Sports in the summit?

There hasn't been any mention of gains for sports in next week's Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, but I believe there would be and Cebu shall hopefully reap its fruits.

Although the meetings would be focussed mainly on trade and politics, I believe that several of the delegates would have a keen interest in sports.

Cebu as the venue of the summit can benefit from such most especially if we get some of the sporting organizations from the dialogue partners like Japan and China to be interested in helping develop sports in our country.

Australia can also be a worthy ally in sports development and I am keeping my fingers crossed that we can get some sporting good from the summit.

While several seem to see nothing good coming out of the summit, let us examine everything carefully before we jump into conclusions and get very emotional about the whole thing.

Unfortunately, some groups seem to be using false propaganda to lure some people to support their "causes" without really explaining to these people what these are.

Many have asked if I'd be among those covering the summit and I told them that I have a desk-bound job during that time, but that doesn't mean I can't wish for something good to come out of it.

Although I am handling mostly news and other pages in my present job in The FREEMAN, sports has remained the number one on my list and in my heart.

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I was saddened to read that John Baylon of the Philippine judo team lost his chance to win the first medal for the country in the Asian Games in Doha, Qatar.

The format of judo competitions allow those who lose their matches to get a chance to still win at least a bronze, but John fell one match short.

At 41 years old, he is considered already quite old to be competing actively in the sport. While many may say that it is about time he passes on the torch to the next generation, I would say that he must go on until somebody worthy comes out.

John has a very huge judogi (judo uniform) to fill. Not shoes, since judokas (judo players) play barefoot.

I hope Gilbert Perez can do better and so will Estie Gay Liwanen. I saw them all top their weight classes during the 23rd Southeast Asian Games in Mandaue City and I continue to pray for their success.

As of this writing, the country is yet to win a medal in the Asian Games. The reason why we're not winning is the same thing that plagues our nation - too much politics.

Several small countries have already a gold or two which proves that it is not always in the number of people to choose from, but how they prepare for competition and how they get support from their countries.

Despite everything, I am still going to cheer - Mabuhi ang atletang Pilipino!

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I had a reunion of sorts with fellow sports scribes the other night at the YMCA badminton court as we sweated it out in preparation for a tournament this weekend.

I almost forgot how to play, but CDN sports ed Rick Gabuya and Super Balita sports ed Jun Migallen (I promised not to call him Emilio in my column… oops I just did) were a fun pair to be with.

The last time I can remember being in a sporting activity with Rick was years ago at the Leyte Golf and Country Club in Ormoc City when he got a taste of what it is to play golf.

It's great to be with you, guys. At least this time were sweating and the not bottles of brew that we're holding.

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MILESTONE: Belated happy birthday to Dr. Geraldine 'Gigi' Alcarez-Co, who turned a year older yesterday.

More power!