By Penelope A. Domogo, MD
Hector Begeo is the only Igorot to join the Olympics. He’s a three-time Olympian representing the Philippines and he is the national record holder of the men’s 3000 meters steeplechase. Up to now. He is the only Filipino to advance into a semi-final in the 3000m steeplechase in an Olympic event & that was in the 1988 Seoul Oylmpics. Wow! I feel so proud, as much then as I am now. I was in the Provincial Meet where he first won the running race and at that time, he was already making waves – he was so fast, way ahead of the rest and yet his running seemed effortless. I heard that he used to walk all the way from his home in Lukib to his school in Mt. Data, about 3 kilometers away, and back. And he did that every school day! Really wow. He rose to greater heights and got a lot of medals along the way. And he maintained his health and strength. I wish more young people now will find inspiration in Mr. Begeo’s life and be national and world champions in marathon, steeplechase, akyathlon, skyrunning and other events that our mountainous environment naturally breed.
I am happy that in Bontoc General Hospital, we have two young nurses, Roland Wangwang and Kim Regaspi, who are into running, mountain climbing, skyrunning and biking as part of their lives. Just this August, Roland was one of the only two Filipinos and the only Igorot to cross the finish line of the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB), the grueling 170 kilometers trail-running race that circumnavigates the biggest mountain range in Western Europe, the Alps. Roland trained well and hard for this. He makes us so proud. Congratulations, Roland!
Fifty years ago and earlier, most people in the Cordillera (except Baguio) only had their feet to take them from one place to another. They only had their feet to bring them from home to the farm, to the forest, to the river, to the dap-ay, to the church, to the neighbor whether she was a meter away or a mountain away. They went to school on foot. These they did daily, just like Hector did. No bikes, no cars, no tricycles. For who remained in their homes except during “tengao” or traditional rest days? Well, at regular times then, only sick people stayed at home. So coupled with their natural food and eating habits, they surely had the recipe for good health and strength. They were following the natural recipe for wellness and wholeness. And naturally, Igorots then were healthy and sturdy. Like Hector, Roland and Kim.
Nowadays, we have designed our lives for ease and convenience. I think we, Filipinos, among other nationalities, love convenience the most. We want door-to-door service. Why do I say this? Look at commuters, whether they are in Bontoc or in Manila. We don’t stop at designated bus or jeepney stops (well, in Bontoc, I haven’t seen such signs). For example, one passenger says “PARA” in front of the police station and a few meters away, another passenger says “PARA”. We abhor walking. Both passengers could have gotten off in the first “PARA”, with one of them walking a few meters. I would understand if there’s a lot of baggage, but then, just observe and most would have a small bag or none at all. Geez wheez.
Well, you don’t have to be Hector or Roland or Kim to make it a habit to walk or run. Walking is still the best exercise or physical activity, however you call it. It exercises all parts of your body-mind. It doesn’t need special gadgets, just comfortable clothes and the will to do so. You don’t even need footwear, you can walk barefoot and get the added benefits of walking barefoot! You can do it in sunny or stormy weather. Although with our storms as chaotic as they are now, think twice before going out in a storm. With walking, you have more time to view your surroundings and appreciate the great sunrises and sunsets we have, look at the flowers and the birds and the trees. My home is located more than a kilometer away from the town center so I am forced to walk more than thirty minutes to get to the jeepney station. I get to notice that the persimmon trees are now laden with fruit and I am reminded of God’s goodness and bountiful blessings and, as an added bonus, I get the exercise benefits.
With walking, your depression or anger will dissipate. Promise. With walking, you pass by your neighbor and it would be rude not to notice, even if he’s not your friend, so that could be the start of your friendship. You see, it’s healthy to be friendly with our neighbors. You also get to meet face-to-face people you haven’t seen for ages. Or acquaintances who will say “Oh why are you walking? Why don’t you wait for the jeep?” So I say, “Exercise! We need to walk!”. Walking then becomes opportunity for healthy lifestyle advocacy!
Sometimes, though, you may decide not to walk because you don’t like someone to see you and remind you of your utang or you simply don’t like her face. But those are rare times. Sometimes, also, walking by the store would tempt you to go inside and buy something you don’t even need. But that’s another story. The point is we need to walk. We need to walk daily. The longer the mileage, the better. That’s the least thing we can do for our health and wellness.
**
