Taking care of the fans

Organizers are going to make it more comfortable for the fans, who will be watching the Davis Cup tie between the Philippines and Chinese-Taipei.

I received email yesterday from John Pages, who is one of the people responsible for bringing such event to Cebu, informing me of some improvements that our friends from Plantation Bay Resort and Spa have introduced to the bleachers to make watching the matches more enjoyable.

There are nets that are used as diffusers to help provide shade. On top of that, if you think going to the resort is a long drive and you don’t want to take your car, then you can take the free shuttle bus service from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at the Ayala Center.

In the afternoon, the buses will also take you back to Ayala Center when the matches end.

The first match on Friday starts at 10 a.m., but it is advised that you go there earlier to avoid the queues and to find yourself a good spot.

As I wrote in yesterday’s column, our hometown advantage will only be there if we have the support of the fans.

I know that the Taiwanese, who are now residing in Cebu, would also be going there.

* * *

Despite the improvements on the bleachers, I would still like to remind those who are watching the Davis Cup games to bring sunscreen, hats, and shades. Bringing of umbrellas is discouraged as you will block the view of those behind you.

Also, if you were not around during the tie with Japan last March, you have to know that you cannot just move around while the ball is in play.

Loud noise is also discouraged while the ball is in play, but you can cheer to your heart’s delight when a point is scored.

There would also be people stationed to tell you when to enter and leave the bleachers. 

One thing good about international events is that fans get to learn a lot about being such also.

Let us all enjoy the Davis Cup games.

* * *

The suspension of Juvic Pagunsan from the remaining tournament of the Philippine Golf Tour must have been coming for him after several brushes with the officials.

I am personally saddened by this development as I know Juvic to be a different person. Last year, during the PAL Interclub in Bacolod, he even offered to drive me to my hotel after a dinner with players of Alta Vista Golf and Country Club.

I’ve known Juvic since he was an amateur and often see him with my friends, who are also his friends during events and gatherings.

I first refused to believe that he reportedly pulled out of the Aboitiz Invitational because he was slighted when told he needed to register his personal caddie.

I hope the Juvic I know would be back after he gets over this rough part of his pro career. There are many lessons to be learned and one of them is humility.

* * *

MILESTONES:

Happy birthday greetings go to our editor-in-chief Jerry Tundag, John Pastrana, Ann Ortiz-Rodriguez, Mitzi Joyce Caña-Joaquin, Gennick Generoso, Vincent Joel Gagno, and Marcie Abesamis.

Advance greetings go to tomorrow’s birthday celebrants like my mistah Romel Empedrad, LtJG Archie Grapa, Dr. Arcelin Lomanta-Piramide, and Jed Calomarde.

More power to all of you!