Tag: Subic Bay

Japan eyes SUBIT dominance

Japan eyes SUBIT dominance

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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.

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

A look at the Philippines’ triathlon and duathlon missions at the 31st SEA Games

A look at the Philippines’ triathlon and duathlon missions at the 31st SEA Games

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As the 31st Southeast Asian Games (AKA the 31st SEA Games, SEA Games 31 and Hanoi 2021) in Vietnam comes closer, the excitement and suspense grow stronger which naturally comes with foreseeing the outcome (note: positions and medals) in certain sports events. For this, we will focus on the triathlon and duathlon events of this year’s SEA Games through what was mentioned during the Philippine Sportswriters Association’s (PSA) recent livestream that had 2019 SEA Games gold medalist John Chicano and triathlon-duathlon coach Melvin Fausto as guests which the Manila Bulletin reported about.

For the newcomers reading this, John Chicano won for the Philippines the gold medal in the men’s triathlon event of the 2019 SEA Games which was held at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. His teammate Kim Mangrobang did the same in the women’s triathlon of the said SEA Games. To know more about Chicano and Mangrobang, read my past feature articles of them here and here. Be aware that Chicano and Mangrobang were perceived to be the favorites in the multisport events of the SEA Games in Vietnam. Before they and their teammates proceed to Vietnam, they have a big triathlon event this Sunday (May 1) – the Subic Bay International Triathlon (SUBIT). SUBIT was mentioned in the PSA livestream. Those of you who are here in the Philippines who have the means and available time this weekend, I encourage you to visit the Subic Bay Freeport Zone to watch the SUBIT live in-person as you will have opportunities to see Mangrobang, Chicano and the many other Philippine Team members race.

Going back to the current topic, Chicano and Fausto were interviewed live by the PSA and you can watch the full video at https://fb.watch/cDsxPptWcH/

2019 SEA Games gold medalist John Chicano and coach Melvin Fausto (lower-right corner) during the PSA livestream of April 26, 2022.

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

The Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) guns for 1-2 finishes in the triathlon and duathlon events of the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam next month.

National team coach Melvin Fausto disclosed this Tuesday, adding they are sending their strongest teams to achieve that goal.

The triathlon squad is composed of Fer Casares, Kim Remolino, Kim Mangrobang and Raven Alcoseba, with John Chicano and Lauren Plaza as reserves.

The duathlon crew, meanwhile, will have Chicano, Raymund Torio, Mangrobang and Alex Ganzon Dumaran with Casares and Alcoseba as reserves.

Fausto said the shift of Chicano from triathlon to duathlon is a strategic move to achieve that gold medal.

Chicano competed and won the gold in triathlon at the 2019 SEAG edition.

“Si John kasi, he’s a strong runner like Raymund. Duathlon talaga siya malakas, so yun yung wino-work out natin ngayon,” Fausto said during the Philippine Sportswriters Association online forum.

For Chicano, it would be a challenge. He is also using the SEAG as a training ground for his duathlon event at the 2022 World Games in Birmingham, Alabama in July.

“Sana makuha namin yung gold and silver kasi maganda naman yung teammup namin ni Raymund,” Chicano said.

“Pukpukan din yung preparation namin dito sa Clark.”

Aside from the medals, Fausto said they are also seek to improve their athletes’ times by aiming to finish under one hour and 50 minutes in triathlon.

“Mas focused na tayo sa time ngayon eh. Part na yun ng strategy. Like nung last SEAG, naka-focus kami mag 1:55 sa triathlon tapos nag-1:53 si John for the gold medal. Ngayon ang focus namin maka 1:50 to win the gold,” Fausto said.

“Saka yung goal natin is to improve their time to world-class level, lalo na si John na qualified sa World Games.”

As you can see in the above excerpt, the stakes are high for the Philippine Team on triathlon and duathlon. They have been training intensely not just for the SEA Games (set for May 12 to 23, 2022) but also for the Subic Bay International Triathlon. They are training intensely as they know that their Southeast Asian competitors in triathlon and duathlon have intensified (see the related details in the paragraph below). They are training not just for medals but for honors for the Philippines. That being said, May 2022 is indeed a crucial month for the Philippine Team members and their coaches as they have two major events to compete in.

The notable details

During the early part of the PSA livestream, coach Melvin stated that triathlon is indeed a growing sport and in due time it will become a more relevant sport for Filipinos and Asians. The coach made clear his dedication to triathlon is very strong. Take note that he was involved during the Philippine Team’s previous SEA Games campaigns. When it comes to their SEA Games competitors, the coach mentioned Indonesia as a well-supported and growing force in triathlon. He also mentioned that competitors from Singapore, Malaysia and host country Vietnam will be present. That being said, expect fierce competition for the SEA Games triathlon and duathlon gold medals. With regards to John Chicano, things will be different as he will engage in the men’s duathlon at this year’s SEA Games. For the newcomers reading this, duathlon is a multisport event with a run-bike-run format.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about the triathlon and duathlon events in the SEA Games this year? Do you believe the Philippines will win gold and silver in the SEA Games triathlon and duathlon events? Do you intend to visit Subic Bay to watch in person the SUBIT on May 1? Do you plan to travel all the way to Vietnam to watch the SEA Games events in-person?

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

For other SEA Games-related articles, click here, here, here, here, here and here.

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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. 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/

Cebu-based triathletes highlighted

Cebu-based triathletes highlighted

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

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

The Members of the PHI Triathlon Team

The National Training Pool

Women Elite:

1. Kim Mangrobang  (Laguna) 31

2. Raven Faith Alcoseba (Cebu) 20

3. Lauren Plaza (Laguna) 21

4. Karen Manayon (Cebu) 20

5. Gene Heart Quiambao (Bukidnon) 18

Men Elite:

6. John Chicano (Olongapo) 31

7. Nikko Huelgas (Las Piñas) 31

8. Fernando Jose Casares (Bulacan) 25

9. Raymund Mulano Torio (Pangasinan) 34

10. Juan Carlos Abad (La Union) 24

Men U23 Elite:

11. Andrew Remolino (Cebu) 22

12. Joshua Ramos (Baguio) 20

13. Juan Francisco Baniqued )Laguna) 20

14. Iñaki Lorbes (Las Piñas) 20

15. Matthew Justine Hermosa (Cebu) 17

16. Lorenzo Joaquin Solda (Parañaque) 18

Duathlon-

Men Elite:

17. Joey de los Reyes (Basilan) 34

18. Ephraim Inigo (Ilocos Sur) 28

19. Jarwyn Banatao (Baguio) 28

    Women Elite:

20. Alexandra Ganzon (Iloilo) 36

21. Elaine Quismundo (Tarlac) 21

22. Merry Joy Trupa (Tarlac)  20

23. Jena Valdez (Pangasinan) 17

The Developmental Pool

U23/ELITE MALE: 18-23 y/o

1. Maynard Pecson – Baguio, Duathlon

2. John Ace Ventura – Pangasinan, Duathlon

U23/ELITE FEMALE: 18-23 y/o

3. Erika Burgos – QC/Laguna, Triathlon

JUNIOR ELITE MALE:6-19 y/o

4. Jacob Clint Lipura – Cebu, Triathlon

5. Jacob Kennedy Lipura – Cebu, Triathlon

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

JUNIOR ELITE FEMALE: 16-19 y/o

7. Kira Ellis – Laguna, Triathlon

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

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

YOUTH ELITE MALE: 13-15 y/o

10. Darrel Johnson Bada – Olongapo, Triathlon

11. Connor Hodges – Laguna, Triathlon

12. Carron Paulter Canas – Cebu, Triathlon

YOUTH ELITE FEMALE: 13-15 y/o

13. Erin Burgos – QC/Laguna, Triathlon

The PHI Paratriathlon Team

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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. 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/

A close look at the Philippine Team triathletes and duathletes for the 31st SEA Games

A close look at the Philippine Team triathletes and duathletes for the 31st SEA Games

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If you are focused on the multisport events of the 31st Southeast Asian Games (also referred to as 31st SEA Games, Hanoi 2021 and SEA Games 31) in Vietnam, then you might be interested to know which triathletes and duathletes will be representing the Philippines. Previously, it was mentioned that 2019 SEA Games gold medalists John Chicano and Kim Mangrobang were the favorites for the multisport events of the said games that will happen next month but if you want more details and specifics, check out what CNN Philippines posted on their website.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the CNN Philippines article. Some parts in boldface…

The country’s triathlon team is boasting a lineup of household names eyeing to continue its regional dominance in the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam next month.

Speaking to CNN Philippines, Triathlon Association of the Philippines president Tom Carrasco emphasized that the bunch of household names should give the country some considerable edge over opponents.

Kim Mangrobang, who ruled the 2019 SEA Games women’s individual event at Subic Bay, is set to banner the female team anew as she will be backed by former De La Salle University varsity swimmer Raven Faith Alcoseba and Lauren Plaza as a reserve.

Mangrobang secured the gold while compatriot Kim Kilgroe clinched the silver three years ago.

The same finish was tallied by the Philippine men’s triathlon team that year, with John Chicano taking home the gold and Andrew Kim Remolino nabbing the silver.

Come Vietnam, Remolino and fellow star Fernando Casares will aim to duplicate the feat, while defending champion Chicano sits kingly on the reserve list.

Meanwhile, Chicano is shifting focus to rule the duathlon event as he will be joined by Raymund Torio and reserve Casares in the men’s squad.

Mangrobang will have no rest as she will anchor the distaff side along with Alexandra Dumaran and Alcoseba as a reserve.

In 2019, Monica Torres snagged the gold in the women’s individual duathlon event while Joey Delos Reyes settled for a silver medal for the men’s side. Torres, Efraim Inigo, Paui Fornea, and Emmanuel Comendador clinched the bronze medal in the mixed relay category.

Ani De Leon, Melvin Fausto, and George Vilog are tapped as coaches of the Hanoi-bound Philippine triathlon team.

For the newcomers reading this, the mentioned Philippine Team triathletes/duathletes will be competing first in the Subic Bay International Triathlon set for May 1 at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone before proceeding to Vietnam for the SEA Games triathlon and duathlon races. If you happen to be here in the Philippines and you are interested to see Mangrobang, Chicano, Remolino, Casares, Alcoseba and Torio in person, then I encourage you to visit Subic Bay and watch the May 1 triathlon live.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Are you excited about the triathlon and duathlon events of the SEA Games in Vietnam? Do you think that the Philippines will successfully win the gold medals in both multisports events at the SEA Games? Do you plan to watch the Subic Bay International Triathlon on May 1 in person to see the above mentioned Philippine Team triathletes/duathletes perform? How many triathletes or triathlon enthusiasts are there in your local community right now?

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

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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. 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/

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

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

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

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

The big event at Subic Bay on May 1.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pay close attention to this.

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

Where to enjoy food and drinks in Subic Bay?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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. 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/

John Chicano and Kim Mangrobang of the Philippines are the favorites in the 31st SEA Games multisport events

John Chicano and Kim Mangrobang of the Philippines are the favorites in the 31st SEA Games multisport events

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While many sports enthusiasts around the Southeast Asian region are eagerly waiting for the delayed 31st Southeast Asian Games (also referred to as 31st SEA Games, SEA Games 31 and Hanoi 2021) in Vietnam to finally start, triathlon here in the Philippines is getting more active after being dormant under the COVID-19 crisis. In fact, triathlon interest among Filipinos is only getting stronger and the other day, the Philippine Daily Inquirer published an article highlighting 2019 SEA Games gold medalists John Chicano and Marion Kim Mangrobang as the favorites in two different multisport events in this year’s SEA Games.

To be specific, the Inquirer viewed Chicano (the 2019 SEA Games men’s triathlon gold medalist) as the Philippines’ best bet in the 31st SEA Games men’s duathlon event while Mangrobang (2019 SEA Games women’s triathlon gold medalist) remains the heavy favorite in the 31st SEA Games women’s triathlon event. But before going to Vietnam, Chicano and Mangrobang will be participating in the NTT AST Subic Bay International Triathlon (SuBIT) 2022 on May 1 at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone!

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Inquirer sports article written by June Navarro. Some parts in boldface…

Kim Mangrobang remains as the heavy favorite in women’s triathlon of the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam while John Chicano is the country’s strongest bet in duathlon.

Mangrobang, the back-to-back women’s SEA Games gold medalist, and the 2019 men’s champion Chicano will headline the country’s jaunt in the Subic International Triathlon (SUBIT) on May 1, their last big hurdle before heading to the Vietnam Games to defend their titles.

They will be tested against 30 elite foreign triathletes from Australia, Japan, United States, Poland, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, India and Azerbaijan bannered by Ukraine-born Olympian Rostyslav Pevtsov.

Joining Chicano and Mangrobang at Subit, now returning at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone after a two-year hiatus, are national team mainstays Raven Faith Alcoseba and 2019 SEAG men’s silver medalist Kim Remolino.

Alcoseba and Remolino belong to the Triathlon Association of the Philippines’ new crop of young triathletes to keep the nation’s gold-medal streak in the SEA Games going since 2015 in Singapore.

On its 29th year, Subit is the country’s longest running triathlon with newly installed Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman and Administrator Rolen Paulino serving as assistant race director during its inaugural edition.

“I’m proud to say that Subit has produced our SEA Games champions, Asian duathlon gold medalists and notable performers in both the 2014 Incheon and 2018 Palembang Asian Games,’’ said Trap president Tom Carrasco.

The first international-flavored triathlon event in the country since the onset of the pandemic, Carrasco said the Subit plays a major role for the preparation of Chicano and Mangrobang as well as their teammates to again rule the triathlon races in the SEA Games for the fourth consecutive edition.

If you want to know more about John Chicano and Kim Mangrobang, read my separate feature articles of them on this website. Also check out the videos below.

As the SEA Games hosted by Hanoi, Vietnam slowly approaches, more and new details about the triathlon and duathlon events there should be revealed. Eventually the names of all the SEA Games competitors in the men’s and women’s events in triathlon and duathlon will be announced. Take note that host country Vietnam has almost one thousand athletes joining the SEA Games.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Are you excited for the duathlon and triathlon events of this year’s SEA Games? If you are here in the Philippines, would you be interested to visit Subic Bay to watch the Subic Bay International Triathlon (SUBIT) in person and watch SEA Games gold medalists John Chicano and Kim Mangrobang race? Do you anticipate that Chicano and Mangrobang will both bring home the gold from Vietnam?

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. 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/

Skyway 3 project completed

Skyway 3 project completed

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It is all out in the news here in the Philippines and it is the best piece of infrastructure and travel-related news for travelers, business stakeholders and other concern parties specifically here in Metro Manila and the communities outside its boundaries – San Miguel Corporation (SMC)’s president and chief operation officer (COO) Ramon S. Ang announced the completion of the Skyway 3 project (AKA Skyway Stage 3) which is almost eighteen kilometers long. Right now, they are working on completing the finishing touches before formally opening it to the public.

Personally, I am happy for their achievement!

A great view of a portion of Skyway Stage 3. (source – Mark Villar Facebook page)

For the newcomers reading this, the Skyway 3 project is composed of a 17.93 kilometer stretch that links the norther and southern parts of Luzon by means of a modern highway. More specifically, once the newly completed project finally opens, travel from the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) to the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) will take only twenty minutes which will be a major improvement from the average of 2-3 hours (without Skyway 3). It should be noted that the project was completed way before the October 31, 2020 target of completion.

“I’m happy to announce that the whole structure of Skyway 3 is now complete. With this, Skyway 2 in Buendia is now officially extended all the way to the North Luzon Expressway. After many challenges, this project faced in previous years, the dream of connecting north and south and providing an alternative to Edsa is now a reality,” Ang said in a press statement released on October 13.

As mentioned earlier, I am happy for the completion of Skyway 3 and soon it will finally be opened to public motorists (who can afford to pay the eventual toll fees). Each year for the past several years, I travel from Alabang to Clark and Subic Bay to attend important events. During those times, it was a struggle to move from south to north and back WITHOUT Skyway 3. The traffic along EDSA (which passes through different Metro Manila cities and on the maze of roads within the City of Manila were often bad, time-consuming and unpredictable.

Another stretch of Skyway Stage 3 over water. (source – Mark Villar Facebook page)

With Skyway Stage 3, travel between SLEX and NLEX will be much faster. It is stated in the press statement that travel from Magallanes to Balintawak will only take about 15 minutes, Balintawak to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) also only 15 minutes, and Valenzuela to Makati in just 10 minutes. As for people from the cities of Muntinlupa, Las Piñas, Parañaque and even further south from Laguna province who need to travel to Subic Bay faster in the near future, imagine going north using the SLEX, then the Skyway (in the south) moving through the metropolis in quick fashion to reach the NLEX thanks to Skyway 3’s stretch and then take the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) to get to Subic Bay faster than ever before. Travelers from Cavite province will also benefit from the improved access and travel too since their province has highways that connect to the SLEX. Really, a lot of people, especially families business people who need to travel within Metro Manila and those who want to go further north or south will really benefit from the eventual operation of Skyway 3 not for just a year but in the years to come.

From this point on, watch out for SMC’s announcement of the formal opening of Skyway 3. Congratulations to SMC and their strategic partners for their accomplishment! Thank the Lord in Heaven also for making big dreams a reality!

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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 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 FB group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Chicano and Banzon Lead Winners in Apollo Petroleum Jelly TRI 2020

Chicano and Banzon Lead Winners in Apollo Petroleum Jelly TRI 2020

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Chicano and Banzon Lead Winners in Apollo Petroleum Jelly TRI 2020

2019 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) gold medalist John Leerams Chicano of Team Apollo Petroleum Jelly and Lyllian Grace Banzon of Team Sante Barley posted the best time finishes among all standard distance competitors during the Apollo Petroleum Jelly TRI 2020 event held recently at the Subic Bay Freeport.

Chicano proved to be untouchable among all the men finishing the standard distance 1.5 Km swim – 40 Km bike – 10 Km run race in 2 hours, 11 minutes and 42 seconds easily winning the 25-29 age-group title. 35-39 champion Ronald Molit came next in 2:23:47 while 18-24 champion Joshua Alexander Ramos was the 3rd fastest with 2:25:00.

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2019 SEA Games gold medalist John Chicano was simply untouchable.

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Some winners declared during the awarding ceremony.

Among the ladies in the event presented by Apollo Petroleum Jelly and supported by Cleene, MEDIPLAST , LeGARDE L-Carnitine, Vermosa Sports Hub, Alviera, Clark Global City, Smart, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Acea Subic Bay and Court Meridian Hotel & Suites, Banzon (30-34 champion) and Ines Santiago (35-39 champion) finished less than a minute apart respectfully timing 2:41:08 and 2:41:59. Amanda Carpo came in next at 2:48:16 winning the 45-49 title.

In the Team Competition, Team Sante Barley emerged as the champion with the best time of 12:44:16. For the relay categories, the champions declared were Maxi Atletika – Zalora 2 (All-Female), Maxi Atletika Multisports D (All-Male), and Fitness First – Salice (Mixed).

Regarding the quality of the event that was also backed by hydration partners Pocari Sweat and Sip Purified Water, timing partner Garmin, shoe partner Saucony and recovery partner Air Relax Massage Guns, Chicano described the race courses as well-crafted. While the persistent wind prevented the heat from wearing him down, the SEA Games gold medalist still found the bike leg a nice challenge because of it. For her part, Sprint Distance 15-19 champion Lauren Plaza confirmed a similar experience regarding the wind’s effect on the bike leg and still she had an enjoyable racing experience and praised the cheering spectators and the race organizers.

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Sprint Distance Female 15-19 champion Lauren Plaza.

“This is our first triathlon race and we are very happy about the large participation as well as the collective positive feedback from the athletes. This event was conceptualized to create a venue for athletes to test their limits while enjoying a chafe-free experience,” Apollo Petroleum Jelly Brand Manager Jamie Reyes-Omorogbe stated.

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A lot more winners shared the stage.

For the complete list of winners and race results, visit the Apollo Petroleum Jelly TRI 2020 event page at www.bikekingphilippines.com

About Apollo Petroleum Jelly

Widely known as a staple in every Filipino’s household, Apollo Petroleum Jelly is an athlete’s secret weapon. It can help lubricate skin areas that are predisposed to chafing, perfect for triathletes who has constant contact between skin, clothing and footwear during their races. Apollo Petroleum Jelly starts at PHP29.50 for 25 grams, and goes up to PHP 142.00 for 200 grams. It is available in drugstores, leading drugstores and supermarkets and department stores nationwide. To learn more about Apollo Petroleum Jelly and other related products, visit Philusa.com.ph

This Press Release was issued on behalf of Bike King Philippines and Apollo Petroleum Jelly.

 

 

A Chat with 2019 SEA Games Gold Medalist and Southeast Asia’s Triathlon King – John Chicano

A Chat with 2019 SEA Games Gold Medalist and Southeast Asia’s Triathlon King – John Chicano

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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

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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.

The glory continued the day after when Chicano, along with teammates Kim Mangrobang, Claire Adorna and Fer Casares collaborated to win another SEA Games gold for the Philippines in the Triathlon Team Mixed Relay event there at Subic Bay. That was another gold medal for Chicano making him a 3-time SEA Games medalist (two gold medals and one silver medal).

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.”

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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.

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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.

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Chicano and Kim Mangrobang on the front page of the December 2, 2019 edition of the Manila Times.

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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 Havenor is still available in paperback and e-book format. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

Apollo Petroleum Jelly TRI 2020 Set for February 23 at Subic Bay

Apollo Petroleum Jelly TRI 2020 Set for February 23 at Subic Bay

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Apollo Petroleum Jelly TRI 2020 Set for February 23 at Subic Bay

The new multisport season of Bike King events will launch with the Apollo Petroleum Jelly TRI 2020 which will fire off on the morning of February 23 at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, the nation’s triathlon capital.

Apollo Petroleum Jelly TRI 2020 features two race courses of Standard Distance (1.5 Km swim – 40 Km bike – 10 Km run) and Sprint Distance (750 M swim – 20 Km bike – 5 Km run) which will take participants from the waters of Acea Subic Bay to Argonaut Highway (followed by a challenging climb up Ocean Adventure) and to the 4-loop run course towards All Hands Beach. A scenic view of Subic Bay as well as a festive atmosphere await both triathletes and spectators at the Acea Subic Bay area where the finish line and transition area are located at.

At stake in the event presented by Apollo Petroleum Jelly and supported by Cleene, Mediplast, LeGARDE L-Carnitine, Vermosa Sports Hub, Alviera, Clark Global City, Smart, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, ACEA Subic Bay, Court Meridian Hotel & Suites, hydration partners POCARI Sweat and Sip Purified Water, timing partner GARMIN, shoe partner Saucony and recovery partner Air Relax Massage Guns are medals for all finishers, trophies and gift packs for the winners in each category. The categories include individual (Standard and Sprint) and relay (Standard Distance only), which have sub-categories, namely all-men, all-women, and mixed team.

Title sponsored by Apollo Petroleum Jelly and organized by Bike King, the Apollo Petroleum Jelly TRI 2020 promises to be a great venue for athletes put test their limits, to eventually break their boundaries and ultimately better themselves. Over 500 participants from around the nation have signed up for the event.

For more information on the race and other upcoming events, visit BikeKingPhilippines.com.

About Apollo Petroleum Jelly

Widely known as a staple in every Filipino’s household, Apollo Petroleum Jelly is an athlete’s secret weapon. It can help lubricate skin areas that are predisposed to chafing, perfect for triathletes who has constant contact between skin, clothing and footwear during their races. Apollo Petroleum Jelly starts at PHP29.50 for 25 grams, and goes up to PHP 142.00 for 200 grams. It is available in drugstores, leading drugstores and supermarkets and department stores nationwide. To learn more about Apollo Petroleum Jelly and other related products, visit Philusa.com.ph

This is an official press release issued on behalf of Bike King Philippines and Philusa.