POC showdown

The 30th Southeast Asian Games is set to fire off in Clark City, Tarlac in November but hostilities is now ongoing in the country.  In my previous column, I wrote on the trouble brewing in the POC. Well, it has now intensified into a full scale war prompting POC president Ricky Vargas to step down. Former Foreign Affairs Secretary and incoming Taguig representative Peter Cayetano and POC vice president Joey Romasanta, who assumed  the presidency, are battling it over as to who calls the shots.

Romasanta insists the POC is the franchise, but on the other hand, Cayetano said Phisgoc that he currently chairs, is the rightfull organization to run the Games.  Philippine Sports Commission chair Butch Ramirez also sounded off, saying President Digong asked him to make sure the Games go on as scheduled. 

“Sa bagay”, the PSC holds the money bag.  Now, Romasanta is singing another tune, he’s suggesting to move the Games to the first quarter of next year, citing they have a lot to do like production of the technical handbook to be followed by participating countries. At this time, the Games should have been marketed already.

“Daghan pa kulang”, the Sea Games logo, mascot, motto and hymn”.Ako na lang pakantahon si Elvisaya ug kanta sa Temptations na “Get Ready”. Well, with this in fighting happening just a few months before the Games, the athletes are the victims, hit in the crossfire.  I’m now beginning to doubt if we could win the overall title.  Our sports officials should get their acts together as time is running out and time waits for no one.

NBA merry go round

Just like in politics, there’s no permanent thing in the NBA.  Teams are currently boosting their lineup from trades and drafts.  The Los Angeles Lakers is now a force to reckon with next season with the arrival of Anthony Davis.  On the other hand, some players are disgruntled and want to go elsewhere. Despite leading Toronto to its first-ever crown, Kawhi Leonard wants to go back to his hometown Los Angeles and is interested to hook-up with the Clippers. Boston’s Al Horford has turned down his option with the Celtics and will become a free  agent. Houston’s Chris Paul is considering leaving the Rockets, citing that he does not see eye to eye with James Harden anymore.  Kyrie Irving is expected to move elsewhere, probably the Brooklyn Nets.  Golden State’s Kevin Durant is looking at the New York. Well, he’s got to recover first and will not be ready for next season’s opening games.

Did you know?

NORTH POLE MARATHON  is not only the world’s “coolest” marathon but also the most expensive at 12,000 euros.  Temperature is minus 25 degrees Celsius (13F).  A participant must reserve for two years in order to runin the race.  Runners (limited to 50) are dispatched to the starting line by helicopter.  There’s no crowd support  (“walay manan-aw”) while marshals carry guns just in case Polar bears attack.

ANTARCTIC ICE MARATHON is the sister race of the North Pole Marathon and is likewise extensive with  10,000 Euros as entry fee. Participants must apply a year before the race which is limited to 40 runners.  The marathon is run at 3,300 feet with temperature hitting minus 20 Celsius.

JACKIE CHAN lost a tooth after being kicked in the mouth by Hwang Jang Lee while making “Snake in Eagle’s Shadow.  While Jackie did not appear in the movie “Once Upon A Time” in China 2 in 1992 and starring Jet Li, he got to sing the final song of the film’s soundtrack.

NBA The New Orleans Pelicans which was deserted by Davis is looking forward to a fruitful season after getting first round number one pick Zion Williamson, a 6’7, “285-pound hulk from Duke. Memphis, already reeling with the loss of Marc Gasol, traded point guard Mike Conley to the Utah Jazz for Jae Crowder and Kyle Korver. Meanwhile, Ian Hachimura became the first Japanese player to be selected in the first round after being picked by the Washington Wizards.  Hachimura is the third Japanese toplay in the NBA, the two others are Yuta Tabuse (Phoenix) and Yuta Watanabe (Memphis). By the way “yuta” in Ilonggo is “bastos”, you can ask Donnie Nietes.