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A lone violinist started the affair by
playing the Star-Spangled Banner (which no one sang), followed up by
the Philippine National Anthem which was sung heartily by the
audience at the Central Lobby of the Eagle Rock Plaza in Los Angeles,
California, underneath a perky canopy of black and yellow balloons
provided by the main presentor, Western Union.
Chuck Crisanto took the mike and explained the project and the historic significance of the moment, ending it by saying that truly Joy Rojas will prove that there is "No Limit to the Filipino Spirit," and leading a YES cheer.
Despite the fact that it was a Sunday and Mother's Day at that, Philippine Consul General Aragon showed up to extend her message of support for Joy and appealed to Fil-Ams to support her as she runs across America.
Mohit Bijlani, a big stocky man of Indian origins and currently the Marketing Manager of Western Union USA, took to the floor afterwards egging the crowd to answer - Can Joy Rojas run Across America?
YES! shouted back the crowd assembled in front of Seafood City, a supermarket in California geared toward the Filipino taste and palate, which lent its weight to have the event conducted within the premises of the mall despite tight schedules.
Joy finally took centerstage and thanked all who were present for their support. Mat wrapped up the affair with a small thanksgiving prayer in Tagalog.
Joyce Crisanto, who emceed the affair, acknowledged the presence of Greg Macabenta, Chairman of the NAFAA, the apex organization of Fil-Ams in the U.S., as well as the sponsors starting with Princess@Bradbury Estates who opened up her home to be used as the team's headquarters to acclimate before the run, and the Panahon family in Las Vegas where the team stayed during the route check.
She also acknowledged Joe Matias and Ironman Willy Veto of the Philippines. Ultrarunner Ben Gaetos was as well present to run with Joy during the first five kilometers together with some Filipina runners from Western Union. Roger Oriel, the publisher of Asian Journal, was also present with Cora, his wife. Beaming throughout was Mike Morelos of Western Union Philippines who flew in from Manila just for the affair.
At 11:40 a.m. Joy and Mat walked outside the main mall door and took off . They were later trailed by a black SUV marked with the logos of the sponsors where Maila Gumila, a director of GMA Pinoy TV, held a camera to record the event. The Filipino Channel with reporter Joseph Pimentel followed the runners up to the 5K water station manned by A Runner's Circle.
On that first day, Joy reached a marker at historic Route 66 at around 9:40 p.m., logging in 32 miles and reaching Upland City.
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Joy Rojas is the first Filipina to have run across the Philippines. A freelance writer and magazine editor who overcame tuberculosis in 2001, she will become the first Southeast Asian woman to have run across the United States once she completes Takbong Pangarap.
Mateo Macabe is a noted athlete in the local running circuit and Joy's trainer and running partner, having run across the Philippines with her in 2005. He will be her pacer and navigator during Takbong Pangarap.
Chuck Crisanto is the team manager of Takbong Pangarap. A long distance event record holder for the Ateneo, he has served in various professional capacities under four Philippine presidents.
