The Good News

There have been so many good things happening in the sports scene recently that I hope would hog the headlines instead of the political and economic crisis or the tragedies happening around the world.

Unfortunately, the sports news has a specific section in the newspapers and would not be able to sugarcoat the reality we are facing.

I'd like to dwell on other equally important topics for this column, but I'd give it to the economic and political analysts for whatever I say will not do much good except maybe to my heart since I will be able to voice out my frustrations.

I'm sticking to sports and talk of the good news.

One of the good news I'd like to share with you is the overwhelming support shown by the towns and component cities for the Gov. Gwen Garcia Unity Volleyball (GUV) Cup.

As of the last count, 47 towns and cities are joining the event that shall hopefully serve as the spark to promote a grassroots volleyball development program around the province.

I'm not saying that everything will be perfect in this first try, but I am calling on all the participants and the observers to objectively raise your views about the tournament so we can improve the next time.

Then there is also the good news about the preparations for the Southeast Asian Games starting November 27. Things are slowly falling in place and I hope that by the time the event opens, all kinks shall have been covered.

Mayor Tommy Osmeña raised a very good point about volunteers during the visit of the Cebu SEA Games Organizing Committee (Cebu SOC) to his office yesterday morning - "do not pull the students out of their classrooms just for the SEA Games."

I fully agree with the Mayor on the need to emphasize education above extra-curricular activities.

There is a need for more volunteers and I hope that those who will have free time during the SEA Games will come forward to offer their help.

Another good news is that tomorrow, the 70th Anniversary Tournament of Club Filipino Incorporada de Cebu will tee off at its golf course in Danao City.

It has been some times since I have visited the course that was built by one man I have looked up to in the local golf scene - the late Peter 'Maestro' Chiongbian.

What makes the trip north even better now is that the road from the highway leading to the course in now well paved.

This is one of the things I am excited to see when I head north to Danao on Thursday and Friday. Of course, the game and the great company of friends and new acquaintances are always good reasons to go there also.

So much for good news, well I am not exactly moving to the topic of the Philippine economy, but to Ferrari.

It is a shame to see how a team that was once so dominant, struggle against the competition, that it once just brushed off like an ant.

I still watch the Formula-1 races hoping for a miracle, but there was none again last weekend in the Italian Grand Prix.

Obviously it's the car that is the problem and I hope that next season the team can come up with a better machine for Michael Schumacher to drive.

I'm not turning my back on the team yet. I can still stand the pain knowing that the season is almost over and that there are also good news in the other sporting events that I am following.

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MILESTONE: A belated happy birthday to my good old friend, Christiane Davide Ong, who turned a year older yesterday.