Stuck in traffic

CEBU - I was stuck in traffic yesterday afternoon after getting the registration papers of my vehicle from the Land Transportation Office along N. Bacalso Ave.

Just renewing the registration somewhat took a long time due to problems with the system that often went off-line, but I didn’t really mind that, but getting stuck in traffic on my way out was such a dampener.

Thanks to technology, I am sitting in a coffee shop in the mall while the flow of vehicles has literally grounded to a halt outside.

I have already received several text messages from friends asking if CITOM can be requested to open the road as they have been stuck for quite some time in the Guadalupe area on their way to Osmeña Blvd. Unfortunately, even the person manning CITOM’s hotline did not have any idea when the road would be reopened.

She said after the parade and I was writing this at past 3 and the parade, which was to start at 2 p.m. had not started yet.

This is what usually happens during the Sinulog celebration, but what hasn’t really improved is how the authorities manage the traffic situation.

Oh well, this is a sports column, but I can’t help but relay the problems aired by our readers.

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The Coral Invitational is set next week at the Cebu Country Club.

This is the club’s signature member-guest event that has always drawn a good number of participants every year.

I used to be at the Coral every year, but the traffic situation in the downtown area where our office is located has also made it impossible to move around so much.

Next week, a testimonial golf tournament is also scheduled to honor Lt. gen/. Pedro Ike Inserto, commander of the Central Command.

Gen. Inserto is due to retired this month after 38 years of services to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

There are many other Sinulog-related sporting activities including the skydiving event that offers us a chance to dive from over 10,000 feet in tandem with the professionals.

I met one of the organizers of the event early this week and for those who want to feel the thrill, the registration fee is only $350.

Acting Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama is set to do a tandem jump. I once thought it was cool to go skydiving, but I guess age has made me chicken out. Hehehe.

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MILESTONES: Belated birthday greetings to Michel Lhuillier, chairman of the Cebu City Sports Commission, and to my good friend and topnotch photographer Jon Unson, who both turned year older last Thursday.

More power!   (THE FREEMAN)