Sports Eye
They came, they saw, they conquered again
By Jesus A. Garcia Jr.
WE have to thank God that the force of super typhoon Ruby had weakened and most of all the core of its wrath spared our province. Yes, “Prayers can move Mountains!” For this, the Sta. Barbara Cycling Challenge that was asked to direct and scheduled on December 8 pushed through. That was the positive development. But the bad news is our Pangasinan riders were badly beaten again (like in the past) and were unable to finish among the top three.
The bikefest was run in two categories, and the master division (36-54 years old) was dominated by three of the seven visiting Manila riders, a situation that again dismayed the spectators at the finish line. This goes to show that cycling races even being staged in our own turf are no longer a shoo-in for Pangasinenses, unlike before. “Umaasenso na rin yong mga siklista sa ibang lugar hindi kagaya nuon na dumenado ng mga taga Pangasinan,” quoted one of the spectators at the finish line. And I couldn’t agree amore.
Yes, they came, they saw and they conquered us again. Look what’s happening also in the professional circle, i.e., the Le Tour de Filipinas and Ronda Pilipinas races. Our last two champions were Santy Barnachea of Umingan in 2011 Ronda and Baler Ravina of Asingan in 2012 Le Tour. Our last two years of participation in these two multi-stage races held annually in the country ended in debacle. I wish and hope that the year 2015 will be a better year for our Pangasinan riders starting February next year.
My big thanks to the Sta. Barbara Police Station headed by COP Chief Inspector Wilmer Pagaduan and P/Inspector Grandeur Tangonan as well as P/Supt. Muena and SPO1 Fontanilla (sorry, I forgot their first names) of Malasiqui Police Station for their support in managing the traffic to allow the race to run smoothly . Without them, the bikefest might not have been successful. And, of course, to Mayor Carlito S. Zaplan for promoting cycling as a sport in the province. Last but not the least, the sponsor Excellent Noodles of Alexander Billan, the perennial backer of cycling in Pangasinan.
Next race will be in San Fabian on January 17, 2015 with a different format. Details on this event will be known on next week issue.
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The promotion of football as sport in the province is long overdue but still very laudable. My big thanks to Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. for encouraging our young ones to adopt the this run-and-kick-the-ball game which is suited for us Filipinos unlike basketball where height is an advantage. The “First Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. 11-A-Side Football Cup that was participated in by 16 teams from the province and neighboring places like Baguio City, Ilocos Sur, Cagayan, Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija, among others, was a good start. During the opening ceremony, Guv Espino said “football was my favorite sport which I believe we Filipinos can excel in more than other sport because small people are fast runners and football players are always running in much of the game.” I agree. Espino promised to support the development of the sport by organizing and hosting more football competitions in Pangasinan. Carry on, Governor and being a sports fan then and until now, I’ll doff my hat to you again for your new advocacy in sports.
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. LUKE 1: 30-32
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