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Superal player to watch in Asia Pacific Cup
The second Simone Asia Pacific Cup unfolds today in Indonesia with defending champion Princess Superal expecting a heightened level of competition despite the absence of major champions but with world No. 9 Atthaya Thitikul of Thailand and Japan’s Nasa Hataoka adding a touch of star power to the 56-player roster......»»
Superal begins bid for back-to-back titles in As-Pac Cup golf tilt
The second Simone Asia Pacific Cup unfolds Thursday, December 21, in Indonesia with defending champion Princess Superal expecting a heightened level of competition despite the absence of major champions......»»
Tanduay optimistic about entry into competitive Taiwan rum market
Tanduay has a positive outlook about its entry into Taiwan amid stiff competition from other rum brands. “Based on early reviews, we think that the brand will perform well since the Taiwanese market already has a sophisticated taste and is very accepting of brands that offer them something new and unique,” said Marc Ngo, Tanduay International Business Development manager and senior brand manager. He compared the Taiwanese rum market to that of Singapore where people are willing to spend on quality spirits and cocktails. In entering Taiwan, Tanduay partnered with the distributor, Mr. Mixer, Ltd., one of the leading spirits and other liquor distributors in the country. “They believe in the brands and they share our passion for bringing our world-class rums to the Taiwan market,” Ngo said. Mr. Mixer, Ltd recently held a grand launch of Tanduay at Driftwood Bar in Ximending District and invited Taiwan’s premier mixologists Mars Chang and the members of “To Infinity and Beyond Team”, the 2021 World Class competition Taiwan champions, to showcase their outstanding mixology skills as they infused Tanduay rums into unique signature cocktails. Seven world-class rums Tanduay is making its award-winning and best-selling rums available in Taiwan. These include the Tanduay Asian Rum Gold, Tanduay Asian Rum Silver, Tanduay Double Rum, Boracay Rum Coconut, Boracay Rum Cappuccino, Tanduay Dark and Tanduay White. Ngo said they are currently focused on opening and partnering with on-trade accounts to feature their brands and for consumers to try. “At the same time, we are having discussions with big chain accounts for them to carry Tanduay rums in their stores. We are also planning to join the Tainan Cocktail Event on 20-21 October to feature our brands more to local consumers,” he said. The brand’s international business has been on a steady growth trajectory in recent years. Taiwan is the 19th country where Tanduay rums are being sold. In Asia, it is already available in China, Singapore, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. In Europe it is being distributed in France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, the United Kingdom, Austria, Poland, Georgia, Armenia and the Czech Republic. It is also available in the United States and Canada in Northern America and Costa Rica in Central America. Apart from its increasing global footprint, Tanduay has received numerous accolades from international competitions, such as the World’s Number 1 Rum recognition from Drinks International Magazine for six consecutive years, and Brand of the Year from the World Branding Awards. Not one to rest on its laurels, Tanduay is eyeing further international expansion in the coming months. The post Tanduay optimistic about entry into competitive Taiwan rum market appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Biggest-ever Asian Games ready for liftoff in China after Covid delay
The biggest Asian Games in history, boasting about 12,000 competitors -- more than the Olympics -- will open on Saturday in the Chinese city of Hangzhou after a year's delay because of Covid. Athletes including world and Olympic champions will fight for medals in 40 sports from athletics, swimming and football to eSports and bridge. Nine sports, among them boxing, break dancing and tennis, will serve as qualifiers for next year's Paris Olympics. The Games were supposed to take place last September but were postponed because of China's strict zero-Covid rules, before China's ruling Communist Party abruptly abandoned the policy. The 19th edition of the Games, which were first held in New Delhi in 1951, throws together competitors from 45 countries and territories across Asia and the Middle East. For China, which hosted the 2022 Winter Olympics in a Covid-secure "bubble" in Beijing, it is a chance to show off its organizational, sporting and technological prowess after the pandemic years cut the country off from the sporting world. "We have overcome a lot of challenges but we are now fully conditioned to hold a successful Games," Chen Weiqiang, chief spokesperson for the Games, said on Wednesday. Sport meets politics The Games will be staged at 54 venues -- 14 newly constructed -- mostly in Hangzhou but also extending to cities as far afield as Wenzhou, 300 kilometres (180 miles) south. The centerpiece is the "Big Lotus" Olympic stadium with a capacity of up to 80,000 where athletics and the opening and closing ceremonies will be staged. President Xi Jinping will attend the opening ceremony and meet Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad there, along with other visiting leaders, Chinese state media says. Assad is making his first visit to ally China since the war erupted in Syria in 2011. Russian President Vladimir Putin likewise attended the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics, along with Xi, and weeks later launched the invasion of Ukraine. Hangzhou, a city of 12 million people an hour's bullet train from Shanghai, is famed in China for its ancient temples, gardens and its beloved West Lake. It is also the unofficial home of China's tech industry, notably the birth place of Jack Ma's Alibaba. The Games will showcase some of the latest tech to come out of the city, including driverless buses, robot dogs and facial recognition. China medal dash Hosts China have topped the medals table at every Asian Games since 1982 and are expected to do so again by the time the curtain comes down on October 8. They should reign in swimming, with Qin Haiyang fresh from his heroics at the world championships, where he announced himself as the new undisputed breaststroke king. The 24-year-old swept all three men's events and set a new world record in the 200m. In athletics, another of the most closely watched sports, India's Olympic and world champion Neeraj Chopra will defend his Asian Games javelin crown. His nearest competitor should be world silver medalist Arshad Nadeem from arch-rivals Pakistan and the countries are also on a collision course in cricket and hockey. ESports, in what is seen as a step toward Olympic inclusion one day, will make its full Asian Games debut having been a demonstration sport five years ago. Lee Sang-hyeok, better known as "Faker", has god-like status in League of Legends and will lead the South Korean charge at the futuristic-looking China Hangzhou Esports Centre. There is an added incentive which has caused controversy in South Korea -- winning gold will exempt them from having to do military service. A feature of the Asian Games is that it includes sports that are a little more quirky than the Olympics. Xiangqi -- also known as "Chinese chess" -- the card game bridge and the ancient wrestling discipline of kurash are all on the menu. Although the Games officially open on Saturday, the sporting action began on Tuesday, when North Korea returned to major international competition for the first time since the pandemic with a 2-0 win over Taiwan in men's football. The post Biggest-ever Asian Games ready for liftoff in China after Covid delay appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tesla, Chinese EV brands jostle for limelight at German fair
One of the world's biggest auto shows opens in Munich on Monday, with Tesla ending a 10-year absence to jostle for the spotlight with Chinese rivals as the race for electric dominance heats up. Chancellor Olaf Scholz will officially inaugurate the IAA mobility show, held in Germany every two years, on Tuesday. But Monday's press preview will already give carmakers a chance to show off some of the new models that will be hitting the road soon. The industry-wide shift towards electric vehicles will be front and center at this week's fair, with Chinese carmakers out in force as they eye the European market. US electric car pioneer Tesla, owned by Elon Musk, will return to the IAA for the first time since 2013 and is expected to unveil a revamped version of its mass-market Model 3. That Tesla, usually a holdout at such events, is coming to Munich shows it is taking the growing competition seriously, said Jan Burgard from the Berylls automotive consulting group. "The electric car market with its many new players will be divvied up over the next few years and people want to know: who is offering what?" Burgard told the Handelsblatt financial daily. Having captured an increasingly large part of the prized Chinese market, Chinese upstarts are now hoping to win over European customers with cheaper electric cars. Chinese manufacturers are starting "their assault on Europe with the IAA", said industry analyst Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer from the Center Automotive Research in Germany. Muted European presence Chinese groups benefit from lower production costs, allowing them to offer cut-throat prices at a time when entry-level EVs are still a rarity, said industry expert Eric Kirstetter from the Roland Berger consulting firm. "The only thing they don't have is brand credibility," Kirstetter said. "They will create their brand universe by stepping up their marketing investments more than others, including through trade fairs," he added. In all, 41 percent of exhibitors at the industry fair have their headquarters in China, including brands such as BYD and Leapmotor. Contrary to the Asian onslaught, participation from European carmakers at the IAA will be muted. Germany's homegrown champions Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz will be joined by Renault from France, but the 14-brand Stellantis Group will only be represented by Opel. BMW presented its "Neue Klasse" (New Class) generation of electric cars in Munich on Saturday, a series of six vehicles that will be manufactured from 2025. BMW and fellow European carmakers are investing heavily in the switch towards zero-emission driving as the European Union aims to end the sale of polluting engines by 2035. The historic transition however comes at a challenging time. While the supply chain problems caused by the pandemic years have eased, surging energy prices in the wake of Russia's war in Ukraine and a weaker global economy are weighing on European manufacturers. Although car sales in the European Union have steadily improved over the last 12 months, they remain around 20 percent below their pre-coronavirus levels as inflation and higher interest rates dampen appetites for new vehicles. Some 700,000 visitors are expected to attend this week's IAA. Climate groups have vowed to stage protests during the fair, including acts of "civil disobedience" aimed at disrupting the IAA. The post Tesla, Chinese EV brands jostle for limelight at German fair appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Davao’s Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan 2023 the grandest in years
The most awaited event in the 38th Kadayawan Festival -- Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan or the street dancing competition—once again amazed Dabawenyos and visitors as the contingents paraded in colorful and festive indigenous-inspired costumes and performed epic folk narratives along the major streets in the city’s downtown. The 19 contingents (six for the Davao school-based category and 13 for the open category) flooded the streets with their energetic street dances, dressed in the vibrant traditional garb of the indigenous peoples of Mindanao. Various groups from outside Davao City also joined the Indak-Indak, all aiming to bag the coveted P1—million prize for the grand winner in both categories. [caption id="attachment_173929" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Tribung Lacson Performing Arts and Ensemble.[/caption] For the Davao school-based category, Davao City National High School bagged first place, followed by Catalunan Pequeño National High School (2nd), Lapu-Lapu Elementary School (3rd), Lacson Integrated School (4th) and Mabini National High School (5th). [caption id="attachment_173927" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Lapu-Lapu Elementary School performer.[/caption] For the open category, the Sindac Anib Performing Ensemble from Bislig, Surigao del Sur, emerged as this year’s champion — their third time winning the Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan. [caption id="attachment_173926" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Sindac Anib Performing Arts Guild, grand prize winner of P1 million (Open Category), from Bislig, Surigao del Sur.[/caption] Matiao National High School Special Program in the Arts’ Tribu Maganahay from Mati City, Davao Oriental, was in second place, followed by the Landan National High School Performing Arts Group from Polomolok South Cotabato (3rd), Banayan Performing Arts from Banaybanay town in Davao Oriental (4th) and Agusan del Sur Artists’ Guild from Agusan del Norte (5th). Harold Quibete, the organizer of this year’s Indak-Indak, said the 2023 competition was the grandest and most exciting in recent years. With some P5.6 million in prizes, the competition saw previous street dancing champions returning to try to reclaim the crown against contingents led by acclaimed choreographers from all over Mindanao. The two showdown areas were at the Roxas Avenue-Claveria and Legaspi- Bonifacio junctions, while the final showdown was at the San Pedro Square. The post Davao’s Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan 2023 the grandest in years appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Fan power: SB19’s A’TIN routs global fanbases
P-Pop sensation SB19 recently clinched victory in the Billboard Fan Army Face-Off 2023, thanks to the unrelenting loyalty and support of their fans, called A’TIN. SB19 emerged as the eventual champions of the annual face-off, which pits artists’ supporters against each other. The quintet climbed to the top of the 64 participating acts, outperforming worldwide powerhouses such as BTS, Taylor Swift, Beyonce and Ariana Grande. The competition, designed to determine the most formidable fanbase, commenced on 5 July and culminated on Tuesday, 8 August. The ultimate battle matched SB19’s A’TIN against SEVENTEEN’s CARATs, devoted fans of the K-pop group SEVENTEEN. In the end, SB19’s A’TIN received 51.1 percent of the vote, while SEVENTEEN’s CARATs received 48.9 percent. Following their historic victory, SB19’s official Twitter account congratulated the group’s fans: “Congratulations, A’TIN! You’ve once again proven the power that you hold. Maraming salamat!” Member Josh expressed his pride in the fandom, acknowledging their hard work and dedication. This landmark victory marks a significant milestone for SB19’s A’TIN, making them the first Filipino fandom to secure the Billboard face-off title. They join the likes of Super Junior’s E.L.F, TARA’s Queens, BIGBANG’s V.I.Ps and Stray Kids’ STAYs as previous champions. SB19’s A’TIN had finished second in the previous year’s tournament, trailing Stray Kids’ STAYs. SB19’s rise to prominence has been a sequence of triumphs. They were the first Filipino act to be included in Billboard’s Social 50 list in 2020, and their fame continued with a nomination in 2021. The group broke another record in 2021 with their song “Bazinga,” which ruled the Hot Trending Songs Chart for an unprecedented seven weeks, breaking the previous record established by BTS’ “Butter.” Recently, the quintet made their presence felt on Hollywood Boulevard with an electrifying street performance and a special appearance on the KTLA Morning Show. The group has just begun their world tour, with performances around the Philippines and select cities abroad in support of their second EP, PAGTATAG! which includes the chart-topping single “Gento.” The group’s headline performance at the recent PPOP CON was but the latest affirmation that in the world of P-pop, SB19’s Josh, Justin, Stell, Ken and Pablo are now the kings. And the world is fast taking notice. The post Fan power: SB19’s A’TIN routs global fanbases appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SWU in return to Cesafi: ‘We just want to be able to compete’
MANDAUE CITY, Cebu—While everyone’s excited to see the Southwestern University (SWU)-Phinma Cobras return to the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) men’s basketball competition, coach Mike Reyes wants to temper expectations. The Cobras, the 2019 men’s champions, will be returning from a leave of absence but Reyes says there’s not much to expect from the […] The post SWU in return to Cesafi: ‘We just want to be able to compete’ appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Compete with integrity, BBM tells Palaro athletes
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday called on the athletes, coaches, and trainers of the 2023 Palarong Pambansa to compete with excellence, fairness and integrity. “As you take part in your chosen sport, remember you are already champions, and now you represent your respective schools and localities,” Marcos said in his speech during the 2023 Palarong Pambansa opening ceremony. “Compete with excellence, fairness, and integrity. It is also my hope that you will enjoy every moment of this competition and make memories during this competition that you will keep close to your heart for the rest of your life,” Marcos said. Marcos also welcomed the coaches, trainers, and support staff who are helping the athletes prepare for the games. He assured them of the government’s continued support for sports development. “This administration believes in the transformative power of sports, not only in improving one’s strength and agility but also in building up character and discipline,” Marcos said. The Chief Executive also urged the Department of Education to keep harnessing the talents and sportsmanship of Filipino student-athletes. The President also called on local government units to encourage school participation in sports competitions, adding they can help students learn discipline, resilience and teamwork. “You serve as exemplars of excellence, integrity, and sportsmanship by showing your peers and your fellow Filipinos the result of your discipline, your training, your hard work, and the many sacrifices you had to make to make it here today,” the Chief Executive said. Marcos concluded his speech by inviting all Filipinos to watch the games and cheer for their favorite teams. He said that many of the participants will one day compete in international competitions. The 2023 Palarong Pambansa is being held in Marikina City, the “Shoe Capital of the Philippines,” from 29 July to 5 August. The games feature over 9,000 student-athletes, coaches, and officials across the Philippines. The post Compete with integrity, BBM tells Palaro athletes appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM to Palaro athletes: ‘Compete with excellence, fairness, integrity’
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on the athletes, coaches, and trainers of the 2023 Palarong Pambansa to compete with excellence, fairness, and integrity in his speech during the annual sports meet's opening ceremony. "As you take part in your chosen sport, remember you are already champions, and now you represent your respective schools and localities," Marcos said. "Compete with excellence, fairness, and integrity. It is also my hope that you will enjoy every moment in this competition and make memories during this competition that you will keep close to your heart for the rest of your life," he added. Marcos also welcomed the coaches, trainers and support staff who are helping the athletes prepare for the games. He assured them of the government's continued support for sports development. "This administration believes in the transformative power of sports, not only in improving one's strength and agility, but also in building up character and discipline," Marcos said. The Chief Executive also urged the Department of Education to keep harnessing the talents and sportsmanship of the Filipino student-athletes. "Continue to leverage your reach and resources to provide them with the support, training and opportunities that they thrive on and on which they will succeed," Marcos said. Marcos also called on the local government units to encourage school participation in sports competitions. He said that sports can help students learn the importance of discipline, resilience and teamwork. "You serve as exemplars of excellence, integrity and sportsmanship by showing your peers and your fellow Filipinos the result of your discipline, your training, your hard work and the many sacrifices you had to make to make it here today," the Chief Executive said. Marcos concluded his speech by inviting all Filipinos to watch the games and cheer for their favorite teams. He said that he is confident that many of the participants will one day be competing in international competitions. "I'm certain many of our participants here one day, we will be watching in international competitions, as we have become a force in terms of international sports and these kinds of events," Marcos said. The 2023 Palarong Pambansa is being held in Marikina City, the "Shoe Capital of the Philippines," from 29 July to 5 August. The games feature over 9,000 student-athletes, coaches and officials from all over the Philippines. The post PBBM to Palaro athletes: ‘Compete with excellence, fairness, integrity’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ex-NBA All-Star Kemba Walker signs for Monaco
Former NBA All-Star guard Kemba Walker signed for next season with Monaco on Friday. A four-time All-Star between 2017 and 2020, Walker is one of the highest profile signings in the history of the French league. He was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets where he played for eight seasons before leaving in 2019, before spending two seasons at the Boston Celtics, then a season at the New York Knicks. Last season, the 33-year-old played just nine games with the Dallas Mavericks, who signed him as a free agent in November before cutting him in January. The experienced Walker played 750 NBA games during his career and is the all-time leading scorer for the Hornets. Monaco hope Walker he will line up alongside influential American guard Mike James, who joined in July 2021 and still has a season left on his contract in the Principality. Walker is the fourth signing by the reigning French champions as they attempt to improve on their third-place finish in the Euroleague -- Europe's top club competition -- last season. French internationals Terry Tarpey, Mam Jaiteh and Petr Cornelie have also been recruited. Monaco also confirmed the one-season extension of the contract of Lithuanian centre Donatas Motiejunas, 32. The post Ex-NBA All-Star Kemba Walker signs for Monaco appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Isuzu Bulacan tops 18th Service Skills Olympics
[caption id="attachment_155563" align="aligncenter" width="525"] IPC VP for Aftersales Wataru Miyamoto (left), IPC president Tetsuya Fujita (second from left), IML executive officer and VP for Aftersales Naohiko Yanagawa (far right), together with the Isuzu Bulacan Aftersales Team. | Photographs courtesy of Isuzu Philippines[/caption] Isuzu Bulacan was hailed as the Dealer Grand Champion after computing all the category points in the recent Isuzu Service Skills Olympics. Isuzu Philippines Corporation recently concluded the 18th edition of its long-running ISSO in its assembly plant in Laguna. An annual dealer network competition, ISSO showcases the technical competency and service knowledge of Isuzu Aftersales personnel nationwide. Participated by 29 teams coming from different dealerships nationwide, each team is composed of a service advisor, parts staff and two service technicians who each went to different stages of knowledge and skills testing related to their respective roles in the service shop. In his welcome remarks, IPC president Tetsuya Fujita commended the excellent aftersales service of their dealer network. “With your commitment, we are able to achieve the number 1 truck brand title for 23 consecutive years. People continue to trust the Isuzu brand because of the Isuzu advantage that we offer which is our top-notch aftersales service and support,” he said. [caption id="attachment_155565" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ISUZU Service Technician during CV Category.[/caption] Fujita also acknowledged the networks’ effort that enables the company to achieve the coveted Triple Star Award for 4 consecutive years awarded by its principal company Isuzu Motors Limited, Japan. Present during the event was IML executive officer and vice president for aftersales Naohiko Yanagawa, who not only observed the rigorous competition but gave his sincere appreciation for Filipino service personnel. “Globally, Filipinos are known to be very talented and dedicated workers, which is why it is not surprising that almost every year Isuzu Philippines will get a podium finish at the Isuzu I-1 Grand Prix World Technical Competition,” Yanagawa said. Yanagawa was quick to relate because the ISSO also serves as a platform for selecting the team that will represent IPC in the prestigious I-1GP Competition in Japan to be held later this year. Since joining in 2006, IPC has been a consistent top performer for both the commercial vehicle and light commercial vehicle categories competing against other Isuzu-serving countries worldwide. For more details about Isuzu excellent Aftersales Service and its latest product line-up, visit its official website at www.isuzuphil.com. Winners of this year’s ISSO for Service Advisor Category were Maria Noemi Cabaltera (Isuzu Makati) followed by Marius Adrian Pablo (Isuzu Cabanatuan) and Cryser Ryan Carmona (Isuzu Pasig). Clinching the Parts Staff Category winners were Riza May Cabus (Isuzu Pagbilao), followed by Felipines Bangcaya (Isuzu Bulacan) and Hazel Ann Ramos (Isuzu Calapan). For the Service Technician Category Champions were Deolito Galono and Raymundo Eduque III (Isuzu Bulacan), followed by Christopher Jateco and Romeo Nayanga Jr. (Isuzu Pasig) and Sani James Maghanoy and Alex Roble (Isuzu Cagayan de Oro). The post Isuzu Bulacan tops 18th Service Skills Olympics appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Lumad Basakanons mourn death of Ricky Ballesteros
MANDAUE CITY, Cebu — Former Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) Executive Director Ricky Ballesteros was supposed to join the Lumad Basakanons of Barangay Basak San Nicolas in Cebu City as they dance the Sinulog in the Aliwan Festival’s grand parade on Saturday, July 15. The Aliwan, which is a competition of regional festival champions, is making […] The post Lumad Basakanons mourn death of Ricky Ballesteros appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Japan power into women’s Asia Cup basketball final
Defending champions Japan kept their bid for a sixth straight women's Asia Cup basketball title on track Saturday with an 88-52 semi-final thumping of New Zealand. Stephanie Mawuli poured in a game-high 17 points with six rebounds and three assists while Monica Okoye added 16 points as the world number nine overpowered a Tall Ferns side ranked 20 places below them. The Tokyo Olympic silver medallists will meet either world number two China -- runner-up to Japan at the last two Asia Cups -- or third-ranked hosts Australia on Sunday's final. Japan closed out the first quarter with a 24-11 advantage and went on a 14-0 run in the second to surge into a 47-25 half-time lead at Sydney Olympic Park. They shifted up a gear in the third frame with aggressive offense and built a 66-38 buffer going into the home stretch when New Zealand had nothing left in the tank. New Zealand was led by Charlisse Leger-Walker with 14 points. All four semi-finalists in the eight-team competition clinched a place at the 2024 Paris Olympic qualifying tournament. The post Japan power into women’s Asia Cup basketball final appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
The gold that mattered most
The sight of Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes pumping his fist in the air in midcourt while looking at the boisterous Cambodian crowd that supported their so-called national team peppered with naturalized players must have said it all. Redemption was written all over Chot’s face as the Filipinos finally slayed the ghost of their 68-79 debacle at the hands of the same team the first time they met last week in the basketball competitions of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games. The 80-69 revenge win over the host Cambodians came like a soothing balm for the wounded egos of the perennial regional champions who were roundly criticized after missing the gold two years ago and then again this year after bowing down to erstwhile doormat Cambodia. Less than 24 hours earlier, the gutsy Philippine five got back at Indonesia, the team that stripped them of the gold in the 2021 Vietnam Games, marking only the second time a Philippine squad failed to bring home the bacon in their favorite national pastime. “I know a lot of people doubted this time the first time we lost, what I didn’t tell you was that after the loss, I told them that ‘this is the loss that we could afford.’ We needed that loss, actually,” Chot said in the din of the celebration, marking the 19th time that the Philippines won the gold medal in men’s basketball. “The players did a hell of a job, they stuck together. We kept this Cambodian team of five, six Americans below 70 points,” he said referring to Cambodia’s naturalized players who surprised the Filipinos with a first-ever win last Thursday. The issue of naturalized players participating in the SEA Games, particularly in basketball, is a topic that has generated debates and differing opinions. While some argue that the presence of naturalized players undermines the integrity and spirit of the competition, others believe that it adds a new level of competitiveness and helps raise the overall standard of play. Critics argue that the inclusion of naturalized players creates an unfair advantage for certain countries. The disparity in skill and experience between naturalized players and those who have grown up within the country’s basketball development system can lead to lopsided contests, potentially diminishing the value of the competition. The increased reliance on naturalized players has reduced opportunities for local talents to represent their country at the Games. It has also hindered the growth and development of homegrown athletes who would otherwise have a chance to compete and gain experience on an international stage. Some contend that the essence of the SEA Games lies in promoting national pride and showcasing the skills of athletes who embody the spirit of their respective nations. The presence of naturalized players can dilute this sense of national identity and representation. In many international competitions, including the Olympics, the use of naturalized players has been a common practice. While adapting to this trend aligns the SEA Games with global sporting norms, it is probably still essential to find a balance that takes into consideration the perspectives of both sides. Establishing eligibility criteria and limitations on the number of naturalized players in a team could be a potential solution. This would allow for the participation of naturalized players while ensuring that local athletes continue to have ample opportunities to represent their country and develop their skills. Whether the presence of naturalized players has turned the SEA Games into a “sham” depends on individual viewpoints. It is therefore crucial for sports authorities to strike a balance between the inclusion of naturalized players and providing opportunities for local talents which we believe is key to maintaining the spirit and relevance of the SEA Games. e-mail:mannyangeles27@gmail.com The post The gold that mattered most appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kelvin Lee gets Thought Leadership Gold Awards for Fintech initiatives
The work of the Securities and Exchange Commission, led by Commissioner Kelvin Lester Lee, to grow Financial Technology (Fintech) in the Philippines has brought pride to the Philippines after Atty Lee was recognized as the top winner in the category of "Thought Leader of the Year" by the Asia Pacific Stevies Award. In winning the Gold Prize, Commissioner Lee's exceptional contributions to the field of Fintech have garnered recognition from the international community and cemented his position as a leading authority in the Asia-Pacific region, triumphing over other winners from the Philippines, Australia, Indonesia, and India. Apart from the Gold Prize, Commissioner Lee also won the coveted Grand Stevie Award for the Philippines, a recognition presented to the highest-scoring nomination from each of the four nations that submitted the most nominations to the competition after getting an impressive score of 8.83/10 from international jurors. As an incumbent Commissioner of the SEC, Lee has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives within Fintech. His noteworthy accomplishments include his involvement in the pioneer cohort of the University of Cambridge's Fintech and Regulatory Innovation Programme, significantly influencing his drive for a meticulous and balanced policy approach to Fintech regulation. In recognition of his vision and advocacy, Commissioner Lee played a pivotal role in establishing the SEC's PhiliFintech Innovation Office (PhiliFINNO) in 2021. Working under guidance, this office focuses on fintech regulation and policy recommendations, positioning the Philippines as a frontrunner in embracing technological advancements while prioritizing investor protection. Lee has also crafted the SEC's "delicate balancing act" policy to maintain a healthy marriage between encouraging innovation and ensuring investor safety. This policy enables the SEC to foster an environment conducive to Fintech growth while upholding its responsibility as a financial regulator to safeguard the interests of investors. The Commissioner's influence extends beyond national boundaries, as he is frequently invited to speak at Senate hearings, sit on panels, and deliver keynote speeches on Fintech policy. His expertise and insights on Fintech, Fintech policy, and Fintech regulation are sought after both in the Philippines and internationally. Noteworthy platforms where he has shared his knowledge include events organized by the University of Cambridge, the Asian Institute of Management, the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc., the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Cambodia, the Fintech Alliance, and the World Economic Forum, among others. Lee's dedication to advancing Fintech has taken him to Hong Kong, Singapore, London, and Cambridge, where he has shared his expertise and contributed to shaping the global Fintech landscape. In December 2022, the SEC official's Fintech policy work and thought leadership led to him being honored as one of the Philippine Blockchain Champions by the Blockchain Council of the Philippines. This recognition acknowledges his invaluable contributions in driving the adoption of blockchain and Web3 technologies in the Philippines, positioning the country as a prominent blockchain hub in Asia. In January 2023, Lee also solidified a partnership with the University of the Philippines Law Center through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), paving the way for joint research and capacity-building projects focused on digital assets, blockchain, non-fungible tokens, and decentralized finance. As a regulator, Commissioner Lee remains guided by the SEC's overarching approach to Fintech, striking a delicate balance between regulatory objectives, such as investor protection, and fostering an environment that embraces the innovative potential of Fintech. His leadership has adopted enabling policies encouraging innovation while proactively mitigating excessive risk buildup, ensuring market integrity and investor safeguarding. Lee's pursuit of innovation within the Fintech sector has solidified his position as a trusted and influential figure. According to the Stevies jurors, Commissioner Lee's accomplishments are a testament to his dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to advancing Fintech and promoting a secure and investor-friendly environment. The Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards received over 800 nominations this year, reflecting the remarkable innovative achievements across the 29-nation region. The winners will be celebrated during a virtual ceremony on June 27, providing an opportunity to recognize and honor the outstanding individuals and organizations shaping the business landscape in the Asia-Pacific region. The post Kelvin Lee gets Thought Leadership Gold Awards for Fintech initiatives appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Brief break for Bay Area
The Bay Area Dragons will take an eight-day break after closing out their first-ever competition with a runner-up finish in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup last Sunday then return to the Kerry Sports Gym in Shangri-La The Fort, BGC, to prepare for the eight-team East Asia Super League Champions Week set March 1 to 5 in Japan......»»
Champs League up
A bigger field and better competition are in the pipeline for the second edition of the Champions League set next month......»»
United City stuns Beijing for first AFC Champions League win by Pinoy club
The win, which they claimed after going down 0-2 in the opening half of the fixture, marked the first victory by a Philippine club in the elite regional competition......»»
PH football clubs absorb embarrassing defeats
By JONAS TERRADO Kaya-Iloilo put up a respectable showing despite another loss while United City was handed a brutal defeat for the second straight time Friday night in the AFC Champions League. A solid defensive effort prevented Kaya from being pummeled by South Korean side Ulsan Hyundai, winner of last year’s competition, in a 3-0 […].....»»