Maynard Pecson bounced back remarkably from a dismal showing in the national age group duathlon championships two weeks back by landing on top of the heap in the duathlon event of Singapore T100 Triathlon.
Franklin Yee, Pecson’s erstwhile tormentor, trailed in 2nd overall with Robin Banados of Go For Gold completing the podium finish.
Top Filipina duathlete Merry Joy Trupa was dominant from start to finish among the females as she claimed 1st place overall and the gold medal in the female 20-24 age category.
Pia in Action (PIA) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) sponsored the Team Philippines.
Pecson stowed the gold in the 25-29 bracket with Yee adding another gold in 20-24 category.
Pecson covered the 6K run/32k bike/3K grind in 1 hour 26 minutes and 28 seconds (splits: 21:26/ 51:45/11:53).
Yee checked in at 1:29:09 and Cebuano Banados (, also backed by Go-for-Gold program of Jeremy Go, 1:34:53).
Trupa clocked one hour 35 minutes and 56 seconds in outstripping all but 10 of the close to 600 hopefuls.
Recently in the City of Parañaque, local police officers armed with a warrant arrested a 42-year-old woman over child abuse charges, according to a news report by The Daily Tribune.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of The Daily Tribune. Some parts in boldface…
A female suspect facing child abuse charges was arrested by police authorities during a warrant operation in Barangay San Isidro in Parañaque City on Wednesday evening.
The accused, identified as alias Ferdilyn, 42, was apprehended at around 8:30 p.m. at her residence in Manggahan II, Lower Matatdo.
The arrest was the result of an intensified effort to track down individuals with outstanding warrants for crimes against children.
The accused was taken into custody by virtue of a warrant of arrest for violation of Section 10(A) of Republic Act 7610, also known as the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.
The warrant, docketed under Criminal Case No. 2026-0071, carried a recommended bail of P80,000 and was issued on 15 April 2026 by Judge Ma. Christina De Pio Lim of the Parañaque City Regional Trial Court Branch 260.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be more child abusers who have yet to be apprehended? Is child abuse a serious problem in your local community?
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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
FRANKLIN Yee and Mary Joy Trupa defended their respective titles in the elite sprint category of the National Age Group Duathlon held at Villar City in Las Piñas City yesterday.
The 23-year-old Yee, a native of Bogo City, Cebu dominated the race (5km run-20km bike-2.5km run) in 56:20, improving the 57:13 he registered last year.
John Patrick Ciron of Iriga City, Camarines Sur finished second in 56.43, also an improvement as he clocked 57:26 to secure the bronze medal last year. Maynard Pecson of Baguio City ranked third with a time of 58:56.
“I’m happy to win again,” said Yee, a 4th year business management student at the University of San Carlos.
Pecson, the second-best Filipino finisher at the Ironman 70.3 in Davao two weeks ago, did not expect to medal.
“There are many strong competitors, especially the young ones,” said the 27-year-old Pecson, a graduating tourism management student from St. Louis University.
National Age Group Duathlon Elite Sprint Category champions Mary Joy Trupa and Franklin Yee pose in front of photographers. (photo credit – Triathlon Philippines)
In the women’s division, 23-year-old Trupa bagged the gold medal in 1:06:51.
Lady Samantha Jhunace Corpuz (1:10:12) and Dhana Victoria Seda-Lomboy (1:11:57) placed second and third, respectively.
“I’m glad that I won, the goal is to keep on improving,” said Trupa, who graduated from the Tarlac Agricultural University in Camiling with a agri-business degree last January.
“I can now focus on my training and competitions,” said Trupa, who together with Yee and Pecson, will join the T100 Singapore event on April 25-26.
Meanwhile, Hermogenes Branzuela (57:46) ranked first in the men’s junior elite division of the tournament supported by Villar City, Gatorade, Milo, C-Vitt and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
Eric Hechanova (1:01:35) was second followed by Anxader Gomez (1:03:06).
Anisha Eunice Caluya (1:09:54), Candace Marie Socito (1:15:58) and Scottie Lee Awitan (1:20:20) were the podium finishers in the women’s junior elite division of the tournament, which is part of Triathlon Philippines’ grassroots and talent identification program.
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
Subic Bay International Triathlon (SuBIT)—Southeast Asia’s oldest and longest running standard distance race—rolls on to its 33rd year at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone May 2 and 3.
This edition gains added significance as on top of being billed as 2026 NTT Asia Triathlon Cup it debuts as Asia Triathlon Junior Cup Subic Bay.
Considered one of Asia’s 10 best races, SuBIT has continued to demonstrate the strong partnership between Triathlon Philippines presided by Tom Carrasco, Asia Triathlon Senior Vice President, and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) under Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño.
Philippine Sports Commission, NTT, Gatorade (official hydration partner), Western Guaranty Corporation, C-Vitt and Subic Bay Travelers Hotel (official race hotel) back up SuBIT.
More than a hundred elite athletes coming from at least 20 countries are expected to not only vie for honors but also scramble for World Triathlon and Asia Triathlon ranking points.
Japan, last year through Takuto Oshima (1:50:25) and Manami Hayashi (2:04:58) regained it’s dominance it last held in 2002 with Dayshaun Ramos (1:54:03, 14th) and Raven Alcoseba 2:14:16, 11th) emerging as top Filipinos.
Last year’s Technical Delegate Darnis Mahmud from Malaysia returns to lead the officiating team once again.
The usual fare of fast, action-packed racing across all levels: draft-legal sprint races for Elite and Junior Elite athletes, alongside Super Trikids (STK), Youth Super Sprint, and Sprint and Standard are on offer.
Elite & Junior Elite Races (AM); STK, Youth & Age Group Briefing (PM) are slated May 2 followed by STK, Youth & Age Group race day. Athletes and Coaches briefing on May 1 usher the races.
In a major move to ensure fairness in women’s sports competitions, to ensure the protection of women who participated in such events and to preserve its own integrity as a global sports governing entity, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced a brand new policy which will be applied on the 2028 Olympic Games.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the official announcement of the IOC. Some parts in boldface…
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced a new Policy on the Protection of the Female (Women’s) Category in Olympic Sport and Guiding Considerations for International Federations and Sports Governing Bodies.
Following today’s approval of the policy by the IOC Executive Board, it will apply for the LA28 Olympic Games onwards, and is not retroactive.
The policy explains that, for all disciplines on the sports programme of an IOC event, including the Olympic Games and for both individual and team sports, eligibility for any female category is limited to biological females.
Eligibility for the female category is to be determined in the first instance by SRY gene screening to detect the absence or presence of the SRY gene.
Based on scientific evidence, the IOC considers that the presence of the SRY gene is fixed throughout life and represents highly accurate evidence that an athlete has experienced male sex development. Furthermore, the IOC considers that SRY gene screening via saliva, cheek swab or blood sample is unintrusive compared to other possible methods.
Athletes who screen negative for the SRY gene permanently satisfy this policy’s eligibility criteria for competition in the female category. Unless there is reason to believe that a negative reading is in error, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime test.
With the rare exception of athletes with a diagnosis of Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS) or other rare differences/disorders in sex development (DSDs) who do not benefit from the anabolic and/or performance-enhancing effects of testosterone, no athlete with an SRY-positive screen is eligible for competition in the female category at an IOC event.
Athletes with an SRY-positive screen, including XY transgender and androgen-sensitive XY-DSD athletes, continue to be included in all other classifications for which they qualify. For example, they are eligible for any male category, including in a designated male slot within any mixed category, and any open category, or in sports and events that do not classify athletes by sex.
Speaking about the policy, IOC President Kirsty Coventry said: “As a former athlete, I passionately believe in the rights of all Olympians to take part in fair competition. The policy that we have announced is based on science and has been led by medical experts. At the Olympic Games, even the smallest margins can be the difference between victory and defeat. So, it is absolutely clear that it would not be fair for biological males to compete in the female category. In addition, in some sports it would simply not be safe.”
She continued: “Every athlete must be treated with dignity and respect, and athletes will need to be screened only once in their lifetime. There must be clear education around the process and counselling available, alongside expert medical advice.”
Why was the policy developed? – The IOC administration was tasked with drafting a policy on the protection of the female category in an Olympic context that would reflect the findings of the Working Group on the Protection of the Female Category, various IOC consultations, and consideration of recent developments, including in international human rights law.
The policy was developed on the basis that it is universally accepted that providing for a female category is necessary to allow both males and females equal access to elite sport. It was guided by the IOC’s modern goals relating to equality (equal opportunities for female athletes in finals, on podiums and in championships); enhancing Olympic value (featuring both women’s and men’s finals in every sport); and visibility and inspiration (celebrating female athletes on the Olympic podium to inspire and represent women and girls worldwide).
What were the findings of the working group? – The working group reviewed the latest scientific evidence, including developments since 2021, and reached a clear consensus. Male sex provides a performance advantage in all sports and events that rely on strength, power and endurance. To ensure fairness, and to protect safety, particularly in contact sports, eligibility should therefore be based on biological sex. The group also agreed that the most accurate and least intrusive method currently available to verify biological sex is screening for the SRY gene, a segment of DNA typically found on the Y chromosome that initiates male sex development in utero and indicates the presence of testes/testicles.
For additional insight, watch the YouTube videos below.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Considering all the details included and emphasized, are you convinced the IOC justified its new policy? Were there any women’s sports events in your locality that allowed transgendered women (males who identified themselves as females) to participate over the past five years? Do you believe that transgendered women should be prohibited from joining women’s sports events?
Darrell Johnson Bada and Anisha Eunice Caluya were crowned champions in the junior elite division of the National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT) at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone yesterday.
The 17-year-old Bada clocked 56 minutes and 57 seconds to finish the sprint race covering 750m swim, 18km bike and 5km run. The bike stage has a distance of 20km but was reduced due to a road repair.
Euan Arrow Ramos placed second with a time of 58:57 followed by Peter Sacho Del Rosario (59:12).
“I always give my best in every race, the goal is to win and I’m glad I did it,” said Bada, a Grade 12 student at Subic Colleges in Olongapo City.
“Last year, I was in the second pack. This year, I was in the first pack and eventually won the title,” added the gold medalist at the 2025 NTT Asia Triathlon Cup Subic Bay (SuBIT).
Caluya, on the other hand, registered the best time of 1:07:09 in the women’s division. Christy Ann Perez (1:07:56) and Aira Danara Gregorio (1:08:38) were second and third, respectively.
Meanwhile, Cebuanos Kim Andrew Remolino and Matthew Justine Hermosa had a 1-2 finish in the men’s elite division of the event supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Gatorade, Western Guaranty Corporation, Z-Bitt and SBMA Tourism.
Remolino clocked 56:17 followed by Hermosa (56:21) and Dayshaun Karl Ramos (56:44).
“I came here prepared and I’m happy with the result,” said Remolino, who together with Hermosa will join the PRISAA Regional qualifying on March 13-14 in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.
Dhana Victoria Seda-Lomboy (1:07:49) and Lady Samantha Jhunace Corpuz (1:08:42) were the top two finishers in the women’s division of NAGT, Triathlon Philippines’ grassroots and talent identification program.
The Subic Bay leg of the 2026 National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT) series was supported by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Funtastic Subic, Terrace Hotel Subic Bay, and Fitbar.
Diego Jose Dimayuga and Alaina Bouffaut of Get Coach’d Academy headed by Doray Ellis topped the super sprint U15 (13-15 years old) category of the opening leg of the 2026 National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT) series held at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone yesterday.
Dimayuga clocked 31:46 to win the gold medal in the boys division, while teammate Pio Mishael Gabriel placed second (33:31) followed by Joseph Ian Caluste of BE TRITANS (34:15).
Bouffaut and teammate Naomi Rozeboom also had a 1-2 finish in the girls division of the event sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, Gatorade, Western Guaranty Corporation, Z-Bitt and SBMA Tourism.
Bouffaut submitted the best time of 37:39. Rozeboom was second in 37.51, while Lauren Lee Tan placed third (37:55), beating Diego’s sister, Naomi Rosalie (37:56).
Dimayuga, the newest member of the national elite pool, and Bouffaut are scheduled to compete at the Asian Junior and U23 Championships on May 12-15 in Hong Kong.
In the super tri kids division, Marcus Jayden Balaquit of Wavemakers Swim Team and Danica Angodung were crowned champions in the 11-12 category.
Eli Juan Dela Cruz of Team Megawide and Ami Takei of Team Honu (9-10 years old); Ethan Geronimo of OJT and Francesca Bader Mendoza of Gas Coaching/Ace Seawolves (7-8 years old); and Jewel Hunter Galang and Ylianna Devera of TLTG (6 years old and under) were the other winners in the event organized by Triathlon Philippines (TriPhil) as part of its grassroots and talent identification program.
The Subic Bay leg of the 2026 National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT) series was supported by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Funtastic Subic, Terrace Hotel Subic Bay, and Fitbar.
The Subic Bay International Triathlon (SUBIT) – the longest running international triathlon event of the Philippines – will be held on May 2 and 3, 2026, inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and already online registration (note: RaceYa account is required) is ongoing.
The event is formally referred to as the 2026 NTT Asia Triathlon Cup Subic Bay International Triathlon which will be organized by Triathlon Philippines (TriPhil) and is supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Gatorade and the Western Guaranty Corporation.
Available details
On May 2, Sprint Distance (750 Meter Swim – 20 Kilometer Bike – 5 Kilometer Run) races will be held.
On May 3, the Standard Distance (1.5 Km Swim – 40 Km Bike – 10 Km Run), Sprint Distance, Super Sprint Distance (500 M swim – 13 Km Bike – 2.5 Km Run) and Super TriKids events will take place.
Race categories are the Elite, Age Group Sprint, Age Group Standard, Age Group U15 Super Sprint and Super TriKids
Registration fees
The Early Bird period of registration fees is now in effect and the fees are as follows:
Standard Distance – P6,000 plus online registration fees
Sprint Distance – P5,500 plus online registration fees
Super Sprint Distance – P4,500 plus online registration fees
Super TriKids – P3,500 plus online registration fees
The Early Bird period of registration will last until February 28, 2026.
Effective March 1, 2026, the Regular registration fees will take effect which are as follows:
Standard Distance – P6,500 plus online registration fees
Sprint Distance – P6,000 plus online registration fees
Super Sprint Distance – P5,000 plus online registration fees
Super TriKids – P4,000 plus online registration fees
The Regular period of registration will last until March 31, 2026.
Effective April 1, 2026, the Late registration fees will take effect which are as follows:
Standard Distance – P7,500 plus online registration fees
Sprint Distance – P7,000 plus online registration fees
Super Sprint Distance – P6,000 plus online registration fees
Super TriKids – P5,000 plus online registration fees
Online banner of the 2026 NTT Asia Cup Subic Bay International Triathlon.
Other key details of the event such as the final schedules, the race maps and more will be updated at the official event page at RaceYa.
Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal 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.
Welcome back, superhero fans, 1990s arts and culture enthusiasts, Ultraverse fans and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the mid-1990s to examine one of the many tales of the Ultraverse through the Elven mini-series.
Having read the first two issues (click here and here), I can say that there is indeed progressive development of the personality of Elvia and her fantasy inspired identity as Elven. At the same time, the fantasy elements of the Ultraverse itself were portrayed in lively fashion. Clearly, Elven’s own corner of the Ultraverse has been established and there is some excitement to find out what would happen next and how it could affect others within the UV.
With those details laid down, here is a look back at Elven #3, published by Malibu Comics in 1995 with a story written by Len Strazewski and illustrated by Aaron Lopresti (Sludge).
The cover.
Early story
The story begins on top of the building with Elven and Prime meeting again. Tensions are high as Elven accuses him of lying. By this time, she learned a lot of details about her origin from the demon she fought with which convinced her that Prime lied to her about their genetic connections with each other (note: Doctor Vincent Gross was involved as he wanted to create ultras).
Elven rejects the science as she is strong convinced she is of magical origin from a mystical world and happens to be trapped on Earth. As Prime tries to put sense into her, Elven strikes him with a blast of energy to push him back. The blast turned to be of biological energy instead of magic.
As Elven reveals that she learned crucial information from the demon she fought with, Prime realizes it is none other than the one enemy he fought with some time ago…
Quality
Once again, Elven impulsively uses violence on individuals to help Bruno.
Following the events of issue #2, Elven here remains confused and even lost as she has a lot of trouble figuring out the facts. Of course, being a fanatic of fantasy and Elfquest, Elven clings on to the belief that the fantasy realm is real and that she is of magical origin (which conflicts with the biology and science of her abilities and physical transformation). This is evident in the early part of the comic book when she has a tense reunion with Prime who did his best to explain details and help her understand.
When it comes to the very conflict of the story itself, the stakes were raised when Strazewski has Prime-Evil and elements of unethical science present during the later stage. Apart from abducting Elven, Prime-Evil has his own agenda pursuing Mantra (who in turn has an evil version called Necro Mantra) and a lot of arrogance within. Literally, Prime-Evil’s presence added intrigue to the plot and only made Elven’s struggle to realize the truth of her origin – both the scientific and fantasy aspects – even more complicated.
Bruno, who was a significant and surprising factor behind the conflict in issue #2, gets his nice share of the spotlight. Without spoiling the plot, I can say that he is a lot more than what he seems and has more to add to the conflict.
Considering the intensity of the conflict in issue #2, I find it very weird that Bruno and Elvia were not even reported to the local authorities for questioning and accountability. Perhaps the psychiatrist did not bother to do what is right since he was so fascinated with the fantastic conflict and unexplained moments that happened in his office (note: his own office assistant even became naked suddenly), and he has ambitions to become America’s next big name with his knowledge.
Conclusion
Elvia with Bruno and their psychiatrist.
At this particular stage of the mini-series, Elven #3 (1995) had an even more intriguing story to tell while gradually moving forward with Elven’s quest for the truth of her origin and her own purpose. The Strazewski-Lopresti duo did fine work in this comic book for the most part and ultimately the story convinced me to look forward to the next issue. I can say that the ending of this comic book is more suspenseful than that of issue #2.
Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal 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.
Welcome back, superhero fans, 1990s arts and culture enthusiasts, Ultraverse fans and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the mid-1990s to examine one of the many tales of the Ultraverse through the Elven mini-series.
When I grabbed a copy of Elven #1, I did not expect much entertainment and surprise. But as I started reading it and witnessed Elven’s interactions with Prime, the narrative became even more engaging to read. In addition, Len Strazewski’s writing clearly defined the personality of fantasy fanatic and confused girl Elvia Swanson and established Elven as a twisted female parallel to Prime. Along the way, Aaron Lopresti’s art showed a lot of details, emotions and dynamism (on the action).
With those details laid down, here is a look back at Elven #2, published by Malibu Comics in 1995 with a story written by Len Strazewski and illustrated by Aaron Lopresti (Sludge).
The cover.
Early story
The story begins inside the office of a psychiatrist where Elven encounters a demon which just came out of the teenage boy Bruno. As the two fight each other violently, the psychiatrist watches them obsessively and writes down the notable details for a potential advancement in his career. Bruno, who carried the demon in him some time prior, watches the fight from a distance marveling at Elven while also observing how chaotic the demon is.
Elven fights the demon hard while maintaining a mindset of pride and even being superior. The demon reveals his link with Boneyard (for reference, click here) confirming he came from a distant world.
After getting hit by Elven’s elf-fire, the demon begins to laugh at her. Elven gets triggered and starts hitting the demon more…
Quality
By giving in to her impulses, Elven commits a very violent move on a man. This also shows her inability to restrain herself.
While issue #1 established Elvia Swenson personality and her super-powered, fantasy inspired Elven identity who has a genetic connection with Prime, this comic book emphasizes the deeper fantasy aspects of the Ultraverse while expanding the lore within Elven’s part of the shared comic book universe.
Similar to Prime (Kevin Green in disguise), Elven gets triggered emotionally which is the result of the youth and obvious lack of maturity of Elvia. That being said, the moments of Elven getting more violent and shedding a few tears after getting laughed at by the demon deserve any reader’s attention.
Len Strazewski’s writing is pretty rich here and he pulled of some clever moves with the narrative. As the battle between Elven and the demon intensified, there were signs that the conflict would turn into an even bigger and more destructive battle. Instead, there were these deep revelations that happened (note: for relevance, you will have to read Prime #5 which I reviewed some time ago) and even the arrogant boy Bruno has his own share of what has been going on. Even the psychiatrist turned out to be a pretty significant bystander during the battle which suggests a build-up for a sub-plot.
As such, Strazewski wrote the story to be very intriguing and the plot threads are not limited to Elven and the demon. The way I see it, something is being built up and to grasp the relevance, you will have to read some issues of the Prime and Mantra comic book series.
If there is any weakness in the storytelling, it is the fact that the psychiatrist and his office assistant very easily forgot the moments of Bruno turning evil during the late part of issue #1. The way they reacted in this comic book after the end of the battle between Elven and the demon, they did not make any moves to hold Bruno accountable nor did they question Elven’s way of handling matters (which includes the eventual ruining of the office).
Conclusion
After getting triggered (being laughed at by the demon), Elven acted move violently and impulsively.
While there were a few weak spots in certain parts of the story, Elven #2 (1995) is another solid read from the Strazewski-Lopresti duo. Elven got developed even more through conflict with the demon, and her own search for the truth about her origin. Aside from that, the fantasy elements implemented in the story expanded the lore of the Ultraverse in a very unique way. Ultimately, I am looking forward to reading the next chapter of this mini-series.
Author Carlo Carrasco 