loQal - Sports and Fitness | Philippines

GenSan gymnasts conquer odds to win at Palarong Pambansa

loqal.ph — Mon, 14 May 2012 10:33:09 +0000

By Nikka Garriga

DAGUPAN, PANGASINAN – For young athletes Ajah Joise Fuentes, Sophia Gayle Raagas, and Nica Bernadette Castañares, the idea of gymnastics training did not involve state-of-the-art facilities.

They would wake up early in the morning to practice their stunts in the beach in their hometown of General Santos City with their coach Johnny Romualdo.

Even as they arrived here to represent SOCCSKSARGEN for this year’s Palarong Pambansa, the team had to endure long hours to use the venue for practice since other regions had prior reservations.

But the group has emerged victorious after landing third place during the championship leg of the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics in the elementary level.

Twelve-year-old Aijah also bagged second place in the individual all-around championships.

Meanwhile, another young gymnast from the same town, achieved much greater recognition by proving that physical disability is not a deterrent to succeed in sports.

John Paul Laurence “Long-Long” Cabido was born with a defect that caused him to lose a thumb in one of his arms.

He initially wanted to pursue taekwondo but his family could not afford to buy him uniforms. Inspired by his elder sister Nica, Long-long began to train for gymnastics instead.

His father, who works as a security guard, does his best to support his children’s dream, even availing promo plane rides just to accompany him and Nica in their respective games at the Palaro.

And it was all worth it in the end as Long-long bagged the bronze medal in the men’s artistic gymnastics category which, in turn, showed that his disability was not a limitation to achieve his goal.

The stories behind the success of Aja, Sophia, Nica, and Long-long prove that a true athlete is not measured in the number of medals one has acquired, but in passing every hurdle that came on his or her way to the top.

(Photo courtesy of the DepEd Communications Group)

AmCham Foundation initiates ‘Run For A Scholar’ fun run

loqal.ph — Thu, 10 May 2012 13:09:58 +0000

By Alexander Villafania

TAGUIG CITY, METRO MANILA – The American Chamber Foundation and energy company Chevron Philippines are organizing its first “Run For A Scholar” fun run that is aimed at generating donations for the AmCham Foundation scholarship program.

The AmCham Foundation is the corporate social responsibility arm of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ACCP).

The running event will see the participation largely by company-members of the ACCP, though the run can also accommodate participation from other running enthusiasts. AmCham member companies who can send significant number of employees to the run will also get special participation.

It will be held on May 27 at the Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. It will have 3-kilometer, 5-kilometer, and 10-kilometer running categories. Participants need to pay fees from P500 for the 3K run, P550 for the 5K run, to P600 for the 10K run. The run itself would start at 5 am.

Registration already started last April 13 with selected registration booths in Festival Mall in Alabang, Glorietta 3 in Makati City, SM Megamall in Mandaluyong, SM City Manila, and SM City North in Quezon City.

In addition, AmCham Foundation also accepts participant’s registration at its office in Makati City.

Participants will also get a chance to win a number of prizes, including hotel accommodations, watches, and roundtrip tickets to Hawaii.

Sorsogon native named Junior NBA Coach of the Year

loqal.ph — Sun, 06 May 2012 23:32:15 +0000

By loQal.ph

SORSOGON, SORSOGON – Coach Alan Ayo of ABC Ideas of Sorsogon City was selected as the 2012 Junior NBA Coach of the Year for having helped grown the sport of basketball in the Philippines.

Ayo, who is also a city councilor, was chosen for promoting the Jr. NBA S.T.A.R. Values – or Sportsmanship, Teamwork, a positive Attitude and Respect – to young basketball athletes.

Meanwhile, three players from Cagayan de Oro and one each from Puerto Princesa (Palawan) and Pampanga were selected to this year’s Jr. NBA All-Star team after three days of boot camp. They will be joining players from Metro Manila and those enrolled in the Alaska Power Camp.

The basketball boot camp was jointly conducted by NBA Legend and former Chicago Bulls center Luc Longley, US Jr. NBA Clinician Chris Clunie, the Alaska Coaching Staff led by PBA Legend Jojo Lastimosa and assorted coaches from the regions.

The ten young cagers will be rewarded with a once in a lifetime NBA experience and the chance to travel abroad to play against a counterpart Jr. NBA Team.

The following players received special awards for their outstanding achievements in the National Training Camp : Alvin Jules Pineda, Joshua Alfonso Gantan, Lawrence Viajar, Gilbert Tague and Jeremiah Joy Sandalo, members of the 2012 Gatorade Performance Team; Miguel Raphael Jison of St. John’s Institute in Bacolod City, the Spalding Sportsmanship Award; Paul Dagunan from San Miguel National High School in Puerto Princesa, the Gatorade Hustle Award, Patrick Ramirez from Manila, the BTV Rising STAR Award, Arnie Padilla from the Sacred Heart School Ateneo de Cebu, the 2012 Jr. NBA Studio 23 All Star Player of the Game; Regille Kent Ilagan, the 2012 Alaska Youth Ambassador. Most Valuable Player of the 2012 Jr. NBA Philippines presented by Alaska is Aljun Jay Melecio.

The top ten were culled from a group of 50 junior players aged 10-14 who topped their respective regional selection camps in Puerto Princesa, Cagayan de Oro, Pampanga and Manila through all of April and made it to the Jr. NBA National Training Camp which took place from May 3 – 5.

Three days of boot camp – basketball drills, skills tests, stamina challenges, competitive games and fun games – tested the young cagers’ physical, mental, emotional and spiritual strengths.

The 2012 Jr. NBA Philippines presented by Alaska was also made possible through the support of the NBA’s Official Partners including Gatorade, Spalding, Basketball TV (BTV), Studio 23 and the Basketball Coaches Association of the Philippines. For more information on Jr. NBA Philippines, including recaps, photos and news, log on to www.jrnba.com.ph.

NBA aims to cater to Filipino fans thru PH website

loqal.ph — Tue, 01 May 2012 13:00:10 +0000

By Alexander Villafania

PASAY CITY, METRO MANILA – An NBA website developed specifically for the Philippine audience was recently activated.

While content will largely be coming from the official NBA website, the site’s managers intend to put up more local content with the goal of further promoting the world’s most popular basketball franchise.

NBA.com/Philippines will be the 13th international website of the NBA franchise. It will have all the scheduled games from NBA.com, as well as player statistics, rosters, fact sheets, history, and video highlights from previous games.

However, George Royeca, business development manager from IPVG, which has a content and distribution license for NBA, said that the website will eventually be filled up with locally-relevant content, including NBA-sanctioned games, visits from veteran players of various NBA teams, clothing and fashion, among others.

Royeca noted that some of the content will be customized according to requirements of NBA.com partners in the Philippines. He also said that user-generated content from fans – including blog posts, and multimedia materials - will also be integrated into the site.

“We’ll be looking at various content partnerships from sponsors and advertisers to make the NBA.com/Philippines more relevant to Filipino users,” Royeca said.

Carlo Singson, NBA Country Manager for the Philippines, stressed that the Philippines is one of the three major markets for the NBA franchise, which he said is attributed to Filipino’s love for basketball.

He said NBA remains to be among the few sports franchises that are in-demand in the Philippines, with many enthusiasts having their own events as well as having NBA collectibles.

“We want to sustain this momentum for NBA fans in the Philippines and we’re sure that by adding more unique local content will continue to make the franchise a must-have in the Philippines,” Singson said.

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MILO kicks off summer sports clinics

loqal.ph — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 09:41:03 +0000

By loQal.ph

QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA – MILO has officially kicked off its Summer Sports Clinics opening enrollment in various sports clinics in uzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Ten core sports are available, namely badminton, swimming, chess, football, volleyball, table tennis, karatedo, taekwondo, gymnastics, and tennis.

Aside from these Summer Clinics, MILO also supports Summer Clinic Centers like Club Gymnastica, Best Center Basketball and Volleyball, among others.

MILO ensures the quality of learning in these clinics using scientific methods to teach not only sports but also character-forming values that stay with participants for life.

Each clinic comprises a 10-day program that includes an opening ceremony, sports training, and a mini-tournament.

The Summer Sports Clinics began on the second week of April, continuing into May. MILO is also extending a P100 discount for all participants who submit a one-kilogram MILO pack when they register.

For more information on the MILO Summer Sports Clinics, the schedules, and to download the registration form, visit www.nestle.com.ph/milo.

MILO kicks off summer sports clinics

loqal.ph — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 01:17:25 +0000

By loQal.ph

QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA – MILO has officially kicked off its Summer Sports Clinics opening enrollment in various sports clinics in uzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Ten core sports are available, namely badminton, swimming, chess, football, volleyball, table tennis, karatedo, taekwondo, gymnastics, and tennis.

Aside from these Summer Clinics, MILO also supports Summer Clinic Centers like Club Gymnastica, Best Center Basketball and Volleyball, among others.

MILO ensures the quality of learning in these clinics using scientific methods to teach not only sports but also character-forming values that stay with participants for life.

Each clinic comprises a 10-day program that includes an opening ceremony, sports training, and a mini-tournament.

The Summer Sports Clinics began on the second week of April, continuing into May. MILO is also extending a P100 discount for all participants who submit a one-kilogram MILO pack when they register.

For more information on the MILO Summer Sports Clinics, the schedules, and to download the registration form, visit http://www.nestle.com.ph/milo.

Football body starts youth dev’t program in Davao

loqal.ph — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 09:46:22 +0000

By Alexander Villafania

TAGUM CITY, DAVAO DEL NORTE – With football slowly becoming a favored sport among Filipinos, the Philippines Football Federation (PFF) recently started the National Football Grassroots Development Program here in an effort to encourage Filipinos youths.

The program targets especially those in low-income communities to start playing football.

In a statement, PFF National Head for Events Management and Training Cyril Dofitas said the organization has partnered with car manufacturer Suzuki Philippines to hold the program, which would involve getting 33 provincial sports associations.

Under the program, sports coaches will be trained to conduct youth-oriented workshops and seminars for football.

Suzuki is said to be putting in the needed amount for financial assistance to the trainers, holding football competitions, purchasing of equipment and to send PFF executives to attend regional events.

Tagum City Mayor Rex Uy said in a separate statement that football is a good avenue to encourage children to get into sports. In particular, he said that football should be one of the sports that must gain acceptance among youths, especially in a country that is predominantly wild over basketball and boxing.

As such, Uy’s administration is looking to put up football fields where the grassroots program would take shape. He said: “It would be hard if there would be no area to play football.”

Tagum City recently hosted the Under 23 National Football Cup between Compostela Valley’s Comval Gold team and the Tagum Palm City team. It was during this event that the National Football Grassroots Development Program was launched.

The success of football in the Philippines is largely credited to the national football team that called themselves the Azkals, who have been winning in international competitions.

(Additional photo courtesy of Real Madrid Foundation)

Negros boxer Sonny Boy Jaro hopes for a brighter future

loqal.ph — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:53:07 +0000

By Joel Pinaroc

SILAY CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL-Filipino boxer Sonny Boy Jaro was planning to hang up his boxing gloves for good to operate his own tricycle in his hometown.

The 29-year-old Negros native had a good boxing career compiling a record of 34 wins, 10 losses and 23 knockouts in a career that spanned many years.

Knowing that a world championship belt could mean better paydays, Jaro eventually got the chance to fight for a world title but he never did secure the coveted belt.

Last month, however, Jaro became the latest Filipino world boxing champion after winning the World Boxing Championship (WBC) flyweight title from long-time champion Pongsalek Wonjongkam in a massive upset.

The native of Negros Occidental battered defending champion Wonjongkam and eventually stoppedthe Thai legend via referee-stopped contest (RSC) in the sixth round of the scheduled 10-round bout held in Bangkok in March.

The clean-shaven Jaro was actually a substitute opponent after Wonjongkam chose to postpone his mandatory defense against a Japanese contender.

The win was bitter-sweet for Jaro, who previously failed to win a championship fight after trying twice. Prior to the call to fight the Thai legend, Jaro was actually contemplating retirement to operate his own tricycle in his hometown.

Wonjongkam is a certified superstar in his home country after establishing an astounding record of 83 wins, 3 losses, and 44 knockouts. The Thai fighter won the WBC title from another Filipino, Malcolm Tunacao, in 2001 and has defended it for more than a decade before losing it to Jaro.

Wonjongkam is highly-regarded not just in Thailand but all throughout the world and was even namedthe WBC Boxer of the Decade last month.

But Wonjongkam got the surprise of his life after Jaro, sensing that this could be his last chance at glory, attacked the champion relentlessly eventually knocking down Wonjongkam twice before the fateful sixth round and silencing the boisterous home crowd.

With the win, Jaro joins compatriots Manny Pacquiao, Nonito, Donaire, and Brian Viloria as current Filipino champions holding major boxing belts.

Jaro is set to defend his title this July and hopefully, will get a much-deserved purse that will most certainly be higher than the paltry sum he received from his previous fight.

(Photo from the WBC website and boxingtribune.com)

Real Madrid coaches teach football to Pinoy kids

loqal.ph — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 08:18:29 +0000

By Nikka Garriga

MUNTINLUPA CITY, METRO MANILA – Some 250 kids recently took part in a football clinic that aims to harness and develop the Filipino youth’s interest in sports particularly in the grassroots level.

The “Just For Kicks” football clinic brought together coaches Jaime Torcal Cano, Ivan Garcia Sacristan and Pablo Gomez Revenga from Spain’s international team Real Madrid Club de Futbol.

The three-day program began with a session for local coaches at the University of Makati on the methodology and techniques of playing football.

This as followed by the football clinic for the kids at the Alabang Country Club. Participants comprised mostly of underprivileged children aged 13 to 15-years-old from the “Tulay sa Don Bosco” program of the Salesian Fathers.

This project is part of fastening and architectural products manufacturer YKK ASAO Group’s regional corporate social responsibility project promoted in the ASEAN and South Asia region since 2007.

It is anchored in the company’s vision to support the healthy growth of children in a culturally diversified activity such as football.

“We believe that football is a common language that everyone can enjoy regardless of culture, nationality or religion,” said Alson Ng, Regional Marketing Manager of YKK Holding Asia.

Similar clinics have been conducted in in Indonesia, Bangladesh, Singapore, Thailand and Sri Lanka.

Francis Laurel, President of YKK Philippines, said the program is timely because football is now a growing and promising sport here.

“Its future lies in the foot of these young boys and girls. Perhaps one day we can finally qualify for the World Cup,” he said.

The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) also welcomed the YKK Football Clinic as a boost and an opportunity to prepare the country’s potential to compete for the FIFA World Youth Championships.

Pinoy Olympic torchbearers aim to inspire OFWs

loqal.ph — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:30:30 +0000

By Nikka Garriga

MANILA CITY, METRO MANILA – Two young Filipinos based in the UK have been chosen to serve as torchbearers for the upcoming London 2012 Olympic Games.

Reymund Enteria and Steven Cheung, who likens their selection to already winning a gold medal, will be dedicating their momentous run at the Olympic Torch Relay to Filipinos across the world.

According to the official London 2012 website, chances of being a torchbearer stood as high as “one in 11” having received thousands of nominations that are composed of unique and inspirational stories.

The Philippine Embassy in London recently honored Enteria and Cheung for their achievements and provide them an opportunity to share their inspirational stories with Filipino communities worldwide.

Enteria works as a Senior Occupational Therapist at the Raphael Medical Center in Kent specializing on neurological rehabilitation and dealing with mental health patients. He has received several professional awards and commendations for his work.

“Being chosen as a torchbearer is a true honor, and I dedicate my run to all my fellow OFWs [overseas Filipino workers],” Enteria said.

Meanwhile, 22-year-old Cheung is an Olympic Youth Ambassador based in Waltham Forest and has been actively participating in government offices, businesses and charity organizations.

He also co-founded the SCF Foundation, which seeks to elevate the presence of Filipinos in the UK through trade, social enterprise, volunteering and political participation.

“I hope my run does inspire Filipinos and young people everywhere to become more actively engaged in their communities,” said Cheung.

Both will be running a 300-meter stretch for the torch relay.

Enteria’s stage will be at the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham on July 22, while Cheung will run in the London Borough of Waltham Forest on July 21.

Both men expressed hope that Filipinos in the UK will turn out in great numbers to witness the Olympic Flame and to cheer the Philippine team all throughout the competition.

(Photos courtesy of the Philippine Embassy in London)

loQal - Sports and Fitness | Philippines

GenSan gymnasts conquer odds to win at Palarong Pambansa

AmCham Foundation initiates ‘Run For A Scholar’ fun run

Sorsogon native named Junior NBA Coach of the Year

NBA aims to cater to Filipino fans thru PH website

MILO kicks off summer sports clinics

MILO kicks off summer sports clinics

Football body starts youth dev’t program in Davao

﻿Negros boxer Sonny Boy Jaro hopes for a brighter future

Real Madrid coaches teach football to Pinoy kids

Pinoy Olympic torchbearers aim to inspire OFWs

Negros boxer Sonny Boy Jaro hopes for a brighter future