Spectacle of music, dance, laser lights regale triathletes

WHILE the IronMan 70.3 Philippines participants wolfed down their carbohydrate-rich dinner at the Shangri-la Resort and Spa Mactan golf course, the Lapu-Lapu City government entertained them with a spectacle of music, dance and laser lights.

Several buffet spreads boasted of fresh salad, dinner and multigrain rolls, pasta, pizza, rice, roasted chicken, baked potato wedges, mixed vegetables and a dense chocolate cake for dessert.

A good number of participants lingered well past dinner to witness fire dancers, Cebuano violinist Jake Gacang, DJ prodigy Joachim Go, the University of Cebu dance company and a seven-minute fireworks display.

However, the other triathlon enthusiasts, especially those billeted in nearby hotels opted to cap the night early.

Meanwhile, at 6 a.m. today, the Alaska Ironkids Triathlon starts at the beachfront of Shangri-la Resort and Spa.

Entries to watch for are sisters Tahlia and Sienna Lily McCormack, daughters of renowned Aussie triathlete, Chris “Macca” McCormack who is competing in the Men’s Pro Elite category tomorrow.

The local challenge will be manned by brothers Justin and Yuan Chiongbian. /Correspondent Mark Tongco