What Jerry's up to

Four years after hanging up his sneakers in the PBA, Jerry Codiñera is still very much involved with hoops.

Codiñera, 42, played 871 games in 17 years as a pro with Purefoods, Mobiline, Talk ‘N’ Text and FedEx from 1988 to 2005, averaging 12.5 points and 8.1 rebounds. He was named to the PBA’s Mythical First Team thrice in 1993, 1994 and 1998 and collected six Achievement Awards, including 10,000 points, 2,000 offensive rebounds, 2,000 defensive rebounds and 1,000 blocked shots.

Since his retirement, Codiñera became an assistant coach with FedEx/Air21 in the PBA and Burger King in the PBL. He was also head coach of the Teletech Titans in the PBL. Today, Codiñera is an assistant coach under Aboy Castro with the UP Maroons in the UAAP and assistant coach under Allan Gregorio with the Pampanga Smart Buddies in Liga Pilipinas.

Codiñera’s wife Jean said he has also been a regular in the lecture circuit, delivering inspirational talks to varied audiences.

“Jerry’s a resource person for pharma companies like Unilab and gives talks to doctors, complete with power-point support,” she said. “The feedback is very good because Jerry is really able to reach out and establish rapport with his audience. His most recent topic was heroism through sports.”

Starting March 31, Codiñera will launch a basketball camp at the Palms Country Club in Alabang. The camp is open to boys and girls with a schedule of 9 a.m. to 12 noon on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. So far, the youngest to register is four years old and the oldest is 40.

“We’re encouraging father and son tandems,” said Jean. “We welcome Palms members and non-members alike to the camp which is open to anyone willing to learn the game from Jerry.”

By the way, the Codiñeras are blessed with four children. Kitin, 18, is a college student at Ateneo and Nikki, 17, is studying at De La Salle University. With Jerry sitting on the UP bench and two children splitting loyalties, you wonder which team Jean cheers for in the UAAP. Matisse, 11, is a varsity volleyball player who now stands 5-6 with size 11 feet. Manu, 8, is tall for his age and plays on the mosquito age-group in Alabang.

Jean, who works for the Filinvest Group, said those interested to join the Palms basketball camp may call 771-4863.

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There’s an open water marathon swimming event being organized by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) and the Philippine Amateur Swimming Association (PASA) for a good cause and more than 80 participants from all over the country will negotiate a six-kilometer route on April 18 to raise funds for the poor children of Olango Island off Mactan.

Last year, over 70 enthusiasts heeded PBSP’s call to swim five kilometers across the Hilutungan Channel from Olango to Mactan and brought in funds that were used to construct a classroom at Candagsao Elementary School in Olango. That was the first Olango Challenge.

This year, the second Olango Challenge will begin at the pier of Pacific Cebu Resort and end at the beachfront of Tambuli Beach Club. The minimum eligible age to participate is 14 years old. Registration for a “fun” swimmer is P2,000. A “fun” swimmer will be allowed to use fins and masks. The fee is P500 for current PASA, TRAP, PFF and PhilSpada members.

Antonio Aboitiz, chairman of the PBSP Visayas Regional Committee of the Olango Island Development Program, said generous supporters are pledging per kilometer contributions and some are even making friendly bets where they will double their donations for a completed swim.

“Safety is of paramount concern,” said Aboitiz. “Marshalls and safety personnel will be on land and in the water closely monitoring all swimmers. Kayakers and paddle bancas will stay close to the swimmers. Anyone who has been in the water longer than three hours will be extracted.”

Aboitiz said the first swimmers will enter the water at 1 p.m. “Swimmers will swim with a favorable current at their backs,” he added. “It will be at a depth where the swimmer will be able to see the seabed and the diverse marine life. The swim is a line of six kilometers, following the reef contour of the area.”

PBSP was organized in 1970 with 50 member companies and has now grown to 236. It is the largest non-profit foundation in the country advocating corporate social responsibility.

Deadline for registration is March 27. Entry forms are available at the PBSP Visayas Office in the PLDT Building, Juan Luna Avenue, Mabolo, Cebu City or at the PASA Office in the PhilSports Complex, Pasig. Forms may also be downloaded at http://olangochallenge.wordpress.com. For more information, call (032) 232-5270 or email [email protected].