By Jesus A. Garcia Jr.

WHEN former governor and ex-congressman Oscar M. Orbos announced his comeback in politics last month after filing his certificate of candidacy to run anew as congressman in the First District of Pangasinan, several of our local cyclists asked me if the famed bikefest then called “OO Na, Takbo Na,” will return to the road under his organization and sponsorship.

I just gave them a wide smile and told them that in all likelihood a race will happen knowing that the former lawmaker Orbos is a sports-minded fellow like our current father of the province the hard-working, compassionate and very liberal Gov. Amado I. Espino III.

As Orbos’ former provincial sports coordinator during his three years term (1995-1998), I do believe it will happen again because we did this before, prior to the campaign stage and after his election. And if that should happen, the ideal time would be January next year and the bikefest will be concentrated only in the First District.

His OO Na, Takbo Na bikefest made me recall the 26 road races I organized in the province and a one-time race that ended in Baguio City after roaming the towns of central Pangasinan done during summer time in 1997.  That was upon the request of the city mayor then to promote tourism. The 26 different races were mostly of these single-day races held in conjunction with the celebration different town fiestas of my town Mangaldan, Pozorrubio, Sison, Binalonan, San Manuel, Asingan, Sta. Maria, San Quintin, Mangatarem, Aguilar, Bugallon, Lingayen, Labrador, Binmaley, Calasiao, Mapandan, Urbiztondo, Malasiqui, San Fabian and San Carlos City, the birth place of Orbos’ mother the former Concepcion Munoz. In the western side, races were held in Alaminos City, Mabini, Bani (roots of the Orbos family), Bolinao, Anda and Dasol.

But the former governor did not run for reelection and instead aimed for the second highest position of the land (Vice President) with the former Secretary of National Defense Renato de Villa as his running mate, representing Reforma Party. Unfortunately, they lost.

So, to the question, do I think or believe that the well-known OO Na, Takbo Na bikefest will roll again in our national highways? Yes, I’d say 85% certain. Remember, OO stands for his first and last name and as coincidence has it,’ the double-letter O represents the two wheels of a bicycle.

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It’s so sad to know that one of our medal hopes in 2024 Paris Olympic Games the Filipino-Japanese golfer Yuka Saso who represented Philippines winning this year’s U.S. Women’s Open championship preferred to represent Japan in 2024 Paris Olympics than her land of birth, Philippines. Born to a Japanese father and Filipina mother, Saso revealed her decision last November 3 and did not say the reasons why. She represented Philippines in 2018 Indonesia Asian Games winning the gold, the 2016 World Junior Girls team event winning also the gold with Bianca Pagdanganan and Lois Kaye Go. Yes, this is a big blow to our Philippine team. She also represented us in 2020 Tokyo Olympics placing ninth.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. 1 PETER 3: 12

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