Running's partner

Ever wondered the new look in the starting line arcs in recent races. It has been a vast improvement from the early years of running in Cebu. Well it’s because running here toady is totally supported by Irineo “Jung” Cases, owner of Metrografix. I first met a chubby Jung three years ago when I stepped into their office to have a menu board made for our restaurant. Jung said he’s never ran a kilometer and only showed interest when I asked him to sponsor a few streamers for our first MOVE 5K run organized by PARM under Dr. Renald Ramiro. After that I didn’t see Jung for quite awhile until I met him again last year. I didn’t recognize him as he was 55 pounds lighter and has completed his first 5K run. Soon Jung was into serious running and slowly increased the distance. In the last Great Lapu-Lapu Run, Jung finished in a decent sub 2 hour clocking. Jung also played a big role as he sponsored the arc, the posters, streamers and oh yes, the fabric race number that could put to shame the ones used in international marathons. Now, Jung is helping runners who could not afford gears and entry fees. He has formed a running club that counts the likes of Philip Dueñas and Mary Rose Tabal. He also infected people in his office including Chris Capistrano and Ivee Cabahug. Another clog in the office, 200-pounder Boy Wu, ran his first 5K during the Midnight Run. Of course, Jung’s passion is supported by his wife Coleen, who snaps the camera during races and who will soon attempt her first road race. Thanks Jung and Metrografix, you really improved Cebu’s running look.

Strong Team To National Open

It seems only just yesterday when I would lead the national team to track competitions here and abroad. I could not forget 1992, when our Nike Team figured respectively in the Pampanga National Open, winning the women’s championship while our men’s team annexed the silver. Our team then included Elma Muros, Linda Lavandia, Dorie Cortejo, Rowena Monton, Bernadette Dolar, Mario Castro and Herman Suizo. I was also a fixture in our national Masters team that participates in the Asian Masters championships. Our team then had Mona Sulaiman, Lolit Lagrosas and Romy Sotto among others. On the third week of May, a strong Cebu Team will be going to the national open in Manila. With the City’s meager support, coaches Lyle Larida and Babette Capangpangan, asked for our help even just for uniforms. So I collaborated with Metrografix, Casa Ilongga and & Dot Sports and viola, Team Cebu City will have singlets. The team is expected to bring home a couple of medals with Cebu being the defending champion in the boys division. Expected to carry the load are gold medalists Lindley Navaja (100m, 200m), Ernesto Ybañez (long jump, triple jump), Irin Baluran (long jump, triple jump) and Sheena Gacayan (800m). Also expected to shine are Dharl Pitogo (110m hurdles), Reymar Bunto (400m), Carl Malazarte (3,000m steeple chase,) Kent Del Rosario (100m, 200m), Jee Ann Napoles (long jump). In the seniors division, Mendel Lopez will trade strides with the national team pool runners that will include Vertek Buenavista while Francis Berizo will compete in the shot put and discuss throw. May the force be with you. Go team Cebu City!