Recently the City Government of Muntinlupa congratulated a local resident who won for the Philippines its first gold medal of the ongoing 32nd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Cambodia, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The name of the local resident is Kaila Napolis and she won the gold in the women’s jiu-jitsu event.
The image that the City Government posted on its Facebook page.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City government congratulated Jenna Kaila Napolis for winning the Philippines’ first gold medal at the 2023 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Cambodia.
Napolis, a resident of Barangay Poblacion, Muntinlupa, won the gold in the Jiu Jitsu Women’s Newaza Gi – 52kg event by defeating Cambodia’s Jessa Khan on May 4.
“Ang Jiu jitsu athlete ay isang Muntinlupeño, mula sa Brgy. Poblacion. Muli, Congratulations Kaila! (The Jiu jitsu athlete is a Muntinlupeño from Brgy. Poblacion. Again, Congratulations Kaila!),” the city government posted on Facebook.
In a Facebook post, Napolis said, “4 matches to Seagames Gold.”
“My faith as small as a mustard seed got me through here. I’m so happy I was able to conquer my fear of competing against one of the best in the world,” she added.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Are you delighted about what Napolis achieved for the nation in the ongoing SEA Games in Cambodia? Do you think the City Government should reward locals who won medals at the SEA Games?
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
Welcome back my readers and sports fans! This morning at Kep in Cambodia, Kim Mangrobang proved once again that she is still Southeast Asia’s reigning queen of duathlon (run-bike-run) as she won the gold medal in the Women’s Individual Duathlon event of the 32ndSoutheast Asian Games (also referred to as SEA Games and Cambodia 2023). The gold she won was the 10th gold for the Philippines in the ongoing regional games as of this writing.
The reigning Southeast Asian Queen of Duathlon Kim Mangrobang with teammate Kira Ellis and the Philippine flag at Kep, Cambodia. (photo credit: Ramon Marchan)
To put things in perspective, the official results showed that Mangrobang finished the 5 Kilometer run – 20 Km bike – 2.5 Km run event in 1 hour, 4 minutes and 23 seconds (1:04:23). She timed 20:13 in the 5Km run leg, had 23 seconds in Transition 1, completed the 20 Km bike leg in 33:20, had 23 seconds in Transition 2 and completed the 2.5 Km run in 10:04 (note: the fastest run time).
Thi Phuong Trinh Nguyen of Vietnam captured the silver medal in 1:05:12 while Indonesia’s Maharani Azhri Wahyuningtyas ended with the bronze clocking in 1:06:14. Mangrobang’s teammate Kira Ellis – who was part of the gold medal-winning aquathlon relay team – finished at 5th place with 1:07:11.
The image from the Facebook post of the Philippine Sports Commission.
Meanwhile on the Men’s Individual Duathlon, the Philippine duo of Fer Casares (the gold medalist of last year’s SEA Games triathlon along with Mangrobang) and John Chicano (the 2019 SEA Games gold medalist in men’s triathlon) fell short at 5th and 6th places. Casares timed 55:18 while Chicano clocked 55:39. Vietnam won the gold followed by Cambodia the silver and Indonesia the bronze.
Mangrobang’s duty is not over yet as she will be racing in the Women’s Individual Triathlon tomorrow morning at 6:30 AM. We will find out if she can win another SEA Games triathlon gold medal for the Philippines. The Men’s Individual Triathlon will follow at 8:30 AM.
For the Philippine readers, the multisport enthusiasts and the faithful people reading this, be thankful to the Lord for today’s gold medal victory, honor Him and know that with Him, nothing is impossible. Learn from the holy scriptures below…
Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.
1 Chronicles 16:34 (NKJV)
But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Matthew 19:26 (NKJV)
Watch out for more 2023 SEA Games multisport updates right here.
Today at Kep in Cambodia, the multisport squad composed of Erika Burgos, Iñaki Emil Lorbes, Kira Ellis and Matthew Justine Hermosa won the gold for the Philippines during the Mixed Aquathlon 4X Team Relay event of the 2023 Southeast Asian Games (also referred to as SEA Games and Cambodia 2023). This big victory happened hours after the silver medal victory of Andrew Kim Remolino in the men’s individual aquathlon and it added to the growing number of gold medal victories for the Philippines. Specifically, the mixed aquathlon team relay victory is the 7th gold for the nation in the ongoing regional games as of this writing.
The pose of victory at the SEA Games in Cambodia. (note: photo sourced from Triathlon Association of the Philippines Facebook page).
To put things in perspective, the official results showed that the Philippines finished first with an overall time of 1 hour, 9 minutes and 56 seconds (1:09:56). In terms of breakdowns, the Filipino multisport squad scored 16:20 in Leg 1, 19:21 in Leg 2, 16:16 in Leg 3 and 17:59 in Leg 4 of the Mixed Aquathlon 4X Team Relay event. The way the results were presented online, it was not made clear which team member participated per leg.
Meanwhile, Indonesia captured the silver medal in 1:11:27 while the bronze went to Vietnam which finished in 1:13:29. Host nation Cambodia finished at 7th place with 1:26:41.
Considering what the Philippines achieved today in the inaugural SEA Games aquathlon events, it is essential to thank and honor the Lord for the silver and gold medals won.
I will praise the name of God with a song,
And will magnify Him with thanksgiving.
Psalm 69:30 (NKJV)
Keep on giving your thanks to God, for he is so good! His constant, tender love lasts forever!
Psalms 118:1 (TPT)
As mentioned before, the competition in this edition of the SEA Games is tough and there is still a long road ahead for the Philippines to win as many gold medals as possible. To overcome the challenges and obstacles, faith in the Lord is essential.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
From this point on, the Philippines will proceed with its quest for gold in the Men’s Individual Duathlon which will start tomorrow at 6:30 AM and also in the Women’s Individual Duathlon which is set to take place at 8:30 AM.
On May 8, the Women’s Individual Triathlon will go first at 6:30 AM followed by the Men’s Individual Triathlon at 8:30 AM.
Watch out for more 2023 SEA Games multisport updates right here.
This morning at Kep in Cambodia, Andrew Kim Remolino won for the Philippines the silver medal of the men’s individual aquathlon event in the ongoing 32nd Southeast Asian Games (also referred to as SEA Games and Cambodia 2023). For the newcomers reading this, this is the first time ever that the aquathlon got organized during the SEA Games and both the duathlon and triathlon events will follow over the next two days.
The image from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Facebook page post congratulating Andrew Kim Remolino.
As expected, the battle for gold was indeed tough. The official results showed that the Cebu-based Remolino finished 2nd with a time of 15 minutes and 7 seconds (15:07). Remolino finished the 500-meter swim leg in 6:06, had transition time of 22 seconds and ran 2.5 Kilometers in 8:39. The gold medal of the men’s aquathlon went to Indonesia’s Rashif Amila Yaqini (14:28) while the bronze went to Singapore’s Bryce Sheng Cher Chong (15:39). Remolino’s teammate Joshua Alexander Ramos finished 5th place with 16:14.
On the women’s individual aquathlon, Raven Faith Alcoseba ended up short of capturing the bronze medal as she finished 4th with 17:43 (6:47 in the swim, 26 seconds transition time and 10:30 in the run). The Cebu-based Alcoseba was just ten seconds behind Indonesia’s Dea Salsabila Putri who captured the bronze medal. Alcoseba’s teammate Gene Heart Quiambao ended up at 8th place with 18:30. The gold and silver medals went to Cambodia’s Margot Morokot Garabedian (16:09) and Thailand’s Aisika Kaewyongkod (17:15).
The Mixed Aquathlon 4X Team Relay will be held this afternoon. Tomorrow, the Men’s Individual Duathlon will start at 6:30 AM while the Women’s Individual Duathlon will take place at 8:30 AM.
On May 8, the Women’s Individual Triathlon will go first at 6:30 AM followed by the Men’s Individual Triathlon at 8:30 AM. The Philippines is aiming for 3-4 gold medals in the triathlon events.
Watch out for more 2023 SEA Games multisport updates right here.
With the much-awaited triathlon events in the 32nd edition of the Southeast Asian Games (also referred to as SEA Games and Cambodia 2023) happening a few days away, there is confidence on the Cebu-based members of the Philippine triathlon team to win big, according to a Cebu Daily News (CDN) sports news report. Among the Cebuanos are Andrew Kim Remolino and Raven Faith Alcoseba who won big for the Philippines in the previous SEA Games (click here and here).
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the CDN sports article. Some parts in boldface…
Veteran triathlon coach Roland Remolino is confident of the chances of the three Cebuano triathletes under his wing to win medals in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) next month in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Remolino, head coach of two-time SEA Games men’s triathlon silver medalist Andrew Kim Remolino as well as that of the women’s triathlon bronze medalist Raven Faith Alcoseba, told CDN Digital that they had been grinding in training since last year for the SEA Games.
“Wala mi pahuway, continuous atong training. Moslow down ra mi gamay kung naay lumba pareho atong sa Subic International Triathlon,” said Remolino, who is also the father of Andrew Kim Remolino.
(We did not rest, our training was continuous. We only slowed down a little if there are races such as the Subic International Triathlon.)
Andrew Kim Remolino finished 33rd in the Subic International (Triathlon) that was dominated by Australians in both the elite men’s and women’s division.
Meanwhile, Alcoseba who recently underwent laparoscopic appendectomy a month ago finished 24th in the elite distaff side.
“Para nako dili na hindrance. Mas modaog siya karon. Kusgan kaayo si Raven, kahibaw mi na operahan siya sa appendix, pero recovered na siya 90 percent,” said Coach Remolino.
(For me, that is not a hindrance. She can really win now. Raven is very strong, we know that she would undergo an operation for her appendix, but she has recovered 90 percent already.)
Joining them is newcomer and the Philippine team’s youngest SEA Games contender, 17-year-old Matthew Justine Hermosa.
Coach Remolino revealed that they were at the New Clark City Stadium in Tarlac training for the SEA Games.
“Confident ra ko mokuha mi og medals jud aning SEA Games. Dili ko makasure kung first or second, pero confident ug salig ra ko sa akong mga triathletes. Sige man jud mi ug training. Sige mi og bukbok og training, nagsige sad mi ug duwa ug mga qualifying races, wala pay labot ang local races,” Coach Remolino said.
(I am confident that they can get medals in the SEA Games. I am not sure if first or second, but I am confident and I believe in my triathletes. They have been training rigorously. We have been pushing them in training, we have also competed in qualifying races, and that does not include the local races.)
“Mas dako og advantage diri sa Tarlac mi nagtraining kay access namo tanan training facilities. Dili pareho sa Cebu nga one-hour ra mi sa oval, nagkuwang-kuwang mi og training. Mas complete diri ug mas mingaw diri, makafocus gyud mi ug maayo,” he said.
(The facility here is bigger and training facilities here in Tarlac is an advantage to us because they are accessible to all of us. And not like in Cebu where we only have one-hour in the oval, Our training was lacking. Here our training is more complete and the area has less crowds, we can really focus on our training.)
In last year’s SEA Games, coach Remolino said that they had difficulties training due to the Covid-19 restrictions imposed by the LGUs throughout Cebu. Still, Alcoseba and Andrew Kim delivered two medals for the Philippine team.
Kim Mangrobang and Fernando Caseres were the gold medalists in the Philippine-dominated sport.
For the newcomers reading this, Cebu province has long been a hot spot for triathlon events and new talents in the history of Philippine triathlon. Andrew Kim Remolino and Raven Faith Alcoseba are both young, have achieved a lot for the nation and there is more to come for them. There will be challenges or even surprises at the SEA Games triathlon events in Cambodia which will commence on May 8, 2023 with the Women’s Individual Triathlon happening at 6:30 AM and the Men’s Individual Triathlon at 8:30 AM, according to the official Cambodia SEA Games website.
2021 Vietnam SEA Games bronze medalist in women’s triathlon Raven Faith Alcoseba. (photo source – Philippine Sports Commission)
2021 Vietnam SEA Games silver medalist in men’s triathlon Andrew Kim Remolino. (photo source – Philippine Sports Commission)
The Philippines will also be competing in the SEA Games duathlon and aquathlon events in Cambodia. All the multisport events will be held in Kep which has a beach. For added insight about the Philippines’ SEA Games campaign in triathlon, duathlon and aquathlon, watch the videos below…
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines will win the gold medals in triathlon, duathlon and aquathlon at the SEA Games in Cambodia a few days from now?
The Southeast Asian Games (also referred to as SEA Games and Cambodia 2023) in Cambodia will formally open in a few days from now and those who love multisport events like triathlon, duathlon and aquathlon won’t have to wait too long as their respective medal events will take place from May 6 to 8, 2023 at the Kep Town Beach in Kep City.
According to the official 2023 SEA Games schedule of events, the aquathlon events will take place on May 6. Women’s Individual Aquathlon will start at 6:30 AM followed by Men’s Individual Aquathlon at 7:30 AM and the Mixed Aquathlon 4x Team Relay at 2PM.
On May 7, the Men’s Individual Duathlon will start at 6:30 AM while the Women’s Individual Duathlon will take place at 8:30 AM.
May 8 is the big day for those who love triathlon. The Women’s Individual Triathlon will go first at 6:30 AM followed by the Men’s Individual Triathlon at 8:30 AM.
The official medal tally for the 2023 SEA Games triathlon, duathlon and aquathlon events will eventually be published online and they can be accessed by clicking https://games.cambodia2023.com/#sportsinfo (note: Click the Triathlon/Duathlon/Aquathlon button in order to narrow down the search).
With regards to Kep as the place of race venue, it was described by Cambodia’s Tourism as follows…
Kep was Cambodia’s top seaside destination until eclipsed in the 1960s by Sihanoukville (and, soon after, decades of civil war). The town is full of ruined shells of old villas, destroyed in the Khmer Rouge days and during the subsequent Civil War and stripped down by the leaving Vietnamese army.
Today’s Kep has recently become established as a Khmer holiday spot and is slowly being rediscovered by travelers. The once very poor Kep beach is now being filled up with snow white sand from Otres Beach and is extended to 50m, still the main beach is located at the idyllic Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island, 20min by long tail boat), just off the coast.
The charm of this coastal resort lies in its peacefulness, its National Park, and its seafood.
A single, kilometer long crescent of sand near the tip of the Kep peninsula. Dining platforms and seafood vendors line the road behind the beach. Busy on weekends but often deserted during the week.
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
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?
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.
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?
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
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?
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?
Author Carlo Carrasco 