Iloilo Independence Day Run

If all races are conducted just like the Roberto Chua Memorial Run held last June 12 (Independence Day) in Iloilo City, then every runner is a winner. Race organizer Philipp Chua, a member of the RP Shooting Team, made it sure that runners are pampered. Imagine this, a runner just pays P50 and gets a t-shirt. Since Philip’s family owns several groceries and hardwares, a lot of suppliers sponsored the event. Can you beat this? There were over 30 food booths serving sports drinks, juices, hotdogs, barbecue,noodles ect,which were more than enough for the close to 2,500 runners. Not only that, raffle prizes that included appliances were awarded to lucky winners. the race generated P100,000 which was donated to the Iloilo Red Cross right after the race. Cebu races should follow this example but trouble is, after the fund raising runs, nothing is heared of the proceeds. Sometimes the winners are left holding an empty bag. “ang kapal” wailed a runner from out of town.

Elvis rocks Iloilo

One of the highlights of the race was the participation of Elvis who really excited the runners. When Philip and Iloilo City sports coordinator JoJo Castro asked me if we could invite Elvis to lead the runners and belt a few songs during the awarding, I couldn’t say no. So Elvis gave Philip the specs on the sound system,mics and even had the background recorded by Soundtraxx’ Gani Villarojo. Elvis arrived early in Iloilo and discussed the program’s flow with organizing committee’s Pitpit Trimanez. As 2,500 runners waited for the countdown. Pitpit stopped it at 5, to announce that we have to interrupt the count as word just came in that Elvis was in the grandstand. At the tune of “Jailhouse Rock”, Elvis ran to the starting line and said he has to get up from his grave in Memphis just to be at the race. He then told Pitpit to resume the count. Elvis ran a few kilometers and went back to his hotel to fresh up. In no time he was back at the Freedom Grandstand to perform “Blue Suede Shoes,”“Hound Dog” and “Don’t be cruel.” Philip said they are planning a concert for the King during the Dinagyang Festival next January. The posh Sarabia Manor Hotel is being considered as Venue.

Notes: Don’t forgrt to register for the Animo La Salle Run set on July 10, 2011 at the Cebu International Convention Center and for the Fit and Fab 15K Run on July 17 at the Gaisano Country Mall parking lot in Banilad. Starting July 1 registration starts for the Aboitiz Race to Reduce Marathon scheduled on August 14 also at the Cebu International Convention Center. Registration venues for the 3 events are Runnr Ayala, Cebu City Sports Center, Casa Ilongga Robinsons Place ang Gaisano Country Mall.