Spirit of Wipro

The Spirit of Wipro Run is probably the biggest footrace among call centers in the country.  Last Saturday, the 5-kilometer run blasted from the starting line in Pescadores Road at the Cebu Business Park, sending thousands of Wipro runners and its guests to the streets.  Actually over 6,000 runners registered but then actual participation was lesser due to the rains brought about by a departing  typhoon.  There was also a 3K side event for the kids who were cheered by the Jollibee mascots.  There were no cash prizes but winners were delighted with the prizes that included Garmin watches, Sony Walkmans, running shoes and sling bags. Wipro country head JibinArjunan said they are expecting a bigger run next year.  Wipro was the title sponsor in the 2012 San Francisco Marathon.

Saving grace

Who said women are the weaker sex? well don’t tell that to Hidilyn Diaz, our lone medalist in the Rio Olympics.  Hidilyn grabbed the silver medal to prevent another shut out in the Games.  In another  Olympics, the 42nd Chess Olympiad held in Baku, Aserbajan.  An aging Eugene  Torre, Asia’s first grandmaster showed he’s not a washout  (laos) yet when  he won the bronze medal in Board Three which was ruled by former Philippine team member now playing for the US, GM  Wesley So.  At 64, Eugene has participated in 23 World Olympiads.  In the Baku tournament, Eugene won nine while drawing two matches to become the highest  individual scorer (10 points) in the biennial meet.  Come November, Eugene will join the World Seniors Championship (for players 65 and over) in Czechoslovakia.  Another Filipino who made waves in the Baku Olympics is Jan Jodilyn Fronda who became the country’s first woman grandmaster.

Elvisaya serenades the Mapesos

Elvisaya, fresh from a successful mini-concert in South Town Center will again rock the crowd when he performs during a thanksgiving party at the Golden Peak hotel on Friday.  Elvisaya will again be joined by Jhun Villahermosa, the Frank Sinatra of Cebu and Ate Ging Montesclaros of As Time Goes By TV show.  Veteran broadcaster Sam Costanilla will again emcee the dinner show hosted by Mrs.  Juliet Mapeso.  Elvisaya has also received an invitation from the Elvis of Los Angeles, Buddy Reyes to perform  with the California-based Elvis impersonator  when he holds a charity show here in Cebu.  Watch out for details.

Did you know?

EDWIN MOSES  Americantrackster was unbeaten  in 107 races in the 400 meters that

spanned 11 years and 22 countries.

LAMAR CLARK  holds the record for most consecutive knockouts, 44 from 1958-60.  The most consecutive first-round knockouts is 18, by One Round Hogan in 1910. 

CALVIN MURPHY  during the 1980-81 season, sank  a record 78 free throws in a row. 

WILT CHAMBELLAIN  made a record 35 field  goals in a row.

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS  lost to the New Jersey Reds 100-99, breaking their consecutive-games winning streak at 2.495.

PIERRE DE COUBERTIN  after his death, his heart was taken out and placed in a monument in a sacred grove in Olympia, Greece.