Dalaygon nga panaw Atty. Brando Raya buot mosabwag og inspirasyon sa kinabuhi sa uban

CEBU, Philippines — Taliwala sa kalibutanhong pandemiya upat ka tuig na ang mikabay, ang mga batid mipahimangno nga ang mga indibidwal nga hubakon ingon man dunay diabetes ug hypertension mag-atubang og taas nga risgo kon mataptan sa gikahadlokang virus.

Nakapakurat kini kaniya og maayo ilabi na kay naghambin man siya ning tulo ka mga kondisyon samtang nagtimbang og kapin sa 100 ka kilo niadtong higayona.

Mao kini ang nakapaaghat ni Atty. Brando Ray P. Raya nga mopokus pag-atiman sa iyang panglawas.

"My sports journey began later in life, but it’s been transformative and full of learning. I started running during the pandemic to address some health challenges, and what began as a simple effort to stay fit turned into a passion, something I feel I can’t live without now," matud pa ni Raya. "My motivation is rooted in the desire to take better care of myself, not just physically but also mentally.

Running, for instance, has given me that clarity and peace of mind, which I carry into the other areas of my life and  it’s incredibly rewarding knowing that my journey can help inspire people to begin their healthier, more balanced life,"  dugang pa niya.

"Along the way, I discovered the joy of triathlons, which pushed me to go beyond my comfort zone. It has  been a journey of learning, discipline, and self-discovery, and I’m grateful for how it has shaped me."

Sukad niadto, ang hepe sa Road Right-of-Way Acquisition and Legal Division (ROWALD) sa Department of  Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Central Visayas Regional Office mikab-ot na og pipila ka personal nga mga dungog.

Ning tuiga, kanunay siya nga moapil og kalihukan sa paugnat sa kusog matag bulan. Ang labing halandumon mao ang labing una niyang mga major international event, ang Sydney Marathon nga maoy una niyang full marathon, ang Triathlon Sprint sa Bohol nga maoy una niyang triathlon, ug ang Spartan Phuket Super Edition (10 kilometers, 25 Obstacles) ddito sa Thailand.

Dugang niini, nakahuman sab siya sa HOKA Trilogy Finals.

"Not only was it my second marathon in less than six months after my first, but it also required me to  qualify by successfully completing three demanding legs: 16 kilometers, 21 kilometers, and 32 kilometers. It was a  challenging yet incredibly fulfilling experience."

Matud pa ni Raya nga dili niya makab-ot ang kalamposan nga iyang natagamtaman kon dili pa tungod sa atabang sa mga hait niyang coaches. Kini mao sila si coach Carlo Jun Limbaga Sumayang sa iyang strength ug conditioning, Jeffrey Codino ug Arvin Loberanis sa running, Bianca Española sa swimming ug Michael Maier sa cycling.

"Their support has been invaluable, not just in training but in teaching me the value of consistency and  commitment. I owe much of my personal growth to their unwavering belief in me. What started as a coach-athlete  relationship has transformed into a genuine friendship. Now, they're more than just mentors - they're my buddies. We go out, hang out, and share countless adventures together. Most importantly, they've become my accountability partners, always pushing me to be my best," dason pa ni Raya.

Uban ang tumang garbo sa iyang kasingkasing, ang 40-anyos nga si Raya buot nga mosabwag og inspirasyon ngadto sa kinabuhi sa uban. "In the future, I want to continue inspiring others, especially people who thinks that it’s too late to start something new." Si Raya adunay tambag niadtong gusto mosunod sa iyang mga tunob.

"My advice is simple - just start. Whether it’s running, walking, or whatever you are doing and are planning to do, what matters most is taking that first step, making an action. You don’t have to be perfect, and progress will come with time. Celebrate small wins, stay consistent, and remember that you’re doing this for yourself.

The journey can be life-changing if you give it a chance, if we make the first step," paambit pa ni Raya.

"Life, like sports, is full of challenges and triumphs. Embrace every moment, stay curious, and never stop learning.I’m a firm believer that greatness isn’t just about what you achieve but it’s also about the impact you have on  others," panapos pa ni Raya.