Eloise

I was in Manila for the Elvis Presely International Friendship Club anniversary which was held in QuatroResto Bar in Timog Avenue. Quezon City.  Club president Douglas Masuda Elvis of Japan and father of world jujitsu Maybeline Masuda, told me I’ll be one of the performers.  But on the eve of our scheduled event, a call came from my brother, Dr. Jun Uytiepo informing me that our sister Eloise lost her battle with uterine  cancer in New York City.  I was so down I didn’t go to the affair.  She was diagnosed of the Big C in November last year,  but she didn’t give up too easily.  Since my brother was a doctor at North Bronx Central Hospital, Eloise was given the best treatment, even being administered with the newest drug called keytruda, that attacks only the bad cells and not the good ones which are affected during chemotherapy treatment.  Keytruda costs a whooping $12,000 per shot. Eloise was lucky she was under the care of New York City government which provided the medicines and even home care.  I was in New York City the first week of February to visit Eloise who was still able to walk around despite her condition but the KeytrudaImuno- therapy didn’t work, as cancer cells already spread to her lungs. Since it was winter, I was happy the bad weather kept me indoors, giving me enough quality time to be with my sister Eloise.  She was cremated last Saturday and will be coming home to Philippines in a few months.  She will be buried alongside our mother in IloIlo City.  Eloise… Rest in Peace, ”Hasta La Vista”.

Warriors versus bulls

There’s a great debate in the US as which team is the best,if  they were to play against each other today.  The current NBA defending champion Golden State Warriors looked invincible at the moment, what with a 6’10 small forward Kevin  Durant who would  make life miserable for Phil Jackson.  Klay Thompson and Draymond Green could slow down Michael Jordan.  Of course Stephen Curry is the Warriors most lethal weapon.  But wait a minute, it’s not only Jordan that the Dubs have to worry about.  The Bulls have an oversized small forward in Scottie Pippen who has size, speed and athleticism to slowdown Durant. Another defensive demon is Dennis Rodman, an NBA rebounding champion too, who could swat shots.  On offense, the Bulls could look forward to 6’10 Toni Kukoc who could rain treys just like the Splash Brothers.  But of course, it all boils down to Michael Jordan who played in six NBA finals and won them all,and was named MVP each time. When the Warriors set the NBA record with 73 wins, they broke the mark held by the Bulls, but theWarriors lost to the Cavs.  And one funny thing is Draymond Green was in grade school where Jordan was collecting his championship rings.  So folks!  Take your pick!Maybe we should ask Steve Kerr.

Did you know?

HAKEEM OLAJUWON came to the United States from Nigeria when he was 17 years old.  Remarkably,Olajuwon who would become on NBA superstar, had not played basketball until he was 16.  In just a few years, he was the star of the University of Houston and led the Houston Rockets became NBA champions.

CHRIS PAUL was among the celebrities who answered phones during the Hand in Hand  telethon raising $44 million  for the victims of hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Paul personally donated $50,000