The Milo marathon is known to be one of the most-attended and longest-running marathon in the Philippines. Baguio City was scheduled on this day of July 5, 2015. Unfortunately, the severe tropical storm "Egay" had made its way to Luzon and has brought PAGASA to announce a storm signal #1 in Benguet yesterday, July 4, 2015. Upon hearing this, people who had registered for the Milo marathon hoped that the rain would subside in order for the event to push through. If not given the chance, a lot hoped for the organizers to reschedule the event on Sunday, July 12, 2015 which was the same date scheduled for Tarlac. 

Despite the rainy weather, the event  was pushed through. A lot of people were disappointed since the marathon was not rescheduled. Most of the participants were under the 3k and 5k category. This means that most of them are younger students from the different schools in Baguio. With the strong weather, a lot of people were not able to attend the annual National Milo Marathon. Although there were still brave souls who were able to join the race, many could not risk their health to get soaked in the rain for hours. It would ruin the very essence of the marathon in promoting good health and an active lifestyle.

I am one of the students who was not able to join the marathon due to the weather. I too, was excited to participate in the event along with the rest of my family. I have been participating in the event since I was in my 1st year in high school. I felt really bad that I was not able to attend the most awaited marathon in the Philippines. For me, it was really a waste of money. It seemed like I payed for the singlet rather than the bonding experience with the family.

Blaming someone or something is clearly not the wisest thing to do. In fact, the marathon was prepared and organized since February 2015. No one was able to predict the typhoon to hit the same day as the race as well. I hope that next time, the organizers would compromise and consider rescheduling if these kinds of situations would arise. Anyway, I still hope to participate in the event next year. Maybe the weather would be cloudy with a chance of meatballs. :)

Also, congratulations to Julius Sermona and Gretchen Felipe for being champions of the 21k category for the National Milo Marathon in Baguio City. We wish you good luck for the National Finals on December 6.  

Adiós!