Saving our rivers

The Pasig River Marathon was designed to help rehabilitate the murky Pasig River. There was even a 'Piso para sa Pasig River' drive some years back.  Although not completely clean, the Pasig River has shown signs of springing back to life. Here in Cebu, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry organized and staged the “Run for the Rivers” last year. The race was to increase awareness of the importance of integrated water resources. This year,  the CCCI is again holding a race. While last year was more on awareness, the run will be a fund-raising event this time to start the program that aims to improve the water quality of our rivers.  As I mentioned in previous columns, I was yanked out from semi-retirement to direct the race. With such a noble purpose, I just couldn’t say no. Proceeds of the run which will have a 3K, 5K,10K and 21K distances, will be awarded to  barangays with well-managed rivers. The other Thursday, I was at the CCCI organizational meeting with IPI’s Dennis Wong, CCCI’s Ana Cabigas and Mariel Destacamento, technical director Precing Capangpangan and Lyle Larida. The race, which is among the highlights of the Cebu Business Month, will be held at SM City Northwing parking lot on June 22.  Over 3,000  runners are expected to participate.  Entry fees are as follows:3K (Php 250 and Php 100 bib only), 10K (Php350) and 21K (Php500). Registration starts April 21 at Runnr Ayala, SM City, Casa Ilongga Robinsons Place Fuente and at the Athletics office of Cebu City Sports Center. 

Golden Age Cage Tourney

I’ve been trying to organize the Sunrisers Basketball Club 50 years and above for a long time, but just couldn’t take off.  My super busy-schedule has prevented me from doing so.  A chance, however, came lately when Jun Noel Aranez invited me to join the Golden Age Basketball Tournament set in May at Don Vicente Sotto Gym in Punta Princesa.  Last Saturday, I visited the Sunrisers team and segragated the 50-year olds.  Well, I’m glad we were able to form a  team and this include Jessie Gabatan, Celso Evangelista, George Uy, Tirso Aberia, Patrick Bullo, Bong Panares, Remy Cenita, Tata Cortes, Troy Nais, Bolgen Campomanes, Dr. Wenny Lumapas, the oldest at 70, and yours truly.  I’m sure we have a pretty competitive team.  As I write this column, I’m scheduled to go to therapy on my plantar and bone spurs problem.

Summer  League

Speaking of basketball, an over 35 years basketball competition fires off on March 19 also at the Vicente Sotto Gym Punta Princesa. Ten teams are participating including Mawins of Sherwin Lequit, AMBL of Allan Lim, IBSI  of Fritz Sollano, Blessel of Erwin Ferrer and DRAC of Carlos Taneza. Two former PBA  players Ebet Demape and Boy Regidor are playing in the league.

Notes: Birthday greetings to Councilor Lito Navarro on March 23.