175- Ooops...wait!

A lot has happened in 2020, foremost of which, is Covid-19. Covid-19. This has become the bane of our existence.

Empty streets. Uncertainty. People ill, people dying. What to do?

We need to fight the future, that's what. Fate dictates that we are on the verge of collapse. Guess what? Fate is a bowl of stale apples that you need not have with your milk in the morning. Surrender is not mandated. 

Travel is missed. If the world were normal now, a lot of us would be jetting off to great locations, enriching our lives with new experiences. But alas, the disease has gotten in the way. Perhaps this is a lesson for mankind. 

We need to slow down and buckle down to embracing the things that truly matter. 

The climb back to normalcy, or, to a close to ideal state may be tough, but in the end, it will be worth it. 

Let's ride. 

MC

Rebrand.

I think it's time for a reboot.

Cheers.

174- Steady as She Goes

Since I last updated this blog, I've gotten married, travelled to two additional countries, and found myself running and running and running. 

I think marriage has made me want to travel even more. The prospect of seeing the world with a running mate is tantalizing. I feel like I have been travelling by my lonesome for so long. Nothing wrong with that. It can be quite enjoyable actually. But yes, together. Together can be great too. 

And so it goes.

I have a few locations on my bucket list. I need to run the world. Taiwan is next. Who knows where I'll end up after that.

MC

173- Taking Flight.

Lately I've gotten around to dreaming about the UK. I haven't been thinking about packed cities like London, or Newcastle. I've had my mind on more remote places- like Kirkstyle, Thurso, and Corrour. You know, the types of places you'd like to see on a postcard.

Maybe I've always been a bit of a free spirit. When I say "free spirit" what I really mean is that I've always had a thirst for to explore, to really "see things". I respect and value permanence, but there are also days when I want to put on some trainers and, quite literally, "run away".

Here's a random place I discovered online - Miyazaki city.

365,000 inhabitants, a seaside destination, Shinto shrines, a picturesque gorge.

As with many places in Japan, there is a mix of old and new here.

Eastern and Western art also blend together nicely here. For reference, check out the Medikit Arts Center.

It's places like this that make you want to dream about being anywhere but here.

MC

172- Going Further

What does going further in life,really mean?

Does success point to getting that dream job, buying that dream house, and zooming off in that dream car?

Are these all illusions we conjure up to help increase our self-worth?

You grow up,you get married, you have kids, you get old, you die. You see the world. You sing. You dance. We all know it isn't really this straightforward a process.

Often times,there are bumps in the road, coupled with really big potholes. Who's the joke on, really? Those who conjure up illusions, or, those who are deceived by them? Are parties 1 and 2 actually the same people?

Maintaining your poise in a world wherein being off balance almost feels like a given, is a tall task. Tall,but not impossible. But what is it all worth, really?

That is a darn good question- with a thousand different answers.

MC

171- A Marathon Cut Up Into Scenes

Scene 1: The Beginning

You're born in Manila- a city teeming with people, pollution, cars, buildings, shanties, and oh, have I mentioned people? It's a mad world out there.

Scene 2: Elevation

You wear your compression gear, shoes, and grab your plastic tumbler containing a cold isotonic drink. You look towards an empty road. You do a mental map of the route ahead. You nod your head, as if to signify your willingness to accept the challenge of running for an X amount of hours, or, through X number of miles.

You start moving, and whisper to yourself, "This is what it's all about."

Scene 3: Constant Bliss

You get your run going. You find your bearings. You set a steady pace. After a while, you begin zipping by those who are a bit more "relaxed" than you are. After all, this is a competition, not a beauty contest.

You see empty roads around you. You see trickles of walkers and wanderers on the sidewalk- some cheering you on, others obliviously going about their business.

The sun is still sound asleep at this point. It's part of the natural progression of things.

The transition from darkness to light during these races is absolutely beautiful.

Scene 4: The Tough Part 

You've trained long and hard in preparation for this day. Some pain here and there, some cramping, but all in all, you're good. Nothing to it.

Marathons can be traitorous. No doubt about it. One minute, you're running like the wind. Nothing can stop you. Next thing you know, you're limping like no one's business- in spite of having trained like a madman in the months prior. You've been shaken, but not stirred enough that you want to quit.
You can't quit. You won't quit. It's just NOT your nature to quit.

Scene 5: Redemption 

You realise that you've hit the tail end of the race. You see the proverbial "light at the end of the tunnel". The best way to describe what you feel here is, "so near, yet so far". That can't be stressed enough.

You hear cheers from the people around the last mile or two. It helps egg you along the final stretch. You see the finish line arch from around the last turn. You're so close you can taste it.

Wait, that taste in your mouth is saliva, mixed with sweat, and Gatorade. But I digress.

People think that recreational runners cross the finish lines of races without paying mind to their finish times. Not the case. In fact, it's recreational runners who tend to be ultra concerned about performance. It's recreational runners who are the nerdiest about watches, shoes, and other gear. It's recreational runners who, perhaps, tend to savour victories and get bummed out about defeats the most because they aren't sure how much longer the can sustain being as strong- or interested- as they are about maintaining an optimum running standard. Don't let the word "recreational" fool you. The training done here is far from "recreational".

You get your finisher's medal, do stretch your muscles out, and head home.

Another day in the office done. Another race completed. Another moment jotted down to memory.

MC

170- Influencers: The Future of Tourism

Lately, I have found myself watching a lot of Youtube videos, particularly those featuring travel vloggers. For those of you who aren't familiar, a vlogger is someone who chronicles his/her activities periodically through compelling videos. Technology has made it possible for anyone to become a vlogger- from stay at home moms to couples who decide to quit their corporate jobs and travel the world.

Speaking of the latter, I have recently stumbled upon the Youtube channels of George and Lucy (from Brighton, United Kingdom, aka "Juicy Vlog") and Nelly and Mike (from Austria, aka the "Making it Happen Vlog"). These guys have become ridiculously popular in the Philippines lately. Their videos are like good burritos- humor/wit, information, and compelling narratives, all rolled into one.

Watching their material's gotten me thinking. The future of tourism lies in the hands of social media influencers.

While government officials are busy bickering among themselves, gearing up for the coming elections, and doing whatever else government officials do, influencers showcase the best the Philippines have to offer day after day.

Critics might say that the opinions expressed by influencers are filtered, and disingenuous. Filtered, yes. Disingenuous? Not necessarily so.

There are so many reasons to believe organic messaging shared by influencers. Their thoughts reflect the sentiments of the common person more than official, "curated" statements from state agencies and big corporations.

I love how people react so genuinely to influencers on social media. Forget the poser type influencers. I'm talking about those who stand for something significant, special, potentially life-changing. People on the street say hello to them, engage in lengthy conversations with them- even give them hugs when appropriate. In the Philippines, in particular, where people are bombarded with one packet of noise after another, the presence of the "right" type of influencer, is a breath of fresh air. Anytime you have the chance to go against the grain, to disrupt the "process" towards squeezing better performances out of people, and getting people inspired to "be more", you take it.

Of course, one has to still be discerning about what he/she hears, but hey, we live in a brave new world- teeming with the unbridled promise that innovation brings.

MC