One nation

The devastation wrought by typhoon Ondoy was a major dampener to my weekend, which would have been excellent as I had the chance to witness the IDSF World Championships at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

Although, except for the stormy weather, Cebu has been spared from the wrath of the storm, we Cebuanos must do our share in helping our countrymen in need.

Late yesterday morning I received a call from our chairman, Dr. Jose ‘Dodong’ Gullas telling me that the University of the Visayas campuses will be opened as drop off points for relief goods as well as The Freeman office.

Several other groups have also initiated their own efforts like Y101-FM and the Cebu-based alumni of archrivals La Salle and Ateneo, who are working hand in hand to help those in need.

I also received a call from my Tao sister Charito Tan informing me of our group’s efforts to help and that we also have some members, who are willing to lend a hand as volunteers.

We can really work together as one nation in times of need. I hope we Filipinos once again realize that unity can be attained not only when we rally behind our champions like Manny Pacquiao when the fight in the world stage, but also when we come to the aid of our brothers and sisters in need.

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Dancesport sa Sugbo and the IDSF World Championships provided top-caliber entertainment last Saturday for dance enthusiasts and those who went there just out of curiosity.

The competition showcased not only the best of Cebu and the Philippines, but also bets from several other countries.

As the event will get bigger in the coming years, we will also be getting more big-name dancers to compete.

We can’t turn the event into the world’s biggest overnight, but through lots of hard work and of course the interest of the public, it can really happen.

There would be more events like that in the future and Cebu’s claim as the world’s dance capital will further be cemented.

To the event’s organizers like Edward and Eleanor Hayco, Ricca Alix and coach Loloi Rendon, congratulations for a job well done!

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The Air Force Sub-Chapter of Mactan of the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association Inc. is hosting a two-day fellowship activity for Peemayers and friends.

I got word about the activities from Lt. Col. Bruce Concepcion, who made the Cebuanos very proud when he graduated as valedictorian of PMA class 1990.

The events will be held on October 8 and 9. 

On the 8th, there will be fun shoot at the firing range of the Mactan Benito Ebuen Air Base.

On the 9th will be an air soft event and a golf tournament. All competitions are open to non-Peemayers.

I’ll keep you updated about them.

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MILESTONES: A very dear friend turned a year older yesterday. Belated birthday greetings to my compadre Michael G. Go, who is fast becoming one of the top golfers of Wack-Wack.

Belated greetings also go to Xenia Lecaros, who celebrated last Monday and to yesterday’s celebrants Ley Bayani, Averell Piramide and Fr. Ernesto O. Javier, SJ.

Today’s greetings go to Ray Tan, Rachel Salgado and to Delilah Dakay.

More power to all of you!