, meet people from different communities, share experiences with fellow athletes, and create memories that go beyond the competition itself. For me, one of the best things about sports is that it takes you places not just geographically, but also personally.

Outside of sports, I work professionally as a cook/chef. The kitchen is another place where I’ve learned the importance of discipline, creativity, preparation, and consistency. Just like in sports, you don’t always get things right on the first try. You learn, adjust, improve, and keep going.

Whether I’m on the football pitch, out on the road running, or working in the kitchen, I believe in staying active, continuously learning, and enjoying the process.

I don’t consider myself defined by just one sport, one profession, or one achievement. I’m someone who enjoys the journey. Trying new things, meeting new people, exploring new places, pushing my limits, and finding purpose in the things I love.

Football introduced me to sports. Running taught me to keep moving forward. Cooking became my craft. And the journey continues.

I am a national track athlete for Team Pilipinas Para Athletics.

My running journey started in 2014 when my Grade 4 adviser invited me to join Palarong Pambansa in Laguna. My family fully supported me and pushed me to start my life as an athlete.

However, in 2015, I faced a big challenge and had to stay in the hospital for 5 to 6 weeks because my body and lungs became very weak. I did not give up. In 2017, I returned to sports at Palarong Bicol and was blessed to compete again at Palarong Pambansa.

Since then, I have competed all over the Philippines—across Luzon in Laguna and Marikina, Visayas in Antique, and Mindanao in Davao City. I have also reached the international stage, proudly representing my country in Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, and Tunisia.

Running is my favorite hobby because it keeps my body strong and healthy. I love running because I never want to go back to being weak again. I am so happy and honored to be part of the Philippine Team, running for our country and chasing my dreams!

I am a national track athlete for Team Pilipinas Para Athletics.

My running journey started in 2015 when I was in Grade 3. I joined the Palarong bicol in PILI Camsur. My family fully supported me and pushed me to start my life as an athlete.

Since then, I have competed all over the Philippines—across Luzon in ilocus sur and Marikina, Visayas in Antique, and Mindanao in Davao City, Davao Del Norte. I have also reached the international stage, proudly representing my country in Thailand

Running is my favorite hobby because it keeps my body strong and healthy. I am so happy and honored to be part of the Philippine Team, running for our country and chasing my dreams!

I'm a firefighter and EMS responder who discovered running as more than just a physical activity — it became a way of life. My running journey started in 2016 after my fire basic recruit course then I stop then I became a member of RunNurse which is Runconada now because of my friend Cyrus then I became inactive again..

In 2023 my running era started as simply as a way to stay physically fit and healthy. As I continued running, I realized that it was not only strengthening my body but also developing my discipline, mental toughness, and perseverance. Every kilometer taught me to keep moving forward, even when the body gets tired and the mind says to stop.

I run because running gives me a sense of purpose. It helps me manage stress, clear my mind, and become a better version of myself. As a firefighter and EMS responder, being physically and mentally prepared is important, and running has become one of the ways I prepare myself to serve others.

Why do I run? I run for my health, for my family, for my career, and most importantly, for myself. I run to challenge my limits, to enjoy the journey, and to remind myself that no matter how difficult the road may be, one step at a time, I can keep moving forward.

Known as Emoy, the Buddha Belly Runner. He ran with quiet loyalty and a full heart — for the road, and for RUNconada. He passed of a heart attack in October 2023. His last race was the Peñafrancia Marathon. We still run with him.

I am a nurse by profession, currently serving under the Department of Health – Bicol Center for Health Development (DOH Bicol CHD). Outside of healthcare, I am a passionate runner, race director, and advocate for the running community.

I started running in 2011 and have since completed numerous marathons and ultramarathons locally and abroad, including races across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, as well as in Singapore and Vietnam.

As a Race Director, I organize marathons, ultramarathons, and fun runs in Bicol, helping create events that bring runners and communities together. I am also one of the pioneers of RUNconada and served as the group's first president, contributing to the growth and development of the local running community.

My journey as a runner has also been shaped by adversity. In November 2021, I was involved in a vehicular accident that resulted in a fracture of my left leg and required the insertion of a titanium rod. After a year of recovery and rehabilitation, I returned to running—stronger, more determined, and more appreciative of every step.

For me, running is more than a sport. It is a journey of resilience, community, and perseverance—a reminder that setbacks may slow us down, but they don't have to stop us from moving forward.

I have always been active in sports ever since I was in elementary school, but I never imagined myself getting into running. It just wasn't something I saw myself doing.

I always pictured myself doing extreme sports, and martial arts was one of them. I learned Kuntaw, a traditional Filipino and Southeast Asian martial art, and participated in several tournaments, mostly in Camarines Sur. I even became a candidate for promotion to black belt, but unfortunately, I wasn't able to pursue it. I also trained in KaikenDo Dojo and Judo, and from 1999 to 2002, I was a Taekwondo player for the University of Saint Anthony, representing the school in Palarong Bicol. I may not have been the best at these sports, but those were some of the happiest times of my life.

Fast-forward to when I was 30, already a mom of three. That's when my partner introduced me to running. I started with 5K runs, and now, I'm taking on half-marathons!

Running has become my stress reliever and one of the ways I cope with postpartum depression and anxiety. Through running, I slowly found my way back to myself and regained my confidence.

With every run, I rediscover a kind of happiness I hadn't felt in a long time. Every step makes me feel alive. And having a team that motivates, supports, and inspires me makes this journey even more meaningful.

Here's to more miles, more challenges, and more happy miles together! 🏃‍♀️❤️

Running isn't just about the distance or the finish line; it's also about finding yourself again, healing, and rediscovering your confidence.

I’m Monica Balbuena, a nurse, single, and from Sto. Domingo, Iriga City.

I think my journey into running started when I worked as a rescue technician in Manila back in 2011. As part of the rescue team, I was able to attend a few fun run events. That same year, I joined my very first fun run which is the Pasig River Run, where I ran 3 km alongside more than 86,000 registered runners. I guess that was where it all started.

When I returned home to Bicol in 2013, I started joining different fun runs even duathlons, though not very often because there weren’t many events here at the time.

I don’t remember exactly how I was introduced to the broader running community, but I think it was through runners from the RuNurse team. I was working in a hospital where many RuNurse members were also based, so I naturally met more runners and was eventually introduced to people outside the hospital as well.

Eventually, our group grew, and we decided to form a team: Runconada. I’m proud to say I was one of the co-founders, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Running opened the door for me to explore other sports. I started entering triathlon events with fellow RUNconada members. While my longest run has been a full marathon, and I don't think I'll ever attempt an ultramarathon, I really miss the days when ultras happened all the time here in Bicol. I was usually part of the support crew, and those experiences were some of the most memorable.

I also ventured into trail running and joined an event in Bataan. Little by little, running became more than just entering races; it became a way to explore new sports, meet incredible people, and experience things I otherwise wouldn't have.

Then the pandemic happened.

As a healthcare worker on the frontlines, I stopped running for a while. My days off became entirely about resting; after giving so much of myself at work, I simply didn’t have the energy left to run. And yes, I'm lazy.

I finally returned to running in 2024 when I joined the Cebu Marathon. I had almost no training and to make things even worse, I bought my running shoes two days before the event! Pathetic hahahaha and yes it was a questionable decision, but somehow, I survived.

Since then, running has slowly become part of my routine again through short-distance events and local races. I may not be the fastest runner, and I may not be able to join every event, but I’m grateful to still be part of this community.

Still running. Still learning. Still showing up.

Although work keeps me too busy to be as active in RUNconada events as I used to be, I will always support the team 100% and remain a proud part of the family. After all these years, that's what running has always been about for me: the people, the places, the shared stories, and the memories along the way.

And, of course, the occasional last-minute shoe purchase!

"AQUE SI KOWTS"

I am proud to be one of the founding members of RUNconada, and the youngest among us. Running is not merely a hobby for me; it is the heartbeat of everything I do, the rhythm that guides my days, and the passion that brought us together to build this community. Every step I take—whether on the road, the trail, or up the slopes of our beloved Mt. Asog—is a step toward something greater, something we created as a family.

Running leads the way in every part of my life. As a teacher, I bring that same endurance and discipline into the classroom, teaching my students that every goal, like every finish line, is reached one steady step at a time.

When I am not running or teaching, I keep that same energy alive through volleyball, badminton, and swimming. I also carry my running spirit straight into mountain climbing and outdoor adventures. Whether I am racing a 42K or scaling a peak, it is all driven by the same urge: to keep moving forward, to go farther, and to see more.

But it is RUNconada that holds my heart. As the youngest founder, I ran beside our pioneers with equal determination, helping lay the foundation for what this team has become. I have run countless kilometers—through rain and heat, at dawn and in the dark—across the Rinconada region, on our roads, our trails, and our mountains. Every race, every training run, and every shared mile strengthens not just my legs, but the bond we share.

To me, RUNconada is more than a name on a jersey. It is the sound of our footsteps in unison, the breath of every runner beside me, and the pride of our community moving forward together. I run because it connects me to the place I call home—to the lakes, the hills, and the people I love. As long as my legs carry me, I will keep running, leading, and building this team—for the founders who came before me, for the members who run beside me, and for the future of RUNconada.

I run not just to cover distance, but to build something that lasts — one step, one race, one community at a time.