Hasta La Vista Guillo

It has been six years since I last saw Guillo Cesar Uytiepo Servando, son of my niece Christine, wife of Aurelio “Taboy” Servando.  We were neighbors in a compound at Ledesma Village in IloIlo City.  I remember Guillo as a very good and respectful kid who was studying in an exclusive boys school.  Guillo however was not athletic as he was more of the intellectual type.  So it was a shock when my sister Cherie called me while I was in Tacloban City to attend the opening of Robinsons Place, that Guillo died.  Cherie said Guillo a sophomore at De La Salle St. Benilde succumed to  hazing in the hands of a fraternity.  I could’nt help but shed a tear as for several years I watched him grow up.  Guillo is the youngest of two siblings.  Although Guillo is big, he’s not muscular and the rigors of being battered was just too much.  If I recall, Guillo is also asthmatic.  As I write this column , several suspects have sent surrender feelers.  Vice President JoJo Binay who is Taboy’s neighbor, visited the wake and promised to help. What a waste, it was a pity Guillo has gone too soon.  Hasta La Vista! Guillo.

Vaya Con Diyos Kris

Barely two weeks after Guillo died,another good friend Kris Relatado followed to the Great Beyond.  Kris was always the life of gatherings and was always jolly, despite problems that come to him every now and then.  On one occasion, I asked Kris what footrace he likes the most.  Was it the Boston Marathon,New York or Milo? Well, he was quick to answer “The Oblation Run” of UP where they hang it loose.  I’ll never forget that.  Well Manay, Vaya Con Diyos!

Torn Between Two Lovers

Torn between Two Lovers   was one big hit of Maureen Mc Govern in the 70s.  It could also be the theme of my dilemma.  You see, WIPRO, a BPO company is staging a run on Sept 21 at the Terraces and I’ve been name race director anew.  Last year,  I was calling the shots from Los Angeles, California and it looks I’ll be directing the race from Kitatami City in Japan, venue of the  Asian Masters Athletics Championship.  I’ve been also named to the Philippine Team that will compete in track and field events.  The problem is, it falls on the same week as the WIPRO run.  Well, I know in the event I’m not around I’ll be leaving  the race in the good hands of Precing Capangpangan and Lyle Larida who managed the race last year.  This year however, WIPRO officials Rex Bispo and Jeff Orbita wants the race “more bongga” and even wants Elvisya  to perform during the awarding.  Anyway, I’ll be meeting with Manny Ibay, head of delegation and asking if I could stay behind.  Just in case, I’ll endorse Dennis Scott and the Escasinas couple.  Nemie and Tessie to Manny so they can be included in the team that counts the likes of Elma Muros, Roy Vence, Linda Lavandia, Renato Unso and John Lozada, who are former Olympians and Sea Games veterans.