Bala-an Bukid Trail 21K

Runners taking part in the Bala-an Bukid Trail Half-Marathon set on January 26 in Guimaras IloIlo, will be shooting  two birds with one stone.  If you don’t know, the world-famous Dinagyang Festival fires off the following day in Iloilo City.  Boyet Rentoy of the organizing Prosports said participants will have the chance to witness the Dinagyang after experiencing a traffic free and spectacular scenery of the route. Just like in the Mt. Patag Marathon in Silay City, where the Kenyans suffered their first debacle, the finish line is perched at the mountain top where one could see the fantastic view of the Guimaras Strait.  Meanwhile in Guimaras, which is only 15 minutes from Iloilo via pumpboats, one could enjoy the fabulous beaches comparable to Boracay.  There’s also the Turtle Island, a former turtle sanctuary with a resident “pawikan” waiting for visitors on the shore.  There  are also several coves and caves for adventurous.  Entry forms will soon be available at Runnr in Ayala and at Casa Ilongga at Robinsons Place Fuente.  HALA BIRA! Bisan Gutok  Hala Dasok! 

ILONGGOS RULE

Speaking of Iloilo, Ilonggos swept the local division of the Milo Marathon Finals held in Manila last Sunday. National record holder Vertek Buenavista formerly of Iloilo City but now based in Sto Niño, South Cotabato, led two other Ilonggos for a 1-2-3 finish.  Vertek clocked 2:29:45 ( a far cry from his 2:18:44 pr).  Eric Panique timed 2:32:08 to grab second place while Silay City’s Jesson Agravante salvaged third in 2:34:58.  Ilongga Jennilyn Nobleza won third place in the women’s local division clocking 3:22:03.  Mary Grace delos Santos won the over-all title in the distaff side in 2:49:29 while Joy Tabal annexed the local title in  3:05:12.

PARTIES

“Some people like to rock, some people like  to roll but movin and groovin gonna satisfy my soul let’s have a party!”.  These are the first lines of Elvis Presley’s hit  “Party”.  Would you believe I had been to four christmas parties already since Nov. 29 when we rocked at the Aboitiz Media party at the Marriott? On Wednesday Elvis will sing “The Hawaiian Wedding Song” at Dino Yapjoco’s wedding reception at the Cebu Country Club.  And guess who else is singing?  Jose Mari Chan himself who is one of the “ninongs”. Jose Mari  will also sing his hit “ A Love To Last A Lifetime”. The next day, I’ll be going to The FREEMAN’s party as Indiana Jones complete with a whip since the theme is “Safari”.  And the day after, It’s the Cebu City Cooperative Development party. On the 16th I’m off to Manila for Casa Ilonggas’ party. Whew! more eating, less running!

MARQUEZ KOS MANNY AT PARKLANE

Like most media people including Bobby Nalzaro, Rick Gabuya, Edri Aznar and Dale Rosal,  I was at Parklane Hotel  together with Rolly Diorico to watch the Marquez-Pacquiao fourth encounter.  Mayor Mike Rama as usual was also there and was part of the jampacked venue who were stunned after Manny kissed the canvas in the sixth round. Anyway, thanks to GM Cenelyn Manguilimotan, Barbie Pantino, Erwin Limpag and Belle Dinoy, all ultra-runners for always inviting us whenever Pacman has a fight.

NOTES: Holiday greetings to Emmar’s Alley  personnel at Belvic headed by owners Salam and Bong Umpar, Jackie Escoreal, Jurian Sanapao, Jesicca Amolata, Venus Borinaga and Aisa Torregoza.

Registration to the Cooperative advocacy Run is now in full swing at Runnr Ayala, Cebu City Sports Center (c/o Lyle) and at the office of Councilor Nida Cabrera at Cebu City Hall.