By Jesus A. Garcia, Jr.

FIRSTLY, my big thanks to God anent the bikefest that I organized and directed held last December 17 in conjunction with the celebration of my natal day, a day prior to my actual birthday (December 18) which I dubbed it this year as “3^rd JAG, Jr. 78^th Birthday Cycling Challenge,” Being a senior citizen, I originally planned to conduct the bikefest for just one category (60 years and above) and though it’s an open-resident event, I finally decided to categorize the short and simple cycling road race into two divisions, the master (50 to 59 years old) and grandmaster (60 years and above), like in the last two years. The bikefest started in Buenlag, Mangaldan, my birthplace, and ended at the top of the hill in Barangay Inmalog, San Fabian town.

And believe it or not, the two events were won by visitors, yes, for the first time in the last three years. In the master division, four of the top ten placers were won by Manileños namely Romeo Camingao (champion), Ysmael Gendrano (7^th place), Ariel Fernando (8^th place) and Juanito Pinto (10^th). Pangasinenses in the top 10 were Simeon Gelacio of Mangaldan (2^nd), Joe Maramba of Dagupan City (3^rd), Jhun Garcia of Manaoag (4^th), Reynold Trinidad of Balungao (5^th), George Calagno of San Fabian (6^th) and Tomas Doot of Mangaldan (9^th).

In the grandmaster division, Pangasinan pedal-pushers dominated the top ten placers but the top winner was Rudy Dicorro of Manila. The second to tenth placers, respectively, were Hector Padilla of Urdaneta City, Marlon Avila of Bugallon, Alejandro Daoatin of Urbiztondo, Cris Cayabyab of Bayambang, Cesar de Guzman of Lingayen, Rolando dela Cruz of Malasiqui and Archie Nanquil of Dagupan City. Of course, cash prizes and medals were awarded to all top ten winners. There will be fourth and more editions to come annually as long as I still exist in this planet. God prevails.

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In the national side, the Philippine National Games (PNG) and the Batang Pinoy Championships slated on December 17-22 is presently happening in Tagaytay City.  My friend Dwain Badua of the well-known national sports blogger Dwain Entertainment sent me some not encouraging results. So far after three days of hostilities, our Pangasinan contingent is lagging behind as of December 20.

The best finish from a Pangasinense rider was fifth place by Efren Reyes of Dagupan City in the criterium event won by former Ronda Pilipinas king Jan Paul Morales of Manila. Our best place in the individual-time-trial race was 12^th courtesy of Melvin Corpuz of Umingan. As I’m writing this piece morning of December 21 to beat my deadline, the open road race is being conducted. Our best bet in this event is spearheaded by 2018 Ronda Pilipinas champion Ronald Oranza of Villasis. This event is his forte. Hopefully our boys will bring home a medal, the elusive gold. If they don’t, I surmise something is very wrong in our Pangasinan cycling development this generation. Honestly, it was only during former Gov. Amado I. Espino III when he had many races organized to sharpen the skills of our local riders and eventually brought multiple honors to the province. Their victories are also ours.

And the big question now is, are our provincial cyclists deteriorating? Yes, the results are there to see. 

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” LUKE 2: 10, 11.

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