• Tackles issues and development on the commercial industry.

  • Magnifies colorful festivals and delectable cuisines in Northern Luzon.

  • Small Discription For Image - 3.

  • Underscores the latest gadgets and the cutting-edge technologies.

  • Small Discription For Image - 4.

  • Features tourist spots and undiscovered paradises in Northern Luzon.

  • Reflects our appreciation for sports by covering the latest in athletic competition.

New Post

Rss

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
Labels:
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
Labels:
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
Labels:
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
Labels:
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
Labels:
no image

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
Labels:
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
Labels:
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
no image

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
at 4:44 AM 0 comments
Labels:
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
Labels:
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
Labels: , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)
Copyright © 2012 Focus Weekly All Right Reserved
Designed by CBTblogger @ themeforest. And Ximplify
Posts RSS
Comments RSS
UA-51113051-1