Before the SEA Games even started, we already predicted that the Philippines would be champions. When a country hosts an event it will enjoy tremendous home court advantage. We almost did it in 1991 when we lost to Indonesia by a measly two medals. The competition was so close it was decided only in the last day. It was a different story this year, despite the numerous problems that bugged our preparations and our concentration; the Pinoy athletes rampaged from Day 1 to pile the gilts. The desperate Thais tried to take some glitter from our impending victory charging us of cheating. As I wrote this column the Pinoys have accumulated over 100 gold medals. If we cheated we couldn't have garnered so much. Maybe you can cheat for one or two but definitely not over a hundred. If there were cheaters, it's them (Thais). Ask boxing godfathers Bidoy Aldeguer and Sammy Gello-ani. When your fighting against a Thai boxer you've got to knock him out cold or better yet murder him or he will win despite probably being knocked down thrice. So lets forget these sour-grapers and enjoy our fist-ever SEA Games crown. IBA ANG PINOY!
As I mentioned in my last column I will be running in the Run for the Future race, which was held last Sunday solely as a runner. My other role as race director-organizer has kept me out of the races. However in that race organized by the Philippine Business for Social Progress, I really didn't get to test if I still have enough speed left in me when I acted as close-in security for Cebu Executive Runners Club ex-president RTC Judge Gabby Ingles. Now I know how the PSG would run alongside former president Fidel Ramos, a marathoner. The same goes with ex-US president Bill Clinton and current prexy George Bush who has finished the Houston Marathon in 3:20. Runners make it a point to wear the lightest equipment when running so when I had that extra weight in my belt bag, it really slowed me down. In today's concrete jungle you've got to be extra cautious especially if you're holding a sensitive position. So when Gabby asked me what's that extra baggage I told him it's a 9mm. Well, triathlete Nogie Biagan would be a better escort. Nogie doesn't only shoot straight he'll also provide the coffin being proprietor of Mandaue St. Jude Funeral Homes.
The Cebu Executive Runners Club will have a busy weekend. Please don't forget these two important dates, December 8 and 9. No, the club won't be running in a marathon but to attend prexy Roel Militar's wedding at the Alliance of Two Hearts in Banawa on the 8th and the Christmas Party cum Induction of new officers and members at the Baseline Restaurant on the 9th. Councilor Ed Labella, a runner himself has been invited as inducting officer. The club also announced that it is organizing the Sinulog 10K Run on January 8, 2006.
After the SEA Games smoke has cleared, the PSC office at the Cebu City Sports Center will now be able to attend to the registration of the 5th Cebu 5K Midnight Run which blasts off on December 18 in front of the City Sports Club Cebu. Remember the race will just be limited to 350 runners, so hurry and register early.