This post too was a reservist; only got promoted up to T Sgt years later (not as General as one former Rep was)

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This was post was called to active duty (CAD) as former Air Force Rotc and had a thirty day training at Villamor air base and had to contend with extreme condition:    limited food, not taking a bath for days, being thrown into cess pool, jogging at 4 am to Baclaran.   The next year 1991, our duties were for relief and rescue:  duty at VAB ROC (Relief Operations Center) and relief operations to Iba Zambales.

Was privileged to have risen from AIC to T Sgt.    

Privileges:   tax free gasoline at the bases,   Military ID, PX privilege, can purchase 2 guns:   1 long 1 short.  

There was a lot of corruption going on:   uniforms were not given, patrol allowances (which was given before in 1990) were pocketed, the allowances for the mission (we signed for yellow pages) asllegedly for attendance (but probably vouchers done) and these were for days (no wonder the finance officer Col were there)

We cant mobilize enough like Israel because of the Citizen Army fund corruption and apparent jealousy betweeen reservist and regular organic staff

The Citizen army allowed civilians to be given high ranks especially if they are business owners, owned transpo warehouses assets that could help AFP in times of mobilization.   They had such programs.   This post could be qualified but did not opt and preferred to be an EP (Ipis)

However I saw some anomalies with regards to ranks.  3 of them Lt Cols were to be promoted to full Cols.   And one of the reqs was to join an ardous 1 week FTX   (Field Training Exercise)   This post did not see anyone of them at the FTX, and the CO probably reeling under pressure (because these were influential people one owned a gun store, another a housing official) certified that they were there.   (Imagine a fake ftx certification but we endured the 1 week of hardship, extreme physical demands, hunger thirst, thorns in your unshod feet!

That a certain former cong is involved in a medal ribbon ruckus is not new, or something to be surprised about.  

RA 7077; Citizen Army Act

Declining physical conditions as one ages

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We cant live and be healthy forever.  In may latest Physical Examination, this post failed all the blood exams chem:     blood sugar, cholesterol, triglyciride,  and creatine..

And so the good doctor, an uncle by affinity had to treat the blood sugar, cholestero.   He put me on 3x ketocid vs high creatine  He told me my younger brother, (10 years younger) was able to overcome high creatinine in just two moths.  

The meds cost me P4,846.00.   Much much vs before Maybe because of meds vs creatinine...

I hope I am good for another 10 years.  

                                             My creatinine level is 117.  It could be normal?!

Met Allan A going up to Antenna however my seat broke and had to abor the climb and repair the saddle attachment

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I decided to bring my mtb and do an antenna ride.  On the way I met Allan (saw his post earlier) and he said he did 3x going up antenna was outstanding.  However on the first climb, I heard a crack and my saddle got loose and the whole seat post assembly disintegrated.  I removed the parts that may fall:   the nuts and bolts, the saddle and the other parts of the seat post assembly.

I tried to reattach the saddle whom I guessed had tools.  He had but unfortunately after we thought the problem was fixed, as soon as I got on the bike the assembly collapsed again.   So I followed his advice get a nut to bypass the defect:  loose thread .   It took me 30 minutes to get my part at Corderos bolt.  It cost me P3.00 for the nut (but at least, I do not have to get a new seat post assembly or go to a machine shop)

At home it took me a while to seat the new extra nut at the seat post assembly.  Now it looks fine.  And I hope it wont bother me again.

Alex Eala defeated Jessica Pegula for the Mubadala Washington DC WTA tennis title

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Alex Eala won the finals of the  Mubadala Washington DC WTA leg vs Jessica Pegula  4-6, 6-4, 6 -0.  Eala took home an equivalent of P13M pay.   Her ranking rose to No 28.

Pegula is wealthy, a multimillionaire;   her father is a billionaire

She took the Philippine name and pride a notch higher.  Congratulations Ms. Alex Eala

Alex Eala defeats Naomi Osaka, fmr worlds number 1 in Washington DC semi finals.

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You have everything right going for Alex Eala having reached quarterfinals by defeating another Filam  Fernandez.   Eala destroyed all the medalist in Olympic medalist and lately Osaka, one of the top tennis players.   Eala, according to the sports writers has matured, sharper faster and mentally tough.

She is on the verge of winning a major tournament where the top money is USD 250,000 (thats a lot of money for Eala in case)  She is facing Pegula in the finals

Good luck for Alex, tomorrow we will know if Alex is in the same altitude of Number 1.   More power

Went up Taktak via Floodway, and Sumulong highway; joined Engr contractor

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Joined Engr Fort Flojo, engineer contractor in Sunday ride to Taktak.   Went to Taktak via Manila East Road, Taytay up to Highway 2000, floodway, right turn to Marcos Highway, past Sta. Lucia, and then right to Sumulong Highway... And then up the hills, Valley Golf, Padis point, Cloud 9, Assumption Antipolo, Le Blanc and finally to Antipolo.  The lower Taktak where the glass church is located has thousands of joggers and bikers and hundred of food stall.  It was a happy place    And the place is the centerpoint of all the hundreds of bikers we met at Marcos Highway.  

This post overtook many riders but could not go past Engr.  because he is younger.  I am wary too of my age and fitness level.  (being 75 all ready)

We ate at the farthest end of the lower Taktak road in a place run by  Carol.

We also did the upper taktak where there were many photogs, and where there were uphill climbs.  

It was fund happy ride    

Pogi Slovenian Cycling GOAT

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Is Tadej Pogacar the worlds cycling GOAT (it could have been Lance Armstrong without the doping 5 TDF victories)

Superb tennis from Alex Eala at Mubadala, Washington DC; defeats opponent en route to semifinals; on collision course with Japans Naomi Osaka

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Philippine tennis star Alex Eala defeated her opponent Elina Svitolina  worlds No 10  on the way to her quarterfinals.  Its the only positive news about the Philippines after reading so much on flood control scandal, impeachment, typhoon, flooding.  Her ranking would go up soon, having defeated a lot of top ranked players

The only positive leader visible for the country. Now.

Congratulations Alex...  Keep this up

Lending moral support to Pres of Recyclists who figured in an event with MC rider, resulting in injuries..

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 This post having read in the gc post that there will be supporters when the Pres:   1.  Gets his medico legal certificate,   2.   will file a complaint at PNP for frustrated homicide  (kasi intentional pagsipa.   He and Gerry figured in an event where a lone mc rider near the Island Gas Kicked their bikes while pedalling thereby losing control and having injuries.  And so I went to the hospital and PNP office (twice) but was not fortunate enough to meet the other kapadyak

The medico legal was supposed to be issued last Tuesday (after two weeks delay)  The President is having his second thoughts about continuing the case, there being plenty of work to do etc.   But the gc comments he must proceed for the sake of other bikers who are being mistreated looked down upon by other 4 wheel and two wheel riders.   Unrespected   Its time that we are given that -  RESPECT.

How I got back the front RD of Wheeltop electronic GS work again...

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 033

The front shifter of the Wheeltop EDS Tx stopped working about two weeks ago.  I kept thinking why.  I consulted their manual, tried to remove the battery.  Tried to synch and pair them once again.  They all looked ok.  I recharged the battery several times.

Until I saw that the left shifter does not light.  So its battery that powers the bluetooth is dead. 

This post bought this morning the battery.  I got two at P19.00 each.  I replaced the battery and lo and behold the EDS worked again.  I was thinking of bringing this back again to Mario but there is no need, anymore. I solved the problem.  What a relief.  What an achievement....\

https://personalimprovementlog.blogspot.com/2026/07/finding-solution-to-bike-electronic.html

Staying alive and strong

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This post has been consistently riding at least 3x a week mostly hill climbs to be fit and stay alive.   I bike going East to Mambog and Cardona,  and North to Antipolo via  Tikling or  Cabrera,  in Angono, Domsa and  Quarry Road.    These climbs make me perspire and follow the  Sound of Music  song "  Climb every mountain"

Every mountain is a challenge and a goal.  What is your mountain?

Just missed them by 15 to 20 minutes?

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This post met Vic Urbano who is one of the LGU employees at the municipal market when I bought some fruits form the market

He said that he hasnt biked since the Atimonan ride.  I said I tried to catch up with them.  Did they leave at 4:30;   no at about 5.  Thats when I arrived at Jollibee.  I said I was at Manay in Famy by 9:00 it was still closed.  I arrived about 9:10 - 15 thereabouts.  I could have been to Lucena with the out and back ride...

Sayang

Had trouble with my shifting as I biked 20 km out and back; it rained

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I had trouble shifting especially at small chainring and small sprocket.   I fixed it as soon as I got home where I had the tools and bike stand.  Found out:

     1.   The jockey wheel was all ready dirty;

    2     The rd was loose;  the bolt attaching it to the frame was loose. I just tightened it 6 mm.   Everything was back to normal

I met Gerry on the way at 6: 10 am.   He was waiting for Jess.

I biked to Km 47, had bfast at simples,   Met Master and had shop talk with him for 10 mins.  Then went home via Cardona diversion.  I met Louie on the way up, but he stalled because he said  he had "rayuma"

Then it rained as I summited.  Waited for 30 minutes for the rain to stop.  

Then went up at the steep Mambog hills

Went up SCH until the tank only.   Then on the way down, saw 3 mtb riders spraying each other with high pressure hoses after being muddied up at the SCH trail.  They sure like ducks enjoyed the experience immensely

Climbed today beyond Hillsdale, to the coffee shop beyond entrance of Monark

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Its challenging going up;  you think of giving up near Alfa Mart, just 50 meters to gate of Monark. 

And another hill climb to Villa Angelina and  the coffee shops.   The resto and coffee shops were still closed at 8:00.  Its much peaceful here compared to Hillsdale 

Its nice place

Climbed up Hillsdale, site of many overlooking MM and Laguna lake said to be 20% gradient in some places comfortably

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Tried a greater challenge this morning -  climbing up Hillsdale at Botong Francisco blvd said to be 20% gradient in some areas without much difficulty.   Just a short maybe 1.2 km ride up.   Unlike the one featured in the video  Domsa and Cabrera road, quary road are much more difficult.   Saw that Hillsdale is guarded and two tarps one saying Bobi Plaza paid mayor permit and other one saying that most of the locators did not pay permits as per BPLO

Admired the view of Laguna Lake from the summit and the Church in Sky of Muzon.  

Assisted an mtb rider from Taguig climbing to Antipolo at Tikling who broke his chain

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This post assisted an MTB rider this morning ast Tikling.  He is from Taguig and he broke his chain. I stopped to find out how I can help.   Found out that he tore apart his missing link.   I thought I have several missing links :   9, 10 and 11 speeds.

So I dont need a chain cutter; only a misssing link.  However, the problem with his bike is that the chain is that its old and grimy.   The missing link wont lock because of grime.   After cleaning and  trying again I got the connection right.  However this post advised the rider to go home and buy a new chain.  If he wants to go to the church, better walk kasi I cant guarantee my job.    I am not a certified mechanic.   He was very thankful though because he can still go home on a limp mode

Other interesting things I am doing - watching bus travel vlogs

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Last night and today, I watched two bus blogs:   one Manila to Bordeos Polillo Quezon, and the other Manial to Zamboanga city.   The latter took 54 hours to complete and cost P5,000+ that crossed 9 provinces and crossed three bodies of water on ferries/roro.

This enabled me to revisit places I biked to  and then saw the roads that other went thru in their Negros cross country loop.

What do I do most of the time being semi retired?

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Mostly bike to exercise heart lungs and leg muscles

     eat

     snacks;   pm nap

     sleep

     self improvement:

           read books

           watch YT on airlances, armies, tanks aircraft carrier and action movies

    journalize thoughts at blogs.   posts other items

Other activities:

   1.  Problem solving

   2.  Occasional deals

   3.  Consultation

Whats yours?

Prepped the rim brake Pinarello - replaced the Ergo shifter and the crank c/o Jess Verches and VM

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The source of my pride the RB was in bad shape in 2026 and had difficulty in sourcing the parts and the budget

     1.  The ergo shifters.   The right side had torn  hood, the left had broken padel and therefore effectively the bike was 1x

     2.   The crank, a 52 -36 had shark teeth all ready.  I need a crank.   The 52 -36 was replaced by 50 -34,  I found out that both combination had same bcd 110

Fortunately for VM who maintains inventory of parts, he supplied me, no payment first (very expensive) and had Jess Verchez install this for free.  Now the bike has bn parts and look rejuvenate -  like brand new.  Thank you VM and Jess

Where most of the carbon fiber bikes are made? You guessed it - in China

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Large strides have been made by Chinese manufacturers in the their learning curve:   quality, material science and logistics.   And Western manufacturers know this too.   At 1/10 or even more the Western marketers can have the bikes made in China, labelled as made in _____ with stickers and with manuals

This post is not pro China.  Just observing

Those who dont eventually lose out to cheaper competitors.  Look at AmCla which wanted to be patriotic.

Most of the bikes are manufactured by Chinese as this video tells us.  The famous ones being Giant and Merida...