March 2009 – Cebu Sports Blog by John Pages

Cebu Marathon 2010

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It’s all set and running! Scheduled during the nice-sounding date of 01-10-10—that’s Jan. 10, 2010—is a grand event that’s long-time coming: THE CEBU MARATHON. By “marathon,” I mean the full 42 kms. (For some, any run, even a 5K Fun Run, is, at times, called a marathon.) Why the early announcement? Because covering 42,195 meters by foot is laborious, effortful and takes time. Organized by the Cebu Executive Runners Club headed by president Jesse Taborada, this is a spectacle that runners ought to join.

Nimrod Quiñones

Congratulations to one of my closest friends in sports: Nimrod Lebumfacil Quiñones. The Managing Editor of The Freeman, Nimrod’s heart, bloodline and brain cells are all wired to utter one word, “sports.”

Last week, NLQ celebrated his 20th year in sports-writing, a feat that nobody in Cebu can surpass—and very few, I’m sure, nationwide, can match. In our Sportswriters Association of Cebu (SAC) Yahoo e-groups two days ago, Nimrod was deluged with congratulatory emails from his fellow writers. The reason? Almost all of us can trace our beginnings to Nimrod.

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Nimrod (with camera) with Ed Hayco, Marian Baring and Goldie Lebumfacil

Tonio Aboitiz asks: Swim 6.4 kms.

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Mention the name “Marathon” and what definition comes to mind? Long-distance road-running that stretches as far as 42 kms., right? Right. Well, there’s another type of marathon that you probably haven’t heard of. This time, it’s not on the asphalted road—but on this vast God-given resource that occupies 71 percent of the earth’s surface: Water.

“Open sea marathon” is its name and, in our country of 7,107 islands, it’s the only event that exists—and it’s right here in Cebu.

Jose Antonio Aboitiz, a member of Cebu’s most respected business family, started this project last year. The 2nd Olango Challenge, it’s called, and yes, at first thought, it’s an intimidating mission: to swim, amidst the open waters along Mactan, the distance of 6,400 meters.

Why? How? A preview of April 18? Watch these videos

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxCO6ga417w&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

Part 1

Visit the Official Website

Visit the official website here.

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Mike Limpag’s column

Another excellent piece from Sun.Star Cebu sports editor Mike Limpag yesterday. To read his full column entitled, “Parents vs. DepEd,” click here.

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Whitewater Rafting: 12 tips to enjoy the trek

Summer of two years ago, Jasmin, Jana and I hopped to Cagayan de Oro and rode the one sport where you paddle, swim, walk under a cave, brave the turbulent waters and, after five hot and wet hours, emerge all-smiling. It was an excursion to remember; an adventure to thrill your memories. Here are 12 suggestions for those planning the CDO junket….

From left: Ronnie Medalle, John Pages, Jingle Polotan, Jana Pages, Santi Medalle, Jasmin Pages, Jourdan Polotan and Stephanie Medalle

1. Relax. When you first board the red inflatable raft and stare ahead at the winding river littered with boulders and strong current, you feel intimidated. You’re anxious. Jittery. In my case, bringing along my eight-year-old daughter was a risk. Is the ride safe? For children? Yes. Choosing, the Level 1 (beginner’s) rapids, the family enjoyed. Again, the word to remember: Relax.

White-Water Rafting in CDO

Here’s a good choice for a summer vacation…..

For four hours with friends and family, it’s the perfect way to bond. If you want your mind nervous and your heart pumping 170 beats per 60 seconds, traverse through its winding, rough waters. Searching for an experience this April and May that you won’t forget in 25 years? Hop on that inflatable raft, paddle, and ride this roller-coaster that’s named the most popular tourist attraction in Cagayan De Oro City.

White-Water Rafting, it’s called and, among our 7,107 islands, the best spot to try this adventure is in CDO. From Cebu, you take the 8 p.m. boat, close your eyes and, when you awake at 5 a.m., you’ve docked. Or, with Cebu Pacific offering P88 flights, that’s an even quicker way to land in one of Mindanao’s most progressive cities.

Carmen Triathlon: Tiptoe, swim, pedal, run

Three Sundays ago, when I enumerated my shortlist of Cebuanos whom I respect the most in sports, I failed to include one name: Oscar “Boying” Rodriguez. The chairman of the Danao City Sports Commission, Boying is one of this island’s most recognizable youthful faces. Mountain-biking? Running? Cycling? Triathlon? Check, check, check… Mr. Rodriguez has nourished all these.

Two days ago, Boying was back in vigorous action. With the assistance of the Municipality of Carmen and the newly-activated group called SugbuTriathlon, he organized the 300-meter swim, 15K bike and 3K run contest named the Carmen Mini-Triathlon.

I joined. So did 24 others. Jonathan Guardo, a veteran of four Tris, participated. So did Sambag I barangay captain Jerry Guardo and Tinago councilor Joel Garganera—both first-timers. The seasoned triathletes were in full gear at the Carmen Breeze Resort: RJ Balbuena (who biked to and from Cebu City), Eugene Sanchez, Ralph Arce, Franz Baguio, Anton Regis, Freddy-Boy Veloso…

Going Bananas Over Bananas

Published in Feb. 28 of last year, here’s an article (and fruit) that all should consume…

Each morning for breakfast after I consume a cup of coffee and devour a bowl-full of cereal, I peel open fruits that are delicious, quick to digest, inexpensive.

Bananas. Are they good for us? For those who exercise? For athletes? I pose these questions because haven’t we all seen Lance Armstrong, midway through one of his Tour de France victories, snacking on a banana? Or Rafael Nadal, in between winning sets at the French Open, feasting on this yellow fruit?

I found the answers when an article, sent by Bobby Villareal, landed in my E-mail Inbox entitled, “A Banana A Day Keeps The Doctor Away.” A Banana A Day Keeps The Doctor Away? Wait, wait. Isn’t that supposed to be “an apple a day…?”