EARLY this week, a group of veteran sports editors and columnists got an invitation for lunch from Mike Keon, best known as the former Project: Gintong Alay director during the administration of his late uncle, Ferdinand Marcos.
Everyone was surprised, to say the least, since Keon had practically gone incognito in sports since he got active in local politics as Ilocos Norte governor.
Of course, the first thought that crossed some scribes’ minds was the meeting would have something to do with politics, 2016 being an election year and Keon’s cousin, Sen. Bongbong Marcos, being a candidate for Vice President.
While Keon would not reveal even to the media man closest to him what the meeting was all about, one scribe was certain that it would concern sports.
Well, he was right, it was about sports: the Milo Marathon, specifically the 10-kilometer run where Keon and his chauffeur competed during the National Finals in Angeles City in Pampanga last December.
Keon set a personal best of 45 minutes and 18 seconds, which he couldn’t believe he could accomplish. His previous best was 51:11.
To make a long story short, Keon asked that the race distance be re-measured and was horrified to find out that it was more than 1.2 km shorter than 10 km. Race organizer Rio dela Cruz promised to issue a public apology for the lapse but never did. Keon called the meeting with the media because he felt that something had to be done about the mistake.
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When almost all the scribes had left after the meeting, I asked Keon if he still practiced astrology. He said he does.
“So what do you see in the stars, specifically concerning your cousin Bongbong? Will he win in this year’s elections, I asked him.
He said all the signs in the heavens were auspicious. He had no doubt his cousin would win the vice presidency.
“I’m a hundred percent sure,” Keon said.
If Keon was certain that the senator would be Vice President, shouldn’t he be drawing up plans for Philippines sports? Especially since, as one scribe joked, the next President could also be a kin?
If he is led to this path, Keon said his vision is to create a department for sports.
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HOOPVINE: Floyd Mayweather Jr. said he plans to come to Manila to put up a foundation to help Filipino boxers.