Golden dream

It’s almost 100 years since the Philippines joined the Olympics in 1924, but sad to say we are still looking for that elusive gold medal.  In the just concluded Rio Olympics, we came close to that dream when Hidilyn Diaz  won  the silver in women’s weightlifting after 20 years.  Will we ever win a gold medal in the  Olympics? Sad to say, we are overtaken by tiny countries like Singapore and Fiji.  In the case of Singapore, a small nation of less than 6 million people, it took a young  kid Robert Schooling who upset swimming icon Micheal Phelps in 100m butterfly, to win the country’s first gold medal.  And to think that Schooling was only 5 years old when Phelps started collecting gold medals in the Olympics. Frankly, our chances for a gold medal in the Olympics  is in boxing and lately women’s weightlifting.  With proper support and training, Hidilyn could  finally realize that dream  in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.  In a previous column, I also mentioned Manny Pacquiao who could have given our country its first gold had he decided to compete in Rio, now that  professionals are allowed to participate.  Taekwondo is also another potential gold mine.  Looking back to the 1988 Seoul Olympics, my good friend and “kababayan” Monsour Del Rosario won the gold but  alas it was only a demonstration sport then. Kirstie Elaine Alora nearly bagged the bronze but lost to more experienced jins from Mexico and Morocco.  Anyway, keep on dreaming.

Deadly weapon

Still on the Rio Olympics, one amusing incident didn’t escape me.  Japanese pole vaulter Hiroki Ogita failed to qualify because his penis touched the bar.  Ogita was attempting to clear a height of 5.3 meters when his leg came in contact with the bar.  As he began to drop back down toward the ground, his shin graced the bar causing it to wobble.  But it was his penis that caused the foul as it slapped the metal, causing it to fall.  Ogita cleared the height on his second attempt but was only able to make 5.45 meters with his last jump.  The video of Ogita became viral with more than 3.2 million views.  My friend Jingjing said Kogitaeste…Ogita was carrying a deadly weapon to the Games.

Tribute to Elvis

Last August 17, fans from all over the world marked the 39th death Anniversary of the King of Rock and Roll Elvis Presley.  Elvis of Japan Douglas Masuda, invited yours truly to perform at Rj Bistro in Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City, but I have to begged off due to a hoarse voice.  However, on August 30 and September 1, we will be doing  an  Elvis tribute  on the “As Time Goes By” tv show hosted by Sam Costanilla and Ate Ging Montesclaros.  Elvisaya, the Elvis of the Visayas will perform some of Elvis’ greatest hits.  We will also be showing  photos of my trip to Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee.  Hopefully, the Frank Sinatra of Cebu, Jhun Villahermosa, will be joining us.  Don’t fail to watch.  Speaking of Elvis, the Elvis and Sinatra Salute The Grandparents mini-concert will be staged on September 10 at the South Town Centre in Tabunok, Talisay City.  Guest performers are Ate Ging Montesclaros and realtor Herbert Buot, the Perry Como of Cebu.  The free show starts at 4 p.m. at the mall’s activity center.

Did you know?

Bruce Lee turned down an offer from MGM to make a picture with Elvis, imagine the King of  kung fu together with the  king of Rock n Roll.  Elvis picked up karate while stationed in Germany with the US Army in 1958.  Back in America, Elvis continued training, first with Bob Wall and Chuck Norris and then Ed Parker.  Elvis had moved on because Wall and Norris would not promote him through ranks and refused to train him when he was stoned  (sabog).  Ed Parker was more persuaded, promoting Elvis an 8th degree black belt.  It delighted him and gave Parker $50,000 and a new Cadillac.  The authenticity of Elvis taekwondo ranking is equally questionable, having giving his Korean instructor a new car and also $50,000 to start a new martial arts school.  Elvis was promoted to 7th degree black belt.