Bachmann lauds the growth of Philippine ROTC Games

The Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Richard Bachmann recognized the growing number of sports and participants in the Philippine ROTC Games.

He attended Wednesday's action on the tournament’s Mindanao leg, witnessing the increase in the number of sports with the inclusion of arnis, boxing, and kickboxing, including debuting disciplines from 5v5 basketball, swimming, sepak takraw, target shooting, and raiders competition.

“The increase in the number of sports in the ROTC Games means a larger platform for our athletes to showcase their talents and, expands our pool for talent identification in line with our mandate to the country's grassroots sports,” Chairman Bachmann stated.

The participants in this year’s Mindanao leg raised to around 2,000 athletes. 

The number of events increased to 15 from only seven on its inaugural staging last year. Among the sports played in the past edition were athletics, e-sports, taekwondo, table tennis, volleyball, and chess.

The head of the sports agency extended his appreciation to the brainchild of the tournament Sen. Francis Tolentino for committing to expand the platform aimed to instill the discipline and enthusiasm of cadets from numerous universities and colleges nationwide.

“We thank Sen. Tolentino, not just for engineering this tournament, but of course making serious efforts to hold this consistently for the sake of Philippine sports,” Bachmann stated.

“I also thank Mayor John Dalipe for hosting the ROTC Games again here in Zamboanga City,” he added.

In partnership with the Department of National Defense and Commission on Higher Education, the Philippine ROTC Games is now on its second leg, with the Visayas edition taking place in Bacolod City last month.

Indang, Cavite will host the Luzon leg and the National Championships in July and August.

Kuya Bong Go extends cash incentives to Alas Pilipinas Women's Volleyball Team

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, continues to champion Filipino athletes as he partnered with the Philippine Sports Commission in providing financial support to the Alas Pilipinas Women's Volleyball Team.

In a ceremony at the PSC Conference Room in Malate, Manila on Wednesday, June 26, Go, together with the PSC, personally handed over financial support worth P200,000 pesos to each of the 14 volleyball players and 9 coaching staff.

This came after their bronze medal victory in the Asian Volleyball Challenge Cup, which Go personally witnessed last May 29. This support also aims to help them prepare for the upcoming International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) Challenger Cup net week in MOA Arena.

“Itong financial support from PSC… ay para makatulong sa kanila. Pero ang importante dito ay ang drive to win. At stake dito ang ating flag, ang ating bayan. Lagi kong sinasabi sa kanila na give your best,” said Go in an interview.

“Karangalan po yun para sa ating bayan kaya dapat po ma-increase po ang suporta at incentives mula sa gobyerno para sa ating atleta. Maliit na halaga yan kumpara sa kanilang hirap at sa karangalan na dala dala nila habang-buhay para sa ating bayan,” Go further stressed.

The financial support from Senator Go and the PSC is similar to the assistance given to athletes representing the Philippines in this year’s Paris Olympics which was turned over last week. Each competing Filipino Olympian received P500,000 pesos.

“Alam ko hindi rin kayo ang pinakamalaking team (sa volleyball) pero yung puso ninyo, yung pusong Pinoy niyo ay lumalaban at yung masarap po diyan ay yung pinagpaguran at pinagpawisan ninyo ang inyong laban,” Go, being a sports enthusiast and athlete himself, encouragingly shared in his speech.

Alas Pilipinas Volleyball players include Anne Anjel Canino, Julia Cyrille Coronel, Julia Melissa De Guzman-Morado, Arrah Ella Panique, Thea Allison Gagate, Vanessa Gandler, Ejiya Laure, Dawn Nicole Macandili-Catindig, Jennifer Nierva, Faith Janine Shirley Nisperos, Cherry Rose Nunag, Dell Palomata, Cherry Anne Rondina, and Mereophe Sharma.

Meanwhile, the coaching staff is composed of Jorge Edson De Brito, Ronwald Kris Dimaculangan, Eduardo Ortega, Grace Gomez, Joyce Antoniette Palad, Justin Santos, Norman Montalvo, Hollie Reyes, and Angelica Bautista.

Aside from the financial support, Go also offered shoes and watches to the athletes.

“I am proud of Alas Pilipinas and I will continue to support Philippine sports, lalo na yung mga grassroots talaga,” he added.

Assistant Coach Dimaculangan expressed his gratitude, noting that such support motivates the athletes. “Wala naman kaming ine-expect but to represent the country and the flag well. Kaya, with this financial and non-financial support given by the PSC, Senator Bong Go, and other senators, we are very grateful,” he said.

“At the same time, it boosts our morale to push more. Kasi before walang support, binibigay na namin best namin what more na meron (support)… If we compare it to before, yung support (before) ay sabihin na natin na enough naman, it’s just that yung (additional) ngayon is overwhelming. From the players, coaches, and the entire team of Alas Pilipinas, masaya talaga,” he added.

Assistant Coach Palad also shared her thanks to the PSC and Senator Go, highlighting that, for the longest time, they received attention but not enough support they needed, saying that the financial assistance they receive is “morale-boosting” for everybody.

“We’re not as good as most of our neighboring countries because we don’t (get the opportunity) to train as much we could and hindi nabubuo agad yung team namin pero ngayon everybody wanted to build the team, everybody wants to continue, and this support will really help the team,” she added.

Senator Go's sports advocacy goes beyond supporting elite athletes. He is also dedicated to promoting grassroots sports development throughout the country. He believes this approach will establish a strong foundation for future generations. This advocacy aligns with his mantra: "Get into sports, stay away from drugs to keep us healthy and fit."

A key initiative in this effort is Republic Act No. 11470, which Go authored and co-sponsored. This law established the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in New Clark City, Tarlac, to provide specialized education and training for aspiring student-athletes.

Additionally, Go led the passage of Senate Bill No. 2514, known as The Philippine National Games (PNG) Act which he principally sponsored and is one of its authors. Approved on the third reading by the Senate, this bill seeks to institutionalize an inclusive platform for national sports competitions, extending to the grassroots level to help identify and develop sports talents if enacted into law.

Senator Go has also successfully pushed for an increased budget for sports programs as Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee. This funding aims to significantly improve Filipino athletes' preparation, training, and competitive performance on the international stage while launching effective programs to cultivate the talents of young and aspiring sports enthusiasts at the grassroots level.

Go then thanked the PSC, led by PSC Chairman Richard Bachmann, Commissioners Bong Coo, Edward Hayco, Walter Torres, Matthew Gaston, and Executive Director Paulo Tatad, as well as Philippine National Volleyball Federation SecGen Don Caringal who was also present among others, for their continued support and shared advocacy.

“Isa lang po ang pakiusap ko sa PSC, sa ating buong commission, kung ano po ang pangangailangan ng athletes natin, kung may reklamo sila o pangangailangan sila, tugunan agad natin, suportahan natin. Kasi mas importante talaga yung morale support,” urged Go.

Through these initiatives, Senator Go continues to support Filipino athletes, ensuring they receive the recognition and assistance they deserve as they strive for excellence internationally.

“Isang beses lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kaya anumang tulong ang pwede nating ibigay sa kapwa, o anumang karangalan ang pwede nating ialay sa bansa, ay gawin at ibigay na natin ngayon,” he said.

Earlier that day, Go was in Nueva Ecija. As an adopted son of the province, he assisted barangay workers and indigents and inspected the evacuation center he supported in Santa Rosa. He likewise gave support to more indigents in Lupao.

“Bilang inyong Mr. Malasakit, patuloy akong susuporta sa ating mga atleta at patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” he ended.

PLDT Home powers up action-packed Volleyball Nations League 2024 in Manila

The Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Men makes a much-ballyhooed return to the Philippines for the third consecutive year as eight of the globe's best squads fight for bragging rights from June 18 to 23 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Led by crowd favorites world no. 4 Japan, they are joined by first-timers United States (5th), making its first appearance in Manila.

The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) has partnered anew with PLDT Home for the third consecutive year, helping bring world-class volleyball to fans and athletes alike.

 “PLDT’s support has come a long way not only for our athletes but for volleyball in general becoming popular in our school system and small leagues around the Philippines,” said PNVF head Ramon “Tats” Suzara.

“It brings us much pride when, as the host country, fans support international leagues and our teams perform well in competitions,” he added.  

Four teams are returning in the third week of the VNL, namely 2021 VNL kings Brazil, 2022 champion France, no. 11 Germany, and no. 12 Canada.

World no. 13 Netherlands, and no. 17 Iran are rounding out the participating nations as tickets continue to be scooped by an increasing number of volleyball fans in the country.

It will serve as a prelude to the Philippines' hosting of the 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship, two years after the country's successful hosting of the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Japanese superstars Yuki Ishikawa and Ran Takahashi, who have enjoyed a significant fanbase in the Philippines, are expected to make a triumphant return.

 USA and Japan are expected to close out Week Three with the marquee showdown on Sunday, June 23, at 7 p.m.

Some of the country's top volleyball stars, such as Kim Fajardo, Kianna Dy, Majoy Baron, and PVL import Elena Samoilenko of the PLDT High-Speed Hitters, will also be holding fan meet and greets at the MOA Arena during the event weekend.

Fans who aren't able to watch games on-hand at the venue can do so through Cignal TV, which is bundled with PLDT Home's new Fiber Unli All Plan 1799, which comes with unlimited fiber internet up to 200 Mbps, as well as free mobile calls to Smart and TNT. A P100 discount on monthly service fees for 12 months awaits new subscribers.

 To learn more about PLDT Home Fiber plans, visit this link. 

PAI pays tribute to late coach Rivera; Ajido and Sy lead Day 1 winner in PANAGOC

Asian junior record holder Jamesrey Mishael Ajido and multi-title internationalist Mishka Sy topped their respective age class to lead early winners on Friday at the start of the Philippine Aquatics, inc. (PAI) National Age Group Championships (PANAGOC) at the Teofilo Yldefonso Swimming Pool in Malate, Manila.

Still recovering from a shoulder injury he sustained during the ASEAN School Games tryouts last month, the 15-year-old Ajido claimed the gold in boys’ 15-class A 200-meter freestyle, clocking two minutes and 00.42 seconds beating Ashton Clyde Jose of Leviathan Swim Club (2:07.63) and Zoilo Larrazabal of Rising Atlantis (2:08.00).

“Iniinda pa rin niya yung injury sa kaliwang balikat, kahit medyo mahaba na rin ang ipinahinga niya after the ASEAN School tryouts. Minabuti na niyang lumangoy para makita na rin yun extent ng progress ng kanyang therapy and preparation na rin for the National tryouts sa August,” said Love Ajido, mother of Jamesrey.

Ajido gave the country the first-ever gold medal at the Asian level after ruling the boys’ 12-14 100m butterfly at the 11th Asian Age Group Championships last February at the New Clark City Aquatics Center. His winning time of 55.98 seconds was a new meet record, erasing the 56.36 set by Chinese Wang Yu Xiang in 2019.

Likewise, Sy, Ajido’s teammate at FTW Royals Swim club, became the meet's first double winner, claiming the gold in the girls 17-over Class A 400-m Individual Medley (5:17.43) and 200-m freestyle (2:13.14). The 19-year-old Sy, a consistent member of the National junior team, demolished her rivals Aubrey Tom (5:37.51) and Dianna Cruz (5:37.58) and then beat fellow junior standout Camille Buico of Rising Atlantis (2:16.61) and Atasha Dela Torre (2:20.63) in freestyle.

PAI Secretary-General Batangas 1^st District Congressman Eric Buhain led officials and guests in a moment of silence as the swimming community paid tribute to the late PAI Executive Director Coach Francisco “Chito’ Rivera before the opening dive in the championships sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, and Speedo.

“We’re very thankful to all the support and prayers. Malaking bagay ito para sa aming pamilya. I’m sure happy po si coach Chito (Rivera) sa pagmamahal na ibinigay ninyo sa amin,” said Rivera’s wife Evangeline.

Buhain and fellow Olympian Akiko Guevara, the current president of the Philippine Olympian Association (POA), hand over a framed white t-shirt to Rivera’s family as a gesture of pride and respect.

“Truly, a great loss for Philippine swimming, kaya kami sa PAI gagawin naming ang lahat para maipagpatuloy yung mga programa na ginawa niya. Sayang, hundi niya Nakita yung implementation ng mga programa,” said Buhain, referring to the data-based system for athletes progress and profile.

Other winners included Asian campaigner Kyla Louise Bulaga in girls 14 class A  200m freestyle (2:18.02), siblings Mikhael Jaspe Mojdeh and Behrouz Mohammad Mojdeh of Behrouz Elite team in the boys 9 class A 200m freestyle (2:45.76) and boys  13 class A 400m IM (5:12.65), respectively. Yzac Valencia in the boys 10 Class A 200m freestyle (2;43.07) and Pia Ato of One Ilocos Sur in the girls 14 Class B 400, IM (6:02.10).

 

Philippines’ AICE teams up with POC

Aice Philippines, a leading ice cream brand in Southeast Asia, proudly announces its partnership with the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics during a media conference held on Wednesday at the Discovery Primea Makati.

During the event, Aice and the POC signed the Memorandum of Agreement to officially mark the beginning of its strategic partnership toward supporting the athletes as they prepare for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

 “I am immensely proud to announce that Aice will join hands with the Philippine Olympic Committee to fully support the Philippine athletes for the 2024 Paris Olympics,” shared Aice Brands Ice Cream Philippines’ Brand Manager Shereene Yu De Leon. 

“This collaboration embodies our commitment to excellence and our support for Filipino athletes, reflecting our shared values of perseverance, excellence, and national pride and ultimately the happiness it brings to the Filipino people similar to Aice's mission of bringing happiness to its consumers through its products.”

 As the official ice cream partner, Aice will share happiness with the athletes through delicious and healthy ice cream variants to uplift their spirit and financial support as they prepare for the Paris Olympics. The support for Filipino athletes also comes with a series of interactive activities during the 2024 Paris Olympics, designed to engage the Filipino community. The campaign will be promoted under the theme #RuntoParisCheeronPhilippineOlympians, encouraging Filipinos to participate in activities and show their support for the national sports delegation.

 “I would like to thank Aice for the support given to the Philippine Olympic Committee. This is a very big help to us, especially since we are leaving on Saturday for our first-ever training camp. With that, we are very excited and thankful for Aice for the partnership and collaboration with the Philippine Olympic Committee,” said POC President Abraham Tolentino]

Aice has rapidly grown from a newcomer to one of the most beloved ice cream brands in the Philippines, thanks to its dedication to quality, innovation, and deep understanding of the Filipino palate. With over 20,000 employees 200 distributors, over 500,000 small store owners, and more than 200 million consumers, Aice’s commitment to social responsibility and community support is reflected in this partnership with the POC, aimed at fostering the development of Filipino sports and creating opportunities for athletes.

The ongoing support is set to provide significant assistance for the Philippine national delegation, ensuring they have the resources and encouragement needed to excel in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Aice Philippines looks forward to a fruitful partnership with the POC and is excited about the future achievements of the Filipino athletes. Together, Aice and the POC are committed to celebrating the sweet taste of success and the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.

 LABAN PILIPINAS!!!

To know more about Aice Philippines’ Olympic partnership, visit https://www.facebook.com/AicePhilippinesOfficial 

Filipino paddlers bagged multiple awards at the 2024 Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races

The Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF) Elite Team once again made waves on the international stage, bringing home multiple awards at the 2024 Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Race.

 Organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and the Hong Kong, China Dragon Boat Association (HKCDBA), this year’s event drew over 4,000 athletes from 170 teams across 12 countries, including the Philippines. Last June 17, the East Tsim Sha Tsui harbourfront came alive with fierce competition as PDBF went head-to-head with other racing powerhouses from Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, and many others.

The Philippine Paddlers made a podium finish, taking home the gold medal in the International Open competition, alongside two bronze medals in the International Women’s Championship and the International Women’s Grand Championship. 

Reflecting on this achievement, PDBF’s Team Manager, Marcia Cristobal, shared insights into their preparation. “We had less than a month to prepare, with a diverse team where the majority are from the Navy. Despite conflicting schedules, we train six times a week, dedicating one to two hours of land and boat training.” Cristobal also expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality of host Hong Kong."

The Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races is just one of the exciting events Hong Kong has prepared for visitors this summer season. To enhance the festivities, HKTB staged a drone show on the Wan Chai harbourfront, providing tourists with a lively festival atmosphere.

 For more information on the exciting events offered by Asia’s World City, visit discoverhongkong.com/eng/what-s-new/events

PAI highlights PANAGOC opening with a tribute to the late Executive Director coach Chito Rivera

The Philippine Aquatics, Inc. (PAI) will host the 1^st National Age Group Championships (PANAGOC) this weekend at the Teofilo Yldefonso Swimming Pool inside the famed Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila.

The three-day event which starts today (Friday) will feature the country’s top junior swimmers including Asian junior gold medalist and record holder Jamesray Mishael Ajido, two-time World Junior Championship campaigner Jasmine Mojdeh, and fellow Asian meet campaigner Aishel Evangelista, Patricia Mae Santor, and Ricielle Maleeka Melencio.

Newly appointed PAI Executive Director Anthony Reyes said around 700 swimmers from more than 50 teams and swimming clubs nationwide have been confirmed to participate in the biggest local swimming competition since PAI introduced the national ranking system for all local swimming body registered members.

The meet format is timed Finals for Class A, B, and C 8-under, 9, 10, 11,12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18-over age groups. The Philippine Sports Commission, the Philippine Olympic Committee, and Speedo sponsor the event.

PAI Secretary-General Batangas 1^st District Congressman Eric Buhain said a short tribute for the late Executive Director Francisco ‘Chito’ Rivera will highlight the opening ceremony on Friday at 8:00 a.m. The 67-year-old Rivera, varsity swimming head coach of the Jose Rizal University and co-founder of the Congress of Philippine Aquatics (COPA) succumbed to a heart attack recently.

“Coach Chito (Rivera) is a great loss to Philippine aquatics. But his legacy lives on as we continue to put our best foot forward to further enhance the development of swimming and the other disciplines in aquatics. We're targeting a better future in open water, water polo, diving, and artistic swimming, from regional to national levels,” said Buhain.

The swimmer’s registration was Rivera’s brainchild and now legacy added Buhain.

“All these align with coach Chito’s hard work and planning, and we take pride in continuing these reforms to improve aquatics for all concerned,” said the two-time Olympian and Philippine Sports Hall-of-Famer.

PAI president Miko Vargas will join Buhain in the ceremony. Also invited to witness the handover of the plaque of recognition to Rivera’s family are Philippine Olympic Association (POA) president and swimming icon Akiko Thompson, and two-time Olympian and former National mentor Pinky Brosas.

Ajido, 15, became the talk of the town when he gave the country the first-ever gold medal at the Asian level after ruling the boys’ 12-14 100m butterfly at the 11th Asian Age Group Championships last February at the New Clark City Aquatics Center. His winning time of 55.98 seconds was a new meet record, erasing the 56.36 set by Chinese Wang Yu Xiang in 2019.

Photo: Ajido: Asian Age-Group record holder.