A blessed memorial

It was indeed a traumatic experience for some athletes in the recently-concluded Arafura Games in Darwin, Australia. First, some of the athletes failed to join when the sponsors and the city government backed out of their commitment. Then swimming winners, Echavez siblings lost their medals due to some technicalities or should we say ignorance of the sanctions. Sisters Lorhiz and Loren Echavez were stripped of their medals after they failed to present credentials from the Philippine Amateur Swimming Association (PASA). They were later assured of medals after they protested the decision but lo and behold, they were commemorative medals. If it were in the Philippines, the medals would have come from Raon St. in Quiapo. "Ano ba yan, consuelo de bobo?"  The experience will definitely affect the sibling's performance in the future, if they swim again. "Gi-pasa pasa sila". Tsk.. tsk..

SECOND RATE COMPETITION

I don't know why Cebuanos are so excited in joining the Arafura Games. I've heard of the Games a long time ago but it never interests me. Aside from promoting goodwill the competition is nothing but second rate. That's precisely the reason why other cities like Manila, Bacolod, and Iloilo shy away from the Games. In the 10,000 meters for instance, Mendel Lopez clocked 34 minutes something yet ended third for the bronze medal. In a Manila road race or in the National Open, his 34:00 clocking will not even land him in the top ten. Meaning the field is weak. I bet Mendel is better off competing in China or in Thailand.

CON ARTISTS

My lady relative complained that her two-week salary was not paid by the company who hired her as marketing managers (she is the only employee in the marketing department so there's nobody to manage). Worse, she has to advance her own money for transportation, phone calls, fax messages and food. This is the first time I know that an employee advances his or her own money. The company is engaged in selling advertising slots in a magazine supposed to be circulated in an Asian country. When she tried to collect, these people won't answer her calls. I know who you are. I'm taking the fight for my relative. No, we are not demanding more than what is due her. Since the business is tourism-oriented, I promise you people, I will make your lives miserable. I have the connections, Tourism-secretary Ace Durano is a very good friend, Philippine attaché John Orola was a former classmate while my friends in the BIR, City Hall, DOLE and of course my colleagues in the media all promised to end these people's bad habits. This is not a threat, just a friendly advice. Please settle what you promised the poor lady, it's not the money. This will be my last request to these people before I will start naming names. "Baka mapahiya kayo".