Spain's Schengen

Having been to a European Union state, France, and having to acquire a Schengen Visa to enter previously, I can only but compare on a similar task in getting another one for this year's visit to EU's state of Spain via New York City's Consulates. Bottom line: While there is a standard application with a standard list of requirements, Spaniards are more laid back and warmer in dealing with their clients. Everything else has been standard. More smiles at the Consulado General de Espana. And when the day came -- after clarifying as to when -- I could pick up my visa, I was allowed to get my passport with visa out of the time frame period of the day for pick-up. See, I had a previous appointment with my tax accountant on the same day I decided to come back to pick up my visa from the consulado. On the day I applied, I had my requirements fulfilled and the nice hombre wrote the day I could pick it up; I clarified because the note says Thursday which was the next day. The man did not change it and says come back Friday. Friday tho, I had work's competency class. I asked if I can come back another day and the man obliged, "Any day next week." So I decided to come back Monday first thing in the morning. I reached the Consulado. The security man initially asked me to come back within the visa release time which would be two hours later after I had arrived there but coming thirty minutes earlier would be good. While shopping at H&M around the corner, I realised I needed to catch a train with just enough leeway to make it to my tax accountant appointment. I went back to the consulate and clarified with the guard if I do come thirty minutes earlier would I be seen immediately and explained I needed to catch a train to make to another appointment in Westchester county. The guard initially asked if I had proof but I stared at him blankly. He proceeded to just go inside and ask. And I did. I could have been asked to come back another day, however, the kind man across the glass window asked nicely, "What country?" I replied, "Filipinas" Voila! I got my visa!

San Lorenzo Ruiz Choir Turns Over CD Sales Proceeds to Caritas via PhilDev

Last night at a PhilDev Meeting at the Philippine Consulate, our San Lorenzo Ruiz Choir GM Armel Martinez with a few choir representatives handed over proceeds from our Christmas CD sales, as committed, to Caritas Youth Educational Program via PhilDev.

My Triumphant Try For a (Second) Tri

"So I did a triathlon... and actually finished it. Thank you Lord..."

After blogging on my unfinished triathlon last October 2010, I write this in good spirits.

Last July 23, 2011, after training a good 16 weeks or four months, I finished my second triathlon.

I have been swimming well and even better with a timing device. I used to accept a speed of a 1:45 for a 50 meter dash using the crawl at the Riverbank State Park which has a pool that has a 50 m pool open 6:30-8:30 AM on a daily basis. After doing a New York Road Runners Conservancy Run 4 miler with competitive Ms. Sharon David-Mora, I learned one can swim faster. After a week I timed myself of actually 1:08 for a 50 m high-speed crawl. I eventually found out I can swim using a breaststroke for only 1:22. The confidence grew in me as I realised for the NYRR Sprint Triathlon I would be doing I can actually finish it in 12 minutes just using the breast stroke. Now that is for swimming alone. Swimming in a group of slower swimmers is another I have yet to charge to experience.

I biked the 42 mile bike tour so I am all set for endurance. However, I reminded myself this is a Sprint level triathlon so sprint only equals speed. Now I am thinking of getting a new and faster bike.

Running has been least of the problem after attending NYRR running classes every Tuesday in the summer months. I did two 4 milers and I actually cut my pace down to 9:30. For the running class that puts me in the advance intermediate group; one level below the competitive group.

Transition times are as important as I have been forewarned. But I took that as a water break besides a time to change into the the next sport. However, after reviewing the results, I took 4:45 for my T1 between the swim and bike! That is a tad too chilled.

Anyway, the point is I finished. The swim may be in a pool and only 400 m but I did it. And I did it first among closer peers.

We'll see from here. Hopefully, I can do an open swim session soon.

My Try for a Tri

Today I tried my first triathlon. After 20 weeks of training and posting on facebook my workouts, I did it. Unfortunately, I did not finish. The morning temperature at Cedar Beach on my car reading was at 43 degrees Farenheit. It was cold. Just setting up my stuff at the bike rack and run change transition area I was freezing. Then there was that gastrointestinal issue for a week now. I ate breakfast two hour ahead of the race and they said that was a no-no. What do I know it was my first?

Into the water: Yay! My first tri... Now into the water... Dang! It's cold... I've been swimming in the pool at my gym NYSC where the water was fresh and warm, in fact, very warm... Now I am in the Long Island Sound in open water with air temperature in the 40's at 7:30 AM at the start of the race... Then the water was salty not that familiar chlorinated fresh water taste so the high osmolarity irritated my throat and, hence, affected my breathing... and that famous line, "Why am I doing this again?"

That's it! I am freezing. The open water is too cold. My throat was thirsty, muscles were fatigued for some reason.

Mentally unprepared: Yes, I have tried open water before. But goin' out there in open sea the water under me seemed deep; it is. Panic attack. Had to call the kayakers and bring me to shore. Sadly, that was it.

Out of the water: Still numb. I felt if I just sneaked in the bike area I still wouldn't have able to biked. My bare feet were numb. I couldn't even walk to dry myself up from the cold, cold air.

Watching them finish: Interestingly, after being able to change to dry clothing, I stayed on and watched the whole race finish. Impressive was this 72 year old man who ran through the finish line.

Morale:

1. Don't laugh at them triathletes with hybrid bicycles. They finished.
2. Pump you tires to 120 psi the night before and not the morning of the race; pumping wore me out that morning. No wonder my muscles were unfamiliarly sore up to the next day I pumped so hard race day just before the swim. Or use the S.A.G. at the race site; they will check the bike in general for any problems.
3. Nutrition: follow the guidelines.
4. Always bring a triathlon buddy. To pace and keep your spirits up. One of the senior finishers advised to bring my friend to open water if I was afraid and to swim with him (I need a male companion to be with me in my entry in the water in the same "wave" of participants on a race day)

Inspiring: Are the senior citizens including a female in her last year of participating at 69 years old according to her.

Duathlons are the next target. Run, cycle, run.

Or just pure cycling.

Fun: Take heed from all friends: Always have fun! Always. I did! I gained experience. And I look good.

Vancouver Olympic Experience: First Advise for Future Olympics

Having traveled to Vancouver and experienced the Olympic games, the first advise I would blog on is to not get too many game tickets. I was truly exhausted with my having to line up and go through security checks which I am all for for my own safety. I had five games to watch in seven days. There were a lot of free events around town including free concerts, fireworks, international houses, 3D movies, etc. and festivities going on. I recommend 3 games maximum and enjoy the city and the freebies put up.

Also, there were sayings of sourgraping in nature had the games been in another city the event venues would be one hour apart. Whistler Mountain where I had seen the Men's Classic Cross-Country Ski I had to take the Olympic Bus Network by 5:30 A.M. to travel three hours and see the event. I had a blast watching the events after walking a long rocky path towards the groomed area and sitting in the grandstand.

The Year of the Tiger

People born within these date ranges can be said to have been born in the "Year Of The Tiger," while also bearing the following elemental sign:
8 February 1902 - 28 January 1903: Water Tiger
26 January 1914 - 13 February 1915: Wood Tiger
13 February 1926 - 1 February 1927: Fire Tiger
31 January 1938 - 18 February 1939: Earth Tiger
17 February 1950 - 5 February 1951: Metal Tiger
5 February 1962 - 24 January 1963: Water Tiger
23 January 1974 - 10 February 1975: Wood Tiger
9 February 1986 - 28 January 1987: Fire Tiger
28 January 1998 - 15 February 1999: Earth Tiger
14 February 2010 - 2 February 2011: Metal Tiger

(Wikipedia.com)

The Coming Year Ahead

"So this is the new year
And I have no resolutions
For self assigned penance
For problems with easy solutions" Death Cab for Cutie

With so much experience in life at the end of year 2009, I have no desire to review the ill in me and looking forward to changing what needs not be changed but part of a "whole" includes well and in error. I have done my prayers, upheld His good advise, and have practised my New Year everyday like the way I have practised Christmas everyday. Striving for perfection on a daily basis never seemed so sweet. Burdening oneself with a big load of burden to unload also known as the resolutions list is a humour that is always amusing at when one cannot attain it.

Lack of confidence is a sin so I move on to the New Year with much gusto and confidence not starting it with regrets and a need to forget starting with my very own list of poor quality. I can think about that later on maybe towards Lent.