SMARTees run for a cause

by Smart Speak Bulletin

Vol. 5 No. 54 August 5, 2008

Snapshots from the Gabriel Symphony: (Clockwise from top left) SMARTees take a break from the 12-hour multi-sport event; Sen. Pia Cayetano (in shades) cheers for the SMART participants; (first from left) Elizabeth Ang and Ellen Encinares show off their medals; (first from left) Jerome Laurente, Jericho Ernesto Cruz, and Johann Carl Rabago receive their medals; and Jerome Laurente and Elizabeth Ang run with Sen. Pia Cayetano.

SMART employees continue to actively support projects that promote a worthy cause and physical fitness at the same time. One such project was the 6th Gabriel Symphony Multi-Sport Event, an annual activity organized by Senator Pia S. Cayetano in memory of her deceased son Gabriel, to help raise funds to provide medical assistance to sick and disabled children. The event was recently held in Alabang, Muntinlupa and more than 20 SMARTees participated, many of whom ended up winning various categories.

Boy Cinco of S&D has been a Gabriel Symphony participant since 2005. A two-time first placer in the mountain bike category, Cinco decided to join the 10-kilometer run this year, with the simple objective of finishing within an hour. He not only attained his objective, finishing the race in 59 minutes and 38 seconds -- Cinco also broke his heart-rate record of 193 bpm (beats per minute) with 196 bpm. “I was out of breath, but I felt ecstatic. I learned something new about myself – that I could do great things if I pushed myself hard enough,” said Cinco.

Jerome Laurente of NSD, a newbie runner, was apprehensive knowing that the event was going to be attended by serious runners and athletes, Sen. Cayetano being known to be one. “I just wanted to test my limits, have fun at the same time, and get to the finish line without injuries,” said Laurente. He had more than fun at the event – he went home with second place honors for the male division’s 5-km marathon.

Laurente is joined in the top three places for the 5-km male division marathon by first-placer Jericho Ernesto Cruz of NSD and third-placer Johann Carl Rabago of IRM. The ladies in the SMART contingent were not to be outdone -- Ellen Encinares of NSD was first-placer in the female division’s 5-km marathon while Elizabeth Ang, also of NSD, received second place honors.

At the end of the 12-hour multi-sport event, the SMARTees were tired, sore in some places, but all were satisfied and proud. They found satisfaction and pride in knowing they have not only proven their endurance and physical fitness, they have also gained strength in knowing they have contributed to a worthy cause. Lei Ferrer of IRM said it best for the whole group when she said, “I have finally found my niche -- running for a cause!”