Hasta La Vista Mona
In 1996, I was named team captain of the Philippine Masters Team to the Asian Masters Athletics Championship held in Chamsil, South Korea, site of the 1998 Seoul Olympics. Our team was composed of Asian Games and Sea Games veterans Linda Lavandia, Dorie Cortejo, Romy Sotto, Gene Elnar, Lolit Lagrosas, Danny Jarina, Manny Ibay,Willy Calica, and Asia’s former fastest woman, Mona Sulaiman. We won 10 medals with Mona winning the gold in the shot put. Just the other week, I got word that Mona died due to a lingering illness at 75. The last time I saw Mona, she was in a wheelchair. In the Seoul Masters, Mona and I became very close as we spoke the same Cebuano dialect. Mona hailed from Marawi City. Mona competed in the 1960 Rome Olympics and 1964 Tokyo Olympics and won three gold medals in the 1962 Asian Games. Many people doubted Mona’s gender (lalaki kuno). So before the 1966 Bangkok Asian Games, Mona was required to undergo a gender test but she declined contrary to her Muslim beliefs. She was sure to win the golds in the 100 dash and 200 meters. One funny memory of Mona was when we arrived in Seoul airport, Mona was questioned by immigration because they believe Mona was a man. I have to pacify Mona who said “Ako ni dungabon kining buang nga Koreano” after I explained that Mona is part of our team, she was finally allowed entry. HASTA LA VISTA Mona, we will miss you!
SO LONG BEN
While Mona is gone for good, another celebrity athlete has left the country. Yes, two-time UAAP MVP Ben Mbala of La Salle opted to turn pro and is now playing for Fuerza Regia de Monterrey in the Mexican professional league. Mbala who failed to lead the Archers to another title against Ateneo, decided to leave after the UAAP board said Mbala is no longer eligible to play because of the seven-year limit from high school. I believe Mbala could have performed better but it seemed he lacked intensity. Anyway, good luck Ben on your new team in the pros.
CONGRATS RICO
Congratulations to my nephew Capt. Emerico Gepilano for being awarded as model OFW in the 2017 Model OFW Family Award (MOFYA) at ceremonies in Manila. No less than president Rodrigo Duterte awarded Rico for his efforts in community projects.
SUCCESSFUL ELVISAY A SHOW
The Christmas with Elvisaya and Friends held recently at the Robinsons Fuente Activity Center, was a big success. The show which is now on its seventh year, featured Elvisaya, Jhun Villahermosa the Frank Sinatra of Cebu, Edison Monternel, the Tom Jones of Cebu, Amie Filomeno, the Mariah Carey of Cebu and host singer, Ryan Villamor. Here’s wishing everybody a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!