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IGI TO VIE IN XTERRA TRIATHLON

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Published in Cebu Daily Newspaper on March 15, 2012 Thursday issue
by Jonas Penerio, Correspondent
Rick Gabuya, Sports Editor

PRODIGIOUS Cebuano cyclist Luis Miguel "Igi" Maximo will try his luck out at another sport when he competes in the Lite class of the Vaseline Men Xterra Off-Road Triathlon this Sunday at the municipality of Liloan.

Maximo, the youngest member of the RP cycling team at 16 years old, will be doing the "lite" version of the triathlon which consists of a 500 meter swim, a 30 kilometer bike and a five kilometer run.

The regular triathlon race on Sunday consists of a 1.5km swim, 35km bike and 10km run through a treacherous off-road course.  Those competing in this race include several world champions such as Swiss Oliver Marceau, a three-time European champion, Australian Ben Allen, Brandon Rakita of the USA and Doug Hall of the United Kingdom.  On the distaff side, some of the pros expected to compete are Carina West of Austria and Daz Parker and Jacqui Slack of the UK.

"Medyo naa kulba gamay.  The 5km is okay.  I think I can finish it.  I can also use my road cycling skills in the 35km mountainbike though it requires different bike handling skills for off-road terrain.  It is in the 500 meter open water swim that will pose a big challenge for me," said the PAREF Springdale youngster./CORRESPONDENT JONAS PANERIO

LE TOUR DE FILIPINAS KICKS OFF IN CAGAYAN

MANILA - The 2012 Le Tour de Filipinas kicks off April 14 to 17 in Sta. Ana, Cagayan and winds up at the Burnham Park in Baguio City.

This year’s edition of the multi-stage road cycling summer spectacle will culminate in an unfamiliar but extremely more challenging stage, passing through what is called the “Northern Alps,” a mountain-top ride on the Cordilleras approaching the summer capital.

Three treacherous climbs not lower than 5,000 feet will test cyclists from 10 international teams from Europe, Asia and five from the Philippines.

“The first three stages of the four-stage international race are a sprinters’ paradise, but come the ‘Northern Alps,’ the complexion of the race drastically and dramatically changes. This is where you separate the men from the boys,” said Dos-1 president and race organizer Gary Cayton.

Stage One will start in Port Irene in Sta. Ana, Cagayan, with Cagayan Rep. Jackie Enrile flagging off the riders to their destination 155 kilometers away in Tuguegarao City. Stage Two will cover 110 kilometers from Tuguegarao to Cauayan City, while Stage Three will be a short 102-km ride to Bayombong, enough to prepare the riders for the treacherous 153-km race to Baguio City the next day.

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on March 08, 2012.

SAC TO FETE CEBU'S BEST

Published in Sun Star Newspaper on Mar. 3, 2012 Saturday issue
Pooled Report
Mike Limpag, Sports Editor

THEY provided color and drama to Cebu sports last year for their stirring exploits in their respective disciplines.

Now it’s their time to shine again. The best and brightest stars of Cebu sports in 2011 will finally get that well-deserved recognition during the 30th Sportswriters Association of Cebu-San Miguel Corp. (SAC-SMC) All-Cebu Sports Awards at The Terraces of Ayala Center Cebu, which will have Philippines Sports Commissioner Joaquin “Chito” Loyzaga as the guest of honor and keynote speaker.

The other highlight of the affair is the handing out of the “Sportsman of the Year” award to Harry Don Radaza, the architect behind Lapu-Lapu City’s swift transformation into an international sports hub.

Radaza help bring two Davis Cup ties in Mactan just months apart and also started a unique physical fitness program among the Oponganons by holding a weekly, barangay-based running event in their area.

Sports patron Raffy Senining will be the recipient of the Orlando C. Sanchez Memorial Award while a Posthumuous Award is up for the late Merlinda Ponce, a running buff who made her mark as an ultra-marahoner before her tragic death.

On the other hand, two-division world boxing champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes, Southeast Asian (SEA) Games cycling gold medallist John Rene Mier, chess Grandmaster Richard Bitoon, running queen Mary Grace de los Santos, and billiards master Rubilen Amit will also take centerstage in the ceremony that will start at 3:30 p.m.

The rest of the major awardees are Julius Nierras (athletics), Dondon Sombrio (archery), Roel Empacis, Jonas Ponce, Darius Bacarisas, Jeromeo Bacarisas, Jasper Cabrera, Ben Maravilles and Oscar Bradshaw (baseball/football), University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters, University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers and Greg Slaughter (basketball), Ronnan Barredo and Alexis Sy (bowling), WBO Vice President for the Asia and Pacific Leon Panoncillo, Niño Surban (cycling). Don Bosco Technology Center (football), Kiyomi Watanabe (judo), Orencio James de los Santos (karatedo), Johnlery Caniga (Mixed Martial Arts), Teodoro Martus (scrabble), Beariza Roble (swimming), Glenn Lava (taekwondo), Richard Gonzales (table tennis) and Christopher Bureros (weightlifting).

Citations

They are all contenders for the coveted Athlete of the Year award.

Those who will be given special citations are Irene Baluran and Ernesto Ybañez (athletics), David G. Lim (autocross), Banilad Elementary School and UC (badminton), Jesse Bernad (batted sports), Britt Carlo Reroma, Jerie Marlon Pinggoy, Dawn Henric Ochea, Aldrich Ramos, Julio Sy, Jr., SHS-Ateneo Passerelle Team, June Mar Fajardo and Andres Paul Desiderio (basketball), Apple Eve Saraum, Erika Camille Verano and University of Southern Philippines Foundation (beach volley), Cebu Tenpin Bowling Association (CETBA), Milan Melindo, Rey Bautista, AJ Banal, Rocky Fuentes, Sammy Gello-ani, Jack Tepora and Daryl Pucdol (boxing), IM Kim Steven Yap, Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association (chess), Luis Miguel “Igimax” Maximo (cycling), Luis Ansag (dragon boat), Dancesport Team Cebu City, Jun Santillan, Jose Paolo Aragon Pascual and Oliver Colina (football), and Lloyd Jefferson Go and Gio Gandionco (golf).

The rest of the honorees are Carmelli Garrovillo and the University of the Visayas (UV) Gymnastics Team, Eichi Yahata (judo), Jette Calderon (karting), Jon Eleazar Adlawan (motocross), Marnel Dimla (pencak silat), Merlita Arias-Dunkin, Bayani Alvarez, Emily Chiongbian, Mary Joy Tabal and Mendel Lopez (running), Noel Flowers, Rose Mae Lanticse, Marie Antonette Gambito, Madille Salinas, Blessie Kate de los Santos, Aiumi Ono, Eloisa Jordan, Mae Ann Ubaub, Ann Kristine Mae Layumas and Jessica Filoteo (rubgy), Rhey Jey Ortouste (sepak takraw), Anthony Linn Navarro (swimming), Daniel Jay Tormis (table tennis), Jacob Lagman, Arthur Craig Pantino and Cebu International Tennis Center, Inc. (lawn tennis) and Noy Jopson, Rochelle Tan and Lorhiz Echavez-Lopez (triathlon). (Pooled Report)

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on March 03, 2012.

MAXIMO FINISHES 10TH IN ASIAN JUNIOR CYCLING

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Published in Cebu Daily Newspaper on Feb. 29, 2012 Wednesday issue
by Jonas Panerio, Correspondent
Rick Gabuya, Sports Editor

LUIS MIGUEL "Igi" Maximo came away with precious experience and exposure as he competed in the 2012 Asian Junior Cycling Championships and finished in 10th place in his age group during the 115-kilometer road race in Malaysia.

Maximo, the youngest member of the Philippine team at 16, finished in 18th place amongst all the Asean riders and 45th place overall.

The race was won by Japanese Hiroki Nishimura and Yuri Kobashi, respectively, with Chun Wing Leung of Hong Kong collecting the bronze medal.

The trio had a photo finish with nearly identical times of 2 hours 45 mins and 44 seconds, clocking an average speed of 41.71kph in a 115.2km distance of 9 laps around the city roads of Putra Jaya, Malaysia.

"I was hoping for a top ten finish but was not really that confident because I am still young for the event and still lack the international exposure.  I also did not have enough time to practice in Manila because I don't want to miss my studies here in Cebu," said the graduating student of PAREF Springdale School./CORRESPONDENT JONAS PANERIO.

SOLVING OUR TRAFFIC WOES, TWO WHEELS AT A TIME

Philippine Star.  First of all, a bicycle is a vehicle. Meaning that once it is ridden on public roads, it is subject to the same road rules. That means that we cannot run red lights, stop signs and the like. We cannot ride counterflow to the traffic or make illegal turns.

In return, however, we must be given the same respect as every road user. Technically speaking, we are entitled to one lane, although we will rarely (if ever) exercise that right for the sole reason that less is more. If we take up less of the road, there’s more for everybody. So go ahead, feel free to take it, but please, just don’t act like you own it... Read more

YOUNG BISDAK SURVIVES ASIAN CYCLING CHALLENGE IN MALAYSIA

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Published in The Freeman Newspaper on Feb. 29, 2012 Wednesday issue

Manny Villaruel, Sports Editor

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Cebuano junior cyclist Luis Miguel "Igimax" Maximo, the youngest member of the Philippine Team, survived the gruelling and fast 115km Road Race of the 2012 Asian Junior Cycling Championships last Feb. 16, 2011 in Malaysia, finishing at 10th place in his age-group (1995), 18th place among the the ASEAN riders and 45th overall.

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The pace of the race was so fast and furious it resulted in five riders from Korea, Qatar, Singapore and Malaysia not being able to finish the race.

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The 1995 age-group of riders will still be eligible for the next 2013 Asian Cycling edition and Igimax, having placed 10th, looks promising considering that he has practically one year to prepare. "I have learned my lesson. I will be much ready next year," said the two-time awardee by the Sportswriters Association of Cebu (SAC) and the only Cebuano in the ACC.

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The race was clearly dominated by Japan, grabbing the gold and silver medals courtesy of Hiroki Nishimura and Yuri Kobashi, respectively.  Chun Wing Leung of Hong Kong took the bronze medal. It was a bunch sprint photo finish by the trio with an identical time of 2 hours 45 mins 44 secs., clocking an average speed of 41.71 kph in a 115.2 km distance of 9 laps around the city roads of Putra Jaya, Malaysia.

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The Crash

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Igimax was near the front of the peloton for the first six laps until he was caught in a crash in front of him, sending riders and the bikes up in the air. Fortunately, and using his trusted YKKBike, he avoided the crash but was slowed down by the pile-up of riders and bikes on the road and he not able to catch up with the main group. He eventually soloed to the finish line.

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"I was a bit unlucky with that scary incident. But I am still thankful to Sto. Nino I was not part of that crash," said the seven-time Athlete of the Year awardee of PAREF Springdale School who went to the Sto. Nino Church a day before his trip abroad.

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"Of course I was hoping for a top ten finish but was not really that confident because I am still young for the event and still lacks the international exposure. I also did not have enough time to practice in Manila because I dont want to miss my studies here in Cebu" shared Igimax.

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Racing equipment

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Igimax was using the YKKBike fitted with Ridley, Campagnolo, Token, Lazer, FSA, Vision, Fizik, Santini, Carnac and Kenda racing components provided by Cebu-based YKK Trading. The trip was organized by UCI-recognized PhilCycling under Pres. Bambol Tolentino and supported by PSC, POC and Smart Communications. Cycling official Jojo Villa and coach Cesar Lobramonte accompanied the team in its trip abroad.

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"We appreciate the Junior Development efforts of Mayor Tolentino and the support of PSC, POC and Smart, without which this opportunity to gauge your skill and talent against the best of Asian cycling would not have been possbile", said TEAM maX1mo.

MAXIMO FALTERS

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Published in Sun Star Newspaper on Feb. 29, 2012 Wednesday issue
by Iste S. Leopoldo, Staff Writer
Mike Limpag, Sports Editor

CEBUANO rising junior cyclist Luis Miguel “Igimax” Maximo made a decent finish in the grueling 115km Road Race of the 2012 Asian Junior Cycling Championships last Feb. 16 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Maximo finished 10th in his 1995 Age Group, 18th place among the the ASEAN riders and
45th over-all.

“The pace of the race was so fast and furious it resulted in five riders from Korea, Qatar, Singapore and Malaysia not being able to finish the race,” said Maximo’s father Jonathan, in an e-mail to Sun.Star Cebu.

Jonathan added that the 1995 Age Group of riders will still be eligible for the next 2013 Asian Cycling edition and his son might still join.

“I have learned my lesson. I will be more ready next year,” said Igi, who is the only Cebuano in the Asian Cycling Championships.

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on February 29, 2012.

ASIAN JUNIOR CYCLING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2012

19th ASIAN JUNIOR CYCLING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Organized by Asian Cycling Confederation
Malaysian National Cycling Federation

February 6-18, 2012

Kuala Lumpur & Putra Jaya, Malaysia

ROAD RACE 115KM

Luis Miguel "Igimax" Maximo of Cebu-YKKBikes, 16yo and 4th year high school student of PAREF Springdale School.  A member of the Philippine Junior Cycling Team that participated in the 2012 Asian Junior Cycling Championships.

The 16yo lad (left) up against older and bigger racers from Hong Kong (red), Kazakhstan (blue), Iraq (white/red), Japan (white/red) and other Asian countries. 

The federal city of Putra Jaya hosted the massed start road race events.

With extensive support from the Malaysian government, the roads were completely closed to vehicular traffic.

The riders about to be released for the gruelling 115km road race.

CAN SPORTS SPECIALIZATION CAUSE YOUTH INJURIES?

The Post Game.  An increase in sport specialization -- whereby young athletes play only one competitive sport from an early age -- is causing a drastic rise in serious injuries among children, medical experts have warned.

With an abundance of riches awaiting talented youngsters fortunate enough to reach the pro ranks, parents, coaches and the kids themselves are increasingly tempted to focus on a single sport rather than playing several sports depending on the season.

With sports academies, travel teams, all-star leagues and off-season tournaments growing in number, children as young as 10 often find themselves concentrating on a sport year-round, much like a professional... Read more

THE 30TH SAC-SMC CEBU SPORTS AWARDS

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Published in Sun Star Newspaper on Feb. 23, 2012 Thursday issue
by John Pages, Columnist - Match Point
Mike Limpag, Sports Editor

THE Academy Awards is this Sunday, Feb. 26. It’s that once-a-year moment when all the stars of Hollywood gather and crown the best of 2011.

It’s the same here in our city. Only, this time, it’s sports. Timed just six days after The Oscars, Cebu will have its own version of recognizing the who’s-who of superstars.

Called the 30th Cebu Sports Awards, this event is held every February or March in honor of the previous year’s top sportswomen and sportsmen. Each year, ever since the awarding started in the 1980s, two groups combine efforts to celebrate this event: the Sportswriters Association of Cebu (SAC) and San Miguel Corp. (SMC).

SAC and SMC will, once again, host the 30th Cebu Sports Awards next weekend—that’s on March 3—from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at The Terraces of Ayala Center Cebu.

What happens during the Sports Awards?

The best of the best climb the stage to receive their plaques or trophies. You’ve got names like world champ Donnie Nietes, chess Grandmaster Richard Bitoon, weightlifter Christopher Bureros and cyclist Niño Surban, among many others. You also have first-time awardees like Millette Chiongbian (who conquered the 2011 Boston Marathon) and Leon Panoncillo, the WBO top honcho.

And, of course, there’s that one person who’ll be adjudged the “Sportsman Of The Year.” These are the individuals whom the sportswriters—the ones who decide on the awardees—feel contributed most to sports in 2011.

Who’s the Sportsman of the Year?

That secret—and the Athlete of the Year—will be unveiled on March 3.

The Awards are divided into three categories. There’s the Citation Awardees, many of whom excelled in the national and local scene. There’s the Major Awardees, most of whom performed best in major national or even international events. Then, there are the Special Awards; including a Posthumous Award given to the family of the late long-distance runner, Melinda Ponce.

Join us next Saturday! Admission is free. (Note to all awardees: see you at 3 p.m. on March 3; for further details, call Sandy at 4161122 local 100 or at 0917-6244853). The list…

MAJOR AWARDEES: ATHLETICS: Julius Nierras. ARCHERY: Dondon Sombrio. BASEBALL/SOFTBALL: Roel Empacis, Jonas Ponce, Darius Bacarisas, Jerome Bacarisas, Jasper Cabrera, Ben Maravilles, Oscar Bradshaw. BASKETBALL: UC Webmasters, UV Baby Lancers, Gregory Slaughter. BILLIARDS: Rubilen Amit. BOWLING: Ronnan Barredo, Alexis Sy. BOXING: Donnie Nietes, Leon Panoncillo. CHESS: Richard Bitoon. CYCLING: John Mier, Niño Surban. FOOTBALL: Don Bosco Technology Center HS team. JUDO: Kiyomi Watanabe. KARATEDO: Orencio James delos Santos. RUNNING: Mary Grace Delos Santos. SCRABBLE: Teodoro Martus. SWIMMING: Beariza Roble. TAEKWONDO: Glenn Lava. TABLE TENNIS: Richard Gonzales. WEIGHTLIFTING: Christopher Bureros.

CITATION AWARDEES: ATHLETICS: Irene Baluran,Ernesto Ybañez. AUTOCROSS: David G. Lim. BADMINTON: Banilad Elementary School, UC high school team. BASEBALL/SOFTBALL: Jesse Bernad. BASKETBALL: Britt Carlo Reroma, Jerie Marlon Pinggoy, Dawn Hynric Ochea, Aldrich Ramos, Julio Sy Jr, SHS-Ateneo Passerelle champs, June Mar Fajardo, Andres Paul Desiderio. BEACH VOLLEYBALL: Apple Eve Saraum and Erika Camille Verano of USPF. BOWLING: Cebu Tenpin Bowling Association. BOXING: Milan Melindo, Rey Bautista, AJ Banal, Rocky Fuentes, Sammy Gello-ani. CHESS: IM Kim Steven Yap, CEPCA, Jack Tepora, Daryl Pucdol. CYCLING: Luis Miguel Maximo. DRAGON BOAT: Luis Ansag. DANCESPORT: Dancesport Team Cebu City. FOOTBALL: Jun Santillan, Jose Paolo Aragon Pascual, Oliver Colina, Glenn Ramos, Don Bosco Technology Center elementary team. GOLF: Lloyd Jefferson Go, Gio Gandionco. GYMNASTICS: Carmelli Garrovillo, UV team. JUDO: Eichi Yahata. KARTING: Jette Calderon. MMA: Johnlery Cañiga. MOTOCROSS: Jon Eleazar Adlawan. PENCAK SILAT: Marnel Dimla. RUNNING: Merlita Arias-Dunkin, Bayani Alvarez, Emily Chiongbian, Mary Joy Tabal, Mendel Lopez. RUGBY: Noel Flowers, Rose Mae Lanticse, Marie Antonette Gambito, Madille Salinas, Blessie Kate De Los Santos, Aiumi Ono, Eloisa Jordan, Mae Ann Ubaub, Ann Kristine Mae Layumas and Jessica Filoteo. SEPAK TAKRAW: Rhey Jey Ortouste. SWIMMING: Anthony Linn Navarro. TABLE TENNIS: Daniel Jay Tormis. LAWN TENNIS: Jacob Lagman, Arthur Craig Pantino, Cebu International Tennis Centre, Inc. TRIATHLON: Noy Jopson, Rochelle Tan, Lorhiz Echavez-Lopez. (www.pages.ph)

XTERRA OFF-ROAD TRIATHLON

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March 17-18, 2012

Lilo-an, Cebu, Philippines

PHILIPPINE DUATHLON SERIES

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March 25, 2012 6:00AM

Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Phl

IGIMAX REVEALS KEY TO BALANCING SPORTS AND ACADEMICS

Published in The Freeman Newspaper on Feb. 10, 2012 Friday issue

by Manny Villaruel, Sports Editor

Cebu, Philippines - Hardwork and fortitude. These are the driving force that enables the bemedalled Cebuano cyclist Luis Miguel 'Igimax" Maximo to balance sports and academics.

Maximo gamely admitted that had it not been for his perseverance, he would not have hurdled the rigors and tough demands of being a member of the Philippine Team.

And by his example, Maximo wants to prove that being a student and an elite athlete at the same time is very much possible.

"If you believe in yourself and have the determination and drive, and if you are willing to sacrifice and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done," said Maximo.

For his gradual rise to cycling stardom, Maximo has a lot to thank for particularly his ever supportive alma mater - Paref Springdale - where he is currently the Student Council President, and to his generous sponsors that include the Cebu-based YKK Trading, Ridley, Campagnolo, Token, FSA, Vision, Lazer, Fizik, Kenda, Carnac and Santini.

"Paref Springdale has given its all-out support by excusing me from classes whenever I train in Manila and join competitions abroad," said Maximo, who used to be the skipper of Springdale Football Team.

Maximo, 16, is the youngest and the only Cebuano member of the Philippine U-23 and Junior teams that will see action in the 2012 Asian Cycling Championships set from February 8 to 18 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The teams were organized and formed by the UCI-recognized PhilCycling under its president and Tagaytay City Mayor Bambol Tolentino.

"We want to bring youthful riders to Malaysia since we believe that they are our future cycling stars who will evetually make their mark in international competitions," said Tolentino.

Maximo will leave for Malaysia on February 11 to acclimatize and to study and assess the race venue including its terrain, climate and wind conditions among others. The Road Race event, of which Maximo will be the country's representative, is set on February 16.

As an athlete, it will be Igimax's first international stint since he made it to the Phl squad just two months ago. (FREEMAN)

CEBUANO CYCLING STAR MAXIMO TO VIE IN ASIAN CYCLING CHAMPIONSHIP

Published in Cebu Daily News on Feb. 9, 2012 Thursday issue
by Jonas Panerio, Correspondent
Rick Gabuya, Sports Editor

CEBUANO junior cyclist Luis Miguel "Igi" Maximo will get his first shot at international glory when he competes in the Asian Cycling Championships which starts this weekend in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Maximo, a student of PAREF Springdale was selected to be part of the Philippine national squad that was organized and formed by PhilCycling under the mentorship of Tagaytay City Mayor, Bambol Tolentino.

Maximo, who is being backed by YKK Bikes, will be racing in the road race event on Feb. 16.  He will be leaving this Saturday to study and assess the race conditions over in Malaysia.  The feat is an impressive one for the 16-year old as he is the youngest member of the squad and the only cyclist from the Visayas and Mindanao to make it to the team.

"We want to bring youthful riders to Malaysia since we believe that they are our future cycling stars who will eventually make their mark in international competitions," PhilCycling president Bambol Tolentino said in a statement.

"If you believe in yourself and have the determination and drive, and if you are willing to sacrifice and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done," said the young Cebuano cyclist./CORRESPONDENT JONAS PANERIO

HUGE FIELD READY TO ENDURE XTERRA OFF-ROAD TRIATHLON

Phil Star Newspaper.  Manila, Philippines - Considered the world’s premier off-road triathlon event, the series will test participants in the Pang Rave Run on Feb. 26 in San Mateo, Rizal; the XTERRA Weekend, highlighted by world-class competition in ocean swim-mountain bike trail ride-trail run, on March 17-18 in scenic Liloan, Cebu; and Putik Pare, a race on mud, in Clark on Nov. 18...

The Pang Rave Run will kick off the hostilities, testing runners in a demanding trail run (22, 10, and 5K categories) amid the magnificent views of Timberland Heights in San Mateo, Rizal.

The series then goes to Liloan, Cebu for the main event, the Vaseline Men XTERRA Weekend. This two-day gig is headlined by the XTERRA Phl Championship Triathlon and Trail Run, where 40 tickets to the XTERRA Off-Road triathlon world championship slated October in Maui, Hawaii, to the and XTERRA Trail Run world championship in December in Oahu, Hawaii, will be up for grabs.

Capping the series will be the Putik Pare, which will see participants in a duathlon relay, going through a trail run and mountain bike ride ending with now famous Putik Pit... Read more

WATCH IGIMAX RISING

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Published in Sun Star Newspaper on Feb. 8, 2012 Wednesday issue
by Iste S. Leopoldo, Staff Writer
Marian Baring, Sports Editor this issue

CEBU’S rising junior cyclist Luis Miguel “Igimax” Maximo of YKK Bikes joins the Philippine National U-23 and junior teams to represent the country in the 19th Asian Junior Cycling Championships starting today until Feb. 18 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Sixteen-year-old Igimax is the youngest member of the Philippine National Cycling team and the youngest RP delegate to the Asian Cycling Championships.

“Actually, he is the only junior cyclist from Cebu, Visayas and Mindanao who made it to the Philippine National Cycling Team,” Jonathan Maximo, his father, said.

Igimax, who is a graduating student of Paref Springdale, has an advocacy to prove that an athlete can also be an effective student, as long as he knows time management. He wants to prove that no matter how hard the demands of being an elite athletecan be, quitting school was never an option.

“In spite of the demands of being a member of the national team, like the need to go to Manila to train with the team, going back and forth from Cebu to Manila many, many times, he never quit school,” Jonathan said.

Igimax will depart on Feb. 11 to recon the race venue—its terrain, climate, wind conditions and more. The road race will be on Feb. 16 in Kuala Lumpur.

This is Igimax’s first international stint since becoming a member of the RP team last December 14, 2011.

Igimax is still eligible to compete in next year’s 2013 Asian Cycling Championships.

“At first, he only dreamt of being included in the National Pool so that he can get a more serious, high-level training in Manila. He surprisingly made it to the Philippine National Cycling Team starting December 2011 at 16 years old,” Jonathan said.

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on February 08, 2012.

STEPS TAKEN TO SETTLE FOOTBALL TIFF

Published in Sun Star Newspaper on Feb. 6, 2012 Monday issue
by Cheska D. Geli, Staff Writer
Mike Limpag, Sports Writer

STEPS have been taken to resolve the dispute between the Paref-Springdale and Cebu Football Association (CFA).

Both parties met yesterday to discuss CFA’s decision to slap Springdale with a three-year ban after the latter pulled all of its teams out of the Aboitiz Cup.

Both parties were adamant in disclosing what went on in the meeting but both confirmed that the meeting was part of the efforts to settle the issue amicably.

Spingdale was represented by its football club head coach Mario Ceniza, accompanied by some parents, while the CFA was represented by its president Richard Montayre and board members Eleazar Toledo and Eugene Ynclino.

"It was okay. (What we are doing is) for the good of football," Toledo said.

Ceniza mentioned that the meeting went well as both parties were given a chance to air out their sides.

"It went fine. We were given a chance to voice out our concerns," said Ceniza.

Former Cebu Football Association President Jonathan Maximo is happy with this development to settle the matter on the banning of Paref Springdale.

"It's good. I'm happy with the development. As a previous head of the CFA board, it saddens me that such issues had to happen," said Maximo.

However, he is positive that based on the reactions and comments from people, the issue will be resolved.

"I'm sure a solution can be found. We are just one group under one sport," said Maximo.

“At the end of the day, we need to go back to the reason why we are here and that’s to let the sport of football grow,” he added.  Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on February 06, 2012.

RUN FOR INTEGRITY, BCBP WAY

RUN FOR INTEGRITY

Feb. 5, 2012 Sunday

The Terraces, Ayala Center, Cebu

BROTHERHOOD OF CHRISTIAN BUSINESSMEN & PROFESSIONALS (BCBP)

Cebu Central Chapter

HONORING CEBU'S BEST

Published in Sun Star Cebu Newspaper on Feb. 5, 2012 Sunday issue
Pooled Report
Mike Limpag, Sports Editor

The Sportswriters Association of Cebu (SAC) will hold its 30th annual SAC-San Miguel Brewery All-Cebu Sports Awards on March 3 at the Ayala Center Cebu Terraces.

This year's batch will be led by Cebuano athletes who won medals in the Southeast Asian Games last year and the country's latest grandmaster in chess.

Among those who are set to receive major awards this year are Southeast Asian Games medalists Julius Nierras, Dondon Sombrio, Rubilen Amit, Gregory Slaughter, Roel Empaces, Jonas Ponce, Jasper Cabrera, Ben Maravilles, Oscar Bradshaw, Darius and Jerome Bacarisas, John Mier, Nino Surban, Kiyomi Watanabe, Richard Gonzales and Orencio James delos Santos.

Also set to receive major awards are Richard Bitoon, who became the country's 16th grandmaster last year, Raffy Senining, Harry Don Radaza, the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters, the University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers, bowling champion Ronnan Barredo, two-division world champion Donnie Nietes, the Don Bosco Technology Center (DBTC) high school football team, Teodoro Martus, Beariza Roble, Glenn Lava, and Milo Marathon national finals women's champion Mary Grace delos Santos.

The major awardees are automatic candidates for the Athlete of the Year award, which will be announced on March 3.

Ultramarathoner Melinda Ponce, who died last year, will also get a posthumous award for her contribution to the sport.

"We congratulate all the awardees for an outstanding 2011," said SAC President John Pages.  "The awards night is extra special because it's our 30th year.  We plan to showcase a very memorable and exciting night for all the awardees."

Aside from the major awardees, SAC, will also hand out citations for the achievers last year and to those who have helped promote their sport.

Among those who will receive citations are Palarong Pambansa medalists Irene Baluran and Ernesto Ybanez, three-time driver of the year David G. Lim, the Banilad Elementary School and UC high school badminton teams, Britt Carlo Reroma, Jerie Marlon Pingoy, Dawn Hynric Ochea, Aldrich Ramos, Julio Sy Jr., Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu passerelle team, June Mar Fajardo, Andres Paul Desiderio, University of Southern Philippines Foundation's beach volleyball team's Apple Eve Saraum and Erika Camille Verano, Cebu Tenpin Bowling Association, Milan Melindo, Rey Bautista, AJ Banal, Rocky Fuentes, Sammy Gello-ani, Leon Panoncillo, Kim Steven Yap, Luis Maximo, Luis Ansag and Dancesport Team Cebu City.

Footballer Jose Paolo Aragon Pascual, who made the national senior team, will also receive a citation along with national team coaches Oliver Colina, Glenn Ramos, national champion DBTC elementary football team, Lloyd Jefferson Go, Carmelli Garrovillo, the UV gymnastics team, Eichi Yahata, Jonlery Caniga, Jon Eleazar Adlawan, Marnel Dimla, Merlita Arias-Dunkin, Bayani Alvarez, Emily Chiongbian, Mary Joy Tabal, rugby's Noel Flowers, Rose Mae Lanticse, Marie Antonette Gambito, Madille Salinas, Blessie Kate De Los Santos, Aiumi Ono, Eloisa Jordan, Mae Ann Ubaub, Ann Kristine Mae Layumas and Jessica Filoteo.

Rhey Jey Ortouste, the youngest member of the national sepak takraw team, will also be feted along with Anthony Linn Navarro, Daniel Jay Tormis, Jacob Lagman, Arthur Craig Pantino, Cebu International Tennie Center, Inc., Noy Jopson, Rochelle Tan, Lorhiz Echavez-Lopez.

Baseball and softball patron Jesse Bernad, who helped form a Cebu little league team and helped bring in Major League Baseball legend Ken Griffey Jr., will also be cited for his contribution along with Canduman Elementary School's Jun Santillan , who helped start the football program of Canduman and the Mandaue Technical Institute.  Pooled Report

SAC TO FETE CEBUANO SPORTS ACHIEVERS

Published in The Freeman Newspaper on Feb. 5, 2012 Sunday issue

Pooled Report

Manny Villaruel, Sports Editor

CEBU, Philippines - The outstanding achievers in Cebu sports during the past year will formally be feted come the 30th San Miguel Corporation-Sporwriters Association of Cebu (SMC-SAC) All-Cebu Sports Awards on March 3 at The Terraces of Ayala Center Cebu.

This year’s batch of honorees will be led by Cebuano athletes who won medals in the 2011 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Palembang, Indonesia and the newest Cebuano grandmaster in chess.

Set to receive major awards are SEAG medallists Julius Nierras, Dondon Sombrio, Rubilen Amit, Gregory Slaughter, Roel Empacis, Jonas Ponce, Jasper Cabrera, Ben Maravilles, Oscar Bradshaw, Darius and Jerome Bacarisas, John Rene Mier, Nino Surban, Kiyome Watanabe, Richard Gonzales and Orencio James de los Santos.

They will be joined by Richard Bitoon, the country's 16th chess grandmaster, Raffy Senining, Harry Don Radaza, the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters, the University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers, bowling champion Ronnan Barredo, two-division world boxing champion Donnie Nietes, the Don Bosco Technology Center high school football team, Teodoro Martus, Beariza Roble, Glenn Lava, and National Milo Marathon women’s champion Mary Grace de los Santos.

The major awardees are automatic candidates for the Athlete of the Year award, which will be announced on the big night.

Ultramarathoner Melinda Ponce, who died last year, will get a posthumous award for her contribution to long distance running.

SAC will also hand out citations to those who have helped promote their respective sports.

They are Palarong Pambansa medallists Irene Baluran and Ernesto Ybañez, three-time Driver of the Year David G. Lim, Banilad elementary and UC high school badminton teams, Britt Carlo Reroma, Jerie Marlon Pingoy, Dawn Hynric Ochea, Aldrich Ramos, Julio Sy Jr., Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu passerelle team, June Mar Fajardo, Andres Paul Desiderio, beach volley players Apple Eve Saraum and Erika Camille Verano, Cebu Tenpin Bowling Association, Milan Melindo, Rey Bautista, AJ Banal, Rocky Fuentes, Sammy Gello-ani, Leon Panoncillo, Kim Steven Yap, Luis Miguel Maximo, Luis Ansag and Dancesport Team Cebu City.

The rest of the awardees include footballer Jose Paolo Aragon Pascual, coaches Oliver Colina and Glenn Ramos, Don Bosco elementary football team, Lloyd Jefferson Go, Carmelli Garrovillo, UV gymnastics team, Eichi Yahata, Jonlery Caniga, Jon Eleazar Adlawan, Marnel Dimla, Merlita Arias-Dunkin, Bayani Alvarez, Emily Chiongbian, Mary Joy Tabal, Noel Flowers, Rose Mae Lanticse, Marie Antonette Gambito, Madille Salinas, Blessie Kate de Los Santos, Aiumi Ono, Eloisa Jordan, Mae Ann Ubaub, Ann Kristine Mae Layumas and Jessica Filoteo.

Rhey Jey Ortouste, the youngest member of the national sepak takraw team, will also be feted along with Anthony Linn Navarro, Daniel Jay Tormis, Jacob Lagman, Arthur Craig Pantino, Cebu International Tennis Center, Inc., Noy Jopson, Rochelle Tan and Lorhiz Echavez-Lopez.

Baseball and softball patron Jesse Bernad will also be cited along with Canduman Elementary School’s Jun Santillan and the Mandaue Technical Institute (MTI).—Pooled report - (THE FREEMAN)

SAC-SMC BARES LIST OF AWARDEES FOR MARCH 3 FETE

Published in Cebu Daily News on Feb. 5, 2012 Sunday issue
Pooled Report
Rick Gabuya, Sports Editor


The Sportswriters Association of Cebu (SAC) will hold its 30th annual SAC-San Miguel Brewery All-Cebu Sports Awards on March 3 at the Ayala Center Cebu Terraces.

This year's batch will be led by Cebuano athletes who won medals in the Southeast Asian Games last year and the country's latest grandmaster in chess.

Among those who are set to receive major awards this year are Southeast Asian Games medalists Julius Nierras, Dondon Sombrio, Rubilen Amit, Gregory Slaughter, Roel Empaces, Jonas Ponce, Jasper Cabrera, Ben Maravilles, Oscar Bradshaw, Darius and Jerome Bacarisas, John Mier, Nino Surban, Kiyomi Watanabe, Richard Gonzales and Orencio James delos Santos.

Also set to receive major awards are Richard Bitoon, who became the country's 16th grandmaster last year, Raffy Senining, Harry Don Radaza, the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters, the University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers, bowling champion Ronnan Barredo, two-division world champion Donnie Nietes, the Don Bosco Technology Center (DBTC) high school football team, Teodoro Martus, Beariza Roble, Glenn Lava, and Milo Marathon national finals women's champion Mary Grace delos Santos.

The major awardees are automatic candidates for the Athlete of the Year award, which will be announced on March 3.

POSTHUMOUS AWARD

Ultramarathoner Melinda Ponce, who died last year, will also get a posthumous award for her contribution to the sport.

Aside from the major awardees, SAC will also hand out citations to Palarong Pambansa medalists Irene Baluran and Ernesto Ybanez, three-time driver of the year David G. Lim, the Banilad Elementary School and UC high school badminton teams, Britt Carlo Reroma, Jerie Marlon Pingoy, Dawn Hynric Ochea, Aldrich Ramos, Julio Sy Jr., Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu passerelle team, June Mar Fajardo, Andres Paul Desiderio, University of Southern Philippines Foundation's beach volleyball team's Apple Eve Saraum and Erika Camille Verano, Cebu Tenpin Bowling Association, Milan Melindo, Rey Bautista, AJ Banal, Rocky Fuentes, Sammy Gello-ani, Leon Panoncillo, Kim Steven Yap, Luis Maximo, Luis Ansag and Dancesport Team Cebu City.

Footballer Jose Paolo Aragon Pascual, who made the national senior team, will also receive a citation along with national team coaches Oliver Colina, Glenn Ramos, national champion DBTC elementary football team, Lloyd Jefferson Go, Carmelli Garrovillo, the UV gymnastics team, Eichi Yahata, Jonlery Caniga, Jon Eleazar Adlawan, Marnel Dimla, Merlita Arias-Dunkin, Bayani Alvarez, Emily Chiongbian, Mary Joy Tabal, rugby's Noel Flowers, Rose Mae Lanticse, Marie Antonette Gambito, Madille Salinas, Blessie Kate De Los Santos, Aiumi Ono, Eloisa Jordan, Mae Ann Ubaub, Ann Kristine Mae Layumas and Jessica Filoteo.

Rhey Jey Ortouste, the youngest member of the national sepak takraw team, will also be feted along with Anthony Linn Navarro, Daniel Jay Tormis, Jacob Lagman, Arthur Craig Pantino, Cebu International Tennie Center, Inc., Noy Jopson, Rochelle Tan, Lorhiz Echavez-Lopez.

Baseball and softball patron Jesse Bernad, who helped form a Cebu little league team and helped bring in Major League Baseball legend Ken Griffey Jr., will also be cited for his contribution along with Canduman Elementary School's Jun Santillan , who helped start the football program of Canduman and the Mandaue Technical Institute./POOLED REPORT

PHILIPPINE CYCLING TEAM

PHILIPPINE U-23 TEAM

PHILIPPINE JUNIOR TEAM

PhilCycling under Pres. Bambol Tolentino

racing for flag and country to the

32nd ASIAN CYCLING CHAMPIONSHIPS

19th ASIAN JUNIOR CYCLING CHAMPIONSHIPS

February 8 to 18, 2012

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

(L-R) Coach Cesar Lobramonte (Junior), Jheffson Sotto (Junior), Ryan Bravo (Junior), Gerald Mendoza (U-23), George Oconer (U-23), Luis Miguel Maximo (Junior), Ronald Lomotos (Junior) & Coach Bert Oconer (U-23).  Not in photo is Rustom Lim (U-23) & Rudy Ruque (U-23)

(L-R) Jheffson Sotto, Ryan Bravo (Pangasinan), Gerald Mendoza (Manila), coach Ponga Lobramonte, coach Bert Oconer, Igi Maximo (Cebu), Ronald Lomotos (Zambales), George Oconer (Manila)

(L-R): Gerald Mendoza (21yo), Jheffson Sotto (17yo), Ryan Bravo (17yo), Luis Miguel Maximo (16yo), Ronald Lomotos (17yo), George Oconer (19yo).

SMART-PH CYCLISTS JOIN ASIAN TOURNAMENT

Published in Phil Daily Inquirer Newspaper on Feb. 4, 2012 Sat. issue

A SMART-Philippine squad brimming with youthful talent will vie for honors in the 32nd Asian Cycling Championships and 19th Asian Youth Championships from Feb. 8 to 18 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Rustom Lim, 19, who won a road race bronze medal in last year's Asian Youth bikefest in Bangkok, Thailand, will spearhead the Under-23 squad that also includes another promising 19-year-old, George Oconer, son of former Olympian and Tour veteran Norberto Oconer.

Both Lim and Oconer will be competing in the track events, and will be joined by Rudy Ruque and Gerald Mendoza in the road race.

The lone track bet in the junior division is 17-year-old Ryan Bravo, who will team up with Ronald Lomotos and Igi Maximo in the road competition.

The under-23 quartet of Lim, Oconer, Roque and Mendoza looms as the dark horse that may pull-off a surprise in the road contest, according to head coach Cesar Lobramonte.

"We want to bring youthful riders to Malaysia since we believe that they are our future cycling stars who will evetually make their mark in overseas competitions," said PhilCycling president and Tagaytay City Mayor Bambol Tolentino shortly after the national team paid a recent courtesy call on Smart Chief Wireless Advisor Orlando Vera.

We welcome the opportunity to support the national cycling team, especially these young riders whom we expect to give their all against Asia's best to bring honor and glory to our country," Vera, for his part, said.

CFA RED CARDS SPRINGDALE & COACH FOR 3 YEARS

The Freeman Newspaper.  “As an association dealing with grassroots program, they should be happy nga daghan ug tournaments. The kids and coach Mario became the collateral damage between the faction of our group and CFA.”... Read more

SPRINGDALE BANNED

Sun Star Cebu.  THE move to withdraw the five Paref Springdale teams in the 14th Aboitiz Cup has brought adverse effects to the team now that they are facing stiff sanctions from the Cebu Football Association (CFA).

The CFA has meted out a three-year ban to Paref Springdale and to head coach Mario Ceniza effective immediately from any CFA or Philippine Football Federation-sanctioned games... Read more

TUTOR, KIPTANUI WIN PHOENIX RUN

(click to enlarge)

Published in Sun Star Cebu Newspaper on Jan. 30, 2012 Monday issue
by Mike Limpag, Sports Editor

CHRISTY Tutor and Josphat Kiptanui topped the 10K division of the Phoenix Run yesterday at the Ayala Center Cebu.

Kiptanui, who also won the Unity Run 10K last week, crossed the finish line in 34:16, beating Bonifaco Monjas and Douglas Mwiti, who figured in a neck-and-neck battle for second place.

Monjas got second in 34:33.240, just over a second ahead of Mwiti (34:34.290).

In the women’s division, Tutor crossed the finish line in 43:02, 50 seconds ahead of
second placer Madelyn Carter. Marichu Luterte got third place in 45:29, while Nao Idio got fourth place in 56:06.

In the students division, Maria Carmela Quijano ran her way to the girls title in 58:40, one of only two students to finish the 10K in under one hour. Mary Rose Dakay got second place in 1:10:34.

In the male students division, footballer Aldrich Pelenio got second place in 1:01:48, while Jose Antonio Yu got third in 1:03:44. The first placer who finished the race in 56:37 was not identified in the results forwarded by race director Joel Baring and was only listed as No. 192.

In the 5K division, Abraham Missos added his second straight title with a 16:44 finish, beating Francis Kakui (17:12) and Jorry Ycong (17:20).

In the women’s 5K, Lovely Andrin beat sister Jhean for the title, finishing in 21:15, just eight seconds ahead of her sister. Lynle Cardenas got third in 23:26, 22 seconds ahead of Merlita Dunkin.

In the students division, Hans Earl Parel got first in 33:50, eight seconds faster than Clouie Arreglo. Charles Go got third in 37:49.

Victoria Vecson crusied to the female students 5K division in 35:33, beating Cahrele Badelas (40:33) by five minutes, while Melissa Tan got third in 41:33.

In the 3K division, Aldren Agang got first in 8:36, just three seconds ahead of Robert Daang. Crizel Dionson (10:46) beat Cherry Andrin (11:00) for the women’s title, while Cherie Lee Apiag (15:33) got third.

In the students division, Justin Genson won the 3K over Ralph So, while Aaliyah Mataragnon got the girls division title. Ana Patricia Maximo finished second, while Chezka Cabanal got third place.

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on January 30, 2012.

SWIMMER PODIUMS IN A 3K RUN

THE PHOENIX RUN

January 29, 2012 5:30AM

The Terraces, Ayala Center, Cebu, Phl

3K RUN FEMALE

Ana Patricia "Icamax" Maximo, the 12 year-old swimmer of TEAM maX1mo, grabs the SILVER MEDAL in the 3K Run of The Phoenix Run

Its real!

A gift certificate from Coffee Bean.  Who wants to go with me?

And a 1-year supply from Virginia Foods :)

Of course with the no. 1 supporter and nutritionist... Mom!!!

A BRIDGE TOO FAR

Igimax crosses the bridge in Trans Central Highway

Stage 2 Road Race 36km, Tour ni Frank

Balamban to Busay Hills, Cebu City

organized by Frank Gatdula & Cebu Cycling

January 8, 2012

His YKKBike takes charge of the road's adverse conditions.

Ridley frame, Campagnolo groupset, Token wheels, FSA cranks, Vision bars, Lazer helmets, Fizik saddle, Carnac shoes, Santini apparel, Kenda tires

LUIS MIGUEL "IGIMAX" MAXIMO, 16yo

CHAMPION - Road Race, Juniors Division

OVERALL CHAMPION - General Classification, Juniors Division

2ND PLACE - Road Race, Open Category B

3RD PLACE - GENERAL CLASSIFICATION, Open Category B

HANG IN THERE

(click to enlarge)

LBC EXPRESS MISUPORTA NI MAXIMO

(click to enlarge)

Published in Super Balita Newspaper on Jan. 16, 2012 Monday issue
Jun Migallen, Sports Editor

Ang LBC Express, nang no. 1 courier company sa nasod, maoy uwahing kompaniya nga moitsa sa ilang suporta sa batan-ong Sugbuanong siklista nga si Luis Miguel "Igimax" Maximo sa YKKBikes sa dihang gihatagan kini og slot nga makaapil sa exclusive U-23 Elite Training Camp sa Enero 11 ngadto sa Pebrero 9, 2012 sa Subic Bay, Olongapo City, Zambales.

Ang camp gidesinyo alang sa mga elite cyclists sa U-23 o kadtong mga nagpangidaron og 19-22 anyos kinsa nasipatay nga adunay exceptional performance atol sa 16 ka adlaw nga 12 ka stage sa 2011 Ronda Pilipinas Tour.