IronMan 70.3 Philippines 2011: Race report (from a photographer's perspective)

On its third year, Globe Telecom, who was a presenting sponsor in the Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines Camarines Sur, brought their triathlon team to participate in the age-group and relay categories in the country’s most prestigious triathlon event. It was certainly my pleasure to be one of the photographers of Globe Champions Triathlon (GCT) Team in this year’s race. Though I’ve already done sports photography in several triathlon events (like SubIT), it was my first time to document the IronMan event, which was like 10 times more huge and more overwhelming for me.

One of my roommates was my good friend Vanessa who was part of the GCT Team. This helped me wake up really early and get ready at 3am on the race day. I took my breakfast and brought with me a banana and peanut butter sandwich since I knew I would need that later on. By the time we reached the body markings area, it was still cool and dark. I told my photographer partner SJ to bring a black garbage bag for me to protect our camera gear—just in case it rains. SJ and I agreed to go on separate ways since we want to collect diverse photos taken in different locations. I arrived early by the big lake where the mass start would begin and witnessed the moon setting reflecting in the water. In a few minutes, everyone was getting warmed up for the swim. And in a few minutes, my guess was right, it started drizzling on and off.

Nevertheless, I started shooting my team before the gun start as they were all fresh and psyched up. I was getting warmed up myself, wondering what the day would bring.

I also zoomed in to some of the world's best traithletes who joined the event as the host introduced them to the crowd. I could hardly understand their names at that time and it was only after the competition I learned they were the pros—THE IronMan superstars: Belinda Granger, Amanda Stevens, Katya Meyers, Pete Jacobs, Jesse Thomas, Cameron Brown, et al.

Belinda Granger who eventually who won first among the women.

Amanda Stevens clocked in at second place.

1 means Pete Jacobs who grabbed his second win as the champion in IronMan Phils.

Knowing that the race would start anytime soon, I struggled to find a good spot for the massive start but I wasn't that successful. It was Gov. L-Ray Villafuerte of Camarines Sur, Bicol region who fired the gun shot. The professionals and Filipino elites went in first, followed by other waves by category. I managed to get a few decent shots... But I knew I had to step up my game as well.

After the first man got out the water (hello, Pete Jacobs!), I rushed to the next lake where the second round of swim would take place. Bingo! I found a spot where I was on the edge of the water near where the athletes entered. For me, the location was KEY. Thanks to my telephoto lens, I've never gotten this close in the swim part.

As the adrenaline rush kicked in on me, I walked a long way to get out of the lake area. Next, I had to take the bike shots. And I meant GREAT bike shots, whatever it takes. This was where I was pressured the most as most of the team members were requesting for this. I met up with Mark, one of the avid Globe supporters (Nessa's boyfriend), and we decided to go to the highway. We rented a motorbike and rode with one of the locals to get us there. For me, it was a perfect position: It was where the bikers would turn, it had a Globe logo (it was a requirement) and some crowds on the background, and I only saw two photographers present. I guess not everyone has this frame.

I already felt the strain in my hands and arms as I held on to my heavy lens. I knew a monopod is a must but unfortunately I don't own one yet. Add to that the harsh elements of the rain! The weather was totally different from the previous years when it was extremely humid. Mark had to get one of those big picnic table umbrellas from one of the local stores in the area (with the permission of the owner of course) and we got under it to keep us dry. What a huge relief! (And little did I notice some kids going under our shelter as well...)

By the time we decided to go back to the run course, the driver of our motorbike was gone, despite telling him to wait for us in our agreed location. We couldn't blame him though because we really took our time there. We rented a pedicab going back. "Manong, pwede na kayong sumali sa IronMan (you can already join IronMan)," Mark kidded the driver as he was fast enough to bring us back.

I wanted the Mt. Isarog backdrop during the run route or the "rice cooker" fields as they call it. But then, I learned it was FAR and I wouldn't have the finish line shot. Good thing my partner SJ took care of the close up finish line photos while I took care of shooting them nearing the final stretch, giving their big exhales and all that they've got. The overcast was still there with moments of rain or the sun peeping out. My Vibrams were soaked and I hate the icky feeling so I took it off. I also had to give.

With everything that I went through, I guess my whole IronMan experience was just NOTHING compared to the athletes' 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, and 13.1-mile run—the distance circuit of the IronMan 70.3 series. While I don't mind not earning the title of being an "IronMan," I'm proud that this race took me to a higher level in shooting sports. I felt like I was also living the IronMan mantra of “ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE. ®”, anyway. :)

Congratulations again to Globe Champions Triathlon Team and all of the IronMan finishers! :)

* * *

More about IronMan: Winners from the IronMan events around the world get to be qualified in the ultimate annual Ford IronMan World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii and embark on the full 140.6-mile course. Three years ago, Fred Uytengsu, President and CEO of Alaska Milk Corp., with the support of Gov. L-Ray Villafuerte of Camarines Sur, Bicol region, brought the franchise to Philippines and it has gotten bigger and better since.

Eat. Learn. Move.

3 guys, 44 days, 11 countries, 18 flights, 38 thousand miles, an exploding volcano, 2 cameras and almost a terabyte of footage... all to turn 3 ambitious linear concepts based on movement, learning and food into 3 beautiful and compelling short films...

THAT's a trip of a lifetime.

Watch these shorts and be inspired. :)

EAT from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

LEARN from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

MOVE from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

These guys were commissioned by STA Travel Australia to go on a six-week adventure and capture everything in 3 videos, one minute each. (STA Travel is a source exclusive fares for students and young travelers.)

Now I'm starting to feel a bit of a wanderlust again.

One week to go 'til Ironman 70.3 Philippines!

The countdown begins! This is not just any other triathlon race. From local and international triathlete participants, the vast scenery in Camarines Sur, to the festive mood of the sports party, it's the country’s mega sports event we're looking forward to. Actually, my triathlete friends have already been counting down the days to this since three months ago. At this point, it's already taper time for them.

"For them" because I'm not one of those who are going to compete! (I'm not that crazy! Kidding ;)) I'll be one of the photographers of Team Globe in Cobra Energy IronMan 70.3 Philippines. Even if I know I'll have to wake up at 3:00am for their call time, stay under the heat of sun, follow them everywhere (I have to know the strategic locations already), I know it's going to be all worth it... for the love of Globe! And sports photography. :)

It's 3.8 km swim, 180 km bike, and 42 km run. How it can you possibly do that?! Well, certainly it takes an IRONMAN and IRONWOMAN to do that. As they break new records, compete with other triathletes and themselves, and finish the race, I definitely SALUTE them. I'll follow you around, guys!

This would be my first time to shoot in that event. But to get me psyched up, here are some of the photos I took Subic International Triathlon in 2011 and 2010. :)







All roads lead to Camarines Sur Sports Complex! See you at the finish line on August 14, 2011!

Signs that you still haven't moved on (from your recent trip)

It's been exactly one month since our homecoming from our amazing race. And the hangover still lingers!

I guess it's now embedded in me. It seems that I'd always find something that I associate with our trip. There's always something to relate with our backpacking experience. It feels like coming from a break-up that everywhere you go, everything just reminds you of your ex. That I'm-still-not-over-him-and-I-just-want-to-reminisce kind of feeling? Yeah, that one.

Perhaps you're like me, you can tell that these are some signs that I still haven't moved on (from my trip, that is):

• Experiencing the non-stop rains lately reminds me of our Vang Vieng days...

• Waking up in the morning looking for banana pancakes... Then buying groceries to make one the next day.

• Going to a Thai restaurant to satisfy the craving for Pad Thai and Thai milk tea. (And complaining to my travel buddies that in Thailand, it was only 20THB for the milk tea...).

• Having a "backpacker's nook" BBM group with my travel buddies and just randomly reminiscing about the anything about the trip at any given day. (And we still memorize EVERY detail of it).

• Playing songs from our backpacking soundtrack, watching movies, reading books that have the setting of the countries that we went to.

• Having the usual conversation with your other friends and will suddenly insert, "Oh, in Cambodia, it used to be like this...", "Oh, in Laos, it was like that..."

• Preaching to friends who plan to go backpacking about our tips, ideas, and anecdotes.

• Changing my Facebook profile picture every several days or a week or so, and every photo is still from the trip.

• Getting green with envy everytime I hear others who are still NOT finished with their backpacking trip having a great time.

• Procrastinating about preparing for my next "minor" trip (local and not backpacking). Planning for the next BIG one may be highly unlikely to push through soon, so I just hang on to those past memories...

• STILL blogging about THE trip one month after.

To celebrate our happy monthsary from our homecoming, let me end with this song:

"I walk along the city streets you used to walk along with me,
and every step I take reminds me of just how we used to be.
Well, how can I forget you, girl?
When there is always something there to remind me."

I want to go to Peru!

I love going to "lost" cities! Exploring the ancient infrastructures, trekking the ruins, learning the mysterious stories behind it, taking photos... there's something about these places that give me a different high. (This is probably the reason why I enjoyed the Temples of Angkor so much the moment I stepped there.)

I'm reminded about another ancient city in Peru: The Lost City of Inca: Machu Picchu. Today, July 24, marks the 100th anniversary of the rediscovery of this city. In 2007, this was elected to part of the 7 New Wonders of the World. What makes this trail challenging is the trek to the hilltop to get to the grand complex. It's located 7,000 feet above sea level and nestled on a small hilltop between the Andean Mountain Range, which soars above the Urabamba Valley below. What makes this more alluring are the mysteries of this Inca structure. Many theories have emerged, but historians and archaeologists are still unsure of the function.

Photograph by David Evans from National Geographic.

(Take a virtual tour of Machu Picchu here).

It's a long way from my country but at least we don't need a visa going to Cusco, Peru. With the celebration of its 100th anniversary of discovery, I'm sure more travelers will flock here. Though I may not be able to go this year, this is definitely on my bucket list! :)

Please vote for Puerto Princesa Underground River to be part of the New 7 Wonders

I was in Puerto Princesa, Palawan for my birthday back in 2009 and got to hop on a bangka (a small boat) to navigate the Subterranean River. From afar, the huge limestone mountains landscape can already be seen. We were led to the mouth of cave which has a clear lagoon where the journey through the world's longest underground river began. Though travelers are not allowed to navigate the entire river (because it IS long), we've seen a great share of stalactites and stalagmites formations inside the cave chambers. It is indeed a wonder!

Now that our Department of Tourism is in full swing promoting this to be part of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, I'm also doing my part in campaigning for this. Here's some of my photos so hopefully you'll believe it deserves to be included in the wonders of nature. ;)

Puerto Princesa Underground River was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in December 4, 1999.

The rest of Puerto Princesa, Palawan is lovely. What I loved about it: fresh air, total log ban, no cigarette butts everywhere, friendly people, funny tourist guides, fresh and affordable seafood and exotic food (I ate Tamilok - a wood worm!), the white beaches, surprise visits of dolphins in the bay, the blue sky, perfect weather, the surrounding mountain ridges, of course the next New Wonder: The Underground River.

Vote in New 7 Wonder's website or vote via SMS: text PPUR, PPUR7, or PPUR15 to signify your number of votes them send to 2861 (for all networks in the Philippines). If you're voting from another country, you can vote via SMS by typing PPUR then send to the following: For Canada (77077), Australia (19788555), UAE (3888), South Korea (001-1588-7715), South Africa (34874), Poland (write PUERTO and send to 7155), Taiwan (write N7W PPUR and send to 55123). We only have until midnight of November 10,2011. Thanks for your support! :)

Same Same But Different

From Urban Dictionary, "same same but different" is a phrase used a lot in Thailand, like in an attempt to sell something but it can mean just about anything depending on what the user is trying to achieve. Example:

Q: "Is this a real rolex?"
A: " Yes Sir, same same but different."

His point? It seems similar but different in some ways. I've heard this expression in Thailand, which stretched 'til Cambodia and Vietnam where we saw this shirt.

I just can't get over these playful words. I know in some ways, after our whole trip, I'm same same but different. I came back still the same person but somehow now having different perspectives, thoughts and behavior.

I'm still the same traveler who loves to go to a lot of places and take numerous photos but I'm now the type who would like to immerse further in the environment I'm in. Our 14 days definitely was not enough for immersion. People said that 14 days for 4 countries IS a crazy idea (unless we liked sitting on buses and trains), but I say, hey, no regrets! Our strategy then was to take in as many places as possible and enjoy each place while we can given our tight schedule. Next time I travel, I just don't want bragging rights on Facebook with my travel photos, I'd like to know and tell MORE fascinating stories about the local people, the places, and the culture. I want to be absorbed by staying longer in one place, immersing, having meaningful conversations, deep thoughts (and perhaps by doing solo travel... but that one, I haven't gathered enough courage--yet!). So yeah, I guess I'm same same but different.

I'm still the same finicky person that you know, but my tolerance and patience really grew stronger after our trip. As a business traveler in my line of work (I train people in different parts of the country), I tend to be picky about the places I'm staying in. But outside work travel, I'm the tried and tested cowboy. I love sleeping in business class hotels but I can also sleep in shabby guesthouses. From bathing in infinity pools and clean bathrooms, I can take a shower in train stations. From dining in savory restaurants, I can gobble in hawker stalls. Yeah, I'm same same but different.

Normally in the Philippines, I don't strike up a conversation with just anyone (unless really needed with a stranger). We tend to stick to our own cliques. But having experienced the backpacker lifestyle, I got to tear down those walls and just opened up and let loose. Everyone is friendly with everyone. If I used to shut myself off from the world during bus rides, I'm glad during our trip that we easily carried conversations with our seatmates, locals and backpackers alike. Same same but different.

I have a little separation anxiety with my BlackBerry, laptop, internet and admittedly I realized, TV. I'm not a flashpacker (one who travels with these gadgets) so I had to leave them behind. But after the trip, I realized that being away from it all can be liberating. I like the experience of the freedom from the daily routine, the freedom of not knowing the time or the day, forgetting your to-do lists and how my work desk looks like. It is disorienting. Yet it is liberating.

So how did our backpacking trip change me? I'm still same same but different.

Where I got the best photos... :)

I recently contributed a Trip Report in Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree and I was asked by one of those who replied where I got the best photos from my recent backpacking trip.

Well, I took HUNDREDS of them and I'm consolidating my favorite ones here. I'm so glad I brought my wide-angle lens (for my Nikon camera) with me on the trip. You know how I love taking travel photos! With a lot of picture perfect moments, I can never go wrong with a wide-angle lens. The world looks so much bigger.

In Siem Reap, Cambodia:

The ancient halls inside Angkor Wat.

Intricate designs of the temple.

I wonder when these scattered stones were here.

The reflection of sunrise in the pond.

Lazing in the green fields of Prasat Kravan.

You can rent a canoe to explore Angkor.

Getting lost inside Bayon.

Get tangled with nature in Ta Phrom.

Climb on top of Phnom Bakeng to get an aerial view of Angkor.

And now, in Ayutthaya, Thailand:

Biking around the wats and exploring the city.

The 3-bell shaped chedi in Wat Phra Si Sanhet.

See crumbling structures around...

The beaches in Phuket, Thailand!:

The long-tail boats in Ko Phi Phi Don Island.

With this kind of days, sometimes you wish it'll never end.

Fall in love with the color paintings in the sky during sunset in Phromthep Cape.

Hope you enjoyed some of them. From your traveling shutterbug, Libby. ;)

Our Backpacking Tripline

This is such a cool app: Tripline. Sharing here what our backpacking itinerary was like as shown in the map. :)



For more details, read it in my Tripline profile here.