Ironman sidelights

PILI, Camarines Sur, Philippines  – Alaska team owner Wilfred Steven Uytengsu said organizing the Cobra Ironman 70.3 is as hard as owning a PBA team. “Organizing this event is harder for me personally simply because I’m more involved but both are nice and sweet,” said Uytengsu, who is also listed as Ironman competitor.

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Tim Cone, whose Alaska Aces recently beat the San Miguel Beermen to nail their 13th PBA title, is switching roles with his wife, Cristina, as he takes his turn to cheer the latter. “It’s my turn to cheer now but I’m not as emotional as her when she cheers for me,” said Cone.

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Host Gov. L-Ray Villafuerte beat foreign participants in the post-race event last year – wakeboarding. One was reigning Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines champion Terrenzo Bozzone, who vowed to come back strong this year. “I will take on the governor after the race,” said the Kiwi.                                           – Joey Villar

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Leo Oracion, the first Filipino to reach the peak of Mt. Everest, will participate in the race for the second straight year. Oracion took a break from the voyage named “Balangay” to be here. “I have no practice, I just want to compete,” he said. – Joey Villar