Date with history

The Century Properties 100 KM Ultramarathon will surely be part of Bogo City, or make that Cebu’s historical events. Mayor Junie Martinez is already excited and promised to fully support the race that will unfold on November 19 at the Bogo City Plaza. We previously announced that the starting line will be at the old Bogo City Hall, but Mayor Junie said it’s ideal at the plaza, as there will be people who will be watching. Dinner however will still be at the existing   City Hall where a short program will be held. All participants and officials are requested to proceed to the said City Hall. Dinner starts at 6:30pm. Tourism officer Joy Tan said they will have event T-shirts made that will be worn by City Hall employees. On the other hand, Borbon Mayor Butch Sepulveda and Vice-Mayor Noel Dotillos said they are also backing the race. They are putting up a water station in front of the Municipal Hall while fielding police personnel to secure the runners in the area of responsibility. Distribution of race packets will be on November 17 at 6pm at the NS Royal Pensione near St. Theresa’s College where a carbo-loading party will likewise be held.

Pancho Uytiepo, Bacolod’s loss

I took a quick trip to Bacolod City to pay my final respects to my uncle Pancho Uytiepo who succumbed to complications of the liver, Friday dawn. Tito Pancho is undoubtedly one of Bacolod’s famous artists. The Visayan Daily Star editor-in-chief Ninfa Leonardia who is also the sister of Bacolod City Mayor Bing Leonardia wrote in her coulumn Twinkling. “Pancho Uytiepo was a multi-talented man, he was a designer, couturier, poet, painter, songwriter, singer, musician (his gift at the piano was extra-ordinary), dancer, choreographer and a wonderful husband and father.”   Yes, Tito Pancho made several of Pilita Corrales’ gowns and was the mentor of Director Al Quinn.   He has traveled to over 80 countries playing in hotel lounges and even entertained the U.S. troops in Saigon, Vietnam in the late 60’s. He once played at Pugaran and Yarrow Beach   Resort in Talisay, being a good friend of Eddie Colmenares. As I mentioned in a previous column, he composed “Bacolod, Bacolod” which became a Masskara Festival theme.   We’ll miss you Tito Pancho.   Continue to sing and dance in heaven.   “Hasta La Vista, Tito Pancho.”

Pacman-Marquez in Bacolod

For the last four years,   I’ve watched Manny Pacquiao’s bouts at either the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel or at Parklane International Hotel. But last Sunday, I watched it at my cousin Larry Kilayco’s Northwest Inn   in Bacolod City.   Like almost everyone’s observation,   the bout should have been a draw. Most people believed Pacman lost.   Barbra Streisand’s   “Some Good Things Never Last”   could pretty well be Pacman’s new song.