Aborted

CEBU, Philippines - After all the excitement about Michael Schumacher's return to Formula-1 racing, I felt like getting a douse of cold water yesterday when I read the story that he has decided to forego his return due to a neck injury that he sustained in a motorcycle accident.

He said the severity of the injury has stopped him from making the comeback that we, his fans, were eagerly looking forward to come August 23 in the European Grand Prix.

I am still hopeful; that someday Schumi will decide to get behind the wheel of a Ferrari once again. It has been three years since he retired and it would be great to see him race again.

Schumi was supposed to replace the injured Felipe Massa of Braziul, but since the German ace will be sitting it out, test driver Luca Badoer has been reported as the replacement in Valencia next weekend.

Schumacher won five world titles with Ferrari and two with his old team Benetton. He has also amassed a total of 91 grand prix wins in 250 races.

Maybe 92 will come someday.

* * *

I received email from a very happy father while doing this piece and I can't help but share with you the good news.

The email came from Police Supt. Ed Benigay, who told us about his son, Lynddie Jake Latorre Benigay, who eagled the par-4 hole number 3 of the Mactan Island Golf Club last August 1.

Their afternoon of father and son bonding got a big bonus and I'm sure many other fathers of young players are looking forward to seeing their kids one day achieve feats that we can only wish to also do.

Sir Ed said that leaving 100 yards to the pin after his drive on the hole, which is guarded by a huge tree in the middle of the fairway, Jake holed out using a pitching wedge. Jake, I believe is 13 years old.

The last time I played in Mactan, which was during the fellowship tournament of the PMAAA, this was one of the greens that I hit in regulation, but my birdie attempt was so lousy that I had to scramble for par from two feet above the hole and that was already a great feat for me hehehe…

Congratulations Jake. You truly made your dad a very happy man.

* * *

MILESTONES: I have a long list of belated birthday greetings starting with my nephew Horace 'Ace' C. Acas, who celebrated last Saturday.

Last Monday, the birthday celebrants were lola Lilian Villegas Lebumfacil, DBP director Boboy Durano, Mia Bañez-Clerigo, Miriam Uy, and my classmate Dr. Connie Camaya-Villafania.

Belated greetings also go to those who turned a year older yesterday - Super Bobby Nalzaro of dySS, Cynthia Quimbo, football player and my kumare Suizette Nemeño, Atty. Marla Barcenilla, and Harry Guinocor.

More power to all of you! (THE FREEMAN)