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Showing posts with label Sports and Leisure. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sports and Leisure. Show all posts
Monday, March 23, 2015
31 tennis buffs complete 17-day Tennis Clinic

31 tennis buffs complete 17-day Tennis Clinic



Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. led the awarding of certificates of completion to some 31 tennis buffs who underwent a 17-day Basic Tennis Clinic during the activity’s closing ceremonies held at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center (NRSCC) on May 31, here.
The activity sponsored by the provincial government in cooperation with the Lingayen Tennis Club (LTC) provided the participants – 11 advance players and 20 beginner players – with basic lesson and skills in playing tennis.
Governor Espino, who exhorted the participants – mainly children — to pursue interest in tennis, said that his administration launched various programs for sports development which are intended to reawaken the consciousness of the younger generation to engage in sports.
“We have the best and pleasant sports facility, and we expect you to be the best. We renovated the NRSCC where you could enhance aptitude in sporting events, the Governor told the participants.
As he guaranteed support to lawn tennis – which according to him was his favorite sport when he was in the Philippine National Police and military service – he thanked the members of LTC and parents of the participants for being supportive of their children and other interested individuals.
The trainees undergone sessions with head coach and professional lawn tennis trainer George Bandola who taught them basic and proper techniques in the sport, Management Information Services Officer Modesto Singson said.
Lingayen Tennis Club President Delphin Jose Aquino, a teacher at the Pangasinan State University, on the other hand, cited the strong partnership between the LTC and the provincial government in honing more tennis enthusiasts in the province.
“Nagpapasalamat kami sa suporta ni Gov. Espino para sa LTC at sa mga nagnanais matuto ng tennis,” he said.
Advance players who completed the training series include: JunJun Roboza, Coly Ian Reintar, Victor Ed Estira, Aira Fe De Vera, Evonne Pinto, Franz Gian Lee Estrada Ivan Paolo Estrada, Rizelle Diaz, Ronell Diaz, Noel Patrick dela Cena and Catherine Quizon.
 While beginner players were: John Michael Varon Dioso, Leopoldo Bataoil, Rosrick Samantilla, Kharvin Mamaril, Mary Margareth dela Cruz, Justin Paolo Santos, Zean Kules Santos, Zyrille Angelo Estira, Maria Shane Peralta, Neil Carlo Valencerina, Jann Philip Ocsan, Aldrin Carl Licudine, Mykee Paredes, Rhyle Justrey Gutierrez, Sheila Marie Samantilla, Hannahlle Joane Rufo, Mark Francis Bangsal, Jichel Rocel Belen, Josephine Mae dela Cena and Miguel Hans Puzon. /MGNO
at 8:03 PM 0 comments
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Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Dragon Boat team wins 5 world championship golds

Dragon Boat team wins 5 world championship golds


The Philippines continues to flex its muscles in the international sports scene.
The Philippine Dragon Boat team took home 5 gold medals, 3 silvers and 3 bronzes from the ICF Dragon Boat World Championships in Poznan, Poland.
The nation’s paddlers showcased their wares in seniors men, juniors men and seniors mixed categories. The Philippine delegation were considered first-time paddlers for a World Championship and had to endure the unfamiliar cold weather compared to the tropical weather they trained with back home.
While the Philippines did not join all events, they figured in a successful performance as they tallied medals in all 11 events they participated in.
They competed against and were at par with some of the world’s best including Russia, Poland and Canada. (Source: Goodnewspilipinas.com/Photo courtesy of dragonboat.ph)
PHL gets investment grade rating from Korean agency
The Philippines has gotten another investment grade sovereign credit rating, this time from South Korea-based National Information and Credit Evaluation (NICE) Ratings Inc.
NICE Ratings gave the Philippines investment status for the first time. It raised the country’s long-term, foreign-currency rating by a notch from junk to the minimum investment grade of BBB-.
NICE Ratings also assigned a “positive” outlook on the Philippines, which means there is a possibility of another upgrade within the short term.
“The outlook is positive. It reflects the improved growth potential backed by institutional reforms and greater investment in infrastructure,” NICE Ratings said in its latest report on the Philippines.
NICE Ratings cited the Philippines’ ability to sustain economic growth this year. In the first half, the Philippine economy grew by 6 percent.
“The stable growth trend is expected to continue in 2014. Though economic growth decelerated a little bit to 6 percent in the H1, the slowdown is part of normal economic adjustment after some economic overheating. Its growth impetus will also be maintained.
Reconstruction or rebuilding projects to recover damages from the natural disasters are rather likely to spur the economy and the service and manufacturing industries will continue driving economic growth together,” it said.
However, NICE Ratings did cite the manufacturing industry’s resurgence. Manufacturing grew by an average of 7.9 percent from 2010 to 2013, which outpaced the 6.7 percent growth for the services sector.
“In order to break away from the private consumption-led growth and pursue a new growth model jointly led by investment and consumption, the government promoted manufacturing while making it a priority to enhance public governance and infrastructure,” it said.
NICE Ratings also credited the Philippines for its strong external liquidity, stable financial markets, and much improved fiscal situation.
“In the face of the sell-off of financial assets in emerging markets since May 2013, the Philippines’ financial market remained relatively stable, thanks to the strong current account position and abundant liquidity in the financial market,” it said.
NICE Ratings noted the Philippines’ debt management was sound, with outstanding debt falling from a peak of 74.4 percent of GDP in 2004 to 49.2 percent last year.
It also credited the BSP with properly managing inflation, citing recent adjustments in monetary policy setting and new regulations to prevent price bubbles in the real estate sector.
“The real estate market overheating is still under manageable level because housing prices started rising in full swing as recently as the 2Q 2013 and the central bank has strengthened monitoring already,” NICE Ratings said.
The last credit-rating action from NICE Ratings was done in February 2013 when it adjusted its outlook on the previous rating of BB+ from “stable” to “positive.”
The Philippines has already received investment grade status from major international ratings firms Fitch Ratings, Japan Credit Rating Agency, Moody’s Investors Service, R&I, and Standard & Poor’s.
BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima welcomed the upgrade by NICE Ratings.
“As far as the BSP is concerned, the latest investment grade is another acknowledgment of efforts to maintain an inflation environment and a financial system conducive for business and supportive of sustainable growth,” Tetangco said.

“This vote of confidence acknowledges efforts to ensure the country is able to sustain improvements in the economy over the long haul,” Purisima said. 
at 8:23 PM 0 comments
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Monday, October 27, 2014
Young Pangasinense athletes all set for Batang Pinoy games

Young Pangasinense athletes all set for Batang Pinoy games

Hundreds of young Pangasinense athletes will again vie for dominance in 19 sporting events as the Batang Pinoy Pangasinan Elimination Games unfold on September 27 to 28.

Executive Assistant III Modesto Operania said the provincial government is now gearing up for the province-wide sports activity in preparation for the Batang Pinoy-Luzon Leg slated on November 11-15.

Operania said the province-wide elimination games will be an “open eliminations” as he urged the participating local government units (LGUs) to select and send their best players.

He said the young athletes will be competing in various sporting events such as arnis, archery, athletics, badminton, baseball, boxing, chess, cycling, futsal, karatedo, lawn tennis, sepak takraw, softball, swimming, taekwondo, table tennis, volleyball, basketball 3-on-3 and dance sports.

The Batang Pinoy sporting spectacle, which forms part of the sports development thrust of the present administration, has become a training ground for young and promising Pangasinense athletes.

The Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center (NRSCC) here will serve as the main venue for the tournaments while other events will be played at the Capitol Resort (archery), Pangasinan State University (arnis and taekwondo), Maramba Boulevard (cycling) and Capitol beachfront (baseball/softball).

Batang Pinoy, a grassroot sports development program for young athletes launched by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), serves as base for sports specialization including training for higher level leagues, national and international tournaments.

The provincial government led by Governor Amado Espino, Jr. has been an active participant in this annual sports spectacle.

In the 2013 Batang Pinoy National Games held in Bacolod City, the province emerged as 10th over-all winner in a field of 129 participating LGUs from all over the country.

Ranking fifth in 2011, Team Pangasinan notched the over-all championship of the 2012 Batang Pinoy Northern Luzon Leg held in Lingayen town.

In 2013, Pangasinan ranked 3rd in the Batang Pinoy Luzon Leg held in Iba, Zambales from out of 140 LGU delegations.

“Athletes who will win in respective sporting events during the elimination games will undergo a series of trainings to keep them in momentum for the Batang Pinoy Luzon Leg,” Operania said. (MCA/AMM/PIA-1, Pangasinan/PIO)
at 10:09 PM 0 comments
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Friday, September 5, 2014
Baguio City leaders to limit the use of Athletic Bowl

Baguio City leaders to limit the use of Athletic Bowl


Photo courtesy: impactsocialmedia.net


The Athletic Bowl has been known to be the venue of vibrant festivities like the annual Baguio’s Panagbenga celebration to smaller gatherings like a city’s senior citizens conventions.  

On a Monday’s session, City Councilor Faustino Olowan has set forth a motion that would make the Athletic Bowl an exclusive venue for sports only.

"We should stay within the purpose of the area which is intended to cater to athletes and sport activities and not any other events which can destroy or damage it," Olowan said.

The city has geared up a notch higher on its tourism strategy by tapping sports as one of tourist magnets especially with the proposed refurbishment of the sports arena. In an attempt to make it a world class facility, city leaders are working out the possible funding for the development of Baguio’s Athletic Bowl.

The new and sprawling development has an estimate cost of P31 million and P14.7 will come from the funds of Representative Nicasio Aliping Jr.

“This is on top of what the city is planning to infuse into the Athletic Bowl refurbishment,” Representative Aliping said.

For the meantime, the 14.7 million rehabilitation is underway after the Department of Public Works and Highways has started the bidding process for the development project.

Photo courtesy: edgarnievera.com

“We very much wanted to fix the Athletic Bowl so regional, national and even international sporting events could be hosted by the city,” he added.



The planned rehabilitation of Baguio’s Athletic Bowl promises to be the most significant development in the city’s sports tourism drive. If rehabilitated under the projected time plan, it will cater the upcoming sporting events like Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association and Palarong Panlungsod.

“Rest assured that by next year another P20 million will be made available for the continuation of the rehabilitation of Athletic Bowl,” Aliping said.

The project provides a capstone to a redevelopment effort ongoing in the area as it includes the installation of tartan tracks in the oval, the concreting of canals, and changing of roofing and posts in the view deck.


Talks are also underway with a US based company in the utilization of renewable energy of the sun in heating up the swimming pool. (Romulus Gutierrez III) FOCUS
at 11:16 AM 0 comments
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Thursday, August 21, 2014
Ilokano Decathlete preps up for Rio Olympics

Ilokano Decathlete preps up for Rio Olympics


“Being a decathlete is like having 10 girlfriends. You have to love them all, and you can’t afford losing one.”

That was according to a decathlon athlete Daley Thompson, a record holder of the event in the Los Angeles Olympic Games with 8,847 points.

It is more than a racing game, you’ll have to jump, throw, run, jump, and throw again. It is a point system. If you are trailing in one event, you still have another chance to win in another event.
Of all the sports, decathlon is not just physically demanding but mentally challenging as well. It is a series of ten events of track and field: 100-meter sprint, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400-meter sprint, 110-meterhurdles, pole vault, javelin throw, 1,500-meter run, and discus throw. And this is where a decathlete from Ilocos Norte JessonRamil Cid thrives

The “new ironman” of South East Asia who hails in Digras, Ilocos Norte made him a phenomenal star in the country. A PalarongPambansa veteran and UAAP most value player, Cid is set to follow the traces of Lydia de Vega in athletics.

“I’m excited because I get to know more people,” he said when asked about his sports.

“After all, I enjoy competing in sports that feature not only one but many events,” he added.
As the best all-around track and field athlete in South East Asia after bagging the gold medal in 2013 edition of regional competition in Myanmar, he is bound to compete in the world stage.

Now he is set to test his mettle against the best of the world’s decathletes at Rio de Janeiro’s Olympics in 2016.

“The events that I excel most throughout the competition are 100-meter sprint, throwing and jumping event,” the Ilocano decathlete added.
Recently, it was announced that he will have a support team to mold him a world class athlete for him to win a medal in the Olympics.

James Lafferty, American track and field consultant, said that Cid will be backed by a private company to support his bid to be competitive in the Olympiad with Wong Chu King Holdings pledged their support.
at 10:24 AM 0 comments
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Baguio and Benguet basketball clubs to compete in City’s Charter Anniversary Tournament

If you like basketball, you’ll get the opportunity to see some of these games in Baguio City.

As the city approaches its charter anniversary, it’s time for Baguio and Benguet to showcase the hoop skills of local teams to compete in the 8th season of the Baguio Invitational Basketball Tournament which will tip-off on August 17 at the Easter College Gym.

More than 50 teams around the City of Pines and Benguet province will compete for the basketball glory as more local clubs with a lot of pedigree are expected to provide a tough competition for the championship trophy.

With more teams joining the tournament, a more competitive basketball will be on display but camaraderie and healthy is the main objective of the cup, according to the coordinator Edwin Edades.
It’s about team effort, it’s about camaraderie and working on one goal.

Photo Courtesy of higantengmagilas.org
“The tournament aims promote physical health, sportsmanship, and brotherhood among our participating teams,” Edades said.

The 8th Baguio Invitational Basketball Tournament schedule becomes a little clearer with the unveiling of the tournament’s tournament brackets according to the team’s skill level.

“With the annual tournament we generally keep a strong bond among our participants and the next generation of basketball enthusiasts in this side of the country,” he added.
Registration is under way for the 8th season of the Baguio Invitational Basketball Tournament. For more information about how to join in the tournament, contact Edwin Edades through 09178626901 or 09085607423.
at 10:22 AM 0 comments
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In Baguio City, lies a sports mecca

In Baguio City, lies a sports mecca


The summer capital of the Philippines remains the top tourist destination in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and among the top 14 travellers choice nationwide, making it a serious economic player in the country.

The city already had the picturesque views and inviting Cordilleran culture as its main economic driver, a strong industrial sector, and thriving local tourism.

But city officials wanted to do something more, something different. So they turned their attention to sports.
Mayor Domogan affirmed during his latest State of the City Address the importance of sporting events as one of the city’s major tourist attractions in recent years.

 “The sterling performance of the various city teams and the hosting of other recognized events are tourism boosters for the city,” Mayor Mauricio Domogan said.

Sports bring people together, as they say. So the city has recognized the general impact of organizing sporting activities that provide significant economic and employment benefits. The sports sector has a major economic impact, boosting a growth in the local tourism industry.

New Tourism Strategy
The strategy has shifted to high gear as the city plans to improve the sports facilities including the rehabilitation of Athletic Bowl in order to conveniently accommodate more sports enthusiasts and draw investors. Generally deemed for good, a funding has been approved to rubberize the track oval and improve the bleachers of the Athletic Bowl. With world class sports facilities in place for future events, the city is expecting to hold national and international sports tournaments.

The city is driving really hard on sports tourism. With the emergence of fans wanting to be at the thick of the frenzy, the potential for growth is considerable. Mayor Domogan said that sports sector is seen to generate profit, not only bringing in more visitors to the city but promoting the city and nearby areas as well.

Thriving Tourism Industry
Sports occupy a central place within Baguio’s culture and identity based on achievements across a wide range of sports. With the success of local based athletes in the regional, national, and international competitions, the city has lured other sportsmen to train in a high-altitude atmosphere as their training ground. 

The Team Lakay fighters in the mix martial arts world, the overall championship of Baguio in the 2014 Batang PInoy Games, the overall title of 2014 Philippine National Games in May, among others, will attest to Baguio City’s love and passion for the sport. 

We linger for as long as the city let us. Sports destination is just one of the reasons why we love coming to Baguio City and hate leaving. 
at 9:32 AM 0 comments
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Wednesday, August 20, 2014
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Young Baguio archer aims at success in a Korean Tournament

With the arrow secured in the bow and target locked and ready to let go, an archer in Baguio is set to make a mark in the international competition in the 2014 Seoul International Sports Fiesta on August 3 to 9.
Baguio is known to be a cradle for top archers in the country, among them is . As part of the national team to compete in South Korea, she is bound to prove the accuracy and skill in the sport of archery.

After an excellent showing in the previous competition, Hongitan, and the other Philippine team members have been invited to compete in the prestigious tournament in South Korea.

A top athlete at the University of Baguio, Hongitan is embarking on the possibility of gaining experience in her first ever international competition. 

According to her, she really wanted to be part of the Philippine team that will try to test the mettle of the other competing teams during the course of the tournament. 

“I am very lucky to be among the country’s representatives. Maybe if we land a good performance, there more career breaks will come for us,” she added.

She’ll be joined by Dumaguete’s Marie Crisha  Merto, Manila’s Bianca Gotauco, and San Fernando La Union’s Mary Ibanez in the women’s team.



The men’s teams will composed of Gabriel Luis Moreno, Nic Jim Oliver, Michael Vincent Cabral, and Ryu Kawasaki. (Romulus Gutierrez III) FOCUS
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The Archers, Bow and Arrows

The Archers, Bow and Arrows

     Jennifer Lawrence playing the role of Katniss in the movie Hunger Games 

 Today, apart from being a favorite leisure activity, archery has placed an important spot among the biggest sporting events like Olympics and World Cup.
What is the sport of archery?
From a set distance, an archer shoots an arrow to a target for accuracy. Depending on the area hit, the player gets a corresponding point, but with a bulls-eye, the higher the score.
Different bows are used: the Classic Bow (Recurve), Compound Bow, and Barebow.

History
But before the modern version of archery has evolved as a sport, it was used by earlier people as part of their daily living for hunting and warfare purposes.

However, the earliest recorded use of bow and arrow made from different materials into one as a battle and hunting tool was that of Egyptians in 2800 BC. It was later developed by Chinese in chariots carrying archers in combats and games during Shang Dynasty.

Genghis Khan, and his vast Mongol army used their expertise of bow and arrow in expanding their empire across Austria to Syria, Russia, Vietnam and China. The strength of the Roman Empire was also evident because of the existence of skilled military archers.   The Japanese made archery into a martial art form that influences this modern sport today.

And it is true. Because of archery, the course of history would have been different.
Archery today 

Due to its relatively expensive gears, the sport is said to cater to “may kaya” class of Filipinos with the need to purchase high-tech bows and arrows.  Although known to be an elite sport, archery is slowly gaining popularity among Filipinos as it gains interest across the population, either as a sport or as a recreation. Wooden bows and arrows exist in the countryside.
In the meantime, Filipinos have found a new sport and an opportunity to participate in an enjoyable pastime. And so, are you ready to be chosen to represent your District in an archery tournament? And the odds be ever in your favor! (Romulus Gutierrez III) FOCUS.
at 4:44 AM 0 comments
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Team Pangasinan joins national Poomsae tilt

Team Pangasinan joins national Poomsae tilt



Pangasinan taekwondo jins are set to test their mettle against the best of the country in the 2014 PLDT Home Bro National Taekwondo Poomsae Championships on July 19 and 20 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
More or less 1,500 participants across the country are expected to vie for top honors in the two-day tournament sponsored by Smart Communications Inc., MVP Sports Foundation, PLDT, TV5, Meralco, MILO, and Philippine Sports Commission.
The Pangasinan Taekwondo Poomsae team will compete against entries in regions like ARMM, CAR, CARAGA, and NCR and other teams like Powerflex, Ateneo, San Sebastian College, UP, San Beda College, De La Salle Zobel, De La Salle University, More Than Medals, Korean Taekwondo Committee (KTC)Team Baguio, Cebu, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, UTA-Tigers, PNP, and PNP.
Participants will compete in four events – individual colored belts and blackbelts, freestyle and synchronized poomsae.
The age classifications are Children (8 to 12 years old), Cadet (12 to 14), Juniors (15 to 17) and Seniors (18 and above).
Poomsae, derived from Korean word forms, is a non-contact event where participants demonstrate series of movements based on established patterns, techniques and style, testing the athletes balance, coordination, concentration and breath controls againts imaginary opponent (Romulus Gutierrez III) FOCUS
at 4:08 AM 0 comments
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Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Dagupan lass bags silver medal at Palarong Pambansa

Dagupan lass bags silver medal at Palarong Pambansa

DAGUPAN CITY – Mayor Belen T. Fernandez commended the city’s lone medal winner in the recently concluded Palarong Pambansa held in Sta. Cruz, Laguna on May 4-10, 2014 during her27th Executive Session with department heads at CSI Sta- dia last May 19.
Fernandez proudly received Pauline Joy D. Salazar with her coach Paulita A. Maneclang during the executive session.

 Salazar, a resident of Bacayao Norte, is a 15-year old incoming 4th year student at Dagupan City National High School (DCNHS).

 She had a chance to win the gold in arnis when she made it to the championship round against a strong opponent from the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). She lost on points but brought home the honor of winning the only medal for the cityfrom the Palaro.
Before reaching the finals, Salazar ousted three other contenders for the gold from Cagayan Valley Regional Athletic Association (CAVRAA), CARAGA of Region XIII and CALABARZON of Region 4A.

 Salazar was among the 33 athletes of Team Balon Dagupan who represented the city in the Palaro after their remarkable performance in the Region I Athletic Association (R1AA) Meet last February in Agoo, La Union.

 Fernandez is serious in developing and in enhancing   the athletic potentials of the city’s athletes under her program, ‘Building the Future, Develop Our Excellence in Sports’ (BTFDOES It).A summer swimming lesson for children is ongoing at the city’s pool side. In recognition of her effort, Fernandez promised Salazar a cash incentive from the city. 

 (Joseph C. Ba-cani/CIO)
at 4:56 AM 0 comments
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Skimboarding: An excitingly new attraction in marking Pista’y Dayat 2014

Skimboarding: An excitingly new attraction in marking Pista’y Dayat 2014



THE LAUNCHING of Skimboarding Exhibition and Clinic, featuring the Pangasinan Skimboarding Community was made last April 26 at the Capitol Beach front; and it was extended until May 2.

Governor Amado T. Espino Jr. headed the formal initiation of the activity as part of the new attraction in the festivity of Pista’y Dayat 2014.

It cannot be denied that skim boarding is not foreign to Pangasinenses; but although the sport is well distinguished, it still lacks the attention it needs for perpetuation from the growing interests of people in sports.

It became the reason for the association of Ellsworth G. Gonzales, officer in charge-Provincial Population Officer (OIC-PPO) and chairman of the Committee on Skim boarding to launch the sports activity in the province.

They incorporated a short seminar that was packed with information to formally introduce skim boarding. The event was attended by various groups like Skimbulog, Skimfreaks, and Skim Your Heart Out who came from different places in Pangasinan. They provided knowledge and presented hype exhibitions to add excitement to the people who attended the program.
Astonishment is what one would feel while watching the groups do their stunts like children playing smoothly in the waves of the pristine waters of the Lingayen beach.

An eight-year old boy was also seen exhibiting stunts together with the enthusiasts. According to the group, the sport isn’t dangerous but it requires proper knowledge, practice, and patience to be able to drive safely on board. Children and the elderly can participate and experience the thrilling sport.


It’s true that Pangasinan is abundant in water resources suitable for developing such sports. And skim boarding doesn’t only provide enjoyment, but also serves as a leisure and tourism upgrade vehicle. 
(Sarah Jean J. Espinoza—FOCUS)
at 2:21 AM 0 comments
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Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Pinoy Sakuragi of Pozzorubio Pangasinan Laban Pilipinas! Puso!

Pinoy Sakuragi of Pozzorubio Pangasinan Laban Pilipinas! Puso!

THE PHILIPPINE national basketball team is entering the tournament as underdog in the World Laban Pilipinas! Puso!

 The team is entering the tournament as under- dog in the World FIBA Basketball this coming August in Spain. But the hearts of Filipino hoopsters are big enough to vanquish the odds of facing the power- house teams of the world.
Gilas Pilipinas forward Marc Pingris is the embodiment of dauntless underdog. Formidably under- size in his position, he is tasked to stop the bigger and heftier opponents.

 In his stint at the national team, he is undoubtedly the best player who exemplified the importance of playing with heart for the sport Filipinos love so much. At first, the management of the national team included him as a role player, not expecting to score,but instead, stop and defend the other team in executing their offense.

 But he played with more than what he was expected to give, fell and chase the loose ball, rebounded, blocked shots, out-hassled the other team, and even scored critical points.

Biography

Jean Marc Pingris, is a 6’5” Filipino-French  professional basketball player who plays for San Mig Coffee Mixers in the Philippine Basketball Association. He was born in Pozorrubio, Pangasinan on October 16, 1981.

He is one of the stalwarts of the Gilas Pilipinas who made the national team earn a berth and compete back in the world stage of basketball after 40 years. H is commanding presence on the court had a great impact on the overall performance of the team in the FIBA Asia Cup last year.

In the episode of the documentary Kuwentong Gilas titled as Ang Kano ng Pozzorubio, Marc Pingris showed his humble beginnings. His father, Jean Marc Pingris, Sr., would end up deserting the family. Marc wasn’t ashamed of his early struggles in life before he became the Pinoy Sakuragi of Philippine basketball of today.

 He was a batang palengke like what her mother said who single-handedly raised her children by selling fruits at the public market of Pozorrubio, Pangasinan.During that time, the public market was the dwelling place of Marc Pingris, sometimes finding himself sleeping inside a sack of rice, passing the night off.“I’ve also tried selling ice cream before without my mom knowing, just to help her”, said Pingris.

 As a kid, Marc learned to play basketball in the streets of Pozorrubio, more often than not, playing in makeshift rigs in the middle of the street under the heat of the sun, in barefoot.

 Despite his bigger size compared to typical Filipinos at his age, there was nothing fantastic about his athletic childhood. When he got into high school varsity team, he couldn’t find a place to fit in. What was certain was that he catches the ball directly with his face. But the desire to learn and get better didn’t fade.

 After high school, he played for the Far Eastern University varsity team. Finally, the 2004 PBA Draft would mark an incredible journey in the life of young Marc Pingris. “My first salary in the PBA was my birthday gift to my mom, a house and lot in Las Piñas, he said.”

 He was drafted by Air21 Express as 3rd Overall Pick. He was traded to Purefoods TJ Hotdogs after playing a few games with the Express, playing along- side with James Yap, and Paul Artadi of UE.  

 “The Defender and Intensity of Pinoy Basketball “Kung sa ice tubig nga, nagpapatayan sa barangay court, ngayon pa, eh milyun-milyon ang bonus.” This quote from Marc Pingris brings memories to every Pinoys who, once in their lives, played basketball in the streets, barangay courts, or in any corner that has makeshift rigs.

 We could still relate to the passion of Filipinos have in the sport of basketball where ice tubig serves as the winning price for a sunny afternoon game. But on a larger scale, the physicality of brand of basketball in the Philippines makes it unique in the rest of the world.

 Marc Pingris may be not be bent in scoring. But for most people, he was the hero of the semifinal game against South Korea in the FIBA Asia. Lately, his game evolved from a role playing defender and rebounder, to a multi-dimensional player who can post up, shoot mid-range jump shots, and sink floaters.

 I think we could safely say that he was the key to the success of the Philippine national basketball team.
at 11:21 PM 0 comments
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Saturday, April 19, 2014
Gilas Pilipinas: Against All the Torments of the Past

Gilas Pilipinas: Against All the Torments of the Past


History is replete with predictions. But not this time around.

It all started since that 11 days of August 2013 when Filipinos successfully rewritten the basketball history deep into each one’s heart, one which we will never forget. It always felt like a list of our old Asian rivals torments some of us like a list of murders. It is invidious to mention among so many, the one that stabs in the heart, is South Korea.

The Philippines, second among the best in Asia in terms of Asian championship, made it to Olympics from 1936 through 1972, except for one occasion. But since then, the Philippines has never been back to the world stage of basketball, considering the love and passion Filipinos have for this sport.

 MEDAL TALLY
 Rank 
Nation
Gold
Silver
Bronze
Total
1
http://64.19.142.13/upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fa/Flag_of_the_People%27s_Republic_of_China.svg/23px-Flag_of_the_People%27s_Republic_of_China.svg.png China
15
1
2
18
2
http://64.19.142.13/upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/99/Flag_of_the_Philippines.svg/23px-Flag_of_the_Philippines.svg.png Philippines
5
3
1
9
3
http://64.19.142.11/upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/ca/Flag_of_Iran.svg/23px-Flag_of_Iran.svg.png Iran
3
0
0
3
4
http://64.19.142.13/upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/09/Flag_of_South_Korea.svg/23px-Flag_of_South_Korea.svg.png South Korea
2
11
11
24
5
http://64.19.142.11/upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/9e/Flag_of_Japan.svg/23px-Flag_of_Japan.svg.png Japan
2
5
7
14
6
http://64.19.142.10/upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/59/Flag_of_Lebanon.svg/23px-Flag_of_Lebanon.svg.png Lebanon
0
3
0
3
7
http://64.19.142.11/upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/14/Flag_of_Chinese_Taipei_for_Olympic_games.svg/23px-Flag_of_Chinese_Taipei_for_Olympic_games.svg.png Chinese Taipei
0
2
2
4
8
http://64.19.142.10/upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c0/Flag_of_Jordan.svg/23px-Flag_of_Jordan.svg.png Jordan
0
1
1
2
9
http://64.19.142.12/upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/51/Flag_of_North_Korea.svg/23px-Flag_of_North_Korea.svg.png North Korea
0
1
0
1
10
http://64.19.142.10/upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/65/Flag_of_Qatar.svg/23px-Flag_of_Qatar.svg.png Qatar
0
0
2
2
11
http://64.19.142.12/upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0d/Flag_of_Saudi_Arabia.svg/23px-Flag_of_Saudi_Arabia.svg.png Saudi Arabia
0
0
1
1
Total
27
27
27
81
 Source: FIBA

Which Asian team stabbed a dagger in some of the die-hard fans of Philippine basketball? Teams like China and Iran have leveled up a notch higher in terms of international competitiveness these days, but for me, South Korea has never failed to torment our hopes to bring back the basketball glory Filipinos once had. Korea made it a habit to bury the remaining faith of Pinoy fans whenever both teams play in bronze or semifinal round.  

I remember full well how the South Koreans shattered the hearts of Filipino fans in the semifinal round of the 2002 Busan Asian Games. Korea was leading by four points coming into the last two minutes of the game. With its relentless attack, the Philippines managed to grab the lead with a back-to-back three pointers. Olsen Racela, the point guard of the Philippines, was fouled with 23 seconds remaining, a chance to make the lead to four points. A spell of bad luck struck again, he missed both free throws. South Koreans took the rebound and scrambled back down the court, an opportunity to extend the game into overtime or even better, win the game with a three point play. With five seconds left, a South Korean guard drove down the basket and lost the ball and ended up to the hands of Lee Sang-min who was standing behind the three point line. Oddly disappointing, the deadly shooter sank the winning three points at the buzzer.  

Outweighing decades of sorrow, Gilas Pilipinas stood with unalterable determination to finally win against a team that they hadn’t beaten in 28 years (in a major international tournament) in the semifinal round of 2013 FIBA Asia Championships last year in front of thousands of hopeful home crowd. A win that opened the door in the FIBA World Cup in Spain, alongside powerhouse teams like USA, Spain, and Argentina.  Finally, the Philippines ended the torment of Korea and started a journey back to the world basketball stage after 40 years.

Players that made history in August 2013 include Pozzorubio, Pangasinan’s Marc Pingris, Jimmy Alapag, Jayson Castro, LA Tenorio, Gary David, Larry Fonacier, Jeff Chan, Gabe Norwood, Ranidel de Ocampo, Japeth Aguilar, June Mar Fajardo and naturalized player Marcus Douthit.

Brooklyn Nets’ Andray Blatche will compete in the lone naturalized player slot with Marcus Douthit, given that the Congress will approve his naturalization papers. Other players who are included in the training pool of the national squad are Rain or Shine’s Beau Belga, Barangay Ginebra big man Greg Slaugther, San Miguel Beermen swingman Marcio Lassiter, Meralco’s Jared Dillinger, and Rain or Shine’s point guard Paul Lee.

The Philippines will compete in the FIBA 2014 World Cup preliminary round group including Senegal, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Greece, and Croatia. - Romulus Gutierrez (FOCUS)
at 12:30 PM
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