Tuesday, October 30, 2012

TOP DUATHLETES VIE FOR ASIAN DUATHLON SLOTS

PhilStar.  MANILA, Philippines - Over 100 top age-group duathletes from 19 countries vie for qualifying slots in the 2013 Elite Duathlon World Championships (World Games) in the Century Tuna ASTC Asian Duathlon Championships set Nov. 25 in Subic Bay.

Asian Triathlon Confederation (ASTC) members Japan, China, Korea, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Chinese Taipei, Syria and Iran have confirmed participation in the event organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) with Malaysia set to field in 20 entries.

Duathletes from Brazil, Australia, Great Britain, France, Denmark, Germany, Russia, Canada and New Zealand have also joined the event.

As based on the rules of the International Triathlon Union (ITU), the top five male and female athletes of each ITU Continental Qualification Event will gain slots in the Elite Duathlon World Championships (World Games) set July 26-27 in Cali, Colombia. In total, 110 male and female duathletes will compete in the World Championships which was confirmed by the ASTC during its executive board meeting in Auckland, New Zealand recently.

The TRAP has also confirmed that more than 300 local participants have signed up for the event, sponsored by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Tourism Department, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Fitness First, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines (ACIP), Standard Insurance and Gatorade.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

FOUR PROMISING TRIATHLETES TO LEAD CEBU TEAM TO BATANG PINOY

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Published in Cebu Daily Newspaper on October 28, 2012 Sunday issue
by Mars G. Alison, Correspondent
Rick Gabuya, Sports Editor

JUSTIN Chiongbian, Jezreel Tan, Issa Priagula and Ana Patricia "Icamax" Maximo will form the core group who will represent Cebu in the triathlon competition of the upcoming Batang Pinoy this December in Iloilo.

The four were chosen by national coach Melvin Fausto after topping yesterday's aquathlon race, which is part of the SuperTriKids National Grassroots Program (NAGP) Camp and Competition held at the Plantation Bay Resort and Spa Cebu in Mactan Island.

Chiongbian and Tan are from Sacred Heart School - Ateneo de Cebu, Priagula is from Maria Montessori International School and Maximo is from Sacred Heart School - Hijas de Jesus.

Fausto said the four will be training under Franz Baguio who will also be presiding over the Cebu triathlon developmental pool.

The Batang Pinoy competition will be one of the basis for rankings in the national developmental team, wherein representatives of the Philippines for the Asian qualifyings for the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympics will be chosen.

Only those who make it to the top four in the national developmental team will be able to compete in the Asian qualifyings next year.

The qualifiers will then be ranked and only five from Asia will be chosen to compete in the Nanjing Youth Olympics.

Since there is no limit for the number of participants for the Batang Pinoy, Fausto said there is still a chance for others to join the multi-sporting event./ CORRESPONDENT MARS G. ALISON

TRAP EYES FOUR TO JOIN DEVELOPMENTAL TEAM

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Published in Sun Star Newspaper on October 28, 2012 Sunday issue
by Iste S. Leopoldo, Staff Writer
Mike Limpag, Sports Editor


FOUR young Cebuano triathletes are being eyed to become the newest members of the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) Cebu developmental team after an impressive performance during Trap's national grassroots program camp at the Plantation Bay Resort and Spa.

The camp ended with a competition and the current members - Nina Francesca Villaba, Justin and Yuan Chiongbian topped their divisions.  They may soon be joined by Jezreel and John Tan, Issa Priagula and Ana Patricia Maximo.

"For now, they are considered as 'potential members' and they are being recommended to represent Cebu for the Batang Pinoy this December along with Villaba and the Chiongbian brothers.  This will serve as a springboard for them to become possible members," Trap executive director Oscar Rodriguez said.

The recommendation for the additional members of the Cebu team for Batang Pinoy Finals this coming Dec. 7-8 in Iloilo City is based on Trap coach Melvin Fausto's assessment of the training camp and competition.

Rodriguez added that the young athletes surprised several Trap officials with the level of skills they showed during the SuperTriKids Triathlon and Aquathlon race conducted yesterday.

"They competed like seasoned young athletes.  They swam and ran like those I have watched in Subic (races)," Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez also said that Fausto was impressed with the kind of connection triathlete Franz Baguio has with the kids during the training and has appointed him to be the Cebu trainer for the developmental team.

"Fausto will ask Baguio to supervise the trainings of the developmental members from now on and he will give Fausto a monthly report on their progress," Rodriguez said.

Yesterday, Rodriguez said that they conducted a triathlon event for kids under eight years old and an aquathlon race for the boys and girls divisions.  ISL

RISING TRIATHLETES

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Published in Cebu Daily Newspaper on October 28, 2012 Sunday issue
by Mars G. Alison, Correspondent
Rick Gabuya, Sports Editor


The Chiongbian siblings of the Sacred Heart School Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) are becoming a force to reckon with in triathlon after each of them topped their respective categories in the SuperTriKids National Grassroots Program (NAGP) competition yesterday at the Plantation Bay Resort and Spa Cebu in Mactan Island.

Justin Chiongbian clocked 18 minutes and 47 seconds to clinch the 13-15 boys category, Yuan crossed the finish line in 10:44 to dominate the 11-12 boys, and Savannah finished with a time of 9:02 to top the Under 7 girls category.

Justin overcame a sluggish swim performance to overtake his national developmental teammate Jomai Santos of Pampanga in the run leg.

Santos, who was out of the water first, settled for second place with a distant time of 20:21.

Third place was salvaged by another Magis eagle athlete Jezreel Tan with his time of 22:29.

The distaff side was ruled by Ana Patricia "Icamax" Maximo, who finished the whole race in 26:44.  Trailing her at second place in 27:42 was Issa Priagula of Maria Montessori International School.

In the 11-12 category, Yuan, a member of the national developmental pool, relegated Ralph So to second place and Richmond Sevilla to third place.  So clocked 11:10 while Sevilla has a time of 12:49.

The distaff side was dominated by Mica Villaba, another member of the national developmental pool.  Villaba crossed the finish line in 12:30.  Following 20 seconds behind was Aaliyah Mataragnon to place second while finishing third was Nyza Archival with a time of 15:45.

Nyza's older siblings, Nyka and Nyko, also entered the top 3 in the 9-10 category.  Nyka ruled the girls division with her time of 14:34 while Nyko salvaged third place in the boys division after clocking 14:18.

Placing second to Nyka was Cassadra Saravanan, who clocked 15:12.

Nyko, on the other hand, trailed Aldrich Alvez, who topped the category with 12:31 and Eduard So who placed second with 12:50

Ruling the 7-8 were Xeemon Cuyos (8:55) for the boys and Yasmin Priagula (10:35) for the girls.

Placing second were Seth Perez and Eim Espina.

Reigning supreme in the 7-under boys division was Sisco Cuyos with a time of 8:14.

CHIONGBIANS STAMP CLASSES IN STK EVENT


Published in The Freeman Newspaper on October 28, 2012 Sunday issue
by Caecent No-ot Magsumbol, Staff Writer
Manny Villaruel, Sports Editor


CEBU, Philippines - Aspiring Cebuano triathlete Justin Chiongbian and his brother Yuan stamped their respective classes in aquathlon event of the 2012 SuperTriKids at the Plantation Bay Resort and Spa yesterday.

After a 300-meter swim around the posh resort's lagoon, Justin came out of the water a distant second to fellow national training pool member Jepoy Santos.

However, the 14-year-old Justin Chiongbian was able to overtake Santos even before the first loop of the run portion could be done.

Justin kept a fast pacing to finish the boys 13-15 aquathlon in 18 minutes and 47 seconds, way ahead of Santos who finished the race in 20:21. Another Cebuano bet Jezreel Tan came out third with a 22:29 clocking.

Yuan Chiongbian, on other hand, topped the boys 11-12 category in 10 minutes and four seconds under a shorter distance than the 13-15 class. Ralph So placed second in 11:10 followed by Richmond Seville with the time of 12:49.

Savannah “Savvi” Chiongbian, for her part, made sure not to be outdone by her 'kuyas' as she ruled the girls 7-under triathlon with the time of eight minutes and 14 seconds. Dhexia Bersabal completed the race in 10 minutes to cop the second place honors.

Savvi’s way on top became easier as her closest rival Mikele Jopson was not able to compete for coming in late.

On the other hand, the Cuyos brothers also had a great time, with Sisco racing unopposed in the boys 7-under and Xeemon ruling the 7-8 division over Seth Perez.

Aldrich Alvez lorded it over in the boys 9-10 age group with the time of 12:31 followed by Eduard So (12:50) and Nyko Archival (4:18).

In the distaff side, Yasmin Priagula reigned supreme in girls 7-8 division with the time of 11:06, while Nyka Archival won the girls 9-10 battle in 15:12.

In the girls aquathlon, Nica Villaba and Ana Patricia "Icamax" Maximo shared the limelight.

Villaba topped the 11-12 action with a 12:20 clocking followed by Aaliyah Mataragnon (12:30) and Nyza Archival (15:45), while Maximo bagged the 13-15 crown in runaway fashion. (FREEMAN)

Monday, October 22, 2012

TOO CLOSE TO CALL


Published in Sun Star Newspaper on October 20, 2012 Sunday issue
by Marian C. Baring, Staff Writer
Mike Limpag, Sports Editor


... Meanwhile, Joneza Mie Sustisuedo salvaged Western Visayas’s pride as the renowned barefoot runner decided to go back to where she is comfortable—running without shoes.

With just plasters wrapped on her feet and toes, Sustisuedo, the Palarong Pambansa record holder, not just won the 5,000-meter run but also defeated Visayas teammate Lovelie Andrin, the only runner to have defeated her in the Cebu eliminations that reduced the diminutive runner to tears.
Andrin finished only third.

“Pagtakbo ko, ang iniisip ko talaga, hindi yung maka gold lang ako. Gusto ko talaga siyang talunin. Kaya nag paa ako, kasi humihina ako pang nakasapatos,” said Sustisuedo, who became famous for making a record in the Palarong Pambansa even if she ran barefoot. She started wearing spike shoes in the Cebu eliminations and her time dramatically dropped.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

700 JOIN PINK RUN


700 JOIN PINK RUN


Published in Sun Star Newspaper on October 20, 2012 Saturday issue
by Cheska D. Geli, Staff Writer
Mike Limpag, Sports Editor


A total of 700 runners will assemble today for the Pink Run at IMEZ Pueblo Verde, Basak Lapu-Lapu City, an event jointly organized by the Eduardo J. Aboitiz Cancer Center and I Can Serve Foundation.

Assembly is an hour before the gun start at 4 p.m. for the 3K, 5K and 10K divisions.

The run serves as the culmination of the groups’ month-long celebration of the Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Cebu and the proceeds will be used for the benefit of the breast cancer patients and the groups’ ongoing programs.

There will be a free mammography and biopsy tests to all women.

Philippine Junior cyclist Luis Miguel Maximo and sister Ana Patricia will also be among the runners in the event that promotes cancer awareness.

“We will again dedicate this run to all the cancer survivors out there,” said Luis Miguel.

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 21, 2012.

Monday, October 15, 2012

GRANDKIDS RUN - AND WIN - FOR "LOLA" IN FOOTRACE FOR CANCER AWARENESS

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Published in The Freeman Newspaper on October 15, 2012 Monday issue
by Caecent No-ot Magsumbol, Staff Writer
Manny Villaruel, Sports Editor
 
 
CEBU, Philippines - The Maximo siblings Luis Miguel and Ana Patricia both won in their respective categories during the Pink October Run, a charity event organized for cancer awareness yesterday at the Cebu Business Park.

But more than anything else, they ran because of a compeling reason - to dedicate it to their Lola Virgie, a 72-year-old breast cancer survivor who came all the way from Washington, USA to witness her grandkids run for her.

Ana Patricia "Icamax" Maximo, a 13-year-old Grade 7 student of Sacred Heart School-Hijas de Jesus, breasted the tape in 15 minutes and 22 seconds to finish first in the 3K women's open category.

Her lola was surprised upon seeing her youngest 'apo' cross the finish line first. Out of joy, she immediately hugged Icamax tight and cried.

"I never realize they can run that fast. I haven't seen them for the last three years," said lola Virgie.

"I'm happy with my run today because I made my grandma happy," shared Icamax, who also broke her personal record.

On the other hand, Luis Miguel "Igimax" Maximo, a member of the Philippine Junior Cycling Team, barged into the podium with a surprise time of 21 minutes and 25 seconds, good enough for a third place medal in the men's 5K battle.

"I lacked training and sleep because of the final examinations but I was inspired to run for my lola. This is for her. She was very brave enough to fight cancer and she survived. She is my idol," said the varsity athlete of Ateneo de Manila University.

"Of all the sports events we have joined as a family, this is the most meaningful. It was a lesson of never giving up - of fighting the big C and surviving your race all the way to the finish line. With determination, perseverance and teamwork, you can win the race," added the 17-year-old Igimax.

"In our own little way, we hope that with this run we have created more awareness on Cancer."

Meanwhile, Kenyan Josphat Kiptanui and Michelle Beboso also stamped their respective class.

Kiptanui easily won the men’s 10-kilometer race with the time of 35 minutes and 41 seconds.
 
Bonifacio Monjas finished second with a 35:50 clocking, while Warren Gabumpa wound up third in 42:08.

In the distaff side, Beboso placed first in 51:27 followed by Janet Legaspi (55:11) and Cecila Cabahug (55:56).

In the 5K category, Jessa de la Calzada and John Manus topped their respective divisions.

De la Calzada reigned supreme in the women’s side with the time of 27:16 as Desiree Salas came out second in 28:04 followed by Jennifer Tapales (29:05).

Manus lorded it over in the men's bracket in 17:34 followed by Jonie Lito Arojo in 19:32. (FREEMAN)

PINK OCTOBER BRINGS THE FUN BACK IN RUNNING

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Published in Sun Star Newspaper on October 15, 2012 Monday issue
by Cheska D. Geli, Staff Writer
Mike Limpag & Marian Baring, Sports Editors


CEBU-based Kenyan Joshphat Kiptanui showed that elite runners are not only running for the money but also just for the fun of it.

Kiptanui was among the many runners who supported the 6th Pink October Run at Ayala Terraces yesterday, an advocacy run to raise cancer awareness.

Although in such races winning may be incidental for the consistent top finisher, his top priority was to have fun.

“It was fine. Even if there’s no prize, I just run for fun,” said Kiptanui.

He added that when he reaches his limit for his long runs, he opts to try short distances to relax himself.

Kiptanui ruled the men’s 10K after he crossed the finish line in 35:41. He was challenged by Bonifacio Monjas who placed second in 35:50, while Warren Gabumpa placed third in 42:08.

In the women’s event, Michelle Beboso cruised in at 51:27 to win the women’s 10K open. Janet Legazpi and Cecilia Cabahug got the second and third places, respectively.

John Daryl Manus won the men’s 5K open, while Jessa Dela Calzada got the women’s title.

On the other hand, it was an emotional moment for the Maximo siblings – Luis Miguel and Ana Patricia – who made the top three in their categories.

Ana Patricia “Icamax”, a 13-year-old Grade 7 student of Sacred Heart School-Hijas de Jesus, won the women’s 3K in 15:22, while Luis Miguel “Igimax”, who arrived from Manila on Saturday night, got third place in the men’s 5K in 21:25.

More than the medal, it was the presence of their grandmother – Lola Virgie – a 72-year-old breast cancer survivor who visited from Washington, USA to witness her grandkids run for her – that made their day.

“I never realized they can run that fast. I haven’t seen them for the last 3 years,” said Lola Virgie, quoted in an e-mail to Sun.Star Cebu by Jonathan Maximo, the father of Ana and Luis.

“I’m happy with my run today because I made my grandma happy,” Ana said.

“Of all the sports events we have joined as a family, this is the most meaningful. In our own little way, we hope that with this run we have created more awareness on cancer,” said Luis.
 
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 15, 2012.

KIPTANUI, BEBOSO SHARE TOP HONORS IN PINK OCTOBER RUN

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Thursday, October 11, 2012

PHILIPPINE FOOTBALL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

Maxi with FIFA President Sepp Blatter

and AFC Bin Hammam
 
PHILIPPINE FOOTBALL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
December 7, 2007
Sofitel Philippines
 

Monday, October 01, 2012

KENYANS CROWD TOP 4 SPOTS IN MATERNITY RUN

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Published in Cebu Daily News on Sept. 30, 2012 Sunday issue
by Dale G. Rosal, Correspondent
Rick Gabuya, Sports Editor


The Kenyans again proved that when it comes to long distance running, they are in a league of their own after the visitors swept the top four spots in the 10-kilometer category of yesterday's first "Maternity Run" of the Cebu Puericulture Center and Maternity House, Inc.

Jospaht Kiptanui led the Kenyan pack composed of Abraham Missous, Francis Kakui and Douglas Mwiti in bagging the top honors in the men's division while the young Lovely Andrin ruled the distaff side.

Kiptanui placed first in 32 minutes and 59 seconds followed by Missous (33:56), Kakui (34:24) and Mwiti (34:51).  Cebuano Michael Largo finished fifth in 43:33.

Andrin crossed the finish line in 43 minutes and 49 seconds followed by University of Southern Philippines - Foundation's (USP-F) Joeyry Lee (44:17) and Lenly Cardenas (45:56)

Madelyn Carter and Merlita Dunkin, both veteran ultra runners came in fourth and fifth in 48:27 and 53:16 respectively.

3K WINNERS

Desiree Salas and Chobie Duenas topped the 3k division in 17.16 and 10:43, respectively.  Salas was trailed by Ana Patricia Maximo (18:15) and Yves Lorraine Fernandez (18:41).  Teodorico Diaz placed second to Duenas in 11:22 while Victor Lauron came in third in 11:50.

John Paul Ernani and Loselyn Asumin ruled the 10k Maternity born category with a time of 46:26 and 1:03.12, respectively.  Tessie Escasinas finished first in the 10k Maternity Hospital delivered race in 54:03.  Kenneth Toledo finished second to Ernani in 51:16 while Kareem Durano finished third in 51:20.

Tricia Tumulak finished second in the 10k Maternity born category with a time of 1:04:07 followed by Sunshine Cunanan (1:08:35) while Hannah Gacob (57:13) and Maria Fe Ernane (58:32) took runner-up honors behind Escasinas.

PREGNANT/MENOPAUSAL CLASS

In the Menopausal 1k category, 82 year-old Dr. Fe Lola-Melgar won Oldest Runner honors while Jocelyn Leopoldo ruled the division.  Dr. Florencia Miel took home the Most Glamorous award.

In the Pregnant 1k category, Cebu Daily News (CDN) Sports Columnist and news anchor Haide Acuna finished first while Margarette Jaranilla was named Most Sporty.  Michale Dancel won the Most Glamorous Pregnant title.

The running event is part of Cebu Puericulture Center and Maternity House's 90th anniversary celebration.  Proceeds of the race will be given to the hospital's charity patients.

Around 800 runners joined the running event yesterday which was handled by veteran race director Joel Juarez.

KIPTANUI, ANDRIN TOP MATERNITY RUN

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Published in Sun Star Newspaper on Sept. 30, 2012 Sunday issue
by Mike Limpag, Sports Editor


JOSPHAT Kiptanui and Lovely Andrin left their rivals to rule the 10K division of the first Maternity Run yesterday.

Kiptanui finished the race in 32:59, almost a minute ahead of Abraham Missos, while Francis Kakui got third place in 34:24.  Douglas Mwiti took fourth in 34:51, and Michael Largo got fifth place in 43:33.

In the women's division, Andrin won the event in 43:49, beating Joeyry Lee, who got second place in 4:17.  Lenly Cardenas was third in 45:56, while Madelyn Carter and Merlita Dunkin got the fourth and fifth places, respectively.

In the 3K division, Chobie Duenas and Desiree Salas got the men's and women's title, respectively.


Duenas finished the race in 10:43, beating Teodorico Diaz (11:22) and Victor Lauron (11:50).

On the other hand, Salas crossed the finish line in 17:16 to beat Ana Patricia Maximo (18:15) and Yves Lorraine Fernandez 18:41. ML

ESCASINAS, ASUMIN STAMP CLASSES IN MATERNITY RUN

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Published in The Freeman Newspaper on Sept. 30, 2012 Sunday issue
by Caecent No-Ot Magsumbol, Staff Reporter
Manny Villaruel, Sports Editor
 
 
CEBU, Philippines - Tessie Escarinas and Loselyn Asumin shone brightly in the special categories featured in yesterday's first ever 'Maternity Run' presented by the Cebu Puericulture and Maternity House, Incorporated.

Escarinas won the 10K race for those who delivered at Maternity with the time of 54 minutes and three seconds. Hannah Gaco placed second in 57:13, while Maria Fe Ernane wound up third with a 58:32 clocking.

Asumin, on the other hand, topped the women's 10K class for those who were born at the Maternity House. She timed one hour, three minutes and 12 seconds followed by Patricia Tumulak (1:04:17) and Sunshine Cunanan (1:08:35).

In the men's bracket, John Paulo Ernani crossed the finish line first with the time of 46 minutes and 26 seconds. Kenneth Toledo, a multi-titled Cebuano taekwondo jin, finished second in 51:16 followed by Kareem Durano 51:20.

In the 10K open, the vaunted Kenyans led by Josphat Kiptanui came up with another clean sweep. Abraham Missos and Francis Kakui took the next two spots.

In the distaff side, Lovely Andrin posted a convincing win over Joery Lee as Lenly Cardenas ended up third.

In the 3K battle, Chobie Duenas emerged as the fastest in the male division with the time of 10:43 followed by Teodorico Diaz (11:22) and Victor Lauron (11:50). The top three in the female side were Desiree Salas (17:16), Ana Patricia 'Ica' Maximo (18:15) and Yves Lorraine Fernandez (18:41).

Several special awards were also handed out after the race, which was among the highlights of Maternity's 90th year anniversary.

In the menopause category, the oldest participant, 82-year-old Dra. Fe Lola-Melgar, took the 'Young at Heart' title, Jocelyn Leopoldo was honored with the "Hot Legs" for crossing the finish line first, and Dra. Florencia Miel the "Most Glamorous".

In the pregnant category, lawyer and tri-media personality Haide Acuña was named the "Speedy Mom", Margaretta Jaranilla the "Sporty Mom" and Michaela Dancel the "Glamorous Mom". (FREEMAN)