My buddy since our college days and now our president in the Cebu Chapter of the Philippine Amateur Judo Association, Inc., Atty. Vicente Fernandez II told me yesterday that the number is closer to 200. Wow!
While we probably had at the most 80 players in our tournaments back in the late 1980s, this is the first time that we'll see this many players competing in one event in Cebu.
After this one, I hope we can hold more.
Vic, who has been very busy the past few weeks putting all this together has been getting a lot of support from people like PAJA director for referees Rochelle Baclagan, who came all the way here from Manila to conduct a seminar for those who will be officiating the event. I've been busy reviewing my judo rules just in case they might need extra warm bodies to officiate tomorrow.
Then there is one Japanese national, who has been a great help to Cebu judo, Yoshihiko 'Yoshi' Mizutani, who has been quietly supporting the sport in many ways.
Vic is also getting help from my teammate and fraternity brother, Tracy Tradio, and also Noel Acedillo, the swimming instructor turned judoka.
I was also informed that my organization, the Tao Brotherhood and Sisterhood of UP College Cebu is also extending assistance by proving us with warm bodies to man the tables and scoreboard.
Well, it probably will be like the old days when my Tao brothers and sisters were not only players, but also organizers of judo tournaments.
Even our brothers and sisters from the other chapters like Velez College and University of San Carlos, during the early 1990s, were also always there to help out.
No sport will really advance without people helping push it forward. There are always those who seem to push you back, but then these are odds that you can always overcome.
One principle of judo that I always apply in life is to use your opponent's strength against him. So, if they push you backward, then pull them towards you and it will be very easy to do that rather than to push them also.
Tomorrow's tournament has also been made possible with the support of the Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC) headed by Chairman Michel Lhuillier.
Executive Director Gene Faelnar has been working closely with the PAJA for the preparations. He also plans to take up judo, particularly grappling. I wonder why? But, I already promised Gene that I am willing to help teach him for free.
There would be no entrance fee to tomorrow's event. Matches will start promptly at 8 am so we can finish the elimination round by 2 p.m. for the formal ceremony.
After the ceremony, there will be the championship matches and the awarding ceremony.
Parents, who wish to get their kids into martial arts are most welcome to come over and watch. Bring your kids since sport is a good way to bond with the family members. I'll also be glad to talk with you and share some notes. Just tap me on the back.
Entry fee for the event is P2,500 and this will be a strokeplay tournament. Those who belong to the unified handicapping system that we are using in four clubs here in Cebu - Alta Vista, Cebu Country Club, Club Filipino, and Mactan, will be using their full handicap.
There will also be a guest and a ladies division.
Those who would also like to donate or sponsor the event can write a check to Cebu Caritas Inc. and drop them off at the CCC office. All sponsorships and donations will be tax deductible.
The chairman of the tournament's organizing committee is Atty. Julius Neri, Sr.
All proceeds of the tournament will go to jubilee projects of Cardinal Vidal. This surely is an event that is worth participating in. It's good for the soul fellow duffers.