Talisay Run

CEBU - Their name is “Kabangis” (fierce) but they are probably one of the nicest and meekest people around. Yes, I’m talking about the Kabangis Running Club currently under its president former Ombudsman Edgar Canton. Ed is also a member of our club The Cebu Executive Runners while brothers Jun, Rex and Panfil are also runners. So last Sunday, barely getting enough sleep after surprising Dr. Alex Santos during his 50th birthday bash at the Casino Espanol as Elvis, I was running in the Talisay 10K Run. Besides, I also promised another set of running brothers, Atan, Jerry, Jeson and Genito Guardo, that I will be joining them. I would like to congratulate Ed and his club for a well organized race, despite being only their first ever. The Talisay City Hall was a perfect venue for the start, finish and awards area. It was free of smog and heat. The route was also perfect as one lane leading to the SRP was totally closed.

Out – Of – Towners

With races in Cebu being held almost every month, out-of-towners have been strutting their wares here for the past year. For instance, Cebu’s marathon queen Leszl Gitaruelas, used to dominate the women’s field, even winning 16 straight titles last year in the absence of strong contenders. Not anymore, Zamboanga’s Mary Grace Delos Santos proved she’s ready to make life uneasy for Leszl when she won last Sunday’s race in 39:28 while Leszl hobbled to 42:16. Madelyn Carter has shown great improvement since winning the Milo Marathon Cebu leg this year, pocketing second place in 40:36. Bukidnon’s Crifrankreadel Indapan made it a double for Mindanao runners when he ruled the men’s division in 32:59 to repulse Cebu’s one-time top runner, Mendel Lopez who settled for second in 33:42. Davao’s Elmer Bartolo wound up third in 34:09.

Rudolf Can’t Run

She’s the lady you always see running in a costume. Yes, Twinkle Ignacio makes it a point to run in a unique get-up every time she runs. The last time, she dressed as a fairy complete with blinking lights during The Cebu Midnight Run. In the Talisman Run however, Twinkle dressed up as Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer had to stop after a few kilometers due to cramps, the first time she ever did. In the same race was a big foreigner (probably over 300 pounds) in a Santa Clause costume. Well, the guy said he had to go ahead when Rudolf stopped.                   

Golden Boy

After directing four races and two television tapings as Elvis in 3 months, all I wanted was to get a little rest this Christmas. But it wasn’t so. Last Friday, Dr. Vic Verallo called to inform that it was Dr. Albert Santos’ 50th birthday and that we are invited to his party at the Casino Espanol. Vic also said if I go there as Elvis and sing a few songs for Albert. Just as I couldn’t say no to Ed Canton to run in Talisay, I couldn’t say “no” too to Vic either. So, we started to conspire with Albert’s wife Maureen regarding the surprise appearance of Elvis. The party theme was Retro. So the more I have to come.

Arriving at the venue early, I had a chance to collaborate with the sound system operator, as I tested my minus one CDs. Albert had no idea I was performing as we were together in one table during dinner. But, midway, while the program was just starting, I slipped away to a near by function room to change to my white Elvis get up. Then in the middle of the program the host announced “We would like to interrupt this program to let you know that Elvis has entered the Casino Espanol building. John Pages signaled and it was time for me to enter the party. Albert and the other guests were really surprised as I opened with “Can’t Help Falling In Love” followed by “Hound Dog” and “Don’t Be Cruel.” The rest of the Cebu Executive Runners Club joined me and became my back-up dancers in my finale “Blue Suede Shoes.” This season, I’m really exhausted but I feel great making people like Albert, happy. Speaking of happy, A Very Happy New Year to All.”

Notes: The CERC, organizers of the Sinulog Half Marathon will meet today to decide whether to move the run on January 25 or February 1 due to the clamor of several clubs that lacked training due to the many parties and lechons during the Holiday Season.   (THE FREEMAN)