Boat race, beach volley to dazzle Talisaynons

CEBU, Philippines - A one-of-a-kind boat race billed as 'Balik Baroto Regatta' and an exciting beach volley action will take place today in Barangay Poblacion, Talisay City. The twin sporting treats for the Talisaynons is among the highlights of the 72nd anniversary celebration of the historic Talisay Landing of the American Liberation Forces.

Close to a hundred fishermen in colorful sailboats from Cebu, Leyte and Lanao del Norte will try to outpaddle each other in the cash-rich race spearheaded by the Balik Baroto Movement led by its founding chairman Dir. David 'Kuya' Boy S. Odilao, Jr.

The participants will be traversing a total of seven nautical miles starting at the Larawan Beach Resort. They will then muscle their way to Pooc and make their first U-turn at the seawaters near Corona del Mar subdivision. They will then head to the South Road Properties for their their final U-turn off the shores fronting SM City Seaside before going back to Larawan resort.

A total of P330,000 in cash prize will be given away to the winners. The champion will take home P50,000, while the second to fifth will receive P40,000, P30,000, P20,000 and P10,000, respectively. A consolation prize of P5,000 each will be given away to the 6th up to 10th placers and P2,000 each for the 11th up to 50th finishers.

There will also be special awards for the 'Most Colorful" entries:P25,000 for the 1st, P20,000 for the 2nd, P15,000 for the 3rd, P10,000 for the 4th, and P5,000 for the 5th placer.

A simple opening ceremony will be held before the competition, with Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Sec. Michael Lloyd Dino as guest of honor and speaker.  Also expected to grace the affair are Talisay Mayor Eduardo 'Eddiegul' R. Gullas, Tuburan Mayor Democrito 'Aljun' Diamante, Jr. and some officials of the Fraternal Order of Eagles (Philippine Eagles).

Right after the 'Balik Baroto' event comes the semifinals and championship round of the Landing Beach Volley Invitational organized by the Talisay City Sports Commission.

The University of the Visayas and University of San Jose-Recoletos are the frontrunners in the semis. UV, bannered by former national team player Jade Becaldo, completed a four-game sweep in the elimination round to lead USJ-R, University of Southern Philippines Foundation and Southwestern University-Phinma in the men's division.

In the women's bracket, USJ-R is the topseed going into the Final Four with a clean 4-0 slate, thanks to the efforts of Paula Maninang and Jessa Joquia. The rest of made it to the next round are USPF, University of Cebu and Team Lazan. — With Caecent No-ot Magsumbol (FREEMAN)