Cebu Sports Blog by John Pages

Can Huey treat us to an Aussie win?

Treat Huey is Pinoy. His mother, a consultant of the United Nations, is Manina San Pedro-Huey. If you’re a tennis fan and watched one of the five Davis Cup ties held at the Plantation Bay Resort and Spa (thrice in 2013 and twice in 2011), then you must have seen Mr. Huey.

Here’s some good news: Treat (pronounced “Tret”) is in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open. With partner Dominic Inglot, they defeated the seventh seeds (Bopanna/Qureshi) in the Men’s Doubles 4th round. Even better good news? Their next opponents are not the Bryan twins, Bob and Mike.

Huey and Inglot were en route to face the Bryans but, just yesterday, the American twins lost. It was their earliest exit in 11 years. Hurray! While I’m a fan of the Bryans, I’m a bigger fan of Treat. Here’s hoping that they broadcast their next match(es) on TV and that the Pinoy-British duo win three more matches to hoist that Aus-Open trophy.

On the Singles category, the twin shockers were Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova both losing. She had been dubbed Serena The Unbeatable. But against Ana Ivanovic, she became Serena The Beaten. It was refreshing to see the former world No. 1 from Serbia (Ivanovic) win a major fight. Since she won the French Open in 2008, Ana had been absent. She’s been on a decline. But after beating the local favorite Sam Stosur and Serena, she hopes to go all the way to the final this Sunday. Standing in her way in the Quarters today, the new favorite of my daughter Jana: Eugenie Bouchard, only 19 but with the looks and backhand to match Ivanovic.

Among the men, I wouldn’t bet against another Rafa Nadal and Nole Djokovic ending.

CEBU SPORTS AWARDS. Very soon, our group — the Sportswriters Association of Cebu (SAC) — will release the names of the awardees of the SAC-SMB Cebu Sports Awards. Led by our SAC president Rico Navarro, we had a meeting last week at the NL Cafe near SM City to deliberate on the nominees. The list includes world boxing champs, triathletes, ballplayers, martial artists, runners and more. Thanks to San Miguel Brewery, Inc. (led by Girlie Garces), we’ve jointly hosted this honoring of superstars every year. This March 2014 will be the 32nd edition.

AMERICAN FOOTBALL. If there’s one sport I’d love to watch live, it’s the NFL. Last Sunday in the U.S., they had the “semifinals.” The winners: the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks. They’ll meet in the biggest sports night in America: the 48th edition of the Super Bowl. In the American Conference final, Denver defeated the New England Patriots. It was a contest between the two most popular quarterbacks: Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. In this rivalry, Manning led the Broncos with the winning score, 26-16. In the National Conference final, Seattle defeated the San Francisco 49ers, 23-17.

The Super Bowl is set on Feb. 2 in New York. Apart from an exciting game, the world can expect the most expensive TV advertisements to be aired and the best halftime show. The performers? Bruno Mars and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

FLOYD. For now, Manny Pacquiao should just forget about Mayweather. He should just concentrate on his April 12 rematch bout against Timothy Bradley. Beat the undefeated (31-0) American convincingly, preferably before the 12th round, then see what happens next. The Manny-Money mega-fight will come at the right time. Now is not that moment.

Speaking of Pacman, I read Atty. Frank Malilong’s column last week about the Marco Polo Hotel dinner for a cause on Thursday night. The Sarangani congressman will share his life story. Tickets are reportedly selling for P1,800 to P2,200 with all the proceeds going to the Typhoon Yolanda rehabilitation efforts. The following day, according to Atty. Frank, the life sharing of Pacquiao will move to the Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City.

From a wild and reckless previous life, Manny is now a changed man devoted to his constituents, boxing, family and God.

Cebu is a sports island

To all visitors and balikbayans, maayong pag-abot sa Cebu! Welcome to the Land of Sports. In our city and province, sports is a major influence. Through the years, Cebu has played hosts to some of the biggest events of our nation.

Davis Cup tennis. Antonio L. Aldeguer (ALA) Promotions boxing. Ironman triathlon. Dancesport championships. The Cebu Marathon. Kopiko motorcross racing. Philippine Azkals exhibition games. The Xterra offroad mountainbike experience. A Guinness world record in Chess. Name the sport, Cebu offers it. Our island is ideal for sports because of several reasons.

First, the central location. If you’re looking for a venue that’s the midway point for those flying from Manila and those coming from Cagayan de Oro or Davao — then this province is perfect. Because of it’s location, Cebu is also home to some of the country’s biggest universities. These schools have invited and developed thousands of top-caliber athletes. To name two Cebuano giants of the PBA, we have Greg Slaughter and June Mar Fajardo.

Two, the excellent partnership between the private and public sectors. Last year, Cebu had the rare privilege of hosting three Davis Cup tennis ties. Our Philippines battled Syria, Thailand and New Zealand. Thanks to the partnership of Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, the Phil. Tennis Association (Philta) and the Lapu-Lapu City govt., these triple major events were possible. This doubles tandem (private + govt.) is ideal in sports development because, quite often, one sector can’t handle everything. Cebu is one example of this amazing partnership.

Three, the selfless and passionate sports movers. Take Edward Hayco. He’s the chairman of the Cebu City Sports Commission. Because of his devotion to sports, the name “Cebu City” is imprinted in the annals of the Guinness World Records. We’re proud to own two world records: the largest dance class and the biggest chess tournament. (Soon, there’ll be a third in Archery.) Ed Hayco’s passion to help — at zero cost to the city but millions poured from his pocket — is called volunteerism.

Four, Cebu is a sports-hungry crowd. Take ALA Boxing. Almost every other month, a mega-promotion is held inside the Waterfront Cebu ballroom. Filled to the rafters, devoted boxing fans scream and cheer for the courageous pugilists. Cebuanos love sports. Always have, always will. The large crowds in boxing events is a testament to this. That’s why we’re home to three world champions: Donnie Nietes, Johnriel Casimero and Merlito Sabillo. Even Manny Pacquiao frequents Cebu — and trained here in 2007 prior to defeating Marco Antonio Barrera.

In basketball, the CESAFI — our version of the UAAP and NCAA — draws a huge following. The recent rivalry between UV and SWU has elicited major crowds.

Five, Cebuanos love is running. In the past six or so years, thousands of previously sedentary, no-exercise individuals have become runners. A few hundred of them have turned marathoners. This is excellent! Running is the easiest of exercises to do. Just tie a pair of rubber shoes, wear shorts (or even Levi’s jeans).. then off you go. These days, hardly a Sunday passes when there’s no road-racing event. Seven days ago, a few thousand runners braved the 21K and 42K distances in the Cebu Marathon.

Six, the brand “Cebu” elicits a positive image. Let’s talk about the Ironman. For the first three years, it was held in Camarines Sur. Fine. It drew plenty of participants. But this number was nowhere compared to the volume of triathletes who trooped to Shangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort to join the Cebu editions. The brand “Cebu” is thought of by foreigners as positive because of our many advantages: the nearby white-sand beaches, the friendly and eager crowds. These draw sports-goers to Cebu. Apart from the Ironman, there are multiple triathlons that will grow bigger each year. One notable event is the Tabuelan 111. Again, welcome to Cebu. Pit Señor!

(The Freeman photo/Ferdinand Edralin)

While Cebu rains, it’s scorching hot in Oz

If there’s one country I’d love to visit, it’s Down Under. Located down under our Philippines, Australia is famous for kangaroos, the Great Barrier Reef and open-sea swimming (plus the occasional shark attack), the Sydney Opera House, and this favorite pastime of Australians: sports.

Cricket. Rugby. Ian Thorpe. Soccer. The 2000 Sydney Olympics. Triathlon. Cycling. Name the sport and, chances are, some Aussie excels in that game.

Tennis? Absolutely. Let’s take Rod Laver. He’s considered the greatest tennis player of all time. (The photo I had with him many years back is one I’ll forever treasure.) He’s won the Grand Slam — all four majors — twice, in 1962 and 1969. Roger Federer’s never achieved a Slam. Same with Nadal. That’s why the center court of Melbourne Park is named after their best-ever. It’s called Rod Laver Arena.

It’s the 2014 Australian Open. It started last Monday and will shower all of us tennis aficionados with smashes and volleys for two weeks ending next Sunday.

It’s the first Slam of the season. It’s broiling. I checked the temperature reading and it exceeds 42 degrees. That’s sweltering hot; more roasting than our summer. Victoria Azarenka termed it “like you’re dancing in a frying pan.” The Canadian Frank Dancevic, who fainted midway through his match, warned: “It’s hazardous to be out there. It’s dangerous … Until somebody dies, they’re just going to keep playing matches in this heat.”

No wonder Rafael Nadal was sweating as if he emerged from the pool two nights ago. And that was a night match. If you saw that encounter against Bernard Tomic, you’d pity the young Aussie. It was billed as The First Round Match To Watch. It ended up being an easy walk in the Melbourne Park for Nadal. Tomic, the former world No. 1 junior, got injured. He lost the first set 6-4 and promptly shook Nadal’s hand while he limped.

I’ve had a few friends — Atan Guardo, Ernie Delco, Bacolod Mayor Monico Puentevella, Oscar Hilado of Phinma — who’ve watched the Oz Open and they swear it’s one of the best events to visit.

The fans are relaxed. Many are shirtless. Melbourne is relatively near Cebu. Ticket prices, compared to Wimbledon, are cheaper. And the people are friendly, smiling and sports-crazy. (Graeme Mackinnon will give a thumbs-up on this.)

Novak Djokovic is still the man to beat. He’s the three-time defending champion. Plus, in his arsenal this week, he’s included a familiar blonde: Boris Becker. It was a wonderful sight to see the German Boom-Boom sit in Novak’s coaching corner. As to how this partnership will transpire, we’ll see. But no doubt it’s a high-powered combination.

Andy Murray’s got Ivan Lendl. Federer’s entourage includes Stefan Edberg, his idol. This simultaneous entry of former No.1s is a first. It increases the public’s appetite for tennis. Imagine if, in the NBA, Michael Jordan coaches the Bobcats, Magic Johnson replaces Mike D’Antoni for the Lakers, and Larry Bird returns to coach Indiana.

More than adding star power to one’s team, the mentor’s entry helps the student’s mind: “If Lendl believes in me, then I CAN DO IT!” That’s what I imagine Andy Murray saying to himself. That’s why Murray won Wimbledon. And the Olympic gold. And the US Open. Belief. That’s what Lendl imparted in him. And no ordinary coach can provide this mental boost than one who’s been-there, won-that.

Among the ladies, Serena Williams is unbeatable. Unlike her sister Venus. Serena has now amassed 17 major singles titles and this stockpile will continue to increase. She feels young at 32. Her mind is as robust as her biceps. And she’s drawing closer to the all-time record (22 slams) of Steffi Graf.

As to doubles, we’re hoping that one player will go far in the draw: Treat Huey. We’ve watched the left-hander play in Plantation Bay Resort and Spa several times in the past. Last year, he came here three times during our Davis Cup ties. With partner Dominic Inglot, the No. 12 seeds just won their first round match. We’re hoping they reach the later rounds.

Back home here in Cebu, what’s best is the TV coverage. We get complete and live tennis action. If you’ve subscribed to High Definition — as Ronnie Pacio, SkyCable’s Visayas chief, reminded me last Monday — it’s even better. In channel 761, the clarity is amazing.

From windy Cebu, let’s enjoy the sizzling tennis in Melbourne.

What makes CCM different

Call it “Cebu City Marathon” or “CCM” or the “Safeguard Active Cebu Marathon,” it’s the same footrace that’s held along the streets of this Queen City of the South every second Sunday of the new year.

Teamwork. Cooperation. Volunteerism. One group helping another. It’s rising at 1 a.m. on a cold day to barricade the roads so everyone’s safe. It’s called bayanihan. Tinabangay. My mom Allen did it. Bikik Besavilla did it, too. So did Gerard Tan, Mike Enriquez and Carlo Suarez. Same with the Primary Group of Wally Liu. A couple of thousand of women and men braved the rain to help.

Dr. Wyben Briones, the model of Service Above Self, drove his all-terrain AMRO vehicle to the SRP at dawn to lend his medical expertise.

Same with another prized surgeon, Peter Mancao. A New York City Marathon finisher (among his several 42Ks), as the event’s Medical Director, Dr. Mancao agreed to carry the burden of all medical concerns. For free.

“Rain helps,” said Doc Peter, as we stood near the finish line. “Less cramps, heat stroke and injuries.” He pointed to the empty chairs in the Medical Tent that would have been filled had the sun torched the Sunday.

Rain. To many, it’s a curse. But, as long as it’s not a typhoon-like deluge, it’s a welcome “blessing from the skies.” It rained. It rained on Saturday. It rained at 2 a.m. when we arrived at the Cebu I.T. Park. It rained at 3 a.m. when the 42K brave-hearts started their agonizing trek; it rained at 4 a.m. when the 21Kers were set for the firing gun.

The rain, though, didn’t bother the Hydration Booth sponsors who took care of the 14 stations along the route. Their goal was, well, to supply water — and the water-from-the-sky wouldn’t stop them.

Thanks these groups, the Hydration deployment was near-perfect. Gatorade drinks. Cold Nature’s Spring water. Sponges by Safeguard. Bananas. In order of start-to-the-tip, the CCM hydration partners were: Brgy. Lahug, Cebu Grand Hotel, Captain A’s, Honda Motorworld, Holiday Gym and Spa, Thirsty Juices and Shakes/Bright Academy, Aeolus Tires, Cebu Bionic Builders, Filinvest, Cebu Parklane Intl. Hotel, and the Primary Group.

They said Yes to our request for assistance. Providing manpower and entertainment (the CCM trademark of music and dancing), they’re the unsung heroes of CCM.

(More photos at cebumarathon.com)

Special mention goes to my high school best friend Jonel Borromeo. He not only easily finished the 21K (his first) but his Honda Motorworld sponsored a Hydration Station plus they gave away the raffle grand prize: a Honda Scoopy motorcycle.

CITOM is to be applauded. The Tunnel was promptly closed by 12 midnight. They stood at every intersection to ensure that runners had access. Our salute to Atty. Raffy Yap, Joy Tumulak, Ulysses Empic and the whole team.

Mayor Mike Rama joined. Running under gushing rain, he ran 5K until the finish. Wet and refreshed, he cheered on the finishers, “Pit Señor!”

Councilors Richie Osmeña and Mary Ann de los Santos should be given special citations by the City Council. Not only did they help CCM (prize money, Lahug entertainment, etc.) but they showed Cebuanos this: We run in politics as well as on the road.

Kudos to the Talisay City government for annual partnership with Cebu City. To the police and to the hundreds of barangay officers who helped, salamat.

Finally, I had lunch yesterday with Rio de la Cruz. We’d like to announce the date: “1-11-15.” That’s the next CCM. Online registration will start by March and we’ll introduce several new “pakulo.”

Until then, to all the marathoners and half-marathoners… Rest well. Sleep plenty. Shine your medal. Have a massage and reward yourself. You’ve done it.

As Fred Lebow, the NYC Marathon founder, once said, “The marathon is a charismatic event. It has everything. It has drama. It has competition. It has camaraderie. It has heroism. Every jogger can’t dream of being an Olympic champion, but he can dream of finishing a marathon.” Congratulations!

The “lingaw” marathon of Sugbu

(More photos at cebumarathon.com)

Like I do each Friday night before the Cebu Marathon, I gave a speech. Fronting a couple of hundred runners who had just landed to participate in today’s race, it was the Pasta Party at The Terraces of the Ayala Center Cebu.

Cebu City Councilors Richie Osmeña and Mary Ann de los Santos — who’ll join the 21K race today — were in attendance. Mayo
(See r Michael Rama arrived later during the Program to deliver his own inspirational message. A lady Disc Jockey (DJ) was flown in by the title sponsors Safeguard from Manila to rap music and energize the crowd. Pasta and pizza prepared by Shakey’s was served. A giant-sized LED screen stood on center-stage. Local rock bands serenaded the hundreds of spectators.

In my Welcome Message the other night, here’s what I said:

“Fellow runners, Maayong gabii kaninyong tanan! Welcome to the Carbo Loading Party of the 2014 Cebu Marathon. Especially to our friends from out-of-town, welcome to our beautiful island of Cebu.

“This event started in 2008. In the first two years, we had the Sinulog Half-Marathon. This Sunday (today) will be the fifth edition of the full 42K marathon. In all the previous years, this race had been locally-organized. Together with the Cebu City government, our group — the Cebu Executive Runners Club or CERC — organized the race. I’d like to acknowledge the CERC members who are here tonight.

“Each January after the race ends, we always ask ourselves the question: How do we make the Cebu Marathon better?

“I’d like to announce the answer tonight: RunRio. The answer is to partner with the best race-organizing team in the whole Philippines. That’s RunRio. I’d like to acknowledge Rio de la Cruz and his team, led by Ms. Ally Lim, the event manager.

“Because of RunRio, this event has turned international. There are thousands of road-running races around the world but only a few are accredited by the IAAF/AIMS or the International Association of Athletics Federations/Association of International Marathons and Distance Races. We are proud to say that the Cebu Marathon is one of those races.

“Speaking of international, this 2014 we are hosting the most number of visitors in our marathon history. We have foreign runners representing 23 nations who will join us this weekend. This list includes 17 elite marathoners from Kenya. We have a few dozen flying from the United States. Nations as distant as Mexico, Switzerland, India, Netherlands, Iceland and even Haiti will be represented. Also, locally, there are hundreds from Manila and Cagayan de Oro and Bacolod and Davao and from many parts of the country who are here to run.

“But tonight, we are happiest to welcome the contingent of 70 runners coming from Tacloban, Palo, Leyte and Samar. They deserve the loudest applause. We salute their perseverance. Despite the tragedy, they are here to show the world, ‘We are running forward!’ Their cry is not only ‘Bangon, ‘Pinas.’ It’s ‘Dagan ta, Pilipinas!

“Finally, what makes the Cebu Marathon different from any other race is this: the Sinulog. When you run this Sunday along the streets of Cebu that will be passing the iconic spots like the Magellan’s Cross, the Provincial Capitol, Colon St., Plaza Independencia, the Tunnel and the SRP — you will not only be handed out Gatorade drinks and Nature’s Spring water, you’ll also be cheered-upon by dancers, loud music, live bands, drum beaters.

“With the Cebu Marathon, our aim is for you to experience a run that’s festive and lingaw. A Sinulog marathon. Welcome to Cebu, good luck and God bless!”

Lester’s blog

Here’s a must-read from Lester Tabada…

Cebu Marathon

On Jan. 12 — next Sunday — the streets of Cebu will be littered with runners. Hundreds from Manila, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, Davao and other cities are landing in Mactan to run CCM. Even better news: more than 60 from Tacloban, Palo and other Yolanda-stricken places will be here to start the year running! We’re all looking forward to cheering and providing the loudest welcome to our neighbors from Samar and Leyte.

I’ve been in constant touch with Lester Tabada, whose articles and photos in his blog (lapiskamay.wordpress.com) have provided much inspiration to us. We were able to raise at least P70,000 to help the Leyte group with their various expenses. Thanks to The Brick (Noy/Amale Jopson), Chris/Nia Aldeguer, Jane-Jane Ong, Jacs/Perl Jacalan and Pork Shop (among others) for the cash donations.

Important reminders for all CCM participants? First, it’s time to taper down. For the 42K runners, no runs beyond 10K are advisable. Drink plenty. There’s a saying that holds true: it’s better to be undertrained than overtrained. Relax.

Visit the website. At www.cebumarathon.com, check your name among the list of runners.

The Race Expo will run from Wednesday to Friday at The Terraces of Ayala Center Cebu. A huge set-up has been built by Safeguard, the event’s title sponsor, and Ayala Center. (Out-of-town participants can claim their race packs on Saturday.)

On Friday night at The Terraces, it’s the Pasta Party. There will be music and entertainment. There will be last-minute briefings by Rio de la Cruz. It’s that one chance before the main event to mingle with the other long-distance runners.

On race-day Sunday, the 42K brave-hearts will start at the Cebu I.T. Park at 3 a.m. The 21K (half-marathoners), who’ll also receive medals and finisher’s shirts, will commence at 4 a.m. In all, the target of 3,000 participants was achieved — all vying to cross that finish, with the others, especially our Kenyan and Ethiopian friends, attempting to win that P100,000 first prize.

As to the Cebuano public: the race organizers would like to request for patience on the road. The inconvenience will not be as bad; the Cebu Marathon (traversing the cities of Cebu and Talisay) starts while you’re still asleep and will be finished around 11 a.m.

The SRP Tunnel will be fully-closed from 12 midnight until 9 a.m. Unlike the SRP area where half of the roads will be open to vehicular traffic, it’s not possible to have vehicles using the tunnel because the fumes will be intoxicating for the runners.

Advance thanks to Joel Juarez, whose CocoRunning outfit is leading the CCM operations, and to Dr. Peter Mancao, who is heading the Medical Team in coordination with ERUF, AMRO and many other groups.

Flying high

Scary! That’s the best word to describe what my eyes witnessed last Sunday. Treacherous. Risky. Hazardous. Those are three more adjectives. I’m talking about one sport that had thousands of people watching last weekend.

Motocross racing. Two afternoons ago, on a date with my daughter Jana, we trekked to the South Road Properties (SRP) to watch daredevils fly. Yes, they flew. Five, 10, 15 — maybe 20 feet on air. No, they weren’t birds. No, they didn’t have wings. All they had was a super two-wheeler called a motocross that elevated on air. Daredevils. Yes, that’s another aptly-worded description. These men have no fear. They’re gutsy and bold. Daring.

I had long wanted to watch motocross racing. It wasn’t until last weekend that I finally did.

Bill Velasco, one of this nation’s top sports media personalities, sent me a text message on Saturday wanting to meet. I promised to visit him at the SRP.

Last Sunday, inside the organizer’s tent fronting dozens of mounds, we watched. The pros were competing. On a nearly-one-kilometer track that circles and winds, dozens of athletes revved their engines and pushed the machines to their limits. They started in unison but, seconds after, one would overtake another. Dirt gushed from the dry sand. Often on slippery ground, the dust would belch a fiery steam.

The motorbikes would scream loud voices. Pushed to the limit on a straight path, upon reaching a hill, the bikers would release themselves from their seats and, like Michael Jordan wearing helmet, they’d fly.

In front of us were two Chocolate Hills. After accelerating on a turn, they’d skyrocket to drift over these two heaps of soil.

Acrobats. That’s what these lionhearted professionals do. Some would, while sailing on the air, wave their right hand to the crowd. Others would captivate the audience by twisting their handlebars and landing on a sideways posture.

This isn’t just sport. It’s entertainment. It’s the thrill of watching men do crazy moves that, to us ordinary motorists, would maim or disfigure.

“Safety is number one,” said Bill Velasco, who helped operate the whole event. “Before the start of each race, the crew would line-up and, foot by foot, inspect every portion of the track for debris that shouldn’t be there.”

Thanks to this attention to safety detail, few incidents — and nothing major — have occurred the past 12 months.

“Eleven races. Ten different locations. Hundreds of riders. Tons of dirt. Tens of millions of pesos. Crowds ranging from 18,000 to over 42,000. This has been the story of motocross’s renaissance. And it all returned to where it started…” – Those were the words of Mr. Velasco in his Phil. Star column yesterday.

After starting the Kopiko Astig 3-in-One Supercross series in Cebu City last January, it was back to the SRP last weekend. In between the two Cebu races, there were nine others all over the Visayas and Mindanao.

Each city is different. The track and obstacles are different. The conditions — “very rainy for two straight weeks in Cagayan de Oro” and “very hot and dusty in Bacolod” — are different. Our Cebu track was built by Cebu’s legendary Adlawan family, led by Jon Jon.

What doesn’t change is this: The Thrill. The Scare. The engines that soar. The engines that roar. The racers who slide, descend, ascend and pilot each of the bike’s two wheels as if they were his own legs.

How much does each bike cost? “One million pesos,” Bill replied. Yup. These are not your ordinary Yamahas. These are souped-up and modified super machines whose goal is to achieve a combination of top velocity and agility.

The most fun part? The little kids. No taller than a few feet tall, the “Pee Wee” division is for kids not satisfied with kiddie games like the swing and the slide. They’d rather slide and swing on the dirt track, armed with padded gear and helmets.

Good thing, after a few circles, the children crossed the finish safely. It brought smiles to the parents — the perfect Christmas gift.

To all… Merry Christmas!

Smashing 2013 for Rafa

On tennis, when we reflect back on 11+ months of slice forehands and topspin backhands, two words enter my mind: “Rafa’s comeback.”

I’ll make a confession: Whenever I’m asked which player I cheer for more — Nadal or Roger Federer — I don’t provide an answer. I’m noncomittal. That’s because both are the most smiling, respectable and sportsmanlike of athletes on this planet. But, deep inside (Jasmin and Jana know this), the answer tips in the Spaniard’s favor. Maybe it’s Rafa’s tenacity. Maybe it’s his less-talent-than-Roger-but-bigger-heart that draws us cheering. Maybe it’s his humility. I think it’s all of the above.

This 2013, Nadal has amassed a record that is one of history’s best seasons ever. He won 75 and lost seven. That’s a 91.4 percent winning clip. He won the French Open for an eighth time (he’s lost only once ever in Roland Garros). He defeated Novak Djokovic at the US Open to collect his 13th Grand Slam singles trophy. This “13th in 2013” feat is significant because it puts him in the No. 3 spot among the all-time greats. Pete Sampras has 14 majors and Federer has 17.

Only four Grand Slam titles separate Roger and Rafa. These are interesting questions: Can Roger increase his 17 majors? If he doesn’t, Rafa can easily overtake the Swiss, right? (Their age gap is five years). What if Rafa’s injuries resurface? How long can he last this grinding-type game? Given his dominance on clay, how many more French Open titles will he collect?

We don’t know the answers. That’s the thrill of sports. There are no guarantees. (Look at the America’s Cup last Sept: New Zealand needed just one win but lost eight straight to the Americans.)

We don’t know what 2014 will hold. But this we know this December: Nadal is Numero Uno. Wasn’t this a farflung possibility 12 months ago? Looking back at 2012, right after Wimbledon, he skipped the Olympics (where he was the defending champion), he skipped the US Open, and, when we all thought he was ready, he skipped the 2013 Australian Open.

Nadal, who? Now, it’s whew, Nadal!

Apart from the two Grand Slam trophies that he pocketed, the 27-year-old, 6-foot-1 native of Manacor, Spain, won five Masters 1000 titles. These are, next to the majors, tennis’ biggest tournaments. But all these pale in contrast to Nadal’s mightiest accomplishment: He’s healthy. He no longer wears that knee brace. He’s not limping. It’s like an ill man on bed for months who finally walks. Just the mere walking is a blessing. It’s the same for Rafa: just being able to compete on that rectangle court is, for him, a mighty blessing.

Next year will be a guaranteed smash for men’s tennis. Djokovic just hired Boris Becker. We know, of course, that Andy Murray has Ivan Lendl as his coach. I also just learned from our Cebu-based Swedish coach, Tommy Frederiksen, that his fellow Swede, Stefan Edberg, spent time with Federer. Will Edberg be Federer’s coach? If yes, this is remarkable: Becker, Edberg and Lendl — the Big Three of the ‘80s — are all coaches. (Maybe, as teaser during tournaments, they can play exhibition matches?)

The Australian Open is starting this Jan. 13. The winner of the last three in Melbourne, Djokovic will be a shoo-in to triumph again. Remember that, in the last few months this season, he was unbeatable. (Too bad he missed on that Davis Cup win.) I’m sure “Djoker” or “Nole,” as he’s called, will be difficult to beat.

Murray? He, too, will scramble for that top ranking. Now that he’s unloaded that “monkey off his back” (Wimbledon — winning it last July), he’s raring to not only be one of the Fab Four but to stand at the summit of this Rafa-Nole-Andy-Roger rivalry.

My picks in 2014? I’ll play Santa and gift each of the Fab Four one apiece: The Serb will win in Australia; the Spaniard in France; the Swiss in the U.K. and the Scot in the U.S.

Should DepEd scrap boxing?

Jonas is dead. Only 16, he is forever gone. Not by accident. Not by disease. Not by Yolanda or some type of calamity or 7.2 earthquake — but because of this cruel sport that may not be for kids.

Jonas Joshua Garcia wasn’t supposed to box. It was his twin brother Ralph Raven who was set to join the regional meet of Central Luzon. A fourth year high school student from Bulacan, Garcia competed in the CLRAA boxing event. In the first round, his nose bled. Go on, he was told. In Round 2, he felt dizzy and the bloody game was stopped. But it was too late. Rushed to the hospital, he turned comatose. Days later, DepEd announced the most painful of broadcasts: he’s gone.

Boxing has not been scrapped from the 2014 Palarong Pambansa. Not yet. It may be. Maybe for the special reason to honor the memory of Garcia, it should be. Today, boxing is under immense DepEd scrutiny, declares the Assistant Secretary Tonisito Umali. According to reports, boxing is not the only sport that is being examined for being unsafe to youngsters. Also under threat are taekwondo, wushu, arnis and wrestling.

This may be an overreaction. But this is valid. A parent’s loss can never be recovered. This incident should be debated upon. It often takes a painful moment for the public to pause, reflect and study. Should children do combat via full contact sports? Pacquiao was 14 when he started. But he’s Pacquiao. Is boxing too dangerous for children at such a fragile age?

Let’s examine what the U.S. and other developed nations do. At what age is boxing allowed? What additional safety gear do they wear? Our referees and officials and doctors manning these bouts: how qualified are they? If our rules get stricter because of this death, the next challenge is enforcement. You know the saying, “The Philippines has so many laws. Our problem is implementing all of them.”

This case is similar. If boxing isn’t banned, as the congressman from Sarangani says it shouldn’t, then how do we ensure, in every town or mall or school, that it won’t kill again?