The Stoic Life Chaser: Live Intentionally, Run Freely

The first quarter of 2025 culminated fittingly: on the familiar paths of the UP Academic Oval, tackling my first-ever Great UP Run in the 10km category. As a newcomer to this specific event, I approached the start line with measured expectations. What unfolded, however, was a powerful testament to the vibrant and rapidly growing running culture here in the Philippines. Sharing the road with over 4,000 participants in just the 10km race alone was a sight to behold – a river of determined individuals filling the Oval. The 4:30 AM gun start plunged us into the pre-dawn darkness, reinforcing the wisdom of the organizers' advice to bring headlights. Navigating the early stages was a lesson in managing chaos. The sheer density of runners made finding a consistent pace challenging. Observing several stumbles nearby served as a stark reminder of the need for mindful footing and pacing, especially when visibility is low – a reminder that haste often undermines progress. My initial strate...

Last February 9, 2025, history was made in Filinvest, Alabang, with the inaugural Army Navy Run for the Bunker. The day before, the Metro was drenched in scattered rain, and I braced myself for a soggy 12km run. But the universe had other plans! We arrived to find clear skies – a perfect start. My sibling and I fueled up with a quick Jollibee breakfast before heading to the race kit pickup. The event had a distinct, intimate feel. The sponsor tents, while fewer than at larger races, added to the burgeoning excitement. This was a first, and you could feel the energy in the air. The pre-race buzz was infectious. A lively Zumba session got everyone warmed up and stretched, ready to tackle the course. As we gathered at the starting line, the countdown began, and at zero, we surged forward, each driven by our own personal motivations. The route was well-organized, with marshals guiding us along the way. Photographers captured the moments, allowing us to strike a pose and preserve the ...

Introduction Turning 35, I found myself lost in a social media maze. A podcast about beating money worries sparked a lightbulb moment: I needed to share my story. Inspired by financial experts, philosophy gurus, and the freedom of running, I decided to start this blog. It's a place to talk about money, life lessons, and finding my pace. Overcoming Debt I was buried under almost 100K pesos in credit card debt. The weight of it felt crushing. Every payday was a battle, with most of my income swallowed by interest payments. The constant anxiety of falling deeper into debt was a heavy burden. It was a wake-up call. I realized I couldn't continue living paycheck to paycheck, trapped in a cycle of endless consumption. The decision to break free was difficult, but necessary. My first goal was simple: eliminate the debt. I created a strict budget, cut back on unnecessary expenses, and allocated as much as possible towards debt repayment. It was a grueling process, filled with temptat...