Change of career

CEBU – After that Elvis Presley impersonation at the Provincial Capitol during the Press Freedom Week, I’ve been swarmed with offers for similar performances. If you recall, I was hesitant to do that when Boy Mendoza and Jerry Tundag asked me to carry the task for The Freeman. Now it’s spreading like wildfire. Just the other day, I got a call from Iloilo City sports director councilor Joe Espinosa III and sports coordinator Jojo Castro asking if I could be in Iloilo next month. Well, I’m sure they’re gonna ask me to prepare for the Dinagyang Marathon early next year. I was wrong. Jojo said they want me to guest in the Iloilo Cable TV program showcasing Ilonggos who excel in their chosen field; I don’t know how my photos taken during the Capitol program found its way to the Mayor’s Office. It was also shooting two birds with one stone as Joe and Jojo want me to organize the first-ever Iloilo Midnight Run during Halloween. A few years back, I organized the first-ever Halloween Run where participants wore costumes. I told Jojo it’s a bit late to prepare as I’m directing one race each in Cebu and Bacolod come October. There’s the Holiday Gym & Spa Run to the Max 16K run on October 12 and the week after, the Move Masskara 5K in Bacolod. But I promised Jojo to make a stopover in Iloilo and guest in their program after the Masskara Run.

Sam Enchanted Evening

But Sam Costanilla has beaten Iloilo to the draw. Last Saturday as I was heading home past midnight after the media party at Holiday Plaza Hotel, Sam’s message flashed. He will be waiting at the CCTN TV 47 studio at 9:00 of the same morning. But I was scheduled to run at the World Heart’s Day. I told Sam it was such a short notice, but Sam said there’s no other time due to the busy schedule of the studio. So after a quick run I got my costume from the laundry basket and in no time I was at the studio. Just like at the Capitol, we couldn’t rehearse very long but like a true trouper, I was soon belting the Elvis love songs. Sam said since he’s only got a piano, I cannot sing the rock and roll tunes. So it was the signature Elvis slow ballads “Love Me Tender”, “Are you Lonesome Tonight” and “It’s Now or Never”. Catch it tonight at 10 o’clock at CCTN channel 47. Sam again resurrected our plan to stage the Elvis Festival next year during Elvis’ death anniversary.

New Balance

By the way, the Holiday Gym & Spa Run to the Max 16K Health Run on October 12, got another shot in the arm with the entry of New Balance. Linnete Tagalog, Athlete’s foot Vismin manager, announced they are giving away a New Balance shoes to be raffled off to lucky finishers. NB apparel will also be given to the top winners while a 15 percent discount on shoes and apparel will be given to all participants. New Balance is available at Planet Sports and Athlete’s Foot at the Ayala Center.

Friendship Run

Loida Genola also announced that the Friendship Run 10K will fire off on October 5 at Sumilon Road at the Cebu Business Park, registration is now ongoing at the PSC Office at the Cebu City Sports Center. Proceeds of the fund raising run will be for the benefit of the Kadasig Parents Association Inc.

Sunrisers Legends

Sunrisers Basketball Club founding member Boy Maranga of the Central Bank said he has already gathered the original members who are now in their Fifties and Sixties to play in the Legends Game next month. Sunrisers is probably the oldest active basketball club in Cebu. Heading the list are Maranga, Dr. Wenny Lumapas, Jessie Gabatan, Pepe Pegarido, Bolgen Campomanes, Edwin Seno, Bobby Ranile, Ceasar Campos, Cesar Lee, Tata Cortes, Celso Evangelista, Greg Jumao-as, Tony Barbajo, June Veloso, Winnie Veloso, Jun Saberon, Arnold Gabican, Bart Toring, Jun Ocaba, Boy Tiu, Tony Santos, Davis Jod, Kitoy Estobra, Miego Ceniza, Remy Cenita and of course yours truly. Most of the players are former collegiate and commercial standouts. I’m still finalizing the venue and had asked sportsman Atan Guardo to sponsor the uniforms. Keep tuned for the exact date and venue. – THE FREEMAN