IT WAS always this way in high school and college with friends. If you were the last, then you just had to pay. Those who stay intend to pay. That was the way. Eat and run.
As the mayor and with busy schedules, it soon became the same. After a meal, I had to go. Well, at least by that time, it was clear as to who would pay the bill. If I was host, then I would have to stay to pay.
An art exhibit, a birthday celebration, a function, a promotion or after a talk, there always seems to be some food prepared every time. In all this times, I would eat and run.
Today, it is still the same. In various meetings that I would have, I would still eat and run. Literally though.
In one meeting that I had recently in Camp 7 along Kennon Road, I decided to run to the meeting from my home. As soon as I got there, the meeting ensued. Lunch was served and every Juan went their own way. Since I had not brought a car, I just had to run back home. Eat and run.
My meetings in the bank are also the same. I would after lunch, walk away. Most of the time when there is traffic or parking a problem, I never hesitate to just run or walk.
The number coding too along the CBD will also make me decide to just leave the car instead. Most of my meetings may either be in Session Road or in the University area. It is surely going to be this way. Eat and run.
The Boy Scout office is right by Baden Powell in Gov. Pack Road. No way I will bring a car there. Even If I could. The nearest parking would be by SM or Cathedral. Normally it would be full by then. I will just run instead. No sweat.
Yes I don't sweat as much here in Baguio. The cool breeze, the right pace. A picture in my iPhone here and there. Greet a friend, stop for a chat, there is surely and always some Juan who will recognize me along the way.
Our time out together with Joy is a run out with the dog. We usually end up to eat always after, the perfect way to end our date.
Every time after a parade that ends in Melvin Jones along Harrison Road, it surely is a stop at Rose Cafe for some Pancit Guisado, some unlimited hot steaming soup and chilies with soy and you're good to go. Eat and run as the place is always full. Here I will sweat profusely. Not from running but the chilies. Must be the place too as it is small and packed with people. Never empty.
Juan must have to eat and run in that joint, so as not to inconvenience others waiting in line. Although some don't mind I stay a bit. There is surely always some Juan who I know and surely many know me. A chair or space is offered. I decline and wait my turn. After I get my fill I eat and run, after paying a small sum.
I used to bike to my meetings. Problem is where to leave my bike. Unlike with a car it is secured. A bike not so. I just would rather run. My next meeting in Camp Dangwa and with the traffic going to La Trinidad, I will plan for a run. I will avoid roads where air pollution is heavy. I plan to go up Tip Top in Beckel then down Shillan then further down to Camp Dangwa. I'm serious. The weather these days is so beautiful I just have too. But I will arrange to be picked up or just hitch a ride back this time.
Every time some Juan will offer a ride back after a meeting, I always decline the offer. At times, a car would stop along the way and ask if I need a ride. I always decline.
Other than for fitness, and just so you know, what drives me to go outside and run or walk is catching Pokemon. Juan has to move, walk preferably. In a vehicle and at 30 kilometers per hour it will not work. In traffic the best. Now Juan knows why I never complain of the traffic in Manila. I just play while in traffic.
I will not run to any meeting in Manila. There I will surely sweat. Although at times I would want too. Surely faster than taking a car. But I have never tried, unlike when in Baguio.
Those old grandmother tales of not doing any physical activity after meals never had a chance with me. Never believed it anyway. Even as a kid, Philip my cousin would always invite for food. His mom and grandmom cook so well. I will never miss for an invite. I very much miss their pot stickers. As a child I didn't have a car, so I will run. Eat and run back. I'm a little scared as there are no lights and the creepy sound of the wind by the bamboo along the way, I will run. Fast.
Once in the darkness I had bumped into some Juan, it scared the lights out of the both of us. We both ran.
The whole reason to all of this is actually to get some form of exercise. When people ask why do I do? I say I would want to eat. If I don't run, I guess I would be over 150 pounds already. By running I get to still enjoy all the eats I could eat.
Now you know why I eat and run.