In relation to this, the Philippine multisport team members arrived home victorious. Welcomed at the airport were Fer Casares the Men’s Triathlon gold medalist, Kim Mangrobang the Women’s Duathlon gold medalist and Women’s Triathlon Silver Medalist, Andrew Kim Remolino the Men’s Aquathlon silver medalist and Men’s Triathlon bronze medalist, and the members of the Mixed Aquathlon 4X Team Relay champions Erika Burgos, Iñaki Emil Lorbes and Matthew Justine Hermosa. Given the back-to-back SEA Games victories they each achieved, Casares is the reigning King of Triathlon in Southeast Asia while Mangrobang is the reigning Queen of Duathlon of the region.
Image of the Philippine multisport team who won medals at the 32nd SEA Games posted on social media by the Manila Bulletin. (photo credit: Manila Bulletin)
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA sports news story. Some parts in boldface…
Fernando Casares is hoping for the best when he competes at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China from Sept. 23 to Oct. 8.
The Filipino-Spanish triathlete successfully defended his Southeast Asian Games title in Cambodia last Monday and while he is determined to make an impressive debut in China, getting a podium finish would be hard.
“The level is incredibly high, probably not,” said Casares in an interview Wednesday afternoon. “I would love to achieve Top 10 but I’m aware of the level.”
He clocked 58 minutes and 33.5 seconds to claim victory in Cambodia, beating Indonesian Rashif Yaqin (58:47) in the 750m swim-20km bike-5km run men’s event at the Kep Beach Resort.
Cebuano Andrew Kim Remolino placed third in 59:53 to settle for the bronze, his second medal following a silver finish in the men’s aquathlon on May 6.
“Obviously my main goal was to win the gold medal in triathlon since I already won in the last SEA Games in Vietnam, the issue was that this time, the distance was sprint, not standard, so the level was going to be more equal. Throughout the race, I wasn’t very sure if I was going to win because the gap between the lead pack and us (Kim Remolino and me) was considerably big after the swim, but we did an amazing job on the bike, closing the gap that much that we almost caught the lead pack before reaching T2 (20″ gap). As soon as I started running, I knew I was going to get a podium because I knew very well my rivals, however, I wasn’t sure if I could get the gold since Remolino and the guy from Indonesia were the fastest runners along with me,” said Casares, who was born in Madrid to a Spanish father and a Filipino mother.
“It took me 2.5km to overtake the leader and once I reached kilometer 3.75, I knew I would win because there was a considerable gap. But unfortunately, I started to feel dizzy because I was going all out, as if I was going to bonk, so it was quite stressing until the last 100m because I didn’t know if the Indonesian was going to sprint on the last part,” he added.
“Achieving this victory means everything to me, all the hard work I’ve been doing for months paid off, now I’ll be able to keep training as a full-time athlete, thanks to the salary I’ll keep receiving from the government, which is quite a relief,” he said.”But the best feeling about winning the gold medal is the supportive messages I receive from my kababayan (countrymen), it’s quite comforting to make everyone proud and to raise our flag to the top.”
Meanwhile, Casares will leave for Osaka, Japan next week with three-time SEA Games women’s champion Kim Mangrobang. They will compete in the Asia Cup set on May 26.
“It’ll be good to get some points for my international ranking. After Osaka, my plan is to go back to Spain to make the most of its weather, since it’ll be summer by then. There’s so many high-level national races that I can join, and even Europe Cups and World Cups. All these will be my preparation for the Asian Games,” said Casares, who joined two tournaments in New Zealand — Oceania Cup in Taupo, and World Cup in New Plymouth — as part of his training for the SEA Games.
Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) President Tom Carrasco had earlier predicted three gold medals.
Aside from Casares, the other gold medalists were Mangrobang (duathlon) and the mixed aquathlon relay team of Erika Burgos, Inaki Lorbes, Kira Ellis and Matthew Hermosa.
Mangrobang also got a silver medal in the triathlon, clocking (1:07:21) to finish second behind Cambodian naturalized entry Margot Garabedian (1:05.34). Singapore’s Louisa Marie Middleditch was third (1:07:24).
The Philippines leads the SEA Games all-time medal tally in triathlon, duathlon and aquathlon, with 35 medals — 15 golds, 12 silvers and 8 bronzes.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a triathlon enthusiast, are you looking forward to the next overseas campaigns of the Philippine team triathletes? What is your opinion about Cambodia’s move on having more competitive foreign athletes naturalized as part of their strategy to win events in the SEA Games that they themselves have been hosting?
Welcome back my readers and sports fans! The much-awaited triathlon events for men and women at the 32ndSoutheast Asian Games (also referred to as SEA Games and Cambodia 2023) have happened and the result for the Philippines was mixed.
Firstly, Fer Casares successfully won the gold medal again for the Philippines in the Men’s Individual Triathlon which establishes him as still the reigning king of triathlon in Southeast Asia. The official results showed that Casares completed the 750 Meter swim – 20 Kilometer bike – 5 Km run contest in 58 minutes and 32 seconds (58:32) and he was just 13 seconds ahead of silver medalist Rashif Amilya Yaqin of Indonesia. Technically Casares swam in 10:38, had 23 seconds in Transition 1, biked for 29:48, had 24 seconds in Transition 2 and ran for 17:19. Comparing his performance with the silver medalist, Casares came from behind to win the gold.
From the social media post of the Philippine Sports Commission.
Cebu-based Andrew Kim Remolino won the Men’s Triathlon bronze in addition to the silver he won for the nation in the Men’s Aquathlon.
In the Women’s Individual Triathlon, Kim Mangrobang finished with the silver medal as Cambodia’s naturalized French-born Margot Garabedian took the gold (note: she also won gold in the Women’s Aquathlon). Mangrobang finished the race in 1:07:21 (11:28 in the swim, 34 seconds in Transition 1, 34:47 in the bike, 28 seconds in Transition 2 and 20:04 in the run) while Garabedian 1:05:31. The bronze medal went to Singapore’s Louisa Marie Middleditch who was just seconds behind Mangrobang at 1:07:28. while Cebu-based Raven Faith Alcoseba finished at 4th place with 1:08:46. Very noticeable was Garabedian’s teammate Toch Raksa finishing only at 10th place with 1:30:54.
Kim Mangrobang won the Women’s Triathlon silver medal and the gold medal in the Women’s Duathlon.
The issue about the naturalization of foreign athletes as Cambodians is already attracting a lot of attention. Take note that there were other naturalized Cambodians who took part in the SEA Games (read about them here and here). It should be noted that the host nation bent the rules of the naturalization process. Following the end of the SEA Games this year, citizenship could become a hot topic of debate on sports competitions at least in Southeast Asia.
While Mangrobang was denied of the gold this time around, her achievement of winning back-to-back SEA Games women’s triathlon (2017, 2019 and 2021) remains historic and has yet to be surpassed. She is also still Southeast Asia’s reigning duathlon queen and Cambodia itself did not do well in the SEA Games women’s duathlon event as well as in the men’s aquathlon event as the official race results showed. It took a female competitor who was born in France to help Cambodia win the gold in triathlon and aquathlon just as they hosted the SEA Games for the first time ever. Remember that, my readers.
If there is anything else significant about the 32nd SEA Games, it is the fact that medal events of aquathlon, duathlon and triathlon got organized for the first time in Southeast Asia’s multisport history. The Philippines is part of it and its medal victories cannot be ignored.
For the record, the Philippines won the gold medals in Men’s Triathlon, Women’s Duathlon and the Mixed Aquathlon 4X Team Relay. Also secured were the silver medals in the Men’s Aquathlon and Women’s Triathlon, and the bronze in Men’s Triathlon. These are achievements that Filipinos can be thankful to the Lord for. Indeed, Southeast Asian sports competition has gotten tougher but the Philippines remains a multisport powerhouse in the region and for sure adjustments and further refinements will follow for future overseas competitions. The next SEA Games will be hosted by Thailand.
Let me end this post with the bible verse below…
I know what it means to lack, and I know what it means to experience overwhelming abundance. For I’m trained in the secret of overcoming all things, whether in fullness or in hunger. And I find that the strength of Christ’s explosive power infuses me to conquer every difficulty.
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
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 year 2022 officially over, the Department of Tourism (DOT) officially confirmed that the Philippines attracted 2.65 million tourist arrivals (exceeding the target of 1.7 million) and over P200 billion in tourism revenues were generated for the year, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the PNA article. Some parts in boldface…
The holidays delivered further gains for the Philippine tourism industry as it breached its 1.7-million target with 2.65 million international arrivals as of the end of 2022.
The arrivals translated to PHP208.96 billion or USD3.68 billion in tourism revenues, a whopping 2,465.75-percent increase from 2021, according to a news release on Monday.
Based on the monitoring of the Department of Tourism (DOT) from the time the country reopened its borders to all travelers in February until Dec. 31, 2022 arrivals peaked in December as more Filipinos and tourists alike opted to spend the Christmas and New Year vacations in the Philippines.
Of the total 2.65 million international arrivals last year, 628,445 were returning Filipinos while the bulk of 2.02 million tourists were from top markets United States (505,089), South Korea (428,014), Australia (137,974),Canada (121,413), the United Kingdom (101,034),Japan (99,557), Singapore (53,448), India (51,542), Malaysia (46,805) and China (39,627).
The year just ended likewise generated an estimated 5.23 million tourism-related jobs, 11,989 DOT-accredited tourism enterprises as of Dec. 29, 2022 and 25,770 tourism stakeholders who were trained.
DOT Secretary Christina Frasco was elated over the achievements of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., just six months into office.
She said the tourism sector’s growth clearly showed the hard work of the entire industry in order to recover from the unprecedented crisis brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Moments of great difficulty are also moments of great opportunity. In the past, we have overcome a global pandemic and survived various calamities. The Philippine tourism industry has managed to exceed expectations and our tourism partners and frontliners continue to offer the best of Filipino grace and hospitality to the world,” Frasco said in a statement.
“We welcome 2023 with gratitude and excitement for Philippine tourism to bounce back stronger than ever. We shall welcome with warmth and that distinct Filipino smile visitors from all over the world as they visit our award-winning beaches, experience the richness of our culture, and enjoy our world-renowned Filipino brand of service excellence,” she added.
Frasco is hopeful that the DOT will surpass its targets anew in 2023.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development about the Philippines tourism? If you are managing a business, did your business benefit somehow from the arrival of foreign tourists and/or Filipinos who arrived from overseas? Do you think the DOT will be able to achieve its targets for 2023?
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
For the newcomers reading this, the event organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), HOKA, Filinvest New Clark City, Standard Insurance, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines (ACIP), Fissan and Fitbar with Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), New Clark City and the local government of Capas, Tarlac as the venue partners, attracted hundreds of registered participants locally as well as some from overseas. It is also part of the selection process of choosing athletes who will compete in the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia (for references, click here and here). Casares and Alcoseba, who are members of the national team, are among the top triathletes of Southeast Asia. Casares is the SEA Games gold medalist in men’s triathlon and Alcoseba the SEA Games bronze medalist in women’s triathlon.
To put things into perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of the PNA. Some parts in boldface…
Filipino-Spanish Fernando Jose Casares lived up to expectations after ruling the sprint distance men’s elite category of the 2022 National Duathlon Championships at the New Clark City Sports Complex in Capas, Tarlac on Sunday.
Born in Madrid to a Spanish father and a Filipino mother, the 2021 Vietnam SEA Games gold medalist Casares finished the 5,000(run)-20,000-(bike)-2.500(run) race in 58 minutes and 3 seconds to beat fellow national athlete John Chicano Leerams of Olongapo City (58.09) and promising duathlete Maynard Pecson of Baguio City (58.13).
“I’m glad I had a good performance here,” said the 26-year-old Casares, whose mother is from Valenzuela City. He got his dual citizenship in 2018.
Casares had competed at the World Games in Alabama, USA last July. He also won the mixed relay gold medal with Chicano, Kim Mangrobang, Clair Adorna at the 2019 Manila SEA Games.
In the women’s category, Cebuana Raven Faith Alcoseba clocked 1 hour, 6 minutes and 32 seconds to claim the gold medal.
“The course was challenging, I’m happy to win,” said the 20-year-old civil engineering student from De La Salle University. She debuted in the 2021 Vietnam SEA Games with a bronze medal in triathlon.
The 5-foot-2 Alcoseba, who hails from Talisay in Cebu, defeated Singaporean Louisa Middleditch (1:07.10) and Merry Joy Trupa of Tarlac City (1:08.50).
Matthew Justine Hermosa, also a native of Talisay, registered 1:01.46 to pocket the gold medal in the junior elite men’s category of the tournament organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) headed by Tom Carrasco Jr.
Irienold Reig Jr. of Batasan Hills in Quezon City took the silver medal with a time of 1:02.40 while Aidan Reed Mercado, a grade 12 student from Muntinlupa National High School, settled for the bronze medal with a time of 1:03.24.
The top three winners in the junior women’s elite category were Jena Valdez (1:11.35), Lady Samantha Jhunace (1:11.39) and Sophia Kyra Capistrano (1:14.49).
Meanwhile, Bases Conversion and Development Authority Senior Vice President for Corporate Services Group Arrey Perez appreciated the feedback from the participants of the race supported by the Philippine Sports Commission.
“They are happy that the event was held here. The set up was very nice. The venue was really world-class,” said Perez, who served as mayor of the 2019 SEA Games Athletes Village inside the New Clark City Sports Complex.
The forthcoming 2022 National Duathlon Championships (NDC) will feature the finest Filipino competitors in the run-bike-run event along with a strong foreign participation as the races form part of the selection of the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) for the 32nd Southeast Asian Games (32nd SEA Games) in Cambodia.
Over 450 duathletes across the country are expected to troop to the New Clark City in Tarlac in time for the December 4 race where they will see action in the Standard Distance races as well as in the Sprint and Super Sprint events along with the best from Singapore and Malaysia.
“The main actions are in the sprint events since the events in the Cambodia SEA Games are all sprints with Singapore and Malaysia sending their best to measure up with our elites,” said TRAP president Tom Carrasco.
The races will be supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), HOKA, Filinvest New Clark City, Standard Insurance, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines (ACIP), Fissan and Fitbar as major sponsors while the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), New Clark City and the local government of Capas, Tarlac are the venue partners.
According to Carrasco, the signature event of the TRAP is the 13-15 age group category (Super Sprint) starring the country’s Youth Olympic Games aspirants and the next generation of duathletes/triathletes in the national team.
“The top Filipino finishers will be in the short list for the SEA Games in Cambodia, but we will also consider the other duathlon events results in 2022,” said Carrasco.
More entries are expected to sign up prior to the races where Pocari Sweat serves as hydration partner and PTV Sports and Radyo Pilipinas 2 as media partners.
A total of 103 team will participate, most of them from 26 cities and provinces in the country and foreign contingents from Australia, Brazil, France, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa and the United States.
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Note: This is an official press release issued by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP).
As the 31st Southeast Asian Games (AKA the 31st SEA Games, SEA Games 31 and Hanoi 2021) in Vietnam go on, it has been announced officially by the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) and Sport Singapore that the island city-state of Singapore (population: over 5 million) will host the 35th edition of the Southeast Asian Games in the year 2029, according to an article published by The Straits Times.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from The Straits Times report. Some parts in boldface…
The Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) and Sport Singapore announced in a joint-statement on Thursday (May 12) that the Republic will host the 2029 edition of the Games – 14 years after it was last held in Singapore.
Members of the SEA Games Federation had accepted Singapore’s interest in hosting the biennial event – the largest multi-sports competition in the region – at a meeting in Hanoi, they added.
Thailand and Malaysia will host the 2025 and 2027 editions respectively. The current Games – the 31st edition – is currently being held in Hanoi after it was delayed from 2021 due to the pandemic.
SNOC president Tan Chuan-Jin, who is in the Vietnamese capital, said: “We are pleased to host the prestigious regional sporting event in Singapore again. The SEA Games holds special memories and experiences for Singapore and our South-east Asian neighbours. The camaraderie and rivalry we share are distinct and Singapore is once again happy to organise the 35th SEA Games to relive these moments.”
The 2029 Games will be the fifth time Singapore is organising the event after playing host in 1973, 1983, 1993 and 2015, when its athletes delivered their best performance ever – a haul of 84 gold, 73 silver and 102 bronze medals – to finish second behind Thailand in the medal tally, a feat not achieved since the 1975 Bangkok South-east Asian Peninsular Games.
Over 7,000 athletes and officials from 11 countries participated in the 2015 Games, which featured 402 events across 36 sports.
Hosting of the June 5-16 Games was then budgeted to cost $324.5 million, with the eventual net cost reported to be $60.4 million below that amount.
Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong said hosting the Games will give local athletes an opportunity to enjoy “strong home ground support”.
He added: “The spirit of the SEA Games can also bring Singaporeans from all walks of life together, to cheer and rally behind our athletes, and strengthen our national unity.
“Following the successful hosting of the 2015 SEA Games, we are confident that the 35th SEA Games in 2029 can be another defining moment for Singaporeans and also an opportunity to showcase our hospitality, and tighten bonds with our South-east Asian neighbours.”
If you are interested in visiting Singapore, watch the videos below…
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to the selection of Singapore as the host of the SEA Games in 2029? Have you been to Singapore before?
Japan served notice it is all out to regain her pre-eminence in the NTT Asia Cup SUBIT as she entered a powerhouse squad in the 29th edition of the country’s longest running triathlon event outside of the National Championships set at Subic Bay Freeport Zone this Sunday (May 1).
Asia’s No. 3 and 56th in the world rankings Ren Sato is installed as the No. 1 seed in the elite men category followed by Tsudoi Miyazaki, ranked 4th in Asia and 59th in the world.
In the elite women, inaugural Youth Olympic Games triathlon gold medalist and Rio Olympics 2016 15th placer Yuka Sato (10th– Continental Ranking; 90th– World Ranking) gets the top billing and Tsudoi Miyazaki (14th-CR; 145th– WR) the main supporting role.
Rounding out the top 5 men favorites are: Rio 2016 veteran Azerbaijan’s Rostislav Pevtsov (47th– CR, 76th-WR), Genta Uchida (8th– CR; 97th– WR) and the last SUBIT (2019) champion Hong Kong’s Oscar Coggins who finished 33rd in the Tokyo 2020 (10th– CR; 120th-WR).
Completing the pundits’ choices for a podium finish in the distaff side is Australia’s Jessica Ewart-mctigue (16th-CR; 153- WR).
The last time the Japanese ruled the elite men was in 2017 when they romped off with 1st,3rd and 5th positions with the Koreans inserting themselves in-between; and in the elite women in 2015 when they finished 1-2.
Partnering with organizing Triathlon Association of the Philippines in SUBIT are Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority under newly-installed Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino, Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee with Standard Insurance, Asian Center for Insulation Phil (ACIP), Pocari Sweat, Aurora Suites & Pavilion, and FINIS as sponsors.
Seeing action in SUBIT where top performers gain points for continental and world ranking are hopefuls from aside Japan, Azerbaijan, Hong Kong, and Australia are Chinese-Taipei, India, Singapore, Slovakia and the Philippines.
Conspicuously absent are the Chinese, particularly Mengying Zhong, the back-to-back women’s champion of the last two editions of SUBIT.
The country’s bets to the 31st Hanoi SEA Games, namely, Kim Mangrobang, Raven Faith Alcoseba, Lauren Plaza, Andrew Kim Remolino, Fernando Casares and John Chicano banner the Team Philippines.
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The above information was sourced from an official press release issued by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines. Some parts were modified for this website.
For related triathlon stories about the Subic Bay International Triathlon and the SEA Games this year, click here, here, here and here.
Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from John Chicano by means of an interview and research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.
A Chat with 2019 SEA Games Gold Medalist and Southeast Asia’s Triathlon King – John Chicano
Southeast Asia’s best male triathlete John Leerams Chicano.
Since he first participated in the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in 2017, John Leerams Chicano raked in notable honors for the Philippines and took his career in the multisport of triathlon (swim-bike-run) even higher.
Today, Chicano is one of the highest-ranking members of the National Team of triathlon and this past December, he won the gold medal in the men’s triathlon event of the 2019 SEA Games that was held at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (so close to his native Olongapo City). With that big victory, he established himself as Southeast Asia’s newest triathlon king replacing Nikko Huelgas (2015 and 2017 SEA Games gold medalist). It was also the big reward for the long road (about a decade) he literally took engaging in multisport events like triathlon and duathlon.
Recently I met Chicano and had a nice chat with him.
For you, my readers, here is a look at 3-time SEA Games medalist John Chicano.
A quick look at his background
John Chicano has been engaging in triathlon for many years now and has been a member of the Philippine team along the way. He represented the country in many events of the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP), most notably the annual Subic Bay International Triathlon (SUBIT). He also raced in other triathlon events organized by Bike King Philippines and other race organizers. On livelihood, he previously worked as a bike mechanic as well as a janitor. He now has his own family to support.
When it comes to triathlon at the SEA Games, he made his debut in the 2017 edition of the games held in Malaysia and won the silver medal in the individual men’s triathlon event next to teammate Nikko Huelgas who won the gold medal back then (note: Huelgas first won the SEA Games gold in 2015). His achievement was recognized by the media and the national government which in turn rewarded him (along with all other medalists) with cash incentives in accordance to Republic Act Number 10699.
Winning the SEA Games gold medal at Subic Bay
On the early morning of December 1, 2019, the SEA Games men’s triathlon event started with Chicano and Cebu-based teammate Andrew Kim Remolino representing the nation. After going through the pressure and enduring the pain of the 1.5 kilometer swim – 40 Km bike – 10 Km run event, Chicano won the gold medal in 1 hour, 53 minutes and 26 seconds. Remolino followed with 1:55:03 to win the silver medal, completing the 1-2 punch for the Philippines.
“We were confident in the sense that we prepared well for the SEA Games which includes three months of training at Clark,” Chicano said. “While I was confident to win, there were a few moments of uncertainty since the big competition (men’s triathlon) could turn out to be unpredictable.”
During the December 1 event, Chicano and Remolino raced together during the 40-kilometer bike leg and on the spot they came up with a new strategy to win gold and silver. At that particular stage, another foreign competitor biked near them. Earlier in the swim leg, Remolino was the first to emerge from the sea while Chicano was 4th (an Indonesian and a Singaporean were slightly ahead of him). During the 10-kilometer run leg, Chicano and Remolino built up their lead as a country and, ultimately, he gave it his all to win the gold, literally upgrading from silver (2017 SEA Games). The victory was witnessed by the top sports officials, the coaches, the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP), the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority officials, the spectators, corporate sponsors and, of course, Chicano’s family.
“It was a very happy moment for me to cross the finish line for the gold medal. I even felt like crying for happiness back then,” Chicano recalled the very moment he won the gold and became Southeast Asia’s best. “This was the big payback for almost ten years of effort racing in triathlon and growing to be stronger and more competitive. My triathlon effort and build-up started in 2010, preceded by biking in 2009. The feeling was so tremendous and happy.”
Chicano and teammate Andrew Kim Remolino on the sports section of the December 2, 2019 edition of Business Mirror.
During the medal awarding ceremony, Chicano thought deeply about his SEA Games achievement and that he could bring further honors to the nation (plus his locality) in the years to come. The day after that, Chicano and teammates Remolino, Kim Mangrobang and Kim Kilgroe got tremendous spotlight together in the national newspapers which was expected considering their victorious achievements.
Chicano (3rd from right) with his teammates who won medals in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games – (from L to R) Claire Adorna, Kim Kilgroe, Kim Mangrobang, Andrew Kim Remolino and Fer Casares. (photo source – Kim Mangrobang Facebook page)
His SEA Games gold medal achievement not only raked in praise from many, financial rewards also came in from the national government (RA 10699), the City Government of Olongapo, corporate sponsors and other generous parties. Chicano even got to visit the Philippine Senate and met with Senator Richard Gordon.
Chicano and Kim Mangrobang on the front page of the December 2, 2019 edition of the Manila Times.
Chicano with coach Melvin Fausto and Senator Richard Gordon. (photo source – Subic Bay Community Center Facebook page)
As of this writing, Chicano is strongly focused on triathlon and he believes that what he achieved so far as a triathlete, and also as Southeast Asia’s best male triathlete, will be remembered for a long time and perhaps inspire the next generation of Filipinos to excel in sports.
When it comes to the near future, Chicano will go to Australia very soon to attend the Annual General Meeting and Awards Night of the FilOz Triathlon Club as their Guest Speaker. After that, he will undergo triathlon training for a few more weeks there in Australia.
From this point on, I recommend you all to take a close look at Chicano in triathlon events both local and overseas. He is, after all, Southeast Asia’s reigning triathlon king.
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 Havenoris 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
Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from Kim Mangrobang by means of an interview and research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.
Meet Southeast Asia’s Reigning Triathlon Queen – Kim Mangrobang!
4-time Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) medalist and reigning triathlon queen of Southeast Asia Kim Mangrobang. (photo taken at Akrotiri, Commercenter, Muntinlupa City)
When triathlon (swim-bike-run) made its debut in the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in late 2005 at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone here in the Philippines, Marion Kim Mangrobang was still a teenager who witnessed the event as a spectator. Already a junior-level member of the Philippine triathlon team, she naturally cheered for her older teammates Ani De Leon and Sandra Araullo who represented the nation in the first-ever SEA Games triathlon event for women.
Fast forward to December 1, 2019, Mangrobang represented the Philippines in the 2019 SEA Games individual women’s triathlon event (her 3rd SEA Games since 2015) which was also held at Subic Bay and, more notably, won the gold medal in front of a large cheering crowd (with coach Ani De Leon – Brown, the other Philippine team coaches, officials of the Philippine Sports Commission, PHISGOC and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority plus other important personalities watching near the finish line) followed by her teammate Kim Kilgroe who copped the silver.
The winning streak concluded a day later when Mangrobang, 2015 SEA Games gold medalist Claire Adorna, 2019 SEA Games gold medalist John Chicano and Fer Casares combined their efforts to win the gold medal in the Triathlon Team Mixed Relay event which was held also there in Subic Bay. For the country, she won two 2019 SEA Games gold medals (note: the Philippines as a whole won 149 gold medals in the SEA Games it hosted) and got rewarded for it in return by the national government and by corporate sponsors.
The entire Philippines got delighted on the morning of December 1, 2019 at Subic Bay when Kim Mangrobang successfully defended her title as Southeast Asia’s best female triathlete by winning the 2019 SEA Games individual women’s triathlon gold medal. In previous SEA Games, she won the silver medal in 2015 and her first gold medal in 2017. (photo source – Kim Mangrobang Facebook page)
Mangrobang with her 2019 SEA Games individual women’s triathlon gold medal and the mascot. (photo source – Kim Mangrobang Facebook page)
Mangrobang with teammate John Chicano and other Philippine team athletes on the cover of the December 2, 2019 edition of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. (photo source – Triathlon Association of the Philippines Facebook page)
As far as the SEA Games records go, Mangrobang won a total of four medals since her debut in 2015, specifically 3 gold medals (the first gold won in 2017) and 1 silver medal (won in 2015). In retrospect, her gold medal victory at Subic Bay was a successful defense of her gold medal achievement in the 2017 SEA Games which essentially established her as Southeast Asia’s reigning triathlon queen.
That being said, I am very happy to present to you my feature interview of Kim Mangrobang which starts right now.
Kim Mangrobang’s background
Mangrobang was born in Sta. Mesa, Manila, in 1991 to parents Richard (an engineer) and Dine (a manpower firm executive). Since the age of four, her family has been living in Santa Rosa, Laguna which is now a progressing city south of Metro Manila.
Mangrobang got into the sport of swimming as a result of her parents’ encouragement for her when she was little. She found sports to be an enjoyable pastime.
“As with most other parents, my mom and dad encouraged me to get into sports during the summer season when I was young. So I joined a swim team and along the way I felt I was playing given the aquatic aspect of swimming,” she recalled. “My teammates and I had fun with swimming and later I realized that swimming would be a serious form of competition.”
At the age of nine, she started swimming and eventually it became a daily part of her life similar with her teammates. As an elementary student, she continued swimming and eventually she became a varsity swimmer in her high school days (with the goal of making it in the Palarong Pambansa) and participated in many swimming competitions (between local sports clubs).
Being a member of her school’s swim team and of a separate swim club, Mangrobang learned a lot about competitive swimming related to national sports and inter-club competition. Along the way, she had to deal with a certain disadvantage of hers – her height.
“I really was a short girl back then. When I was twelve, my swimming coach noticed my height disadvantage and he figured out that it would be more helpful if I would try out with the Philippine team of triathlon,” she said.
That coach turned out to be none other than Abelardo “Abet” Alon-Alon who was a former national champion in triathlon as well as a former national team coach in the said sport. Historically, Alon-Alon was a standout in Philippine triathlon’s early years back in the 1990s His suggestion to Mangrobang to get into triathlon and into Philippine multisport turned out to be a blessing for her and the nation.
She immediately took part in a tryout (for the Philippine triathlon team) which was composed of a 1.5 kilometer swim and 3-kilometer run. Her swim time was 27 minutes and 36 seconds while she timed around 12 minutes in the run. She qualified and her membership with the Philippine triathlon team started on the junior (youth) level.
“That was the start of my new journey in sports and I realized that there were better opportunities in triathlon,” she recalled.
Triathlon career and rise in prominence
Gradually Kim Mangrobang redeveloped herself athletically under the guidance of triathlon coaches like Raul Cuevas (now heading race organizer Bike King Philippines), Peter Gonzales and Abet Alon-Alon to name a few. As she maintained her swimming, she learned to bike and run gaining valuable skills and experience. Before participating in triathlon, she engaged in aquathlon (swim-run) events.
At age thirteen, she took part in a Fit-and-Tri event for youth finishing 6th overall in a short distance aquathlon race held in Ayala Alabang Village. She finished 2nd to the last back then as she was still getting oriented. She went on to join a lot more aquathlon events later.
Her first-ever triathlon performance happened in another Fit-and-Tri event some time later. In that race, she finished 6th place. In further triathlon events, she gradually made her way up until reaching 1st place.
“To the best of my memory, I finished at around 4th place overall during the first year of competing in the Fit-and-Tri series. In the following year, I reached 1st place overall. Emerging 1st became normal for me in the years that followed, until I reached the age of fifteen or sixteen,” she recalled.
Kim Mangrobang as a teenager way back in 2005. (photo contributed by Mangrobang)
In 2006, Mangrobang joined the Junior Elite race of the Subic Bay International Triathlon (SUBIT) held at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and finished 2nd. That event was her first time to compete with foreign triathletes her age and instead of feeling intimidated, she performed well and still enjoyed the experience. Her value as a member of the Philippine team grew more. That same year, she raced in the Asian Duathlon Championships held in Clark finishing 4th in the Junior Women contest.
At age seventeen, Mangrobang tested herself in a Standard Distance (1.5 Km swim – 40 Km bike – 10 Km run) event during the 2008 Subic Bay ASTC Long Distance Triathlon event and won the bronze. Ahead of her were LC Langit (gold) and Monica Torres (silver).
In May 2009, Mangrobang finished 10th in the Elite Women contest of that year’s SUBIT clocking 2 hours, 32 minutes and 45 seconds (2:32:45). In the years that followed, she kept on representing the Philippines in the Elite Women contests of not only SUBIT but also in other triathlon events of the International Triathlon Union (ITU) that were held around the world. No matter how tough the field of competition was, the Santa Rosa triathlete kept focusing and persevering on doing her best and improving herself.
In the 2016 edition of SUBIT (2016 Subic Bay NTT ASTC Triathlon Asian Cup) held at Subic Bay, Mangrobang emerged as the Elite Women champion followed by her teammate Kim Kilgroe and Hong Kong’s Kate Rutherford. She timed 2:10:40 and won several ITU qualifying points in return. For the Philippines, it was a rare gold medal victory in the history of SUBIT which has often been dominated by foreign triathletes. The said victory was also proof that Mangrobang’s overseas training (under the guidance of Portugal-based coach Sergio Santos) paid off nicely. To this day, her training in Portugal continues.
Mangrobang (rightmost) with (from L to R) then Triathlon Association of the Philippines Secretary General Tom Carrasco, Chinese Taipei’s Chang Ting Ting and her teammate Kim Kilgroe during the awarding ceremony of the 2016 edition of the Subic Bay International Triathlon (SUBIT). Mangrobang emerged as the event’s Elite Women’s champion. (photo source – Triathlon Association of the Philippines Facebook page)
Mangrobang also achieved great honor for the nation in non-triathlon events. She emerged as the women’s champion in the Lisbon Meia-Maratona Dos Descombrimentos Half Marathon that was held on December 6, 2015 in Portugal. Her victorious performance saw her timing 1:22:40 outclassing 2nd placer Ceu Nunes (1:26:55) and 3rd placer Sofia Mateiro (1:27:34). That particular sports event was noted to be a programmed race to test the fitness of triathletes. It was also a rarity that Filipinos get to race in the said event, which made Mangrobang’s victory even more outstanding.
Triathlon at the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games)
As mentioned earlier, in the history of the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games), triathlon made its debut in the 2005 edition of the games specifically in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (already well established as the nation’s triathlon hot spot and favorite destination of local triathletes). Back then, Kim Mangrobang was 14-years-old and a junior member of the Philippine team. How she witnessed triathlon’s SEA Games debut was indeed interesting.
“I was still in high school back then. Me and my family left Santa Rosa at dawn to go to Subic Bay to watch the SEA Games triathlon. I had to take a leave of absence from school since that was a school day and I had to go back to school the very next day,” Mangrobang recalled. “When we arrived, there was already a huge crowd of spectators around the venue. The excitement was really high even before the race started.”
Mangrobang recalled that as a spectator, she felt nervous for the nation and what was at stake just as the individual participants were formally introduced during the pre-race ceremony. Like many others, she could only stand and watch the race unfold from behind the barricades (used for crowd control) and experience bouts of anxiety and nervousness. She cheered for her older teammates Sandra Araullo and Ani de Leon. Araullo went on to win the silver medal while De Leon (now a coach) finished 4th.
“I was really nervous back then as a spectator. Then I said to myself, ‘how much more nervous I would be if I was the one racing for the Philippines in the SEA Games,’” she stated. She added that she noticed the added pressure of participating and literally carrying the nation and the local people’s hope that victory would be achieved. She imagined herself in the future being in such a high-stakes situation.
After almost ten years later, Kim Mangrobang made her debut in the SEA Games (2015) in Singapore as a triathlete. Her teammate back then was Claire Adorna.
“Coaches of TRAP selected who were the best to represent our country in the SEA Games with results required,” Mangrobang recalled. “Based on the results of the time, they saw that me and Claire were the best and we were selected for the games. There were no qualifying races back then, which is different compared to today.”
In the 2015 SEA Games individual women’s triathlon event, Claire Adorna and Mangrobang worked together with a strategy to help the former gain a lead early in the event. Adorna raced with a foot injury back then and the team’s focus was to help her (and the nation) build up a good lead in both the swim and bike legs of the race, and ensure victory even if her injury would slow her down in the 10-kilometer run leg. The strategy was a success for the Philippines as the injured Adorna won the gold medal and Mangrobang captured the silver medal. Their respective times were 2:13:08 and 2:14:26. The bronze medal went to Thailand’s Arunsiri Sanruthai who was more than seven minutes behind Mangrobang.
Mangrobang and Claire Adorna on the front page of the June 7, 2015 edition of the Philippine Star. She captured the silver medal while Adorna got the gold medal.(photo source – Triathlon Association of the Philippines Facebook page)
Two years later, the SEA Games triathlon events were held in Malaysia. In the individual women’s triathlon contest, Mangrobang won the SEA Games gold medal timing 2:11:14 while her teammate Adorna won the silver medal in 2:18:58. Literally speaking, the two ladies switched places and ultimately helped the Philippines which finished the games with 24 gold medals grand total. That was also the start of Mangrobang’s reign as Southeast Asia’s triathlon queen.
“During the build-up heading to the SEA Games of 2017, there was anxiety and pressure among us teammates mainly because expectations for us to repeat success were so high as a result of what we achieved in the previous SEA Games,” she stated.
Mangrobang and her teammate Nikko Huelgas on the front page of the August 22, 2017 edition of the Manila Bulletin. This marked her first time to win the SEA Games gold medal. (photo source – Triathlon Association of the Philippines Facebook page)
To put things in perspective, the Philippines not only repeated its success in the 2015 SEA Games, they exceeded it by having twin gold-and-silver medal victories in both the individual men’s and individual women’s triathlon events in the 2017 edition of the games. On the men’s race, Nikko Huelgas won his 2nd consecutive gold medal while John Chicano added more punch to the victory by grabbing the silver medal. For Mangrobang, that particular event marked her first time to win the SEA Games gold medal.
“It was a very happy moment for me personally because all the efforts and training invested paid off in the best way possible,” Mangrobang recalled her feeling of winning her first gold medal. “A lot of relief followed as all the pressure and nervousness accumulated just vanished and got replaced with the thrill of victory. Naturally, I became very thankful.”
With regards to the 2019 SEA Games, Mangrobang spent a great deal of her time overseas. As she kept training in Portugal (plus a month of training in Mexico), she represented the country in many sports events that were held in other parts of the world for the first eleven months of 2019. As such, she did not spend much time in the Philippines.
Regardless, she won the gold medal of the individual women’s triathlon once more in the latest SEA Games marking her successful defense of her standing as Southeast Asia’s triathlon queen. Her time was 2:02:00. The December 1, 2019 victory at Subic Bay also marked the full turn of life for Mangrobang who went from spectator in the 2005 SEA Games triathlon into Southeast Asia’s best female triathlete fourteen years later at the same freeport.
The Sta. Rosa, Laguna-based triathlete making a U-turn during the 40-kilometer bike leg of the 2019 SEA Games individual women’s triathlon event at Subic Bay. (photo source – Kim Mangrobang Facebook page)
Mangrobang and Chicano on the front page of the December 2, 2019 edition of the Manila Bulletin. (photo source – Triathlon Association of the Philippines Facebook page)
After winning the two 2019 SEA Games gold medals (individual women and mixed team relay), Mangrobang and her medalist teammates were greeted by lots of local spectators who also expressed their gratitude to them.
“Getting praised and being thanked a lot in return for the victory is normal. It is also a very humbling feeling to see so many spectators rooting for us national athletes to win. Through that experience, I realized there is truth to the 2019 SEA Games tagline of ‘We Win As One,’” she stated.
Mangrobang and her winning teammates (John Chicano, Kim Kilgroe, Kim Remolino, Claire Adorna and Fer Casares) plus members of the coaching staff were nicely rewarded by the national government through Republic Act Number 10699. They formally received their cash incentives in a special ceremony held at Malacanang Palace in the presence of President Rodrigo Duterte.
“The President jokingly said I resembled a certain past classmate of his from his days as a Grade 5 student,” Mangrobang said recalling her short chat with Duterte as she had her photo session with him at Malacanang. It was her 2nd time to be with the President.
Mangrobang with her teammates and fellow 2019 SEA Games medalists (from L to R) Claire Adorna, Kim Kilgroe, John Chicano, Andrew Kim Remolino and Fer Casares. (photo source – Kim Mangrobang Facebook page)
Southeast Asia’s triathlon queen with President Rodrigo Duterte. (photo source – Kim Mangrobang Facebook page, photo care of Presidential Communications)
The post-SEA Games buzz did not stop with Duterte. Apart from meeting corporate sponsors and having sessions with some members of the press, Mangrobang was acknowledged by the respective local government units (LGUs) of Santa Rosa in Laguna and Bauan in Batangas through social media.
Mangrobang right in the middle of the Santa Rosa-based 2019 SEA Games medalists. (photo source – City Government of Santa Rosa, Laguna Facebook page)
A congratulatory message from the authorities in Bauan, Batangas. (photo source – Bauan MIO Facebook page)
Bauan claimed Mangrobang as their own since her mother is a native there. After accepting their invitation, she attended the flag raising ceremony at Bauan and was presented by the LGU officials to the locals. They gave her a certificate of recognition. Mangrobang also attended another flag raising ceremony with the Provincial Government of Batangas (headed by Governor DoDo Mandanas) held in Batangas City.
Aiming High for 2020 Tokyo Olympics
As of now, Kim Mangrobang is aiming to get qualified to represent the Philippines in the individual women’s triathlon event of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. With the support of San Miguel Corporation, Nike, Specialized, Oakley, Garmin and the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) and the guidance of coach Sergio Santos, she is now in full training in Portugal and eventually she will be joining several triathlon events (recognized by the ITU) that serve as qualifying races for the Olympics.
According to Mangrobang, there will only be 55 slots for the Tokyo Olympic Games individual women’s triathlon event. The qualifying period will end this coming May and subsequently the final lineup of triathletes racing in the Olympics will be announced.
“I’m very focused now on getting into the Olympics and I’m using whatever energy I have for it,” Mangrobang declared.
Message to the Readers
“When I race, I realize that it is a big responsibility because I become an inspiration to other people and I hope that what I achieved will inspire others to engage in the active lifestyle as that is important. I also hope that once they get into triathlon, they will learn to work hard and train smart.”
Mangrobang and myself at Akrotiri, Commercenter, Alabang.
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 Havenoris 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
Note: My special thanks to Akrotiri restaurant located at Commercenter, Filinvest City, Muntinlupa City. Akrotiri really has a nice place (which was great for this feature interview) as well as a fine selection of food and beverages. Those of you who are reading this, I highly recommend Akrotiri.
Author Carlo Carrasco 