Lost in Hawaii

Makati City – I’m currently here in Manila to give final instructions to one-legged triathlete Rudy Fernandez, who will compete in the Ford Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii on October 10. I also informed Rudy that I wouldn’t be going with him, considering the many races I have to direct in Cebu. Of course, Rudy was a bit disappointed at first. That’s understandable since I’ve always been on his side every time he competes local or international, for the past 20 years. However, I know Rudy is a fighter. We have prepared for his participation in Kona. Recently, Rudy got a new titanium artificial leg from the Philippine Orthopedic Hospital. Yesterday, we were at the Timex office to get our top-of-the line Ironman watches from Gemma Racraquin. Our main sponsor is Rudy Project through Gabby Boschi, who also took care of Rudy’s visa application and plane ticket. Rudy will be equipped with state-of-the art Rudy Project eyewear and cycling gear. Also supporting Rudy is Cathy Salimbangon, who gave us FRS and ISO Sport dietary supplement, the sports drink used by the legendary Lance Armstrong. Our last stop will be a visit to Nike Philippines where my niece Mae T. Dichupa is marketing manager. Mae promised to give us running shoes and more gears. Wow, with all these things, I think Rudy won’t get mad at me anymore. He will go down the record books as the first Filipino amputee to join the prestigious Kona Ironman Triathlon. ALOHA!

Weekly Races

Manila is no different than Cebu, it could be worse if you talk about running. Last Sunday, I was among the 5000 runners who joined “TATAKBO KA BA” 10k run at the Global City in Taguig. Bald Runner events organizer, Retired Maj. General Jovie Narcise, told me there were 3 other races that were being held simultaneously with the GMA run. Next week, Jovie will hold the Masters 15k run at Camp Aguinaldo and even invited me to stay awhile. But I told Jovie, I’ve got to prepare for the endless running events in Cebu too. He told me a run in Mt. Makiling and Baguio City would also be held on the same day. So, what’s new? It was some sort of reunion with my many friends in the running community especially two-time PAL Manila Marathon champion, Rey Antoque and SEA Games walkathon gold medalist, Saturnino Salazar. Rey and Turning are convincing me to head the National Masters Athletics Organization, but I declined as I have too much work in Cebu. Like Cebu, Luzon is having a running boom as runners prepare for the Quezon City International Marathon, Subic Night Marathon and Milo Marathon Finals all in October. This is crazy considering all these races are full marathons. Remember, you can only run one marathon in three months unless you are suicidal.

Lawyers’ Run

One of the reasons I’ll be missing the Chicago band concert on September 14 is the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) 5k run on September 13. I’ve set my sight and ears to watch and listen to “Color My World”, “If You Leave Me Now”, “Saturday In The Park” and “Happy Man” but IBP president, Ramsey Quijano said I might get a subpoena if I don’t agree to direct their race. Seeded in the lawyers’ category are Haide Acuña, Ed Labella, Ed Canton and Gabby Ingles. Registration is now on-going at the PSC office at the Cebu City Sports Center, IBP office at the Cebu Capitol compound and at Casa Ilongga, Robinsons Place Cebu.    ) (FREEMAN NEWS)