“OO na, takbo na”

By Jesus A. Garcia Jr.

THE 2010 national election is fifteen more months away, but the air is already charged with politics. Traditional and non-traditional politicians, neophytes and political returnees are already jockeying for positions, creating different kinds of waves to get the attention of the electorate.

In the first district of Pangasinan, rumors are rife that the former governor of the province, Bani-born Oscar M. Orbos, will try to make a comeback in politics by running for a congressional seat congress in his district.

After receiving the news, I immediately rang Orbos — popularly known as “OO” to cyclists — to confirm the report. He said neither yes nor no, but my reading says the guy who was called “Wonder Boy” during Pres. Cory Aquino’ regime due to his exceptional accomplishments as DOTC and Executive Secretary is really serious about making a comeback in the 2010 polls.

He even said that his famous slogan during the 1995 campaign for governorship, “OO na, takbo na”, which was used especially during bicycle races, will also return to the streets. Saying that four-word catchphrase is enough to indicate that the guy from the west is really determined to run again.

Orbos, a very religious person like his brother, the famous priest Jerry, said for his parting words: “God will show us the way.”

Your guess is as good as mine. But I hope that our guess will come true.

Media colleagues informed me that the Elvis Presley fanatic Orbos will be pitted against Bolinao’s former mayor, Jesus “Boying” Celeste.

Do you think it will be a battle royale when the two collide?

Let’s see.

* * * *

Our Region 1 PRISAA basketball team is on a victory roll, defeating the best teams from La Union and Cordillera during the Panagbenga Cup being currently played every weekend in Baguio City.

Reports reaching me say our Dagupan City squad, managed by Councilor Chito Samson Jr. and mentored by Jack Vidal, subdued CCDC (Cordillera Career Development College), 73-66, on Feb. 14 and survived a tense and nail-biting match against La Union’s best team Think God, 98-97, on Feb. 15. The region’s treasurer, Seato Gonimil, said their next match will be either against Ever Gold or the University of Cordillera scheduled on March 7 after playing anew CCDC on March 6 in Mangaldan in a ‘goodwill game’ in conjunction with the celebration of the Mangaldan town fiesta.

“These Panagbenga Cup with six teams involved are tune-up games of the Dagupeños in preparation for the coming National PRISAA Games slated April 19-26 in Naga City,” Seato said.

* * * *

By the time you read this piece, the Mayor’s Cup 2008-09 Mangaldan Inter-Commercial Basketball Tournament could already be over with favorite Jhassrel and MSC teams fighting for the championship in the best-of-three series while Jazysports and GAP battle for third and fourth places.

Thanks to the people who made the two-month competition a successful event, led by the sports fanatic Mayor Hermino A. Romero and veem Pedro A. Surdilla, Jr. with businessman and basketball buff Lito B. Soriano, chairman and chief executive officer of LBS Recruitment Solutions Corporation.

Likewise to my kumpadre Coun. Melchor D. de Guzman, the ABC president of my town Mangaldan and also to Coun. Bernabe Cervas.

Mabuhay kayo!

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