Successful Mangaldan VM Mejia bikefest 2024
By Jeus A. Garcia Jr.
DESPITE the distraction from the obstructionists over a permit issue, the much-awaited mountain bikefest ‘2nd VM Mejia Cup Mountain Bikefest of Mangaldan 2024’ finally pushed through under the directorship of my son Jazy, last June 8. Despite the hassle, it was a very successful event that started and finished in Barangay Amansabina of my beloved town Mangaldan. The race was a project of Amansabina Barangay Kap Ramon Mejia and under the auspices of sports-minded and kind-hearted public servant Vice Mayor Mark Stephen de Venecia Mejia. It saw the participation of 99 men cyclists and was run in three categories: Mangaldan Fifty Years Old and Above Residents, Pangasinan Residents Open Age, and the Mangaldan Residents 49 Years Old and Below, the main event of the day. Aside from Barangay Amansabina, the 50-and-above and the 49 years and below categories passed the barangays of David and Gueguesangen of Mangaldan and barangays Golden and Nilombot of Mapandan four times. The Pangasinan Open Age and Residents category traversed the same route five times. The race was flagged off by VM Mejia assisted by his uncle, Kap Mejia.
Speaking of the Mayor’s permit issue, honestly, I have directed 239 cycling races since March 7, 1974 under the leadership of the sports-minded the late Mangaldan top honcho Atty. Macario G. Ydia. Some of the races that I directed during that time, started and finished in different barangays, i.e., Barangay Buenlag, Barangay Sta. Maria in Mapandan, Barangay Inmalog in San Fabian, Barangay Bued in Calasiao, Barangay Domalandan in Lingayen, Barangay Laoac in Manaoag, Barangay Bonuan Gueset in Dagupan City, to name some. No permits were required from local governments.
This was the first time that I encountered such an issue after 50 years. I’m not aware if that’s a DILG policy because if it’s true, indeed, the barangay captain, top officials and sponsor/s of the race should comply with it. If its’ not true. then I can only surmise it’s about politics. And talking about politics and sports, I still recall what the late and the hard-working Mangaldan former Mayor Ydia once told a big crowd during the opening ceremony of the Mangaldan Inter-Barangay Basketball Tournament in December in 1972. He said politics should not be involved in any kind of sports activities. For that, he was roundly applauded by the town’s basketball enthusiasts. That’s the reason why the open court is now called “Macario Ydia Development Center” (MYDC) to honor him.
Here are the top three podium finishers of each event. The Mangaldan 50 and above category: Tomas Doot (David) Champion, P2,000 ; Grygo Bolinas, 2nd placer, P1,500; Mario Llena, 3rd place, P1,000; Men’s Open Pangasinan Residents category: Ronyl Erquiza Champion, P3,000; Gilbert Rosario 2nd place, P2,000; Louis Morante, 3rd place, P1,000. The exclusive Men’s Mangaldan Residents category: Ryan Roces (Guesang), champion, P4,000; Raul Ellasus,2nd place, P3,000; Jesse Sembrano,3rd place, P2,000. Mabuhay ka, VM Mejia, and keep up the good work.
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QUOTE OF THE DAY: “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars, See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet”. MATTHEW 24: 6
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