For Japan

We may not be living in a First World country, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have people with big hearts, who are willing to lend a hand to our brothers in need.

Last weekend, I got a call from Frederic Chiongbian, who told me that Cebu Country Club is holding a tournament on the 26th, that’s this Saturday, and the proceeds will be given as aid to the Japanese people, who were recently devastated by an earthquake, a tsunami, and now are still dealing with problems emanating from leaks in the reactors of some nuclear power plants.

Toyoflex Corporation, a Cebu-based Japanese company has started the ball rolling with a P1 million donation.

The Japanese Golfers Association is also helping out in this weekend’s tournament and I hope that many would come to give their support for such worthy cause.

You don’t even have to think of the many raffle prizes that the organizers have prepared or the hole-in-one prizes that include a golf cart, a motorcycle, and cars. All you have to think about is how blessed we are and how we can do something to help those in need.

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Many football fans were disappointed when there was no live television coverage of the game of the Philippines against Myanmar last Monday in the start of the group stage of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup.

Thanks to the Internet, we got regular updates of what was happening in Myanmar, but it would have been better if we got to see the game and cheer for the Azkals even in the privacy of our homes.

Well, after commenting on how bad the TV coverage was in Mongolia, I guess having that was so much better than having none at all.

Today, the Philippines will face Palestine, which crushed minnows Bangladesh, 2-0, in their opening match.

The Azkals need to win this game and if possible win big to pile up the goals that would help break ties.

There are unconfirmed reports that the military junta in Myanmar would allow the airing of the game between the Philippines and Palestine, but I am not counting on it and so must you so there won’t be any major disappointment.

I wish the Azkals all the best in their two remaining games. We can’t afford any loss.

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I received email the other day from Mitch Fernandez about the sports programs being offered by Metro Sports for the school break.

There are lessons in badminton, basketball, taekwondo, futsal, and hip hop dancing at the Metro Sports Center along Salinas Drive, Lahug.

For more information, you can call 233-3338.

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MILESTONES: Belated birthday greetings to my classmates Irene Casals-Madarang and Dr. Rhea Taok-Kong, who both turned a year older last Monday. The same goes to Atty. Cristina Godinez, Leah Tianco-Adeva, and Shirlyn Chan.

Belated greetings also go to those who celebrated yesterday like Gray Knights Society president Francis ‘Bim’ Aquino, Engr. Bienvenido Deogracias ‘Benjie’ Nacua, Col. Lope C. Dagoy of the Philippine Army, Cavalier Simon Fernan III of Interpol, Jovir Amatong, and Tess Florida.

Today’s greetings go to The Freeman’s Pepe Sollano and to Niño Roberto Gonzales.

More power to all of you!