The 31st Southeast Asian Games (AKA the 31st SEA Games, SEA Games 31 and Hanoi 2021) in Vietnam is just eight days from formally opening and here are the good news for the foreign sports delegates coming for the said games – they are not required to make COVID-19 health declarations upon arrival, according to a VietnamPlus.vn news report. To be clear, an urgent notice by the national authority was issued.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the VietnamPlus.vn report. Some parts in boldface…
The Vietnam Sports Administration (VSA) has been asked to inform all foreign sports delegations to the upcoming SEA Games 31 about the suspension of the COVID-19 health declaration requirement at Vietnamese border gates, according to an urgent notice.
The notice was sent by the Ministry of Health’s General Department of Preventive Medicine, requesting the VSA to report to the SEA Games 31’s organising committee and inform other regional delegations about the new policy.
All arrivals in Vietnam no longer have to submit health declarations, starting from April 27, the Ministry of Health has announced.
Previously, the ministry has issued a guideline for COVID-19 control measures during the region’s biggest sport event, saying that any guest who holds a position of the deputy ministerial level or above, as well as heads and deputy heads of sport delegations will neither need to show negative COVID-19 testing results when entering Vietnam nor take tests after arrival. Also, they do not need to go into mandatory quarantine.
Sport officials, referees and athletes are required to have certified negative RT-PCR/RT-LAMP testing results taken within 72 hours or rapid antigen testing within 24 hours before entering Vietnam, but not to quarantine.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this latest move by Vietnam in relation to its hosting of the 31st SEA Games? Do the words “all arrivals” make the declaration confusing to you?
Recently in the City of Parañaque, four Chinese nationals were successfully rescued by the local police and the people who previously detailed them were arrested, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the most recent report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
Four Chinese nationals, who were detained by their two fellow citizens and an (Indonesian) in a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operation (POGO) office, were rescued by police operatives in Parañaque City on Thursday, April 28.
Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg, Southern Police District (SPD) director, identified the rescued victims as Zhang Dedi, 26; Mo Jun Feng, 33; Chen Shi Ying, 25; and Huang Zhi Ping, 32.
Macaraeg said the suspects — Henry Saputra, 33, an Indonesian; Jacky Chen, 25, and Luo Bo, 26, female, both Chinese nationals — were arrested during the operation.
He said police investigators are still checking the real identities of the suspects as they believe that they are only using fictitious names.
The SPD chief said the victims were rescued at about 11:30 p.m. inside the First Great Palace Technologies at Pascor Drive, Barangay Santo Niño, Parañaque City.
Macaraeg said members of the Parañaque City Police launched the rescue operation after the live-in partner of Dedi, Yellah Monares, asked for police assistance and reported that the victim had been missing since March 31, this year.
Monares also told police that Dedi was able to call her, informing her that he was detained at a POGO office and forced to work without salary.
“Despite our warning, foreign nationals continue to get involved in unlawful detention incidents. It is high time that we strengthen collaboration with our foreign agency counterparts and intensify our intelligence gathering to diminish these scheming plans and address kidnapping/illegal detention incidents and other forms of lawlessness, particularly victimizing their compatriots,” Macaraeg said.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this latest news development? Do you believe it is time for local authorities to investigate each and every POGO office within Parañaque to find out if people were forcibly detained by those who deliberately commit unlawful detention?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Decades ago during my first-ever vacation in the United States, I got to watch a few episodes of the TV series The Wonder Years which were quite entertaining thanks to its storytelling and good performances by the actors. Along the way, I got to see the character Winnie played by Danica McKellar (social media here and here).
A very young Danica McKellar with Fred Savage during their time acting in the TV series The Wonder Years. (photo source – Danica McKellar’s Instagram)
In recent times, I learned that McKellar revealed something very astonishing…she is now moving forward on the path of our Lord. She realized salvation through Jesus Christ and has faith that keeps on growing.
To learn more details about McKellar’s spiritual breakthrough, posted below is an excerpt from the CBN News report. Some parts in boldface…
Danica McKellar, known for her role as Winnie Cooper on The Wonder Years, recently shared that her heart is bursting with love for the Lord as she embarks on her new faith journey.
McKellar posted an Instagram live video on April 24 where she admitted to being skeptical about Christianity for much of her life.
“I’m not here to preach, but I have so much love in my heart I just had to share what I’m experiencing and to share a little why I believe it’s taken me up to this point to begin this journey,” she said.
“In my life, starting in childhood, I had been made aware of all the hypocrisy in the various religions of Christianity, it being used for evil, power, and control throughout history, and that had definitely biased me.”
The 47-year-old explained that she is seeing things differently now and understands that God’s love for us is limitless.
“But that’s just people, that doesn’t represent God’s actual love for us,” McKellar noted. “And I can tell you I’m experiencing a relationship with God and Jesus that I’ve never had before, and it feels miraculous.“
Notably, she had a change of heart after talking with her friend and fellow actress Candace Cameron Bure.
“And it all started one evening when I was struggling with the idea of forgiveness and DM’d my good friend @candacecbure about a passage from the Bible she had read on her instastories, and then she sent me a Bible, and invited me to church.”
Responding to McKellar’s post, Bure wrote, “God’s love is bigger than any human love and when He sweeps you up in understanding how powerful it is, because He is, it’s undeniable. Praying for you on your journey and relationship with Jesus my sweet friend.“
McKellar offered more thoughts during the video while answering questions from followers and fans.
She pointed out that her spiritual journey just began two weeks ago, but she is learning so much.
“I have been going to church and finding a lot of amazing love and peace and purpose and it’s blowing my mind. I always had this other preconceived notion of what that was when people talked about Jesus and the Lord. I just didn’t quite get it,” she said.
“I feel a lot of joy in my heart and I always like to share that when I can with you guys. If in any way I can help you to embrace things that feel good because I believe we are put on this planet to experience joy and to spread joy. It just takes energy.”
While holding up her Bible, McKellar emphasized that scripture is a likely source to find that energy.
Danica McKellar during her Instagram live video on April 24, 2022.
Indeed, this Christian breakthrough of the former star of The Wonder Years shows that it is never too late for the lost and unsaved souls to come to the Lord, repent to Him, submit themselves to Him and start a relationship with Him as their definitive Lord and Savior. As we all know, God made a plan for each and every one of us before we were even created. This truth also applies to Danica McKellar as just started her relationship with the Lord, and soon she will realize what His plans for her are. Learn from the following holy scriptures below…
But Christ proved God’s passionate love for us by dying in our place while we were still lost and ungodly!
Romans 5:8 (TPT)
Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
John 3:3 (NKJV)
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.”
Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NLT)
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for the one who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He proves to be One who rewards those who seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6 (NASB)
And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”
Deuteronomy 31:8 (NKJV)
But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Submit therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God and He will come close to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be miserable, and mourn, and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning, and your joy into gloom. Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.
James 4:6-10 (NASB)
We people of faith should be very happy for Danica McKellar’s newly established, faith-led journey with our Lord! We should also be thankful that the Leftist and evil-filled Hollywood did not consume her entirely. As an actress McKellar took a huge entertainment career risk but we know fully well that the Lord will never abandon her, and we also know that there is more to Jesus than showbiz!
In ending this, let us pray in supporting Danica McKellar’s newly established relationship and faith in our Lord! Let us keep trusting in God that His plans for the actress will be realized. Keep believing that by being led by the Holy Spirit, she will help the lost and unsaved souls come to Jesus for salvation!
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Sharing this Christian piece means spreading the good news of the Lord to others. It can help you save the unsaved and the lost souls out there.
Ren Sato and Yuka Sato shone as champions with ease, catapulting Japan to regain her thrones in the 2022 NTT ASTC Subic Bay International Triathlon–29th edition of the country’s longest-running triathlon event with international cast–at Subic Bay Freeport Zone Sunday.
Asia’s No. 3 and 56th in the world rankings Ren Sato and inaugural Youth Olympic Games triathlon gold medalist and Rio Olympics 2016 15th placer Yuka Sato (10th– Continental Ranking; 90th– World Ranking) clocked one hour 43 minutes and 11 seconds and 1:58:49 in living up to their billings as top seeds in the elite men and elite women divisions, respectively.
Japan’s Ren Sato the Elite Men’s champion. (photo credit: Henry Vargas)
The Elite Women’s champion Yuka Sato of Japan at the finish line. (photo credit: Henry Vargas)
The other medalists in both divisions of the 1.5-kilometer swim, 40km bike and 10km grind organized by Triathlon Association of the Philippines in cooperation with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee pulled the rug from under the favorites.
Ryoya Tamazaki, ranked 14th in Asia and 201th in the world, made it 1-2 Japanese finish in the elite men, checking in 26 seconds adrift of Sato at 1:43:37; it was Tamazaki’s first podium finish in 13 starts. Another 11 seconds behind at 1:43:48 was Australia’s Oscar Dart (27th-CR; 189th– WR).
On the women’s side of the race sanctioned by World Triathlon and Asian Triathlon Confederation with Standard Insurance, Asian Center for Insulation Phil (ACIP), Pocari Sweat, Aurora Suites & Pavilion and FINIS as sponsors, Hong Kong’s Yan Yin Hilda Choi grabbed the silver in 2:00:37 and Slovakia’s Margarita Bicanova (2:01:02) the bronze.
The last time the Japan dominated SUBIT was in 2013 when it was staged in conjunction with the Asian Triathlon Championships (second time TRAP hosted it). Yuka Sato then finished runner-up to Mariko Adachi who had retired and Yoichi Hosada, who topped the 2021 JPN Triathlon National Championships was the men’s gold medalist.
Top 10 finishers included: men– 4th Tsz To Wong HKG (1:44:00); 5th Genta Uchida JPN (1:44:16); 6th Jason Tai Long Ng HKG (1:44:33); 7th Makoto Odakura JPN (1:44:56); 8th Kanta Ando JPN (1:45:21); 9th Koki Yamamoto JPN (1:45:46) and 10th James Tan HKG (1:45:52); women– 4th Brown Bailee HKG (2:02:14); 5th Yoshiko Eda JPN (2:02:35); 6th Charlotte Hall HKG (2:02:47); 7th Chia-chia Chang TPE (2:03:03); 8th Chi Wen Chang TPE (2:03:35); 9th Kotomi Anzai JPN (2:04:21) and 10th Cade Wright HKG (2:05:12).
The Top 5 Elite Men with SBMA chairman Rolen Paulino, Sr. during the awarding ceremony. (photo credit: Rey Nillama)The Top 5 Elite Women during the awarding ceremony. (photo credit: Rey Nillama)
Emerging as top performers among the locals were 32nd seed John Chicano (1:51:02) and 26th Andrew Remolino (1:52:11) who placed 22nd and 23rd, respectively, and 18th seed Raven Alcoseba who landed in 13th position as the country’s top woman triathlete Kim Mangrobang who recently returned from her training base in Portugal retired in the run phase.
Chicano’s and Remolino’s times were faster than the clocking of 1:53:26 of the former when he clinched the first gold medal for the PHI in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
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The above information was sourced from an official press release issued by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines. Some parts were modified for this website.
For related triathlon stories about the Subic Bay International Triathlon and the SEA Games this year, click here, here, here and here.
If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City who has been boosted for COVID-19 and many months have passed since then, be aware that the rollout of 2nd booster shots is ongoing within the city (starting with the immunocompromised patients with the other types of patients to follow), according to the Manila Bulletin. Now is a good time to contact the local authorities or the local vaccination sites (MunCoVac) to find out if a 2nd booster shot is available for you.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City government has started giving second booster shots on April 26 to immunocompromised people.
Data from the City Health Office showed that 14 people were vaccinated with the second booster shot on the first day.
Of the 14, four were in Barangay Alabang, three each in Cupang, Putatan and Tunasan, and one in Poblacion.
As of April 26, a total of 128,361 fully vaccinated individuals have received their first booster shots in Muntinlupa.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued on April 13 the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) approving the second Covid-19 vaccine booster shot to senior citizens, immunocompromised people and frontline healthcare workers.
According to the Department of Health (DOH)), the second booster shot is being given “in cognizance of current evidence of waning immunity and protection from severe disease.”
The DOH announced that the immunocompromised population aged 18 and above will be the first to be given a second booster shot, and frontline healthcare workers and senior citizens will follow.
Under a DOH memorandum, immunocompromised individuals are classified as those with immunodeficiency state, HIV, active cancer or malignancy, transplant recipients, undergoing steroid treatment, patients with poor prognosis / bed-ridden patients, and other conditions of immunodeficiency as certified by a doctor.
The vaccine brands to be used for the second booster shot are Pfizer, Moderna, Sinovac, Sinopharm and AstraZeneca.
The second booster shot is administered three months after a person receives the first booster shot or third dose.
To find out if you are qualified for the 2nd booster shot in Muntinlupa City, visit the MunCoVac Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MunCoVac/
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what do you think about this recent development? How long has it been since you received your booster shot? Have you checked what is the definition of immunocompromised under the Department of Health (DOH)?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Have you heard about Quang Ninh? It is the province in Vietnam that will host several events of the delayed 31st Southeast Asian Games (AKA the 31st SEA Games, SEA Games 31 and Hanoi 2021), specifically triathlon, beach volleyball, beach handball, triathlon, women’s football, Chinese chess, indoor volleyball and chess. Quang Ninh has a population of over 1.3 million and its capital is the City of Hạ Long.
For more details and to put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the VietnamPlus.vn article about the accommodations plus a related video. Some parts in boldface…
During the Games, Quang Ninh will host the events of beach handball, chess, women’s football, indoor volleyball, Chinese chess, beach volleyball, and triathlon, which are slated from May 6-22 with the participation of over 1,400 athletes.
According to the province’s SEA Games Organising Committee, three of the facilities are in Ha Long and Uong Bi cities, namely the five-star Legacy Yen Tu resort, the five-star FLC Grand Hotel Ha Long and the four-star Tuan Chau Resort Ha Long.
Two others, Hai Yen and Hoang Tam, are in Cam Pha city.
All the five are in city downtown or near competition venues.
The province considers hosting the regional sporting event a great opportunity to promote local tourism to international friends.
Posted below is the excerpt from the VietnamPlus.vn story about the free admission to local tourist sites for the SEA Games athletes. Some parts in boldface…
More than 1,400 athletes, coaches, referees and organising committee members taking part in the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31) events in Quang Ninh will be entitled to free admission to popular tourist attractions in the northern province.
Free sightseeing tours and experience activities will be held during the games, alternating between competition days, to allow all athletes and coaching staff to join, according to Nguyen Thanh Tung, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture and Sports.
SEA Games 31 is the biggest sports event ever hosted by Quang Ninh. It is deemed as a perfect opportunity for the coastal province to introduce its magnificent natural landscapes to international visitors.
The province has designated five three- to five-star hotels to accommodate sports delegations, referees and organising committee members.
It will host competitions in seven sports, namely beach volleyball, beach handball, triathlon, women’s football, Chinese chess, indoor volleyball and chess, from May 6 – 22.
Posted below is a related video about Quang Ninh and tourism…
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about Quang Ninh province in Vietnam? Are you eager to visit Quang Ninh province to watch any of the SEA Games events there?
Japan served notice it is all out to regain her pre-eminence in the NTT Asia Cup SUBIT as she entered a powerhouse squad in the 29th edition of the country’s longest running triathlon event outside of the National Championships set at Subic Bay Freeport Zone this Sunday (May 1).
Asia’s No. 3 and 56th in the world rankings Ren Sato is installed as the No. 1 seed in the elite men category followed by Tsudoi Miyazaki, ranked 4th in Asia and 59th in the world.
In the elite women, inaugural Youth Olympic Games triathlon gold medalist and Rio Olympics 2016 15th placer Yuka Sato (10th– Continental Ranking; 90th– World Ranking) gets the top billing and Tsudoi Miyazaki (14th-CR; 145th– WR) the main supporting role.
Rounding out the top 5 men favorites are: Rio 2016 veteran Azerbaijan’s Rostislav Pevtsov (47th– CR, 76th-WR), Genta Uchida (8th– CR; 97th– WR) and the last SUBIT (2019) champion Hong Kong’s Oscar Coggins who finished 33rd in the Tokyo 2020 (10th– CR; 120th-WR).
Completing the pundits’ choices for a podium finish in the distaff side is Australia’s Jessica Ewart-mctigue (16th-CR; 153- WR).
The last time the Japanese ruled the elite men was in 2017 when they romped off with 1st,3rd and 5th positions with the Koreans inserting themselves in-between; and in the elite women in 2015 when they finished 1-2.
Partnering with organizing Triathlon Association of the Philippines in SUBIT are Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority under newly-installed Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino, Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee with Standard Insurance, Asian Center for Insulation Phil (ACIP), Pocari Sweat, Aurora Suites & Pavilion, and FINIS as sponsors.
Seeing action in SUBIT where top performers gain points for continental and world ranking are hopefuls from aside Japan, Azerbaijan, Hong Kong, and Australia are Chinese-Taipei, India, Singapore, Slovakia and the Philippines.
Conspicuously absent are the Chinese, particularly Mengying Zhong, the back-to-back women’s champion of the last two editions of SUBIT.
The country’s bets to the 31st Hanoi SEA Games, namely, Kim Mangrobang, Raven Faith Alcoseba, Lauren Plaza, Andrew Kim Remolino, Fernando Casares and John Chicano banner the Team Philippines.
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The above information was sourced from an official press release issued by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines. Some parts were modified for this website.
For related triathlon stories about the Subic Bay International Triathlon and the SEA Games this year, click here, here, here and here.
Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.
Welcome back superhero fans, 1990s arts and culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! Today we continue revisiting the Wildstorm universe as it was under the Image Comics banner back in the 1990s. Recently, I reviewed back-to-back issues of Jim Lee’s WildC.A.T.S: Covert Action Teams that involved Chris Claremont and his creation Huntsman (click here, here, here and here) which ultimately expanded the lore of the team within the Wildstorm universe of the time while developing Zealot tremendously.
Still within the Wildstorm universe of the 1990s, it’s time to shift to another key figure – Backlash (civilian identity: Marc Slayton) co-created by Jim Lee and Brett Booth (follow him at Twitter and visit his blog). To put things in perspective, Backlash and WildC.A.T.S’ popular Grifter (Cole Cash) have something in common other than being highly capable fighters – they were teammates within Team 7 long before StormWatch (note: Backlash first appeared in StormWatch #3 in 1993) and WildC.A.T.S were formed. In fact, Team 7 also had Michael Cray (Deathblow), Jackson Dane (Wetworks) and John Lynch (who appeared in early WildC.A.T.S issues and went on to be the mentor in Gen13) who went on to become important Wildstorm figures in the present day.
In 1994, a 4-issue mini-series titled The Kindred was published featuring Backlash and Grifter with a story written by Jim Lee, Brandon Choi, Brett Booth (who illustrated) and Sean Ruffner. Months after that mini-series ended, a regular series focused on Backlash was launched.
With those details laid down, here is a look back at Backlash #1, published by Image Comics in 1994 with a story written by Ruffner, Jeff Mariotte and Booth. Booth was the artist.
The cover.
Early story
The story begins with Backlash quietly infiltrating the Edward H. Levi Federal Penitentiary, a facility designed to control the growing population of criminal super-powered beings (SPBs). Eventually two armored guards pass by and as soon as one of them notices signs of the break-in, Backlash takes them down using his psionic whip and hard action.
After subduing two more pairs of guards, Backlash enters a large place that has prisoners contained in what he refers to as “aquariums”. Two of the prisoners recognize him. He finally reaches the cell of a red-headed lady named Amanda Reed – also known as Taboo – who has been imprisoned for murder. Backlash makes an offer – if she helps him, he will get her out of the prison…
Quality
Backlash struggling on the way of getting out with Taboo.
Let me start with the story. This comic book has an unusual approach on its plot in which the flashbacks are more prominent than the present-day tale of Backlash freeing Taboo and getting out of the prison. The good news here is that the flashbacks are pretty engaging to read and they solidly fulfilled the writers’ goals of immersing the readers with useful story details and building up the tension while also emphasizing Backlash’s personality and what motivates him deep from within. To put it short, the flashbacks are the most important features of the storytelling and they also have the most interesting scenes (including an encounter with Pike who previously appeared in the early issues of WildC.A.T.S). The present-day view of the plot lack engagement compared to the flashbacks but the creative team succeeded in emphasizing Taboo, what she is capable off and why she is feared.
The characterization of Marc Slayton is pretty good in my view. By the time I reached the end of this comic book, I found him to be a really intriguing protagonist. Backlash is definitely not inspiring but the irony is that his personality and purpose within the Wildstorm universe of the time were compelling enough to follow.
When it comes to the art, Brett Booth’s work here is still good to look at as I follow the story. Be mindful that this was his work when he was very young and as seen in this comic book, he definitely proved his talent, his art style was clearly distinct and he was capable of coming up with really good action scenes that really made Backlash a notable Wildstorm action hero. It should be noted that Booth illustrated this comic book with dynamism in mind.
Conclusion
A key scene from the past of Marc Slayton/Backlash nicely drawn by Brett Booth.
Backlash #1 (1994) is fun and compelling to read. The flashbacks are strangely the most engaging parts of the plot and they succeeded in getting me oriented with the protagonist, what has been going on and what the stakes are right at the start of this particular series. Combined with the still-good-to-view art by a very young Brett Booth, this comic book has a lot of fun stuff to enjoy especially for those who are obsessed or simply wanting to discover more about the Wildstorm universe of the 1990s.
As the 31st Southeast Asian Games (AKA the 31st SEA Games, SEA Games 31 and Hanoi 2021) in Vietnam comes closer, the excitement and suspense grow stronger which naturally comes with foreseeing the outcome (note: positions and medals) in certain sports events. For this, we will focus on the triathlon and duathlon events of this year’s SEA Games through what was mentioned during the Philippine Sportswriters Association’s (PSA)recent livestream that had 2019 SEA Games gold medalist John Chicano and triathlon-duathlon coach Melvin Fausto as guests which the Manila Bulletin reported about.
Going back to the current topic, Chicano and Fausto were interviewed live by the PSA and you can watch the full video at https://fb.watch/cDsxPptWcH/
2019 SEA Games gold medalist John Chicano and coach Melvin Fausto (lower-right corner) during the PSA livestream of April 26, 2022.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin sports report about the PSA livestream. Some parts in boldface…
The Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) guns for 1-2 finishes in the triathlon and duathlon events of the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam next month.
National team coach Melvin Fausto disclosed this Tuesday, adding they are sending their strongest teams to achieve that goal.
The triathlon squad is composed of Fer Casares, Kim Remolino, Kim Mangrobang and Raven Alcoseba, with John Chicano and Lauren Plaza as reserves.
The duathlon crew, meanwhile, will have Chicano, Raymund Torio, Mangrobang and Alex Ganzon Dumaran with Casares and Alcoseba as reserves.
Fausto said the shift of Chicano from triathlon to duathlon is a strategic move to achieve that gold medal.
Chicano competed and won the gold in triathlon at the 2019 SEAG edition.
“Si John kasi, he’s a strong runner like Raymund. Duathlon talaga siya malakas, so yun yung wino-work out natin ngayon,” Fausto said during the Philippine Sportswriters Association online forum.
For Chicano, it would be a challenge. He is also using the SEAG as a training ground for his duathlon event at the 2022 World Games in Birmingham, Alabama in July.
“Sana makuha namin yung gold and silver kasi maganda naman yung teammup namin ni Raymund,” Chicano said.
“Pukpukan din yung preparation namin dito sa Clark.”
Aside from the medals, Fausto said they are also seek to improve their athletes’ times by aiming to finish under one hour and 50 minutes in triathlon.
“Mas focused na tayo sa time ngayon eh. Part na yun ng strategy. Like nung last SEAG, naka-focus kami mag 1:55 sa triathlon tapos nag-1:53 si John for the gold medal. Ngayon ang focus namin maka 1:50 to win the gold,” Fausto said.
“Saka yung goal natin is to improve their time to world-class level, lalo na si John na qualified sa World Games.”
As you can see in the above excerpt, the stakes are high for the Philippine Team on triathlon and duathlon. They have been training intensely not just for the SEA Games (set for May 12 to 23, 2022) but also for the Subic Bay International Triathlon. They are training intensely as they know that their Southeast Asian competitors in triathlon and duathlon have intensified (see the related details in the paragraph below). They are training not just for medals but for honors for the Philippines. That being said, May 2022 is indeed a crucial month for the Philippine Team members and their coaches as they have two major events to compete in.
The notable details
During the early part of the PSA livestream, coach Melvin stated that triathlon is indeed a growing sport and in due time it will become a more relevant sport for Filipinos and Asians. The coach made clear his dedication to triathlon is very strong. Take note that he was involved during the Philippine Team’s previous SEA Games campaigns. When it comes to their SEA Games competitors, the coach mentioned Indonesia as a well-supported and growing force in triathlon. He also mentioned that competitors from Singapore, Malaysia and host country Vietnam will be present. That being said, expect fierce competition for the SEA Games triathlon and duathlon gold medals. With regards to John Chicano, things will be different as he will engage in the men’s duathlon at this year’s SEA Games. For the newcomers reading this, duathlon is a multisport event with a run-bike-run format.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about the triathlon and duathlon events in the SEA Games this year? Do you believe the Philippines will win gold and silver in the SEA Games triathlon and duathlon events? Do you intend to visit Subic Bay to watch in person the SUBIT on May 1? Do you plan to travel all the way to Vietnam to watch the SEA Games events in-person?
As the COVID-19 situation in the Philippines continues to be at low risk (note: low numbers of new COVID-19 cases reported daily), the nation is not only recovering gradually but also growing with regards to the national economy and tourism. More on tourism, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed recently that the Philippines is opening its borders to travelers from Israel without a visa, the Manila Bulletin reported.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
The Philippines is now opening its doors to Israelis without a visa, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Monday, April 25.
“We are delighted to once again welcome our Israeli friends to our country, just in time for the summer!” Philippine Ambassador to Israel Macairog S. Alberto said.
“Aside from the breathtaking natural beauty, colorful culture, and endless adventures that await Israelis in the Philippines, it is the warm hospitality and genuine friendship of Filipinos that truly make the travel meaningful and unforgettable,” Alberto added.
Since April 1, the country started opening its doors for Israelis without a visa. They only need to be fully vaccinated, undergo RT-PCR test within 48 hours or a laboratory-based antigen test within 24 hours pre-flight, and have a travel insurance with a minimum coverage of USD 35,000 which covers Covid-19 treatment.
The DFA assured visitors that they will feel safe while in the country as almost 100 percent of Philippine tourism workers are fully vaccinated and tourism establishments are complying with local health guidelines.
Aside from islands such as Boracay, El Nido, and Cebu, which are constantly listed as the world’s top beach destinations, the Philippines also boast of destinations that appeal to the adventure-loving Israeli traveler. These include swimming with whale sharks in Oslob and Donsol, snorkeling with sea turtles in Apo Island, scuba diving in Anilao, surfing in Siargao, volcano trekking in Bicol, diving shipwrecks in Coron, and exploring Puerto Princesa’s Underground River.
The above article ended stating that travelers from Israel may check the official website of the Department of Tourism (DOT) (click https://beta.tourism.gov.ph/) and they can get in touch with the Tourism Promotion Section of the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv, or send an e-mail to telaviv.pe@dfa.gov.ph.
If you truly believe in Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit and God the Heavenly Father wholeheartedly and you continue to be faithful (not religious), you should be aware that Christians are meant to stand united with Israel, love the Jewish people and pray for the peace of Jerusalem. You can do your part supporting Israel by donating to Christians United for Israel (CUFI). Do not forget to read the Holy Bible, then pray in tongues to the Lord in the privacy of your room with the door shut.
Author Carlo Carrasco 