Last April 5, 2012 while everybody was getting busy celebrating the Lenten Season the Youth with a Vision was also busy preparing for their first ever Run for a Cause. The Youth with a Vision is the youth organization of the Jesus Is Alive Community who is the main organizer of the said run for a cause.

This run for a cause was initiated by the international and local core leaders of the said organization along with the support of the local pastors. Why the organization did organize such an event on a Holy Thursday? The answer was simple; to be an influence to fellow youths that Jesus is alive and YWAV is willing to cater to their spiritual needs.

The Run for a cause started from the City’s Rotunda. The run had two categories: 2k and 5k. The 2k category started from the City’s rotunda up to the front of Kiosko Kagawasan (in front of Jollibee Divisoria) back to the City’s rotunda. The 5k category also started from the City’s rotunda. The turning point of the 5k category was in front of the Pelaez Sports Center and finishing at the City’s rotunda.

The run for a cause was participated by an estimate of 150 runners. The runners were mainly from the members of the organization and 20 of them were from the sponsors. The race started around 4PM and ended around 4:30PM. There were three winners for each category. Each winner received a medal, certificate and cash prize.

The proceeds of the said event would go for the future activities of the organization. They will be having summer trainings for singing, dancing, bass guitar, guitar, drums and other instruments to name. They would also impart the said proceeds for the improvement of other YWAV organizations outside Cagayan de Oro.

The Youth with a Vision is just one of the many active youth organizations here in Cagayan de Oro City that is willing to make a change and go beyond borders of imagination. Though, they cater most of the spiritual needs of the youth it didn’t stopped them to make a difference.

Tomorrow, July 23, 2011, at 6pm, runners from all over Cagayan de Oro and neighboring towns and cities will gather at SM City Cagayan de Oro for a night fun run. Wellness Run 2011 is organized by Ang Lingkod ng Panginoon (ALNP) with the help of Pueblo de Oro and SM City. The night run is for a good cause as the proceeds will be given to St. Ignatius Hospice Foundation and will benefit their terminally ill patients.

Registration started last June 25 and will end today, July 22, at the SM City ground floor area and Style N’ Motion along Pabayo-Gomez Sts.

The top three finishers will receive cash rewards, while gift certificates will also be handed out as special awards. Recognition will be given to the youngest/oldest runner, the most number of runners from the private sector and other similarly significant awards.

For those who would like to catch up with the registration, or who would simply like to witness this worthwhile endeavor, you may check out the Wellness Fun Run FB page by clicking on this link. You may also want to send the organizers as email through WellnessRun2011@yahoo.com.

It’s never too late if you want to have fun and help out a good cause!

-Maia Fortich-Poblete-

July 9 will mark the day when dedicated runners from all over the country will converge in Cagayan de Oro for the first ever CDO-Dahilayan 55K Ultra Marathon. Dubbed “Race Against Time. Race Against Nature. Race With the Finest”, the CDO-Dahilayan Ultra Marathon promises to live up to this title by bringing runners to a trail that mixes paved and dirt roads, and then goes uphill and downhill. It, however, also mixes in breathtaking sceneries, like the Del Monte pineapple fields.

Organized by Cagayan Circle Productions Incorporated, the starting point of the race is Rodelsa Circle and the gun start is 4:00 am. After 55 kilometers, runners will find a treat waiting for them at the trail’s end: the Dahilayan Adventure Park in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. Since it is known for its zipline, each runner will get the chance to zip away in the longest zipline in Asia – all 840 meters of it!

Last Saturday, June 25, a trial run was conducted. One of the participants gladly shared his tips for the 55K runners, especially those who are first timers. Since the trail is challenging, with all the loose rocks and uneven roads, runners should take into consideration the climate (although Bukidnon is basically Baguio-like in weather, the starting point – CDO – may be a bit humid, unless it rains!); the terrain; hydration and elevation. If one is trained in extreme sports, however, everything will be an exciting adventure. As always, though, one must be physical fit and ready for the run.

For those who still cannot decide whether they would join or not, you better make up your mind as race day is fast approaching. Registration fee is at Php2,000 (which was Php200 cheaper until the end of May) and this includes a carbo loading party on July 7, a free zipline ride, a shuttle ride from Dahilayan to CDO, finisher’s jacket and a medal.

Here are the specifics of the 55K ultra marathon adventure:

Date: July 9, 2011 (Saturday)

Assembly Time: 3:00 am

Starting Point: Rodelsa Circle

Gun Start: 4:00 am

Cut-Off Time: 12 hours

Finish Line: Dahilayan Adventure Park

There are designated registration centers in Manila and Cebu. For those who are in Manila, registration is at a runner’s circle in Roxas Blvd; while the Cebu registration center is at Vivo Barefoot in Ayala Center. Here in Cagayan de Oro, runners can register at Max’s Restaurant along Tiano-Chavez Sts and La Cabana Spa along C.M. Recto highway.

For those who would like to enjoy the Dahilayan experience a little longer, excellent accommodation facilities are provided via the Pinegrove Mountain Lodge, which is located inside the adventure park. You can choose from family rooms (good for 6 people), deluxe rooms (good for 3 people) or standard rooms (good for 2 persons). Reservations can be made through 0922-8801319.

The CDO-Dahilayan 55K Ultra Marathon is also brought to you by Dahilayan Adventure Park.

-Maia Fortich-Poblete-

There’s a new place for beauty and fitness buffs in Cagayan de Oro! Style ‘N Motion, located at the corner of Pabayo and Gomez Sts., is a beauty salon that also offers dance classes. It is the best places to go to if you want to look and feel good about yourself.

Style ‘N Motion holds different dance classes for the whole week. They have classes in Oriental Bellydance, Sexy Grind and Latin Fusion/Zumba. Below is a breakdown of these dance classes:

-Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays: 5:30 to 6:30 pm – Oriental Bellydance

-Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays: 6:30 to 7:30 pm – Sexy Grind

-Tuesdays/Thursdays/Saturdays: 5:30 to 6:30 pm – Latin Fusion/Zumba

The rates for these classes are as follows:

-For 1 session: Php100

-For 6 sessions: Php400

-For 12 sessions: Php800

Interested Kagay-anons can check out Style ‘N Motion’s Sexy Grind class beginning Monday, March 21, 2011, as they offer free classes from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. Free Sexy Grind classes are also offered on March 23 and 25, at the same time. The only requirement for interested dancers and would-be dancers are dance shoes or sneakers or rubber shoes. Style ‘N Motion strictly implements this policy as they want to keep their dance floor free of scratches.

In addition to their dance classes, Style ‘N Motion is also looking for models. For those who are interested, the salon/studio has scheduled a Go See, which actually started last March 10 and will last until the end of this month. Aspiring models are to bring their bio-data and heeled shoes. They should wear either a tube top or sleeveless outfit. For now, Style ‘N Motion needs only female models who should be from 14 to 25 years of age, and who should stand at least 5’2”. Applicants are to look for Arnold, Ryan or Jojo.

Finally, for all the Kagay-anons who will be graduating this month, Style ‘N Motion is offering its hair & make-up services at a promotional package price of Php350. Those who want to avail of their hair spa services can do so for only Php350. The promo runs for the whole month of March 2011.

If you’re the type who gives special attention to fitness and beauty, Style ‘N Motion is the perfect place for you. They have exactly what you need!

For more information on their promos and services, you may contact Style ‘N Motion through 0922-5505724. You may also want to email them through stylenmotion@wow.com. Better yet, check out their Facebook page.

-Maia Fortich-Poblete-

The Pelaez Sports Center used to be known more as the venue for street dancing contests, programs during the city fiesta and large reunions and celebrations of various organizations in the city. The provincial government enacted a lot of renovations on the place though, and along with them is the development of the Pelaez Fitness Gym. Since then, it has become more recognized as a sports complex, which is just how it should be.

The Pelaez Fitness Gym

It was only in 2006 that the fitness gym was started at Pelaez. The building is separated in two. The one in front is exclusive for women, while the men use the back part. Presently though, the women’s area is closed for renovation. Ladies can still work out at the gym though, at the area cordoned off for them at the right side of the men’s building.

How to Sign Up

The Pelaez Fitness Gym, and basically the whole Pelaez Sports Center, is run by the provincial government. Although the gym has its own set of people and instructors in charge for running their services, management of the gym is collective with the running track and the swimming pool. This is why when you sign up for membership to the gym, you have to do so at the entrance gate of the Sports Center. A booth is setup just beside the entrance gate (left gate) of the sports complex.

They offer the following membership fees:

Annual – P2,000

Semi-annual (6 months) – P1,500

Quarterly (4 months) – P1,000

There is also a monthly fee of P500.

Walk-ins are likewise allowed at P30 per hour.

Customers who apply for these membership fees are entitled to gym privileges such as dressing and shower rooms. The men and women have separate rooms, of course.

Classes, Equipment and Amenities

The gym is mostly geared towards body building. They don’t hold group classes; members are instead provided an individual fitness development program wherein each vital body part and muscle area is given attention for each workout session.

Mr. Greg Relovo, head fitness trainer of the fitness gym, takes charge of these individual workouts. He assures that newcomers need not worry about keeping up with the more experienced members, since they will have their own program to follow.

The gym also offers training for boxing (they have a boxing ring), powerlifting and Muay Thai kickboxing.

They also send members with great potential to participate in national and international fitness competitions.

Other Options

Pelaez Sports Center has really improved so much in recent years. The field, which used to be plain grass that tends to stock up mud during the rainy season, is now polished and fenced. A concrete path covered with a special, brown track “carpet” now makes running in the oval more comfortable.

The swimming pool in the sports complex is also very well kept. It is very appropriate for those who would like to do some laps. Its depth is from four to five feet, and there are four swimming lanes. The swimming pool area is along the back, right across the main stands and sound booth of the Sports Center.

The Pelaez Sports Center oval track.

If you want to change your fitness regimen, you can take up jogging or swimming at Pelaez Sports Center. The fees (membership and one-time use) for the oval are the same with the fitness gym’s. Membership for the swimming pool also offer rates for annual (P6,000), semi-annual (P4,500) and quarterly (P3,000). The monthly fee is P1,500.

For more information, you may send your inquiries through email at pelaez.gym@gmail.com.

-Jay Bual-

Photos by Mara Jayne Tismo

(Info from interview with Mr. Greg Relovo)