As someone who is already quite active in sports, I was excited to take on a challenge that pushed me beyond my usual workout routine. Unlike a regular running race, a hybrid race combines running with strength and endurance exercises, requiring participants to maintain their pace, energy, and consistency throughout the entire course. In the men’s category, the challenge consisted of a 400-meter run followed by 40 push-ups, another 400-meter run followed by 40 sit-ups, a third 400-meter run followed by 40 squats, and finally, a 400-meter run to the finish line. For the women’s category, the repetitions were adjusted to 30 push-ups, 30 sit-ups, and 30 squats, while the running distances remained the same. The challenge was not simply about completing every movement as quickly as possible. Participants also had to maintain proper technique and form according to the competition rules. This made preparation essential, from improving running speed and building muscular endurance to mastering the correct form for each exercise. Despite having prepared through regular training, I still felt nervous when the moment to compete finally arrived. There is a big difference between doing your usual workout at the gym and performing under competition pressure, where every second counts and you are challenged to give your best from start to finish. The atmosphere was exciting and full of energy, with every participant pushing their limits. Each running segment and exercise became a test of both physical strength and mental endurance. Fortunately, I managed to complete the entire course in 12 minutes and 16 seconds. For my first hybrid race, I considered it a satisfying achievement and a valuable learning experience. What impressed me the most, however, was the winning time in the men’s category. The champion completed the entire course in under 7 minutes and 30 seconds!
When it comes to Tajima Wagyu, its exceptional quality speaks for itself. Originating from a renowned Japanese cattle lineage and raised in Australia under carefully maintained quality standards, Tajima Wagyu is known for its rich flavor and irresistibly tender texture. This October, COPA Restaurant at 25hours Hotel Jakarta The Oddbird presents a special menu series titled “Fire Tajima Wagyu,” a culinary exploration that brings together the premium quality of Tajima Wagyu and the bold, spice-rich flavors of Latin cuisine. The result is an enticing fusion that celebrates the natural richness of Wagyu through vibrant seasonings and distinctive Latin-inspired cooking techniques.
This time, Chef Matias Mardones and his kitchen team present an enticing selection of dishes, ranging from appetizers to premium Wagyu cuts for the main course. One of the highlights is Tajima Wagyu Anticuchos, featuring smoky, grilled Wagyu paired with an aji panca glaze that delivers bold, savory flavors with a distinctive Latin touch. The combination of spices and grilling techniques enhances every bite while allowing the natural richness of the Wagyu to shine through. Another interesting option is Tajima Wagyu Longaniza, a sausage made from a blend of beef and pork, offering a savory flavor and satisfying texture. It is a great choice for meat lovers looking to explore something different from the usual Wagyu cuts. Of course, no Tajima Wagyu experience would be complete without sampling the signature main courses. The Tajima Wagyu Striploin MB-9 is ideal for those who enjoy richly marbled beef, while the Tajima Wagyu Picanha MB 4–5 offers a more moderate level of marbling with a distinctive, beef-forward flavor. Each cut delivers a different experience, catering to individual preferences when it comes to enjoying premium beef. Personally, every visit to COPA has been a satisfying dining experience. The restaurant’s bold Latin flavors, modern culinary approach, carefully selected premium ingredients, and well-executed cooking techniques come together beautifully, making its dishes consistently enjoyable and worth exploring.
Through its Fire Tajima Wagyu menu series, COPA once again showcases how premium ingredients can be transformed into dishes with bold character while staying true to their culinary identity. For steak lovers and fans of premium meat, this special menu is certainly worth adding to your October dining list. So, if you’re looking for a memorable dining experience that combines premium Wagyu with the bold and vibrant flavors of Latin cuisine, don’t miss the chance to explore Chef Matias Mardones’ creations at COPA Restaurant, 25hours Hotel Jakarta The Oddbird.
Returning to another wine-tasting session, this time I had the opportunity to explore a selection of Australian wines from Wakefield Wines, a winery with a history spanning more than a century. Hosted by Daniel Vanderhave, Regional Director Asia, the event brought together guests from the media, suppliers, and loyal customers for an evening of wine appreciation. The tasting featured a variety of wines, ranging from white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling to red varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Overall, Australian wines are particularly appealing for their approachable character, smooth profiles, and easy-drinking style, making them enjoyable for both seasoned wine enthusiasts and those who are just beginning to explore the world of wine.
The selection is also versatile enough for different occasions, from casual social gatherings to dinner with friends or colleagues. In Indonesia, Wakefield Wines is priced at approximately IDR 400,000 to over IDR 1 million, depending on the variety and point of purchase. In my opinion, this price range is quite competitive in Jakarta’s wine market, especially for those looking to explore Australian wines and enjoy them on different occasions.
L-Men, a familiar name in the protein milk market, has been around for more than two decades! To celebrate its 25th anniversary, L-Men hosted an exciting sports event with several fitness communities in Jakarta. The event challenged participants to complete a 5 km run, with a strength competition incorporated into the running session. So, it was not just about speed but also a test of strength and endurance. Sounds like quite a challenge, right? Beyond the sporting activities, the event also featured a talk show highlighting L-Men’s journey in Indonesia, including the development of its product range and the launch of its latest flavor, Matcha Platinum. With matcha continuing to trend, this new variant is certainly an interesting option for matcha lovers and protein milk enthusiasts alike.
The excitement continued with appearances by the L-Men Winners: Marcellino Indrawan (2021), Nathanael Yoga (2023), and Rama Sukarta (2025). They shared their personal experiences and insights into maintaining a healthier lifestyle through physical activity and everyday habits. It was great to see how sports can bring communities together while reminding us of the importance of taking care of our health. After all, living a healthy lifestyle is not just about working out occasionally, but also about consistently building better habits every day.
Returning for its 12th edition, Road to Give is an annual running event and fundraising initiative organized by Marriott International. This time, participants gathered at Sari Pacific Jakarta for an early-morning run, with registration starting at 5:30 AM. Even before sunrise, the venue was already buzzing with activity as Marriott associates and members of the public arrived to take part in the event. The original plan was to cover a distance of 5 km, but due to some route-related challenges, the distance was adjusted to approximately 3.5 km. As a result, I managed to complete the run in around 16 minutes. Not bad, right? Especially considering Jakarta’s recent scorching weather and less-than-ideal air quality, which made the run a little more challenging. After crossing the finish line, the fun continued with a variety of activities, including refreshments, photo opportunities at the photobooth, and even a karaoke competition. The atmosphere became even livelier with exciting door prizes before the much-anticipated podium announcements for the fastest male and female runners. For me, Road to Give is more than just a sporting event. It is also an opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause through fundraising. There is something special about starting the morning with a run, meeting new people, and being part of an initiative that aims to make a positive difference in the community. A morning run, plenty of fun, and a chance to give back. What a great way to start the day!
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