No Juan Is An Island

There is a specific kind of magic in the Baguio air—a mix of pine-scented breeze and the thin, crisp altitude that challenges every lungful of breath. On April 19, 2026, that air felt a little more significant. I found myself at the Loakan Airport for the Tagtag Highlanders Run for a Cause, standing at a starting line for the first time in what felt like a lifetime.

A Decade of Dust
To understand why this 5km run meant so much, you have to look back. Between 2010 and 2015, running wasn’t just a hobby; it was part of my lifestyle. I didn’t exactly “ease” into the sport, either. My very first competitive run was the grueling 22km TNF (The North Face) right here in the mountains of Baguio.
From there, I was hooked. I became a regular at the Milo Marathons, Condura, and RunRio circuits, consistently hitting distances between 10km and 21km. I loved the pavement, the community, and the personal finish lines.
The Long Hiatus
Life, as it often does, took a different turn. From 2016 to 2020, my sneakers gathered dust as I poured my energy into my career and solo travels. Then came the pandemic—a global pause that coincided with a deeply personal challenge: visual impairment.
Losing a part of my vision didn’t just change how I saw the world; it changed how I moved through it. Tasks that were once second nature became daunting, and the idea of running—especially in a crowded race—felt like a distant, impossible memory.
Facing the Fear at Loakan
Last year, something shifted. I decided I was done letting fear dictate my boundaries. I wanted my passions back.
Standing at Loakan Airport yesterday morning, I was a cocktail of nerves and adrenaline. I was scared, honestly. I wasn’t sure if I could handle the terrain or if my body would remember the rhythm of the road. But more than the fear, there was a spark of excitement I hadn’t felt in years.

I wasn’t alone in this challenge. My friend Tiff stood by my side, acting as my “extra pair of eyes.” Having a guide isn’t just about safety; it’s about the trust that allows you to let go and just run. Thank you, Tiff, for making sure I stayed on track while I focused on the feeling of my feet hitting the ground.
The First of Many Finish Lines
Crossing that 5km finish line wasn’t about the time on the clock. It was about reclaiming a piece of myself. The Tagtag Highlanders Run was the perfect “welcome home” to the running community.
This run wasn’t just a one-off event; it was a declaration. It was the start of conquering back the things I’ve been wanting to do again. My journey with visual impairment is ongoing, but today proved that while my vision might be limited, my pace doesn’t have to be.
See you at the next starting line.