Tag: athletes

COVID-19 Crisis: 20% discount for Philippine athletes and coaches confirmed

COVID-19 Crisis: 20% discount for Philippine athletes and coaches confirmed

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COVID-19 Crisis: 20% discount for Philippine athletes and coaches confirmed

As I write this, the Philippines is slowly taking steps to move its economy forward gradually now that community quarantine rules have eased more. This means more businesses are allowed to operate and this means getting more of their workforce back to work to earn much-needed income. It’s sometimes mind boggling how the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) from China turned into a pandemic which halted most societies and economies around the world.

For Philippine team athletes and coaches, times are hard as well. Very recently, news have been published that their allowances for this month will be cut by half! According to the Manila Standard report, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) board decided to push through with the reduction following a May 29 board meeting with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR). The remittance declared was reportedly P9 million for June 2020 which is a major drop compared to the P150.75 million PAGCOR remitted to PSC last March.

The National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) was reported to have been severely affected as a result of health-related measures and lockdown implemented nationwide in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It sure is hard for athletes and coaches to train and develop themselves. Truly this is terrible news. Sports events, both local and overseas, have gotten cancelled.

All is not lost, however, as the PSC announced that its athletes and coaches will enjoy the benefits of a 20% discount for their needs.

Below is an excerpt from the PNA.gov article with text italicized and colored blue for clarity.

On Friday night, the PSC said the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) issued Revenue Regulation 13-2020, which paves the way for the discount clause to be fully implemented for all athletes.

“We have been looking forward to this and we are thankful that our athletes and coaches will finally enjoy the privilege they deserve,” said PSC chairman Butch Ramirez, whose organization has been working together with the BIR for the discount benefit to be fully enjoyed by local sportsmen.

The discount clause is part of Republic Act 10699, formally known as the “National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act”.

The discounts shall be applied to food, medicine, recreation centers, hotels, lodging establishments, and sports equipment purchases.

The PSC has already issued identification cards to national athletes, with booklets similar to those used by senior citizens for their own discounts, to follow.

With the reduced allowances and confirmed discount, the past week saw these really drastic announcements affecting the many athletes and coaches supported by the national government. Some things are won and some things are lost.

The COVID-19 crisis affected the private sector so much, it is expected that tax revenues on the part of the national government will be reduced on the short term at least. Think about all the many small businesses around the country that have closed down resulting job losses. Think about the national government’s efforts to support qualified people with cash assistance and other forms of relief.

Now think about the national athletes and coaches. They don’t just need cash to train efficiently for future sports events. They need private sponsorship, new sports equipment, solutions to their current problems, etc.

For more on Philippine sports and COVID-19 Crisis coverage, come back here soon.

Meanwhile, please check out my special features of 2019 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) gold medalists John Chicano and Kim Mangrobang.

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. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

 

My Observations: Not a Single Parañaque Resident Among The Many Philippine Athletes Who Won Medals in the 2019 SEA Games?

My Observations: Not a Single Parañaque Resident Among The Many Philippine Athletes Who Won Medals in the 2019 SEA Games?

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It’s been almost a month since the 2019 edition of the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) hosted by the Philippines ended with resounding success. The Philippines won a total of three hundred and eighty-seven medals to finish #1 among all Southeast Asian nations. The 387 medals won are composed of 149 gold medals, 117 silver medals and 121 bronze medals.

Here in South Metro Manila (composed mainly of the cities of Parañaque, Muntinlupa and Las Piñas) there were indeed Philippine team athletes who won medals at the SEA Games who reside locally.

Shortly after the end of the premier sports event of the Southeast Asian region, the City of Las Piñas honored the SEA Games medalists among its residents by showcasing them in a special ceremony at City Hall in the presence of Mayor Imelda “Mel” Aguilar, Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery, City Councilors and more.

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The Las Piñas-based Philippine athletes who won at the SEA Games appeared in their respective sports uniforms and showed their medals and certificates of appreciation with the City Government officials led by Mayor Imelda Aguilar. (source – City of Las Piñas Facebook page)

The local resident athletes honored were Joseph Arcilla (Gold Medalist – Soft Tennis), Anna Alicia Katrina Castillo (Gold Medalist Women’s Basketball), Mikoff Manduriao (Gold Medalist – Soft Tennis), Russ Ashley Monville (Gold Medalist – Arnis), Erdilyn Peralta (Bronze Medalist – Soft Tennis), and Aljon Salonga (Silver Medalist – Water Polo). Not only did they attend the special ceremony at City Hall with their sports uniforms, they also brought the SEA Games medals they won. They received certificates from the City Government.

Over at the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government led by Mayor Jaime Fresnedi did its part doing the same and their SEA Games medalists attended a special ceremony – which was mainly about the City’s 102nd anniversary celebration – held at the Sports Complex in Barangay Tunasan.

2019 SEA GAMES MEDALISTS
Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi (3rd from right) awarded plaques of recognition to Muntinlupa athletes who snagged medals in the 2019 SEA Games last December 19 at Muntinlupa Sports Complex, Tunasan. Shown in the photo: (L-R) Congressman Ruffy Biazon, Kodo Nakano (Bronze, Judo), Keisei Nakano (Bronze, Judo), Shugen Nakano (Gold Medalist, Judo), Daryl Mercado (Bronze, Judo), Ryssa Jezzel Sanchez (Silver, Arnis), Rick Jayson Constantino Senales (Bronze, Kurash and Judo), Vice-mayor Temy Simundac, and City Administrator Engr. Allan Cachuela. (photo released by City Government of Muntinlupa – PIO)

The Muntinlupa-based SEA Games medalists who received honors and shared the stage with the Mayor, Vice Mayor Temy Simundac, Congressman Ruffy Biazon and City Administrator Engr. Allan Cachuela were Kodo Nakano (Bronze, Judo), Keisei Nakano (Bronze, Judo), Shugen Nakano (Gold Medalist, Judo), Daryl Mercado (Bronze, Judo), Ryssa Jezzel Sanchez (Silver, Arnis), and Rick Jayson Constantino Senales (Bronze, Kurash and Judo). Incentives for the said achievers were promised by the City Government.

Meanwhile in Parañaque City, there have been no signs so far that there were any Parañaque residents among the many Philippine athletes who won 2019 SEA Games medals.

Twice, I inquired about this to City Administrator Fernando “Ding” Soriano plus my other contact at the City Government. It was only yesterday that I finally received a reply from City Admin Soriano. Below is his response.

Soriano: The moment there (are) residents from (Parañaque), we will certainly give recognition and awards. 

Analyzing the words of the City Administrator, it seems that the City Government still has not yet found a single local resident among the 2019 SEA Games medalists who represented the Philippines. Previously the City Government promised rewards for any 2019 SEA Games medalist verified as a resident.

The hot questions here are:

  1. Has the City Government of Parañaque approached the 2019 SEA Games organizers for a list of Philippine Team athletes (who won medals specifically) with city addresses?
  2. If there are indeed any 2019 SEA Games medalist living in Parañaque City who  just learned about the promised rewards and recognition from the City Government, which specific office should he or she go to? Who should he or she look for?
  3. Does mayor Edwin Olivarez have time to meet Parañaque-based SEA Games medalists?

If any new updates come up, I’ll post them right here.

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. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenor is still available in paperback and e-book format. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

 

 

 

 

 

PRESS RELEASE: Navo and Burgos the Fastest in 2nd MediCard Sprint Triathlon

PRESS RELEASE: Navo and Burgos the Fastest in 2nd MediCard Sprint Triathlon

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Navo and Burgos the Fastest in 2nd MediCard Sprint Triathlon

Teenagers Richard Anson Navo and Erika Nicole Burgos led all competitors in their respective categories during 2nd MediCard Sprint Tri held this past Sunday at Fontana Leisure Park in Clark, Pampanga.

Navo registered the fastest time in the 600-meter swim – 20 Kilometer bike – 5 Km run event with 1 hour, 8 minutes and 46 seconds earning himself the Male 15-17 title. Next to him were two of his fellow age-group competitors Adrian Thomas Dionisio and Lorenzo Joaquin Solda with 1:09:46 and 1:10:45 respectively.

Among the ladies in the event supported by MediCard Philippines, Standard Insurance, Klean Athlete Nutritional Supplements, Smart, official timing partner Garmin, hydration partners Pocari Sweat and Sip Purified Water, recovery partner Air Relax Massage Guns Philippines, hotels Fontana and Royce Hotel & Casino, Erika Nicole Burgos was unbeatable in the Female 15-17 category with 1:24:26. Following Burgos was 18-24 champion Franchesca Ezzabella Joves with 1:26:49 and 25-29 champion Kath Lagusnad with 1:27:44.

Other champions of the race can be accessed at www.bikekingphilippines.com

“Today’s triathlon was pretty good as several participants, including people I personally know, became triathletes for the first time. Aside from seeing the participants enjoy the race to stay healthy, it was inspiring also to see participants aged fifty and older finish the race with strong determination,” said MediCard President Dr. Nicky S. Montoya.

Among the highlights of the race was the successful finish of 78-year-old 1st-timer Ruben Del Rosario who was greeted by his family and grandchildren near the finish line.

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Atty. Ruben Del Rosario completed his first-ever triathlon at age 78.

“It was challenging but I kept persevering as I focused on completing this event which was my main goal. This is an achievement that I will always treasure. I am very inspired right now,” said Del Rosario who works as a lawyer.

A joint project of Bike King and MediCard Philippines, the 2nd MediCard Sprint Tri was the race organizer’s closing event of 2019. Details about scheduled 2020 sports events of Bike King are available for viewing at their website.

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Bike King and MediCard Philippines.

Press release issued on behalf of Bike King Philippines and MediCard Philippines.

Clark Global City Duathlon 2019 in the Sports News (May 15, 2019)

Clark Global City Duathlon 2019 in the Sports News (May 15, 2019)

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Hi, sports fans! Those of you who are following the latest in Philippine multisports (triathlon, duathlon and aquathlon) are encouraged to check out the latest sports coverage of the successful Clark Global City Duathlon 2019 co-presented by Smart which was held this past Sunday at Clark Global City, Clark, Pampanga.

Below are the newspapers that published today the post-event news. Some of them with online versions that can be viewed. Just click.

Manila Bulletin

Manila Standard

People’s Tonight

Manila Times

Business Mirror

Malaya Business Insight

For pictures of the event, check out my previous post.

Race results? You can find them right here.

Also I encourage you to visit and follow Bike King on Facebook.

 

 

 

Clark Global City Duathlon 2019 Pics and Insight

Clark Global City Duathlon 2019 Pics and Insight

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As millions of people around the Philippines were focused on the 2019 National & Local Elections, the sprawling Clark Global City (CGC) in Clark, Pampanga was filled with excitement and fun yesterday morning with the successful Clark Global City Duathlon 2019 co-presented by Smart and organized by Bike King.

For the newcomers here, duathlon is a multi-sport activity composed of running and biking. The event in Clark yesterday had two distances: 6km run—60km bike—4km run and 3Km run-30Km bike-4Km run.

As with past multisport events organized by Bike King, the event handled efficiently, the field of participants was large (in the hundreds), the awarding ceremony was a nice attraction (with two emcees who are very talented) and the participants had fun.

What is also notable about Clark Global City is that it is located just a short drive away from the South Clark exit/entry of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx). If you came from Metro Manila via the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and arrive at South Clark exit, there is no way you can miss the CGC.

For your viewing enjoyment, posted below are random pictures I took from the event. Just click to enlarge.

I encourage you to visit and follow Bike King on Facebook.

 

Clark Global City Duathlon 2019 in the Sports News (May 7, 2019)

Clark Global City Duathlon 2019 in the Sports News (May 7, 2019)

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The Clark Global City Duathlon 2019 co-presented by Smart and to be organized by Bike King made the sports news of the following Philippine newspapers:

Manila Standard

Malaya Business Insight

Manila Bulletin

Business Mirror

The event set for May 12 (Sunday) will be held at the scenic Clark Global City and there will be two distances, one short and one long.

For more information visit http://bikekingphilippines.com/index.html

 

 

 

2019 NTT Subic Bay International Triathlon in the News (April 22, 2019)

2019 NTT Subic Bay International Triathlon in the News (April 22, 2019)

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The 2019 NTT Subic Bay International Triathlon Asian Cup event is back in the sports news with the recent press release.

It made the following newspapers:

Philippine Star

Manila Bulletin

Tempo

Manila Standard

Manila Times 

Business Mirror

People’s Tonight

Malaya Business Insight

The triathlon will take place at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone this coming weekend. Contact the TRAP immediately for inquiries.

 

 

 

 

2019 NTT ASTC Subic Bay International Triathlon (SuBIT) in the News (March 28, 2019)

2019 NTT ASTC Subic Bay International Triathlon (SuBIT) in the News (March 28, 2019)

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The official press release of the 2019 NTT ASTC Subic Bay International Triathlon (SuBIT) made it in the sports pages today (March 28, 2019) of the following national publications. Online versions of the published releases are clickable with some of the publications below.

Manila Times

Manila Standard

Business Mirror

People’s Tonight 

Malaya Business Insight

Registration ends on March 31 or earlier when all slots have been filled up. Online registration can be done at https://regonline.activeglobal.com/subit2019 For more information, visit Triathlon.org.ph or send email at trapsecretariat@gmail.com

 

 

Vermosa Sports Hub Aquathlon 1 Pics and Insight

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This morning the Vermosa Sports Hub Aquathlon 1 happened successfully at the very modern Vermosa Sports Hub along Daang Hari, Cavite Province. Hundreds of participants as well as their companions and family members clearly enjoyed the swim-run event organized by Bike King in partnership with Vermosa Sports Hub and their supporters.

The swimming pool was used for the swim while the run used an external road with a race path leading into the track oval where the finish line was located at.

For your viewing pleasure, posted are the pictures I took at the event.

Watch out for race results to be posted at http://www.bikekingphilippines.com

Action pics

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Awarding pics

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Other pics

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2019 SEA Games Duathlon qualifying race TRI-Factor Run-Bike-Run 2019 to launch in Clark on March 31

2019 SEA Games Duathlon qualifying race TRI-Factor Run-Bike-Run 2019 to launch in Clark on March 31

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2019 SEA Games Duathlon qualifying race TRI-Factor Run-Bike-Run 2019 to launch in Clark on March 31

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Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) president Tom Carrasco (middle) shakes with TRI Factor founder Elvin Ting after signing the agreement for the March 31 duathlon event. Also present was TRI-Factor Philippines director Allan Majadillas (leftmost) who signed the said agreement, Tin Majadillas CEO One of a Kind Marketing, TRI-Factor PH and Elle Adda TRI-Factor Ambassador.

Pasig City, Philippines – February 17, 2019 – International Athletes across Asia and from around the nation will converge and test their mettle at Clark, Pampanga as the inaugural TRI-Factor Asian Series Run-Bike-Run 2019 duathlon event will launch there on March 31.

In this qualifying race for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) co-presented by Clark Development Corporation (CDC) Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), participants will test their racing skills through courses of Standard Distance (10 Km run – 40 Km bike – 5 Km run), Sprint Distance (5 Km run – 20 Km bike – 2.5 Km run) and Super Sprint Distance (2.5 Km run – 10 Km bike – 2.5 Km run). The run segments will be held at Clark parade grounds while the cycling will take place along Clark Speedway.

“We are happy for the strong reception we got from the local swim bike and run communities of athletes who signed up to participate in our inaugural event. This partnership with the TRAP will create innovative initiatives in building triathlon sports in the country as we exchange the best practices in triathlon across the region. We thank our partners, TRAP, the media, the trip community and other contributors who helped us establish TRI-Factor’s presence here in the Philippines,” said One of a Kind Marketing COO and TRI-Factor Philippines Country Director Allan Majadillas.

“We are excited to welcome the alliance with TRI-Factor as we work together to grow and improve our exciting sports of triathlon and duathlon. This partnership will surely widen the base of our participants with the tremendous following of triathlon all over Asia,” TRAP president Tom Carrasco stated.

Registration is now open with the rates of $67 USD / 3,495 PHP (Elite and Standard), $63 USD / 3,295 PHP (Junior), $57 USD / 2,995 PHP (Sprint) and $45 USD / 2,295 PHP (Super Sprint) until March 7. Effective March 8 to March 15, the rates will be $76 USD / 3,995 PHP (Elite and Standard), $72 USD / 3,795 PHP (Junior Elite), $66 USD / 3,495 PHP (Sprint) and $54 USD / 2,795 PHP (Super Sprint). The fees entitle participants to exclusive event t-shirts, a race kit, an event bag, a finisher’s medal (upon completion), an e-certificate (upon completion) and premium merchandise of sports partners and sponsors such as Oakley, Unilab, On, Tobys, Sanctband, #8 rounds, Vitaboost and Trek.

For more information, visit www.trifactor.ph today and call 09053162845 with FB account TRI-Factor Philippines.

About TRI-Factor

TRI-Factor Series – Asian Championship 2016 / 2017 is a 4-leg mass participation sports series comprising individual swim, bike and run events and a finale triathlon in a number of countries throughout Asia. The series is unique as it operates as a progressive race for swimmers, cyclists, runners and triathletes to compete throughout the year. Participants can take part in one or more events giving them the opportunity to swim, bike or run or do all three! – a revolutionary new triathlon concept, which makes it possible for athletes in various disciplines to complete a triathlon. For inquiries visit https://trifactor.ph