Don’t look now but it won’t be long before the next Southeast Asia Games unfurls in Singapore June next year. Of course, we have to remember that from Tiger of Asia we have become pussycats, placing seventh in the last SEA Games in Myanmar. We were even overtaken by Singapore, a country with less than 6 million population and Vietnam. Next year’s chef de mission Julian Camacho said we will definetely improve, maybe to fourth place. Ageless Rening Ylaya 79, who could still shame runners young enough to be his grandsons said “Asa na siya nga kusinero, chef man kaha?” I told Rening he’s not a cook but he will be the head of delegation. But Camacho could very well cook a winning concotion for the Philippine Team. Camacho who was also chef de mission in the 2003 Sea Games (Vietnam) said, if we win at least 55 gold medals, then we could be in fourth. Camacho is pinning its medal hopes in wushu,taekwondo, boxing, swimming, gymnastics and athletics where PATAFA new chef este... chief, Philip Juico, could harvest 10 golds. “Sobra na ta nahuy-an” (We have been disgraced too much)said my good friend and La Salle Bacolod schoolmate, PSC chair Richie Garcia. Well, climbing from the pits is Richie and Julian’s Christmas wish. Do you believe in Santa Clause este... miracles?
Run for Samboy
Bumped into former PBA behemoth Jonel Balingit recently at a mall. Jonel and I talked of many things as we have not seen each other for a long time. We also touched the topic on Samboy Lim. Jonel said Samboy’s family is reeling from the big expenses being at the hospital (we were informed Samboy is out of the ICU), but remains comatose. I told Jonel why don’t we have a run for Samboy, maybe EL Presidente Mon Fernandez could spearhead this idea. Jonel said he could barely run but will do a few meters just to show support. Maybe San Miguel Corporation could back this endeavor. “Anong say mo Girlie?”
Did you know?
Elton John (real name Reginald Kenneth Dwight) is also known as Hercules. But sad to say, he’s no strongman. Known for his flamboyant stage costumes and exotic spectacles, Elton is also a sportsman. He has interest in Watford Football Club of which he became Life President in 1990. Unknown to many, Elton attempted to gas himself but made a mistake of opening the windows, Elton’s “Candle in the Wind” which he sang at Princess Diana’s funeral has sold over 33 million copies and is the most successful single of all time. He produced the soundtrack for the Lion King which won the Oscar for the best music original song and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1998. Elton is married to long time partner David Furnish in 2005. Take a bow Sir este.... Madam Elton Hercules John.
JAMES BROWN- Regarded as the Godfather of Soul, worked as a pimp and shoe-polisher and tried his luck at baseball then boxing before settling on a musical career after winning a talent competition. He went to prison for four years in 1949 for petty theft. He’s best known for his hit “I Got You (I Feel Good)” and performed the song “Living in America”, for the film Rocky IV.
Happy New Year!