Category: Sports

The Senate Committee on Sports convened on Monday to discuss Senate Bill No. (SBN) 423, which seeks to strengthen grassroots sports development through the institutionalization of the Philippine National Games (PNG). Senator Christopher Lawrence Go, who chairs the panel and author of the bill as well, said the initiative aims to discover and nurture athletes who could excel in international sports competitions, bring pride and international goodwill to the country, and address the long standing challenges of Philippine sports in general. “The Philippine National Games bill seeks to institutionalize a truly comprehensive national grassroots sports program that will harness the vast potentials of Filipinos in discovering and developing champion athletes who could excel in international sports competitions,” Go said in his opening statement. “Through the institutionalization of the Philippine National Games, we can scout potential athletes in various sports who could form part of our national pool of athletes,” he added. If passed into law, SBN 423 shall establish PNG as the government’s premier national sports competition to be held once every two years. It is also expected to encourage local government officials to promote the development of sports in the countryside covering all provinces, cities, muncipalities and barangays. The measure also eyes the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Palarong Pambansa and other local sports competitions organized by the local government units or the private sector to serve as “feeder” and preparatory sports program for the institutionalized PNG, which will be headed by the Chairperson of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) as the Secretary General. Various government agencies like the PSC, DepEd, Commission on Higher Education, Department of the Interior and Local Government, LGUs, the Philippine Olympic Committee, and the National Sports Associations will have their own mandates, including the drafting of the Implementing Rules and Regulations, under the proposed measure. PNG was declared as the “centerpiece sports program” through Executive Order No. 163 in 1994 for the purpose of addressing the need of a truly comprehensive sports development program, generating sports activities in the countryside, and harnessing the full potential of athletes for athletic execellence. PSC Chairperson Richard Bachmann admitted that the country have not experienced PNG for the last five years but will be having simultaneous competitions of PNG and Batang Pinoy on December 17-22 this year. “Due to the pandemic po also natigil (it was stopped). So, this December 16 to the 22nd, we’ll launch the national PNG and the national Batang Pinoy sabay na (all together),” Bachmann told the committee

Source: Philippines News Agency

The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Games Visayas leg kicked off at Iloilo Sports Complex in Iloilo City on Sunday, with the student-athletes exhorted to display discipline and teamwork. More than 500 cadets are competing in athletics, arnis, basketball, boxing, e-sports, kickboxing and volleyball until Aug. 19, while the other legs will include swimming, target shooting and weightlifting. The ROTC Games, being held in cooperation with the Commission on Higher Education and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, will hold the Mindanao leg in Zamboanga City on Aug. 27 to Sept. 2, followed by the Luzon leg in Cavite (Sept. 17 to 23). The top players in the Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao legs will advance to the National Championships in Metro Manila. ‘This is indeed a milestone in the history of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, showcasing the dedication, discipline, and teamwork of our future leaders,’ said Philippine Sports Commission chair Richard Bachmann in his speech. ‘As we witness our cadets compete at the highest level of play, we all should realize that this is not just a showing of their physical prowess and mental agility, but also a display of their commitment to the betterment of our society — a commitment that resonates deeply with the principles of the ROTC program.’ Bachmann said the ROTC’s purpose is to instill values that will be useful in the students’ lives. ‘The ROTC Games are not just about competition. They embody the values that the ROTC program instills in our youth and the next generation. The ideals of leadership, camaraderie and service to the nation are exemplified by men and women who have trained diligently to compete at this level,’ he said

Source: Philippines News Agency

Woman Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna will lead at least 200 other players in the 2nd AQ Prime Standard Chess Open scheduled at Robinsons Metro East Level 3 in Pasig City on Aug. 19-21. The inaugural staging on July 2 saw FIDE Master (FM) Christian Mark Daluz claiming the title and the PHP10,000 cash prize. Among the junior players who registered for the three-day competition sanctioned by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines is 13-year-old Hans Lee Villorente of Pandan town, Antique province. It will be the first major tournament for the 2022 Vigan Batang Pinoy silver medalist in the standard event. “I hope to do well,” was all the incoming Grade 8 student at the Regional Science High School for Region 6 in Kalibo, Aklan has to say of his expectations. Daluz, a 21-year-old sophomore student taking up Financial Management at the University of Santo Tomas, is expected to encounter tough challenges from FM Gian Karlo Arca, National Master Jay Bacojo and Marc Kevin Labog, who finished second to fourth in the first leg. Also joining are International Masters (IM) Angelo Young and Jose Efren Bagamasbad and Woman IM Marie Antoinette San Diego. Lawyer Aldwin Alegre, president and owner of AQ Prime, said he continuously contributes to the development of chess in the country. “The goal of the tournament is to help our young chess players in particular, and also the Philippines in general. We want them to become globally competitive not just in this sport but also in their daily lives,” said the former varsity player of Emilio Aguinaldo College

Source: Philippines News Agency

Hangzhou, the host city of the 19th Asian Games, is thrilled to launch the second batch of “Asian Games Gift Packs” welcoming global tourists to visit the City of Living Poetry.

According to a statement, the “Asian Games Gift Packs” for global tourists is a digital tourism marketing campaign launched in June this year, and has received enthusiastic responses from both local and international tourists alike.

The gift packs are distributed through a series of sweepstakes. The second batch of gift packs will open for application until Aug 10, and winners of the first and second sweepstakes have the opportunity to win 100,000 Asian Games tickets.

For international visitors, registration is accessible via the official website of Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, TV and Tourism while domestic tourists can join by searching “Asian Games” on the Alipay platform and clicking into “One Pass” in the Smart Hangzhou 2022 mini programme in the app.

The gift packs can also be accessed via Fliggy app, Hangzhou Residents app and Discover Hangzhou mini programme.

Each gift pack includes a seven day complimentary Hangzhou subway pass, free tickets to 48 tourist attractions, and a prepaid phone card worth 100 Chinese yuan (approximately US$14). (US$1=RM4.57)

The total value of attraction benefits included in the pack is 3,000 Chinese yuan (approximately US$420) and it contains free tickets to famous scenic spots such as Xixi National Wetland Park and Thousand Island Lake.

In addition, winners can use the “One Pass” QR code in Alipay to take the subway, enjoy sight-seeing at various scenic spots, and appreciate the beauty of the Asian Games host city.

The “One Pass” in Smart Hangzhou 2022 mini programme, coupled with the “Asian Games Gift Packs”, strives to provide all-in-one digital service experience for dining, transportation, travelling, sightseeing, shopping and entertainment, ultimately enhancing the Asian Games experience for global visitors.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

Perpetual Help volleyball player Louie Ramirez is scheduled to leave for Japan next week to train with the Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler, a club that competes in the top-level professional tournament V-League 1. The 23-year-old Ramirez, named National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 98 and Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) after leading the Altas to a third consecutive title this year, received the invitation for a three-week training program last month. “I was surprised because there are so many good players here in the Philippines and they chose me. I’m so happy to be invited,” the 6-foot-3 spiker told the Philippine News Agency on Sunday. “I’m nervous because it will be my first trip abroad. I’m also excited to be training with the Japanese players” he added. Marck Espejo (2018-2019) and Bryan Bagunas (2019-2022) both played for Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler, which represented Japan in the 2014 Asian Men’s Club Volleyball Championship. Espejo, the Finals MVP after Cignal won the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference title in March, has joined the Incheon Korean Air Jumbos. The 6-foot-5 Bagunas, on the other hand, earned the MVP plum after helping the Win Streak Club win its first title at the Top Volleyball League in Chinese Taipei early this year. “The invitation is a great opportunity for me to improve my knowledge in volleyball that’s why I am really looking forward to the training program,” said Ramirez, an incoming Hospitality Management senior. The Dasol, Pangasinan native still has one more playing year with the Altas. He thanked Perpetual Help chair Antonio Tamayo for the all-out support to the Altas, owners of 13 NCAA titles, and to coach Sammy Acaylar for honing his talent. Acaylar, a former national player, saw the potential of Ramirez during the 2018 Palarong Pambansa in Vigan, Ilocos Sur while representing Malimpin National High School. “Coach Sammy approached me, he asked if I wanted to play for Perpetual. I’m glad I made the right decision. Whatever I have achieved as a player, I will forever be grateful to coach Sammy,” said Ramirez, who also acknowledged coaching staff members Michael Cariño, Joemel Sagun, Rey Taneo and John Patrick Ramos. Acaylar said Ramirez is humble player, coachable, loyal and always filled with gratitude. ‘Many tried to recruit him even though he’s already with Perpetual, but he did not entertain these offers, especially his parents. The parents say they owe a debt of gratitude to the coach who trained and improved his skills. Louie is helpful and loving to his parents, that’s why the Lord blessed him,” Acaylar said in an interview. Ramirez, the third among five siblings, still dreams of making the national team. “Hopefully, I will be given a chance to play for the Philippine team,” said Ramirez, who joined a tryout two years ago but was not picked. Ramirez may not be good enough for the national team at the moment but the Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler Club must have seen something to notice him. “I know that I will learn a lot from the training in Japan. I am determined to improve my skills and be a better player,” said Ramirez.

Source: Philippines News Agency

Seventeen Sorsogon athletes who bagged medals in the Palaraong Pambansa will receive cash incentives in recognition of their hard work, dedication and achievements in the Department of Education-organized sports event. Salvador Mendoza, spokesperson of the Sorsogon provincial government, said gold medal winners will receive PHP100,000 each; silver medalists will get PHP75,000; and bronze medalists will be given PHP50,000 each. “Our target for the distribution of the cash incentives for our athletes is within this week. We have 12 players for volleyball and five for individual games,” Mendoza said in a statement on Sunday. “The substantial token of appreciation serves as an encouragement for the athletes to continue pursuing excellence in their respective sports disciplines,” he added. The Palaro podium finishers from Sorsogon, all in the elementary level, are Rose Jane Barcelona, gold, long jump; Sofia Huete, gold, discus throw; Beatrize Maria Mabalay, gold, swimming, breaststroke; silver, swimming, 50-meter breaststroke; silver, swimming, 100 meters; Jake Ivan Arciaga, bronze, badminton singles; Jeanne Epino, bronze, javelin throw; and Casiguran Central School, bronze, volleyball. Mendoza said it was the best performance of Sorsogon so far in the multi-event meet for grade school and secondary student-athletes. “The dedication and hard work put in by these athletes, along with the support from their coaches and families, have undoubtedly contributed to this exceptional feature. The cash incentives bestowed upon these medalists not only honor their achievements but also demonstrate the commitment of the provincial government to foster a culture of sports excellence and athletic development,” read a statement from Sorsogon City. The National Capital Region was crowned overall champion of the Palarong Pambansa for the 16th consecutive time, winning a total of 85 gold, 74 silver and 55 bronze medals as competition ended Saturday in Marikina City. Bicol finished 10th out of 17 regions with a 13-15-22 gold-silver-bronze tally.

Source: Philippines News Agency

The Philippines, representing the Asia-Pacific Region, defeated the USA’s East Region, 3-0, to capture the 2023 Junior League Softball World Series title in Kirkland, Washington Saturday afternoon (Sunday morning in Manila). The softbelles from Bago City, Negros Occidental gave the country its second championship in the girls’ 12-14 age bracket 20 years since a team from neighboring Bacolod City took home the crown. ‘After countless hours of hard work and dedication, we have finally reached the pinnacle of success. It is a long-awaited victory that will be forever cherished by the entire country,’ the Little League Philippines said in a statement. Finishing only third last year, the Negrenses stamped their dominance this time, sweeping the first six matches to earn a ticket to the finals where they faced the team from Milford, Connecticut. They scored a run in the second inning and pulled off two more in the sixth to clinch the title. En route to the finals, they subdued District 9 Region (Washington) 19-0; Southeast Region (Florida) 4-1; Canada Region (Canada) 7-4; Central Region (Michigan) 10-0; West Region (Arizona) 4-0; and Southwest Region (Texas) 4-0. Mayor Nicholas Yulo, who joined the team in Washington, lauded the players and the coaches ‘for a job well done and for the honor they brought to Bago City and the whole country’. ‘Our world champions deserve no less than a hero’s welcome when they arrive. I have already instructed personnel to prepare for their homecoming. I am honored to have been a witness to this historic day. May your triumph inspire young Bagonhons to aim high and dream bigger,’ he added. The Philippine team is composed of Erica Arnaiz, Thereze Francine Fuentes, Ann Dyana Buenafe, Icelle Tanaman, Ashley Ortiz, Froline Manalo, Christine Jane Caracas, Daniela Bejos, Audrie Sarsona, Marie Antoinette Sicapore, Nice Lobrido and Casandra Sumatra, who are all students of Ramon Torres National High School. They are mentored by coaches Rolando Fuentes, Leo Dayot, Sarah Caracas, Francis Fuentes, team manager Josie Sebunga and player advocate Yolly Sanchez

Source: Philippines News Agency