ACTION goes in full throttle on Saturday in the "1st Mayor Dongkoy Emano Tennis Encounter" here at the Golden Friendship Tennis Club.
This, as grizzled netters from Iligan, Initao, Malaybalay City, Lanao del Norte, Valencia City, San Francisco, Surigao City, Lianga, Kapatagan, Naga City-Cebu, Patin-ay and Ozamis City have started arriving and get a warm up at the time-tested GFTC courts.
"Bibo na kaayo ni ugma (Saturday). For now, ang uban nga nakasayo og abot from other places midula dayon in order to familiarize the courts," said GFTC president, Engineer Noel Oclarit.
Club insider Marlon "Pinggoy" Castro said the visitors were quite impressed by the city's oldest tennis courts.
"Lisod na man gud karong panahona nga makakita kita'g tennis courts nga nagpasilong sa landong sa duha ka higante nga Acacia trees. Usa kini sa mga unique nga sports landmarks sa siyudad hadiin imo pa g'yong malantaw ang Cagayan de Oro river," the 40-something Castro, a former basketball standout-turned tennis advocate, told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro.
"Pabor sab for youth tennis development like sa mga summer clinics for kids kay in the city's heartland gyod nahimutang atong pinalangga nga Golden Friendship Tennis Club," added veteran trainer, Joseph Estroga.
The two-day netfest serves as sports highlight of the city fiesta celebration in honor to Cagayan de Oro's patron saint, Señor San Agustin.
Completing Engr. Oclarit's full cast in reviving tennis development in the city are Rene Fuguso (vice president/internal), Victor Araneta (vice president/external), Lolong Banghal (treasurer), Marivic Maglinao (secretary), Allan Olavides (PRO), Engr. Loloy Mumar (sgt. at arms) and Leo Dalen as auditor.