Sleepless in Bacolod

CEBU - Barely sleeping a wink after the Holiday Gym and Spa Run to the Max 10 Miler, I was off to festive Bacolod City for the Move 5K Masskara Run. I had to leave early for Bacolod as organizers there led by Dr. Pinay Ganchoon were first timers and had no previous experience in road race management. I couldn’t rest in Bacolod either as street dancing including the Electric Masskara held nightly, really affected my sleep. On my first day for in stance, Dr. Robert Ledesma yanked me out of my hotel room to sing at the Saltimboca Resto Bar. The following day, the Cebuano doctors Dr. Barns Barcenas, Dr. Jeanne Flordelis, Dr. Bong Adorable, Dr. Roel Dejano and Dr. Stan Dela Cruz arrived therefore more night outs. I don’t know how I survived those three days of retiring in the wee hours of the morning. Nevertheless, the race went smoothly with Bacolod’s top runners joining the fray. Milo Marathon Bacolod Leg champion Eric Panique showed why he is dubbed “Batman” as he annihilated the field, winning in 17:56, Joel Alcorin came in second in 18:08 while Rommel Hulleza rounded the top 3 in 18:35. In the distaff side, Mary Joy Caporas stamped her class winning in 22:00 relegating Melani Poticar to second place in 23:12. Allyn Grace Salas Salvaged third in 24:09. The race was transformed to an international event when foreign crewmembers from two vessels docked in Bacolod, joined the run. The runners included, Pakistanis, Indonesians, Vietnamese, Indians, Ukrainians, Thailanders and of course Filipinos. Several tourists from the Netherlands also participated. The vessels belonged to the spirit of MOL of Mitsui S.K. Lines and were headed by Capt. Ashok D’Souza. Also joining the race were the Iloilo Oval Runners, Bago City Runners and La Carlota Runners. PARM President Bong Gayoles and Dr. Andrew Sanchez were impressed by the turn out and promised to make the race a 10- kilometer affair. Chief architect of the MOVE 5K Run Dr. Renald, is also contemplating on making the Cebu leg that fires off on November 30 at Parkmall in Mandaue City, a 10K event as well.

Elvis At Tatak Ilonggo

After finally getting a little sleep, I was off to Iloilo City for the scheduled appearance as Elvis in Iloilo City’s Cable TV “Tatak” Ilonggo”. The Councilor Joe Espinosa III, who also calls the shots for City Hall Sports, hosted the show, it was an interview alternated by songs that included “Can’t Help Falling In Love”, Blue Suede Shoes”, Don’t be Cruel”, “Are You Lonesome Tonight” Hound Dog “Love Me Tender” and “Teddy Bear”. After the taping at the Sarabia Manor Hotel, Joe asked me to stay a few more days so I could serenade Madam Pacita Gonzalez, wife of Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez on her birthday. But I have to decline since I was due in Cebu for the Pink October run held last Sunday at the Cebu Doctors Hospital Gym. Joe and I also discussed the groundwork for Iloilo’s first-ever Midnight Run, which we set on the City’s Charter Day. While in Bacolod, we also talked on holding the Negros Marathon next year.

Pink October Run

Speaking of the Pink October Run, I was a doubtful starter as I knew I lacked mileage due to the hectic schedule in Bacolod and Iloilo. But I also promised Dr. Peter Mancao that I would run; and besides I’m tasked to pace ABS-CBN’s Haide Acuña who is already entered in next year’s Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. I advised Haide to start training in the hills next month as the route in Hong Kong includes a lot of up hills, not to mention the flyovers. Lording it over in the 10K category was Bukidnon’s Crifrankreadel Indapan of who clocked 34:07 to rule the race. Eugene Delposo was second in 35:56 while Charlie Berberio pocketed third in 38:07. In the women’s division Merlita Arias, fresh from a second place finish in the Mayon (Albay) Trail Run, ruled the run in 47:58, Sharon Vega and Jennifer Belocura timed 50:02 and 51:27 to wound up second and third respectively. Millete Chiongbian came in fourth in 52:37 while Haide Acuña was seventh. In the 5K category (MALE), Miljun Luterte reigned supreme in 17:54 with Revodem Aranas placing second in 18:20. Felix Lopez salvage third in 19:48. Female 5K category 1) Melinda Ponce (28:41), 2nd, Bea Katrina Maximo (28:42) and 3rd, Lynette Ang (29:26). In the Doctors category, Dr. Yong Larrazabal who was still recovering from the Chicago Marathon breezed to the finish line in 46:40. He was followed by Dr. Glen Cang in 48:12 and Dr. Tommy Tan, a Kota Kinabalu Climbaton veteran clocked 48:18 for third place. In the women’s side, Dr. Emily Estrada was just too fast as she won in 59:05, Dr. Yasmin Jumao-as and Dr. Maureen Watson timed 1:05:05 and 1:06:43 to place second and third respectively.

Unigames

Fellow journalist Jan Arañez called from Dumaguete City to drumbeat the University Games (Unigames) that kicked off last October 24, at the refurbished Perdices Memorial Coliseum. The Unigames was founded in 1996 by my alma mater University of St. La Salle in Bacolod. Jan said he’s been designated assistant coach in basketball of Cosca College. Head coach is Leny Martinez while college president is Fr. Enrique Balunga. The Games which is being hosted by Foundation University will also feature the Ateneo Blue Eagles and San Beda Red Lions among other teams.

NOTE:

Registration to the MOVE 5K RUN 2 (Heroes Run) that blasts off on November 30 starts next week at the PSC Office in the Cebu City Sports Center. The race will start at Parkmall in Mandaue City. (THE FREEMAN)