“Tatakbo Ka Ba?”

Tatakbo Ka Ba?

Translated “Will You Run?”, “Tatakbo Ka Ba?” is the tagline of the run-for-a-cause sponsored by GMA network, a local television station. “Eleksyon 2010 Na, Tatakbo Ka Ba?” (“It’s Election 2010, Will You Run?”), the fun run aims for a clean and honest 2010 Presidential election. Some presidentiables and vice-presidentiables also graced the event, which was held yesterday, August 30 at Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

I wanted to participate. Not only for the objective of the activity, but also because I missed doing fun runs. I have not done this for years. I asked my husband if he can register for us. I thought we still have sufficient time to prepare. But my son would not allow us… because he wanted to do it… ALL BY HIMSELF! He even said, “I run. You watch.” I did not know how to react. Brave? No!… Bragging? YES!!! So, I just gave him a nod of acknowledgment.

With those words, I checked their website and called the race director to inquire. Age is not a requirement. As long as the individual has the endurance and strength to run the 5K and 10K (K stands for kilometers) race, he can join. There was just one problem. On the day when I called their office to inquire, it was already the last day of registration. I can’t leave the house. I have stuff to do. I have articles due for submission that day. My husband cannot drive as far as Quezon City. He has meeting at the office. When we informed Joma we cannot register for the event anymore, he cried. To satisfy him, I told him that we will go to the fun run and watch people run. He just cried louder!

My heart cried when I saw his disappointment. He had been so excited in joining the event. I talked to my husband to leave the office early so that he can make it before the registration period ends. This is the best gift we can give to him on his birthday. Joma will turn 6 on the same day of the fun run. Upon learning that his daddy will go to the registration, he got up and started warming himself up. Of course, we did not allow him to do it by himself! He cannot run all alone, His dad also registered for the event.

August 30, Sunday, the day of the fun run… the whole family woke up at 4AM to prepare for the event. Though very early than their usual wake up time, they had no complaints at all. Everybody was excited to run with the crowd, not minding the distance and the aching bodies later.

We arrived at the site minutes before the fun run started. We saw celebrities, athletes, and, of course, politicians. The organizers had nice giveaways too… from water and juice to food and shirt.

Did Joma win? Was he able to make it to the finish line? I knew my son did it for fun. And he did had fun! He enjoyed every sweat that came out of his body. Each step to the finish line was an achievement. He was proud of every move he made… It was my pride to see him cross the finish line, still wearing the same wide smile when he left us.

Joma, after running the 10-km stretch

I love you, son! Happy birthday!