Sunday, December 24, 2006 Sayson: Gift-giving to those who made my 2006 merry By Homer Sayson Second overtime
CHICAGO — My neighbor in these pages, Jingo Quijano beat me to the punch yesterday, which is not surprising given the fact that my friend is a boxing scholar with a law license.
In a deliciously funny piece ("Christmas beatings"), Jingo fantasized about the bounty he would love to give to his friends, and a handful of boxers, whom he often writes about in his Last Round column meanderings.
Well, I got lots of friends, too, people who have made my 2006 merry and bright. And so I'd like to thank them, Jingo-style, with gifts I can only hope to give.
1) JACK JAKOSALEM — He's among the finest public servants ever to walk the corridors of City Hall. I say that not because he's my friend, but simply because Jack has proven his worth by working his butt off at the Committee of Sports and the Committee on Dangerous Drugs.
I had the pleasure of meeting Jack at the 2004 International Childrens' Games (ICG) in Cleveland, Ohio. Up close, I saw his confident command, his enviable work ethic, and his passion to serve.
I used to work for former City Councilors Joy Young and Koko Holganza, who were recognized as the gold standard when it comes to steering the committee on sports. Their brand of leadership was so rare and effective I thought it would come only once in a generation.
I was wrong. With Jack at the helm, a platinum standard of public service comes every three years. And so this Christmas, I wish Jack another well-deserved term at the Cebu City Council.
2) JONATHAN GUARDO—One of the saddest days in Cebu sports was the day Jonathan Guardo quit as chairman of the Cebu City Sports Commission. Indeed, the CCSC lost a good captain, one who had willingly given his love and personal resources for the welfare of Cebu's athletes.
Although he is no longer at City Hall, Atan is still very much in the limelight. His business empire, especially with the birth of Arthro, had never been more robust. And Atan has remained a staunch sportsman, distributing sports equipment and sponsoring various tournaments in Cebu City's various barangays. If I had a magic wand, I'd willingly give Atan a seat in Congress, where he can spread his public service wings and fly.
3) LAWYER ADELINO SITOY —If the Supreme Court would beg for his brilliant legal mind, he told me he would reluctantly, politely turn it down. He has other crusades to pursue, multitudes of causes that he had admirably championed over the years. So what can I give someone who has everything?
I'm not sure, but I'm sure Atty. Sitoy will be happy to see a University of Cebu law student place in the bar exams. The Dean of UC's College of Law, attorney Sitoy has assembled a law faculty that could rival UP Diliman and Ateneo. It's only fitting that UC will one day breed a topnotch lawyer.
4) THE RAMA FAMILY—Without fail, the Ramas have been my sponsors since 2001, helping me travel to six NBA Finals coverages and all three Pacquiao-Morales fights. This Christmas, I hope Manang Mely, kumpare Raul, Dr. Gene, Alice and their families will get more flour to solidify Park N' Go's hold as the best bakery chain in our part of the planet.
5) ISUZU CEBU AT AYALA—Led by its' manager Engr. Dodong Castanares, I'll give Isuzu Cebu, one of my loyal sponsors, sales that will trump the competition like it never had been trumped before. I also wish Engr. Castanares and his kids all the love and happiness.
6) GIRLIE GARCES OF SAN MIGUEL CORPORATION—I'll give her a bible. Everytime we chat, this heartbreakingly pretty SanMig exec always lectures me about my faith. I wish her joy and peace, and I hope SanMig didn't give all their sponsorship money to Pacquiao.
7) JINGO QUIJANO—Although he's just new as a Sun.Star Cebu sports columnist, his impact has been outstanding. I wish he'll get more column space.
8) TO MY EDITOR NOEL S. VILLAFLOR—I'll give him more patience and understanding. He'll need it when dealing with a prima donna like yours truly.
PS. To my readers, all I cangive you is my 100 percent effort every column. Thanks for all the support. Merry X'Mas!!!
