Even before this column comes out, the results of the crucial game between the Philippines and Vietnam in the World and Asian Cup qualifiers will be known already. It’s either we will have the second coming of the Miracle in Hanoi or the team, formerly known as the Azkals, will be out of contention.
Just want to be positive even if the conditions and the odds are stacked against us. There are so many side stories on the game against Vietnam, but the bottom line is we need to win. And I share coach Tom Saintfiet’s optimism.
Now for some “proud” moments. The Bol D’or Mirabaud or the Annual Lake Geneva Regatta is one of the most awaited sailing events not only in Switzerland, but also among boat racing enthusiasts from neighboring countries.
Set to unfold on June 14-16, 2024, more than 500 boats either come to seriously contend for the prizes and bragging rights, bask in the experience of having an adrenaline fix for two days or simply have fun. They will negotiate the 123-kilometer or 66.5-nautical miles course from Geneva to Le Bouveret and back.
Among those expected to answer the gun is Layag Pinoy Sailing Club, a Filipino sailing team skippered by Donnie Mapanao, a long-time Geneva resident and the father of Isabelle, the Filipinas’ future goalkeeper. Mapanao has been a regular fixture in the regatta since 2015, competing with two boats that were meant for cruising and not actually for racing.
“We have been preparing for quite some time now and we hope to finish the race with our new boat, Layag 3 which was given to us by a Swiss friend for basically free. It is a Moser M2 sailing boat made in Zurich. We registered the team as L3M2 or Layag3 Moser M2 under the Philippine flag,” he said.
Mapanao’s crew includes Bruno Santos Andrade, Isabelle’s GK coach and former goalkeeper of FC Lisbon, plus an international array of sailors coming from Angola, Portugal, Poland, France, Morocco and Switzerland, but all sailing under the sun and three stars. Just imagine how many languages will be spoken during the actual race and curses too, all in having fun among sailors regardless of nationality, race and creed.
Mapanao also had other Filipino crew members since initially joining the race nine years ago, to include Egay, Bong, PA, Johnny, Gabriel and Isabelle too. Ambassadors Evan Garcia and Rico Fos also played key roles in the participation of Mapanao and crew.
“Our team mantra is Cum Ventus Cessat, Vinum Fluit which actually means when the wind stops, wine flows,” Mapanao chuckled.
Fair winds and clear skies to you Donnie and your crew.
Let’s go, Layag 2, laban Pilipinas!
The last time I went to Masbate, it was to look for a friend, a good public servant, who went missing after the small plane he boarded crashed. It took me, Nelson Lucas and Eric Agulay, more than 18 hours then to reach the province. Our trip back home was a little bit longer and heavier, knowing that my friend, one of the few honest and trustworthy government officials I knew, had passed away. That was 12 years ago.
I may have the opportunity to go back to Masbate again in better circumstances with my Larong Pilipino sa DZME Radyo Uno co-host Chino Trinidad.
There is a big boxing event set in Masbate. Unlike the usual boxing cards held in sports complexes, coliseums or even in cockfighting arenas, the slugfest dubbed Bakbakan sa Masbate will be held inside the Masbate Lagoon in Matayum, Cataingan on June 22.
Headlining the event will be local pride Jeo Santisima, who will challenge Arnon Yupang for his WBC Asia Continental Super Featherweight belt. Santisima is hoping that Yupang’s belt will remain on the island once their showdown is finished. A knockout win is ideal for Santisima to erase any doubts of moro-moro or luto. Yupang is not a patsy. The Thai boasts of a 14 win and 4 loss slate with five KOs.
Santisima, however, is no pushover either. He has 23 wins in 30 fights with 19 KOs.
Masbate is in for a treat as both fighters are expected to climb the ring with guns blazing.
Four other belts are at stake in the fight card put up by Masbate Governor Antonio T. Kho.
Jon Jon Estrada will tangle against Michael Dasmariñas for the Philippine Featherweight title, while Esmeth Domingo will take on Nutlia Lalbiakkima of India for the WBC Asia Flyweight crown. Bienvinido Ligas and Alvin Camique will dispute the WBF International Super Flyweight belt after the scheduled encounter between Alex Santisima and Justine Darap for the WBF Australasian Super Flyweight title.
Five supporting bouts are also on the stacked fight card.
“Need talaga suportahan ang boxing kasi dito tayo consistent in producing world champions. Saka medyo matumal lately mga boxing promotions, hopefully itong Bakbakan sa Masbate will enjoin other promoters to put up worthwhile fight cards. Hindi lang kasi mga boksingero makikinabang dito kundi maging ang maliliit na negosyo at local tourism ng mga probinsiya,” Kho said.
Which is quite true. That friend, by the way, was Jesse Robredo. Rest in peace, Sir.
Stay safe. Stay happy peeps!
For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow his account at Twitter: @erelcabatbat