Running Jinx

CEBU - It all started when CERC member Bernie Lanutan died two months ago while training for the marathon. Bernie suffered a heart attack after running successive days on an average of 15 kilometers. Remember Twinkle Ignacio? She’s the lady runner who always runs with a costume. Well, she is just starting to run again after suffering a motorcycle accident. Her bike skidded causing injuries on her knees and elbows. Then just last week.,another CERC member Ted Tecson, a veteran of the 2008 Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, underwent surgery on his ankle after he stepped on a pothole during the North Face Ultra Run in Nasugbu, Batangas recently. Ted will probably stay in sick bay for at least six months. Still another CERC member Barry Marquez was bitten by a dog while running in Mactan, together with Dr. Rosan Trani the other Sunday. Barry ran to the “scene of the crime” last Sunday to check if the dog was still alive. Then just a few days ago, Bobibo Madarieta, a runner on the heavy side and husband of DOH Regional Director Dr. Susan Madarieta, was stabbed in Mabolo. Bobibo had to be operated on and is still at the hospital although he has been declared out of danger. Who’s next? “Huwag naman ako, simbako”.

Move Masskara Run

Just when I’m all set to watch Gary Lewis and the Playboys again, Dr. Pinay Ganchoon of Philippine Academy of Rehab Medicine (PARM) informed me that the press conference for the MOVE Masskara 5K Run will be held on Sept.12, the same date as Gary’s concert. I told Dr. Pinay I’ll reserve tickets to the concert but she said they would be looking for answers from the questions the Bacolod media will shoot. It was a good thing I’ve watched Gary performed during their prime in the late Sixties, so I assured Dr. Pinay I would be there. It’s been some 3 years since I’ve stop organizing a race in Bacolod during the Masskara Festival and this will be a welcome treat to the Negrense runners, who wailed they need more running competitions. The Bacolod leg, was just an idea after the successful move 5K run here in Cebu last year, the Cebu edition initiated by Dr. Renald Ramiro to raise funds for persons with disabilities (PWDs), generated P120,000.00. Now it’s all systems go for the MOVE Masskara 5K that will fire off on October 19 at the Capitol Lagoon.

Eraserheads

Speaking of concerts, my brother Joey, owner of the Ilonggo Grill chain in Luzon asked me to come to Manila last month. He said Marlboro (Philip Morris) invited us to sell food in the Eraserheads Reunion concert at The Fort. Organizers were giving us 10 tents as part of 30 overall to cater to an estimated 40,000 fans. Just when we were getting ready, a legal battle ensued, preventing Philip Morris from organizing the concert. Cigarette companies are not allowed to advertise in sport events and concerts. I think it was a blessing in disguise because you all know what happened. The concert was cut short when singer Ely Buendia fell ill and had to be rushed to the hospital. What if we were selling and suddenly “wala nay tao”. We could have lost our shirts and shorts too. As I mentioned earlier I’ll be missing Gary Lewis but there’s a lot of artists coming over. This week we will have George Benson and Al Jarreau while next week it’s going to be Christopher Cross (remember “Arthur’s Theme” and “Sailing”) at the Waterfront Hotel. Also coming soon are Petula Clark and Paul Anka.

October Running Fest

No, it’s not just drinking for the month of October; it’s going to be a running festival. But before we embark on those races in October please join the World Heart’s Day Run on September 28. The race is organized by Chicago Marathon-bound Dr. Peter Mancao and the fast-improving Dr. Rosan Trani. Oct. 5, will be the Friendship Run organized by Loida Genova. Then on Oct. 12, the much-awaited first ever 10-miler (16kms) in Cebu, the Holiday Gym and Spa Run to the Max Health run. On Oct. 19, I’m moving to Bacolod for the M.O.V.E Masskara 5K Run, a fund- raising race for persons with disabilities. If Atan Guardo decides to hold a race for Osaka’s anniversary, then it’s another run in Cebu also on the 19th. On Oct. 26, the Pink October Run for breast cancer will be stage. And don’t forget to train for the CERC- organized Sinulog Half Marathon on January 17, 2009. Haay… kapoy! (THE FREEMAN)