Wimbledon

The Covid-19 pandemic continues to wreck havoc in the sporting world.  The latest victim is Wimbledon which was cancelled for the first time since World War II  Wimbledon is the oldest Grand Slam event in 75 years.  It was first held in 1877 and had been contested every year since exception of two stretches from 1915-18 (World War I) and from 1940-45 (World War II). The athletes were devastated including eight-time champion Roger Federer and seven-time women’s titlist Serena Williams.  Also shocked were defending champions Novak Djokovic and Simona Halep.  The first winner in 1877 Spencer Gore, received a trophy worth $48 while the men’s champion in 2004 won $1.1 million.

Hasta la vista Rene, Yuri

Speaking of the coronavirus, my first cousin Rene Tubilleja, who used to work with the United Nations and a professor in four universities, succumbed to the killer virus last Friday in Queens, New York City, the epicenter in New York State.  A lot of Filipinos live in Queens including Cebuano band leader and guitarist Rene Custudio.  In 2013, Elvisaya performed with Rene’s band called Inner Circle at Mannys Resto Bar in Queens.   Rene Tubilleja was 68 years old.  My good friend and fellow mediaman Yuri Deldig, 42 died also last week of cardiac arrest. At first it was suspected as Covid-19 death, but tests showed he was negative.  Yuri used to host Freeman events.  May you both Rest in Peace.  

Maradona hates Pele

Who’s the greatest football player of all time?  A lot of people think it’s Pele of Brazil.  But Argentina’s star Diego Maradona said, he’s not.  Maradona castigated FIFA for awarding Pele its Honorary Ballon d’ Or, saying Pele should only be second best. He also said he lives in Dubai while Pele live in Fifa.  In other words, “Gi paburan si Pele”) the Argentines believe they are the best players in soccer, Alfredo Di Stefani in the 1950s and 60s, Maradona in the 80s and 9os and now Lionel Messi, are all better than Pele. The Brazilian icon fired back saying if they are the best in Argentina, then they will discuss the best in the world.  Pele added that he scored of goals off his head is with his hand.  Remember the controversial “Hand of God?” Pele is the only player to win the World Cup three times, 1958, 1962 and 1970.

NOTES: To all Frontliners please be safe, you are the real heroes.  Let’s all heal as one.