Sports Eye
Jazy, Alex save Mangaldan race
By Jesus A. Garcia Jr.
THE annual Mangaldan bikefest would have been cancelled due were it not for two persons who responded in time to salvage it.
The annual event, dubbed for the last 17 years as ‘Werweran ed Mangaldan’ (featuring two categories: class A division for amateur, ex-pro and non-prominent pro riders; and class B for 40 years old and above), was expected to be sponsored anew by Emperador Brandy like it did in the past three years.
But unfortunately, to my surprise, Emperador withdrew its backing four days prior to the event. Emperador’s reason is that the company’s sponsorship was drained by the huge they incurred in the recent Panagbenga Flower Festival in Baguio City. Well, it could be true and I will give them the benefit of the doubt.
Confirming the bad news from me, my town’s chief executive Herminio Romero was stunned, riled and infuriated as the annual cycling event is one of the major highlights of the fiesta that the townspeople look forward to. He also feared that if the raced were not held this year, it could affect his candidacy in the coming polls. But one not to easily give up, he asked this writer to help identify and find some generous souls who could save the 36-year old annual affair, protect the prestige of the race as well as his own reputation as the sports-minded father of the town.
Luckily, I found two. When I told my son Jazy about the town’s dilemma, he, along with his friend Alex Billan of Manila, did not have to think twice about working together to sponsor the race.
Jazy owns the Guam-based Jazy Sportswear while Billan is the proprietor of the popular Excellent Noodles and Oishi Products. Both are also still active in competitive cycling and said they will in fact participate in the category B event.
Romero, elated by the quick response and assured that the prestigious race will push through, was profuse in thanking the two businessmen.
Dagupan City Mayor Alipio Fernandez, Jr., Bonuan Gueset barangay chairman Angel C. Gumarang and Engr. Rodolfo Dion of DPWH second engineering district office, all sports fanatics, are also backing the affair. Mabuhay kayo mga ginoo and thanks a lot guys.
As of this writing, I’m working it out for the bikefest be aired again live over the radio and most likely at DZRD Sonshine Radio. I believe it will be done.
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Congrats to Eduardo Nardo, Edmund Nicolas, Jr. of San Manuel, Pangasinan and Virgilio Muena of Nueva Ecija for winning the top three slots in the 84-kilometer Panagbenga Omega Pain Killer Downhill-Uphill Extreme Race held Feb. 26 that lured 80 participants. Likewise to Rustom Lim of Guimba, Nueva Ecija, Ryan Cantor and Eduardo Nardo of San Manuel, Pangasinan for placing first, second and third, respectively, during the Mango Cycling Festival held in Iba, Zambales on March 4. I salute you guys. You are bringing honors for your respective provinces. Carry on and keep on pushing the pedals of your bikes. Please bring home more laurels.
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