Just a month ago, Japan was hit with 3 calamities all in a few days time. First it was an 8.9 magnitude quake that rocked the country, and then it was followed by a massive tsunami that washed away hundreds and thousands of homes and buildings leaving several homeless, and if that wasn’t enough, the nuclear reactors put each of their healths at stake as one after the other started to melt down. Truly, being in these situations and still surviving could leave one at a lost.
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I admit that if placed in that situation, I wouldn’t know what to do. I would surely be left terrified, devastated and might not even know where to start and how to pick up the pieces of what’s left. However, Japan is a strong nation. We believe that amidst this crisis, their country will rise again and be stronger than ever. This is just another challenge and they will surely overcome. But they can’t do it themselves, and they need everyone’s help now more than ever. Though the Philippines may not be a first world country and may not have much to offer, it makes me proud to see how Filipinos still try to give whatever they can, regardless of how small… the important thing is that it came from the heart and was wholeheartedly given without expecting anything in return.
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Last Sunday, Apr 17, Greentennial hosted a run for the benefit of the victims and survivors of the tragedies in Japan. RUN FOR JAPAN. 7,000 runners running as one community to help restore what’s left of Japan. 7,000 Filipinos, Chinese, Koreans, Japanese, Americans and more all running together for one cause… to help Japan. After watching the news these past few days and seeing countries fighting and wars beginning, it was such a refresher to see that at least for a few hours this morning, a variety of people from different countries teamed up and worked together for a common goal.
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The best thing about this run was though it was for a very good cause, the organizers still made sure that the run was well planned, well organized and FUN! There was an activity center after the race wherein runners can roam around, refresh, meet people and take a LOT of photos with the MANY MANY photo walls! Their usual contest such as the winning shot (best photographer and person in photo) still continued, plus they also had a best in anime costume contest. It was fun to see several runners wearing costumes while on the run! There were also 2-3 SHOWERING stations along the 5k route, both of which I couldn’t resist passing through even if I had my camera with me! And of course, the jumpshot area was ever present! Love it! There were also several booths in which we could give donations, buy shirts or write short notes…all for Japan and the Japanese people! :) One world!
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Oh and also, kudos to the organizers for having trashcans after the watering stations. Not many organizers do this! I often look for trashcans but there are often none so the plastic cups are thrown on the sidewalks, in the bushes or wherever. This is one of the first times I saw trashcans after the drinking station. Good job!
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I think the Greentennial organizers are doing a really good job! So far, this is the 2nd race they’ve organized that I’ve joined and I do not regret it at all! It was well worth every cent!! GOOD JOB guys! Keep it up! ANIMO LA SALLE!!!!
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For more photos, do check out my facebook page. Thanks!
