Masskara Fever

CEBU - I took a quick trip to Bacolod and Iloilo the other weekend to continue preaching the gospel of running. First stop Bacolod, where a press conference for the M.O.V.E. Masskara 5K Run was set in the afternoon of my arrival. Dr. Pinay Ganchoon won’t say no for an answer causing me to miss the Gary Lewis concert back home. Well, the press con was well attended with perhaps, all the sportswriters of Bacolod coming in full force. Thanks to the Negros Press Club, headed this year by Cyrus Garde. It was also a reunion of sorts with my colleagues in the Fourth Estate who continue to support my events for I can’t remember when. Representatives from persons with disabilities (PWDs) were also present while Cristina Gabaya and Suzette Papio from the Governor’s Office (Negros Sports) also came. Former shotput champion Manuel de Oro arrived later and proudly told me his daughter is now the Palarong Pambansa record holder (shotput) in both elementary and high school division. Also assisting me at the press con were Dr. Andrew Sanchez and Dr. Bong Gayoles PARM national president. After the press con, I got call from former media man Jonathan Lobaton who now works for Gov. Isidro Zayco as executive secretary. Jonathan asked me if we could revive the Negros Marathon next year. Some of the best runners including Milo Marathon champions, Joy and Paquito Rizalde, Eriberto Diaz, Mario Castro and Julius Sermona come from Negros. Years back, Congressman Newk Puentevella and the late Governor Alfredo Montelibano organized the “Run Negros Run” that drew 35,000 runners. It was a non-competitive run where all sectors of the community participated. Just when I thought I could dose off early, Dr. Robert Ledesma, president of the Silay Road Runners Club appeared and said we have to jam at the Saltimboca Resto Bar where Bob’s friend Gigi Arroyo was the star singer. Again we were obliged to belt a few rock and roll numbers so the crowd could boogie. I was so tired I couldn’t run the next day. Dr. Bob said his club will be running in full force. He also told me he’s almost in the final stage of his preparation for the proposed Negros Heritage Marathon in November.

Elvis At The Capitol

As I was waiting for my ferry ride to Iloilo, my phone was bombarded with calls from The Freeman’s general manager Boy Mendoza and Ed-in-Chief Jerry Tundag. Boy said that whether I like it or not, I will be representing The Freeman in the impersonation contest during the Press Freedom Week. I told Boy it’s too late to have an Elvis get up as it will take weeks to put on all the beads and the glitters. My original Elvis get up from Las Vegas was damaged during the Frank Typhoon that totally destroyed our house in Jaro, Iloilo. But Boy and Jerry won’t take no for an answer even offering me a million as talent fee. So like a good soldier, I had to fly back home and have an attire rushed, although not as attractive as the one from Vegas. So last Sunday, it was announced that “Elvis has entered the Capitol Building.” Would you relieve I never rehearsed even once and at a short notice, couldn’t find back up dancers. Thanks to Flickers Boutique at Raintree Mall for working overtime. It was not “one for the money” but I really enjoyed.

Holiday Gym 10 Miler

Registration is now ongoing at the PSC Office for the Holiday Gym and Spa Run to Max 10 Miler Health Run on October 12. The race got a boost recently after event organizer Judith Eugenio agreed to promote the first ever 16-kilometer run in Cebu City. Several companies have already confirmed their sponsorship. The list includes Globe Telecom, One White Tea, Zero Cal, Sykes, Rush Fitness Water, Hidden Spring, Wild FM, Crossover and Twin Bee Marketing. The champions in the (male and female) open will each receive P7,000.00, the second placers P3,000.00 and the third placer’s P2,000.00, fourth placers will get P1,000.00 while the fifth placers pocket P500.00.

Note:

I would like to thank my son-in-law Rouie Ursal, duty manager of Parklane International Hotel for the autographed photo of Gary Lewis who stayed at the hotel. (THE FREEMAN)