[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Z7fOtwWUes&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]
Category: Tennis
Dodong and Eddie: Cebu’s Top Doubles Tandem
The 14th Gullas Tennis Cup has started. Vis-Min’s preeminent junior event where 200 children swat volleys and smash lobs, it is the brainchild of one family. Below was the article I wrote 24 months ago. With some updates, here’s their story…
Name me one family in Cebu who is a) Multi-millionaire rich; b) Famous; c) Respected for 100 years; d) Powerful; and—despite all the “Rich and Famous” trappings—have remained e) Humble.
The six-letter answer? Visit the Cebu Country Club courts today and you’ll see hundreds of boys and girls wearing T-shirts with one name printed on the chest: GULLAS.
With Cardinal Vidal, the Gullas family: Jackee Gullas Weckman, Cong. Eddie, Jiji, Didi and Dodong Gullas
Rafa is smashing, Roger’s at break point
What’s with Mr. Federer? Almost unbeatable from 2003 until last year, he amassed ATP victory after tournament win after Grand Slam trophy (13 in all). During that span, the entire tennis world declared the Swiss Master—tennis’ version of a glittering Rolex watch—as “The Greatest.”
Then. Now, I’m doubtful. Consider what happened last Saturday. Against the world’s 3rd-ranked player, Novak Djokovic, the newly-married Roger lost. That’s fine. Every so often, even Tiger Woods misses a three-foot putt and LeBron James misfires on an open free-throw. My shock had to do with how Roger lost.
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The Lesson I Learned From RP’s Top Tennis Guru
Summer of 2007, I wrote the article below about BUTCH BACANI. One of the country’s top tennis coaches, he’ll be back in Cebu from April 27 to May 15. To learn more about his program, call Ging-Ging (office hours) at 416-1122 local 100. The Butch Bacani/Smart Tennis Camp (to be held at the Casino Español and Cebu Country Club) is offered FOR FREE.
The two words “Butch Bacani” stand for one of the most recognized and respected coaches in Philippine tennis. Felix Barrientos? Remember him? Sure, Coach Butch mentored him. Jennifer Saberon, the Wimbledon qualifier? Sure. PJ Tierro, today’s No.1 netter who represents us in Davis Cup? Another student of the Bacani Camp. In the last 30 years since Coach Butch Bacani has taught tennis, rarely has a top-notch netter not passed through his coaching.
Roger Federer lost a fourth straight time to Andy Murray?
Sizzling summer awaits Casino Español
They own two Roland Garros-looking tennis rectangles. There’s a full-length basketball court. There are six world-class bowling lanes. Badminton? Recently renovated where layers of wood and rubber were glued underneath to soften the bounce, the two Taraflex badminton courts may be this city’s top facility. Billiards? Two tables await. Poker? Mahjong? Other games where you sit down, chat, order a glass of Dondi Joseph’s wine, socialize? They’re available. If your sport is the sport of fishes, the Casino Español de Cebu’s swimming pool, swarmed with palm trees amidst the cluster of Spanish architecture, is picturesque.
In R and R final, the champ is Mr. Relentless
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Has there ever been an athlete as untiring and inexhaustible?
Finishing his semi-final against Fernando Verdasco in 5 hours, 14 minutes, he’s only allowed one day’s rest before beating Roger Federer in 4 hours, 22 minutes. In total, that’s 24 minutes shy of 10 hours of scampering for drop-shots, leaping for overheads, pouncing for volleys, swiveling from left to right for backhands…
Has there ever been a man wearing tennis shoes as unflagging and indefatigable?
While everyone, including Star Sports announcers Vijay and Allan, concluded that he’d be wearied and debilitated last Sunday—the opposite happened: the Spaniard was perky, hyper, vigorous. He was a Spanish ball of fire who, amidst the warm Melbourne air, burned and melted the cool Swiss Alps.
Rafa? Roger? Cebuanos take their pick…
Bobby Aboitiz: Tough one, John… Federer’s control and methodical and reliable play vs. Nadal’s brilliant moments and passion… Its like Germany vs. Brazil in a soccer World Cup final… Stats would favor Federer, but my heart is with Nadal.
Steve Benitez: My pick is Roger. He has worked hard to gain back his form and confidence after going through a humbling experience of setbacks. He is now more driven to prove that, indeed, he is the best ever, and he needs this win to prove that.
Fabby Borromeo: I want Rafa to win but the odds favor Roger after Rafa’s 5-set semis match that must have drained him. I also think they should schedule both the men’s semis on Thursday cause it’s unfair to the winning player of the 2nd semis. Vamos, Rafa!
Fr. Joy Danao: I’ll go for Rafa cause he’s hungrier and he has improved his game vs. Roger; though he humbly respects the master magician and his enormous talent. Go, Rafa!
MCWD executives watch the Australian Open
Noel Dalena, Wawa Teñedo, GM Mandy Paredes, Ernie Delco and Mike Balazo
Ernie Delco is one of the highest-ranking officials of the company that provides you, me and 700,000 Cebuanos with a resource that, without which, we will die in a few days’ time: Water.
Metropolitan Cebu Water District, or the MCWD, as we all know it, is the water utility firm and Mr. Delco is the Assistant General Manager for Operations. Last week, an amazing experience Ernie went through….
Ernie Delco’s photos at the Australian Open
Ernie Delco beside the figure of one of the greatest tennis players of all time, Rod Laver