Cebu-based triathletes highlighted

April 19, 2022April 18, 2022carlocarrasco

Triathlon in the Philippines has been generating more buzz this year which is not a surprise as the next edition of the Subic Bay International Triathlon (SUBIT) and the multisports events of the delayed 31^st Southeast Asian Games (also referred to as 31^st SEA Games, SEA Games 31 and Hanoi 2021) in Vietnam will take place this May just weeks apart from each other. Already triathlon events were held at Subic Bay and in Dumaguete City which drew several participants respectively.

On April 14, the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) posted on its official Facebook page the official list of members of the Philippine Triathlon Team (including duathlon and paratriathlon). For transparency, posted below is the list from their FB post.

The Members of the PHI Triathlon Team

The National Training Pool

Women Elite:

1. Kim Mangrobang (Laguna) 31

2. Raven Faith Alcoseba (Cebu) 20

3. Lauren Plaza (Laguna) 21

4. Karen Manayon (Cebu) 20

5. Gene Heart Quiambao (Bukidnon) 18

Men Elite:

6. John Chicano (Olongapo) 31

7. Nikko Huelgas (Las Piñas) 31

8. Fernando Jose Casares (Bulacan) 25

9. Raymund Mulano Torio (Pangasinan) 34

10. Juan Carlos Abad (La Union) 24

Men U23 Elite:

11. Andrew Remolino (Cebu) 22

12. Joshua Ramos (Baguio) 20

13. Juan Francisco Baniqued )Laguna) 20

14. Iñaki Lorbes (Las Piñas) 20

15. Matthew Justine Hermosa (Cebu) 17

16. Lorenzo Joaquin Solda (Parañaque) 18

Duathlon-

Men Elite:

17. Joey de los Reyes (Basilan) 34

18. Ephraim Inigo (Ilocos Sur) 28

19. Jarwyn Banatao (Baguio) 28

Women Elite:

20. Alexandra Ganzon (Iloilo) 36

21. Elaine Quismundo (Tarlac) 21

22. Merry Joy Trupa (Tarlac) 20

23. Jena Valdez (Pangasinan) 17

The Developmental Pool

U23/ELITE MALE: 18-23 y/o

1. Maynard Pecson – Baguio, Duathlon

2. John Ace Ventura – Pangasinan, Duathlon

U23/ELITE FEMALE: 18-23 y/o

3. Erika Burgos – QC/Laguna, Triathlon

JUNIOR ELITE MALE:6-19 y/o

4. Jacob Clint Lipura – Cebu, Triathlon

5. Jacob Kennedy Lipura – Cebu, Triathlon

6. Irienold Reig Jr – QC, Triathlon (transitioning to U23)

JUNIOR ELITE FEMALE: 16-19 y/o

7. Kira Ellis – Laguna, Triathlon

8. Moira Erediano – Cebu, Triathlon (transitioning to U23)

9. Nicole Del Rosario – Cebu, Triathlon (transitioning to U23)

YOUTH ELITE MALE: 13-15 y/o

10. Darrel Johnson Bada – Olongapo, Triathlon

11. Connor Hodges – Laguna, Triathlon

12. Carron Paulter Canas – Cebu, Triathlon

YOUTH ELITE FEMALE: 13-15 y/o

13. Erin Burgos – QC/Laguna, Triathlon

The PHI Paratriathlon Team

1. Alex Silverio- athlete (Cebu) PTri-4, 31 yrs old

2. Joshua Nelmida- athlete (Muntinlupa) PTri-VI, 20 yrs old

3. Jerome Nelmida- athlete (Muntinlupa) PTri-VI, 20 yrs old

4. Edison Badillo- athlete (Pasig City) PTri-4, 23 yrs old

5. Teodoro Diaz- Racing & Training Guide (Las Piñas) , 21yrs old)

6. Bernard Cruz- Racing & Training Guide (Las Piñas), 20 yrs old)

In relation to the posted list, the Cebu Daily News published an article highlighting the Cebu-based triathletes who made the roster. Look at the above list and take note how many are based in Cebu. To the newcomers reading this, be aware that Cebu-based Andrew Kim Remolino won the silver medal for the Philippines in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games men’s triathlon event.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Cebu Daily News article. Some parts in boldface…

Cebu is stamping its reputation as a potential breeding ground of top triathletes after sending a solid number of them to the Triathlon Association of the Philippines’ (TRAP) national training pool and developmental training pool.

A total of nine Cebuanos, headed by 2019 Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) silver medalist Andrew Kim Remolino made it to TRAP’s official list.

The 22-year-old Remolino of Talisay City finished second in the men’s elite category of the National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT) series/National Triathlon Trials in Subic Bay Freeport last February.

His second-place finish earned him a spot in the national training pool.

Joining him is none other than 18-year-old Raven Faith Alcoseba who also hails from Talisay City.

Alcoseba, a varsity swimmer of the De La Salle University Green Archers stunned the women’s elite division when she emerged champion in her first NAGT race last February.

Joining Remolino and Alcoseba in the training pool is Matthew Justine Hermosa.

The national training pool will determine the final list of triathletes and duathletes that will represent the Philippine Team in the upcoming 31st SEA Games in Hanoi, Vietnam in May.

Joining them in the national training pool are three-time SEA Games gold medalist Kim Mangrobang, two-time SEA Games gold medalist Nikko Huelgas, and 2019 SEA Games double gold medalist John Chican along with 10 other triathletes, and seven duathletes.

The developmental pool, on the other hand, serves as the farm team for TRAP to hone the skills of the potential triathletes and duathletes who can become the next stars in this sport.

Cebuanos who made it to the developmental training pool are Jacob Clint Lipura, Jacob Kennedy Lipura, Moira Frances Erediano, Nicole Marie Del Rosario, Carron Paulter Canas, and para triathlete Alex Niño Silverio.

Remolino, Alcoseba, and the rest of the Cebuano triathletes who are listed by TRAP are members of the vaunted Talisay Luigi Triathlon Group- Go For Gold team of national triathlon coach Roland Remolino based in Talisay City.

In my recent post about which Philippine Team members will participate in the triathlon and duathlon events of the 31^st SEA Games, Remolino and Raven Faith Alcoseba are the Cebuanos going to Vietnam.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Do you think that Cebu-based multisport athletes – apart from SEA Games medalist Andrew Kim Remolino – will make an impact in future races? Are you excited about the state of triathlon, duathlon and aquathlon events around the country this year as the COVID-19-related restrictions have been eased? How excited are you about the Subic Bay International Triathlon and the 31^st SEA Games right now?

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

+++++

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 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/

Come to Subic Bay for the big triathlon event on May 1, 2022

April 13, 2022April 12, 2022carlocarrasco

If you are looking for nice place for vacation and you also want to watch a triathlon event live, then you should come to the Subic Bay Freeport Zone where the 2022 edition of the Subic Bay International Triathlon (SUBIT) will be held at on May 1, 2022 (for external references, click here, here, here and here).

For the triathlon enthusiasts who just visited this blog for the first time, the SUBIT is the major Philippine triathlon event that immediately precedes the 31^st Southeast Asian Games (also referred to as 31^st SEA Games, SEA Games 31 and Hanoi 2021) in Vietnam which itself will open formally on May 12 (references here, here and here) and it will have their own triathlon and duathlon medal events. 2019 SEA Games gold medalists John Chicano and Marion Kim Mangrobang are the favorites for the multisport medal events in this year’s SEA Games but before those games do happen, you will get to see them both as well as the other Philippine Team triathletes in action at the SUBIT.

For a quick look at who the Philippine Team triathletes are racing and what impact SUBIT had on Philippine triathlon in general, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin sports news report. Some parts in boldface…

The race is actually a tuneup for the PH team going to the biennial meet where it aims to maintain its 1-2 finish in the men’s and women’s division.

Racing in SUBIT are Fer Casares, Kim Remolino, John Chicano, Kim Mangrobang, Raven Alcoseba and Lauren Plaza.

“The SUBIT will be a good tuneup race for our SEAG-bound athletes, especially sa game strategy,” said Triathlon Association President Tom Carrasco.

“SUBIT has been at the forefront of development of Filipino triathletes. I’m proud to say that SUBIT has produced Southeast Asian Games champions and notable Asian Games performers.”

Among the SUBIT products were SEAG winners Chicano, Mangrobang, Nikko Huelgas and (Claire) Adorna, Youth Olympics qualifier Vicky Deldio, Columbia World Games qualifiers Carlo Pedregosa and Mirasol Abad, Birmingham World Games qualifier Casares, and 2018 Asian Games top 10 finisher Kim Kilgroe.

Meanwhile, Cebu-based junior triathlete Moira Frances Erediano, who topped a triathlon event in Dumaguete City very recently, is also joining the May 1 SUBIT.

This year’s SUBIT – formally called the NTT AST Subic Bay International Triathlon (SuBIT) 2022 – will have race distances of 1.5 kilometer swim – 40 Km bike – 10 Km run (Standard Distance), 750 M swim – 20 Km bike – 5 Km run (Sprint Distance) and 500 M – 13 Km bike – 2.5 Km run (Super Sprint Distance) which will cover lots of places in the freeport. With regards to schedules, posted below are the details sourced from the event page at RaceYaya.com

This year’s SUBIT is a joint project of the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP), the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and I Love Fun-tastic Subic Bay supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), Standard Insurance, FINIS Philippines, Gatorade, Subic Bay Travelers Hotel, POCARI Sweat, and Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines Inc.

Where to enjoy food and drinks in Subic Bay?

*Visit Gourmet Garage and Xtremely Xpresso on your next visit to Subic Bay.*

Apart from being a sports tourism hot spot, the Subic Bay Freeport Zone also has nice places where you and your family or group of friends can spend time at and enjoy good food and drinks together such as Gourmet Garage Subic (social media here and here) and Xtremely Xpresso Café (social media here and here) to name a few. Personally, I enjoyed the two mentioned places a lot during my past visits. I would suggest you who read this to visit them on your next visit to Subic Bay.

Located at 1143 Argonaut Highway (very near the Starbucks Coffee shop there), Gourmet Garage Subic is one very fine place to dine in with others and their cooks specialize preparing really tasty meals such as the Truffle BBQ Orange Baby Back Ribs, the Grilled Salmon Tamari Quinoa, Grilled Javier’s Burger, Sake-marinated Fish Fillet, the Lamb Madras Curry, Gourmet Garage’s Beef Tapa and their signature pasta the Luglug Spaghettini to name a few. Looking for drinks, snacks, cakes, condiments and bread? They have them too! Their venue also has a fine-looking design. If you have any catering needs, they are willing to serve you.

Over at 1 Dewey Avenue corner Sta. Rita Road in the freeport, Xtremely Xpresso is a café that offers customers really good coffee plus meals that families and friends can enjoy together. For the coffee lovers, they got the Jump-start Espresso, Vienna Coffee, White Mocha and Vietnamese Coffee plus their very own lineup of frappe’s such as the Shockwave, the Coffee Cradle and Ekimocha to name a few. For those looking for hearty meals, they have Baby Back Ribs, Korean Beef Ribs, Salisbury Steak, the Chicken Teriyaki Sandwich, pasta and their Big Ben pizza!

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Are you excited to visit Subic Bay for the May 1 triathlon event and the local places to enjoy good food? When was the last time you visited Subic Bay?

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

+++++

Huelgas and Burgos Lead All Vermosa Aquathlon 1 Winners

March 14, 2020March 13, 2020carlocarrasco

Huelgas and Burgos Lead All Vermosa Aquathlon 1 Winners

2-time Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) gold medalist Nikko Huelgas and Erika Nicole Burgos proved how strong they are among all the winners in the standard distance contest of the Vermosa Aquathlon 1 which was held recently at the world-class Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus City, Cavite.

Huelgas was unstoppable from start to finish as he finished the 500 meter swim- 5 kilometer run course in a swift 25 minutes and 54 seconds, easily winning the Male 25-29 age-group title. Meanwhile the next two fastest males were from the 18-24 category namely Juan Francisco Baniqued and Inaki Lorbes who finished in 27:00 and 27:17 respectively.

*2-time SEA Games gold medalist Nikko Huelgas posed for this blog after the race at Vermosa.*

Among the ladies in the event presented by Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub, Standard Insurance, Apollo Petroleum Jelly, Alviera, LeGarde L-Carnitine, Smart, official timing partner Garmin, hydration partners Pocari Sweat and Sip Purified Water, shoe partner Saucony and recovery partner Air Relax Massage Guns Philippines, Erika Nicole Burgos emerged as the Female 18-24 champion after clocking in 30:33. She was followed by Female 15-17 champion Olivia Kwon with 33:25 while Female 18-24 entry Bea Marie Quiambao registered the 3^rd fastest time of 34:30.

The relay champions declared were Team AA (All-Female) composed of Mikaela Arroyo and Boo Pascual, Team Good Boiz (All-Male) composed of Hjalmar Pasaylo and Lorenzo Joaquin Solda, and Team GG (Mixed) composed of Gabriella Venturina and Mark Garin.

Nikko Huelgas, who won the SEA Games gold medals in 2015 and 2017, had high praise for the quality of the design of the race course stating that the lanes in the Olympic-sized swimming pool were spacious while the angular roads around Vermosa provided nice challenge. This was also his first time ever to race in the venue.

Meanwhile, Get Coach’D coach Doray Ellis stated that their team’s preparations, which includes training at Vermosa, paid off nicely as their members won a huge number of awards across different age-groups. For the past two years, their youth athletes developed their racing skills and became more competitive as they grew. Erika Nicole Burgos is a member of their team.

“Despite what has been going on around us, we are very happy with the huge turnout of participants as well as Bike King’s decision to push through with this first race we hosted this year. We are looking forward to hosting this June’s triathlon event and two more aquathlon events in the months to come,” said Vermosa operations manager Andrea Intalan.

The Top 20 finishers of the standard distance contest individual category in the event earned points for the simultaneous Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub Series and the Sun Life Aquathlon Series. The Top Aquathlete per age group will be declared later this year.

For complete race results and lists of winners (including the shorter distances) of Vermosa Aquathlon 1, visit http://bikekingphilippines.com.

——————————————–

Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub (AVSH) is a complete one stop training facility for tri athletes and sports enthusiasts. The first development in the country that integrates an Olympic size pool, football field, track oval and sports and science laboratory.

This press release was issued on behalf of Bike King Philippines and Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub.

Philippines is the BEST in Southeast Asia in Triathlon!

December 1, 2019December 6, 2019carlocarrasco

December 1, 2019 will be remembered for a very long time here in the Philippines specifically with regards to the followers and enthusiasts of the multisport of triathlon (swim-bike-run) as the Philippines won two gold medals and two silver medals of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) triathlon events for men and women held at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. As I write this, the triathlon victories continue to generate buzz around the nation through social media and the news media.

Specifically, John Chicano won the gold in the men’s triathlon (1.5 Km swim – 40 Km bike – 10 Km run) with a time of 1 hour, 53 minutes and 26 seconds! Literally speaking, he upgraded from the silver medal he won in the 2017 SEA Games (2^nd to then gold medalist Nikko Huelgas) to gold medal. The silver was won also for the Philippines with the 2^nd place finish of Cebu’s prized triathlete and 1^st time SEA Games participant Andrew Kim Remolino who clocked in at 1:55:03. Indonesia’s Muhammad Ahlul Firman won the bronze after coming in at 1:57:10.

Philippines’ Andrew Kim Remolino and John Chicano won the silver and gold medals of the 2019 SEA Games men’s triathlon event at Subic Bay on the morning of December 1. (source – 2019 SEA Games Facebook page)

Among the ladies, the event of which started around 2 hours after the men’s race stated, Marion Kim Mangrobang proved once again she is Southeast Asia’s best female triathlete as she won her 2^nd SEA Games gold medal with a time of 2:02:00. The Santa Rosa, Laguna native now has a grand total of three SEA Games medals. She won a silver in the 2015 SEA Games (Claire Adorna won the gold back then) and her first gold medal in the 2017 SEA Games (Adorna meanwhile got the silver).

Mangrobang’s teammate Kim Kilgroe won the silver medal finishing 2^nd with 2:05:02. She said to the reporters that she felt so great and happy with her achievement. Like Remolino, this was her first SEA Games performance.

The women’s triathlon bronze medal went to Indonesia’s Nethavani Octaria who finished the race in 2:16:33.

Kim Mangrobang of Santa Rosa, Laguna won her 2nd straight SEA Games women’s triathlon gold medal! She previously won a silver medal in the 2015 SEA Games and the gold in the 2017 SEA Games. (screenshot of CNN Philippines video)

*Teammates Kim Kilgroe (silver medal) and Kim Mangrobang (gold) during the awarding ceremony. (screenshot of CNN Philippines video)*

Notable details

Chicano’s gold medal performance was very notable given the fact that his time of 1:53:26 is noticeably faster than the 1:59:30 Nikko Huelgas achieved in 2017. In an ABS-CBN report, coach Melvin Faustino said that Chicano previously timed 1:56:00 and they were aiming for 1:55:00. Of course, things turned out even better with today’s race and Faustino claims that the 1:53:26 time Chicano achieved is a Southeast Asian record for men’s triathlon.

For the newcomers reading this, the Standard Distance (AKA Olympic Distance) for triathlon is set at 1.5 Km swim – 40 Km bike – 10 Km run. This is the same distance of triathlon implemented in the Asian Games and the Olympics.

For her part, Kim Mangrobang stated to the reporters that her achievement was meant to inspire youth to get into sports and also contribute to the growth of triathlon here in the Philippines.

With the single-day haul of two gold medals and two silver medals in the two SEA Games triathlon events, the Philippines got boosted in the medal standing. Medal competition aside, rewards from the national government will follow soon.

According to Section 8 of Republic Act Number 10699 (RA 10699 or “AN ACT EXPANDING THE COVERAGE OF INCENTIVES GRANTED TO NATIONAL ATHLETES AND COACHES, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9064”), SEA Games gold medalists who won in individual events will be rewarded P300,000 each while the silver medalists will receive P150,000 each.

Gold medal victory in Mixed Relay (December 2, 2019)

The triathlon glory continued for the Philippines on December 2 when the team composed of Chicano, Mangrobang, Claire Adorna (2015 SEA Games gold medalist and silver medalist in 2017) and newcomer Fer Casares won the gold in the Mixed Relay triathlon event of the SEA Games.

Thank the Lord for His blessing of victory!

Let me stress to all of you reading this that these major victories of the Philippines in the SEA Games would not have been possible with God’s blessing.

Before the two triathlon events happened, I made a public call to viewers on my official Facebook page to pray for the SEA Games victories of not only the Philippine triathlon team but also the duathlon team. I also reached out to my church mates to pray as well.

And the Lord answered our prayers! The blessings in the form of twin gold and twin silver medal victories of the two triathlon events plus the gold medal of the mixed relay team triathlon event of the SEA Games prove that the Philippines is the best in triathlon in Southeast Asia and take note that the next SEA Games won’t happen until the year 2021. Apart from being congratulated by many, gold medalists Chicano and Mangrobang, and silver medalists Remolino and Kilgroe will be remembered for many years to come not only among the triathlon enthusiasts of the Philippines but by Filipinos in general and among people all over Southeast Asia!

On her official Facebook page, Kim Mangrobang acknowledged the Lord!

When it comes to victory, God is the source of it apart from the blessings, opportunities and progress He provides to His creations who are faithful to Him. The Lord rewards the faithful abundantly and there is no denying that!

In closing this, here is a scripture from the Holy Bible.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4: 13 (NKJV)

For continued triathlon and multiport updates, come back 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

Parañaque City Government Confirms Plans To Reward Residents Who Win Medals at the 2019 SEA Games

November 30, 2019November 30, 2019carlocarrasco

Hey everyone! Is your local community print media news publication still practicing propaganda or irresponsible journalism? Is your local community print media news publication secretly colluding with authorities or fake news makers? Is your local community print media news publication plagiarizing articles of bloggers and printed pretentious reports and articles to mislead you?

In this era of fake news and social media, publishing credibility is more crucial than ever. I personally oppose fake news, irresponsible journalism and propaganda (that is both self-serving and insulting to the public’s intelligence). I’ve seen others (who see themselves as keyboard warrior-type activists) mislead others via social media with lies and wrongful images (note: the #SEAGamesFail movement on Twitter made waves temporarily damaging not only the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee but also the nation as a whole).

On this website of mine, I strive to inform you, my readers and anyone concerned reading this, with precise and truthful information backed with evidence.

As for the title of this article, I can confirm to you all that the City Government of Parañaque confirmed to me directly that any resident of the city who wins a medal in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games (2019 SEA Games) will be rewarded!

This past week, I reached out to City Administrator Fernando “Ding” Soriano and asked him if the administration of mayor Edwin Olivarez has any reward planned for Parañaque-based 2019 SEA Games medalists

“The mayor will give rewards,” Soriano responded.

Eva Nono, the former head of the Parañaque Public Information Office who remains with the Olivarez administration, gave the same response when I also inquired with her.

What kind of rewards await Parañaque-based athletes at the SEA Games if ever they win at least a bronze medal? Will it be a cash incentive? A citation by the City Government? A photo session with the mayor? No solid details have been revealed by Soriano and Nono respectively. We will just have to find out.

Back in the year 2017 at nearby Las Piñas City, I personally witnessed their mayor Imelda Aguilar and the City Councilors meet with then SEA Games men’s triathlon gold medalist Nikko Huelgas who was a confirmed resident of BF International. They were very delighted to find out about his being a local of theirs and eventually an agreement was made by the City Government to give him a cash incentive for his gold medal victory as well as for bringing honor to the city. The 2017 SEA Games gold was Huelgas’ 2nd gold.

Speaking of SEA Games triathlon, Huelgas is NOT participating in this year’s edition of the games and you can find out precisely why right here.

The 2019 SEA Games triathlon and duathlon events will be held at Subic Bay very soon and the great news is that tickets are NOT required for people who intend to watch the events live on-location.

For updates about the 2019 SEA Games triathlon and duathlon events, come back here and also I encourage you visit the FB page of the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP).

No Tickets Required to Watch 2019 SEA Games Triathlon and Duathlon Events in Subic Bay

November 21, 2019carlocarrasco

Good news for sports enthusiasts and followers of the sports of triathlon (swim-bike-run) and duathlon (run-bike-run)! Tickets are NOT required to watch live the triathlon and duathlon events of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) scheduled for the first week of December in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

This is according to 2019 SEA Games director for marketing Raoul Floresca who revealed a list of official sports events that will not be ticketed and that most of them are outdoor sports set in open areas. He also added that there will be no personnel from the marketing team and SM Tickets (the official seller of 2019 SEA Games tickets) won’t have any personnel present.

The SEA Games triathlon (December 1 and 4) and duathlon (December 2 and 5) in Subic Bay are both outdoor events and anyone who wants to watch them on location should not worry anymore about having to search for tickets. Floresca stated that spectator services must take charge of the entry of spectators at all venues of SEA Games events that don’t require tickets.

Apart from triathlon and duathlon, other SEA Games events set in Subic Bay that don’t require tickets include Canoe/Kayak, Rowing, Sailing, Windsurfing, open water swimming and shooting to name some.

SEA Games events that require tickets

When it comes to SEA Games events that will be held in enclosed areas or stadiums, tickets are required for people who want to watch live. The SEA Games badminton event in Muntinlupa City will be held inside the city’s sports facility in Barangay Tunasan and if you want to watch the games, you must buy a ticket first. This will also be applied on the SEA Games underwater hockey event that will be held at the Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus City, Cavite. For more details or to buy tickets for badminton and underwater hockey, visit SM Tickets online.

PRESS RELEASE: New Clark City Hosts Successful Inaugural Triathlon

October 21, 2019October 21, 2019carlocarrasco

NEW CLARK CITY HOSTS SUCCESSFUL INAUGURAL TRIATHLON

More than a thousand athletes participated in the first-ever triathlon held in New Clark City from October 19-20, 2019. The event, organized by the GoClark Sports and Events and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), welcomed participants from all ages with the hosting of the Kids’ Triathlon, fun run, and the major triathlon race.

“We’re fortunate that a lot of spectators supported the event. Hopefully these sports facilities will eventually help promote wellness and healthy living for many Filipinos. Seeing the faces of the participants, they were so happy. It’s just the beginning of what’s more to come [here in New Clark City] in the next few years,” BCDA President and CEO Vince Dizon said.

Dizon added that the race was another opportunity to test the sports facilities before the SEA Games which will run from November 30 to December 11. Official Test games will start next week and will be participated by international athletes.

Participants raced at the world-class Athletics Stadium, Aquatics Center, and the new access road from New Clark City to the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway which will boost connectivity in Central Luzon.

There were also para-athletes who joined the race.

“This event proves that you don’t have to be an elite athlete to do this sport,” says GoClark Sports and Events Director Jumbo Tayag.

Triathlon silver medalist John “Rambo” Chicano who will compete in this year’s 30th South East Asian Games are a huge help for national athletes as they train for competitions.

“Napakalaking tulong ng ganitong facility para sa aming mga atleta kasi ‘di na namin kailangan mag-overseas na training camp so ‘yun pa lang, makakatipid na kami kasi pamasahe pa lang ‘tsaka accommodation din malaki. Sa ganitong paraan, nakakatipid na. Nakaka-engganyo pa tayo ng kabataan [to turn to sports] dito sa Clark,” Chicano said.

“[For] Filipino athletes, to do the SEA Games in front of the home crowd is one of our biggest opportunities to promote our sport, triathlon. To showcase that we are good in endurance sports and that it should be given so much funding,” Gold medalist triathlete Nikko Huelgas underscored. “Kasi ‘pag tinutulungan ‘yung Philippine sports mas naiinspire ‘yung buong bayan to engage in sports and nabibigyan ng opportunities ‘yung mga tao magkaroon ng magandang buhay. Sports gives you a better life.”

Both the Athletics Stadium and Aquatics Center meet the standards of international governing bodies, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and Federation Internationale de Natation (FINA).

+++

Strong Finish for Philippines Foreseen in 30th SEA Games Triathlon Events

September 25, 2019September 25, 2019carlocarrasco

During the recent edition of the Usapang Sports forum held at the National Press Club in Intramuros, Manila, 2-time SEA Games medalist Maria Claire Adorna expressed that the Philippines campaign will achieve success in the triathlon events (Individual Men, Individual Women and Mixed Team Relay) of the 30th Southeast Asian Games (30th SEA Games) which will be held at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Adorna, who won the SEA Games triathlon gold in 2015 in Singapore and the silver medal in 2017 in Malaysia, was confident that the team will do well this year.

“We have strong chance to win especially because we will host the SEA Games,” Adorna said during the forum.

To put things in perspective, in the Men’s race, the Philippines will be represented by John Chicano and Andrew Kim Remolino. 2-time SEA Games medalist Kim Mangrobang and Kim Kilgroe will race in the Women’s competition. Adorna has been shortlisted with Mangrobang and Kilgroe in the mixed team relay for women while 2-time SEA Games gold medalist Nikko Huelgas has been shortlisted with Chicano and Fer Casares on the men’s side. Specifically, a decision will be made as to which triathletes will do the mixed team relay event the day before the race begins.

The distance of the triathlon will be 1.5-kilometer swimming, 40KM biking and 10KM running.

Hard-earned SEA Games Gold Medal

It is recalled during the 2015 SEA Games, Adorna revealed to reporters and bloggers that winning the gold medal was very hard to achieve not only because of competition from other Southeast Asian nations but also due to the fact that she had been injured along the way. Check out the video below.

Back to the sports forum, the 2-time medalist pointed to Singapore and Malaysia as the likely biggest rivals.

When it comes to entering the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Adorna said that local triathletes need to participate in many Asian-level tournaments as possible in order to accumulate the essential ranking points in order to qualify in the said Games. She urged the entire nation to pray and support for the entire Philippine team.

The Usapang Sports forum was presented by the Tabloids Organization in Philippine Sports (TOPS) and sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, National Press Club, Pagcor, Community Basketball Association, and HG Guyabano Tea Leaf Drinks. TOPS president Ed Andaya and Games and Amusements Board (GAB) Chairman Abraham “Baham” Mitra were present during the forum.

No Three-peat in SEA Games Men’s Triathlon

With Chicano and Remolino (who is preparing in his native Cebu) representing the Philippines in the Men’s race in the SEA Games triathlon, there definitely will be no “three-peat” this year in reference to Nikko Huelgas who won the Men’s gold medals in 2015 and 2017. The Triathlon Association of the Philippines announced this past August its SEA Games lineup for the triathlon event.

Huelgas however still has a chance to share the glory of winning another gold medal in the men’s mixed team relay.

Among the ladies, 2017 SEA Games gold medalist Kim Mangrobang has a chance to win a 2nd consecutive gold medal. Recently she finished 5th in the Elite Women category of the 2019 ATU Triathlon African Cup in Morocco. Her teammate Kim Kilgroe finished 8th in that same race.

For more triathlon updates, visit the TRAP Facebook page here.

For updates of the 30th SEA Games, click here for the website and here for the Facebook page.

Stay tuned for more.

Nikko Huelgas at 2019 USANA Live Global Convention

August 17, 2019August 17, 2019carlocarrasco

Nikko Huelgas, who is a 2-time gold medalist in the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in the multisport of triathlon, achieved something just several hours ago. It’s not another victory in a race but rather it was his speech delivered to a live audience during the 2019 USANA Live Global Convention held at the Salt Palace Center in Utah, the United States.

Here are the details…

*Nikko Huelgas’ name and image highlighted at the Salt Lake Center as he delivered his speech there. (photo contributed by Nikko Huelgas)*

Nikko told me that his speech lasted around three minutes. The presentation was lively as his image was magnified by the organizers complete with his name prominently displayed for everyone to see.

“I simply shared a 3-minute speech about my journey as a SEA Games champion to becoming the Chairman of the POC Athletes Commission,” he said. “So I shared that for a bit and shared the inevitable struggles of a pro athlete that is comparable to that of a USANA Associate.”

This is not the first time that the BF International, Las Piñas City resident delivered a speech. A few years ago, he spoke in front of many students at his old high school Elizabeth Seton School in BF Resort Village, Las Piñas City which inspired them.

*Nikko Huelgas outside the venue of the big convention. (source – Nikko Huelgas Facebook page)*

Furthermore, Nikko attended the convention representing the Philippines and he carries a convention badge which identifies him as an USANA Athlete.

What is the convention about? According to the organizers, their event is described as the only place attendees can interact in real-time with world-class trainers, get a front-row seat to industry-changing announcements, interact with USANA management team members, shop for products in a massive store, immerse themselves at the interactive expo and be celebrated on the awards stage.

Watch for more about Nikko Huelgas and triathlon-related stuff here.

Nikko Huelgas Tops TRI-Factor Standard Distance Triathlon In Indonesia!

July 11, 2019July 11, 2019carlocarrasco

Nikko Huelgas Tops TRI-Factor Standard Distance Triathlon In Indonesia!

Nikko Huelgas, the 2-time Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) gold medalist who resides in BF International, Las Piñas City, brought honor again to the Philippines by winning the championship in the Tri-Factor Indonesia Standard Distance triathlon event held this past Sunday (July 7) at the island of Belitung in Indonesia.

According to Huelgas, he completed the 1.5 Kilometer swim – 40 Km bike – 10 Km run event in an estimated time of 2 hours and 9 minutes. I state estimated because as of this writing, the complete and official results of the event have yet to be published.

For his victory, the BF International resident thanked his coaches and sponsors.

When I asked him through Viber about the experience of the race in Indonesia, Huelgas said that it was a relaxing one as it was held on the island (note: Belitung is located on the east coast of Sumatra) and he was mostly away from the competitors. This helped him lessen his social anxiety as well as the typical pre-race anxiety.

Huel1 — *Nikko Huelgas running during the race in Indonesia. (photo contributed by Huelgas)*

“It was a hot day but staying on the beach front made it manageable and stress-free. No problems happened whatsoever and no diet adjustments. It was able to do a great race that I’ve been longing for the past months,” Huelgas wrote.

When it comes to the quality of the competitors, he described them as not as big as the Asian Championships of triathlon and he was not there to actually win.

“I was there to deliver the best possible performance I can give, as a way for my comeback (in) triathlon,” he added.

With this latest triathlon victory now etched in history, I asked Huelgas what does he plan to achieve for the next six months. He stated that he has a lot of plans up until the end of December and that “things are looking very great” in relation to his most recent performance. He will be joining a race in Cebu very soon.

More notably, Huelgas hopes that his victory last Sunday will help him inch closer to qualify for a slot in the Philippine Team that will compete in the triathlon event of this year’s Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games). The said triathlon event will be held at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone which itself is very established as the nation’s main destination for triathlon events.

For the newcomers reading this, Nikko Huelgas won for the nation the gold medals in the triathlon events of the SEA Games of 2015 and 2017. In September 2017, I was with him when he visited Las Piñas City Hall where he met Mayor Imelda “Mel” Aguilar, the Vice Mayor and members of the City Council. I witnessed first hand how proud the City Government officials and personnel were to meet him knowing the fact that a fellow Las Piñero like him won great honors for the country.

With regards to the BF Homes community, Huelgas’ name was heard some people I encountered around. A few people living in the Parañaque City part of BF Homes – or specifically Barangay BF Homes – even wished that Huelgas was part of their barangay and city.

	Shaman Tiers on A Look Back at Fatale #1 …
	Luke on Trump Administration Weighs Hi…
	Instapundit »… on Trump Administration Weighs Hi…
	Roaming Rhonda on Christian Music Appreciation:…
	Instapundit »… on Trump Administration Rescued O…

Share this:

Share this:

Huelgas and Burgos Lead All Vermosa Aquathlon 1 Winners

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

NEW CLARK CITY HOSTS SUCCESSFUL INAUGURAL TRIATHLON

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Nikko Huelgas Tops TRI-Factor Standard Distance Triathlon In Indonesia!

Share this: