Meeting two Bayambang czars

By Jesus A. Garcia Jr.

I BELIEVE many of us Pangasinenses, especially the entrepreneurs, have heard of the name Cesar T. Quiambao, the businessman who owns Stradcom Corporation, CS First Bank and Royal Mall, to name a few. For those who are unaware, Stradcom is under contract with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for the operation of LTO’s database of licenses and vehicle registrations.
But unfortunately, the firm is currently encountering a monumental trouble with the LTO headed by its controversial chief Virginia Torres and a certain fellow named Bonifacio Sumbilla, who claims to be the new head of Stradcom. The issue was not amicably settled and eventually reached the court.

I’ve heard and known about Quimbao through the newspaper, television and radio reports. My buddy and media colleague Jun Velasco had told me at one time in the past that the charismatic and philanthropist Quiambao was instrumental in the election victory of Bayambang Mayor Ricardo Camacho. Jun V did not elaborate.

I did not meet the two czars of Bayambang, Quiambao and Camacho until the Stradcom Cycling Cup was held last June 19. The bikefest was a kick-off event for the 400-year anniversary foundation of the town that coincided with the 150th birth anniversary of our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, and also Fathers’ Day.  I directed the road battle which was ran in two categories. The two top honchos of the town were there together with the town’s vice mayor, Melvyn Junio, Councilor Levin Uy, tourism head Emma Mola and some other municipal officials. They were there to inspire the cyclists, flagged off the participants and then awarded the cash prizes, trophies and medals for the winners.

Elated with the success of the event, Quiambao and Camacho are planning to hold another race on National Heroes’ Day, August 29, a national holiday. Of course, it will start and finish again in Bayambang. But Camacho explained that the event will be exclusively for amateur riders and to be run in a different route, probably to traverse some towns of Tarlac province. Camacho also said that the town is also planning to stage a similar event before their town fiesta next year with other sports activities like boxing, basketball and probably billiards, which are the favorite sports of Pangasinenses.  I believe these will all push through. And yes, with the able assistance of CTQ.

Mabuhay kayo mga ginoo. Keep up your good work, especially your support for sports.

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It’s sad to learn that our very own Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Elma Muros-Posadas had been denied a U.S. visa. Elma, now 44, who also won the gold medal in long jump during the 2009 World Masters’ Games held in Finland, was supposed to defend her title. She had all the documents that were needed for the interview at the U.S Embassy in Manila. Unfortunately she failed to pass the test. Tsk, tsk, tsk. The U.S. Embassy is so strict now in giving visas, especially after the September 11, 2001 attack that killed thousands of people at the Twin Towers in New York.

The World Masters Games is slated on July 7-17 in Sacramento, California. The Games are categorized for the aging athletes starting from 30 years old. I know it because I personally watched the 2002 Masters Games in Melbourne, Australia with my son Jazy and his wife Mylene, who both participated in the cycling event representing Guam. As expected, they both lost but were not humbled. They fought a good fight. That trip was my first and the last, so far.

Elma is married to her trainer Jojo Posadas, also a former athlete. Jojo’s folks I believe were from San Carlos City.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: And Dr. Jose Rizal said “We die only once and if we do not die well, we lose a good opportunity which will never come up again . . . If one has to die, at least one must die in his own country, by his country, and for his country.”

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