After re-scheduling my trip to Tagum, Davao, I found myself back in Bacolod last Friday. I have to visit an ailing uncle Pancho Uytiepo, one of Bacolod’s famous artist and musician. Tito Pancho composed “Bacolod, Bacolod” (murag New York, New York) several years ago that became the theme of The Masskara Festival for awhile. He also composed some of Pilita Corrales’ Ilonggo songs and popularized the Ilonggo fabric “hablon”, being a fashion designer. Tito Pancho sang with the late Matt Monro when Matt came to Bacolod in the mid-60s. Tito Pancho also co-founded the Bacolod Ballet Academy with his sister Elsie Uytiepo Torrejon, a well-known ballerina. Tito Pancho was recently discharged from a hospital but is in a depression mode, her daughter Terrelyn recently passed away. To cheer him up, yours truly sang his favorite tunes “As Time Goes By”, “ Walk On By”, “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”, “Night and Day” and “All The Things You Are”. His eyes are closed but he nodded each time he hears the familiar songs. Get well, Tito Pancho! My other mission in Bacolod was to re-set our proposed PLDT-SMART Masskara 10 Miler scheduled for October 9. Although I was able to get a permit, we decided to move it to November since Globe is a presentor of the Masskara Foundation. There will also be a lot of sports activities happening. Last Sunday, the Bacolod leg of the Milo Marathon was held while a Bantay Bata Run by ABS-CBN and The Unilab Run organized by RunRio will also be staged. The Azkals are also coming to town but perhaps the most awaited event is the boxing event of Donnie Nietes on Oct 8 at the La Salle Coliseum.
Iloilo quick stop
After lingering in Bacolod for a few hours, I was off to Iloilo City in the afternoon. Like Cebu, Iloilo also caters to two races a week. The Iloilo Milo Marathon leg just completed its stint there while last Saturday afternoon, a Savannah Adventure Race was likewise held. The following day, a beauty product company staged another run at SM City. On Oct 9, Boyet Rentoy will hold the Anti-Rabies Run then on October 29, The Spooky Run at Iloilo’s newest mall, Thea Plazuela. Elvis has been invited to perform in a mini-concert right after the race since this will be held in the evening. Danny Garganera, one of Iloilo’s best pianist will be accompanying the King. Boyet and I are also plotting a route for a proposed Ultramarathon in Guimaras. Jonel Mendoza is already excited of Iloilo’s first-ever ultra. I failed to meet one-legged triathlete Rudy Fernandez in Iloilo as he was still on the road of The Tour Of Panay. Rudy covered 375 km in 12 hours, his new personnel record. That’s cycling with one leg.
Askals
The Department of Veterinary Medicine says there’s 33,000 Azkals, este... askals in Cebu City alone and these are rabid dogs. The Department also said there are so far 300 cases of dog bites a month this year and it’s only September. Ultramarathoner and veterinarian Doc Willie Estepa should run after the dogs. In Baguio City,
“Gamay ra ang iro didto”, they always end up as “ ASOZENA”, dog steak, anyone?