As I write this message, I’m looking at the plaque of the 4^th Annual 12-Hour Run-Walk-Bike For A Cause in memory of Gabriel. The event was a fund-raising project for the Gabriel Symphony Foundation led by Senator Compañera Pia Cayetano --- to help provide medical assistance to many sick and disabled children. See www.gabrielsymphony.com.

In the 12-hour run, I finished third among the few runners, walkers, and a number of bikers who started at 6 am and ended at 6pm.  That day for me, will be one of my most memorable runs. It was like a spiritual experience because during the run I felt Gabriel was with me all the time. He gave me an indescribable peculiar message that will probably change my life from this moment on.  

        During the event, I met Leo Oracion, our new hero for being the first Filipino to conquer Mt. Everest. Few minutes later, Art Valdez, the Mt. Everest expedition leader joined us. And for the next 15 kilometers we chatted about how Filipino spirit and team work can really carry us up toward the path of success. Art was emphatic that if only our national leaders can come together, they too can scale their own Mt. Everest, to work well and bring on a brighter future for the Filipino. It was an inspiring moment running with these two gentle-mountaineers who plan to attack again the world’s highest peak, next year on the North side of the mountain. Awesome Pinoy!

        Meanwhile, in the Formula racing scene, it’s exciting to know our first Filipina in the celebrated Asian Formula 3, Gaby dela Merced, is full speed in her campaign to win major championships. We are especially privileged this time to feature Gaby in this month’s issue of e-BOTAK. Read on and fasten your seatbelt. She will take us to a full round of laps to know what it’s like to be a Formula 3 driver. Awesome Pinay!