How do you do the Judo that you do?

I've been tasked to be tournament director for the UAAP Judo in 2004. So today, I sent out memo number UJ2004TD-001. Consider it a milestone.

The irony is, I've never officiated nor referreed. Sure, I've trained and played and taught judo. But if I were to make an excuse for the lack of involvement, it would be because I've been averse to the politics and culture in the national sports association.

Until lately.

Recently, I witnessed how two contemporaries, Ali Sulit and Reylin San Juan have, in their different ways, shown their love for the sport in patient, consistent manner. And in their different ways, they challenged me.

I am encouraged that another judoka I respect, Dave Carter, has been highly involved in the international arena, not in the glorified competitions but in other ways that promote judo, sans the medals and the trophies. I am encouraged even more with Dave's election as Vice President of the All-Philippines Judo Federation.

I hope to meet the challenges: Ali's call to be involved in leadership and Reylin's call to be involved in organization. These people are truly inspirations and my confidence comes from knowing they are there. You just can't say no to people like them.

UP Naming Ma-CAL

The University of the Philippines College of Arts and Letters has recently inaugurated the new CAL Building where 312 is the Jose D. Regala room.

The CAL Building is located behind the Faculty Center, where faculty of the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy and CAL hold office.

Room 312 is near the fire exit to underscore Col. Regala's work in the pursuit of safety (a building of the Safety Organizations of the Philippines, Inc. is named after him). The Jose D. Regala room was endowed through the initiative of my mother, Wilhelmina L. Regala.

The college is in need of more donors for the expansion of the building. If you find the desire to help the Iskolar ng Bayan, please get in touch with Professor Wendell Capili (e-mail: jose_wendell.capili@up.edu.ph).

As time goes bye...

Jumping very late into the bandwagon, I take my step into this medium for self-expression.