Remembering the dead

When this column hits the streets, I’m probably on my way to IloIlo City to visit my dear departed. Yes, this is the season of the year when we take time out on what we are doing to remember our loved ones who are gone to the Great Beyond. The following day, Prosports founder Boyet Rentoy and I leave for Bacolod City to assist race organizer Dr. Bob Ledesma manage the Mt. Patag Eco Adventure Endurance Trail Challenge, Western Visayas’ only full marathon that fires off on November 3 in Silay City.  We will also be planning our proposed Balaan Bukid Trail half marathon in Guimaras in January. I’m also finalizing the proposed Elvis concert during the Dinagyang festival also in January. This year I just can’t help remembering some of the greatest singers that left the mortal world. The list included Whitney Houston, Donna Summer, Robin Gibb and just recently, Andy Williams.

Still making money

While a lot of people are jobless, some dead celebrities are still raking millions.   According to Forbes Magazine, Elizabeth Taylor one of the world’s beautiful women surpasses pop icon Micheal Jackson as the highest-earning celebrity in the past year, with her estate recording $210 million, the bulk of the money coming from auction of her jewels, costumes, artworks that totalled $ 184 million while getting another $75 million from sales of her top selling perfume White Diamond. Taylor died last year at age 79. Jackson who died in 2009 dropped to second place with earnings of $ 145 million but is expected to regain the top spot next year due to steady revenues from music sales.  Raffy este... Elvis Presley came in third with $ 55 million. “Peanuts” cartoonist Charles Schulz was fourth with $37 million while reggae star Bob  Marley came in fifth with $ 17 million. Nobel- prize winner Albert Einstein and Marilyn Monroe tied for seventh place with each earning $10 million.  “Sa ato pa bisan patay na nag trabaho gihapon”.— HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

MEMO:  Deadline of registration for the Hardcore 100 Miles (160km) Ultramarathon will be on November 10.