CEBU - Despite only a few hours of sleep after watching the inauguration of US President Barack Obama, I made sure I’d be at the parade grounds of Camp Lapu-Lapu yesterday morning for the turn over of leadership in the Central Command.
Lt. Gen Pedro Ike I. Inserto, who turned 56 years old yesterday, ended a military career that spanned 38 years, 9 months and 20 days starting on April 1, 1970 when he entered the gates of Fort del Pilar in Baguio City as a plebe in the Philippine Military Academy.
I told the good general that he will now have more time for golf. I guess while many would say that they were with the general in many of his activities, only I can claim to be his golf partner as we teamed up in the Island Tee late last year in Mactan.
Gen. Inserto said that he surely will find more time to play as his home is close to two military courses in Manila.
In his short stint as commander of Centcom starting last May, Gen. Inserto was able to achieve much and now this change of pace should be a welcome relief for his wife and four daughters.
He actually retires in very good company, former US President George W. Bush, who’s two terms ended yesterday.
There’s something about the general that many of his officers don’t know. He said that the reason why he got the name Ike after Pedro, which is that of his grandfather, was that he was born on the day Dwight ‘Ike’ Eisenhower assumed as US President.
God speed partner, Sir!
* * *
Here’s an interesting piece of golf trivia from the Amazing But True Golf Facts.
Charlie Sifford, one of the pioneering black golfers was considered one of the toughest competitors of the game as he had to overcome the no-blacks-culture in any courses in the 1960s and 70s.
The man was not only determined to play, but also to win so to keep himself fit, he jumped rope 600 times before going to bed every day.
Guests of the hotels where he stayed used to hear thumping at night while Sifford skipped rope.
* * *
Here’s something that Tito Mark Aliño asked me to announce for him and his classmates from Abellana National School class of 1974.
Their class will be holding their 5th annual reunion this Saturday at the residence of Cebu City Councilor Nestor Archival.
The group would assemble at the fastfood area of Robinson’s Place at 4:30 p.m. Tito Mark said that transportation will be provided.
The members of ANS class 1974 may get in touch with Chona Macoy at 0915-7627664 or Kim Custodio at 0917-5464886.
Have fun guys…oops titos and titas, I mean hehehe.
* * *
MILESTONES: Happy birthday to Gassy Lizares, who turns a year older today.
Advanced birthday greetings to my friends and former students Melissa Sykimte and Janice Dy, who are both turning a year older tomorrow. (THE FREEMAN)