A River Runs Through It

I wasn't able to post my to-do list for this month. It was just in my Drafts folder and before I knew it, it's just a matter of days before November.

Included in my October list is to join a 5K marathon. I don't join races just for bragging rights. I always consider the cause or where the proceeds of the race will go before I join. When my officemates asked if I will sign up for the Run for Pasig River 10.10.10, I immediately said yes because I know the proceeds will be used for the rehabilitation of Pasig River, a 27-kilometer body of water traversing across Metro Manila and connecting the Laguna de Bay to Manila Bay.

The Pasig Run was also an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest eco-foot race in the world. But with the record beaten or not, I don't care anymore. Being able to participate meant more.

Here are the highlights of my Pasig Run experience:
The fun run started almost on time. And I admire the organizers for that.
Students from different schools joined. And they came in their school's colors.
I saw an elderly, which we fondly named Lola, taking a break from the run. Take note of her bib: she ran for 5K! What a determination! :)
We didn't worry about accidents because there were
paramedics just waiting for injured runners.
Plus points for the organizers.
After running for two kilometers and just walking the rest of the distance, finally we reached the finish line. I have to commend the organizers for the rehydration of the runners. Maynilad provided water every 1.5-kilometer. I didn't get thirsty at all! Plus points again for the organizers.
This is where the organizers failed. Thousands ran so it was expected that thousands will line up for their finisher's band. There were no signages to show where runners can claim their bands. We just asked around. Only to find out after almost half an hour of falling in line and beating the heat, that two more tents/booths were designated for the distribution of the finisher's bands. And again, no signages or markers to lead you there. Minus points here.
Finally, our finisher's band! This band was made by the residents of BayaniJuan in Calauan, Laguna. BayaniJuan is the official resettlement site of the Kapit Bisig para sa Ilog Pasig (KBPIP).

Overall, it was an experience! I don't regret having joined one historic run for one valuable cause. KBPIP and other government and private agencies would certainly love to see the dying Pasig river get back to life and look like this in the future.
One step at a time, I believe Pasig River will look like this. :)

Happy weekend, everyone! :)

Corner Stone Pottery Farm

"O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter;
we are all the work of your hand" (Isaiah 64:8).

I am really amazed at how potters mold an ordinary looking clay and turn it into something beautiful. So when I knew that learning pottery was included in my kids' field trip agenda, I got excited. The kids went to Corner Stone Pottery Farm in Balubad 1st, Silang, Cavite. It is owned by husband and wife EJ and Eva Espiritu, a ceramic engineer and an artist, respectively.

I immediately fell in love with the lush surroundings which made me feel relaxed. But because it was just a field trip, we only stayed there for a short while. Hmmm...maybe I can visit it again someday. Check out what the kids learned there:

Corner Stone Pottery Farm signage
Sunday beside the lump of clay
EJ Espiritu, one of the owners, demonstrated molding using a kick wheel.
Look at how excited Gabby was while watching the process.
If the kids were amazed and impressed at how this potter
turned the clay into this bowl mold, I was too!
The pottery farm also do ceramics. A staff explains
how the ceramic mugs and decors are molded and dried.
Eva Espiritu explains to the kids how the ceramics and clay are baked in the oven.
One of the souvenir items on display at the Souvenir Shop
I want to make something like this sea-inspired
hanging decor! It's so beautiful!

Corner Stone Pottery Farm
Km. 46.5 Aguinaldo Highway, Barangay Balubad 1st,
B 1084, Silang, Cavite 4118 How to get there
Yahoo! Messenger: evaespiritu
Cell numbers: 0919-238-5535 / 0906-458-4678
Email: eve@cornerstonepotteryfarm.com.
Website: http://cornerstonepotteryfarm.com

Have a happy and blessed Sunday to all! :)

Vivere Suites Sky Lounge Restaurant and Bar

Sofia, Fred's former officemate's daughter celebrated her 4th birthday today at the Vivere Suites in Alabang, Muntinlupa. It was a happy party and the kids enjoyed it so much.

Vivere Suites entrance

After the party, we went up to the 31st floor of the hotel to check the Sky Lounge Restaurant and Bar, which Vivere Suites is famous for. Check out why:

No need to look for the bar when you reach the 31st floor.
This Sky Lounge Restaurant and Bar sign greet you shyly when the elevator opens.

Shyly because the sign is not that big enough to be noticed at once
but strategically located to lead guests to the bar. :)

Gabby and Sunday enjoying the view

I didn't take too much pics there to give respect to the diners. :)

Of course, we didn't order there. We just took pics and enjoyed the view!
There's the blurry Makati skyline in the background.
Take note of the balloons in the chair: There that time...

...gone in a second! I wonder how the waiters keep the light things from being blown away by the wind!

View of SLEX (from Sucat) and Laguna de Bay from the Sky Lounge

View of Starmall Alabang in SLEX (to Laguna or Batangas) and Laguna de Bay

Gabby and Sunday went back to the Grand Ballroom, where the party was held, to check if there were extra balloons. And there were!  Bye, Vivere! We had a good time!