Triathlon rising

I wanted to watch the X Terra Triathlon Championships in Liloan last Sunday, but a slight fever kept me at home. Well, I’m just happy for the sport as we started it here in Cebu in 1997 with the Everyman National Triathlon organized by Gatorade/Quaker Asia through Nino Sinco and which I had the honor to direct. In that same year, Hong Kong-based Chris Hansellman made me his local counterpart for the Timex International Triathlon held in Shangrila Resorts in Mactan. It will go down in triathlon history as one of the biggest event that drew over 20 world class triathletes including then world champion Jackie Gallagher and Scott Molina. Soon-to-be Olympians Belinda Cheney of Australia and Speedo pin-up girl Gina Derks. The locals included Abet Alon-Alon, George Vilog, Alvin Alindogan and a first timer Leo Oracion who would become the first Filipino to reach the Summit of Mt. Everest. I also remember a young Noy Jopson and oh yes, Fred Uytengsu and David Charlton of David’s Salon. On August 5, we will rekindle memories of the triathlon when 70.3 Cobra Ironman Triathlon fires off at same venue, the Shangrila Resort Hotel in Mactan.

Running   Ordinance

Did you know that the running ordinance regulating running events is already in effect in Cebu City? Ordinance no. 2309 also known as “Footrace and Fun Run Ordinance of the City of Cebu.” Authored by Councilor Edgar Labella, is seen to finally end the chaotic conduct of road races in Cebu City which sometimes total three in a day. One of the more popular provisions is Sec. 8.4 which states “Not more than (1) foot race, fun run or other similar special event shall be issued a permit for any single day,” Fees are also increased , for a 10km or shorter, it’s Php 7,000, longer than ten(10)km but shorter than twenty one (21)km Php 10,000 and 21km   over, Php 15,000. I will write on the other regulations like penalties next time. Oh yes, with this ordinance, fly-by-night organizers will be discouraged. Violations of this ordinance could land a scheming organizer in jail or a fine not exceeding Php5,000 or both. So, if an organizer has evil intentions, he will have to think twice. 

Dishonest Cabbie

A few days ago, I dropped my mobile phone as I was getting out of a taxi cab (it was a Hyundai) but I fail to remember the cab’s body and plate number. It took me 10 minutes to find out that my phone was missing. I called my cp immediately but “no answer,” meaning that cab driver must have taken out my sim card immediately. Funny we have reports of cabbies returning millions of pesos and jewelries left in their units but this guy “ gidaginot ang akong ilalabay na phone.” A friend said “Maayo unta ma hold up to siya ug gulgulan ug li-og” while another said “Maayo unta mahulog to sa Manipis.” But i told them Don’t Be Cruel naay Carmi esteee...karma

Leyte Landing

As, you read this column I’ll be landing, Leyte, no not with Gen Douglas MacArthur though, he landed years ago. I’ll be in Maasin City to check a proposed business outlet in a new mall there. Then I’ll proceed to Tacloban City to look at a proposed run by the diocese of Palo that will be celebrating its 75th Anniversary. “My kababayan” Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma used to be assigned there. I’m hoping to make the San Juanico Bridge part of the route. My last stop will be Ormoc City for a proposed Elvis concert there. 

Coast To   Coast Ultramarathon

Registration to the April 29 Coast to Coast 65k Ultramarathon is still ongoing at Runnr Ayala Center. Frontrunner Magazine’s Jonel Mendoza said about 20 participants from Manila are already confirmed while Cebu has 21 registered runners. The race starts at 4:00am at the Cebu Provincial Capitol while finishing at the Old Toledo City Hall. Mayor Rudy Espinosa has thrown his full support.