"Para sa Bayan" is probably one of the most worn-out phrase we hear when we sort of sacrifice something for the country. So just when the 6th CEBU MIDNIGHT 5K RUN was all set to fire off at the City Sports Club Cebu, City Hall came up with an announcement that it is holding a run for the ASEAN working force on the same day as the traditional race. We could easily go on our race since we have a different crowd but then we will be divided thus defeating the very purpose of the Summit being held. So City Sports Club Cebu sports manager Rey Fuentes and I decided to give way for the ASEAN Run. Will the move make Rey and I, heroes? "Di ba para sa bayan ito?" Do we get medals? On the contrary I have a chest full, so forget it. The Midnight Run will serve as the final tune-up for runners gearing for the Sinulog Marathon on January 14 next year. Registration is now on going at the PSC office at the Cebu City Sports Center and at the City Sports Club Cebu at the Cebu Business Park. Registration fee of P 150.00 will include singlet, certificate and midnight snack. Entry forms are also available at Casa Ilongga at Robinson's Place Foodcourt.
The Aboitiz Group of Companies held a Christmas party for Cebu Media last Friday at the posh Marco Polo Hotel. It was also opportunity not only to meet our media colleagues but also the Aboitiz top honchos including CEO Jon Ramon Aboitiz, a good friend from way back in high school in Iloilo City. Although Jon went to St. Clement's College while I went to De Paul College, both in Iloilo City, we were almost together in parties especially the one of Assumption College. Another good friend, composer-singer Jose Mari Chan also went to St. Clements. In those early years, Jon was sort of a heartthrob, what with those blue eyes. Anyway nice seeing you again Jon, was it 30 years ago? Also thank you Aboitiz Group for that wonderful time.
Remember Dr. Bernard "Elvis" Pino, an Elvis Presley impersonator based in Michigan who performed a Tribute to the King Concert in Cebu two years ago. Doc Bernard dropped by at Casa Ilongga at the Robinson's Place Foodcourt where we cooked some sure-fire concerts for next year. Well, Doc Bernard said he planned an Elvis festival, together with Sam Costanilla and Doy Montana, a concert where Elvis impersonators will perform. However, I told Doc Bernard, why not a concert where we will have Cliff Richard, Santana, Michael Jackson, The Beatles, Mick Jagger, Frank Sinatra and Tom Jones impersonators. "I'm sure patok to," said Sam who will be part of the organizing committee together with Doc Bernard, Doy and me. We intend to hold the concert at the Waterfront Hotel and will probably invite Jose Mari Chan and Rep. Monico Puentevella Cliff Richard of the Philippines and Bacolod respectively in their younger years. Of course I'll be impersonating Elvis Presley. We will soon conduct auditions so stay tuned to this column for updates.
Former heavy weight champion err... I mean sports writer Jack Biantan blew into town recently for a short vacation. Jack who is now based in wet London for the last five years. Well, Jack said he's been following my column in the internet and knows I'm still pounding the streets to this day... well Jack is still the same Jack who is probably over 300 pounds now. Welcome back partner!