"I Will Never Run a 42-Kilometer Marathon" — This is the exact line I said every time people told me I should run a full marathon after finishing 9 half-marathons. And my reaction? I just laughed!"

"A 5k? Basic! 10k? Sure. A half marathon? I've done a lot of that!. But 42 kilometers? Absolutely not. That’s for crazy people, elite athletes, and folks who genuinely enjoy prolonged physical torture."

I had so many excuses. My legs couldn't handle that distance, and I didn't have time to train. Running for hours sounded like punishment, not fun. I decided half-marathons were my limit, and I was fine with that."

Until the day I decided to stop letting self-imposed limits dictate what I was capable of.

The Shift

It didn't happen overnight with a dramatic movie-style epiphany. It was a gradual build-up. After finishing multiple 10ks and crossing several 21km finish lines, a quiet, persistent thought started creeping in: What if?

What if the only thing stopping me from hitting 42K wasn't my body, but the boundary I had drawn in my own mind?

Deciding to sign up for a full marathon meant breaking a contract I had made with myself years ago. It meant shifting from "I can't" to "Let's see how far we can actually go."

The Reality of 42.195 Kilometers

Training for a marathon removes any fun or dreamy ideas you have about long runs. It means waking up very early while everyone else is asleep. You have to deal with sore muscles, constantly worry about water and food, and spend hours running alone with your thoughts.

And then the Singlife Davao Marathon race day came.

The first 20 kilometers felt easy because of the exciting crowd and race-day energy. Passing the 21km mark my old limit felt hard to believe. But the real marathon only begins in the second half.

Around 30 or 32 kilometers in, hitting ''the wall'' feels completely real, not just a phrase. Every single step takes hard work. Your mind starts bringing back all your old excuses: You said you'd never do this. You were right. Why are you here?

At that point, the race is all in your head. It’s no longer about how tired your legs or lungs are, but about your determination. You stop thinking about how many kilometers are left and just focus on reaching the next streetlight, the next water stop, or taking the next step

Crossing the Line

Seeing that finish arch in the distance after 42 long, agonizing, beautiful kilometers is a feeling that is almost impossible to articulate.

When your feet cross the timing mat, the physical exhaustion doesn't instantly vanish, but the mental weight you've carried for years completely dissolves. You aren't just crossing a finish line, you're leaving behind every belief that ever limited your potential.

I officially became a marathoner.

What 42K Taught Me

Running a full marathon changes how you view yourself. It proves that the boundaries we set for our lives are often completely arbitrary. We construct comfortable ceilings based on fear, self-doubt, or the belief that certain achievements belong only to "other people."

I spent a year saying "I will never run a 42-kilometer marathon."

I was wrong. And I have never been happier to be wrong about anything in my life.

If there is a goal or dream in your life right now that feels way out of reach something you promised yourself you could never do take another look at that limit. If you decide to step past it anyway, you might just surprise yourself with what you can achieve.

Mindanawon restaurants leverage platform tools and technology to boost growth and reach new customers.

Davao City, Philippines—Digital commerce is turning local Mindanao eateries into regional powerhouses. Unlocking new revenue streams through platform analytics, AI discovery, and targeted marketing, standout merchants across Davao and beyond were thrust into the spotlight at foodpanda’s CRAVE Partner Summit & Awards 2026.

Expanding Reach Beyond the Storefront

The growth celebrated at CRAVE is reflected not only in business performance, but also in how merchants use digital tools to drive visibility, demand, and customer engagement.

“Through foodpanda, merchants can benefit from platform-wide demand generation initiatives, including fully funded promotional campaigns, customer acquisition and retention vouchers, and free-delivery offers,” said Leopoldo De Castro, Jr., Director of Finance, foodpanda. “They can also use marketing tools, with guidance from the platform, such as sponsored listings, CPC campaigns, deals, and Pro campaigns, alongside self-managed promotions like combo meals, flash sales, and seasonal offers.”

Customer and order insights help merchants understand demand and make informed decisions on menus and promotions. Using these tools strategically is key, with merchants able to choose solutions that align with their business goals and customers. On the customer side, AI Smart Search, personalized recommendations, in-app ratings, and AI-powered review highlights further support merchant discovery and informed ordering.

Celebrating Merchant Excellence 

These capabilities were reflected in the businesses honored at CRAVE 2026, with standout partners recognized across the following categories:

Pau-Pau’s Top of Table

Celebrating vendors that excelled in sales performance and demonstrated market leadership.

●        Tuna Republik

●        JM Shawarma

●        Villa Tuna Restaurant

●        Family Fried Chicken

●        Bagong Lipunan

Pau-Pau’s Momentum Master

Recognizing vendors with strong year-over-year performance during the first half of 2026.

●        Manolo Halo-Halo

●        Bread & Brew Cafe

●        Nikko's Brew

●        Pater Al-Kuwait - Aguinaldo Street

●        Backyard BBQ

Pau-Pau’s Brand Spotlight

Honoring vendors that elevated their brands through innovative marketing, consistent performance, and strong partnerships with foodpanda.

●        Haveli King

●        Matcha Cafè

●        Bigby's

●        Pansititoy

●        Conlu Bread and Pastry Shop

Operational Excellence

Highlighting vendors that upheld high operational standards and delivered seamless, reliable service.

●        Aling Paz Food Haus

●        BJ’s Lechon House

●        Chikoy's Lugawan

●        BBQ Boss

●        Hangry Tuna

People’s Palate Award

Celebrating crowd favorites with consistent repeat orders and strong customer ratings.

●        Bigby's

●        Yamashita Diner

●        New Davao Famous

●        We Got Cha

Mandarin Tea Garden

“Our merchant partners know their businesses and customers best, and our role is to give them the tools, insights, and opportunities to help them grow. When used strategically, digital solutions can help businesses expand their customer base, respond to demand, and build stronger customer relationships,” said Leopoldo De Castro, Jr.“CRAVE celebrates the businesses putting these opportunities into action and the partnerships we continue to build with them.” 

Growing the Digital Commerce Ecosystem

Beyond traditional restaurant delivery, foodpanda continues to expand its quick-commerce footprint through pandamart and foodpanda Shops—giving consumers seamless access to groceries and everyday essentials while building a resilient digital infrastructure for local retailers.

As merchant partners scale on the platform, their success creates a powerful multiplier effect across Mindanao, directly supporting local riders, staff, agricultural suppliers, and regional economies.

The Davao event marks the launch of the nationwide CRAVE 2026 series, which will move to Cebu before its grand finale in Manila. Beyond celebrating partner success, the tour highlights foodpanda’s commitment to accelerating the digital transformation of the Philippine food and retail industry.

MY UNPOPULAR OPINION

Stock photo used for visual reference since I didn't have time to snap a picture.

We all know the classic food rules. Soup should be burning hot, ice cream should be frozen and pizza must arrive at your table steaming with melted cheese stretching half a meter into the air.

If you ask 10 people, 9 of them will tell you that nothing beats a fresh, hot slice straight out of the oven.

I am the tenth person. And I am here to tell you that cold pizza, eaten straight from the fridge the next morning, is vastly superior to hot pizza.

Stock photo used for visual reference since I didn't have time to snap a picture.

Before you close this tab in disbelief, hear me out.

1. The Flavors Actually Have Time to Marry

When a pizza is piping hot, the heat overpowers your taste buds. All you really taste is molten cheese and acidic tomato sauce fighting for dominance.

Overnight in the fridge, magic happens. The sauce settles into the crust. The herbs and garlic sink deep into the cheese. Because the fat in the cheese has solidified, the flavors become richer, deeper, and far more balanced. You aren't just tasting high heat anymore you are tasting the actual ingredients.

2. No More "Pizza Burn"

We have all been there. You are hungry, the pizza smells amazing, so you take a bite immediately. The result? The roof of your mouth is completely burned and your taste buds are ruined for the rest of the week.

Cold pizza offers zero risk. It is a stress-free eating experience. No waiting for it to cool down, no burning your tongue, and no sliding cheese falling off the crust and burning your chin.

3. Structural Perfection

Hot pizza is messy. The crust can get soggy under the weight of the sauce, and the toppings slide off the moment you lift a slice.

Cold pizza is structural engineering at its finest. The cheese acts like glue, locking the pepperoni, mushrooms, and sauce firmly to the crust. You can eat it with one hand while walking around, checking your phone, or sitting on the couch without dropping a single crumb.

4. It Is the Ultimate Zero-Effort Breakfast

Cooking breakfast takes time. Reheating food takes effort and let’s be honest, microwaving pizza turns the crust into rubber.

Cold pizza requires zero prep. You simply open the fridge, grab a slice, and start eating. It is fast, satisfying, and pairs surprisingly well with a morning cup of coffee.

Final Thoughts

Stock photo used for visual reference since I didn't have time to snap a picture.

I know this opinion makes people uncomfortable. Friends have looked at me like I am a monster for turning down the toaster oven in the morning. But once you stop expecting pizza to be hot and start enjoying it for what it becomes after a night in the fridge, there is no going back.

What about you? Do you agree, or do you think pizza should always be hot? Let me know in the comments below!

Crossing the Threshold: What 42.195 Kilometers Taught Me About Running (and Myself)

There is a precise moment before your first full marathon when the reality of what you are about to attempt finally hits you. It usually happens around 12:00 AM in the start corral. The cool night air carries a mix of nervous energy, the scent of muscle rub, and the collective hum of thousands of runners pinning race bibs to their singlets.

For months, 42.195 kilometers is just a number on a training calendar. You log the weekend long runs, obsess over hydration strategies, and calculate split paces down to the second. But when you finally stand at the start line, looking out into the dark road ahead, the distance stops being a math problem and becomes a raw physical challenge.

The First Half: Holding the Reins

Photo by: Phenom Visuals during the Singlife Davao Marathon

When the gun fires, adrenalin surges through your veins. The crowd is roaring, music is blasting, and your legs feel completely weightless. Every instinct tells you to push the pace and bank time early. But experienced runners will tell you: any time you bank in the first half of a marathon will be paid back with heavy interest in the second.

Key Rules for the First 21 Kilometers:

• Respect the pace plan: If your target pace feels ridiculously slow during the first 5K, you are doing it right.

• Fuel before you are hungry: Take your first energy gel around kilometer 7 to 10. By the time your body signals energy depletion, it is already too late.

• Stay cool and hydrated: Hit every water station. Take small sips, splash water on your neck, and conserve your core temperature.

Crossing the half-marathon mark in control is a psychological high. Your rhythm is set, your breathing is relaxed, and you feel entirely unstoppable. But a marathon does not truly begin until kilometer 30.

Meeting "The Wall" at Kilometer 30

Photo by: Paksit Photos during the Singlife Davao Marathon

People talk about "hitting the wall" as if it is a metaphor. It isn't. It is a biological reality where your body completely exhausts its stored glycogen reserves and begins attempting to convert fat into immediate energy a far less efficient process.

Around kilometer 32, the noise of the crowd fades into the background. Your legs start feeling like heavy concrete pillars. Your mind begins inventing very persuasive arguments for why walking or stopping entirely makes complete sense.

The physical race ends at kilometer 30. The mental race is everything that comes after.

This is where the marathon demands a shift in focus. You stop thinking about the finish line or your final target time. Instead, you chunk the remaining course into bite-sized victories:

1. Make it to the next hydration station.

2. Run through the next power zone or cheer station.

3. Count 100 strides, reset, and count another 100.

The Final Stretch and the Glory of the Finish Line

When you reach the final kilometer, the pain doesn't disappear, but something inside you shifts. You can hear the roar of the finish venue echoing down the avenue. You spot the overhead archway in the distance, clock digits ticking in bright neon.

Crossing that timing mat isn't just about finishing a 42.195 km race. It is the culmination of every early morning alarm, every rain-soaked training run, every sore muscle, and every moment of self-doubt overcome along the way. As the volunteer places the finisher medal around your neck, the fatigue instantly transforms into profound pride.

You don't just finish a marathon, you become a marathoner.

Essential First-Timer Checklist

For anyone preparing to take on their first 42.195 km journey, keep these foundational rules pinned to your fridge:

• Nothing New on Race Day: Never test new shoes, new socks, new gels, or new apparel on race morning. Everything must be battle-tested during long runs.

• Master the Taper: Resist the urge to train hard during the last 2-3 weeks. Trust the miles you've already logged and let your muscle fibers fully repair.

• Nail Your Post-Race Recovery: Hydrate with electrolytes immediately, eat a mix of simple carbs and protein within 30 minutes, and keep moving gently to prevent extreme stiffness.

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, will resume its direct flights from Davao to Hong Kong and Bangkok (Don Mueang), along with increased frequencies to Iloilo and Siargao, giving travelers greater connectivity from Mindanao.

Starting October 25, CEB will resume its direct flights between Davao and Hong Kong, operating four times weekly – every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Meanwhile, direct flights to Don Mueang (Bangkok) will start on October 26, with thrice weekly flights every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

To further strengthen its domestic reach, the airline will also be increasing its Davao-Siargao flights, from 6x weekly to 10x weekly flights, while Davao-Iloilo services will grow from 10x weekly to 14x weekly flights, providing travelers more flexibility and convenient travel options.

Travelers from Mindanao can now immerse themselves in Siargao's laid-back island charm and world-famous surf spots or explore Iloilo's rich heritage, thriving food culture, and well-preserved historical landmarks. Outside the country, Hong Kong offers visitors unique experiences with its vibrant cityscape and culinary scene, while Thailand highlights its rich cultural heritage and renowned street food.

To further encourage travel, CEB also has an ongoing seat sale until August 15. Passengers may book their flights to all domestic and international destinations on sale for as low as PHP 88 one-way base fare, exclusive of fees and surcharges. The travel period will also be from September 1 to December 31, 2026.

CEB operates in 35 Philippine and 26 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

Passengers can make their journey more convenient by purchasing additional baggage allowance and pre-ordering meals for their flight.

CEB offers various payment options, including credit or debit cards and e-wallets, to book flights and buy add-ons.

Book your flights now at www.cebupacificair.com.