All set for STC Run

It’s all systems go for the St. Theresa’s College Alumnae Association (STAA) Move with Air Run that fires off on July 19 at the STC grounds along Gen. Maxilom Ave. We are expecting over 1,000 runners coming from the different running clubs, schools, corporations and military units. The race is divided into 2 divisions, the 5K open and 3K open with an STC students / alumnae category. There will also be a 3K kiddie open category and the 5K executive division. Also spicing the run is the exclusive STC kiddie run divided into 3 age groups, 5 to 7, 8-10, and 11 to 13, that will be held just inside the campus. The champions in the 5K open (male and female) will each receive P3,000.00, the second placers P2,000.00 and the third placers P 1,000.00 plus trophies. Fourth to tenth placers will receive P300.00 plus medals. First placers in the 3K open will each receive P2,000.00, the second placers P1,000.00 and the third placers P500.00, they will also receive trophies with the fourth to tenth placers getting P200 plus medals.

Sponsors Galore

I’m really impressed with the many sponsors the STAA organizing committee has signed up. The run is presented by Smart Communications while co-presented by Oakley and the Province of Cebu. The gold sponsors are Sun Star, Aboitiz Land, Fast Logistics while the silver sponsor are Philippine Charity Sweepstakes, Pilmico, Island Grill, McJoy, Alaxan FR, Sizzling Chef, Citigym, Yayoy’s Grill, Julie’s Bakeshop, Claritin, Colours, Titay’s, Speed Babad and Ceelin. Some prominent ex-Theresians include Gov. Gwen Garcia, Rep. Nerissa Soon Ruiz, Bantayan Island mayor Geraldine Escario Canares, Toledo City mayor Arlene Zambo, Cutie del Mar, Marrisa Fernan, Nelia Neri, Mae Ann Alcordo Solomon, Annie Aboitiz, Teresin Mendezona, Ingrid Sta. Maria, and movie actress / director Laurice Guillen. While in the media, we have ABS-CBN’s Haide Acuña, who’s one of the top pick in the STC category, The Freeman’s Caecent Noot Magsumbol, CDN’S Connie Fernandez and / Iste Sesante. Registration is now in full swing at the PSC office at the Cebu City Sports Center, Yayoy’s Grill, STAA office at St. Theresa’s College, Athlete’s Foot at Ayala Center Cebu and Casa Ilongga at Robinson Place.

Career Change

After that successful two-day Father’s Day celebration stint at the Lobby Lounge of Marco Polo Plaza Hotel as Elvis, I’m thinking of shifting careers from running to singing. Although it’s also tiresome, especially the rehearsals, it’s not as taxing or strength-sapping as running a marathon or directing a race. I’d like to thank Marco Polo Plaza Hotel especially event coordinator Carlo Borromeo (I call him Carlo Santana or Jimi Hendrix at times, being a guitar wizard himself) for believing in Elvis, Id like to thank my band “The Memphis Mafia” organized only for a week to back me up. Imagine just a week to rehearse over 12 Elvis songs considering this is the first time we all met. But these are seasoned musicians especially band leader and guitarist Reggie Bernaldez, who also made the arrangements. Drummer Mark Nadela of Slabadu fame, Popoy Calumba (bass) and piano / keyboard Jerks Limosnero. The event was hailed as “Hail to the King”. Marco Polo treated me like a king indeed what with the fabulous room and the buffet breakfast that went with the package. But don’t worry fellow runners, I’ll never leave running, it’s already in my system. So I’ll probably do both running and singing.

Notes: I’d like to thank CERC member Steve Ferraren for the beautiful Rock and Roll Marathon cap he gave me as “Pasalubong” from his run in San Diego last month. Too bad Steve fell short of registering a sub-4 hour record. Steve admitted he was over-trained despite the tough route and weather conditions in San Diego. There’s still a lot of marathons, Steve. It won’t be long before you realize that un-impossible dream. Aikido master Max Tian never fails to amuse me. When I met Max the other day at Robinsons Place, Max asked me if I know the difference between a thief and a politician. Well, he said a thief steals first and runs while a politician runs first and steals later. I believe you Sensei.