POC PATAFA war

I thought all the while that it’s only the Russia-Ukraine war happening at the moment, but no siree, another war is happening right now in our own backyard.  Unlike the war in Ukraine, there are no warplanes or tanks involved, there are no warplanes or tanks involved but a lot of verbal tussle and treats between the Philippine Track and Field Association (PATAFA).  Just the other day, the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC),under its president Rep.Bambol Tolentino, suspended Patafa and the Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) for ninety days.  PATAFA  was axed because it failed to serve its purpose as a National Sports Association (NSA).  On the other hand, PHILTA  was suspended for its non-compliance with an order from the International Tennis Federation (ITF), to amend its charter and hold fresh elections to select a truly representative set of board members. Well, these in-fighting are not new to both NSAs. The POC and PATAFA have been at odds during the presidency of Peping Cojuangco. With PATAFA out of the picture, World-ranked  pole vaulter EJ Obiena will have a chance to compete in the the 31st Sea Games in Hanoi, Vietnam in May.  To recall, Obiena was dropped from the Philippine Team after he figured in a falling out with PATAFA, who accused him of not paying his coach. The suspension of the two NSAs will give the POC direct supervisions of  the two NSAs over PHILTA and PATAFA’s national athletes, including Obiena, a sure gold winner in Hanoi.  As in the last misunderstanding between the POC and PATAFA , the athletes are the ones affected. I just hope and pray that  the NSAs forget the bickerings at the moment and concentrate on training.  Remember, we are the defending champions but if the NSAs cant put their act  together, then we can kiss our chamionship goodbye.

Iloilo loses anew

After losing to the Pasig pirates last week, the Iloilo Kisela Knights absorbed another loss, this time in the hands of Negros 9-5-11-5 in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP).  In that Wednesday game, the Knights won over Cagayan De Oro 13-8 before bowing to Negros.  Last Saturday, the Knights inched closer to the playoffs when they clobbered Cebu 17-4, then

defeated Zamboanga 13-8. Iloilo’s last game will be tomorrow when they battle cellar dweller Tacloban.  Iloilo leads the Southern Division with a 29-4 record while Pasig reigns supreme in the Northern Division with a 32-1 mark.  Already in the play offs are Davao, Zamboanga and Negros.

Hasta La Vista Bob!

If country singer Johnly Cassh is regarded “The Man In Black” then GMA news anchor Bobby Nalzaro is no doubt “The Man In White”.  I’ve known Bob for quite sometime now dating back to his Bombo Radyo days.  Just the other day, Bob succumbed to a heart ailment and complications of diabetes.  The media industry just lost a pillar.  Hasta La Vista  Bob,

Rest In Peace.