Go Philippines!

I was hoping to see a better start for the Philippines in their Davis Cup tie against Chinese-Tapei yesterday, but Cecil Mamiit could not follow on after a first set win.

Mamiit lost to Chinese-Taipei’s Chen Ti, 7-6, 2-6, 6-7, 3-6.

I was told that Treat Condrad Huey disposed of his opponent in three straight sets in the other singles match to tie the count at 1-all.

Six months ago, the Philippines lost a heart breaker to Japan in the same court, I am hoping for a much better result this time.

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This time there were not too many people when the action started in the morning, but I am sure that the fans will be trooping to the venue today and tomorrow to cheer for the Philippine team.

One obvious reason why there were not that many people yesterday is that most people have work and unless you are like us, whose work is covering sports events, you might not get the permission of your boss to be there.

The tickets are much cheaper this time and there are free shuttle buses that would take you to Plantation Bay Resort and Spa from Ayala Center Cebu.

The same buses would also take you back to Ayala at the end of the day.

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One thing that endears you to Plantation Bay is the warm welcome of its staff, which even the players of Chinese-Taipei noted during the draw the other day.

GM Efren Belarmino, my favorite general (manager) in Mactan, and his staff were there to welcome the people who came. 

Although I don’t really get to visit the resort as often, it feels like home thanks to familiar faces like their CFO Javy Quintos, Mae Benn Menodiado, and Hannah Patalinjug, who were among those who welcomed the people at the entrance to the resort’s international-standard clay court.

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There is still much to be done to make Lapu-Lapu City an even better venue for sports tourism events, but with the repair work being done of the roads and the growing awareness of the residents, the future looks bright.

I had a brief talk with Councilor Harry Radaza yesterday and he enumerated several sports events lined up for the rest of the year in their city.

I still have to check out the Hoopsdome and see for myself this fully-air conditioned venue that Harry has been mentioning as venue for boxing events and a PBA game later this year.

I hope that they can also talk with the officials of the Cebu Pistol and Rifle Association (CPRA), which held what was probably the biggest international sporting event in Lapu-Lapu City – the World Shoot in 1999.

The range is ready for big international events. If the city government will throw in its support, something good can really happen.

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MILESTONES: Happy birthday to Dr. Raul Trasmonte, who is turning a year older today. The same goes to Fr. Jun Paradiang, Camille Villareal, Gwendolyn Pulmano-Silverio, Babette Escario, Pamela ‘Palak’ Eugenio, Jodybon Largo, and two members of PMA class ’88 Joyet Equivel and Renato Salvaleon.

Advance greetings go to Arlene Aguilos-Rasmussen, Chona Colina-Mendoza, Carlicena Cavada-Tan, and Cavaliers Bob Bacarro and Serge Sarno, who are celebrating tomorrow.

More power to all of you!