SAC AWARDS ON FEB. 19

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Published in Sun Star Cebu Newspaper on Jan. 23, 2011 Sunday issue

by Pooled Report

Mike Limpag, Sports Editor

CEBU’S best athletes will once again take centerstage in the 29th Sportswriters Association of Cebu (SAC)-San Miguel Brewery Cebu Sports Awards on Feb. 19 at the Terraces in Ayala Center.

Planning for this year’s awarding rites began as early as a month after the previous edition and SAC decided to hold it at the spacious The Terraces to give the public a chance to witness the event.

“This is our 29th year,” said SAC President John Pages. “Unlike in previous Cebu Sports Awards that were exclusive, we will make this event public. All Cebuanos are welcome to watch for free. It will be a terrific sight to see Cebu’s best athletes together.”

Among those who will be awarded this year are a record holder, Asian games medalists and a world champion.

Lindley Fran Navaja, who broke the 38-year-old record in the 100-meter dash will be cited for his efforts along with Warren Kiamco and Charlea Lagaras, who won a silver and bronze, respectively, in the Asiad. Rubilen Amit, a silver medalist in the World 10-Ball championships will also get an award along with Kim Lao, a member of the RP bowling team in the Asiad. Donnie Nietes, who defended his title in Mexico, will also be feted.

The Cebu Eastern Dragons’ dramatic run in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (Cesafi) earned them a major award, along with collegiate champions University of Cebu. Danika Gendrauli and Lorie Mae Layno will be cited for winning the Unigames beach volleyball title.

Rogelio Barcenilla, the Philippines’ newest grandmaster, will also be feted along with the young golf sensation Irina Gabasa.

Another youngster, Jette Calderon, will also get an award for winning the Karter of the Year, while Cebu-based Sabah Fadai will be feted for making his mark in Singapore.

Running queen Mary Grace delos Santos, who had two second-places in Malaysia and in Camsur, will also be feted along with the UC table tennis and the University of Southern Philippines volleyball teams.

Both won 10 straight Cesafi titles.

Aside from the major awardees, others who will get citations are Boojie Lim, Dr. Danny Villadolid, David G. Lim Sr., Banilad Elementary School badminton team, M. Lhuillier, Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu, Junemar Fajardo, Nikee Montalvo, Patric Nigel Go, Henry Renzar Asilum, University of the Visayas-Bmeg, Britt Carlo Reroma, Mike Lopez and the Cebu Volleyball Association.

Others who will get citations are Milan Melindo, Rocky Fuentes, Roli Gasca, Mercito Gesta, Mandaue City amateur boxing team, Michael Romarate, Alberta Pagara, Malcom Tunacao, Kyle Sevillano, Richard Bitoon, Igi Maximo, Maritess Bitbit, Luis Ansag, Cheska Toledo, Jose Rafael Lipardo, Pericles Dakay Jr., Renko Gaudiel, Clint Ligan, Oliver Colina, St. Theresa’s College football team, Gio Gandionco, Joaquin Fernandez and Noel Espinosa.

They will be joined by Mendel Lopez, the Cebu Executive Runners Club, Merlita Arias Dunkin, Mary Joy Tabal will also get citations along with Noel Flowers, Ayumi Ono, Beekay delos Santos, Abellana National School sepak takraw team, Kevin Cortes, Martin and Lowell Belarmino, Loren Dale Echavez, Teodor Martus, Glen Lava, Rinna Babanto, Arthur Craig Pantino, Christopher Encarnacion, Noy Jopson, Elmo Clarabal, Sugbutri, Lorhiz Echavez, and the Visayas secondary girls tennis in the Milo Little Olympics National finals. (Pooled Report)