Hottest day, hot beach volleyball action

The weather bureau has just released a report that yesterday was the hottest ever day of 2009 in the country.

According to the PAGASA the highest temperature recorded yesterday was 35.3 degrees Celsius.

It is so hot that even under the shade yesterday morning outside Parkmall to witness the local beach volleyball tournament organized by the Cebu Volleyball Association (CEVA), it felt like I was being cooked in a huge cauldron.

The players must have had a very hard time, but there were medical personnel on stand by and the competition the whole morning went on without any hitch.

I wanted to come back in the afternoon, but then my schedule would not allow it anymore, I do hope to drop by again today and the next two days to witness the action of the Nestea Beach Volleyball Visayas Regional Eliminations.

Yesterday’s tournament, though participated by only selected teams, was historic since it was the first in the beach volleyball court set up by the management of Parkmall and the CEVA. No less than Parkmall president James Co was on hand for the ribbon cutting along with CEVA president Glenn Anthony Soco.

My friends and fellow officers of the volleyball association were also on hand like Jun San Juan and his wife Marichu, Andrew Choachuy, Nonna Catipay, and my bestfriend Chris Tio, who doesn’t play the sport, but is actively helping us out promote volleyball.

I even saw Erwin Biaño at the venue and was really surprised a man, who I know is a huge basketball fan, to be there. Erwin said that he is interested to bring beach volleyball to Dumanjug and I wish him all the best in that.

Those who want to witness beach volleyball action can head on the Parkmall. 

James showed us the newly-installed lights, which makes the court playable even in the evenings.

On Saturday night, I heard Nestea has organized a party, which is open even to the non-volleyball fans.

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Many of Cebu’s junior golfers were in Bukidnon the past two days for the Frankie Miñoza Del Monte Open Jungolf Tournament, which is the Mindanao leg of the Vismin Youth Golf Circuit.

Frankie, the country’s top pro, is a huge supporter of junior golf, which is the reason why the kids always love to head to the town of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon to enjoy playing in the tournament.

Two doting dads have reported to me how things are via email.

Joseph ‘Opep’ Gandionco told me that his son Gio once again bagged the class B title with rounds of 73 and 71.

My cousin Rolando Q. Acas also relayed to me how his son Horace ‘Ace’ has been doing and how he so enjoys being there to support his child even if he has to leave work behind to do so.

The next leg is set early May in Bacolod City and I am hoping that maybe I can also be like Opep and Lando, just simply a dad enjoying the sight of his child playing a game that he loves.

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I got word yesterday that the tournament of UP Cebu High School Batch ’84 originally set this April 30 at the Mactan Island Golf Club has been reset to May 15.

I still have to get more information why, but the change in schedule is confirmed.

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MILESTONES: Happy birthday to my old friend and many-time classmate Sarah Cervantes-Pahm, who turns a year older today along with our batchmate Zeus Cabigon.

Belated happy birthday to my wife’s bestfriend, who is so much a part of our family even if she’s miles away from us, April Villa, who turned a year older yesterday.

More power to all of you! – THE FREEMAN