WHEN joints start crackling and bellies become patently obvious, complimented by short in breathing, people tend to resort to dietary and therapeutic pills for fast relief of these health complexities.

It didn’t take long before old childhood friends who were at the wake for Boyet Espino sometime in July 2022, came up with the idea of “FUN WALK”, not fun run, for obvious reason, as the alternative “pill”.

Chito Samson, Winnie Fernandez, Orlan Feliciano, Lito “Tikboy” Ang, Cecil Balingit and Botong Aguinaldo warmed up to the idea, talked and decided on a routine – to walk early morning, from 5:00 a.m., at the River Grove Lifestyle Center for at least an hour and a half, then proceed to a nearby restaurant to rest, eat, and chat about good old days –  “recollections”.  Not long after, businessman-contractor Jun Sison, a regular walker, too, joined the group.

One morning, retired US Navy serviceman Gene Siapno, together with his partner Mae Apostol, approached the group and ultimately became regulars as well.

Not long after, more childhood friends and new acquaintances joined the group for the regular walking routine, among them, lawyer Gonzalo Duque, restaurateur Sidney Lomboy, architect Alex Villaflor, Pastor-Preacher Ric Avelino, businessmen-entrepreneurs Bok Crisologo, Carlos Tomagos, Philip Siapno, Jesusa Jimenez, Eddie Biagtan, Fred Rosal, Bruno Domalanta, Jess De Guzman and broadcaster Ike Palinar.

In one of those morning walks at the River Grove, Punch publisher Ermin Garcia, Jr. joined the group for breakfast at the posh Tim Horton Restaurant, while Julie Ann Arrogante (of “Horizon University” fame) tried the routine. She and friend Teng Miranda soon became regular walkers, too.

Thus, “AKARESTAS” was born (from the Pangasinan word “AKAR” meaning ‘walk’ and “RESTA”, for ‘restaurant’ where the walk ends).

Then, Toti St. Domingo after full recovery from a death-threatening heart surgery, also joined the group.

The latest addition to the growing members of AKARESTAS were balikbayan-Canadians Bert Sison and Reyno Junio. Babot Cua has also joined the group.

To give the group’s brand a life of its own, University of Luzon EVP and former councilor Chito Samson, one of the prime movers of AKARESTAS, conceptualized the logo and printed t-shirts in different colors for members to use every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

(Dr. Jess Canto, former Region I Medical Director and city councilor and balikbayan Dagupeño Aurelio Reyes signified their intentions to join the AKARESTAS).

See them, all jolly friends, walking regularly for health and friendship at the River Grove, Tondaligan Baywalk and Binmaley Baywalk. #

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