Alvarez, Stags lead Takbo para sa Edu-Misyon

MANILA, Philippines - San Sebastian’s current and former basketball stars headed by Paul Alvarez and the newly crowned Champions League titlist Stags are among those joining the second Stags Run 2012 dubbed “Takbo para sa Edu-Misyon” on Jan. 15 at the ASEANA City fronting the new Department of Foreign Affairs building.

Alvarez, one of the best products of San Sebastian’s strong basketball program, will join fellow alumnus Topex Robinson as well as the rest of the Stags headed by reigning NCAA MVP Calvin “The Beast” Abueva, Ian Sangalang, Ronald Pascual and Anthony del Rio.

Also on tap are former Smart Gilas Pilipinas center Jason Ballesteros, Pamboy Raymundo and Jimbo Aquino while Rommel Adducul, who is playing with PBA Phl Cup semifinalist Powerade, is making an appearance in the awarding ceremonies of this meet seeking to generate funds for San Sebastian’s education missions in Palawan and West Africa.

Meanwhile, organizers headed by San Sebastian College-Recoletos president Fr. Anthony Morillo, OAR, stressed that deadline for registration is today at strategic venues like the Chris Sports stores, the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, Glorietta and SM Manila and ROX in Taguig City.

Or they could go straight to San Sebastian’s Mendiola campus in Manila and look for co-organizers Fr. Arnel Diaz, OAR, Dindo Bunag and athletic director Frank Gusi for inquiries and registration for the meet.

“We encourage not just our alumini but also others to join in our race because this is really being done for a cause,” said Morillo.

Pasay City Mayor Anotnino Calixto, another alumnus, has confirmed his presence in the event that also happens to coincide with the start of the school’s 65th founding anniversary celebration.

Competitions will be divided into three categories, 3k, 5k and 10k, starting at 6 a.m. with the entrance fee pegged at P500 per participant that goes with a singlet, race. No. and free breakfast.

The top three in the men’s and women’s 10k event will receive P6,000, P4,000 and P2,000, respectively while winners in 5k and 3k will take home P5,000, P3,000 and P2,000 and P3,000, P2,000 and P1,000.

The goal, of course, is attract more participants compared to last year when the school drew an impressive 5,300-plus runners right on the inaugural staging of the one-day race that also seeks to promote a healthy lifestyle through running.

“We hope to attract and draw as many participants as last year but if we could get more to join our event, the better for everybody,” said Fr. Christopher Maspara, OAR, who heads the committee in charge of the organiozation of the event.