Tito Roger Federer

My niece Julia recently tied the knot in civil ceremonies with Wence Federer in Switzerland. Wence is tennis champion Roger Federer’s nephew.  The couple will have a church wedding in Vancouver, Canada next year. My sister BingBing, the bride’s mother, is inviting me to be one of the sponsors. This early my brother, Joey who is a tennis buff and based in Orange County, California told Julia to ask a “Bisan iglalabay na tennis racket ni Roger pero iyang pirmahan usa”.

Asian Masters

I really felt bad skipping the 18th Asian Masters Championship held in Kitakami City, Japan.  You see, I have to direct the Spirit of WIPRO Run on the same week, while performing as Elvis in the awarding ceremonies.  Anyway, the Philippine team, which fielded 20 participants, carted away with 3 gold medals courtesy of Danny Fresnido (40-48 age group), who also broke the Asian record in  the javelin throw. Veteran Linda Lavindia won the gold in javelin in the 60-64 age category while Emerson Obiena annexed another gold in the pole vault (45-49 category). Elma Muros suffered an injury in her first attempt in the  long jump and had to quit.  John Lozada, Julio Bayaban, Emerson Obiena and Edward Kho won the silver medal in the  4x400 while Vicky Calma, Elen Punelas, Salve Bayaban and Jeanette Obiena  settled for the silver in the 4x100 meter relay.  Dennis Scott also made an impressive performance in the steeple chase.  The 19th edition of the event will be staged in Singapore in 2016.

Tacloban Rising

Just like the legendary phoenix, Tacloban City, ravaged by the world’s strongest typhoon Yolanda, is fast recovering from the catastrophe.  I was in the city for a one day visit to ink a contract at SM.  Robinsons Mall, which re-opened in June 28, continue to pack people during weekends.  I could hardly find a seat at the food court after lining for my food.  Sports is also peaking, there was a 10K run last Sunday but a lot of the runners here are looking forward to a full marathon on October 26 which is sponsored by the provincial government.

Hilas Pilipinas

After the Gilas Pilipinas got ousted from a podium finish in the 17th Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, a dissappointed fan said we better change the team’s name from Gilas to “ Hilas” I dont know what happened but it seemed the team has lost its killer instinct.  Coach Chot Reyes said it’s all up to management if they want to chop his head.  “Naa koy sundang.”

New Marathon Record

Berlin is indeed one place a runner could set a world record.  So last Sunday, Dennis  Limetto of  Kenya set a new marathon world record by clocking 2 hours, 2 minutes and 57 seconds in the 41st Berlin Marathon. Kimetto broke compatriot’s Wilson Kipsang’s record of 2:03:23 which he set also in Berlin last year.  Still another Kenyan, Emmanuel Muta..este Mutai, a former record holder finished second in 2:03:13.  Will the Kenyans ever break the 2:00 hour barrier? Nothing is impossible.