Kalutan’s euphoria
By Eva C. Visperas

 

 

 

 

They danced, they sang, they ate.

Yes, I took part in the once-in-a-lifetime excitement of the  Kalutan ed Dagupan exclusively for the delegates, who took respite from their  stressful routine in the middle of the week as they competed in the week-long  Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) national games held at the  Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center in Lingayen.

Fellow Punch columnist Dr. Gonzalo Duque, PRISAA national president, who produced miracles in the hosting (initially doubted by several quarters if he could pull it off), deserves a warm round of applause for the bold moves he made.

Three years ago, the daring Gonz being the Ilocos regional president, already signified Pangasinan’s intention to host the event. He went through difficult stages before he could finally get the nod of sports ‘gods’ to allow Pangasinan to host the big sports event.

Ever positive that Pangasinan and its people can, Gonz showed to all that given the opportunity, we can. And rightly, we did, successfully – despite some minor kinks – based on my personal assessment having been at the playing venue daily for my news gathering and writing.

Last Wednesday’s Kalutan for the PRISAA delegates was definitely one worth remembering for keeps. There were many firsts then.

It was the first time that athletes of national event like PRISAA were given that kind of extra special treatment.

It was also the first time Gary V. and Mocha Uson, daughter of slain Judge Gary Uson and Dr. Ester Uson, performed at the same time in the plaza with that kind of euphoric atmosphere.

It was also the first time that  Orly Navarro of Super  Radyo, Susan Yadao, Tito Tamayo and Liway Manantan of dwPR, myself, Ike Palinar of People’s Digest, and the rest of media  friends danced on stage at the  city plaza while Mr. Pure Energy and Mocha were doing their terrific song  and dance numbers.

Seeing us enjoying the show, Gary V, performing from the other end of a temporary stage, pointed to where we were dancing gaily and the spotlights were focused in our direction.

You should have seen that!

Wow, I could still feel how the athletes enjoyed. And how we also did.

We didn’t know with whom we were dancing then. But what mattered most was we cared less for as long as we were enjoying the show with only water and soda to quench our thirst.

“Di pa kayo nakainon niyan ha?,” asked Jonathan of ABS-CBN.

“Yeeesss!,” we chorused. We just partook of grilled hotdog, bangus and pork barbeque.

To Dr. Gonz, you did a great job! I salute you.

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