Press Freedom Run

Whoever said that mediamen just sit behind the computer and work all day or night until they drop dead? Last Sunday, it was the mediamen’s turn to be the subject of a report. Yes folks, over 100 mediamen trooped to the City Sports Club Cebu last Saturday to see action in the Cebu Press Freedom 5K Run. It’s quite hard to gather the mediamen because of their schedules, some spilling their time to the wee hours of the morning. So when we had about a hundred at the starting line, it was already a success. Some of the community’s big names were there, Smart’s Jane Paredes, The Freeman’s GM Bhoy Mendoza, SunStar’s Nini Cabaero, Michelle So, Isolde Amante, Bong Wenceslao, Mike and Max Limpag and Banat’s Yoyo Abayan. The race had 2 categories the 5K competitive and the 3K Fun Run. After delaying the race for a few minutes to give way to another race, the runners were off and running. Even before I race, I predicted several winners like John Pages and Haide Acuña. John and Haide who are preparing for the Quezon City International Marathon, started slow and allowed the mostly inexperience runners to go ahead during the first kilometer. Then after a little over 2 kilometers, John and Haide started their moves. When the smoke cleared, John reigned supreme breasting the tape in 21:51. Edri Aznar took second in 23:49 while Jorlito Montecillo of Wild FM settled for third in 24:04. In the distaff side, there was no question as to who is going to win. Haide who’s in the final weeks of her marathon training, was just too fast for SunStar’s Marlen Limpag. Haide clocked 27:12 to grab her third title in a row. Haide ruled the STC Move with Air (STC Category) and the IBP Run (Lawyer’s Category), Limpag wound up second in 29:30 while Charmy Sabigan of Bombo Radyo salvaged third in 38:42.

Drunken Master

In the 3K Race, Superbalita’s Jun Migallen having little or no sleep at all, ruled the men’s category in 15:40. DYRF’s Ike Durano and CDN’s Ariel Gomez timed 17:16 and 17:46 to place second and third respectively.

Migallen’s win brought back memories during the early 90s when he won in the media division of the Nike Pharmaton 10K. Jun who came from a drinking spree went straight to the starting line and still won. He was nicknamed “The Drunken Master” (remember the early movies of Jackie Chan?) In the Women’s division I wanted to stop the diminutive Irenelou Llego who was ahead of the entire field when she passed my post. However, I was informed by marshals that she was indeed the leader. Llego clocked 15:40:70 to even eclipsed Jun’s time. DYRF’s Maridel Cresencio came in second in 18:17 while SunStar’s Jovy Gerodias pocketed third in 22:48.

Run To The Max Ii

Registration to the Holiday Gym & Spa Run to the Max 2 (10 Miler) is now ongoing at the PSC Office at the Cebu City Sports Center, Holiday Gym & Spa in Banilad and at Casa Ilongga at Robinsons Place. The race offers two choices for runners, the 10 miles (16K) and the 6K. Gym members will also have their own category. Gym supervisor Annie Neric said they are still discussing the cash prizes but the champions in the 16K category are already assured of P8,000 for both male and female. Already confirming their participation are the Cebu Executive Runners Club, Rox Gym, Parklane Runners, PryceGas Runners Run for Sight and Atan Guardo Runners.

CDN’s Ricky Gabuya, Calvin Cordova and Kevin Canizares assisted at the finish line. The Press Freedom Run was sponsored by Salcon who provided the singlets. We would also like to thank City Sports Club Cebu and Cebu Business Park for providing a classy venue. Thank you likewise to Waterfresh Drinking Water for always supplying water to our running events.

Musiccc

Whether I like it or not I’m definitely stuck with music. Just recently I got another surprise when Jhun Villahermosa who sings like Frank Sinatra, called me to a meeting. On the way to the venue I had a feeling that this is not a gathering to organize another run. True enough it was an election of officers for the newly-formed Musicians and Singers in Cebu City Corp. (MUSICCC). Of course I was honored to be invited by arguably Cebu’s legendary singers. The group included Cebu Pop Music champion Girlie Lapinid Las Pinas, Baby Condeno, Aida Pallar and Amy Filomeno just to mention a few. I begged not to be an officer as I’m up to my neck with so many activities but in the end the group prevailed. Elected president was Jhun Villahermosa, Vice president Baby Condeno, Secretary Girlie Las Pinas, Treasurer, Dinah Ratliff, auditor Elna Vilan while Zeny Ompoc and yours truly were picked as PROs. Our first big performance will be on Dec. 1 when we sing at the Pasko sa Sugbo at Fuente Osmeña. Of course I’ll be performing as the King of Rock N’ Roll.

* Next race Nov.8, Cebu Business Park - Lakandula Lions Roar to Grow 10K & 3K (FREEMAN NEWS)