Runners reunion

In a previous column, I mentioned our proposed reunion of Cebu’s former track and field athletes including marathon and ultra runners.  I was even  thinking of giving  special citations to  those who brought some honor to Cebu like 1977 Milo Marathon champion Eking Baisac and Asian Games veteran Marcela Bangot.  Well, It’s sooner than expected as former junior national record  holder in the 400 meters, Al Salomon told me there’s a reunion dinner set on Dec 19 at the Filipino Restaurant in Fuente Osmeña.  Yes folks, we are calling on former athletics veterans like Ireneo Illut, Bert Banzon, Ruth Banzon, Ronilda Rodriguez, Merlita Arias, Boy Catulong, Precing Capangpangan, Roselle and Rosal Paculaba, Tirso Pamaybay, Minda Berro, Mendrica Bismanos, Babette Capangpangan, Lyle Larida and of course, Mary Joy Tabal, the current Milo Marathon queen. If we could raise some funds we will give plaques  to the veterans.  Sad to say some are not around anymore like Macoy Pelare, while some are sick, like former Pilipinas International Marathon first Filipino finisher, Arturo Angel who is stricken with diabetes.  Anyway, this meeting will be a step to organizing a Cebu Masters Athletics Association.  For more details please call Al Salomon at 09153542324.

Christmas with Elvisaya

We are excited with our  coming  Christmas show at Robinsons Fuente on December 20.  This  will  be the fourth year that Elvisaya and friends perform at the mall’s Activity Center, together with Jhun Villahermosa, the Frank Sinatra of Cebu and Amie Filomeno,former Aliw Awardee and host of Handurawan (CCTV channel 47).   But the new addition to the show is sure to delight the crowd and that is the presentation of the 20-man Lourdes Parish  Rondalla.  If plans don’t miscarry, the rodalla will back up Elvisaya on “Its Now Or Never” and “Can’t Help Fallling In Love.”  According  to Fr. Gino Godinez, DBYC youth director, the rondalla will perform mostly Christmas carols.  Robinsons Fuente marketing officer, Irish Jane, said also guesting are the winners of this year’s Campus Idol.  Sam Costanilla  will again host the show.  Elvisaya said we might even have Max Surban to sing a novelty song.

Did you know?

TV  Western star Chuck Conners, is only one of 12 American athletes who professionally played both basketball (for the Boston Celtics) and baseball (for the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers).  Chuck was the first professional basketball player to shatter a backboard while playing for the Celtics.  He negotiated and nailed down contaracts for holdout pitchers Don Drysdale and Sandy Koufax.  During a party hosted by President Richard Nixon for Soviet premier Leonid Brezhnev, Connors gave Brezhnev a pair of Colt Revolvers.  Impressed greatly, The Soviet leader allowed the show “Rifleman” to be broadcasted in the Soviet Union.

Cowboy stars were real heroes did you know that?

•  James  Arness earned  Purple Heart and Bronze Star medals during  World War II.  He was wounded in the leg during the Battle of Anzio in Italy.

• Eddie  Albert was also wounded during the 1943 Tarawa landing in the Pacific.  He earned the Bronze Star for rescuing wounded and stranded Marines.

• Gene Autry  the singer Cowboy fought in Europe as flight officer for the Air Transport Command.

• Steve  Mc Queen a race  car driver, served with the Marines. Clint  Eastwood served as  an Army swimming instructor.  Chuck Norris was with the US Air Force and served in Korea, same with James Garner, who recieved a Purple Heart after being wounded.  Other Western stars who served with the military, were Chuck Connors (Army Infantry) who was an instructor of tank warfare at Westpoint.   Jay Silverheels (The original Tonto) Clint Walker (Cheyenne) and Lee Marvin (Cat Balou) all went to battle during World War II.  William Holden was a Lieutenant.