Filipino NBA camp trainer to aspiring coaches, trainers: Be dedicated
Through pure grit and determination, Codera had hurdled all the bumps life had thrown at him, all the while keeping his two feet firm on the ground......»»
OFW aspirants told: Engage with licensed recruitment agencies only
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The regional director of the Department of Migrant Workers in Central Visayas (DMW-7) warned aspiring Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to engage with only legitimate and licensed recruitment agencies. Lawyer Karl Arriola, DMW-7 director, told CDN Digital that even if he was a lawyer, he still subscribed to the doctors’ advice: Prevention.....»»
FIBA World Cup experience: Springboard to greater heights
Congratulations are in order for the whole Gilas Pilipinas Team for their monumental win versus China (96-75), ending our FIBA World Cup 2023 campaign on a hopeful note. I have always believed in the capabilities of our athletes who have shown their mettle in international sports competitions. As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, I am rallying all Filipinos to support our long-term roadmap to elevate the standing of our athletes in the global arena in all sporting events. Filipinos have excelled in the global stage not just in basketball, billiards, or boxing which are relatively the more popular sports in the country. Take for example Carlos Yulo in gymnastics, EJ Obiena in pole vaulting, Hidilyn Diaz in weightlifting, the late Lydia de Vega in track and field, and, of course, the Filipinas Football team who made us proud during the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup. Our very own Alex Eala is also a rising star in the world of tennis. We have many talented athletes, and we should support them in their quest to give honor to the country. However, success in any sporting event does not come easily. Any athlete will tell you that sports entails discipline, many hours of hard work, and even years of sacrifices. Hence, our efforts to strengthen our chances on the global stage must start at the grassroots level. This is the rationale behind RA 11470 or the National Academy of Sports or NAS law, which I authored and co-sponsored, and signed into law by former president Rodrigo Duterte in 2020. The NAS System will provide scholarships to qualified student-athletes from all regions and will allow them to balance academics and sports training by utilizing the state-of-the-art facilities at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac. I am also advocating the approval of Senate Bill No. 423 or the Philippine National Games or PNG Act, to institutionalize the conduct of the PNG every two years as this will allow us to discover those with athletic potential at the grassroots level. We have talented athletes, but the government must invest in providing them with opportunities to compete if we want to produce champions on both the national and international stages. I am pushing for SBN 2116, which will amend Section 8 of RA 10699 or the “National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act.” This will increase the incentives for para-athletes who will win medals in international competitions and make our approach more inclusive to all athletes regardless of their physical limitations. Our efforts to achieve victory in sports must reflect the diversity of our country. The government, together with the private sector and other stakeholders, must consistently provide all the support that our teams need to compete at the global level. Our focus must be on creating opportunities for all aspiring athletes, regardless of geographic or economic background, to excel in their chosen fields. Hence, we should bring our sports development programs closer to those who have the potentials and aspirations to represent our country and bring pride to every Filipino. More importantly, sports is not only a physical game but a means to uplift lives, keep our youth away from vices like illegal drugs, and strengthen camaraderie in our communities. Let us elevate sports as a viable tool in harnessing our citizens into disciplined, productive and patriotic individuals reflective of our Filipino pride. In the same way that we unite to support our athletes, let us also unite to support fellow Filipinos in need. That is why I have continued to engage with various sectors of society to listen to their concerns and help provide solutions to their daily struggles. Filipinos inherently have a “never say die” attitude, especially in sports which is reflective of our resilience as a society. But aside from this commendable trait, our resilience also stems from our inherent compassion for each other. Our “Tapang at Malasakit” must continue so that together, we can uplift the lives of Filipinos. As a Senator and public servant, I remain steadfast in supporting our athletes to reach greater heights while also exerting efforts to help bring government programs and services closer to those in need to provide them with opportunities for a better life. The post FIBA World Cup experience: Springboard to greater heights appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PNP recalls police escorts as part of barangay, SK election preps
The Police Security and Protection Group of the Philippine National Police on Tuesday announced it has launched a comprehensive recall of its protective security personnel stationed throughout the country as part of the preparation for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections scheduled for 30 October 2023, Brig. Gen. Leo Francisco, acting Director for Operations, led the presentation of recalled personnel at the PNP Transformation Oval, Camp BGen Rafael T Crame, Quezon City. Regional offices across the nation will also conduct their recall activities, which will be witnessed through online platforms. “This recall serves as a reminder of our duty to the people and the nation. As you return to your units, let your actions reflect the ideals of a just and democratic society”, PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda said in a statement on Tuesday. “Additionally, this recall serves as a proactive measure to prevent any undue influence, conflicts of interest, or perceptions of impropriety during the electoral process. Our priority is to uphold the principles of democracy and ensure that every citizen's voice is heard,” he added. Of the total 920 protective security personnel stationed nationwide, 679 PSPG personnel are subject to recall. Among these, 495 are responsible for safeguarding 285 government officials, while 425 are entrusted with the security of 309 private individuals. Those recalled will undergo refresher and specialization courses while awaiting redeployment after the election period. The initiative is in accordance with Comelec Resolution 10918, which outlines the Rules and Regulations on the Ban on the Bearing, Carrying or Transporting of Firearms or Other Deadly Weapons, as well as the Employment, Availment or Engagement of the Services of Security Personnel or Bodyguards during the Election Period. The election period starting on 28 August marks the period of prohibition that extends until 29 November 2023. During this time, Comelec regulations dictate the suspension of activities involving the carrying of firearms or other deadly weapons and the employment of security personnel or bodyguards by incumbent public officials, whether elected or appointed, as well as private individuals. To facilitate the application for the issuance of a Certificate of Authority for Security Detail, eligible individuals, including incumbent public officials and private citizens, are encouraged to submit their requests online through the Comelec website. The electronic filing system has been operational since 5 June 2023, and will remain open until 15 November 2023. As of 24 August 2023, a total of 295 applications have been received for CA-SD, with 49 having already received approval. The Comelec is expecting around 2 million aspiring candidates for the BSKE. In total, 672,432 positions need to be filled. These account for 42,027 positions for Punong Barangay and another 42,027 positions for SK Chairpersons. Around 294,189 seats should also be filled for each Sangguniang Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan group. The post PNP recalls police escorts as part of barangay, SK election preps appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Biden widens web of US alliances faced with China, Russia, Trump
With a historic three-way summit with Japan and South Korea, President Joe Biden has further deepened the web of US partnerships in a determined signal to adversaries despite question marks on the political climate at home. Since Biden took office in 2021, NATO has expanded and mostly closed ranks over Russia's invasion of Ukraine -- and, in clear if unstated responses to an assertive China, the United States forged a new three-way defense pact with Australia and Britain and ramped up work through the four-way Quad involving Australia, India and Japan. The United States already has security alliances with Japan and South Korea, together the bases for some 84,500 troops, but will now also plan three-way, multi-year military exercises across all domains along with real-time information-sharing and a crisis hotline. Jon Alterman, a senior vice president at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said that alliances were "baked" into the mindset of Biden, who was a senator at the end of the Cold War. Partnerships can increase other countries' faith in the direction of the United States, Alterman added. "This administration believes deeply in the centrality -- not the importance, the centrality -- of partnerships," he said. "The challenge is, all of our partners remember the previous administration, they look at the polling numbers, and they have absolutely no confidence in where the US is going to be in two years' time, five years' time or 10 years' time," he said. Previous president Donald Trump loudly questioned the value of alliances, insisting that countries such as Germany and South Korea were not paying enough for the US troop presence and scoffing at NATO's commitments of mutual defense to all allies. Trump is again seeking the White House and recent opinion polls have also shown softening support for US military assistance to Ukraine, which has totaled $43 billion since Russia's attack. Asked about Trump at a news conference with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the Camp David presidential retreat, Biden said that his predecessor's "America First policy, walking away from the rest of the world, has made us weaker, not stronger." "America is strong with our allies and our alliances, and that's why we will endure," Biden said. Tougher task in Asia Whereas in Europe the United States has led a common defense for decades under NATO, in Asia -- seen by Biden as the critical region -- Washington has navigated individual alliances with Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Australia and Thailand. One reason for the hodgepodge has been historical animosity between Japan and South Korea, with the Camp David summit until recently unthinkable. Yoon has turned the page by resolving a dispute over Japan's wartime forced labor of Koreans. Yoon, Kishida and Biden said they shared the same vision of a "rules-based international order" -- a nod to China's muscle-flexing in Asia but also to Ukraine, of which Japan and South Korea have been prominent non-Western supporters. China denounced the Camp David initiative, with state media saying the United States was raising tensions by creating a "mini-NATO," although there was no three-way mutual defense promise. Shihoko Goto, acting director of the Asia program at the Wilson Center, doubted that the three countries were even aspiring to collective self-defense but said their new cooperation was part of an "interweaving" with existing alliance arrangements. "As a single thread it may be weak, but because it is going to be part of that fabric and making it into a multi-layered approach, it would actually be really strong," she said. Risks await Biden has also moved bilaterally with countries concerned about Russia and China. He has said he plans to travel shortly to boost ties with Vietnam, whose tensions with Beijing run deep. But one of his big bets, India, has stood firm on its historic refusal to join alliances and is also taking part this week in a summit with Russia and China of the BRICS bloc of emerging economies. Trump is not the only wild card for the future. In South Korea, Yoon is only allowed a single term, which ends in 2027. "If an ultra-leftist South Korean president and an ultra-right wing Japanese leader are elected in their next cycles, or even if Trump or someone like him wins in the US, then any one of them could derail all the meaningful, hard work the three countries are putting in right now," said Duyeon Kim, an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security. The post Biden widens web of US alliances faced with China, Russia, Trump appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go leads Senate in congratulating Filipino champions of 2023 World Cup of Pool
On 16 August, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go sponsored a Senate resolution congratulating and commending James Aranas and Johann Chua for winning the 2023 World Cup of Pool. The 2023 World Cup of Pool, a prestigious pool doubles tournament participated in by 32 teams representing different countries, was held in Spain from 27 June to 2 July 2023. In a thrilling showdown, the Filipino duo bested Germany’s Joshua Filler and Moritz Neuhausen, 11-7, in the finals at the Pazo de Feiras E Congresos in Lugo, Spain. The victory not only showcased the outstanding talents of the athletes but also ended the country's decade-long title drought, marking the fourth World Cup of Pool championship for the Philippines since 2013. “This triumph holds a special significance,” stated Go. “Their quest to victory was not achieved overnight, for it was the outcome of thorough preparation, unyielding commitment, and relentless perseverance.” Go, chairperson of the Committee on Sports, praised Aranas and Chua as beacons of inspiration, reminding Filipino athletes to pursue their dreams with “unwavering determination and passion.” He also extended recognition to the coaching staff and trainers, emphasizing their vital role in the athletes' success. In an impassioned moment, Go reflected on the hardships the athletes endure, saying, “Hindi po biro ang kanilang sakripisyo na ginagawa tuwing sila ay mag-eensayo." "Ang iba po sakanila ay kailangan mahiwalay sa kanilang mga pamilya at mahal sa buhay para lang makamit ang kanilang mga pangarap," added Go. The senator further emphasized the need to prioritize and advocate for the welfare of athletes, maintaining the advancements attained in the global sports arena. He called for united support and collaboration to honor and uplift the nation through sports. Concluding his speech, Go addressed the champions directly, saying, “Once again, I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to the both of you for exhibiting exceptional skill and talent." "Your unwavering determination and dedication have set a remarkable example for all of us, demonstrating what can be achieved through hard work and perseverance. We look forward to your future achievements and continued success. Mabuhay kayo!” concluded Go. A sports advocate and enthusiast himself, Go called for additional support for aspiring Filipino athletes during the deliberation for the 2023 budgets of the Philippine Sports Commission and the Games and Amusement Board. The senator is also an ardent supporter of long-term and grassroots sports development in the country. Go authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11470, establishing the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in 2020. The NAS is a government-run academy aimed at developing the country’s future athletes by offering quality secondary education with a special curriculum on sports for gifted young Filipinos who want to enhance their physical and mental capabilities in sports. The said law is in line with Go’s vision of providing a dedicated learning facility where promising young athletes can further hone their talents while getting quality education. The NAS Main Campus is located at the New Clark City Sports Complex in Capas, Tarlac. As one of his priority measures in the 19th Congress, Go also filed Senate Bill No. 423, or the proposed Philippine National Games Act of 2022, to provide a structure for a more comprehensive national sports program, linking grassroots sports promotion to national sports development. Go is also the author of Senate Bill No. 2116, which seeks to amend Republic Act No. 10699 or the "National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act”, which was tackled by the Senate Committee on Sports during the hearing. He emphasized the need to further recognize para-athletics on the same footing as other international competitions. The post Bong Go leads Senate in congratulating Filipino champions of 2023 World Cup of Pool appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Schools and students feted for innovative, tech-based sustainable solutions
The innovative potential of youth combined with the power of technology was the driving force of the 6th “imake.wemake:create.innovate.collaborate” competition final presentation and awarding ceremony recently at Crimson Hotel, Alabang, Muntinlupa City. The Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute conferred the Youth Innovation Prize to three school teams whose technologies exhibited novelty and patentability, functionality and a unique selling point, collaboration, design and feasibility, extensibility and practicability. The three school teams each received a P200,000 cash prize sponsored by Honda Cars Philippines Inc. through HCPI vice president Atty. Louie Soriano; a trophy, and P20,000 cash prize for their respective coaches. This year, innovations in forest conservation, sustainable agriculture and sustainable microplastic pollution control took center stage. Youth Innovation Prize The Cavite Science Integrated School bagged the YIP for “Project KALINGA: Geolocation Estimation of Forest Activities Using Triangulation and Sound Classification.” The project aims to address the longstanding issue of illegal logging and deforestation in the Philippines by helping forest rangers monitoring such activities. It works by using the triangulation method and sound classification to estimate the geolocation (or geographical location) of sound sources, specifically sounds of equipment used in illegal forest activities like chainsaws and vehicles. The team included Uno A. Café, Rainier M. Guinto, Sigmund Francis S. Manalo and Precious A. Zapanta, with Elain E. Malones as their coach. The Philippine Science High School-CALABARZON Region Campus also received the YIP for “SAMGIOP: Development of an IoT-based Sensory Device for Leaf Damage and Abiotic Factors in Cabbage (Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis) Using Raspberry Pi.” The project, designed as an innovative response to pest infestation problems in cabbages, was developed by Harvae C. dela Cruz, Joanna Daniella C. Fajardo, Ma. Hannah Isabel L. Suguitan, and Anjirehl Ernest Godfrei C. Zapata, with Marizel B. Villanueva as their coach. The project “E-QUIA: Remotely Operated Electrostatic Collector of Polyethylene Terephthalate Microplastics in Freshwater Environment” of Vinzons Pilot High School was the third YIP awardee Addressing the environmental damage caused by microplastics, particularly in freshwater, E-QUIA is a remote-controlled device that uses an environmentally-friendly method to collect microplastics from freshwater environments via an electrostatic filtration system The technology was developed by Alliyah C. Cambronero, Reynier Francis E. Espinola, Allen Misty B. Jalina and Lea Monina G. Pioquinto, with Jason N. Bargo as their coach. Young Scientist Award The Gokongwei Brothers Foundation, through Graciela Mendoza, head of scholarships and community education, also bestowed the Young Scientist Award to four students who were selected from a pool of 80 aspiring young scientists: Sigmund Francis S. Manalo and Precious A. Zapanta of Cavite Science Integrated School, Harvae C. dela Cruz of Philippine Science High School-CALABARZON Region Campus, and Reynier Francis E. Espinola of Vinzons Pilot High School. The YSA is a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics college scholarship awarded to outstanding students who exhibit admirable values and a strong commitment to STEM education. GBF has been DoST-SEI’s years-long partner in promoting a strong culture of science among the Filipino youth to encourage, recognize and support them in pursuing careers in STEM on the road to becoming future innovators and nation builders. C&E Adaptive Learning Solutions Innovation Award To complete the roster of winners, Lala National High School received the C&E Adaptive Learning Solutions Innovation Award from C&E Adaptive Learning Solutions vice president Gerric Gomez. CEALS is a special award given to a school team whose project exhibits excellent design using the Arduino platform and has strong market potential. The project, “Automated Calamansi Harvesting Robot”, focused on effective and efficient crop harvesting to maximize crop yield and minimize losses. It was developed by the team of Guilmarc C. Baculao, Luilaine R. Lumanas, Carlo James C. Saladaga, and Jetrice Lesuzest L. Tanguihan, with Harold C. Delostrico as their coach. The post Schools and students feted for innovative, tech-based sustainable solutions appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Fil-Brit boxers in ABAP camp
Two Filipino-British boxers are training at Teachers Camp in Baguio, hoping to impress ABAP coaches for a chance to represent the country maybe at the Asian Games and even the Olympics......»»
Boxers ready for SEA Games
Eight of nine male boxers competing in the coming SEA Games are deep in training in Shymkent, Kazakhstan with coaches Ronald Chavez, Gerson Nietes and Elmer Pamisa while heavyweight 92 kg contender Markus Tongco and three female fighters are staying sharp at Teachers Camp in Baguio with coaches Pat Gaspi, Don Abnett, Roel Velasco, Elias Recaido, Reynaldo Galido, Violito Payla, Joegen Ladon and Mitchel Martinez.....»»
P1.9 rewards provided to PNP informants
The Philippine National Police revealed on Friday that it has already distributed at least P1.9 million worth of cash rewards to confidential informants who have provided key information that led to the arrest of 12 most wanted persons in the country. PNP director for Intelligence Maj. Gen. Benjamin Acorda said that the awarding took place at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City on 18 April. “These claimants provided vital information that led to the arrest of 12 fugitives from justice listed as most wanted persons and were wanted for heinous crimes such as murder, rape and multiple attempted murder, and had outstanding warrants for their arrest,” Acorda said. The PNP Reward Program grants monetary rewards to individuals who were instrumental in the successful capture, surrender, or death of most wanted persons. Acorda also encouraged the public to continue supporting and helping the PNP by providing necessary information on criminals and wanted persons for their immediate arrests. Meantime, Philippine National Police chief Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. on 16 April visited the Police Regional Office 10 and expressed his gratitude to the officers and personnel for their dedicated service to the people of Northern Mindanao. The visit was the last on his schedule before his 56th birthday on 24 April which is his retirement date. Azurin commended the exceptional work of the men and women of PRO 10 in making their area of responsibility safer and more secure. Azurin also identified three areas for the PNP’s enhancement: community-based policing and engagement, the development and utilization of technology and data, and the welfare and professional development of officers. He said these priorities are directly related to several activities during his visit, including the induction of officers of the life coaches and faith-based groups, the Kontra Boga program, and the blessing of several new facilities. The post P1.9 rewards provided to PNP informants appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Final bell rings for boxing chief Ed Picson
Philippine sports lost a pillar -- both inside and outside the boxing ring. Edgar “Ed” Picson passed away following a long battle with liver cancer, his friend and longtime colleague Joaquin Henson announced. He was 69. A Letran College alumnus, Picson started his television career as a semi-regular in "John N Marsha" -- a highly-successful sitcom featuring comedy king Dolphy and Nida Blanca in the 1980s -- while doing boardwork as a radio DJ. He made it into sports the following decade as he served as commentator for “Blow By Blow,” the weekly boxing program that launched Manny Pacquiao’s professional career. He also served as color commentator for the Philippine Basketball Association and wrote a regular column at the Manila Bulletin. In 2009, his biggest break came. With the group of industrialist Manny Pangilinan taking over the leadership of the Association of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines from Manny Lopez, Picson was appointed as executive director who will man the day-to-day operations of the organization. A few years later, he was tapped as Vargas’ secretary general replacing Patrick Gregorio. Under Picson, Philippine boxing flourished as he retained the services of longtime coaches like Pat Gaspi, Ronald Chavez and Roel and Boy Velasco while expanding its talent identification program in major provinces like Cebu, Davao and Cagayan de Oro. To make the program more holistic, he hired a foreign mentor in Donn Abnett of Australia and provided the boxers with deep knowledge in strength and conditioning, psychology, nutrition and other sport sciences. The result was truly impressive as his leadership inspired Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam to win a silver medal while Eumir Marcial took home a bronze medal in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. His achievement was greatly rewarded when Vargas passed him the Abap leadership in November of 2021. To make up for his lingering battle with cancer, he tapped a young sport leader in Marcus Manalo to assist him as his secretary general. The boxers were preparing for the 32nd Southeast Asian Games at the Teachers Camp in Baguio City when news of Picson’s demise broke out at high noon on Wednesday. “It is with deep sadness that I confirm that ABAP president Ed Picson passed away this morning due to complications from cancer of the liver,” Manalo said in a statement. “ABAP will have a special board meeting tomorrow and will come up with an official statement.” Henson said branded Picson as a sports broadcasting “legend.” “ABAP president and dear friend Ed Picson passed away at 11 this morning due to complications from liver cancer,” Henson said in a social media post. “Ed was a legend in sports broadcasting and when Senator Manny revived ‘Blow By Blow’ late last year, he was invited to cover the fights but he declined. He will be missed.” Another broadcasting colleague in Bill Velasco said he will definitely miss Picson, whom he worked with in the PBA panel in the 1990s. “Lost another old friend today. Farewell, Ed Picson, my colleague from Vintage Enterprises in the early 1990’s,” Velasco said. “You were always articulate, level-headed, and spoke your mind. A great sportscaster, voice talent, and boxing official. God bless you, kind sir.” The post Final bell rings for boxing chief Ed Picson appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Beauty camp Aces & Queens starts training pageant hopefuls from ‘grassroots level’
Aspiring beauty queens from different provinces need not come to Metro Manila to train and prepare for a pageant competition as Aces & Queens is bringing its “boot camps” to various locations in the country......»»
Gymnastics gets a lift
The recent Legends Performance Camp that brought together five elite coaches from the US to work with local coaches and female gymnasts in a three-day program at the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines National Training Center in Intramuros was a major lift for the sport......»»
Marcial, 4 other PH bets arrive in Tokyo
By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA Five athletes from boxing and rowing were among the first from the Philippine contingent to arrive in Tokyo, Japan Saturday for the Tokyo Olympics set to officially fire off July 23. Boxers Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam and Irish Magno, along with their coaches arrived from their training camp in Thailand while Eumir […].....»»
Petecio vows to give ‘150 percent’ effort in ‘Calambubble’ for Olympic qualifiers
By CARLO ANOLIN Nesthy Petecio is just one of the Filipino boxers seeking Olympic berths for the coronavirus-hit Tokyo Games in July. With the start of their 90-day training camp in Calamba, Laguna dubbed as “Calambubble,” Petecio couldn’t be happier to return to regular face-to-face meetings with her coaches and teammates. “Noong […].....»»
PH athletics plans Clark training camp
Twenty national athletes and four coaches will take part in a one-month training camp that is being planned to be held this November......»»
Pinoy US NCAA coach to hold webinar
Newly minted University of California (UC) Riverside head coach Mike Magpayo is set to share his knowledge to aspiring Filipino and Asian mentors in a coaching webinar this Wednesday organized by the Asian Coaches Association (ACA)......»»
Even courtside reporter Tricia Robredo lived NU s no regrets mentality in UAAP 77
National University had to take the rougher road to reach the mountaintop in UAAP 77. First, the Bulldogs had to come out on top of Roi Sumang's University of the East for the fourth-seed. Next, they had to come through against top-seeded and twice-to-beat Ateneo de Manila University with Kiefer Ravena and Von Pessumal showing the way. Finally, they had to claim the crown at the expense of Mac Belo and Mike Tolomia-led Far Eastern University in three games, having lost the Finals opener. In the end, though, at long last, Jhocson Street was to be the venue of a championship celebration anew. National U won it all because it played every game like it was its last - and, well, many of those matchups could, indeed, have been its last. That's exactly why in each and every game in that Cinderella run, they made sure to leave their all on the floor. "Ang battle cry namin nun was 'no regrets' kasi talagang ang dami naming knockout nun so nilagay namin sa board yun," head coach Eric Altamirano said in last week's The Prospects Pod. He then continued, "We put it there, 'no regrets.' Ano man ang abutin namin, okay lang as long as binigay namin lahat. Every game, that's what we reminded each other." Apparently, that mentality wasn't for coaches and players alone. In fact, long before that Cinderella run, one person in the Bulldogs' camp was already having no regrets. "Before the season, when ABS-CBN called me for my second and last, I was tentative pa kung babalik pa talaga ako kasi I was already in med school," courtside reporter Tricia Robredo shared in her surprise appearance in the same episode. "Pero yun nga, like sabi ni Coach E, mare-regret ko yun kung hindi ako bumalik." Robredo was coming off her rookie year as CSR, but was already done with her premed course by then. Meaning, med school proper was already awaiting her. Years later, though, the 26-year-old now studying for the board exams has no regrets about her decision. "Lalo na nga nag-champion pa sila. Sobrang saya nila, very light ang atmosphere that season. Not only light, pero kahit hindi sila kina-count na isa sa mananalo, sobrang tatapang nila," she shared. She then continued, "Kaya towards the end of the season, alam mong may chance kasi go lang sila. Sobrang inspiring to be in their presence kaya masaya naman akong naging part ako nun kunwari kahit 'di naman ako naglaro." And for the UAAP 77 champions, they would not have wanted another CSR to be standing alongside them as they made history. As Coach E put it, "Well, sa akin, personally talaga, when you talk about NU Season 77, hindi mawawala si Trish." --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @riegogogo......»»
Jovelyn Gonzaga: A soldier s heart
National team star Jovelyn Gonzaga continues to fulfill her duty as a soldier serving the locally stranded individuals (LSI) inside the Philippine Army camp in Taguig. Since the start of the lockdown, Gonzaga as well as other volleyball players and coaches, who are also enlisted military personnel, heeded the call in the war against the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in different fronts as frontliners. The opposite hitter of the Army Lady Troopers in the Premier Volleyball League and Cignal in the Philippine Superliga has been on duty in Fort Bonifacio since the start of the community quarantine four months ago. Gonzaga in a lengthy but heartwarming post on her Instagram account shared her experience and realizations while on her tour of duty. “With this pandemic crippling our nation. I once again feel the importance and value of what we do as soldiers serving the country,” she wrote. “We are tasked to take care of the LSIs. And the inspiration I am getting every day on duty from our displaced countrymen despite of all the challenges surrounding their conditions is really remarkable.” View this post on Instagram 1/2 PROUD ARMY.. I remember the days when I was just starting my playing career. I was hesitant and full of doubt until I find my niche and understand my deeper why? Why am I doing these things? And where is passion coming from. All my life since I started playing volleyball, I always make it a point that my resiliency is always in check. Though there were some instances that I intend to give up? However, the desire in me to do better withstand all these challenges. That same resiliency and passion is what keeps me going until now. As a professional volleyball player and as a soldier. Serving the country is in my DNA, while playing for the country and as a soldier serving my countryman. With this pandemic crippling our nation. I once again feel the importance and value of what we do as a soldier in serving the country. We are tasked to take care of the LSI’s. And the inspiration I am getting every day on duty from out our displaced countrymen despite of all the challenges surrounding their conditions is really remarkable. And instead of me writing about them? I would rather write something from me and the lessons I’ve learned meeting them first hand. And this is my story. My regular day is training, duty and training. Sometimes go out for other stuff but most often times it’s me being a soldier and an athlete altogether. When we were call to duty in taking care of the LSI’s? Mixed emotions hit me. There’s excitement, pity and I would say fear of the unknown as we took on our new tour of duty within our territory. As we received our first batch of LSI’s. You can see in their eyes the struggles they’ve been through. However, you can also sense the sigh of relief from their actions that things will be better compared to their previous conditions. You can feel in the air the longingness of our LSI’s to go home and be with their families. Regardless of their uncertainties with regards to the acceptance of their home provinces on returning LSI’s. We all know that not all provinces are welcoming their LSI’s due to the danger of spreading Covid-19 in their respective places. @yourphilippinearmy To be continued..... A post shared by Jovelyn Gonzaga (@bionic_ilongga) on Jul 12, 2020 at 6:34pm PDT The Ilongga spiker said that she can also relate to the plight of the LSIs holed up in the camp while waiting for clearance to get back to their homes. “I remember when I was just new here in Manila. I am always looking forward to that opportunity that I can go home and visit my family. I know the struggle of being far from your family. But then again, I think, my condition is far away better than their current situation,” Gonzaga posted. Gonzaga continued by saying that the resiliency and the spark of hope in the eyes of the LSIs serves as her inspiration. View this post on Instagram 2/2 PROUD ARMY Longing to go home is somewhat I can personally relate. I remember when I was just new here in Manila. I am always looking forward to that opportunity that I can go home and visit my family. I know the struggle of being far from your family. But then again, I think, my condition is far away better than their current situation. This is where I draw my inspirations. These LSI’s desire to come home notwithstanding all the hassles and challenges are very admirable. This is where you will feel the value of having a family to come home to. The strong family ties we Filipinos have will always be the reason and the foundation of each and every LSI’s I met and will be meeting in the next coming days. The Filipino bayanihan spirit is very evident since no one is too selfish not to share what they have to help others. The resiliency I have and the toughness these LSI’s are showing is what made us Filipinos invincible amidst any circumstances. This experience I am in right now will always be my driving force in serving my country more. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas. Mabuhay tayong mga Filipino. @yourphilippinearmy Collab w/ @iamjlac ♥? A post shared by Jovelyn Gonzaga (@bionic_ilongga) on Jul 12, 2020 at 6:38pm PDT With positive cases still on the rise, LSIs in different holding facilities could be looking at an extended time away from their families. But rest assured that military personnel like Gonzaga will always be there to serve......»»
Tab out of TNT
One stint came to an end even as another continues to chug on at the TNT camp. Gilas Pilipinas project director Tab Baldwin was relieved of his duties as assistant coach of the KaTropa in the wake of his rant against Filipino coaches and the PBA’s import-laced conferences while guesting in a podcast two weeks […] The post Tab out of TNT appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Helping creators adapt to uncertain times
YouTube and mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. have teamed up to bring Creator Camp Live, a series of online events and workshops where established and aspiring creators can learn from the broader YouTube community, industry experts, and leading content creators on how to pivot and be effective in the time disrupted by the pandemic. .....»»