A triumvirate of green lightning
Published Apr 25, 2021 12:24 am
HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRIPE-VINE: OUR NEW ABNORMAL
Philip Cu Unjieng
For a number of my friends, talking about their high school and university days is like giving them license to indulge in a rhapsodic reverie; some of them even describing those days past as the best time of their lives. While I may not personally subscribe to that view (I’d like to think my ‘best time’ is still ahead of me – and yes, leave me to my quixotic optimism); I can understand why those days of relative innocence, of feeling the world was our oyster and the future so bright, would hold appeal when compared to what we had to contend with when so-called “real life” ensued.
The feeling of belonging, of camaraderie and solidarity can’t be underestimated in understanding why those bygone days would be so rose-tinted for so many of us. Without a doubt, beyond the career-networking that is achieved, those factors would go a long way in explaining why Alumni Associations are so popular, why we move heaven and hell for high school and college reunions, turn “veladas” into red-letter days, and convert UAAP games and our Alma Mater’s runs into the Finals into such fervid “I have to be counted” affairs.
Just earlier this week, on April 22nd, the biennial One La Salle Night of Excellence was held virtually, and one of the night’s highlights being the induction to their Sports Hall of Fame. Inductees this year were Jomari, Rene and Greg Banzon for track and field, Renren Ritualo for basketball, Ira Flores for baseball, Alvin Ocampo for football, Edwin Reyes for sports management, and Mikee Romero for Philippine basketball development. A hearty congratulations to all the new Hall of Famers.
Of special interest to me is the unusual occurrence of having three brothers being inducted at the same time. But thanks to their continuous domination of the NCAA’s long and middle distance events from 1977 to 1985, in both high school and on to college – plus their successful participation in other athletic leagues; the Banzon Brothers, Jomari, Rene and Greg, are being honored as an unparalleled triumvirate of speed personified.
Collectively, the three brothers represent a total haul of 58 track and field medals, 33 of them gold! The three would compete in the 400m, the 800m, the 1,500m, and the 3,000m events. All three were captains in their La Salle Greenhills High School senior years, and were MVP’s those same corresponding years. It’s like a Banzon standard was being established, and I doubt any other athletic family has come close in the track and field arena.
BUILT FOR SPEED. The Banzon Brothers, (from left) Rene, Jomari, and Greg. Built for speed, and now collectively inducted into the De La Salle Sports Hall of Fame.
At De La Salle University, their sports dominance continued. Jomari was MVP for athletics for three straight years, and overall University Sports MVP in his graduating year. Rene enjoyed two years as MVP for athletics. And what’s great to see is how the trio continue to show their love for the sport, even in their 50’s. This, while pursuing illustrious corporate careers. Personally, I’ve had to deal with two of the brothers, and I can say it’s been a real pleasure to be able to call them friends or acquaintances.
The eldest of the three, Jomari, is well known in the banking and property industries. Presently, he’s the CEO of SMDC; and he has run the Tokyo and New York City marathons, with a best time for 26.2 miles, of three hours 32 minutes. Four hours is generally considered the proverbial “wall” non-professional runners try to break when they join these international marathons. Late last year, during the community quarantine, he had this funny anecdote about how his treadmill at home broke down, as it wasn’t built for distance.
Rene Banzon is a trusted personality in the aviation industry. He’s worked with Philippine Airlines, with Asiana, and now handles aircraft maintenance for Cebu Pacific. He regularly participates in running events, and sees it as a recreational activity that he derives much pleasure from.
Greg is the COO of Century Pacific Food. Most recently, in 2018, the company was cited for Export Marketing Excellence. And just two years before that, it was awarded the “Asia Marketing Company of the Year 2016.” Along with Fred Uytengsu and Princess Galura, Greg is considered to be one of the “godparents” of Ironman triathlons being held in this country. He’s personally run them, and completed them twice – the full 3.8-kilometer swim, 180-kilometer bike, and 42-kilometer run. He continues to compete to this day, winning medals for his age classification.
So it’s impressive to note that these three brothers aren’t merely resting on their sports laurels of decades past. They’ve carved out professional business careers they can be proud about, and they’ve maintained a level of health and fitness that would put many men half their age to shame. In their own ways, they’ve given back to the sport they love, and continue to do so from vantage points that marry it with their family life and careers.
In my mind’s eye, it’s as much what these three brothers are doing now with their lives, that place them in a La Sallian Hall of Fame.
Philip Cu Unjieng
For a number of my friends, talking about their high school and university days is like giving them license to indulge in a rhapsodic reverie; some of them even describing those days past as the best time of their lives. While I may not personally subscribe to that view (I’d like to think my ‘best time’ is still ahead of me – and yes, leave me to my quixotic optimism); I can understand why those days of relative innocence, of feeling the world was our oyster and the future so bright, would hold appeal when compared to what we had to contend with when so-called “real life” ensued.
The feeling of belonging, of camaraderie and solidarity can’t be underestimated in understanding why those bygone days would be so rose-tinted for so many of us. Without a doubt, beyond the career-networking that is achieved, those factors would go a long way in explaining why Alumni Associations are so popular, why we move heaven and hell for high school and college reunions, turn “veladas” into red-letter days, and convert UAAP games and our Alma Mater’s runs into the Finals into such fervid “I have to be counted” affairs.
Just earlier this week, on April 22nd, the biennial One La Salle Night of Excellence was held virtually, and one of the night’s highlights being the induction to their Sports Hall of Fame. Inductees this year were Jomari, Rene and Greg Banzon for track and field, Renren Ritualo for basketball, Ira Flores for baseball, Alvin Ocampo for football, Edwin Reyes for sports management, and Mikee Romero for Philippine basketball development. A hearty congratulations to all the new Hall of Famers.
Of special interest to me is the unusual occurrence of having three brothers being inducted at the same time. But thanks to their continuous domination of the NCAA’s long and middle distance events from 1977 to 1985, in both high school and on to college – plus their successful participation in other athletic leagues; the Banzon Brothers, Jomari, Rene and Greg, are being honored as an unparalleled triumvirate of speed personified.
Collectively, the three brothers represent a total haul of 58 track and field medals, 33 of them gold! The three would compete in the 400m, the 800m, the 1,500m, and the 3,000m events. All three were captains in their La Salle Greenhills High School senior years, and were MVP’s those same corresponding years. It’s like a Banzon standard was being established, and I doubt any other athletic family has come close in the track and field arena.
BUILT FOR SPEED. The Banzon Brothers, (from left) Rene, Jomari, and Greg. Built for speed, and now collectively inducted into the De La Salle Sports Hall of Fame.
At De La Salle University, their sports dominance continued. Jomari was MVP for athletics for three straight years, and overall University Sports MVP in his graduating year. Rene enjoyed two years as MVP for athletics. And what’s great to see is how the trio continue to show their love for the sport, even in their 50’s. This, while pursuing illustrious corporate careers. Personally, I’ve had to deal with two of the brothers, and I can say it’s been a real pleasure to be able to call them friends or acquaintances.
The eldest of the three, Jomari, is well known in the banking and property industries. Presently, he’s the CEO of SMDC; and he has run the Tokyo and New York City marathons, with a best time for 26.2 miles, of three hours 32 minutes. Four hours is generally considered the proverbial “wall” non-professional runners try to break when they join these international marathons. Late last year, during the community quarantine, he had this funny anecdote about how his treadmill at home broke down, as it wasn’t built for distance.
Rene Banzon is a trusted personality in the aviation industry. He’s worked with Philippine Airlines, with Asiana, and now handles aircraft maintenance for Cebu Pacific. He regularly participates in running events, and sees it as a recreational activity that he derives much pleasure from.
Greg is the COO of Century Pacific Food. Most recently, in 2018, the company was cited for Export Marketing Excellence. And just two years before that, it was awarded the “Asia Marketing Company of the Year 2016.” Along with Fred Uytengsu and Princess Galura, Greg is considered to be one of the “godparents” of Ironman triathlons being held in this country. He’s personally run them, and completed them twice – the full 3.8-kilometer swim, 180-kilometer bike, and 42-kilometer run. He continues to compete to this day, winning medals for his age classification.
So it’s impressive to note that these three brothers aren’t merely resting on their sports laurels of decades past. They’ve carved out professional business careers they can be proud about, and they’ve maintained a level of health and fitness that would put many men half their age to shame. In their own ways, they’ve given back to the sport they love, and continue to do so from vantage points that marry it with their family life and careers.
In my mind’s eye, it’s as much what these three brothers are doing now with their lives, that place them in a La Sallian Hall of Fame.