Ironman

I’m being bombarded with text messages and phone calls from one-legged triathlete Rudy Fernandez since last week. Rudy, who’s now based in Baguio City, sends me almost 20 text messages daily. More so, now that he just got his US Visa. To recall, Rudy won the lottery for a slot in the physically challenged category of the Ford Ironman Triathlon World Championship set October 10, 2009 in Kona, Hawaii. At first I wanted to beg off since I’ve got a million things to do here but Rudy, just won’t take no for an answer. Well, that’s expected since we’ve known each other for more than 20 years and I think it’s only me who knows Rudy from head to one foot. I’ve been his coach, manager, father confessor and friend all rolled into one. I don’t know if I’ll be given a US visa myself as I’m just waiting for my immigrant status anytime this year. But I’m just crossing my fingers especially after I got endorsements from the Philippine Olympic Committee, the Triathlon Association of the Philippines and Malacañang. Support is also pouring in. One is Gabriele Boschi of Rudy Project who facilitated Rudy’s visa application and plane ticket. Gabriele will also provide us top-of-the-line Rudy Project eyewear and gears. Also excited is Wilfred Uytengsu who is the top gun of Ironman Philippines that will be holding a 70.3 Ironman in Camarines Sur (Camsur) come August. Timex through Gemma Racraquin is also sponsoring our Ironman watches. My niece Mae Dichupa, Nike marketing manager, promised to give us running shoes. I’m still waiting approval of my ticket from Philippine Airlines that never says no to all our travel requests in the past. Speaking of Camsur Triathlon, I’m forming what is probably the most explosive relay team in the event. Rudy will bike 90 km. another one-legged athlete Arnold Balais, will swim 2 km. while yours truly (although not really a PWD but aging at 61), will run 21 km. Noy Jopson who’s also training for the triathlon could only say “Wow, that’s an explosive team”. I’m also bringing my Elvis get-up to Blue Hawaii. Rudy said we’ve been asked to render a number.

Elvis At Marco Polo

Speaking of Elvis, Marco Polo Plaza Hotel will bring back the King of Rock and Roll from the grave for a two-night performance on June 20 – 21. Elvis will sing his classics starting at 9:00 pm at the Lobby lounge as a highlight of Father’s Day celebration. Earlier at 7:00 pm, the King will have a photo session with diners at Café Marco. These diners will have a chance to win fabulous prizes in a raffle at the Lobby Lounge. Event coordinator Carlo Borromeo, a guitar wizard himself, has formed a band to back up Elvis. The band is composed of probably one of Cebu’s best drummer Mark Nadela, Popoy Calumba, bass, Jericho Limosnero, piano and band leader and guitarist Reggie Bernaldez. Elvis classics expected to be rendered are Blue Suede Shoes, Hound Dog, Don’t Be Cruel, Love me Tender, Teddy Bear, It’s Now or Never, Can’t Help Falling In Love and You Don’t Have to Say you Love Me. So, mark your calendars and watch the King on Father’s Day Pretty Katrina Halili este… Corral of BDO who promised to watch the show queried who’s the Elvis impersonator? Your guess is as good as mine. – THE FREEMAN