❝ Tabios is indeed a rare Pinoy athlete who craves the thrill of competition in ultra-long distance that test the limits of one's endurance and mental strength.❞ Hawaii Filipino Chronicle - August 15, 2015
| DATE OF BIRTH | September 12, 1969 |
| AGE | 52 |
| WEIGHT | 140 lbs. |
| NATIONALITY | Philippines | RESIDENCE | Elmhurst, New York |
| EVENT | Ultramarathon |
In 2001, me and my wife, Donna decided to migrate in New York and ran my first marathon in the 2004 New York City Marathon.
In 2011, I decided to try my first 50k ultramarathon, which was a few years earlier I swore I would never do. From then on I was "bitten by the bug". A year later, I wanted to run Badwater 135 miles, known as "The World’s Toughest Foot Race”, covering 135 miles (217km) non-stop from Death Valley to Mt. Whitney, CA. The race enticed me to run since I read the book, "The Ultramarathon Man" by Dean Karnazes which recounts some of the biggest races of his life and his DNF (Did Not Finish) experience in the 1995 Badwater race. I then achieved my Badwater dream in July, 2014. In July 2022, I completed my 7th Badwater 135.
On my 5th year running Badwater, I was the subject of a documentary featured film. Running for Freedom: My Journey as an Ultra Marathon Runner by James Castillo, an independent filmmaker based in Los Angeles, CA.
It had its world premiere at the Cebu International Film Festival on September 27, 2019 and the North American Premiere at the International Film Festival Manhattan on November 17, 2019.
A recipient of the 12th TOFA, The Outstanding Filipinos in America in sports for long distance running on September 16, 2022, held at the historic The Town Hall, Times Square, New York.
During my Badwater adventure, I discovered a lot about myself. I found that my mind can be more powerful than my physical body. I put my faith in my racing crew, thinking that finishing is a team effort rather than an individual accomplishment.
However, my motivation for running and ultra-distance running is to inspire people who are dealing with health and well-being issues.
I hope this personal page motivates you to push yourself, live life to the fullest, and be happy..