sports – Page 17 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Successful 32nd SEA Games anticipated by Cambodia

April 14, 2023April 13, 2023carlocarrasco

Cambodia, the nation that will be hosting the 32^nd edition of the Southeast Asian Games (also referred to as SEA Games and Cambodia 2023, click here and here), has its tourism authority anticipating that hosting the said games will turn out successful, according to a Khmer Times news report. The SEA Games will take place from May 5 to 17, 2023 and Cambodia will also host the 12^th ASEAN Para Games afterwards.

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

Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism Thong Khon – who also serves as permanent vice-president of the national organising committees for the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games (CAMSOC-CAMAPGOC) – has affirmed that the country’s preparations have been making good progress and the committees fully expect the Kingdom will be well-positioned to succeed as hosts.

The number of athletes, coaches and staff sent by 11 regional countries to the events will be 12,404 in total. Thousands of fans and international tourists are also expected to arrive in Cambodia for the Games.

All forces of the CAMSOC-CAMAPGOC, capital-provincial administrations and all relevant authorities have been cooperating actively and closely in carrying out their duties with a high sense of responsibility, Khon was quoted by The Phnom Penh Post as saying.

He said everything is moving towards a glorious success for the honour and prestige of the country as the host for the first time.

According to the minister, there will be more than 5,000 law enforcement officers on duty as well as 3,000 medical workers to maintain security and public order and carry out emergency medical treatment.

For the opening and closing ceremonies, around 1,000 artists and 2,000 athletes and soldiers have been rehearsing to perform together in a grand spectacle with coordination by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts.

There are approximately 5,000 volunteers signed up for the SEA Games and 2,000 volunteers for the ASEAN Para Games, he said, adding that all of them were selected and trained by the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC).

Five locations in Cambodia have been prepared to host the games including Phnom Penh capital (the Morodok Techo National Stadium, Olympic National Stadium, and Chroy Changvar International Convention and Exhibition Centre) and the provinces of Kep, Kampot, Preah Sihanouk and Siem Reap.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this new development? What can you say about Cambodia’s preparations for the SEA Games this year? Do you think Cambodia will be able to live up to the high expectations with hosting a big sports events while attracting over 10,000 visitors? If you are anticipating this year’s SEA Games, what are the five events or competitions that you are looking forward to the most?

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

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/.

Cambodia aiming to provide the best experience for visitors and sports delegations during the 32nd SEA Games

April 10, 2023April 5, 2023carlocarrasco

Cambodia, the nation that will be hosting the 32^nd edition of the Southeast Asian Games (also referred to as SEA Games and Cambodia 2023, click here and here), is aiming to deliver the best experience for the thousands of visitors and sports delegates who will be attending the games this May, the Khmer Times reported focusing on Prime Minister Hun Sen’s most recent meeting with sports delegations.

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

Prime Minister Hun Sen yesterday met with national sports delegations including coaching staff and athletes ahead of the upcoming SEA Games that will be held in May in Cambodia for the first time in 64 years.

This is the fifth time that Mr Hun Sen has met with sports delegations at a dinner.

At this year’s meeting, 4,264 delegations were allowed to be with the Prime Minister, according to his Facebook page.

“It is a priceless moment for Cambodia to host the first SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games after waiting for 64 years,” Mr Hun Sen said in the meeting.

“Cambodia is aiming to provide the best experience with great hospitality for visitors as well as sports delegations who will be visiting Cambodia during the SEA Games.”

He said he will wait for good results from all the Cambodian athletes who will be competing in different sports in the event. However, he asked the athletes to follow the rules and compete with dignity.

“We want to showcase Cambodia to the world through this event,” said the Prime Minister.

Tourism Minister Thong Khon said this meeting has shown that the government is paying high attention to the national sports delegations as well as sports development in Cambodia.

“This could also be the best opportunity for the sports delegations to get more advice from the Prime Minister ahead of the upcoming SEA Games,” he said.

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

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SBMA chief Paulino declares 2022 a year of record-breaking accomplishments

April 5, 2023April 3, 2023carlocarrasco

During a high-level address to the stakeholders, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino declared that 2022 was a year of record-breaking accomplishments and the problems related to COVID-19 did not overwhelm them, according to a Business Mirror news article.

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

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino declared record-breaking accomplishments for Subic in 2022, as he made his first State of the Freeport Address (SOFA) here in a ceremony hosted by the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday.

Comparing his administration’s undertakings against agency records in the last three years of the Covid-19 pandemic, Paulino presented a selection of successes under his “RCP” program that stood for revenue, customer-care, and plans and programs.

“2022 was a banner year for the SBMA despite the fact that the country was just recovering from the hiatus brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic,” Paulino said.

“It was an opportune time to work together, so we could bounce back from the debilitating effects of the pandemic, [and] achieve our ultimate goal—to attract investments and, more importantly, create employment,” he added.

According to the Subic chief, revenue collections by various SBMA departments “have increased compared to 2021 figures and even surpassed pre-pandemic performance” because of intensive revenue collection measures.

As a result, the SBMA was able to turn over to the National Treasury a total of P1.33 billion, an amount 20 percent higher than the 2021 dividends of P1.11 billion, Paulino said.

Figures from the SBMA Business and Investment Group (BIG) indicated that the Subic agency recorded revenue collections of P1.69 billion from January to November 2022. Paulino was appointed chief of the SBMA in March 2022 at the tail end of the Duterte presidency.

On the other hand, the 2021 SBMA report to President Duterte indicated an operating revenue for the agency in the amount of P3.47 billion, or P270 million higher than the 2020 revenue.

Paulino also said that in July 2022, the Subic Bay Freeport was named the top tourist attraction in Central Luzon and number five in the Philippines, with 9.4 million same-day visitor arrivals in the free port.

SBMA figures indeed showed a growing year-on-year tourism growth, with the number of same-day visitors rising from 7.89 million in 2016 to 8.54 million in 2017, 9.23 million in 2018 and 9.56 million in 2019 before plunging to 5.19 million in 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic curtailed tourism activities globally. Recovery, however, started immediately in 2021, putting the annual record at 7.37 million.

In terms of investments, Paulino reported approving 133 new investment projects with total committed investments of P14.06 billion and 38 expansion projects with commitments of P36.34 billion.

“That is a significant jump from P591 million in 2021, let alone P160 million in 2020,” he pointed out, crediting the accomplishment to “the aggressive marketing strategy of our Business and Investment Group.”

SBMA’s business group, according to its 2021 report, had recorded a strong performance at the tail end of the pandemic with P17.29 billion in committed investments in 2021, compared to P9.24 billion in 2019 before the pandemic, and P1.55 billion in 2020 at the height of the pandemic.

Paulino also said that with all the economic activities going on in Subic because of new investments, an additional 4,700 jobs will be created soon on top of the 149,681-strong free port workforce today.

The Subic work force has consistently grown in numbers over the years: from 137,547 in 2019 to 138,966 in 2020, the beginning of the Covid-19 health crisis, and to 142,177 in 2021. Majority of the work force belonged to the services sector, which had continuously increased because of the growth in the transshipment and logistics business here, the SBMA Labor Department said.

Meanwhile, Paulino said that in 2022, the SBMA had provided revenue shares to neighboring local government units (LGU). He said Olongapo City received a total of P74.88 million last year, while Subic got P48.77 million; Castillejos, P29.74 million; San Marcelino, P38.54 million; San Antonio, P27.45 million; Morong, P28.1 million; Hermosa, P33.81 million; and Dinalupihan, P39.98 million for a total of P321.27 million.

This remittance was bigger than the LGU shares given by the SBMA during the pandemic: P277.98 million in 2020 and P306.77 million in 2021, but still did not top the shares given by the SBMA in 2019, which was P378.87 million, or even in 2018 at P369.26 million.

I myself was in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone during the summer of 2022 and I personally witnessed the post-pandemic revival there in the forms of tourists enjoying the places and the stores, restaurants and coffee shops attracting lots of customers. Indeed, the socio-economic recovery in Subic Bay Freeport is real and it will continue even though our nation is being hampered by inflation. If you are thinking about having a good time traveling here in the Philippines, I encourage you to visit the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Also if you are looking for good places to eat or drink at during your next visit to Subic Bay, check out my feature articles of Gourmet Garage Subic and Xtreme Xpresso Café. Also, there will be a big triathlon event there – the NTT ASTC Subic Bay International Triathlon (SuBIT) 2023.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Philippine athletes to the 32nd SEA Games reduced

April 3, 2023March 29, 2023carlocarrasco

With the 32nd edition of the Southeast Asian Games (AKA 32nd SEA Games and Cambodia 2023) all set to launch a little soon, the Philippines will be sending lesser athletes than previously announced, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). Take note that the Philippines is already facing bigger odds in the SEA Games this May.

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

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino confirmed on Monday that the Filipino athletes going to Phnom Penh for the biennial meet are now down to 840.

“From the previously announced 905, it was reduced to 840,” Tolentino said right after the SEA Games torch rally here, adding that this will be the final count.

He said various reasons behind the reduction of numbers like typographical errors, for example, dual entry and wrong entry.

Tolentino, however, said the POC also had to let go of some reserve athletes and those who cannot make it to the Cambodian capital as their passports have already expired and their renewal process might not make it in time.

Having to let go of such athletes could possibly hamper the Philippine team’s bid to match or even go higher than its fourth-place finish in the overall standings during last year’s edition in Hanoi, the first time the SEA Games were held in an even-numbered year due to a one-year postponement caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

“That’s the big challenge: how can we attain the fourth-place standing or better than that?” Tolentino said.

Despite losing some slots, it is still considered a blessing as the POC was initially targeting only around 600 athletes going to Phnom Penh.

“Medyo mahirap, but dahil sa fighting spirit ng atleta natin at saka nadagdagan (It’s somehow tough, but because of our athletes’ fighting spirit and the increase in number) from 600 to 800, we might [still finish in fourth],” Tolentino said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think having lesser athletes at the Cambodia SEA Games will have a tremendous negative effect on the Philippines’ campaign on winning medals? Would you happen to know someone from your local community who is officially part of the Philippine team heading to the SEA Games in Cambodia?

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

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Cambodia aiming to attract 3 million to 4 million foreign tourists for 2023

February 10, 2023February 3, 2023carlocarrasco

Cambodia, the nation that will be hosting the 32^nd edition of the Southeast Asian Games (also referred to as SEA Games and Cambodia 2023, click here and here), is aiming to attract between 3 million to 4 million foreign tourists for the year 2023 and improve over what was achieved in 2022, according to Khmer Times news report. For the year 2022, Cambodia attracted 2.28 million foreign tourists while the Philippines and Israel attracted 2.65 million and 2.675 million foreign tourists respectively.

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

Prime Minister Hun Sen expressed his hope that between three and four million foreign tourists will visit Cambodia this year.

At a get-together with the 1,049 grade A students of the 2021-2022 academic year held here at Chroy Changvar International Convention and Exhibition Centre this morning, Hun Sen said two major events this year, including the Angkor Sankranta in April and the SEA Games-ASEAN Para Games in May and June, will attract more foreign visitors to the country.

“This year, we hope to welcome the return of foreign tourists, from three to four millions of them,” he underlined.

At the same time, Prime Minister Hun Sen also called on all Cambodians overseas to visit their home country, particularly during these two upcoming big events.

According to the Ministry of Tourism’s statistics, Cambodia welcomed 2.28 million foreign visitors last year, a sharp rise by 1,059 percent compared to 2021.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this new development? Have you ever visited Cambodia for tourism? If you did, how would you rate the quality of their tourist spots and how hospitable are Cambodia’s tourism industry workers?

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

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SEA Games medalists Casares and Alcoseba dominate National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT) series opener at Subic Bay

January 30, 2023January 29, 2023carlocarrasco

Filipino-Spanish Fernando Jose Casares displayed his awesome form to claim victory in the sprint men’s elite category of the National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT) Series at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority on Sunday.

Casares, born in Madrid to a Spanish father and a Filipino mother, clocked 57 minutes and 16 seconds to prevail over Cebu City’s Matthew Justine Hermosa (57:34) and Andrew Kim Remolino (59:12) in the swim (750m)-bike (20km)-run (5km) event.

“The competition was tough. My rivals are strong. But I am determined to win,” said the 26-year-old Casares, who also ruled the same category at the National Duathlon Championships at the New Clark City Sports Complex in Capas, Tarlac last December.

Casares earned the standard distance swim (1.5km)-bike (40km)-run(10km) gold medal at the 2022 Vietnam SEA Games. He pocketed the mixed relay gold medal with Chicano, Kim Mangrobang and Claire Adorna at the 2019 Manila SEA Games.

Cebu City’s Raven Faith Alcoseba topped the women’s category in 1:04:36, beating Erika Nicole Burgos (1:08:03) and Karen Manayon (1:08:25).

Alcoseba, who hails from Talisay City, also won the sprint gold medal the duathlon competition in New Clark City last year.

Meanwhile, Dayshaun Ramos and Kira Ellis were crowned champions in the junior elite division of the tournament organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) headed by Tom Carrasco Jr.

Ramos won the men’s category in 1:01.56 while Akio Habana (1:03:43) and Aidanreed Mercado (1:03:51) finished second and third, respectively.

In the women’s category, Ellis posted 1:05:51 to grab the gold medal. Gene Heart Quiambao (1:06:15) took the silver medal and Lady Samantha Jhunace Corpuz (1:07:18) settled for the bronze medal.

“This tournament is part of our national athletes’ preparation for the Cambodia SEA Games in May,” Carrasco said after the awarding ceremony.

Other tune-up events lined up for the team are the National Aquathlon Championships at Vermosa (Cavite) in March and the Subic Bay International Triathlon in April.

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Note: The above press release and details were sourced from the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP). Some parts were edited for this website.

NTT ASTC Subic Bay International Triathlon (SuBIT) 2023 set for April 22 and 23, online registration is ongoing

January 25, 2023January 19, 2023carlocarrasco

Calling all who love the multisport dynamics of triathlon as well as those who love the Subic Bay Freeport Zone as the premier sports tourism destination of the country – the online registration for the NTT ASTC Subic Bay International Triathlon (SuBIT) 2023 is ongoing right now and you can start registering yourselves (note: RaceYa.fit account needed). This year’s edition of the SuBIT is set to happen on April 22 and 23, 2023 to be organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) in partnership with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and I Love Fun-tastic Subic Bay, and presented by NTT and Asia Triathlon.

The NTT ASTC Subic Bay International Triathlon (SuBIT) 2023 is supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Standard Insurance and Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines, Inc.

To put things in perspective, posted below are some important race details as published by RaceYa.fit’s page of the event.

REGISTRATION FEES

Early Bird: (January 16 – 31,2023)

Standard Distance: Php 6,000/US$130.00 + online reg fees

Sprint Distance: Php 5,500/US$130.00 + online reg fees

Super Sprint Distance: Php 4,500/US$130.00 + online reg fees

Regular Rate: (February 1- 28,2023)

Standard Distance: Php 6,500/US$150.00 + online reg fees

Sprint Distance: Php 6,000/US$150.00 + online reg fees

Super Sprint Distance: Php 5,000/US$150.00 + online reg fees

Late Registration: (March 1 -31,2023)

Standard Distance: Php 7,000/US$175.00 + online reg fees

Sprint Distance: Php 6,500/US$170.00 + online reg fees

Super Sprint Distance: Php 5,500/US$170.00 + online reg fees

Race Date & Time:

22 April 2023 (Saturday) Super Sprint and Sprint AG
23 April 2023 (Sunday) Junior Sprint Elite, Sprint Elite and Standard AG

Race Distances: Swim Bike Run (Swim, Bike, Run)

Standard Distance 1.5k | 40k | 10k
Sprint Distance 750m | 20k | 5k
Super Sprint Distance 500m | 13k | 2.5k

Participants’ Categories (Top 3):

Sprint Elite Open (Men and Women)
Sprint Junior Elite (Men and Women)
Age Group Sprint (Men and Women)
- 16-19
- 20-24
- 25-29
- 30-34
- 35-39
- 40-44
- 45-49
- 50-54
- 55-59
- 60 and over
Age Group Standard Distance (Men and Women)
- 18-24
- 25-29
- 30-34
- 35-39
- 40-44
- 45-49
- 50-54
- 55-59
- 60 and over
Age Group Super Sprint Distance (Boys and Girls)
- 13-15

For the detailed schedules of NTT ASTC Subic Bay International Triathlon (SuBIT) 2023 and the related activities, click https://register.raceya.fit/event/subit2023

To follow or contact the TRAP, visit http://www.triathlon.org.ph/ and follow their official Facebook page.

To those who will really be traveling to Subic Bay soon, there are notable places where you can have good meals and beverages at: Gourmet Garage Subic and Xtreme Xpresso Café. Read my feature articles of them.

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A tough battle for the Philippines at the 2023 Southeast Asian Games (32nd SEA Games) in Cambodia

January 16, 2023January 11, 2023carlocarrasco

This year marks Cambodia’s hosting of the 32^nd edition of the Southeast Asian Games (also referred to as SEA Games, 32^nd SEA Games and Cambodia 2023). The said regional games composed of multiple sports competitions will officially happen this coming May and already a tough battle for the Philippines has been seen, 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…

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino on Tuesday sees tough battle ahead for the Philippine contingent as Cambodia hosts the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in less than four months.

“Frankly, kinakabahan ako because of the formula na ginawa ng host country (Frankly, I’m worried because of the formula made by the host country),” said Tolentino during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the East Ocean Palace Restaurant in Pasay City.

“Medyo mabigat ang ginawa (It’s a bit abrupt),” Tolentino added, referring to Cambodia’s decision to include events that are practically alien to the other countries and exclude events where Cambodians have slim chances of winning.

For a country of less than 17 million people, Cambodia has lined up 608 events in 49 sports, far bigger than the 530 events in 56 sports in the Manila edition in 2019 and the 526 events in 40 sports in Hanoi last year.

But it does not mean that the Philippines, this early, is giving up the fight for the biennial event scheduled from May 5 to 17.

Tolentino said the POC will still make sure that the Philippines will be represented well in as many events in Cambodia and hope to match or improve on its fourth-place finish in Hanoi in May 2022.

“Salihan natin lahat ng events sa Cambodia (We will join all events in Cambodia),” he said during the forum presented by San Miguel Corporation (SMC), MILO, Philippine Sports Commission, POC, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

“Kailangan natin masalihan lahat (We need to compete in all events). We will give them a good fight,” added Tolentino, who is also counting on newly-appointed Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairperson Dicky Bachmann as the national athletes gear up for the Cambodia event.

“Buti na lang pareho kami hands-on (Bachmann) (The good thing is we are both hands-on),” said the POC chief and president of PhilCycling.

Cambodia finished at No. 8 in the last SEA Games edition, winning nine gold medals along with 13 silver and 41 bronzes. Providing the golds for the country were vovinam with three and petanque with two, then kickboxing, wrestling and taekwondo with one each.

Tolentino said it will be quite difficult for Cambodia to win the overall title this year.

“Based on their formula hindi kaya mag-first. Pero sasaksak sa taas yun whether second, third or fourth. So baka battle for fourth na naman. Tingnan natin (Based on their formula, they cannot get first place. But they will surge within the top whether second, third or fourth. So it might be battle for fourth again. Let’s see),” Tolentino said.

For the multisports enthusiasts reading this, the SEA Games in Cambodia officially has triathlon, duathlon and aquathlon competitions included which is something the Philippines has been looking forward to.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you believe that the Philippines could match its 31^st SEA Games (hosted by Vietnam) overall medal finish in this year’s SEA Games in Cambodia? If you have been to Cambodia, what is their country like and how is their climate?

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

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Xbox Series X and Forza Horizon 5 Premium Edition Bundle coming out for your enjoyment!

January 10, 2023January 10, 2023carlocarrasco

If you still have not yet acquired an Xbox Series X console but you already have the means to buy it, then you should seriously consider buying the Xbox Series X and Forza Horizon 5 Premium Edition Bundle once it becomes available for $559, Team Xbox announced recently. Having played Forza Horizon 5 a lot on my Xbox Series X since late 2021, I can say that the bundle is great value for you gamers as well as others struggling with inflation.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Xbox.com announcement. Some parts in boldface…

Introducing the Xbox Series X – Forza Horizon 5 Bundle, including an Xbox Series X and wireless controller, and Forza Horizon 5 Premium Edition with Hot Wheels Expansion, VIP Pass, Car Pass, Welcome Pack and a second expansion when available. This Xbox Series X bundle will be available worldwide and will start shipping to retailers in the US, Canada and select markets in Asia this week. Bundles will start shipping to Europe, Latin America, and more regions around the world later this month.

*The Xbox Series X bundled with Forza Horizon 5 and additional content offered for $559.*

Xbox Series X: 12 teraflops of raw graphic processing power, DirectX ray tracing, a custom 1TB SSD, and 4K gaming – Xbox Series X is the fastest, most powerful Xbox ever. There are thousands of playable titles from four generations of consoles, and all games look and play best on the Xbox Series X. Load times are virtually eliminated and framerates are increased with a custom-built NVMe SSD, which enables larger, more robust games to operate at their full capacity.

Forza Horizon 5 runs at 4K and 60 frames per second on Xbox Series X in performance mode and provides the most technologically advanced Forza Horizon experience yet. You’ll get to explore the vibrant and ever-evolving open world landscapes of Mexico in the world’s greatest cars with 12 teraflops of raw graphic processing power, DirectX ray tracing, a custom SSD, and 4K gaming. The power of the Xbox Series X console delivers incredible realism and immersion with a world rendered in higher detail and with extreme draw distances.

Forza Horizon 5 Premium Edition includes Forza Horizon 5 plus the Premium Edition add-ons -Forza Horizon 5: The latest entry in the open world racing series showcases powerful, all-new graphical features. Experience sweeping vistas and scan the distance to see the adventure that lies ahead. Encounter the smallest of details throughout the world, which is rendered with striking realism, down to the smallest details like the light that glows through each needle on a Cholla cactus. Our Mexican HDR sky captures illuminate the world to the point that you will feel as if you are right there. And thanks to Xbox Series X|S, ray tracing is utilized in ForzaVista to make the cars look even more true to real life.

Hot Wheels Expansion: Race 10 amazing new cars on the fastest, most extreme tracks ever devised. You can even design, build, and share your own Hot Wheels adventure! What’s not to love about that? You can blast off to the visually stunning, exhilarating Horizon Hot Wheels Park in the clouds above Mexico today.

VIP Pass: The VIP Pass features 3 exclusive Forza Edition cars, Crown Flair, Vanity Items, Emote and Car Horn, Player House, Double Credit race rewards, weekly bonus Super Wheelspins, and more to give your game a boost and make you stand out at the Horizon Festival.

Car Pass: Expand your garage with 42 new cars, including 8 Formula Drift Cars to get you started in style. Plus, you’ll receive a one-time grant of each car to your in-game garage.

Welcome Pack: 5 special pre-tuned cars, a Player House, a one-time grant to own any car from the game’s Autoshow, and 3 one-time grants for any Common or Rare clothing item.

Second Expansion: The next Forza Horizon 5 expansion will be included when it launches.

Wow! That’s a ton of gaming value for those who will buy the Xbox Series X bundled with the blockbuster game! Indeed, Team Xbox is offering big value for $559 to those who want the premium, fun console gaming experience. I myself am still having fun replaying Forza Horizon 5.

Personally, I see this premium bundle announcement as a form of warm-up on the part of Team Xbox to deliver not just more game-related features and Xbox Game Pass (XGP) content but also the big-budget Xbox-exclusive games that are expected to be released this year such as Starfield (note: first half of 2023), Forza Motorsport (2023), Redfall (note: potentially May 2023) and others. 2022 is over and ended without big budget exclusive games and this is the year that Team Xbox should deliver the great stuff that cannot be found on PlayStation and Nintendo consoles. If you want tremendous gaming value and content at a small price per month, I encourage you to subscribe to Xbox Game Pass (XGP).

Watch out for the Xbox Series X – Forza Horizon 5 premium bundle online and at the local retailers.

In concluding this article, posted below for your enjoyment are Xbox-related videos.

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1st Mayor Ruffy Biazon Swim Cup attracts over 1,000 swimmers

December 8, 2022December 7, 2022carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the 1st Mayor Ruffy Biazon Swim Cup was held at the Muntinlupa Aquatic Center and it easily attracted over a thousand swimmers who engaged in varied contests, according to a Manila Standard news report. The big reception of the event – which was attended by Mayor Ruffy Biazon, Congressman Jaime Fresnedi and a lot of other notable officials – could be the first of many signs that Muntinlupa City will emerge as a hot spot for swimming and other aquatic events as far as Philippine sports development is concerned. The next aquatic event in Muntinlupa will happen a few days from now.

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

A record number of 1,200 swimmers participated in the 1st Mayor Ruffy Biazon Swim Cup on Saturday at the newly built Muntinlupa Aquatic Center in Muntinlupa City.

The organizing Swim League Philippines, headed by president Fred Ancheta, said the listup has already reached the maximum number of entries (700) as early as last week, but due to insistent public demand from swim clubs and organizations and after consultation with the city administration, the registration was extended further.

Equipped with modern equipment under FINA world standards, the Muntinlupa Aquatic Center is expected to be the center of swimming competitions from clubs based in the South.

This early, Ancheta said the Office of the Mayor is expected to sign a memorandum of agreement to make the center the official home of the SLP swimmers and its affiliated clubs and organizations.

“We’re grateful with Mayor Ruffy Biazon for hosting this event. With the enthusiasm from swimmers, coaches and parents to be part of this historic opening of the world-class swimming pool in Muntinlupa, the number of participants reached more than what we expected,” said Ancheta.

“Sa sobrang tuwa ni Mayor Ruffy Biazon he will host another event. Those who wish to compete at the Muntinlupa Aquatic Center, you may join The Holiday Swim Cup on December 10, 2022,” added Ancheta.

As posted in the Facebook page of the City Government of Muntinlupa, the lists of awardees per category were listed as follows…

*A nice shot from the event. (photo credit: Muntinlupa PIO)*

MOST VALUABLE SWIMMER AWARDEES

Highest FINA Points (Boys)

🏅 Kyle Bagusto

🏅 Marcus Johannes De Kam

🏅 Amber Araño

🏅 Wyatt Santos

🏅 John Patrick Leo Hondrade

🏅 Julian Louwers De Kam

🏅 Kristoff David

🏅 Emerson Matienzo

🏅 Joaquin Sto. Domingo

🏅 Chris Jimuel Mallari

🏆 MOST VALUABLE SWIMMER AWARDEES

Highest FINA Points (Girls)

🏅 Riannah Chantelle Coleman

🏅 Clara Yzabela Delos Santos

🏅 Ucary Phearl Sevilla

🏅 Shinloah Yve San Diego

🏅 Alyssa Cabatian

🏅 Daniella Anne Gregorio

🏅 Michaela Trinidad

🏅 Rafee Balbuena

🏅 Darcy Aliyah Tongos

🏅 Renee Margaret Diaz

Team Standing:

Class ABC

🏆 Champion, Poseidon Swimming Team

🏆 First Runner-up, Eastern Aquatics Swimming Team

🏆 Second Runner-up, Dax Swim Team

🏆 Third Runner-up, Sharpeedo Swim Team

🏆 Fourth Runner-up, Pasig Rave Barracudas Swim Team

🏆 Fifth Runner-up, De La Salle University-Dasmariñas

🏆 Sixth Runner-up, Bosay Resort Aquatic Club

Class D

🏆 Champion, Swim RX Swim Team

🏆 First Runner-up, San Pablo Titans Swim Club

🏆 Second Runner-up, Aqua Athlete Swim Club

🏆 Third Runner-up, Poseidon Swimming Team

🏆 Fourth Runner-up, Mako Sharks Swim Team

🏆 Fifth Runner-up, Pontefino Razorback Swim Team

🏆 Sixth Runner-up, Body and Mind Swim Club

“I would like to congratulate the City of Muntinlupa, for this amazing facility na first time in Metro Manila that we have this kind of facility, and the hardworking people behind this world-class facility. And I hope na it will really help the grassroots swimming program in our country to help boost the grassroot development of our swimmers and athletes,” Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon stated via the City Government’s December 5, 2022 Facebook page post.

*Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon delivered his remarks. (photo credit: Muntinlupa PIO)*

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this recent development? Are you excited about the prospects of the city becoming a major destination for aquatic and swimming events? Have you visited the Muntinlupa Aquatic Center already? If you are organizing a triathlon club, would you consider the Muntinlupa Aquatic Center as a venue for your training?

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

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