David Bunevacz jailed

Former athlete and showbiz personality David Bunevacz could face up to 40 years in prison for scamming investors in the United States. The district court said Bunevacz pleaded guilty to the criminal charges for scamming investors of over $32 million for a canavis vape business. The 53-year old Bunevacz  has been in custody  since his arrest on April 4. He was a student-athlete at UCLA who earned a degree in Business Management specializing in Sociology. In 1993, Philippine Track and Field Association (PATAFA) recruited the 6’4”,220 lbs. Bunevacz whose mother Filomena Ismael hailed from La Union. He represented the country in the 1997 SEA Games and won a silver medal in the Javelin.  He eventually was awarded the gold when the winner was disqualified for failing a drug test. He entered showbiz in 2001, teaming with Andrew E. and Janno Gibbs in the movie Tusong Twosome.  He had love affair with Anjanette Abayari but married Jessica Rodriguez in December 2007.  He got into a business scandal and three years later got into another controversy in Seattle in October 1999.  Abayari was detained in Guam for procession of illegal drugs (shabu), but claimed it was not hers.  She said Bunevacz duped her.  In April this year, Bunevacz was arrested in the US for defrauding investors. He spent the money to fund his lavish lifestyle, Vegas casinos, buying horses and throwing parties. Last February, Abayari was back in the Philippines for a reunion in Iloilo (yes she’s Ilongga).  Abayari, who played “Darna” in 1994, said Bunevacz sold her properties, car, Rolex watch and condo without her knowledge. In 1991, Abayari won the Bb. Pilipinas Universe, but was removed due to citizenship issues. I met Bunevacz several times at the Rizal Stadium and also Abayari, who’s father the late Ed, also known as Edvis, was an Elvis tribute artist like me. Her mother hailed from Dumangas, Iloilo.

Hasta La Vista Tonee

The tears just won't stop falling. Barely had I wiped out the tears for dear departed friend, Lydia De Vega, here comes another friend gone too soon. I first met Tonee Despojo in 1987 when I was just contributing articles to the sports page. Tonee was then a cartoonist who later became the paper’s photo journalist.  He later moved to Cebu Daily News in 1998 until it went digital in 2018.  He was hired by the Cebu Provincial government as chief photographer.  Tonee died the other day at age 60.  Hasta La Vista Ton.  Rest In Peace.