Philippine athletes meet with President Marcos before proceeding to Cambodia for 32nd SEA Games

Before proceeding to Cambodia for the 32nd edition of the Southeast Asian Games (also referred to as SEA Games and Cambodia 2023), members of the Philippine Team as well as top sports officials met with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. believes that sports is too valuable of a support to the society that it must be kept that way.

Speaking to the athletes who will compete in the Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) during the formal send-off ceremony at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay on Monday, Marcos said even their wins alone give the Filipinos joy already.

“That is why it has to be kept as a very, very important part of our support to our society. And beyond that, ang ating mga champion, ang ating mga nag-uuwi ng medalya at saka tropeo ay talaga namang nagdadala ng kasiyahan at naipagmamalaki ng buong madla na kami ay Pilipino. ‘Yang mga ‘yan Pilipino ‘yan, mga champion namin ‘yan at ‘yan ang siguro ang pinakamahalaga na dinadala — nagdadala kayo ng dangal sa Pilipinas (our champions, those who bring home medals and trophies really bring joy and become pride of the Filipinos. Those Filipinos, those are our champions and that’s perhaps the most important thing – you bring honor to the Philippines),” Marcos said.

He added, “It’s good for your discipline. It’s good for your health. It’s good for your camaraderie. It’s good to mature young people.”

This is the first time that Marcos attended an athletes’ send-off event since his overwhelming victory in the May 2022 presidential elections.

“It is my great, great pleasure to be able to be with you just very quickly. Pinilit kong makapunta rito dahil gusto kong makilala ‘yung mga champion (I made sure to come here because I want to meet our champions),” he said.

He expressed willingness to help the athletes and sports officials by any means possible.

“If there is anything more that this government can do, that this administration can do, that I personally can do, you please make sure you will tell me because we are all rooting for you,” Marcos said.

He wished the Cambodia SEAG-bound athletes and officials “good luck”.

“At huwag niyong kakalimutan kapag talagang napagod na, nahirapan na, na-injure na nang kaunti, pakinggan niyo ulit ‘yung sigaw, maririnig niyo kami ‘yun, ‘yung mga kapwa niyo Pinoy, sinisigaw (Don’t forget when you’re tired, you’re having hard time, you’ve been injured, listen to those rooting for you, you’ll hear us your fellow Filipinos shouting): Go! Go! Go! Go!,” he said.

The above article ended stating that over 800 Philippine Team athletes will compete in over 600 events covering 38 sports in the SEA Games this year. The games in Cambodia will run from May 5 to 17, 2023.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines will be able to win enough gold medals to finish in the Top 3 of the SEA Games in Cambodia?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. 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 with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Philippines aiming for 3-4 gold medals in the 32nd SEA Games triathlon events

Even as the Philippines will be sending a reduced number of athletes to the 32nd edition of the Southeast Asian Games (also referred to as SEA Games and Cambodia 2023) in Cambodia anticipating a tough battle ahead, the nation’s triathlon team is aiming high to achieve SEA Games triathlon gold medal success there this May, according to a Philippine Star sports news report. Take note that the SEA Games this year has triathlon, duathlon and aquathlon as medal sports.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Philippine Star sports news article. Some parts in boldface…

The Philippine triathlon team will try to replicate, if not eclipse, its three-gold medal haul in last year’s Hanoi Southeast Asian Games when it plunges into action in the Phnom Penh Games next month.

I’m still confident, we’re targeting three (gold) medals, four if we are lucky,” Triathlon Association of the Philippines president Tom Carrasco yesterday told The STAR.

Carrasco said a total of seven golds will be staked in the Cambodian meet – three in aquathlon, two in triathlon and the same number in duathlon.

Kim Mangrobang will spearhead the country’s charge after her triumphs in women’s triathlon and duathlon in Hanoi where the Filipinos went home with a 3-1-1 (gold-silver-bronze) harvest with the other mint coming from Fernando Jose Casares in men’s triathlon.

Recently, Mangrobang and Casares were the best Filipino finishers in the Subic International Triathlon in Subic Bay, Zambales where they wound up 24th and 25th in an hour, a minute and seven seconds and 54:46, respectively.

For the newcomers and the triathlon enthusiasts who want to take a look back at the SEA Games triathlon achievements in Vietnam last years, click here and here. To get to know Kim Mangrobang more, click here. The Philippines has been looking forward to the multisport events of this year’s SEA Games.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you looking forward to the triathlon, duathlon and aquathlon events of the SEA Games this year? Do you feel confident about the Philippines winning most of the gold medals of the three multisport events?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. 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 with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

SIM registration extended by 90 days

The many millions of people here in the Philippines who own SIM cards but were unable to get them registered now have extra time to do so as the national government announced that the SIM card registration process has been extended for ninety days, according to a news report by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). Take note that the original deadline for SIM registration was April 26, 2023.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

The registration for the subscriber identity module (SIM) cards will be extended for another 90 days or until July 25, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla announced on Tuesday.

However, after the April 26 deadline, subscribers will have limited access to services until they finally register.

Most of the services will be cut off with the telcos (telecommunications companies). So, there will be a social media unavailability for those who do not register in the next 90 days,” Remulla said in an interview after attending a Cabinet cluster meeting.

Senator Grace Poe, meanwhile, called for a boost in information dissemination of Republic Act (RA) 11934 or the SIM Registration Act now that the deadline has been extended.

Poe, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Services, said the extension would help clarify the confusion and concerns of registrants regarding the law.

It should be emphasized that SIMs will still be available in local retailers and sari-sari stores even past the SIM Registration deadline. Users will simply be required to register first before they can activate their new SIMs,” she said in a statement as she welcomed the decision to extend the registration.

“SIM registration was meant to promote the responsible use of SIM and to halt the abuses of scammers and criminals. It is not meant to punish legitimate SIM subscribers, especially those at remote areas.”

She recalled that when the bill on SIM registration was under deliberation, lawmakers considered the compliance of the more than 168 million SIM subscribers and had foreseen the need to extend the registration period to accommodate all users. Poe was the bill’s sponsor in the Senate.

As of April 23, National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) data show that about 82,845,397, or 49.31 percent of SIM cards have been registered.

The breakdown is as follows:

DITO: 5,796,175 or 38.73 percent

Globe: 37,099,437 or 42.77 percent

SMART: 39,949,785 or 60.25 percent

Poe reiterated her call to telecom firms to go down to the grassroots to reach out to more subscribers.

“As most telcos have been enjoying vast profits from their services, they have the corresponding obligation and the necessary resources to track down their SIM users and to widen the opportunity for registration,” she said.

Poe noted that while several locations have been visited for remote registration, more needs to be covered as key areas, such as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao have yet to be reached, according to data from the NTC.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) should also look into the continuing proliferation of spam messages despite the ongoing SIM registration, she said.

Meanwhile, two days before the SIM card registration deadline, the DICT and its attached agencies met with officials from the country’s three public telecommunication entities (PTEs) – Globe, Smart, and DITO – to discuss concerns on the implementation of RA 11934.

In a statement, the DICT said it exchanged views with the three firms on ways to resolve some issues faced by the registrants, such as barriers in obtaining government-issued IDs and documents, and improvements in the SIM registration process.

Only one of the 17 accepted government-issued IDs and documents is needed to proceed with the registration, the DICT said.

“The possibility of extending the SIM registration period was also discussed during the meeting. We advise everyone to await the official announcement of the Department on the matter,” the statement read.

Filipinos are encouraged to register their SIM cards before the deadline.

“The increasing number of registrants in the past few days is a clear indication that Filipinos share the desire to eradicate online and text scams once and for all,” the DICT said.

RA 11934, which was the first measure signed into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Oct. 10, 2022, aims to fight scams being made through text and online messages.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Were you able to have your SIM cards registered successfully before the 90-day extension was announced?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. 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 with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Cambodia looking forward to making the 32nd SEA Games a great experience

With the launch of the 32nd edition of the Southeast Asian Games (also referred to as SEA Games and Cambodia 2023) approaching fast, the host nation of Cambodia reiterated its preparedness to host many visitors from around the region and ensure that the games will be memorable, according to a Khmer Times news report. Take note that this is the first time ever Cambodia will host the SEA Games and already they anticipated it to be a success and provide the best experience. Very recently, they made the food and accommodations for the delegates free.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Khmer Times news article. Some parts in boldface…

With under two weeks remaining until the 32nd SEA Games officially kick off, Cambodia is looking forward to welcoming the tournament at home, and the Kingdom has further affirmed its commitment to make the games a great experience for all involved, according to Vath Chamrouen, secretary-general of Cambodia SEA Games Organising Committee (CAMSOC).

Vath said hosting the SEA Games is an enormous task which needs strong collaboration between different stakeholders to succeed. Challenges have presented themselves from the start of preparations for the games; however, Cambodia remains determined to host the best and its first SEA Games.

This year’s SEA Games will be different from previous ones. The entrance tickets are free, broadcasting rights are free, and even the participants’ fees have been waived,” said Vath.

So, please come and visit Cambodia during the SEA Games. We are determined to bring you joyful moments with great hospitality.

He said all the main venues including the Olympic National Stadium, Morodok Techo Stadium, and the Old Stadium are ready to host the competition as are the venues in Sihanouk, Kep, Kampot, and Siem Reap provinces.

The preparation team is finalising all the details for the venues, and all the infrastructure serving the SEA Games will be ready on time,” he said.

He added that as of April 20, the sports village, an accommodation facility for athletes during the SEA Games, has been officially inaugurated. That is an important step to welcome athletes who will arrive in Cambodia in late April. The sports village can receive 3,600 athletes during the tournament.

He said that Cambodia has been waiting 64 years for the event and thanks to political stability and the government’s guidance has enable the country to host this big event.

“Thanks for the peace we have. Because without it, we probably couldn’t make this event happen,” he said.

During the inauguration of a new building at the National Pediatric Hospital on April 20, Prime Minister Hun Sen said the main aim of waiving the fees for participants and offering free entrance tickets is to let the world understand Cambodia better.

We are hosting the SEA Games to let the world know Cambodia because before Cambodia was forgotten,” Prime Minister Hun Sen said on his official Facebook page.

There are 11,246 participants attending this year’s SEA Games including coaching staff and athletes, and 9,000 who are directly involved in training and competing will have their fees paid for by the government. A person usually has to pay $50 a day for accommodation, food and transportation. This waiving of fees has never been offered at previous tournaments, according Vath Chamrouen.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you excited right now for the SEA Games in Cambodia?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. 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 with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Las Piñas City Mayor and DSWD sign MOA on sustainable livelihood programs

Recently in Las Piñas City, Mayor Imelda Aguilar and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) formally signed a key agreement related to sustainable livelihood programs, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin. The signing was witnessed by Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery and other officials.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

Las Piñas Mayor Imelda Aguilar and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) signed on Tuesday, April, 18, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on sustainable livelihood programs.

The signing of MOA on specific implementation and data sharing agreements on sustainable livelihood programs was held at the Mayor’s Office.

Aguilar represented the city government while Atty. Michael Joseph Lorico acted for the DSWD-National Capital Region during the signing of MOA.

Aguilar and Lorico were also joined by Vice Mayor April Aguilar and City Social Welfare Development officer-in-charge Lowefe Romulo.

According to Aguilar, the sustainable livelihood programs are social protection programs that aim to enhance the socio-economic status of target beneficiaries through the provision of livelihood projects in the city.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Las Piñas City resident, what is your reaction to this new development? Do you think the signed MOA will create positive results within the city? Do you know anyone who could somehow benefit from the MOA?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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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. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/.

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

Muntinlupa City Government releases over P2.5 million zero-interest loans to local entrepreneurs

Recently in the progressive city of Muntinlupa, the City Government released zero-interest loans to over one hundred and twenty local entrepreneurs amounting to more than P2.5 million, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin. This is the latest move by the City Government boost the local economy.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

The Muntinlupa City government released P2.58 million worth of loans with zero interest to local entrepreneurs.

A total of 125 entrepreneurs were the beneficiaries of the city government loans released through the Muntinlupa Entrepreneurship Financing Division (MEFD).

One of the priorities of the local government is focusing on our home-grown entrepreneurs. This is part of our efforts to boost the local economy,” said Mayor Ruffy Biazon.

The beneficiaries, who are composed of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, comprised the 148th batch of the long-running program.

Biazon encouraged the beneficiaries to make the most of this opportunity to improve their business and their way of life.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Do you hope to see the City Government release even more zero-interest loans to local entrepreneurs? If you are running a small business in the city, have you availed of the loans from the City Government?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. 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 with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Aussies dethrone Japanese in 30th Subic Bay International Triathlon (SuBIT)

Australia’s seasoned triathletes finished 1-2 in the men’s elite division and 1-3 in the women’s elite race to enthrone themselves as the new power at the Subic Bay International Triathlon (SuBIT) featuring the sprint distance in celebration of its 30th year yesterday at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Last year’s 3rd placer and 6th seed Oscar Dart (world ranking -112) outkicked (wr- 300) and 22nd seed Joshua Ferris, 2022 Asia Triathlon Cup Ipoh champion, after running breast -to-breast almost the whole 5 kilometers.

Dart and Ferris were even when they completed the 750-meter swim and 20-kilometer bike with Dart posting aggregate time of 52 minutes and 05 seconds for the race, seven seconds ahead of Ferris.

Reigning NTT Asia Triathlon Cup Subic Bay titleholder Ren Sato (wr-35) of Japan exchanged places with Dart. This time Sato could only cross the finish line 18 seconds behind Dart whom he beat by 37 seconds in the standard distance.

Strong finishing kick also carried Aussie Charlotte McShane (wr-91/2nd seed) to the top of the podium, towing China’s Yifan Yang (wr- 167/14th seed) and her teammate Ellie Hoitink (118/9th seed).

McShane clocked 58:43 with Yang and Hoitink checking in at 58:54 and 58:58, respectively, in the first and oldest sporting event (both local and international levels) sponsored by Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Standard Insurance, Hoka, Fitbar, Asian Center for Insulation Philippines, Inc., and TYR.

Rounding out the elite male top 5 positions in the event, organized by Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), were last year’s 5th placer Japan’s Genta Uchida (4th, 52:38) and Jumpei Furuya (5th, 52:38).

Chinese duo, Meiyi Lu (4th, 59:07) and Anqi Huang (5th, 59:20) completed the top 5 in the elite female category.

2021 Southeast Asian gold medalist Fernando Jose Casares landed in 25th position in the 66-strong fleld with a time of 54:46. Three-time SEA Games gold medalist Kim Mangrobang timed 1:01:07, good for 24th place out of 48 entries.

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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.

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. 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 with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Free food and accommodation for delegates at the 32nd SEA Games

Cambodia, the nation hosting the 32nd edition of the Southeast Asian Games (also referred to as SEA Games and Cambodia 2023), confirmed that the food accommodation of the delegates to the games will be provided for free due to a recent development, according to a news report published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). This drew a reaction from the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

Host Cambodia will provide free food and accommodation to all athletes and coaches participating in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games from May 5 to 17.

“This is a very significant development because it means a lot in terms of expenses Team Philippines will incur during the Games,” said Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino on Wednesday.

“We thank Cambodia for putting its best foot forward in its goal to successfully host the SEA Games for the first time,” he added.

Cambodia SEA Games Organizing Committee Permanent Vice President, Dr. Thong Khon, who is also the president of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) and Tourism Minister of Cambodia, informed all the NOCs of the SEA Games Federation of the development in a letter on April 18.

“Under the wise and respectable guidance of His Excellency Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Camsoc will no longer charge any food and accommodation fees to the participating NOCs of the 32nd SEA Games,” Khon said in the letter.

“This decision and leadership by Samdech Prime Minister Hun Sen further affirms the Kingdom of Cambodia’s commitment to hosting our regional sports family and international guests in a neighborly environment of solidarity and friendship,” Kon added.

SEA Games hosts normally charge a flat rate of USD50 per athlete or coach – inclusive of food and accommodation – although some hotels charge USD180 for twin sharing.

There are 840 athletes and 300 coaches in the Cambodia-bound Philippine delegation headed by Chito Loyzaga, who will be assisted by Paolo Tancontian and Leonora Escollante. The athletes and coaches will leave by batches based on their competition schedule.

The Philippine Sports Commission has earmarked PHP250 million for the SEA Games preparation, training and participation.

Around 12,000 athletes, coaches and staff from Southeast Asian countries are going to the SEA Games.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you anticipating the SEA Games?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. 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 with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Japanese bets eye 2023 Subic Bay International Triathlon (SuBIT) dominance anew

Japan’s Ren Sato defends his title in the elite male division and Sarika Nakayama takes a stab at the women’s crown vacated by their compatriot on the final day of the celebration of the 30th year of the Subic Bay International Triathlon (SuBIT) this Sunday.

            Top world ranked (No. 35) in the field of 66 men, Sato is backstopped by 82nd ranked Jumpei Furuya and 87th Genta Uichida, last year’s 5th placer, in his bid for back-to-back championship at the longest running Olympic distance triathlon in Asia and the first and oldest sporting event at the Subic Bay Freeport.

            Last year’s 3rd and 6th placers Aussie Oscar Dart (WR- 112) and Hong Kongite Jason Tei Long (WR- 94), respectively, and Uzbek Alexandr Kurishov (WR- 105), runner up in the April 1 Asia Triathlon Cup Pokhara, loom as dark horses.

            On the women’s competition of what is also known as 2023 NTT AST Subic Bay Asia Cup, while Nakayama is ranked 77th in the world she was beaten by 39 seconds in the March 26 2023 World Triathlon Cup Plymouth. Aussie Charlotte McShane (world rank-91st) finished 35th ahead of Nakayama 38th.

            All-out to spoil the top duo’s venture is Slovakia’s Margareta Bicanova (WR- 93), 3rd in Asia Triathlon Cup Pokhara, backed up by her country women Zuzana Michalickova (WR- 101), 40th in World Triathlon Cup Plymouth, and Komana Gajdosova (WR- 106), 3rd in 2023 Africa Triathlon Cup Troutbeck.

            Before the year past, 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.

            As a platform for our local bets, as well as the other ASEAN countries’ hopefuls, to gauge their preparation for next month’s Cambodia Southeast Asian Games’ May 6 triathlon events, SuBIT, organized by Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), joined the trend in world and cups triathlon cups in downsizing the distances for elites to sprint.

            Suiting for the Philippines in SuBIT presented by NTT and Asian Triathlon with Philippine Sports Commission, Standard Insurance and Asian Center for Insulation Philippines, Inc., are: male- Fernando Casares, Kim Remolino, Josh Ramos and Mathew Hermosa; female- Kim Mangrobang, Raven Alcoseba, Heart Quiambao and Kira Ellis (youngest at 17).

            Mangrobang has dominated the past three editions of SEA Games triathlon while Casares was 2021 Vietnam SEA Games gold medalist.

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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.

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. 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 with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

COVID-19 Crisis: Guidelines for 2nd COVID-19 booster shots for Philippines general population approved

In the latest development regarding COVID-19 here in the Philippines, it was reported via the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that the guidelines regarding 2nd booster shots for members of the general population have been approved. Specifically, the Department of Health (DOH) referred to healthy adults at least 18-years-old can avail of the said booster shots and there are three specific COVID-19 vaccines to be used.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

The guidelines on the administration of the second booster of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines for the general population have been signed.

The vaccines to be used as second booster shots are AstraZeneca, Moderna, and Pfizer.

“We already signed the guidelines nitong isang araw lamang at eto po ay ipapakalat na sa ating mga (just the other day and we’ll disseminate this to our) local government units,” Department of Health Officer in Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said during a media forum on Tuesday.

The jabs would be given to all healthy adults aged 18 years old and above.

“Pwede rin pong ibigay sa mga buntis at saka (They may also be given to pregnant and) lactating women of 18 years old and above,” she said. “Maaari rin po ibigay sa (They may also be given to) immunocompromised populations 18 years old and above, regardless of their priority group classification.”

To ensure that the booster shots are accessible to the communities, Vergeire encouraged the local government units to integrate Covid-19 vaccination in their daily health programs and services in the primary health care facilities.

“Para hindi na po natin kailangan mag-upa ng mga (So that we no longer need to rent) mass vaccination sites,” she added.

As of March 20, a total of 78,443,972 or 100.44 percent of the country’s target population (78,100,578) have been vaccinated against Covid-19, including 8.7 million senior citizens, 10.2 million adolescents, and 5.6 million children.

The above report ended stating that 23,811,248 have received booster shots out of the fully vaccinated (2 shots) population.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? How many people in your local community have been waiting for the availability of 2nd booster shots? How long did they have to wait? Do you think that the DOH should tackle next the potential 5th COVID-19 shot (3rd booster shot) for people who already received two booster shots? Do you think this latest move by the DOH will prevent further COVID-19 vaccines from going to waste?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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