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Blue Eagles credit Bundit, Lady Eagles as inspirations in success
Multi-titled coach Tai Bundit had a hand in the success of the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles when they won three straight UAAP titles from Season 77 to 79. Not to take any credit away from Oliver Almadro for his hard work to turn the Blue Eagles into a powerhouse, but the former national team mentor did pick a thing or two from Bundit’s system which he added to his program. One of which is Bundit’s notorious trip to Ateneo’s track oval. Known for his Spartan-like training program, Bundit strengthened the stamina and conditioning of the Lady Eagles through sprints around the oval which players have to accomplish within a given time limit. “Dahil kay Coach Tai napa-oval na rin kami. Sinisisi namin si Coach Tai rin dun sa oval,” said former Blue Eagle Rex Intal laughing while recalling his dreaded visits to the track oval on his appearance on Volleyball DNA. “Actually, inis na inis na kami kay Coach Tai dahil sa oval.” “Kapag may mahirap kayong [Lady Eagles] ginagawa [gagawin din namin],” he added. But aside from Bundit’s training program the biggest influence the Thai mentor imparted to the Blue Eagles was the heartstrong mantra that fueled the Lady Eagles into winning their breakthrough UAAP title in 2014. “Siguro we really looked up to them [Lady Eagles],” said the 2019 Southeast Asian Games silver medalist. In Season 76, both the Blue Eagles and the Lady Eagles advanced to the Finals. The Lady Eagles were on their third straight Finals appearance while the Blue Eagles earned a championship spot for the first time in years. Interestingly, the Ateneo men’s team seemed to have a better chance of winning the crown against National University compared to the Lady Eagles, who faced a series of do-or-die matches before taking on the thrice-to-beat De La Salle University in the Finals. “Grabe ‘yun akala namin mas malaki pa ‘yung chance namin na mag-champion kasi grabe ang run nila talaga eh. Akala talaga namin mas malaki ‘yung chance namin or either both magtsa-champion,” said Intal, who was on his sophomore year when Ateneo challenged the then reigning champion NU in the first of five consecutive Finals showdowns. However, it was the Lady Eagles who came up with the championship in tow. “Sobrang nakaka-proud ang women’s team nu'ng season na yun,” said Intal. “Sa amin naman experience-wise nagkulang kami pagdating ng Finals. Parang may daga kami sa dibdib nun.” The Bulldogs were just too much for the rookie Marck Espejo-bannered Blue Eagles. After the defeat, Almadro immediately talked to his players. “Grinupo kaagad kami ni Coach Oliver sa gitna ng court sa side namin. Hinuddle n’ya kami. Nagce-celebrate ang lahat pero naka-huddle kami. Umiiyak ang team, si Coach O umiiyak,” Intal recalled. “Sabi niya, ‘Guys tingnan nyo ang mga tao na nandito, tingnan nyo ang mga sumuporta sa inyo. Ini-expect nyo ba yan nu’ng simula ng season? Ini-expect nyo ba na aabot tayo rito? Walang nag-expect ng ganyan pero nandito sila sionuportahan tayo. Naniniwala sila na kaya natin.’” “’Next year babawi tayo. Next year tayo naman ang magsi-celebrate,’” the mentor added. Almadro’s words were true. The following year, the Blue Eagles began what would be a three-peat dynasty. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»
GREATEST PERFORMANCES: Arellano U’s sweep of thrice-to-beat SSC-R
Arellano University has been the dominating force in the NCAA women’s volleyball for the past three seasons. If not for the cancellation of Season 95 due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Lady Chiefs would’ve made a strong case for a four-peat. But while the Lady Chiefs displayed great character to extend their reign, it was Arellano U’s impressive showing in Season 92 Finals series that built the solid foundation of its grand slam. Three years ago, the Lady Chiefs redeemed themselves from surrendering the crown the previous season by dethroning College of St. Benilde in the stepladder semifinals. Arellano U thus earned a return ticket to the Finals. However, the Lady Chiefs had to face an uphill climb in the championship series as they took on an unbeaten Grethcel Soltones-led San Sebastian College armed with a thrice-to-beat advantage. The Lady Stags handed Arellano U its only loss in the elimination round, before coming into the Finals with nine straight wins. Led by the graduating Soltones backed by a veteran crew, SSC-R looked poised to avenge its humiliating defeat the season before when they squandered the same series advantage. But the Lady Chiefs proved that they were the hungrier team. Using the death of head coach Obet Javier’s wife, Amy Marie, after a long bout with lung cancer as added motivation, Arellano U pulled off a shocker in the series opener. The Lady Chiefs swept the Recto-based squad, 25-18, 25-20, 25-16, with Rialen Sante, Jovie Prado, Andrea Marzan and Mary Anne Esguerra leading the way. Drawing first blood, Arellano U quickly shifted momentum to its favor. They played spoiler to Soltones’ third straight Most Valuable Player award in Game 2 when the Lady Chiefs survived a thrilling five-set match, 18-25, 25-16, 25-11, 26-28, 15-13, to inch closer to its second title since joining the league in 2009. Arellano kept its composure in a very tight fifth set breaking a 13-all deadlock with Regine Arocha’s off speed. SSC-R was the first top blink when Dangie Encarnacion committed an attack error that brought back the nightmare of the Lady Stags’ Season 91 Finals defeat. Then in Game 3, the Lady Chiefs celebrated Valentine’s Day by breaking the hearts of the Lady Stags, 25-15, 22-25, 25-23, 25-16. “Napakalaki sa amin ito kasi 'yung mga bata, pinaghirapan talaga namin ang taon na ito," Javier said then. "Noong first round, natalo kami sa Baste kaya nag-set kami ng goal na hindi na dapat mangyari ito. Nangyari naman." That feat set the tone for Arellano U’s next two conquests. From there, the Lady Chiefs established its current domination of the country’s oldest collegiate league. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»
DLSU s volleyball program continuously evolves under De Jesus
From Iris Ortega-Patrona to legendary star Manilla Santos-Ng to Aby Marano, Ara Galang, Mika Reyes, Michele Gumabao, Majoy Baron and Kim Dy to the current crop of players in Jolina Dela Cruz to Thea Gagate, much can be said about the successful women’s volleyball program of De La Salle University. But it won’t be complete without mentioning the name of head coach Ramil de Jesus, who turned a struggling team into a perennial title contender for the past two decades. Eleven championships in 18 Finals appearances since taking the post as mentor of the Lady Spikers in 1997 with an impressive winning record, De Jesus truly is the genius behind DLSU’s powerhouse status. But what really put De Jesus a cut above the rest, Santos-Ng said, is his ability to adapt, utilize the pieces he has on hand and the way his system evolves. “The evolution of DLSU volleyball lies not only from the great players, but mainly because of the way Coach Ramil adjusts and adapts on the current situation,” said Santos-Ng in an interview on Volleyball DNA. She mentioned that during her time, De Jesus focused on making DLSU a powerhitting team. When the likes of Marano and Gumabao came, the mentor concentrated on making the Lady Spikers the strongest team in terms of blocking. The batch of Dy, Kim Fajardo, Baron and libero Dawn Macandili was known for its all-around play. What brought DLSU its success is the fact that De Jesus was quick to adapt to situations. Of course, glory didn’t come overnight. It took De Jesus a lot of work to bring the Lady Spikers on top. De Jesus delivered DLSU’s first title in Season 62 in the Lady Spikers' second attempt at the crown. The Taft-based squad managed to advance to the Finals the next three seasons but fell short at the hands of Far Eastern University each time. “Nu’ng pumunta ako ng La Salle, sa pagkakaalam ko hindi pa kami malakas na team eh,” said Santos-Ng “So talagang si Coach Ramil dahan-dahan n’ya talagang winorkout ang mga players and the program,” she added. “Dun mo makikita na si Coach Ramil talaga is very dedicated and committed kapag mayroon siyang goal.” After three bridesmaid finishes, DLSU, on Santos-Ng’s second year, exacted revenge on FEU to get back to the throne. DLSU won two more times for its first of three three-peats. Santos-Ng said that De Jesus during that time made his players stay in a dorm for the first time not only to monitor their conditioning but to develop a deeper team chemistry. “‘Yung time na yun gusto nya kaming maging well-bonded. Di lang strong team but well-bonded,” said Santos-Ng. “Kasi you can easily create a strong team eh. Pagsasamahin mo mga malalakas na players from this school. But strong team plus well-bonded team makes a big difference.” The ChocoMucho hitter also added that De Jesus will always look for ways to the unleash the full potential of his players. “Si Coach Ramil hindi siya nauubusan ng idea kung paano kami palakasin. Kung ano ang nakikita niya sa player na kulang talagang magpo-focus siya dun. Di siya magdya-jump kaagad sa ibang gagawin. May pagka-perfectionist siya eh,” she said. Like all of De Jesus’ players Santos-Ng had her share of rough moments while training under his watchful eyes. “Umiiyak din ako sa kanya. Pero makikita mo at the end of the day ‘yung result ng team kung paano kami gumalaw as one sa loob ng court,” she said. De Jesus according to Santos-Ng is also very strict when it comes to discipline. “Coach Ramil is very consistent on how he manages to protect ‘yung mga players. Ayaw niyang nawawala sa focus,” said Santos-Ng. “Lagi niyang sinasabi na, Hindi ito modeling, hindi ito para magpaganda o magpa-cute. Volleyball itong pinasok nyo.’” “He always reminds us para lang talaga hindi kami mawala dun sa focus na maglaro lang talaga kami ng volleyball,” she added. More than a decade since Santos-Ng finished her tour of duty for the green and white, the Lady Spikers continue to evolve and keep up with the times yet maintain their consistency as one of the finest volleyball program in the collegiate ranks. All thanks to De Jesus. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles .....»»
CJ Perez got the best out of Robert Bolick and vice versa
For a winning team like San Beda University, the standard has become San Beda University itself. Having won 11 of the last 14 championships, the Red Lions have dominated the recent history of the NCAA. And with that, back in 2017, Robert Bolick had more than just back-to-back titles in mind as a goal. "Nung nag-champion kami sa (2017 PBA) D-League (Aspirants Cup) tapos natalo pa namin La Salle (sa Filoil Preseason), sabi ko na, baka ma-sweep namin 'to ha," he narrated in The Prospects Pod last Friday. The boys from Mendiola had just reclaimed the crown and were upbeat about their chances of repeating as they had a mostly intact core. Bolick, indeed, went so far as to aim for the perfect season that had only been done by San Beda's 2010 squad led by Sudan Daniel and Borgie Hermida. "Sa San Beda kasi, nakalagay sa court kung sino yung naka-season sweep. Sabi ko, baka ma-duplicate namin ito ha," he said. After an 18-point win to start the season, all was going swimmingly for them. And then, they got ambushed - ambushed by Pirates. "Biglang pangalawang game pa lang namin, natalo kami agad. Sabi ko, hindi ito yung inaasahan namin ha. Nagulat talaga kami sa linaro nila," the 6-foot-1 playmaker said. Lyceum of the Philippines University sent a statement to all of the league with a thrilling five-point triumph over San Beda. From there, they would go on to win each and every one of their assignments in the elimination round - the very first team to go 18-0 in the history of the Grand Old League. Of course, the Pirates had to win two more - and Bolick and the Red Lions had other plans. In the end, the red and white triumphed anew and took away the upstarts' shot at history. "Akala ko nun, magcha-champion na ako sa NCAA. E biglang kumana nang kumana yung Robert Bolick, wala na," Lyceum's CJ Perez then said. Despite the heartbreak, though, LPU only became better as it moved forward. Indeed, it was at that point that San Beda - and by proxy, Bolick - became a true obstacle Perez had to hurdle. As he put it, "Ako kasi, naniniwala ako sa mindset e. kunwari kung kalaban namin San Beda, Robert Bolick, sabi ko talaga gagalingan ko kasi alam kong gagawin niya yung best niya." The Pirates forged a rematch in the NCAA 94 Finals, but yet again came up short. Still, they had made their school proud and that was more than enough. And looking back, the 6-foot-2 guard said that having the Red Lions as the standard did nothing but pull them upward and upward. "Ganun yung mindset ko lagi kaya kapag kalaban yung San Beda, Robert Bolick, matututo't-matututo ka," he said. For his part, Bolick could only acknowledge that Perez did the same for him and LPU did the same for San Beda. "Kailangan talaga yung ganun e. Kailangan mo ng katapat," he said. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @riegogogo......»»
UAAP volleybelles star in TBH talk show
See the different side of four of the UAAP’s finest and most popular women’s volleyball players as they express their views and opinions in the newest weekly sports talk show. Join Ateneo de Manila University star Ponggay Gaston, Eya Laure of University of Sto. Tomas, De La Salle University setter Michelle Cobb and University of the Philippines’ Rosie Rosier starting June 23 in TBH (To Be Honest) as they discuss interesting and relatable topics. “For athletes some of us are not given the chance to express our feelings on certain things. But for the four of us we’re lucky enough to have this platform to be able to express our own opinions and ideas, thoughts, feelings towards certain things. Whether nakaka-relate lang sa amin or pati sa ibang tao nakaka-relate,” said Gaston. The Lady Eagle added that the show, which will air at 8:00 a.m. on LIGA Channel 86, and LIGA HD on Channel 183 on SKY Cable and Destiny and also available via iWant, TFC, and ABS-CBN Sports YouTube Channel, is not just the usual girl talk as it also dives into serious topics. “This show isn’t just gonna be girl talk,”, she said. “We dove into topics that I didn’t expect we’ll talk about. It’s really not just girl talk. Mayroon kaming mga topics na, ‘Uy pwede itong pag-usapan. People can relate to this, not just girls.’” Rosier added that the show will also serve as a platform for them and their guests to be heard. “Athletes do have very insightful comments and opinions about topics relatable to now. Us athletes we do care about a lot of things in the society and life. It’s not just about playing. It’s not about school,” said the Fighting Maroons captain. But of course, TBH is also about fun. “Makikita nila ‘yung side po namin na masiyahin,” said Laure, the Season 82 Rookie of the Year. “Kasi di ba kapag sa laro nakasimangot, sobrang seryoso at sobrang technical lagi? Dito makikita nyo sa amin na, ‘Ay ganito pala si Ponggay, ganito pala si Mich, ganito pala si Rosie?’ May mga times na masasabi n’yo ‘yun kasi di n’yo to nakikita pagdating ng game.” Fans will also get a chance to know more about the quartet in the 30-minute talk show. “Mas makikilala talaga kami ng audience through this show,” said Cobb. “Kasi usually naman nakikilala lang kami ng audience sa mga short segments ng courtside reporters. Pero now it’s an actual show where we talk about whatever there is.” “So its really a fun way din for the audience to get to know us individually,” added the Lady Spiker. Catch ‘TBH’ every Tuesday with replays at 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on LIGA Channel 86, and LIGA HD on Channel 183 on SKY Cable and Destiny. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromteriles.....»»
GREATEST PERFORMANCES: Blazers’ breakthrough NCAA title
John Vic De Guzman vowed to return for his fifth and last year in the NCAA after College of St. Benilde was shown the exit door following a stinging five-set defeat at the hands of University of Perpetual Help in the Final Four of Season 91. He promised glory. The Blazers were reduced to mere spectators that year as they watched their women’s team write history by claiming its first volleyball title in four games against a thrice-to-beat opponent. De Guzman and the rest of the Blazers promised that in Season 92, they will be the ones celebrating the championship on the court. However, the promise of a good season turned sour early when CSB opened the tournament with a bitter straight-sets defeat to the same squad that booted them out of the semis in 2016. But it didn’t dampen the Blazers' goal of bringing honor to the Taft-based squad. The squad used that defeat as fuel to their burning desire for glory. CSB banked on De Guzman, Isaah Arda, Ron Jordan and Francis Basilan with Mark Deximo orchestrated the flow of their offense as the Blazers crushed their next eight opponents in the elimination round. Closing the elims with an 8-1 win-loss record, CSB was on another collision course with the then defending champion Altas in a playoff for the Final Four top seed. The Blazers got their payback as they whipped Perpetual into submission in three sets. With momentum on its side, CSB sliced through Arellano University in straight sets to earn a seat into the best-of-three Finals and the right to challenge Perpetual for the throne. For the Blazers facing their semis tormentors the year before opened old wounds. Wounds that can only be healed by vengeance. Game 1 was all CSB. De Guzman had his way around the defense of the Altas, scoring 19 points including a 16-of-28 spiking clip, while Basilan took care of business at the net as he shut down Perpetual's spikers with four of CSB’s nine kill blocks. On that same day, the Blazers witnessed their women’s team lose its title in the stepladder semifinals. It only pushed CSB’s determination to capture the championship. In Game 2, the Blazers encountered a different Altas squad. With its back against the wall, Perpetual gave CSB a scare when it took the second and third sets after yielding the first frame. The Altas made the Blazers know that they’re not giving up their reign that easy. CSB recovered in the fourth frame and forged a deciding set. The Blazers saw themselves in a difficult situation when they trailed by five, 7-12. “Walang imposible sanay tayong pina-practice ‘to,” De Guzman reminded his team. “’Apply lang natin ‘yan. Magtiwala lang tayo sa isa’t isa. Sanay tayo sa ganito. Nagsakripisyo tayo sa ganito. Nagpakapagod tayo para rito. Kukunin natin ‘to.” The team captain’s words breathed new life to his team, which mounted a counter offensive to tie the frame at 13. De Guzman saved a match point as the two squads went neck-and-neck in the mad dash to the finish. CSB saved another match point for its final run and capped it off with Arda’s off the block hit as the Blazers finally ended their long wait to raise the championship trophy. “Talagang pinaghirapan namin ito. Personally, ito ang frustration ko simula nung college pa na di namin nakuha,” said CSB coach Arnold Laniog, whose squad finished runner-up to Emilio Aguinaldo College in Season 90. De Guzman, in his last duty for the green and white, posted 28 points including 26 kills. Looking back, their journey to the throne started that fateful day when they walked out of the arena with their heads bowed and hearts shattered the year before. “Naging stepping stone namin ‘yun, nung natalo kami noon,” he shared. “Mas nag-prepare kami (after noon). Emotionally tinanggap namin siya. Ginawa namin siyang motivation.” --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»
Morado recalls De Leon’s big role in Lady Eagles perfect Season 77
Jia Morado shared how the then rookie Bea De Leon’s quick return from a finger injury turned out to be a pivotal moment for the Ateneo de Manila University’s perfect run back in UAAP Season 77 women’s volleyball tournament. The former Lady Eagles setter recalled how De Leon’s presence helped Ateneo complete an elimination round sweep for an outright Finals seat five years ago during an episode of The Score’s Kalye Confessions . “’Dun ko nakita kung gaano ka-passionate si Bea sa volleyball,” said Morado as she talked about the middle blockers rookie season. The Poveda product was a vital cog for the then repeat-seeking Lady Eagles. Ateneo was on a ten-game winning streak when De Leon sustained an injury while training in February 2015. De Leon suffered an open dislocation on her left index finger while trying to block an attack from then fellow rookie Maddie Madayag. “Ang dami talagang nangyari doon sa rookie year n’ya,” said Morado. “Kasama na doon na-injure ang daliri nya, na na-injure sa training at akala namin na di siya makakabalik for a long time sa games namin.” De Leon was out for two weeks and missed three games before making her return in the crucial end of elims match against archrival De La Salle University. “Sobrang crucial pa naman ng mga games namin noon and in the run for rookie of the year pa naman sana siya noon,” said Morado of De Leon, who was beaten by University of Sto. Tomas’ EJ Laure and University of the East libero Kath Arado for the Rookie of Year award. “So kami parang ‘Sayang, sobrang sayang.’” “(But) she cut her recovery short para makalaro sa Ateneo-La Salle game,” added Morado. The playmaker also lauded De Leon’s dedication that season as she opted not to undergo surgery but instead just had her finger stitched as she rested for a couple of weeks. De Leon, whose finger was heavily bandaged, was a surprise starter in the match against the Lady Spikers. “’Yun bumalik siya ng maaga kahit naka-tape pa ng sobra ang daliri niya,” Morado said. “Ang laking risk nun for her kasi kapag natamaan yun masama lalala ang injury niya but she played the game of her life nu’ng bumalik siya.” Her presence gave Ateneo a big boost in the all-important match that the Lady Eagles won in four sets, 25-20, 21-25, 25-23, 27-25. De Leon finished with 11 points including three kill blocks to back Alyssa Valdez, who scored 29 markers. With De Leon back in the fold, the Lady Eagles went on to write history as they defeated DLSU in the Finals to retain their crown in a perfect 16-0 season sweep. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»
Tigers, Lady Blazers emerge PNVF champions
University of Santo Tomas (UST) unleashed a lethal weapon in slaying Cignal, and College of Saint Benilde played true to form to emerge men’s and women’s champions of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Challenge Cup on Saturday night at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum......»»
Lady Blazers survive SBU foes in four-setter
St. Benilde warded off fellow NCAA bet San Beda U, 25-14, 23-25, 25-13, 25-20, and barged into the semifinals of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Challenge Cup yesterday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum......»»
Melai aminadong pinagseselosan si Ivana, Jason umuuwi ng probinsya kapag nag-aaway sila ng misis
AMINADO ang aktor na si Jason Francisco na nag-aaway din talaga sila ng kanyang misis na si Melai Cantiveros. ‘Yan ang sinagot ni Jason matapos tanungin sa programang “Magandang Buhay” ang tungkol sa kumakalat na tsismis na nagkahiwalay na ang dalawa. “Sa akin lang, totoo din naman na nag-aaway naman talaga kami. Normal,” sey ng.....»»
Rebelasyon ni Louise delos Reyes sa relasyon nila noon ni Alden Richards: ‘Kapag nag-aaway kami, para kaming magdyowa’
BINALIKAN ni Louise delos Reyes ang panahon noong magka-loveteam sila ng Asia’s Multimedia Star na si Alden Richards sa GMA 7. Marami ang nag-aakala na nagkaroon ng “something” sina Louise at Alden, lalo na nang magsama sila sa mga Kapuso series na “One True Love” (2012) at “Mundo Mo’y Akin” (2013). Kaya naman nang ma-interview.....»»
Lady Blazers sustain hot romp
College of St. Benilde clobbered the University of the Philippines Volleyball Club, 25-20, 25-18, 25-10, for its second straight win in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation Challenge Cup yesterday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum......»»
Lady Blazers rip Parañaque foes
NCAA champion St. Benilde made short work of Parañaque City, 25-6, 25-20, 25-17, to kick off its campaign in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation Challenge Cup yesterday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum......»»
Lady Blazers, Golden Tigresses dispute last SSL semis slot
NCAA champion College of St. Benilde and UAAP’s University of Santo Tomas slug it out in a knockout tiff to complete the Final Four cast in the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Collegiate Pre-Season Championship......»»
SSL quarterfinals: Lady Blazers stay alive vs Golden Tigresses
NCAA champion College of St. Benilde turned back the University of Santo Tomas, 25-22, 23-25, 18-25, 25-23, 15-11, to force a rubber match in the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Collegiate Pre-season Championship quarterfinals on Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila......»»
Bong Go honors educators as modern-day heroes on Teachers’ Day
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, a member of the Senate Committee on Basic Education and adopted son of the CALABARZON region, personally attended the celebration of Teachers’ Day at the Ynares Sports Complex in Antipolo City, Rizal on Thursday, 5 October. “Alam n’yo ang dapat po nating pasalamatan ngayong araw na ito at bigyan po ng pagpupugay ay ang atin pong mga teachers. Alam n’yo bakit? Kayo po ang isa sa mga hero po ng pandemya. Noong panahon ng pandemya, panahon po iyon na nag-a-adjust po kayo sa distance learning hanggang pabalik sa face-to-face learning,” Go said as he emphasized the pivotal role of teachers in shaping the nation's future. “Napakalaki po ng challenges na pinagdaanan n’yo. Palakpakan po natin ang ating mga guro. Hindi po natin mararating ito kung hindi po dahil rin po sa inyong sakripisyo. Alam ko ‘yan. Sa tatlong taon po na nilabanan natin ‘yung pandemya, kami ni (dating) pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte, nandiriyan po kayo,” he continued. The event was also attended by Governor Nina Ricci Ynares, Mayor Casimiro “Jun” Ynares, and Vice Mayor Josefina Gatlabayan, among others. Mayor Ynares expressed his gratitude for Go’s continuous efforts to uplift the lives of Filipinos. “Sa araw din po na ito, I will make a confession. There is one thing that my teachers taught me which I occasionally do not follow at ito po yun: no copying. Natutunan ko later in public service na kapag may test, magandang mangopya. When one faces difficult tests in life, we can copy. Today, ipapakilala ko po ang isang fellow public servant na hindi niya alam na, quote and quote, kinokopyahan ko. Kinokopya ko po siya for two reasons: first, he has gone through many difficult tests in life; second, he is the kind of person who stands by others, who go through difficult tests in life. Sa mga pinagdaanan niya sa pagsubok ng buhay, dalawang mahahalagang qualities ang lagi kong nakikita at sinisikap na makopya. Una po ay commitment, pangalawa, compassion,” Mayor Ynares said, pertaining to Go. Furthermore, Mayor Ynares commended Go for his steadfast dedication, which serves as an inspiration for public servants and a reminder of the positive impact one can make when motivated by a genuine commitment to the public good. “Hindi po madali ang pinagdaanan ng ating panauhin. Sa panahon na siya ang umaalalay sa isa sa mga naging pangulo ng ating bansa, mula pa nang maging punong-lungsod ang taong pinaglingkuran niya sa Davao (City), hanggang ito ay maging presidente ng ating bansang Pilipinas, humarap sila sa mga panganib, sa mga batikos, sa malalaking suliranin. Sa kabila po nito, laging andun ang ating panauhin… Andun siya para umalalay, para pangalagaan at para ayusin ang landas na dadaanan ng taong pinaglilingkuran niya,” Mayor Ynares further shared. “Nakita ko rin na ang kanyang commitment ay hindi lang sa presidenteng pinaglingkuran niya. He extended his commitment to our countrymen. As he did so, the quality of commitment became the quality of compassion. Tayo pong mga Antipoleño at Rizaleño, pati na ang kapwa nating Pilipino ay naging benepisyaryo ng malasakit na yon,” he added. During the event, Go provided gift packs to 5,902 educators and non-teaching staff. He also extended shirts, bicycles, mobile phones, shoes, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select recipients. “Sa ating mga guro, Happy Teachers month, Happy Teachers’ Day. Lubos po ang aking saludo sa ating mga guro sa araw na ito at sila po’y mga heroes rin po natin sa panahon ng pandemya,” said Go in an interview after the event. “Hindi biro maging isang guro. Dapat talaga mahaba ang iyong pasensya sa pagtuturo. At hindi po natin mararating ito, itong kinatatayuan natin ngayon. Ako mismo hindi po ako magiging senador kung hindi po dahil sa ating mga guro dahil diyan tayo nag-umpisa… Sila po ang nagturo sa atin ng mga tamang kaalaman at gabay kaya po tayo naririto na atin rin namang isini-share po sa ating mga kababayan sa ngayon,” he shared. In the Senate, Go co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 1964, also known as the "Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act," which seeks to establish a system for providing teaching allowances to public school teachers. The proposed measure was approved on the third and final reading last May. In 2019, Go also authored and co-sponsored RA 11466, otherwise known as the Salary Standardization Law 5, which gives civilian government employees, including public school teachers, another round of salary increases broken down in tranches. Go likewise expressed his support for the proposed Salary Standardization Law 6, saying, “As co-sponsor and author of Salary Standardization Law 5 during the 18th Congress, sana po ay magkaroon pa ng bagong Salary Standardization Law 6. I’m one with the government in seeking to provide another increase in salaries for those working in the public sector.” Earlier, the senator also filed SBN 1190, which proposes expanding the use of the Special Education Fund, if enacted into law, to cover the operation and maintenance of public schools, payment of salaries and benefits for teaching and non-teaching personnel, and competency training for teaching personnel, among others. On the same day, Go provided assistance to indigents and inspected the San Isidro Super Health Center and the Antipolo City Hall of Justice which he supported in the past years. The post Bong Go honors educators as modern-day heroes on Teachers’ Day appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Lester Pimentel Ong: The ‘Iron Heart’ director is also a restaurateur
When action films came to a screeching halt around year 2000 because of piracy, then stuntman Lester Pimentel Ong bravely ventured into the food business. For him, it was like wading into untested waters. “Nagsimula ako sa (I started in) Rice-In-A box 23 years ago. I started in the film industry as a stuntman. Nakatrabaho ko si Victor Neri, sa mga films ni direk Toto Natividad. Nawala ‘yung raket namin sa stunts kasi nauso ‘yung piracy sa film. Humina ‘yung action film so wala kaming raket. (I worked with Victor Neri, in the films of director Toto Natividad. We lost our stunt jobs because film piracy became prevalent. Action films slowed down, so we didn’t have a job). With his P80,000 savings, he started his rice-in-a-box business at Masagana City Mall, in Pasay, recalled Ong during the opening of the ninth branch of Wangfu, his Chinese-Singaporean restaurant that’s been up for 11 years now. That small rice-in-a-box business now has more than 100 stores consisting of food carts and food stalls. “That business financed all of our other businesses, all our other restaurants,” said Ong proudly. A foodie, Ong was exposed to street food when he was a wushu athlete who represented the country in many competitions abroad. He reveled in the street foods of China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Thailand. “I would go around to different places and tuwing may break kami, we would explore the street food market ng different countries. I fell in love with different kind of food, Asian food,” he said. Wangfu came about because, after shoots, “kapag late night, wala kaming makakainan. Nasa food business naman ako, so nagtayo kami ng restaurant sa Tomas Morato. Iyon ang first branch (of Wangfu),” he said. He was joined in the venture by business partner Ace Wang. Wangfu serves Singaporean cuisine like laksa, Hainanese chicken and salted egg fried chicken. From Sir Chief to Sir Chef Actor Richard Yap is also one of Ong’s partners in Wangfu. Yap disclosed that when he was young, he “used to cook at home because my mom cooks very well.” It was his love for food that drove him to study culinary arts. But he discovered along the way that cooking was not for him. “When I took up a culinary course, I found out na hindi pala para sa akin ang pagluluto (that cooking is not for me). Ang hirap ng preparations. It takes a long time. Kung ako ang magluluto (If I will do the cooking), it will take three to four hours if you do it by yourself,” he said. In college, Yap took up a pre-Med course, Medical Technology, for two years, and then stopped because his father asked him to take up Business Management instead. When he applied for Med studies at UST, he was told that he had to go back to first year again. “I said never mind. I’ll just finish my Business Management course at La Salle,” he recalled. Getting into showbiz 12 years ago was something that Yap didn’t see coming. “When I started out with “My Binondo Girl”, after that nagdadalawang isip ako (I had second thoughts). So, I had to ask around. One of my directors, direk Jeffrey Jeturian, said, ‘You know, you have to make a choice kasi it’s either you go full-time sa showbiz or not.’” Yap’s apprehensions were not without basis, since not a lot of people would make it at his age then, around 40. “Ako, sabi ko, late na ako (I’m late), wala pa akong experience. It would take me a lot of time to catch up with veteran actors and actresses,” he said. Fortunately, those around him told him he had a future in showbiz for as long as he persevered. And that he did — and now he’s Richard Yap, a popular actor and household name, forever remembered by many as Sir Chief of the blockbuster TV series Be Careful With My Heart. The post Lester Pimentel Ong: The ‘Iron Heart’ director is also a restaurateur appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
How Jake Cuenca created ‘Iron Heart’s’ rock-star villain Eros
“It has to be two words: rock star.” That was Jake Cuenca’s reply when we asked him to describe his Eros character in The Iron Heart during the show’s finale mediacon recently. Playing Eros, who in the series becomes a perfect foil to Richard Gutierrez’s Apollo character, is something that Cuenca relished, as he was given a free hand to “personalize” his attack on it. Cuenca, consummate artist that he is, really invested in his character, something that he learned from the late actor Eddie Garcia. He bought his own prop guns and accessories and gave his character his own distinct sartorial taste. “With Eros, as fun as it was to portray him, it’s very, very challenging. There are times na when you’re exhausted on the set, kapag pagod na pagod ka na, sometimes it’s hard to try to keep the voice, sometimes it’s hard to keep the accent kasi pagod ka na, eh, so you try to get it right, you try to do it right,” he said. For the first time, revealed Cuenca, he didn’t go out of character even in his free time. “I was never out of character with this one to the point na even in my free time I was trying to find him all the time kasi I really enjoyed myself. One thing I’ll never forget about this role, this is the first time they really allowed me to really put layers, to put an accent, to put on a voice, to change things. They allowed me to personalize it.” The series’ finale is one for the books as it will be shot abroad and will involve katana fighting. “I’ve been training for this for two weeks now. It’s gonna be intense,” he said. While it’s Cuenca’s first time to be wielding a katana sword, sword-fighting isn’t new to him as “I’ve done it in the past like kami ni Coco (Martin) sa Panday. His promise for the series’ finale: “I think our ending is beautiful. Itong ending na ito, it’s very, very emotional, it’s very, very intense pero lalaking-lalaki ‘yung eksena,” he said. Photoshoot for P1 million loot This talent manager’s greed for money has reached colossal proportions. We’re saying this because we were informed that this manager duped her wards one time into believing all they were doing was just a pictorial. The manager gathered five of her wards and told them it had been a time that they had recent photos. So a pictorial was set pronto. But that wasn’t all there was to it. Without the wards knowing, the photoshoot was in fact for billboards and other collaterals to promote the cold-cuts products of a politician -businessman from the North with whom the talent manager has had long ties. When the manager was issued checks worth P1 million, she told the politician-businessman to keep mum about it and not tell her wards that it was for their services rendered. Why was the talent manager confident that her secret would not be discovered by her wards? Because they didn’t frequent the North. The post How Jake Cuenca created ‘Iron Heart’s’ rock-star villain Eros appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Lady Blazers bag V-L crown
Call the St. Benilde Lady Blazers one of Philippine college volleyball’s finests......»»
Lady Blazers, Archers go for jugular
College of St. Benilde tries to secure a place among the top women’s volleyball schools in the land today when it goes for the jugular against Far Eastern U today in the V-League Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena......»»