Wednesday, September 12, 2007 Sayson: Zen and the missing coach By Homer Sayson Second Overtime
CHICAGO—I’ve embraced it. I’ve read many books about it. And I still couldn’t quite figure it out.
I’m talking about this thing I love, this thing they call Zen.
My reading comprehension is fine. And so is, I hope, my ability to absorb knowledge. But it takes a lifetime, sometimes an eternity, to understand this ancient philosophy from the East.
That’s why I envy Democrito Macaldo, a former member of the coaching crew of the Philippine Karatedo Team to the 2007 SEAG in Thailand.
Macaldo has apparently, and quite amazingly, uncovered the mystery that millions us of couldn’t unravel.
But this self-anointed Zen Master is a wicked one. He is now a fugitive. Wanted for two counts of rape.
According to the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office, Macaldo “tricked” and “deceived” one of his wards, then a minor, into believing that power, strength and luck can be transmitted through sexual contact.
Macaldo also allegedly told his victim that his saliva was “fuel” to win.
Like girls her age, who dutifully listen to voices of authority, Angela (real name withheld for obvious reasons), believed her evil coach. And because of that innocence, she was violated. Stained for the rest of her life.
Macaldo’s perverted ways were eventually exposed when he tried to engage in phone sex with another female athlete, who divulged the sexual solicitation in a party where the girls congregated.
Macaldo reportedly spoke so eloquently about Zen and Zenbirth. But the bogus Zen Master didn’t know that monks don’t like telephones, landline or cellular. What a jerk.
Police and the NBI have since been trying to arrest the errant coach. But surprise, surprise, Macaldo is nowhere in sight.
Zen Gone and Zen Hiding.
No one knows where Macaldo is right now. But I’m sure he’s not in Tibet, where an army of monks are waiting, eager to strangle him for his dark, criminal interpretation of Zen.
I feel sorry for the Macaldo family. Theirs is a tremendous loss, too. Unless he shows some Zen guts and faces the music, Macaldo could vanish forever.
But I feel a lot sadder for Angela. Here’s hoping that she can somehow pick up the pieces and go on with the rest of her life.
PICNIC. Still foggy from a night shift’s toil, I spent last Sunday afternoon munching potato chips with a can of Heineken at the Park Grille on this city’s fabulous Millenium Park.
I went there to meet Steve Uy and his pretty wife Ana Ramiro, who were in town for business. Steve and Ana had been kind enough to tour me around Miami when I covered the 2006 NBA Finals.
Steve hails from Sun Valley along V. Rama Ave. Ana, the daughter of Severiano Ramiro, is from San Nicolas Proper.
We were joined by Leah Gonzales, her hubby Randy, and their 8-year old son Ken. Leah used to work for Sun.Star Cebu before migrating in the US, where she now works for a giant accounting firm.
I had a wonderful time in the company of wonderful people.
METROBANK FUENTE. While covering last months’ World Cup of Boxing at the Arco Arena, Ingemar “Jingo” Bolotaolo introduced himself to me.
Before moving to Sacramento with his wife Em-Em Seno and their child, Jingo used to work for Metrobank Fuente. He told me that he and his officemates are big fans of Second Overtime, saying “ilugan gyud namo ang newspaper just to read your column.”
Wow. So let me thank the following current and former Metrobankers for their support: Alan Gascon, Tata Applicador, Larry Pitoc, Imboy Pestano, Klarenz, Mario Naron, Rembrant Javellosa, Mario Eguia, Francis Bastasa, Teody Mique, Raymond Jadraque, Charles Jao and Francis Beduya.
Some of these Metrobankers are coming over to Las Vegas for the Pacquiao-Barrera rematch. See you there.
