When it doesn't Hurt to Cry

Two  Saturday ago,  we celebrated my son Gabriel’s life with our 8th 12 hour event in his memory.

It was a fun filled day with activities happening simultaneously.

Before the official start, Maiqui and Drew already started their ironman with their 4k swim.

People started running and biking at 6 am…

and the kids tri was on it’s way at 7am.

The kids tri was special to me because my daughter Nadine did a tri in memory of her baby brother Gabriel.

We had the awarding for the kids tri then I did my bike ride.

After lunch, our new beneficiaries, the barefoot running kids arrived.

We had a class on cartoon drawing for them care of fellow triathlete Wayne Dearing and his wife Stella and their company, Top Draw Animation, led by animator Nary Jamlig.

Our special guest Filipino champion boxer, ranked 4th in the world, pound for pound Nonito Donaire and his wife Taekwando champ Rachel joined the kids for the cartoon drawing lessons and later for the run.

Then we had our special surprise, new shoes for the kids c/o New Balance.

After that we had the arnis demo…

our sunset run and relays for the kids.

Maiqui and Drew  crossed the finish line amidst the loud cheering of the kids who also sang happy birthday to Maiqui.

I cried at the finish line. So did Ani and Mailet. It was just such a beautiful scene. — to be among friends who cared enough to make a difference in the lives of other kids.