During high school volleyball and tennis practice, we would be forced to do “suicides” or the more politically correct term- “ladders” sprinting across the courts, back and forth, as either warm-ups or punishment. I do not remember anyone praising that it was a fun activity, and that is one of the reasons why I personally didn’t enjoy running. Why would anyone like an activity that was used as negative reinforcement? Thankfully, years later I was exposed to a fast-evolving running community that embraced running for a cause. My first experience was through my friend’s small, yet bold initiative called the “NYC Bridge Challenge” and he convinced a bunch of his friends, boys vs. girls, race across 6 NYC Bridges to raise funds for “Liter of Light”. Of course- the girls won and I could safely say it was not because of my running skills, but from my driving skills (#PriusFTW) and resourcefulness (#CopFriends). At the end, both competitive runners and never-ran-in-a-race runners competed for a noble cause and to me that was the most fulfilling part. I have utmost respect for athletes who train their bodies to withstand miles of harsh weather and keeping their diet in check. One of the activities on my bucket list is to do a 5K and I signed up for PAFCOM’s (Philippine American Friendship Committee) 1st Annual Santacruzan 5K which was the brainchild of one of Makilala TV’s Guest Speaker and Fil-Am Tri-Club Co-Founder, Arland Macasieb.

Behind the Scenes:

It was during our episode on FilAm Athletes where it dawned to me that the running community is a strong and close-knit family where you are welcome anytime in another runner’s circle at their respective region. Arland’s Fil-Am Tri Club, started in the NY/NJ area and is now spreading across the US so that you can basically go to any of the major cities with Filipinos and initiate a run with a fellow Fil-Am Tri Club member. Our other guest speaker is Isang Smith who is a FilAm Sports Massage Therapist and Running Coach in NYC. She shared her experiences with the running community when she was in the Philippines. Her connections led her to run with the local athletes around the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman campus which is now known for it’s beautiful and convenient location in Metro Manila. Runners were described as welcoming and encouraged all levels and ages of experienced runners to join the scenic route of the campus. During Isang’s visit in Cebu, Philippines, Isang worked with Cebu Hope Center by initiating a running program therapy that helped abused girls who are victims of incest, and families and kids who are battling cancer. Running has become an outlet for a global support system and it is people like Arland and Isang who help create this feeling of empowerment and motivation for healthy living.

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Makilala Episode: FilAm Athletes Featuring Guest Co-Host Loren Sandiego, Professional Triathlete and CEO of the Fil-Am Tri-Club, Arland Macasieb and Isang Smith, a Sports Massage Therapist and Running Coach

 

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Picture of me about to collapse at the finish line during the 2nd Bridge Challenge because I actually had to run

 

Makilala Ka (Knowing You): What would be your motivation to start running? If you’re currently a runner- What have you done to use running as a tool for empowerment? Reply to us on Twitter @MakilalaTV #FilAmAthletes #RunningForACause

Alam Mo Ba?(Do You Know?) Isang Smith co-founded the Run Anyway Foundation after Superstorm Sandy consequently cancelled the New York City Marathon in 2012. This successful initiative raised over $16,000 for Sandy relief and provided the platform for runners and supporters from across the country to “run anyway” despite the cancellation.

 

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Queens Public TV Time Warner Cablecast Schedule:

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Rachelle Peraz Ocampo, MEd is a lead Co-Host for Makilala TV, a Project Director for NYU Langone Medical Center’s Community Service Plan, a Board Member of Pilipino American Unity for Progress (UniPro) and Roots of Health (Ugat ng Kalusugan), and Co-Director of External Affairs for Filipino American Young Leaders Program (FYLPro). She is also a Groupon addict who enjoys red wine, roses, and truffle parmesan fries. @RockyRach16