Allow me to brag for today and announce that, just now, I’ve joined the Top 10 runners with the most mileage among the Nike Plus users. This goes for the whole Philippines. In my 30 to 39 age-group bracket, I’m No.3 (below). Since I started uploading my runs last August 12, 2007 (or roughly five months ago), I’ve ran a total of 855.57 kms. On to the next goal of 1,000 kms. before we run 42 kms. at the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon on Feb. 17.
One Cebu….. One Beat
I can’t play the drums. Piano? Ha-ha. Back in high school, my mom enrolled me at Reyco, the famous music school near Junquera, and I lasted exactly TWO sessions. The guitar? Can I strum the guitar? Oh my. The only strumming I know is singing the “Killing Me Softly” song… strumming my pain with his fingers. Did I say “singing?” Don’t laugh but every time I sing, my nine-year-old daughter Jana covers her ears while my wife Jasmin asks, “Are you, uhm, reciting a poem?”
Seriously. I have ZERO musical talent. Same with my dad. And my mom. And my grandparents. My ancestors? I’m sure we’re all the same blood. The lone family member who has music bouncing in his veins?
Race Organizers
From left: John Pages, Meyrick and Perl Jacalan, Jon Consunji, Dr. Renald Ramiro, Joel Juarez, Joey Santos, Precing Capampangan, Serge Amora, Jesse Taborada and (kneeling down) Raffy Uytiepo
Race Day: Mizuno-Shell Sinulog Half-Marathon
Dr. Renald Ramiro with the winner of the “Best in Costume” award
At six in the morning today (Jan. 19), Vice Mayor Michael Rama fired the starting gun as hundreds of participants pounded the cemented roads of the Asiatown I.T. Park. In the end, after the 5-K and 21-K runners had finished, it was a huge success. Here’s part of the story written by Sun.Star Cebu’s Norvie Misa (click here to read the full story)…
SCOOP Forum
Seated (from left): Raffy Uytiepo, Joey Santos, Bobby Inoferio, Jess Taborada, John Pages and Joe Deresas; (standing) Mendel Lopez, Liezl Geteruelas, Raffy Osumo
Last Thursday (Jan. 17) at 12 noon, I attended the final Press-Conference for the Mizuno-Shell Sinulog Marathon at the Olympic Ballroom of Baseline Restaurant. Presided by arguably the wittiest and funniest man in Cebu, Bobby Inoferio, it was all running-talk at the SCOOP Forum. With me were Jess Taborada (President, Cebu Executive Runners Club), Raffy Uytiepo (Race Director), Joe Deresas (Technical Director), Joey Santos (PATAFA representative), Dr. Renald Ramiro, and several of Cebu’s top runners (including Liezl Geteruelas, Merlita Arias, Madeline Carter and top male runner Mendel Lopez). It’s all “Ready, Set… and Go!” for this Saturday.
5-K Run? The 21-K Half-Marathon? Go For It!
If you own a pair of running shoes, can lift one leg in front of the other and move from Point A to Z; if you love to sweat and know that while your heart is pumping 155 beats per 60 seconds then you’re getting healthier; and, best of all, if you want to join in a Sinulog activity this busy weekend—then I suggest you join me and hundreds of others this Saturday. The Sto. Niño procession? No, that’s on Saturday afternoon. The Sinulog Grand Parade? That’s on Sunday.
At 6 a.m. this Saturday—just two days from now—it’s a sports event that’s touted as one of Cebu’s biggest running spectacles this 2008: The Mizuno-Shell Sinulog Half-Marathon.
Organized by the Cebu Executive Runners Club (CERC) and ASAP (Advertising Services And Promotions), the Sinulog Half-Marathon offers two options for all: a 5-K Run and the 21-K Half-Marathon. The start and finish will be at the Asiatown I.T. Park and participants are asked to be there by 5:30 a.m.
The Route
Where To Register?
Registration is on-going at five locations: the Cebu City Sports Center (near the entrance gate), Mizuno Shop (SM City-Cebu), the Holiday Gym & Spa in Banilad, Sug-Angan Restaurant (along J. Llorente St.), and the Mint Sports Shop at the BTC.
Fees? They’re reasonable: For students, only P95; for the 5-K runners, P150; and for the half-marathon, it’s P250. Deadline? We highly suggest you register today (Thursday).
If you have further questions, you can call the two top officials running this event: Jesse Taborada (president of CERC) at 254-8096 or 0917-5251259, or Meyrick Jacalan (owner of ASAP Advertising) at 232-8518 or 19. See you!
From Russia With Lob
Maria Yuryevna Sharapova was born poor. In 1986, her parents fled their Russian hometown when the Chernobyl nuclear disaster struck. When she and her father, Yuri, flew to America in March of 1996, they brought with them only $700—borrowed from Maria’s grandparents. Worse, both Sharapovas spoke no English.
In their own version of “In Pursuit of Happyness,” Yuri knocked on the Nick Bolletieri Tennis Academy in Florida hoping to enroll his daughter. Unfortunately, said the coaches, “Yes, she’s good but, sorry, sir, she’s too young for a full-time scholarship.” That didn’t stop dad Yuri: he worked odd jobs and taught Maria in public tennis courts. Soon, Maria grew taller and was accepted inside Bolletieri. The rest, as the saying goes, is her-story…
Maria, aged 17, goes on a fairy-tale London ride and wins the 2004 Wimbledon. Two years later, she captures the 2006 U.S. Open and soon after becomes the no.1 women’s player on earth.
Maria in Sports Illustrated
Here are three (3) photos of Ms. Sharapova from the Swimsuit Edition of Sports Illustrated (2006). Pictures taken by Walter Iooss Jr. The full website (and all the 22 photos) can be accessed here.
