Driving like Schumi

CEBU, Philippines - Michael Schumacher hasn’t made much impact yet in his return to Formula-1, but my fondness of the German world champion must have helped me reach home in one piece early evening last Monday after I received a call from my better half that a neighbor’s house, which was about 25 meters away across the street from our abode was on fire.

Unfortunately for our neighbor in our village in the town of Minglanilla, their whole house was gutted, but luckily for the others, their homes were spared.

Thanks to the community effort and the quick response of the Talisay City Fire Department, which was first to arrive on the scene from the nearby LGU.

The firemen from Minglanilla town did manage to get there also and also helped much to put out the fire.

I would also like to thank the Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation (ERUF) for sending one fire engine that helped totally put out the fire and allowed many from our community to get a sound sleep knowing that there was no more danger.

The community also probably realized what volunteerism was as they saw not only male firefighters from ERUF, but also one female.

Thanks also to Ethel Taneo Natera of VECO, who helped facilitate the quick response of their linemen after a rather unfortunate incident that we experienced with their call center.

Being part of one community is just like playing in a team. Some have to play a role in the actual game while others will have to be content with just watching on the bench, but waiting for the right time to come in and help.

In times of crisis, trying to respond without knowing what you ought to do can sometimes lead to fatal mistakes.

When the fire was put off and the victims were trying to gather what was left of their possessions, there was also a very touching sight of neighbors, many I haven’t even seen before, who came to the aid of the victims and offered to assist the firefighters.

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It’s all systems go for the Kadaugan sa Mactan 10th Island Tee, which starts tomorrow at the Mactan Island Golf Club.

I was at MIGC last Monday along with some sportswriters on the invitation of the club’s GM, Retired General Rodante Joya.

If there’s one thing I’d remember from that visit, it should be hitting the island green of Hole No. 15 from the tee. I don’t remember doing that in previous attempts.

General Joya said that most badly battered part of their course is the drop area of the 15th.

He said that only about 30 percent of golfers hit the green from the tee. Well, I hope I’ll still be in the 30 percent come tournament time.

There is still work done on several areas of the course, but it seems ready for the big event.

General Joya said that it would have been difficult to make things work smoothly, but thanks to Maj. General Nathaniel Legaspi, chairman of the MIGC Council and commander of the 2nd Air Division, they’ve accomplished so much to make the course and its facilities better.

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