DIY GoPole for GoPro Hero2

Saw this project on the internet and decided to give it a go.

Materials:

(1) Telescopic walking pole

(1) Screw

(1) Bolt

(2) Washers

Size 6 Drill bit

Drill (I used an electric screwdriver with hex link)

Pliers

Screwdriver

Hammer

Steps:

1. Flatten the edge of the pole with a hammer.

2. Punch small holes on both sides of the pole.

3. Drill a hole on the pole.

4. Insert the screw, washer and secure with the bolt.

5. Attach the GoPro tripod mount on the bolt.

6. Attach the camera.

7. Shoot!

Pole position!

Image taken using the GoPro with Wifi BacPac and iPhone app control.

GoPro WiFi kit and remote + LCD bacpac

After the long wait I finally got the GoPro Hero2 LCD bacpac. Not only that, I also got the WiFi and remote kit!

The LCD bacpac makes it easier to compose and preview shots on the camera. This makes my GoPro just like a smaller, compact full HD video camcorder.

The WiFi and remote kit is the accessory that blows my mind. According to the specs sheet the WiFi remote can:

• Control up to 50 cameras at a time from up to 600’/180m in optimal conditions
• Enjoy full camera control, including On/Off, Shutter and Settings control
• LCD screen mirrors your camera’s LCD status screen
• Attachment strap, key ring, and charging cable included
• Wearable and waterproof to 10’/3m

The Wi-Fi BacPac attaches to your GoPro camera, enabling long range remote control (600’/180m in optimal conditions) when used with the Wi-Fi Remote. To Wi-Fi enable multiple GoPro cameras, Wi-Fi BacPacs can be purchased individually.

I was also able to use my iPad as a camera controller with the full preview of what I’m shooting! All it took was installing the free GoPro app downloadable from the iTunes store and voila! Instant Scorcese/Jerry Bruckheimer/Steven Spielberg!

Here’s a demo video of the GoPro remote and WiFi kit.

Ducati Monster Day 2012

Ducati Monster Day, October 13, 2012, Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City.

2012 is the 20th Anniversary of the Ducati Monster-the best of all naked bikes. Miguel Angel Galluzzi, designer of the Ducati Monster said: “All you need is a saddle, tank, engine, two wheels and a handlebar. His minimalist design is both aesthetically appealing and structurally efficient.  (Ducati Website)

It was my first time to attend a Ducati Philippines event. I am definitely looking forward to future Ducati gigs! I left Quezon City at around 3PM and arrived at BGC around 3:30PM. Traffic along EDSA was moving almost at a glacial pace in Cubao. Splitting lanes was almost made impossible with all the cashew nut and cigarette vendors! 

It was so nice to see so many Ducati and Ducatisti in one place!

The group rode around BGC after a short assembly. I mounted my GoPro camera on my helmet and recorded the motorcade. The sound of screeching tires, roaring engines and clacking of the Ducati dry clutch all together was like a symphony orchestra playing a motorcycle rhapsody.

Here’s a a short video clip of the assembly.

http://youtu.be/lW2AoVdgusA

After short ride around BGC it was time for drinks and fellowship.

All lined up after the motorcade.

Awards for the day.

There was also a post-ride raffle but too bad I could not hang out for long. I saw Alpine Stars gloves and a Suomy helmet up for grabs.

Bugsy’s packed with bikers.

Met new friends who were very passionate about bikes. I hope I could get to go ride with them on the track or even on a breakfast trip, schedule permitting.

Corregidor Half-Marathon Not a Fun Run – PhilStar

Thank you PhilStar for the flattering news article.

Showdown on the Rock – 3rd CIHM

ATTENTION!

Who :  Marathoners

Tria-athletes

Multi-sport athletes

Weekend Warriors

and any one else who wants to achieve GREATNESS!

What  : 3rd CORREGIDOR INTERNATIONAL HALF-MARATHON

Where  : Corregidor Island – The Rock

When  : December 1, 2012 (followed by a buffet lunch and the Victory Party)

Carboloading Bonfire – November 30

How  :

REGISTRATION PERIOD: October 15 to November 23

REGISTRATION FEE: Php 2,700 plus 4% Service Charge

*The 3^rd CIHM Race Registration Tickets can be availed at SM Tickets outlets at all SM Cinemas nationwide. For non-competing companions of race participants, they may avail of the regular Sun Cruise tour package also at SM Tickets.

RACE REGISTRATION INCLUSIONS:

• Roundtrip ferry to and from Corregidor
• Full lunch buffet on race day
• Race bib w/ RFID timing chip
• 3^rd CIHM Dri-fit Race Shirt
• 3^rd CIHM Race Sling bag
• 3^rd CIHM Finisher’s Medallion (or a 10k Achiever’s Medal)
• Runners’ Briefing (Nov 24 and 25)
• 3^rd CIHM Victory Rave Party (Dec 01, Saturday night)
• 3^rd CIHM Finisher’s Certificate
• P1,000 SOLEUS Gift Voucher

*For race participants wishing to attend the Carbo-loading Dinner (Nov 30), they may avail of the Carbo Dinner ticket at P250.00 on Nov 24 & 25 during the Runners’ Briefing.

CIHM RACE SHIRT AND LIMITED EDITION CIHM JACKET (WINDBREAKER) SIZING CHART:

REGISTRATION, FERRY AND ROOM RESERVATIONS PROCEDURE:
1) 24 hours after purchasing the 3rd CIHM registration ticket from SM
Tickets, log on to http://www.corregidor21.runningmate.ph to complete registration for the race.

2) Immediately after making the online registration, contact Sun Cruises (8am to 5pm – Mon to Fri; 8am to 12nn Sat) at 5275555 loc 4511, 0917-5459917, 0917-7948271, 0922-8475418 to book for ferry trip schedules. Indicate the desired trip schedule:

• From Manila to Corregidor
  • Overnight – departure on Nov 30 @ 11:00am
  • Day trip – departure on Dec 01 @ 5:00am
• Return from Corregidor to Manila
  • departure on Dec 01 @ 3:30pm
  • departure on Dec 02 @ 2:30pm

*For steps 1 and 2, remember to keep the 3rd CIHM race ticket on hand. You will be asked of the SM Ticket ID Number to validate your transaction. It is indicated on the ticket preceded with a “#” sign.

3) If applicable, make accommodations reservation with Sun Cruises (only registered participants will be given reservations; 1 room per participant only). Pay the appropriate accommodations booking amount through the payment mode advised by Sun Cruises.

4) On Nov 24 & 25 (as advised through email and text by the organizers) at R.O.X., attend the Runners’ Briefing, pick-up the race pack, and claim the Boarding Pass and/or Accommodations Booking ticket from Sun Cruises. Ensure to bring the 3rd CIHM SM Tickets. Anyone may pick up your kit at R.O.X. during the R.O.X Runners’ Briefing from 3pm to 8pm. They may be asked for identification and your signed authorization note.

EVENTS SCHEDULE:

1. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

• 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM Carbo Dinner & Bonfire Night

2. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2012

• 8:00 AM Half-Marathon Gunstart
• 8:15 AM 10K Challenge Gunstart
• 11:30 AM Award Ceremony
• 12:00 NN Lunch Buffet
• 12:30 PM Class PhotoOp
• 7:30 PM Victory Party

*Schedule subject to change

HALF-MARATHON

One of the distinctive features of the race is that it is a very tough foot race in terms of the course and technical rules. There will be a qualifying time (Men – 3h30m; Women – 3h45m) for this year’s edition of the CIHM. There will be no finish time cut-off for the race, however. All runners who have successfully managed to finish the entire 21km distance will be awarded with the Corregidor International Half-Marathon Medallion and Finisher’s Certificate upon crossing the finish line.

10K CHALLENGE
Aside from the centerpiece 21km event, there will be a 10km race for running aficionados who are yet to be familiar with the challenging terrain of Corregidor but yearn to discover and experience its distinctive scenic course. All finishers in this race category will be awarded with a 10km Achiever Medal. This course is exceptionally fast and stunningly beautiful.

PRESS PARTY
2 months before the race, a media launch will be held to officially kick-off the countdown and registration for the race. It will be held on October 11 onboard the Bay Cruiser yacht of the Event Partner – Sun Cruises, Inc. An Open Forum will cap the media launch. All sponsors will be invited to be present in the event for brand building.

CARBO DINNER & BONFIRE NIGHT

Participants are treated to a nutritious pasta dinner in addition to a night of camaraderie and hearty sharing of running experiences as they prepare for their Saturday race. This dinner is a social event that brings participants together while they load up on essential carbohydrates prior to their event the following day.

VICTORY PARTY

On the night of the race day, the CIHM Victory Party will be held. Successful finishers will get their Finisher’s Certificates during the special recognition segment of the event. Concluding the event is a concert party featuring live performances of an invited top band. The night will be capped with a surprise visual spectacle.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q: Is the Php2700 (regular rate too expensive for a race in the Philippines?
A: Not so. Relative to the ever increasing registration fees of races in Metro Manila, the participation fee in CIHM is actually very reasonable, and almost a steal. Sun Cruise’s regular rate per person for a daytrip to Corregidor that includes round-trip ferry, a group-guided tour of the island, and a lunch buffet is Php2,200.00. The CIHM package, excluding the guided tour, offers all participants round-trip ferry, a full lunch buffet on race day, a genuine dry-fit race shirt, race sling bag, race bib equipped with an RFID timing chip, a classic Finishers’ Medallion, and a ticket to a mercury-rising after-race bash that is the CIHM Victory RaveParty, and a P1000.00 SOLEUS Gift Voucher.

Q: Is the registration fee refundable or transferable?
A: The registration fee is non-refundable. It is also non-transferable.

Q: Is change of race category possible?
A: Yes. Race participants who want to change their initially registered race category to a different category should contact the organizers not later than November 23 for assistance. Beyond this date, request for such will not be accommodated.

Q: Does the registration fee cover accommodations in the island?
A: No. Accommodations, however, range only from P2000 (twin sharing, P750 for add’l person) to P3500 (Resort cabana w/ aircon) per night per room. A standard room could accommodate three persons comfortably. It may be arranged through Sun Cruises at these numbers: 5275555 loc 4511, 0917-5459917, 0917-7948271, 0922-8475418 (Mon to Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 8am-12nn).

Q: Is there any other option for accommodation if I were to go overnight?
A: Yes. CIHM participants may opt to camp out with their own tent. They only have to make a one-time payment of Php250 per tent to Sun Cruises. The camp site is at the parade grounds adjacent to the South Dock and facing the beach. Those who will camp out need not worry about their lavatory needs. Though spartan in nature, there are more than ample clean washroom and restroom cubicles that are very proximate to the tent grounds.

Q: Still concerning those going overnight, where could they avail of their meals ?
A: Sun Cruises operates Corregidor Inn where CIHM participants may dine out in a welcoming restaurant. Alternatively, there are several kiosks in the island such as that in McCarthur’s Inn where participants may check out other meal options.

Q: Will CIHM participants camping out be allowed to bring camping stoves?
A: Mini camping stove or similar devices that will produce a relatively minimal combustion may be allowed to be brought in by participants who will camp out.

Q: Are bikes allowed to be brought along?
A: Owing to space limitations in and weight restrictions of the ferries, CIHM participants are disallowed to bring along their bicycles.

Q: Will Corregidor be open to regular tourists on the day of the race?
A: No. The island will be exclusive to CIHM participants on Dec 1. This means that CIHM racers could totally enjoy a traffic-less and urban-nuisance-free race amidst a dramatic backdrop, and that is only in Corregidor.

Q: Where can foreign nationals, residing outside the Philippines, intending to join CIHM get information on Philippine visa requirements?
A: They may check out the tab “Philippine Visa Information for Foreign Participants” in the CIHM website http://www.corregidor21.runningmate.ph or other veritable websites on the net.

Q: Can registered participants have their own pacers?
A: Yes but only if the pacer is also a registered CIHM participant. The race will strictly adhere to the “No Bib, No Race” policy.

Q: Will there be a sweep time for CIHM participants?
A: None. CIHM participants need not worry about being swept off the race course after a particular time. All participants who will successfully finish the 21k and 10k distances, respectively, will be awarded with the CIHM Finishers’ Medallion and 10K Achiever Medal, correspondingly.

Q: How many hydration stations will there be on the race course?
A: There will be 8 hydration stations, including one at the finish area, at 2km interval from each other.

Q: Will there be first aid stations along the race course?
A: Yes. First aid, actually, will be integrated with the hydration stations. Aside from this, a mobile paramedic team will also be in place.

Q: What is the unique selling point of Corregidor International Half-Marathon?
A: It is the idea that all CIHM participants will have the rare opportunity to run on sacred grounds and all their determined efforts will be cheered on by the glorious memory of heroism of our noble predecessors. Then there’s the bonus of an after-race Victory Rave Party where participants could revel to celebrate their achievement.

HALF-MARATHON

One of the distinctive features of the race is that it is a very tough foot race in terms of the course and technical rules. There will be a qualifying time (Men – 3h30m; Women – 3h45m) for this year’s edition of the CIHM. There will be no finish time cut-off for the race, however. All runners who have successfully managed to finish the entire 21km distance will be awarded with the Corregidor International Half-Marathon Medallion and Finisher’s Certificate upon crossing the finish line.

10K CHALLENGE
Aside from the centerpiece 21km event, there will be a 10km race for running aficionados who are yet to be familiar with the challenging terrain of Corregidor but yearn to discover and experience its distinctive scenic course. All finishers in this race category will be awarded with a 10km Achiever Medal. This course is exceptionally fast and stunningly beautiful.

PRESS PARTY
2 months before the race, a media launch will be held to officially kick-off the countdown and registration for the race. It will be held on October 11 onboard the Bay Cruiser yacht of the Event Partner – Sun Cruises, Inc. An Open Forum will cap the media launch. All sponsors will be invited to be present in the event for brand building.

CARBO DINNER & BONFIRE NIGHT

Participants are treated to a nutritious pasta dinner in addition to a night of camaraderie and hearty sharing of running experiences as they prepare for their Saturday race. This dinner is a social event that brings participants together while they load up on essential carbohydrates prior to their event the following day.

VICTORY PARTY

On the night of the race day, the CIHM Victory Party will be held. Successful finishers will get their Finisher’s Certificates during the special recognition segment of the event. Concluding the event is a concert party featuring live performances of an invited top band. The night will be capped with a surprise visual spectacle.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q: Is the Php2700 (regular rate too expensive for a race in the Philippines?
A: Not so. Relative to the ever increasing registration fees of races in Metro Manila, the participation fee in CIHM is actually very reasonable, and almost a steal. Sun Cruise’s regular rate per person for a daytrip to Corregidor that includes round-trip ferry, a group-guided tour of the island, and a lunch buffet is Php2,200.00. The CIHM package, excluding the guided tour, offers all participants round-trip ferry, a full lunch buffet on race day, a genuine dry-fit race shirt, race sling bag, race bib equipped with an RFID timing chip, a classic Finishers’ Medallion, and a ticket to a mercury-rising after-race bash that is the CIHM Victory RaveParty, and a P1000.00 SOLEUS Gift Voucher.

Q: Is the registration fee refundable or transferable?
A: The registration fee is non-refundable. It is also non-transferable.

Q: Is change of race category possible?
A: Yes. Race participants who want to change their initially registered race category to a different category should contact the organizers not later than November 23 for assistance. Beyond this date, request for such will not be accommodated.

Q: Does the registration fee cover accommodations in the island?
A: No. Accommodations, however, range only from P2000 (twin sharing, P750 for add’l person) to P3500 (Resort cabana w/ aircon) per night per room. A standard room could accommodate three persons comfortably. It may be arranged through Sun Cruises at these numbers: 5275555 loc 4511, 0917-5459917, 0917-7948271, 0922-8475418 (Mon to Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 8am-12nn).

Q: Is there any other option for accommodation if I were to go overnight?
A: Yes. CIHM participants may opt to camp out with their own tent. They only have to make a one-time payment of Php250 per tent to Sun Cruises. The camp site is at the parade grounds adjacent to the South Dock and facing the beach. Those who will camp out need not worry about their lavatory needs. Though spartan in nature, there are more than ample clean washroom and restroom cubicles that are very proximate to the tent grounds.

Q: Still concerning those going overnight, where could they avail of their meals ?
A: Sun Cruises operates Corregidor Inn where CIHM participants may dine out in a welcoming restaurant. Alternatively, there are several kiosks in the island such as that in McCarthur’s Inn where participants may check out other meal options.

Q: Will CIHM participants camping out be allowed to bring camping stoves?
A: Mini camping stove or similar devices that will produce a relatively minimal combustion may be allowed to be brought in by participants who will camp out.

Q: Are bikes allowed to be brought along?
A: Owing to space limitations in and weight restrictions of the ferries, CIHM participants are disallowed to bring along their bicycles.

Q: Will Corregidor be open to regular tourists on the day of the race?
A: No. The island will be exclusive to CIHM participants on Dec 1. This means that CIHM racers could totally enjoy a traffic-less and urban-nuisance-free race amidst a dramatic backdrop, and that is only in Corregidor.

Q: Where can foreign nationals, residing outside the Philippines, intending to join CIHM get information on Philippine visa requirements?
A: They may check out the tab “Philippine Visa Information for Foreign Participants” in the CIHM website http://www.corregidor21.runningmate.ph or other veritable websites on the net.

Q: Can registered participants have their own pacers?
A: Yes but only if the pacer is also a registered CIHM participant. The race will strictly adhere to the “No Bib, No Race” policy.

Q: Will there be a sweep time for CIHM participants?
A: None. CIHM participants need not worry about being swept off the race course after a particular time. All participants who will successfully finish the 21k and 10k distances, respectively, will be awarded with the CIHM Finishers’ Medallion and 10K Achiever Medal, correspondingly.

Q: How many hydration stations will there be on the race course?
A: There will be 8 hydration stations, including one at the finish area, at 2km interval from each other.

Q: Will there be first aid stations along the race course?
A: Yes. First aid, actually, will be integrated with the hydration stations. Aside from this, a mobile paramedic team will also be in place.

Q: What is the unique selling point of Corregidor International Half-Marathon?
A: It is the idea that all CIHM participants will have the rare opportunity to run on sacred grounds and all their determined efforts will be cheered on by the glorious memory of heroism of our noble predecessors. Then there’s the bonus of an after-race Victory Rave Party where participants could revel to celebrate their achievement.

Running Knows Greatness -3rd CIHM

Registration for the 3rd Corregidor International Half-Marathon will open on October 15. Details to follow.

Visit the website at  http://www.corregidor21.runningmate.ph for more information.

CIHM 3

It’s that time of the year again.

Are you ready to conquer the Rock?

Save the date: December 1.

Registration starts on October 15.

The Art of Eight Limbs – Muay Thai

Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand. Muay Thai kickboxers use their fists, elbows, knees and kicks to defeat their opponents. MMA fighters use Muay Thai as their basic striking art because of the its intense power and precision.

Since I can’t run that much, I decided to incorporate Muay Thai training in my fitness regimen. It’s ironic that I am not able to regain my running mileage because of a bad heel but can take the pain of kick boxing. For now this is how I get my fix of exercise hormones.

Here are some pics of from a one-hour workout routine.

Pole bag

Wall-mounted heavy bag 1

Wall-mounted heavy bag 2

Punch-kick mitts

Cruisin’ in Coron

Here’s another late entry from a recent trip to Coron, Palawan.

I was scheduled to have a hearing last month but because of the rains causing flight cancellations, I had to fly in a day before and fly out a day after to make sure I’d be present.

What made this trip more interesting this time is because I took notice of the volume of motorcycles in town. In my previous trips there I explored walking or running. I actually climbed the Mt. Tapyas view deck twice in a visit – running. There are no public utility jeepneys or taxi cabs in Coron but there’s a horde of tricycles.

This time, I went to court riding pillion on a friend’s bike wearing my crisp-white barong with my case files!

The court hearing was done in a few minutes before anybody could say “objection”. I had a day left in my itinerary but   renting a boat for myself and going island hopping never crossed my mind. So instead, I rented an underbone bike rode off to the Maquinit Saltwater Hot Spring.

The road was muddy, slippery and rough but it was very scenic also. Good thing was that the bike had off road tires.  Believe it or not, I have never tried riding a small bike. I even have the impression that they are a nuisance to the metro streets. But, my view of things changed during the trip. I learned that for the locals motorbikes were an affordable mode of transportation and cultural icon. I am amused of the import the people put on their modern day horses. I only hope that the people also learn to ride safely by using crash helmets and other safety gear. I heard that so many have suffered fatal accidents on their roads.

It took about 15 minutes to get to the place from the town center. The reward for a day’s work was a relaxing warm saltwater dip. That night was capped with a few drinks in a Kawayanan, a local restaurant/bar. Who says you can’t mix business with pleasure?

Going HD

It’s been a while since my last entry.

Just sharing a recent acquisition – the Go Pro Hero 2 HD camera! I used a Flip mini video camera before during runs and travels but the resolution was only good for internet videos. Plus the Flip was limited in the sense that I had to hold it in my hand.

After much thought I decided to get the Go Pro from R.O.X. in BHS. I plan to use it for motorcycle rides, running races, and general video documentation. Heck, I’m even thinking of how to mount it on my guitar so I can get POV shots.

Today, I tried the camera when I rode the Ducati to a meeting and the office. I attached the curved mounting sticker on top of my Shoei modular helmet. That instantly limited the movement of the face protector because the camera hits the visor when I pull it up. That means I need to get a small angled extension mount.

I got the Outdoor Edition so I only had a couple of sticker mounts, a head strap and a vented helmet strap. I’m beginning to regret not getting the Motorsports Edition because I’m missing the suction cup mount assembly. I used the vented helmet strap and lashed it on to the Monster’s trellis frame. This wasn’t such a good idea as the engine vibration and road conditions affected video recording. Video ended up a little shaky aside from the fact that it was tilted sideways. I have extension arms for the mount but I figured that these would add more camera shake and vibration because the camera would be far front the bike body.

There are a lot of options for the camera. I like the fact that there are alternatives to mounting it on a bike, a car, a baby stroller or any part of the body for those creative shots.

Here’s a link of the video I took today: