Double whammy

Lighting never strikes twice at the same place. But last Sunday, it struck Ateneo two times. First to get the upset axe was UAAP  champion Ateneo Lady Eagles who bowed  to  rising National University  Lady Bulldogs in three straight sets to rule the Shakeys V-league Season Collegiate Conference.  Not even the heroics of MVP Alyssa Valdez could stop the Lady Bulldogs led by siblings Jana and DinDin Santiago and Finals MVP Myla Pablo.  Alyssa then proceeeded to  the Mall of Asia to join hundreds of Ateneans for the much-awaited Ateneo-La Salle first match-up this season.  Ateneo was of course the favorite with La Salle just coming off from a 16-point bashing from University of Sto. Tomas.  But La Salle always plays better if the opponent is Ateneo.  Down by as many as 15 points in the first half, the Archers led by Jeron Teng, Thomas Torres and Jason Perkins, clawed back and took  the lead in the last 33 seconds on Josh Torralba’s triple.  La Salle held on to win 80-76 to give the Ateneans, a double whammy.  La Sallites in Cebu were estatic with the Archers victory.  Rico Navarro who’s Ateneo Athletic director, said he has to be loyal to his Alma Mater which is  DAS-La Salle Toledo.  Animo La Salle!

No retirement

Looks like I’ll never get to retire from running of directing races.  It seems a lot of people don’t want me to leave the sports I helped develop in Cebu, not just yet.  Yes, I’ve been managing races since the mid 80s when there were only three running event  in Cebu for the whole year.  After 35 years, the wear and tear is taking its toll on my body now approaching 70 years.  In fact, I’m still in rehabilitation for bone spurs and plantar facilitis on  both of my feet, but thanks to doctors like Renald Ramiro, now current president of the Philippine Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine (PARM), who’s been treating my injuries.  Doc Ren is yanking me out of my “grave”in Memphis, Tennessee to direct a fun run during the joint congress of the 5th Asia Oceanian Conference of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (AOCPRM) and the annual convention of PARM.  It’s been  8 years ago when Doc Ren and I organized  the first Making  Ourselves Vigilant to Exercise (MOVE) 5K Run.  It was the first run to be stage in Parkmall In Mandaue City.  Of course, others folllowed.  The Congress slated early next year will be called Rehab Rhythms with the theme “Globalization of Evidence and Localization of Application in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine”. Topics to be tackled are Performing Arts Rehab, Aquatic Rehab, Neuro Rehabilitation of  Movement Disorders, Sports Conditioning Rehab, Rehabilitation Disaster Relief, Robotics and CBR.  As a treat to visiting delegates coming from Singapore, Hongkong, Malaysia and Vietnam, we will conduct a 3K run around SM City.

Did you know?

• Tiger Woods was born with the first name of  Eldrick.  “Tiger” was a nickname in honor of a South Vietnamese soldier who has fought courageously alongside  Woods’ father.

• Natalie  Gilbert, a 13-  year-old, was selected to sing the National Anthem before the 2003 NBA Playoff Game.  Partway into the song, she forgot the  lyrics.  Portland Trailblazer coach Maurice Cheeks quickly joined her on court, placed his arm around her and helped her finish the song.

• Wilt Chamberlain played 1,045 games in the NBA and never fouled out. “Puro supalpal ang kontra”.