Philippine chessers bag 4 golds in Singapore

The Philippines struck for four gold medals on top of a silver and four bronzes in the Singapore International Chess Festival at the Jurong East Sports Complex Sunday.

Winning for the PH squad were Michelle Yaon in the girls’ Under-17 division, Vince Angelo Medina in the Open Under-17, Fide Master Paulo Bersamina in the Open Under-14 and Dennis Gutierrez III in the Open Under-8.

“It’s a good sign for our young chess players,” said Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr., president of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines. “They showed that we can compete and win in international competitions.”

Yaon, a promising find from Calamba City and a student of St. Simon Montessori School, split the point with India’s G Sushmitha in the final game to win the title with 6.5 points in eight games .

Medina, a student of Far Eastern University-Fern topped his division after a final draw with Jodi Setyaki Azarya of Indonesia while Bersamina capped a dominant performance with a victory over Ooi Zhi Yang Singapore to wind up with 8.0 points.

Gutierrez, a San Fabian, Pangasinan standout, beat Jiddan Firman of Indonesia to clinch the gold also with 8.0 points.

Bohol bet Jerad Docena clinched the country’s lone silver by finishing second behind Bersamina.

Delivering bronze medals were Marc Christian Nazario (Open U-17) Julius Gonzales (Open U-11), Iloilo’s Fiona Geeweneth Guirhem (Girls U-11) and Misamis Oriental’s Mae Ann Joy Baclayon (Girls U-8 ).

Woman Fide Master Marie Antoinette San Diego, an early favorite in the Girls’ U-14, was a big disappointment, however, as she finished with only 5.0 points in the nine-round event.

San Diego wound up two points behind eventual champion WFM Najiha Hisham Nur of Singapore and half a point behind compatriot Shania Mae Mendoza.

Bitoon 2nd in Campomanes Cup

Meanwhile, Grandmaster Richard Bitoon finished tied for second in the second Asean Men Campomanes Cup also in Singapore.

Bitoon wound up tied with GM Susanto Megaranto of Indonesia and Internatioal Master Nguyen Van Huy of Vietnam with 6.0 points, just half a point behind champion GM Cao Sangâ of Vietnam.

source by Jasmine W. Payo, Philippine Daily Inquirer

Read More

Team of the Year: The University of the Philippines Pep Squad

The University of the Philippines Pep Squad win in the Team of the Year category of the InterAKTV Awards is surprising to say the least. The team defeated more heralded squads that had been more prominent in the media throughout last year: the Azkals, SMART-Gilas Pilipinas, the Cobra-PDBF Dragon Warriors, the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, and the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

To illustrate the acclaim for the team, there were more votes cast for the UP Pep Squad than each of the other categories combined. It’s a curious case: the crowd cheering the cheerleaders.

This acclaim, of course, is not undeserved. UP Pep won the championship in the National Games last summer before defending its title in the UAAP cheerdance competition last September. The team wrapped up its charmed year with a bronze medal finish at the 6th Cheerleading World Championships in November.

And yet, despite the obvious popularity of the UP Pep Squad (as evidenced by the votes for them) and their even more obvious success, there will still be people who would be moved to ask, “Is cheerleading even a sport?”

When a person asks that questions, he or she (more often, it’s a he) wouldn’t usually be asking if cheerleading is a sport per se; he is asking if cheerleading is a sport on par with football, basketball, and even dragon boat.

And that question — a wrongheaded one — is even being asked because the asker still holds in his mind an archaic notion of an athlete, and what an athlete should look like. And most members of the UP Pep Squad don’t conform to that stereotype, at least with how they look.

It’s silly because when one moves past the bleached blonde hair (and the shaved armpits), it’s easy to see just how much Pep Squad members are just like any other athlete in any other sport. They juggle their commitments just like any other varsity sports members, and they train for hours with their teammates, to try to perfect their strategy, precision, and execution. When they tire, they sweat the same sweat as other athletes, and when they fall, they break the same bones.

And the results — they’re breathtaking. The UP Pep Squad’s routine at this year’s UAAP cheerdance competition was as exciting, if not more so, as anything that any other Filipino athlete or group of athletes did in 2011. And along the way, they ended up winning their fair share of hearts.

“Is cheerleading even a sport?”

Is that even a question?

source by Jaemark Tordecilla, InterAKTV  - image by InterAKTV/Markku Seguerra and Hana Belo

Read More

GM Wesley So to pursue studies abroad

Wesley So, the country’s youngest Grandmaster, is set to go abroad to concentrate on his studies for the coming year while still pursuing his career in chess.

“Mag-aaral na ako sa university. Nag-stop ako for two years. Right now, 18 na ako, itutuloy ko na ang studies ko,” So said in an interview with InterAKTV.

So, who recently took home a gold medal in the 2011 Southeast Asian Games in the men’s individual blitz, said that he will either study in the United States or in Canada for college. He will also participate in chess tilts abroad to continue honing his skills.

“May offers ako doon. Pero ok naman pareho dahil ‘yung university nila, every month may mga laro at makakasali ako sa chess team nila,” said So.

So’s undertaking of pursuing his studies will appear to decrease his tournament appearances locally but he assured that he will still be available for international competitions like the Southeast Asian Games and the Asian Games.

“Yung mga international competitions, sasali ako para sa bayan. Kapag summer vacation, I can join local tournaments here,” So said.

One big tournament for 2012 will be the 40th World Chess Olympiad to be held in Istanbul, Turkey where the very best woodpushers converge.

When asked if he wants to compete in the Chess Olympiad, So’s answer was “sure.”

Two years ago, the Philippines finished a lowly 50th place with a men’s team composed of So, John Paul Gomez, Darwin Laylo, Richard Bitoon and Asia’s first GM Eugene Torre in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia.

A women’ team of Cheradee Camacho, Catherine Perena, Shercila Cua, Rulp Ylem Jose and Jedara Docena also competed in the event finishing 44th.

The country hosted the biennial competition in 1992.

source by Reuben Terrado, InterAKTV

Read More

Gotuaco is the new archery darling

The Philippines found a new darling in archery in Bianca Roxas-Chua Gotuaco.

Only 14 but already a bemedalled bet, Gotuaco looms as the brightest hope in the Youth Olympics in 2014 and the Summer Olympics in 2016 in Brazil.

“I train very hard and I’m thankful that I’m getting the fruits of all my hard work,” said the high school freshman at International School-Manila after winning five golds in the recent Batang Pinoy competitions in Naga City.

Sweeping all the golds staked in her division including the qualifying round, Olympic round, mixed team event (with National Capital Region) and girls’ team event, Gotuaco also earned the Best Female Archer of Batang Pinoy 2011 plum.

Though it was in Batang Pinoy where her exploits hit the headlines, the youngster has been harvesting accolades here and abroad the past few years.

Early in 2011, she nailed the gold in qualifying round during the Batang Pinoy regionals at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Gotuaco had earlier pulled off her most cherished achievement so far when she won silver in the recurve cub category in the 2011 State Games of America in San Diego, California last August. She was on  target in the 40-meter, 30m and 20m distances to finish runner-up.

She made it to the 2011 State Games of America by taking the silver in the same category in the California State Games last August at the Olympic Training Center in San Diego.

Last May, she scooped five golds in the Philippine National Games in Bacolod, taking the top plum in the 50m, 40m, 30m, 20m, and highest Fita.

Now she has her sights on bigger events like the US Nationals in Ohio and the Nor’Easter Tournament in Massachusetts next year, hoping to gain enough experience and skill to compete in the Youth Olympics in Nanjing, China.

Gotuaco is also preparing to compete in the Palarong Pambansa in Pangasinan, and PNG in Dumaguete next summer.

source by Marc Anthony Reyes,Philippine Daily Inquirer

Read More

No. 1 US team offers Wesley So scholarship

Filipino Grandmaster Wesley So has been offered an athletic scholarship by United States NCAA Division I champion Texas Tech University.

The 18-year-old So, the country’s top player with an Elo rating of 2659, received the invitation from Hungarian GM Sofia Bulgar, who steered the Knight Raiders, composed of players from different countries, to the top of the 2011 President’s Cup, the Final Four of college chess.

So, winner of a gold and a silver in last month’s Southeast Asian Games, needs to pass the Scholastic Assessment Test in the US to be able to play for Texas Tech.

Seeded only fourth, Texas Tech stunned University of Maryland, a six-time national champion; Baltimore County, and four-time titlist University of Texas-Dallas.

The Texas Tech offer elated So’s parents, William and Leny, both CPAs who are now based in Toronto, because they want their son to finish his studies. So skipped schooling this year to focus on chess.

Also invited by Polgar to bolster the Knight Raiders’ roster is German GM Georg Meier, who like So has an Elo 2659.

Reginald Tee, So’s longtime manager, will be accompanying the former chess protege when he takes the eligibility test in the US. If he makes it to Texas Tech, So wants to take up a computer course.

Composing this year’s Knight Raiders are GM Anatoly Bykhovsky of Israel, GM Davorin Kuljasevic of Croatia, GM Andre Diamant of Brazil, IM Istvan Sipos of Hungary and Faik Aleskerov of Azerbaijan.

The Knight Raiders’ scholarship covers tuition and housing expenses plus sponsorships in international tournaments.

source by Roy Luarca, Philippine Daily Inquirer

Read More

No. 8 – Dragon Boat team makes wave in world meet

Last August, the Philippine dragon boat team created the biggest ripples in the 10th International Dragon Boat Federation World Championships in Tampa Bay, Florida.

The Filipinos made heads turn by bagging five gold and two silver medals in the weeklong competition, establishing a new world record in the 1000m small boat category (4:57.13).

The other golds came in the 500m mixed event, 500m men’s small boat, 200m premiere mixed and 1000m men’s category, and the silvers in the men’s premier 200m and All Comers 200m small boat.

But the biggest news on their participation came days after they won the medals. Due to the absence of government support, the Pinoy paddlers were branded as heroes.

They went to Florida through the sponsorship of Cobra Energy Drink and Philippine Airlines, and made it through with the generosity of the Filipino community in Tampa Bay.

An audience with President Aquino topped their itinerary once they returned home. Members of the Senate also hailed the members of the dragon boat team.

As victims of politics in sports, the team did not get the support they deserved from the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission, the government agency.

“It is unfortunate that we continuously hear about Filipino athletes performing superbly and displaying excellence despite the lack of government support,” said Senate Resolution 547.

“Our athletes are giving our nation honor and recognition. It is about time the government’s concerned agencies give their complete and unqualified support to our athletes.”

source by Philippine Star

Read More

PSC to give rewards to Paragames heroes

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) will also reward Filipino differently-abled athletes for their hard work and medal-winning performances in the sixth ASEAN Paragames that ended last week in Solo, Indonesia.

The Pinoy bets brought home 23 gold medals, the same number of silvers, and 18 bronzes to finish fifth overall behind Thailand (126-96-73), Indonesia (113-108-89), Malaysia (51-36- 45) and Vietnam (44-44-72) in the 10-day competitions featuring 11 sports.

"They (Paragames medalists) will get incentives from us," said PSC chairman Richie Garcia, whose agency released cash incentives totaling P8.06 million to medalists in the Southeast Asian Games last week.

The PSC is actually not obligated by law to award cash bonuses to Paragames achievers as the biennel event for differently-abled athletes is not covered by RA 9064 or the "Sports Benefits and Incentives Act of 2001."

But the commission has taken it upon itself to hand out windfalls to Paragames medalists as well, though not as substantial as what the SEAG winners take as per RA 9064.

"We'll check how much they were given (by the PSC board) before. They are not covered by 9064 but the PSC will surely give them," assured Garcia.

In the last Paragames in 2009 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the PSC handed out P15,000 for the gold medalist, while P10,000 went to the silver earner and P5,000 was given to the bronze winner.

Expected to get a big chunk of the incentives are bets from swimming, who delivered seven golds, three silvers and one bronze, led by triple gold medalist and record-breaker Ernie Gawilan.

There's no target date yet for the awarding of the bonuses for the mesdal-winning differently-abled athletes.

source by By Olmin Leyba, The Philippine Star

Read More

Resurgent UST Tigresses collar NU Lady Bulldogs

MANILA, Philippines—University of Santo Tomas posted its fourth straight win with a 25-11, 25-21, 25-18 walloping of National University Sunday in the women’s volleyball tournament of UAAP Season 74 at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Maru Banaticla fired 15 points, while Maika Ortiz and Midori Hirotsuji combined for eight each as the Tigresses improved to 4-2.

“The girls’ morale at this point is high, and they improved a lot on their serves,” said UST coach Odjie Mamon, whose squad will take a crack at La Salle’s unbeaten record for its final first-round assignment on Wednesday.

Setter Rhea Dimaculangan accounted for two of the five service aces delivered by the Tigresses, who sent the Lady Bulldogs crashing to their fourth straight defeat.

Meanwhile, Adamson pinned a first loss on Far Eastern U with a marathon 21-25, 25-22, 21-25, 25-19, 15-10 triumph.

Ron Jay Galang scattered a tournament-best 32 hits for the Falcons who are still mired in fifth place with a 2-3 card.

In the other men’s game, Rueben Inaudito delivered 15 points as NU (4-2) overcame La Salle (2-3), 25-18, 25-21, 25-20.

source by Cedelf P. Tupas Philippine Daily Inquirer

Read More

Mamiit to be retained as Phl tennis team captain?

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Tennis Association is set to make a decision on whether to keep the services of longtime playing team captain Fil-Am Cecil Mamiit when the Filipinos take on Pacific-Oceania in their Asia-Oceania Davis Cup Group II first round tie from Feb. 10-12 in Iriga City.

"I'm not yet sure but it will everything will be decided by the board on Wednesday," Philta's Davis Cup administrator Randy Villanueva yesterday told The STAR.

The 35-year-old Mamiit has been the fixture of Phl tennis in the past four years as he spearheaded the Filipinos to Group I before losing its lofty perch this year and got relegated in Group II.

Aside from his colorful Davis Cup stints, Mamiit has won two gold medals in the Southeast Asian Games and a couple of bronze medals in the 2006 Doha Asian Games.

Although Villanueva didn't give hints, there were reports that Mamiit may stay as playing team captain to provide the leadership and experience, but with a limited role to give way for the younger guys like Jeson Patrombon and Francis Casey Alcantara among others.

And Philta is expected to use the opportunity to utilize its young talents when the Phl takes on a Pacific Oceania side that has never made it higher than a Group II stint.

Meanwhile, Villanueva announced that the venue was moved from the Iriga City Coliseum to the newly refurbished indoor court of University of Saint Anthony, also located in the capital.

Host city Mayor Madeline Alfelor-Gazmen and Philta had already signed the memorandum of agreement last month to formalize Iriga City's hosting of the prestigious event.

Pacific-Oceania, which defeated Iran in their own relegation tie, 4-1, to stay in Group II, are composed of players from associate member islands of Oceania except those from Australia and New Zealand.

West Nott, Cyrile Jacobe, Leon So’Onalole, Michael Leong and Daniel Llarenas make up the Pacific-Oceania team that joined the Davis Cup in 1995 and whose best finish was a second round stint in Group II in 2005.

source by Joey Villar|philstar.com

Read More

Alcala siblings Singapore Youth champs

Filipino ace Malvinne Ann Alcala continued to boost her stock in the international circuit as she retained the girls’ Under-17 singles title in the Li Ning Singapore Youth International Series in Singapore Sunday.

Showing poise beyond her years, the 16-year-old Alcala survived a gritty stand from Indonesian Florensia Setyana Daniella, 22-20, 21-17, to secure her second straight title.

Alcala’s younger brother, Markie, also made his presence felt by giving the country a second title in the tournament.
Markie pummeled Malaysia’s Sim Fong Hau, 21-11, 21-17, in the boys’ Under-13 singles event to underscore his worth as a future star in the sport.

Markie’s win capped a remarkable year for the Allied/Victor mainstay, who also ruled four events in the Philippine Badminton Ranking System recently.

Malvinne also had a banner year, winning two Open titles in the PBaRS circuit, aside from nailing three titles in the Ming Ramos Cup Victor Philippine Open.

She topped the singles, doubles (with Fatima Cruz) and mixed doubles (with Ronel Estanislao) at Club 650 and at the PSC Badminton Hall two weeks ago.

On the heels of the Alcalas’ triumphs, the Philippine Badminton Association is already lining up a series of local and international tournaments in 2012.

The Philippines was well-represented in the Singapore tournament with MSI Bulacan, Whackers Badminton Academy, Jaime Llanes Trainining Camp, Escoses Training Camp, Allied-Victor PCome, CDO Badminton Team and Team Prima also fielding players.

The Philippine contingent was headed by Vice President Jojo Binay and Gen. Federico Laciste Jr.

The meet lured players from Chinese Taipei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, India, Singapore, Japan, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Australia, Kazakhstan and Vietnam.

source by Philippine Daily Inquirer

Read More

Manny lends hand to 'Sendong' victims

MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao, the fighting congressman from Sarangani, is helping out in the relief efforts for the countless victims of tropical storm “Sendong” which ripped across Northern Mindanao over the weekend.

Pacquiao, who turned 33 last Saturday, the day the tragedy struck and left more than 700 dead and hundreds more missing, felt very sad watching the news about the destruction.

“I am expressing my deepest sympathy to the victims and their families. Let us pray for all their loved ones,” said Pacquiao yesterday afternoon from his home in General Santos City.

Pacquiao’s legal adviser, Atty. Franklin Gacal, said the reigning WBO welterweight champion has already heeded the call of Speaker Feliciano Belmonte for House members to help.

Pacquiao has agreed to dole out P1 million out of his own PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Funds) for all the victims of the tragic incident.

“He immediately complied to House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte’s call for all congressmen to slash P1 million from their PDAF,” said Gacal.

The tragedy came eight days before Christmas, and among those who were killed by the flashfloods were women and children, mostly from Cagayan de Oro and nearby Iligan.

Homes were swept away, bridges collapsed, and vehicles trampled and strewn all over the place.

Aside from the P1 million donation, Pacquiao will dig deep from his own pocket to provide additional help to the victims.

The world’s most exciting boxer today will send relief goods to the most affected areas starting today, including crates of bottled mineral water, rice, canned goods and clothing.

Pacquiao, who came from a very poor family to become one of the richest athletes in the world today, is always there to help victims of natural calamities.

When Typhoon “Ondoy” wreaked havoc in the Philippines in 2009, Pacquiao left his training headquarters in Baguio City, and took a long, dangerous trip to Manila to be with the victims.

He brought with him a busload of relief goods and personally distributed them to the victims.

“The situation needs an immediate national response. We have decided to give our all-out efforts, not just as an institution but as individuals,” Belmonte said during a media briefing yesterday.

Belmonte authored House Resolution 2017 to provide financial assistance to the poor victims of the tropical storm.

“Come resumption of session in January, we will present this resolution in plenary and I am sure it will be unanimously endorsed by the entire membership. But we will now advance the amount to be given today or tomorrow,” Belmonte said.  –

source The Philippine Star | With report from Abac Cordero

Read More

SEAG winners to get incentives

The country’s medalists in the 2011 Indonesian Southeast Asian Games will receive their cash incentives from the government on Wednesday, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) said on Monday.

PSC chairman Richie Garcia said the formal turnover will be held at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex with a total of P12 million to be distributed not only to the athletes but to their coaches as well.

The athletes will get the lion’s share of P8.070 million, while the coaches will share the remaining. The Philippines settled for sixth place in the 11-nation sportsfest held last month in Jakarta and Palembang with a paltry collection of 36-56-77 (gold-silver-bronze).

Under the law a gold in the SEAG is worth P100,000, while a silver is P50,000 and bronze is P10,000. Cue artists Iris Ranola will receive a total of P200,000 for winning the 8-ball and 9-ball, making her the biggest winner among Filipino athletes even though bowler Frederick Ong had won the men’s single and silver in the men’s Masters and was a part of the doubles and Team of Five.

By Nick Giongco mb.com.ph

Read More

PSC eyes bigger BP program

After discovering a treasure trove of talents in the recent Batang Pinoy (BP) Games, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is setting its sights for bigger plans in the horizon.

More promising athletes, kids aged 15 years old and below, will be encouraged by their local government units (LGUs) to participate in a larger event next year.

Out of the one thousand-plus LGUs across the country, only 89 made it into the national championships hosted recently by Naga City where prized finds for boxing, taekwondo, archery, badminton, swimming and track and field emerged.

Baguio City ruled the national finals while Laguna, Manila, Quezon City, Cagayan De Oro and Tayabas also produced future sports stars in the five-day Grand Finale.

“We had at least 20 LGUs which participated in each of the five qualifying legs. But there are over 1,000 LGUs in the country so we’ve got a lot of work ahead of us,” said PSC Commissioner Jolly Gomez.

In support of Batang Pinoy’s vision is Summit Natural Drinking Water, the official bottled water of Philippine Olympic Committee athletes, recognizing the importance of hydration to sustain the physical and mental edge of our future torch-bearers.

“Summit Natural Drinking Water believes in the potential of our young athletes and we salute the PSC in its continuing mission to discover and develop athletes who aspire, perspire, and inspire,” said brand assistant Eli Malicdem.

The PSC is looking to expand the base to non-active cities, municipalities and provinces.

source mb.com.ph

Read More

Franco Victor Reyes cops 2nd in Macau Kart Grand Prix

Bucking the odds, Franco Victor Reyes, the country’s No. 1 junior karter, took runner-up honors in the recent Asian Karting Open Championship Round during the Macau International Kart Grand Prix.

The 15-year-old Ateneo de Manila sophomore gave everything he’s got in the final to go head-to-head with eventual winner Thai Sasakorn Chaimongkol.

Starting third in the final race, Reyes got stuck behind erstwhile overall leader Yasuo Senna Iriawan of Indonesia when the lights went off, enabling the second-positioned Sasakorn to grab the lead going into the second corner.

Malaysian bet Daim bin Hishamudin seized the opportunity and followed Sasakorn. The fast-charging Reyes bolted from Senna and chased the leaders, overtaking Hishamudin a lap after.

Reyes, cheered on by Filipino expatriates in the grandstand who included Consul General to Macau Renato Villapando, continued his charge on Sasakorn, lapping the 1.2-kilometer Macau circuit one-tenth of a second faster than the Thai midway in the 18-lap final. But Reyes’ effort went for naught.

With a few laps left in the final race, Reyes made a last-ditch effort to take Sasakorn at the end of the long straight and into the hairpin at the second corner.

The Thai held his ground, forcing Reyes to back off and allowing Sasakorn to prevail.

Reyes will be moving up to the senior 125cc class starting next season, and will be doing more races in the Japan series, with a couple of major races in Europe in between.

source Philippine Daily Inquirer

Read More

58 NSAs pile up P130.6 M in unliquidated financial aid

MANILA, Philippines—A total of 58 National Sports Associations (NSAs) have a combined P130.6 million in unliquidated cash advances that the government is asking them to settle immediately.

Aquatics, whose swimmers failed to win a single gold medal in the recent Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia, owns the biggest unliquidated amount of P10,526,638.

Philippine Sports Commission chair Richie Garcia has released a directive ordering the NSAs to liquidate said advances before the end of the year or risk having their requests for financial assistance turned down by the government sports-funding agency.

Part of the unliquidated amount of aquatics (P4,932,106), which is headed by POC deputy secretary general Mark Joseph, came before Garcia assumed
office. The breakdown of unliquidated assistance includes: swimming (P8,066,537), diving (P752,981), water polo (P1,513,022) and synchronized swimming (P194,096).

Some of the NSAs with huge amounts of unliquidated advances include those that also failed to win a gold in the SEA Games: Gymnastics (P6,654,044), shooting (P5,674,931), volleyball (P5,179,330), football/futsal (P5,014,331), leadership-torn karatedo (P4,863,921), wrestling (P4,521,280), weightlifting (P4,313,545), muay (P3,536,144), sailing (P3,279,203), table tennis (P3,066,635), pencak silat (P2,351,303) and windsurfing (P2,178,428).

Other NSAs that have big amounts to liquidate are wushu (P7,967,254), canoe-kayak (P5,654,863), chess (P5,430,138), judo (P4,447,668), athletics (P4,530,730), archery (P4,129,440), cycling (P4,649,625), fencing (P2,470,934), bowling (P2,349,106) and softball (P2,303,170).

“If the NSAs don’t liquidate by the end of the year, they will not get any assistance next year,” said Garcia. “They have until the end of this month to settle their accounts.”

Baseball, which struck gold in the Palembang SEA Games, has no financial liability with the government as well as hand ball, ice skating, petanque and rugby football, based on the document certified by PSC chief accountant Rosalina Colendrino on Nov. 30.

Advances by Little League Philippines, where PSC commissioner Jolly Gomez is an official, have reached P2,950,000 and remained unsettled until now.

source by June Navarro Philippine Daily Inquirer

Read More

Lady Archers hope to remain spotless against cellar-dwelling Lady Maroons

Pacesetting and reigning women's titlist La Salle takes on cellar-dwelling University of the Philippines on Wednesday with the Lady Archers aiming to extend their winning run to five in the 74th UAAP volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

Game time is 2 p.m. with the Lady Maroons also hoping to snap a four-game slump this season.

Camille Cruz is a doubtful starter after the La Salle rookie hurt her knee after a bad fall in the third set in the Lady Archers’ game against the FEU Lady Tamaraws.

But La Salle still has lethal attacker Abigail Maraño, top blocker Michelle Gumabao, setter Mika Esparanza and the reliable Cha Cruz in its vast arsenal. Mika Reyes and Ara Galang are also ready to contribute to the Lady Archers’ cause.

"We must not be complacent in our game. We need to be prepared every time we play because you can't predict the outcome of the game. I just told my players to stay focused and as much as possible minimize our errors," said La Salle coach Ramil de Jesus.

The Lady Archers are coming off a marathon five-set win over FEU, 25-22, 25-15, 23-25, 23-25, 15-11.

UST, last year's losing finalists, will also try to clinch a third straight win when it takes on University of the East (UE) at 4 p.m.

Men's action pits UST against National University at 9 a.m. and Far Eastern University (FEU) against UE at 10:30 a.m. —

source JVP, GMA News

Read More

Paul del Rosario sinks King’s Cup rivals

Filipino jet ski champion Paul del Rosario proved his mettle anew when he snared the Pro-Am Runabout Open crown in the recent 2011 Thailand King’s Cup-World Cup Jet Ski Grand Prix.

The victory was a fitting follow-up to Del Rosario’s breakthrough triumph in the 2010 QuakySense-TJSBA event, considered the Formula One of jet ski, in Arizona.

Del Rosario survived the tricky surf on Jomtien Beach in Pattaya to thwart the opposition that included 16-year-old former junior world champion Toshi Ohara of Japan and expert jet ski world titlist Abdullah Alfadhel of Kuwait.

The Filipino ace topped the first three moto races and sealed the title by checking in second behind Toshi in the final moto.

Del Rosario’s teammate, the legendary Nicolas Ruis of France, won the Pro Open crown.

“It’s the first time the Philippine flag was waved during the victory parade here,” Del Rosario said from the resort city of Pattaya.

Del Rosario was a favorite among the spectators and was presented by organizers as a half-Thai racer.

“I thank the people of Thailand and the organizers for the warm welcome and support,” he said.

The Jet Ski King’s Cup is one of the most important events on the professional jet-ski calendar with this year’s edition drawing racers from 35 countries in five continents.

source by Steve Silva Philippine Daily Inquirer

Read More

Africans turning off ace local runners

MANILA, Philippines—While they always welcome a challenge, elite Filipino runner Eric Panique Monday said the growing number of Africans joining local races are turning off top local runners, who feel their chances of winning are reduced.

Panique, a Southeast Asian Games marathon silver medalist, failed to finish Sunday’s 35th National Milo Marathon finals won by Kenyan James Tallam, the first time a foreigner won the annual event in 35 years.

But while Panique said he pulled out of the race after 5 km to avoid injuries—he was on his fifth full marathon for the year— there’s a palpable feeling that Filipinos are uncomfortable with the presence of the African runners.

Eight runners from Africa occupied the Top 10 places in Sunday’s men’s race.

“We always welcome the challenge,” said Panique, who was the best Filipino finisher in the 2nd Camsur Marathon last September. “The races are a source of income for Filipinos, but now we have to compete against foreigners for the prize money.”

Known for their prowess in long-distance running, Africans have been campaigning all over the globe and monopolizing the top purses offered for the top finishers.

Three-time Milo Marathon champion Eduardo Buenavista also did not finish the race as he has yet to regain full fitness after the SEA Games last month.

source by Cedelf P. Tupas Philippine Daily Inquirer

Read More

Finisher runs off with biggest prize, a bride-to-be

MANILA, Philippines - Running enthusiast Albert Mendoza didn’t land on the podium of the 5K race of the 35th National Milo Marathon but that’s the least of his concerns yesterday for he ran off with the biggest prize of ‘em all – the love of his soon-to-be-bride.

Mendoza, a network engineer for an online gaming company, navigated the route starting and ending at the Mall of Asia Complex with his long-time girlfriend, Venus Olga Santos, but as soon as they crossed the finish line made a U-turn to the event’s stage area for a surprise act.

Borrowing the mike, he knelt down, took out the diamond ring he stitched up on his singlet, and popped the question in front of some 23,000 runners and spectators. Santos, his beau for five-and-a-half years, cried unabashedly in joy.

“I chose to propose during this event because I felt it would be unique, just as she always likes unique things, be it clothes or food. Much better than going to a restaurant and fishing the ring from a wine glass,” said Mendoza, who approached event organizers beforehand to set up his proposal.

“I didn’t expect that he would make his proposal here,” an overjoyed Santos said.

The couple has been participating in running events regularly, usually waiting for each other near the finish line so they could cross it together.

This time, there’s no running away from each other.

source by Olmin Leyba The Philippine Star

Read More

Laguna tankers make waves in B Pinoy; Manila archers hit mark

NAGA CITY, Philippines – Laguna tankers Catherine Bondad and Ariana Herranz splashed their way to two more gold medals to hike their total to five even as Manila archers Bianca Gotuaco and Luis Gabriel Moreno struck with a pair of golden efforts in the Batang Pinoy at the Metro Naga Sports Complex here.

The 13-year-old Bondad seized the gold in the 100-meter freestyle and 100m butterfly for 12-13 year-old girls while the 15-year-old Herranz reigned supreme in the 200m free and 50m backstroke for girls 14-15 years to continue to lead the Laguna juggernaut in pool competitions.

Bondad ruled the 50m and 200m freestyle and 100m backstroke while the 15-year-old Herranz triumphed in the 100m back and 200m free and the 200m medley relay where she teamed up with Sofia Guanio, Martina Borce and Joanna Simbulan both held last Saturday.

“I’m happy, my hardwork paid off,” said Bondad, a puny but big-hearted native of San Pablo City who was a former multiple gold medalist in the Palarong Pambansa including one in Tarlac City two years ago when she swept all the freestyle elementary gold medals.

Archers Gotuaco and Moreno stole some of the spotlight by coming up with two golden efforts each – in the double FITA 18-meter recurve as well as the Olympic round.

Gotuaco, a US-trained 14-year-old member of the International School of Manila, amassed 552 points while Moreno, grandson of showbiz personality German “Kuya Germs” Moreno, wound up with a 554 total to seal their resounding wins.

“Competing here in the nationals already made me happy, winning made me happier,” said Gotuaco, also a former silver medal winner in the US Games.

Masha Donaldo Althea of Dumaguete finished second with 494 points while Caitline Ann Maciano of Manila was third with 483.

Like Bondad, Herranz and Gotuaco, Moreno is also looking to earn a spot in the 2014 World Youth Olympics in Nanjing, China.

“It always excites to compete against a competition this big and strong,” said Moreno, who also harvested five gold medals in the Philippine National Games in Bacolod City early in the year.

Laguna’s Jessica Salazar also secured herself a second gold after she teamed up with Gene Elbert Paguia, Mariah Garcia and Isiah Miguel Dizon in topping triathlon’s mixed relay event in two hours, 21 minutes and eight seconds.

Nueva Vizcaya’s John Noel Huerta, the same boy who won the long jump gold despite having just a one-hour rest following a 13-hour land travel from Alfonso Castaneda town, made it a jumping double with a victory in triple jump where he leapt 12.53m.

Other track and field winners were Baguio City’s Agustina Anganayon in 1,500m (5:15.26), Regan Contic in discus throw (43.15m) and Steffany Flores in 1,500m walk (9:50.15), the Visayas’ Francis Acedillo in the 1,500m (4:25.61), Manila’s Stephanie Santiago in discus throw (26.65m) and Garry Santiago in javelin (42.25m).

Batang Pinoy notes: Manila swimmer Mica Buna was rushed to the St. John Hospital here after he slipped and hit his nape on the floor at their billeting area. Thankfully, X-ray results showed that there were no damage except for some lumps on her head...Standard Insurance, owned by Phl sailing chief Ernesto Echauz and the official insurer of all Batang Pinoy participants, paid all the expenses incurred by Buna’s hospitalization...Apparently, Buna slipped after she ran and celebrated following the news that their P3,000 allowance will be released.

source by Joey Villar The Philippine Star

Read More