One of my dreams

By Jesus A. Garcia

THE annual summer cycling spectacle Padyak Pinoy was discontinued last year and sports fans, especially the cycling enthusiasts, have since kept asking me for the reason. I, too, still do not know the main reason for its cancellation last year and I surmise that it could have something to do with the economic crisis. But I guess I was wrong because despite our even worse financial crisis today, the big race is coming back this summer and with much gusto.

Yes, sports fans! Padyak Pinoy, the country’s longest and most prestigious bicycle road race will roll again and is tentatively scheduled ton May 1 to 8. I had been asked by the event’s promoter, the well-known Dos-Uno agency, to direct the eight-day road skirmishes.

Of course, I was stunned and surprised by the offer. I thought twice before accepting the offer, because being an organizer of many races and a former king in this two-wheeled event, I know that directing a national multi-stage bikathon is a prestigious job. Admittedly, to direct such a race has been one of my dreams. As you know, having been involved in directing major road battles in Region 1, most especially those done in our province, I am confident I have acquired the needed experience to do this colossal race. The last race that I directed was the star-studded XVI Werweran ed Mangaldan held last March 1, my 151st assignment. With the able support of my colleagues, and foremost the Lord and Our Lady of Manaoag, I can do it.

It will be my first directorial job for a multi-staged race again after the five-day “OO na, Takbo na” of former Pangasinan Governor Oscar M. Orbos in 1995 and the three-day Tour de Hundred Islands of Alaminos City of Mayor Hernani A. Braganza in 2005.

If I pass this test, I know there will be more assignments under the promotion of Dos-Uno. I only pray no major or untoward incidents will happen during the road battles.

You will know more on this after my meeting with the cycling organizers this week.

* * * * *

I directed the March 6 basketball ‘goodwill games’, a pet sports project of hizzoner Herminio A. Romero, held at the Macario Ydia Development Center in conjunction with the celebration of Mangaldan’s town fiesta. I would say it was successful because not only did the spectators who turned out in big numbers enjoy the match-ups but all the three Mangaldan squads were victorious, and all the games were closely contested.

The Mangaldan Slam’s team opened the first of three salvos of the day, trouncing Coca-Cola Calasiao, 62-56, while the Mangaldan’s Inter-Commercial champion and reinforced Jharrsel Builders and Supply escaped a close and pulsating 74-70 win over the youthful Urdaneta City champion PUNP in the second game.

In the third match of four, Region 1’s famous UL five of Councilor Chito Samson and Seato Gonimil repulsed the Cordillera region titlist CCDC, 58-51, while the Mangaldan Selection donning the jersey of Jazy Sportswear/beacon subdued the Alaminos City All Stars of Vice Mayor Teofilo Humilde Jr., 64-56.

Congrats to all of you guys and thanks a lot for your participation.

* * * * *

If Alaminos City was not lucky enough in the basketball match in Mangaldan, their runners the following day dominated the third edition of Dagupan City’s Pinay Idol Marathon.

The two footraces for 15-year-old and below in two categories, 5k and 3k, lured almost 300 contestants from different sectors and was part of the celebration of International Women’s Month, a project of Councilor Farah Decano.

The 5k was won by Liza Angan-angan (14), Honeylyn Julian (15) and Marivic Casipit (15) finishing in 1-2-3 fashion while Mae Ann Ranches and Jessebel Ancheta, both 12 years of age, and Mary Grace Ragudos, 11 governed the 12k distance. All the top finishers received incentive cash prizes and medals.

Kudos to these young athletes and to Mayor Nani and VM Humilde for a job well done. Carry on.

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