Anton clinches Hill climb title anew

CARLOS Anton clocked an impressive 1:28.15 for the best time in the fourth leg of the Philippine Hill Climb series in the uphill roads of Pias in San Fernando City, La Union.

The multi titled Castrol–Yokohama-backed driver led the field in the mountain race to virtually wrap up the 2011 season with a bang driving his 222 horsepower CRX fitted with Yokohama A050 rubber.

Does Gloria Arroyo deserve to be placed under house arrest? Cast your vote.

“They tightened the course with pylons for safety today so it was a bit tricky but the team is very happy to win the title for 2011,” Anton said after his run.

Anton’s Castrol-Hornitex team mate Alfie Concepcion got his revenge and finally clinched the group 4 (185-220 horsepower division) crown for 2011.

Concepcion missed the title last year after blowing a healthy lead during the final leg due to a timing belt failure but still managed to clock 1:32.10 up the hill with his Special Stage prepared Civic to take the title and win in group 4 for the day.

Yokohama-Hornitex drivers Dennis Aoyong and Frankie Domingo finished 2nd overall in Group 5 and Group 2, respectively.

Aoyong played his role perfectly in providing a points buffer for Anton in the highest division, while Domingo, last year’s Group 2 champion, was happy to still finish 2nd after his zero points finish during round two of the championship.

Jimson Balmeo won the group three championship after dominating every race while Edmund Dupo got his first national group 2 title in spite of a minor accident in heat 1.

Pancake Pimentel, BJ Frondoso, and Ecko Adan won the championships in Group 1, Group S and Historic Class, respectively.

The 2012 HillClimb Championship will be held in the mountains of Rizal, Samat and La Union starting March.

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on November 25, 2011.

Veterans dominate grappling tilt

A BUNCH of veterans continue to dominate as the 8th Grapplers Cup lured some 80 fighters from all over northern Luzon held recently at the People’s Park and organized by Team Lakay.

Gina Iniong led the awardees after winning the gold medal in the female seniors 51-57 weight class by edging upcoming Jane Christine Padul who settled for silver, while Tecthie Assudo salvaged bronze in the event supported by the City Government of Baguio.

In the male side, Jeffrey Doligas bagged the gold medal in the 50 kilograms (kgs) and below as Paul John Edralaga settled for silver, while Crispin Logawe defeated Biondi Dayangadang for the gold medal in the 51-57 kgs event with Doman Saguipil and Clifford Panas taking home the bronze medal.

Harold Banario won the gold in the 58-64 kgs event as Leonard Yap settled for silver with Tristan Rebucayo and Jervees Herrera went home with the bronze in the event also backed by FRB Foundation and the University of the Cordilleras.

Troy Bantiag took home the gold in the 64–71 kgs division with James Maquiwe settling for silver as Noel Sumingwa and Oathmar Guillan salvaging the bronze.

In the juniors division, Taro Barrientos won the gold over John Noel Astudillo as Jon Olivar settled for the bronze in the 50 kgs and below.

Mark Stephen Loman was the gold medalist in the 51-57 kgs as Joshua Pacio and Jhaymie Gayman in the 51-57 kgs, while Jean Claude Saclag took the gold in the 58-64 kgs as Giovhann Bautista bagged silver.

Jan Jan Servo won the gold in the kids division while John Ira Barrientos settled for silver.

The tournament is also Team Lakay's way of discovering talents who could possibly fit in mix martial arts where the team is currently the number one in the local Universal Reality Combat Championship where they hold at least four weight division belts.

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on November 26, 2011.

Kalinga prepares for Caraa 2012 hosting

TABUK CITY, Kalinga - The province is ready to host the 2012 Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (Caraa) sports fest sometime in February next year.

This early, committees were organized to prepare for the regional event, which was bided by the province of Abra but later rejected it.

Governor Jocel Baac during the regular Kapehan held at the Kalinga-Apayao Electric Cooperative accepted hosting the Caraa since he said this will redound to the benefit of Kalinga.

He said sending a delegation to other provinces is expensive. “Delegates will not also be traveling from their quarters going to the sports venue if held in other provinces,” Baac said, adding the greater advantage of hosting it is that our facilities are centralized and proximity of quarters for delegates to sports venues are also for their convenience.

During the meeting, the Provincial Engineering Office was directed to start preparing the sports ground. Other agencies and offices were organized into committees to help during the preparation.

It was agreed that the Caraa will be simultaneously held during the celebration of Kalinga day and Ullalim festival to draw more visitors.

“What we spend will yield high return of investment since tourism will be promoted and money inflow is guaranteed because visitors will spend here,” Baac said of the economic advantage of hosting the Caraa.

More than a thousand delegates from Baguio City and the provinces of Apayao, Abra, Benguet, Ifugao and Mountain Province are expected to join in the annual regional athletic meet. (Peter A. Balocnit)

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on November 24, 2011.

Aparri claims gold in SEAG boxing

BAGUIO and the rest of the Cordilleras beamed with pride anew after a lady boxer snatched a gold medal, while the wushu contingent added several medals to add up in the Philippines campaign in the ongoing Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

Lady boxer Alice Kate Aparri capped her campaign in women’s boxing after claiming the gold against Myanmar’s Thet Htar San after stopping Selly Wanimbio of Indonesia in the semis and Mieovady Hangfa of Laos in the prelims.

Aparri, one of the Baguio-based fighters who are seeing action in the 26th edition of the Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia won it in the light flyweight division.

Meanwhile, Baguio wushu players snatched a silver medal in the taulo event during Sunday’s finals.

Daniel Parantac, who topped the first day of competition in the Taijiquan + Taijijian with a 9.71 points falter in the second day with a 9.51 to score a silver in the biennial meet.

Also, scoring silver in the Duilian event is the trio of World gold medalist John Keithley Chan, Engelbert Addon and Eleazar Jacob with a 9.72 to settle for the silver.

The female trio of Natasha Enriquez, Kathy Lynne, and Kariza Chan was good for a bronze medal after scoring 9.68 in the female side of duilian event.

Sanshou fighter Mariane Mariano, together with Benjie Rivera, Mark Eddiva and Eduard Folayang, will be eyeing a gold medal in their respective weight classes after disposing of separate rivals.

Mariano edged Kesinee Tabtrai (Thailand) then Su Hlaing Oo of Mynamar to arrange a gold match against Tan Thi Ly of Vietnam in the 56 kilogram (kg) weight class.

The lone fatality for the Baguio based sanshou squad is Rhea May Rifani who fell out of contention in the 48 kgs event after bowing to Vietnam’s Nguyen Thi Bich.

Benjie Rivera, meanwhile, will seek the gold in the 56 kgs division after disposing Boupha Valasith of Laos and Yusar Kristiawan of Indonesia as he goes up against Pan Van Hau of Vietnam.

Asian games silver medalist Mark Eddiva guns for another gold medal performance in the 65 kgs division when he battles Youne Victorio Sen of Indonesia after defeating Choy Thla of Cambodia and Tin Lin Aung of Myanmar in the preliminaries.

Eduard Folayang, one of the country’s be-medaled sanshou campaigners, seeks another stellar performance as he battle Udon Khanxay of Laos after beating Agus Suprayitno of Indonesia in the 70 kgs weight class.

Street kids test veterans in football

STREET kids being taught how to play football will test their mettle against a tough Baguio Stallions squad in an exhibition game that will kick off the first Vergara-Domogan Street Kids Football Cup on November 27.

With 17 street kids currently enrolled in the program, the tournament aims to gather more street kids in taking up football and at the same time provide them a permanent shelter and a sustainable livelihood program supported by Goshen Land.

And after almost two months of basic football, the street kids’ squad, under coach Aries Bocalan of the Baguio United Football Club, will finally put their skills to test against a seasoned Stallions which recently won the gold medal in the Asian Special Olympic Qualifier.

“These kids have potential kasi during our first week. Makikita mo yung kanilang enthusiasm at the same yung iba sa kanila, eh, may basic knowledge tapos yung iba mabibilis din kaya magandang sign ito para sa team,” said Bocalan during a media briefing.

Although the Stallions are favored to win against their counterpart in the friendly game, members of the street kids football squad are also bent on showing their potential as upcoming football players.

“Mahirap din po yung aming training at kahit siguro baguhan kami eh susubukan din naming manalo,” said 13-year-old Daryl.

“Kung sa talent po siguro kaya naming sumabay pero di rin po kami magpapatalo,” added 16-year-old Edmund.

Seven divisions are set to compete for top honors with trophies for champion, first runner-up, second runner-up and third runner-up will be up for grabs.

Playing dates for the age group competition will be on December 3 for the 8, 10, and 12 under at the Teachers Camp, while the 14 under and the ladies open will be on December 10 at the Baguio Athletic Bowl.

The 16 under boys and girls division will also be played at the Athletic Bowl on December 17, while the men’s open will be played at the Melvin Jones on December 18.

Individual awards (Best Goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, striker, fair play and MVP) will also be given out in the tournament.

Registration for the men’s open will be at P500, while the ladies open will have it at P300, while the different age group competitions starting from the 8 under up to 16 under for boys and girls will be at P200.

Interested teams and sponsorship inquiries may send e-mail request to baguiounited @gmail.com and nestor_udan @yahoo.com. (Roderick Osis)

SLU draws first blood in Miners Cup 3 opening

SAINT Louis University (SLU) used a solid second quarter to draw first blood in the girls division by edging Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Montessori for the Miners Cup 3 at the BCNHS auditorium, 54-30.

Drawing big numbers from Anne Co who fired a game high of 16 points, 10 in the opening canto, the SLU- Center pounded the Carmelians with their inside plays and nifty transition defense to open their campaign in the five team division.

Scoring at will, Co and playmaker Cristy Ramilo adding 10 points for their cause, took advantage of Mt. Carmel’s deficient ball handling skills to take a precarious four point lead at the close of the opening canto 15-9.

With Co sitting almost in the entirety of the second quarter, SLU continued the onslaught with Ramilo leading the charge, which saw them enjoy a 32-17 edge at the end of two quarters.

And midway in the third period, SLU took command of the ball game by coming up with a 10-0 run for a 42 -17 edge with less than four minutes left.

Sharlene Almazan added eight points for SLU, while Jasle Nool and Denielle Labita put up a good fight for the Carmelians with 11 and 10 points each.

The tournament will have a single round robin format, with the top four teams advancing to the semi-final round and with the top two teams enjoying a twice to beat advantage.

The girls division, the boys 16 and 14 under will also see action in the more-than-a-month tournament.

Meanwhile, organizers of this year’s Miners Cup has pledged some P30,000 in financial assistance for deserving student players seeing action in the ongoing basketball tournament.

At least six players will be receiving P5,000 each to support their education for at least a year according to event organizer Engr. Zards Gacad of the event backed by Club 7882 SLU Boys High, Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association, Philex Mining Corporation and Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company.

Last year, a P20,000 cash assistance was also given to four players at the close of the tournament while as of this writing, the 16 under division opening match between SLU and Magsaysay National High School is ongoing. (Roderick Osis)

Team Lakay inks pact with One FC

By Roderick Osis

AN EIGHT-fight contract spanning three years looms for the some of the best fighters based in the Summer Capital, and five of the country’s best mix martial artists of the country will soon be part of Asia’s fastest growing mix martial arts promotion.

Larry Fabian Photo 

“We recently signed the partnership with One Fighting Championship as we bring our best fighters all over Asia,” said Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao.

Eduard Folayang, who earlier headlined the first One FC event, will be joined by fellow champions Kevin Belingon, Rey Docyogen, Honorio Banario and Geje Eustaquio.

Except for Eustaquio, Folayang, Belingon, Docyogen and Banario are champions in their respective weight class in the Universal Reality Combat Championship.

“These fighters are probably some of the best in the Asian region and we hope to bring in more Team Lakay fighters in the near future,” said One Fighting Championship chief executive officer Victor Cui in a recent visit to the Phillipines.

Cui added the partnership with Team Lakay will be one of their priorities within this year, as they eye more fights outside Singapore, which include Malaysia, Macau, and even in Manila.

The ONE FC top honcho added that the partnership is eyed to develop a career for mix martial arts fighter in the country in a long span of time.

One Fighting Championship is Asia’s largest and most prestigious mixed martial arts (MMA) event. One FC features the best Asian fighters and the largest pan-Asian media broadcast.

Adivay run fires off November 20

WITH all roads leading to the Wangal Sports Complex for the mass start and finish, it’s all systems go for the November 20 Adivay run-for-a-cause firing off at 5:00 in the morning.

Close to 200 runners from all walks of life are expected to answer the starting gun in the event which aims to further promote the sport of running while at the same time advocating a healthy lifestyle to all.

Organizers have decided to change the venue of the start and finish line originally from the Benguet Provincial Capitol grounds to the Wangal Sports Complex to give participants the chance to check out the trade fair stalls of the various municipalities near the area.

The complex is currently home to the province’s 13 municipalities showcasing their best as part of Benguet’s month long founding anniversary celebration.

Proceeds of this event will go directly to the indigent patients of the Benguet Renal Center and the Province Scholarship Program for the less privileged but deserving students of Benguet's 13 municipalities.

The race is divided into four categories with three kilometers (3K) set for 12 years old and below and another for 13 years old and above.

Adults are joining either the 5K or 10K as registration formally ended November 15.

Registration came with a race kit to including commemorative shirt and race bib while cash prizes and medals await the top finishers per category.

Medals will also be awarded to top five male and female finishers of the 5K distance and for the top 10 finishers of the 10K run. (Roderick Osis)

Cordi wrestler bags gold in SEA Games

IFUGAO pride Jason Balabal came up with a sterling performance Tuesday evening to win the country’s second gold in wrestling in the ongoing 26th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Indonesia.

Balabal scored the second gold in the Greco–Roman wrestling competition after Margarito Angana scored the first gold in the competition, which opened Monday adding to the country’s pile up of 15 gold medals after three days of competition.

The 25-year-old Ifugao native emerged unscathed from all his three matches Tuesday to top the 84-kg Greco-Roman event and will now set his sights on the freestyle gold when he competes anew in his regular event in the competitions’ final day Thursday.

Meanwhile, a runner from the University of Baguio scored her first medal in the biennial competition in athletics.

Seeing action in his first SEA games, Katherine Santos scored her first medal by bagging the bronze medal in the long jump event.

Santos was a perennial gold medalist for University of Baguio in Prisaa meets and was recruited for the national team after the Philippine National Games.

The 21-year-old Santos quickly made an impact in her first SEA Games stint by capturing the bronze medal with a leap of 6.25 meters.

Lady boxer Alice Kate Appari, meanwhile, is seeing action as of this writing in the quarterfinals of the light flyweight division as she squares off against Laosian Mieovady Hangfa in Palembang.

Wushu, the country’s gold mine in the past SEA Games, opens its campaign Friday as competition in taolo begins including the preliminaries in sanshou, the combative side of wushu.

Veterans and Baguio-based wushu campaigners John Keithley Chan, Mark Eddiva, Benjie Rivera, Edward Folayang, brothers Daniel and Denver Parantac, and Thornton Quieney Lou Sayan will banner the 18-man field in the biennial competitions.

Joining the group are Jessie Aligaga, Mary Jane Estimar, Engelbert Andongan, Denbert Arcita, and Eleazar Jacob.

Completing the team are female wushu artists Rhea May Rifani, Marianne Mariano, Kariza Chan, Kathlynn Sabalburo, and Natasha Laxamana. The five female wushu players are also based in the city.

More teams see action in BMV-MGD football

SEVENTY-six teams and counting.

With barely two weeks before it opens, more teams are expected to join the first Vergara-Domogan Street Kids Football Club aimed to help provide decent homes for Baguio’s under privileged.

Following the success of recent tournaments in the Summer Capital, teams from as far as Tarlac, Pangasinan, and La Union are set to see action in the monthlong tournament organized by Goshen Land and Baguio United Football Club.

“More than the football tournament, we want to seek sponsorship and raise the seed money for our proposed street kids shelter that will also include an educational fund and livelihood programs,” said Goshen Land chief executive officer Alex Bangsoy.

Opening on November 27, the tournament is also in cooperation with the City Government of Baguio, together with Mayor Mauricio Domogan and Representative Bernie Vergara. It will be held during all weekends from November 27 to December 18 at the Melvin Jones and Athletic Bowl.

Two playing dates are also scheduled at the Teachers Camp Football field.

Bangsoy added Goshen Land has already committed to donate a piece of land to build the home for street kids who will be faithful to their football training and subject to the rules and regulations of the program.

“The goal of the tournament is long a shot and hopefully sustainable as we open sponsorship which starts at P2 so even privileged kids can help in this activity,” added Bangsoy.

Seven divisions are set to compete for top honors with trophies for champion, first runner-up, second runner-up and third runner-up will be up for grabs.

Individual awards (Best Goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, striker, fair play and MVP) will also be given out in the tournament.

Registration for the men’s open will be at P500, while the ladies open will have it at P300, while the different age group competitions starting from the 8 under up to 16 under for boys and girls will be at P200.

Interested teams and sponsorship inquiries may send e-mail request to baguiounited @gmail.com and nestor_udan @yahoo.com. (Roderick Osis)

Navarro, Corton lead Sparty 2 winners

UPCOMING mix martial arts fighters took the limelight Saturday evening and proved their worth to be the country’s next promising fighters in the fastest growing sport in the world.

Seven amateur bouts saw action at the La Trinidad Municipal Gym in the event dubbed Sparty II Adivay Challenge as Lakay Shape Right Fitness and Martial Arts gym hopes to encourage and mould a new breed of mix martial artists in Benguet.

Leading the victors during Saturday’s event was Joasapat Navarro who won a four-round decision over Biondy Dayangadang in the event supported by Colt 45 in cooperation with the Province of Benguet and the Municipality of La Trinidad.

Navarro, who was fighting in the 55-57 kilogram (kg) weight class, did not mind being overweight by three beyond the limit pushing the fight to a decisive winner take all fourth round after both fighters failed to win it during the three-round limit.

Nicolo Espadero, meanwhile, edged Jade Basingao in the 65-67 kgs division, while Denver Dingcawat stopped Ronnel Gabriel in their 55-57 weight class division.

Jonathan Christopher Corton demolished Mark Dictaan to win the fight of the night honors in the event also being supported by PSEC, Valley Bread, Ibayan, Health 100, Masferre, Sem-R, NIIT Baguio, ML Carantes, The Log Cabin Sagada, Armiro and Bradley Guilian, and the Wushu Federation of the Philippines.

In the undercards of the evening, Felixander Bagayao won over Domar Saguipil, while Rex Castro defeated Darryl Faghayan.

Prenslee Belino opened the evening with a win over Jack Suldayan in the event organized by Jazor Ablasi, a mix martial arts fighter of the famed Team Lakay.

Inspired by the surprisingly successful first Sparty bout held last September 10, Ablasi said this prompted them to do a sequel.

The event was also supported by Dr. Lee Buasen, Dr. Dave Taclobao, Chisamay Kedweng, Egly Diaz, Orfa Kidweng, Arlowe Garcia and Arch. Mark Tidang. (Roderick Osis)

Team Lakay fighters all set for PXC 28

WITH barely a week to go, Team Lakay fighters Geje Eustaquio and Crisanto Pitpitunge eye stellar performances in the upcoming Pacific Xtreme Combat (PXC) 28 on November 26 at the Ynares Sports Center.

Scoring their first wins in the PXC 26 event held last August, Eustaquio and Pitpitunge are set to strut their wares anew in Guam’s biggest mix martial arts promotion.

“Both fighters will be good to go although hinahabol pa namin yung kondisyon ni Crisanto kasi he took a long break for his board exams in criminology,” said Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao.

Eustaquio knocked out cold Rogelito Plomeda at the 3:50 mark of round number two in their encounter, while Pitpitunge seemed to have lady luck on his side after Guam's Alex Castro incurred an injury and failed to continue after the opening round.

“Although medyo naghahabol si Crisanto sa training, kaya natin habulin yung kondisyon niya sa two weeks na hard training,” added Sangiao.

Pitpitunge, a BS Criminology graduate and at the same time taking up his masters at the University of the Cordilleras, will be pitted against upcoming Angelito Cimeni.

Eustaquio, also taking up his masters at UC, will square off against winless David Cho in the undercard which will be headlined by the two up and coming lightweight fighters in Asia, Jon Tuck versus Filipino lightweight prospect Tristan Arenal.

Incidentally, Tuck is the undefeated fighter to beat Eduard “The Landslide” Folayang via KO two years ago in Guam.

Pitpitunge will gun for his second win in his career with one loss, while Eustaquio eyes his third straight win in mix martial arts.

The two Baguio-based Team Lakay fighters will also be accompanied by another Cordilleran, Denver Labador of the Philippine Army in the undercard squaring off against Orlimer Cleste.

Baguio to host four-region Batang Pinoy qualifying leg

BAGUIO will host the Northern-Central Luzon qualifying leg of the revived “Batang Pinoy” children’s national games, with between 3,000 to 4,000 athletes expected to come for the 14-event competitions set November 24-27 in various venues here.

Mayor Mauricio Domogan has created a local technical working group headed by city administrator Carlos Canilao to firm up the hosting offered by Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) executive director Chito Loyzaga and Commissioner Jose Luis Gomez.

One of the biggest sports events to hit the city in years, the qualifying leg is open to in and out-of-school youth aged 13 to 15 who will represent their respective cities, provinces and towns in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon and the Cordilleras.

“The PSC has estimated between 3,000 to 4,000 athletes signing up for the four-day meet,” said Melchor Tagayona of the city sports office. “The ballpark figures do not include officials.”

Winners will represent the four-region cluster to the national level set on December 10-13 in Naga City, according to Gaudencio Gonzales, officer-in-charge of the city sports office.

The PSC explained “Batang Pinoy” was revived to become a recruitment base for athletes who will undergo high-level training in preparation for the second Youth Olympic Games set in Nanjing, China in 2014.

Except in boxing which is limited to boys and a maximum of nine weight fighters per local government unit, each delegation is allotted three boys and three girls in archery, seven each in arnis, 14 each in athletics, four in each division in badminton, four for the 3-on-3 basketball, one each in chess, seven each in judo, 20 each in swimming, three each in table tennis, eight each in taekwondo, four each in tennis, five each in weightlifting, and seven for boys and three for girls in wrestling.

Entries in gymnastics will be competing directly in the national final.

Athletes must be accredited by their respective local government units based on the residency of the athletes’ parents.

The city sports office released last Thursday the following venues and event contact persons: athletics – PSC track oval at the Teachers’ Camp, Danilo Alimbuyao; archery – Baguio Athletic Bowl, John Hongitan; basketball – St. Louis University; boxing – Cooyesan Hotel, Boy Catolico; badminton – Baguio City National High School, Dr. Lolia Nanzano and Jose Jardin; lawn tennis – Baguio Tennis Court at the athletic bowl, Allen Flores; swimming – city swimming pool, Donald Malipe; table tennis – University of the Philippines, Lando Florendo; taekwondo – University of Baguio, Arnold Oglayon and Melvin Morte; wrestling – Engineer’s Hill covered court, Teresa Asuncion.

Still being finalized are venues for arnis under Ayatolah Gadaoni, chess under Allan Elegado, gymnastics coordinated by Albin Santos, judo under Jorge Borja and Corazon Aljido, and weightlifting.

Based on track records, Baguio is expected to find gold medal hauls in athletics, archery, combat sports like boxing, judo, taekwondo and wrestling, aside from swimming.

With Canilao and Gonzales in the local technical working group are Youth Council federation president and City Councilor Cheryl Dinney Yangot, city schools superintendent Ellen Donato, PSC-Teachers Camp sports manager Juanito Smith and executive assistant Jose Atanacio of the City Mayor’s Office.

Delegations from the Cordillera will be billeted at the Quezon elementary School, Ilocos Region will be housed at the Baguio Central Elementary School, Cagayan Valley at Mabini Elementary School and Central Luzon at the Baguio City National High School. (Ramon Dacawi)

4 Baguio pugs earn berth in national tilt

FORMER Palarong Pambansa stalwart Reynaldo Yatar showed his vast experience in local competition as he led three other Baguio upcoming amateur boxers in the recently.

Yatar first stopped his opponent from Bicol on a 3-2 victory, then stopped a Puerto Princesa fighter on a 6-5 note and followed it up with a 10-1 lopsided win against a Las Piñas fighter in the semis, 10-1.

A first year criminology student from the University of Baguio, Yatar won the gold medal in his last bout via a referee stoppage contest in the first round for the pin weight division.

Luciano Dimas, a fourth year high school at the Guisad Valley National High School, also struck gold by winning against a Muntinglupa (6-3) and a Mandaluyong (16-10) fighter for the light flyweight division.

Two other fighters earned a quarterfinals berth with Harmon Valdo and Marty Odasing, both from UB, taking up Criminology.

“Our 4 boxers are qualified to compete in the next stage of ABAP tournament, the National Amateur Boxing Championships, which will be held in Tacloban City,” said former national coach Boy Catolico.

Close to 170 boxers from the different provinces, cities, municipalities of Luzon, including Romblon and Palawan.

The National Amateur Boxing Championship is the “battle of the bests,” tournament featuring the talent of the survivors in the four regional championships which Abap hosted.

The competitors will be divided into four age groups with eight to nine weight classes each for boys and girls. (Roderick Osis)

Stallions honored in council resolution

By Roderick Osis
Monday, October 31, 2011

MONTHS after their victory in the first Asian 5-aside of the Special Olympics, the City Council finally took notice of their feat and has given them a commendation during last week’s council session.

The Baguio Stallions, who fought against all odds to reach Malaysia last September for the five nation tournament which serves as an Asian Qualifier, where the Philippines is set to represent the country anew in the tournament.

“The City Government of Baguio congratulates the team for their victory despite the adversaries,” reads a part of the resolution sponsored by Vice Mayor Daniel Fariñas.

It will be the second time that a team from Baguio has represented the country in the event after a disastrous 2010 where they failed to join the Asian qualifier due to financial constrain.

However, this year, the team has made extra effort to reach Kota Kinabalu in September for the tournament.

Playing as if it will be their last for the country, the Stallion FC blasted home team Malaysia B in their opening game, 3-0 then wrapped up their second victory with a 5-1 drubbing of Indonesia.

The squad then followed it up with another 3-2 win against Singapore in an exhibition match before closing the campaign with another 3-0 triumph with team captain and striker Rommel Bautista scoring seven in those four games.

Returning back to the country after their feat, the squad came home unnoticed when the Philippine Volcanoes, arriving the same day, hogged the limelight after winning the silver in the 2011 Asian Men’s Rugby 7s Championship.

“The agility, strength, endurance, and discipline these Baguio Stallions had displayed is remarkable, proving that Cordillerans are born to conquer every field of sports,” added the resolution.

By winning the gold medal, this will not stop the Stallions from playing in another Asian tournament hopefully to be hosted by the country later this year after their Malaysia win supported by FRB Foundation and Victory Liner.

This time, the Stallions, composed of Bautista, Mark Louie Moran, Raymund Galiste, Roy Abraham Atienza, Jerry Sanchez Jr., Rustom Mulle, Kirk Napeek, and Ted Joshua Sabino will be eyeing a spot in the six or seven aside of the tournament and adding other players in their roster.

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on November 01, 2011.

Hopes high for Team Lakay in next PXC Event

By Roderick Osis
Sunday, October 30, 2011

WITH their upcoming fight seen to elevate their rankings in the country’s top mix martial arts (MMA) scene, Team Lakay is all set to go anew in the next Pacific Xtreme Combat next month.

Jasor Ablasi, Geje Eustaquio, and Crisanto Pitpitunge will once again square off with the country’s best mix martial arts fighter in the Guam based fighting promotions which is slated November 26.

“The guys are all good to go,” said Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao in a text message for PXC’s next event at the Ynares Sports Arena.

The trio has been working double time in the gym, proving their first victory in the Guam-based MMA promotions was no fluke.

Although no opponents have yet to be named against the three, Sangiao remains upbeat of their chances, saying the trio has been training alongside Southeast Asian Games bound Eduard Folayang and Mark Eddiva.

“We’re hoping na sana ma duplicate ulit nila yung ginawa nila nung una silang lumaban sa PXC,” added Sangiao.

Bantamweight Ablasi scored a unanimous victory against Kyle Aguon despite a shorter reach and the lack of height during the PXC 26 event at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila, August 21.

Estaquio knocked out Rogelito Plomeda at the 3:50 mark of round number two in their encounter, while Pitpitunge seemed to have lady luck on his side after Guam’s Alex Castro incurred an injury and failed to continue after the opening round.

Pacific Xtreme Combat is region’s premier mixed martial arts organization established in 2003 on the island of Guam, PXC has hosted more than 25 professional MMA events and over 50 amateur fights.

PXC has been looking forward to having more events in the country to be tapped and part of the organization’s long-term goals to make PXC a significant event and add to its stable of international fighters.

With its recent expansion into the Philippines, PXC will continue to promote the development of local and regional athletes to compete in world class settings.

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on October 31, 2011.

Lawmaker bats for more funding in sports

BENGUET Representative Ronald Cosalan is set to pitch in more funds for sports in the province.

Following the P1-million funding of La Trinidad town’s football and baseball program, Cosalan has urged the other municipalities to come up with their own community sports program to avail of such funding.

“If we could give one million for La Trinidad, then we could also give other towns funding for their sports program,” said Cosalan.

La Trinidad recently formulated program for baseball and football from the P1 million, which came from the Benguet lawmaker.

Cosalan said the financial support for the two sports came from his priority development assistance fund. He said baseball and football are the two sports where the municipality can excel locally and internationally.

Earlier this year, La Trindad Mayor Greg Abalos opened the sports summit held in the valley with an aim to prepare the blueprint of a comprehensive development program for the capital town.

The proposed creation of a municipal sports council was one of the decisions reached by concerned officials after the summit, with a hope that the body will be able to identify and train individual and group of local athletes that will compete in national and international events.

“We want to focus on all sports like boxing, volleyball but not basketball because we want to develop the potential of the youth in sports here in Benguet,” added Cosalan.

Cosalan also said that his office is set to release additional funding for Benguet’s sports development that will be allotted to the municipalities that will come with sports program aside from La Trinidad. (Roderick Osis)

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on October 31, 2011.

December welcomes Run United

By Roderick Osis
Friday, October 28, 2011

THRONGS of elite runners and enthusiasts are set to bring on the competition this time in the upcoming footrace in the Summer Capital dubbed Run United Regional Series–Baguio leg set December 4.

This will cover the 500-meter run, 3 kilometers (K) kiddy, 5K, 10K and the half marathon 21K of the Run United series, which kicked off its inaugural race in Davao.

Unilab, in partnership with national organizer Rio Dela Cruz of the Run Rio series, will bring to the city a quality race with modern and highly technical equipment similar to the standards of races in other parts of the country.

“We’re very happy to bring this race to Baguio City and we hope to bring in the success of the race for this leg,” said Unilab product associate Zeny Mejias.

This will be the first leg in the Summer Capital after Unilab expanded its presence in other key cities of the country from Mindanao, the Visayas and up north in Luzon.

The Run United Regional Series is the response of RunRio Inc. and Unilab Active Health to the clamor of provincial runners to bring running events to their provinces. Now, they do not have to drive or fly all the way to Manila to participate in Run United.

“Our target for this leg is to have at least 5,000 runners covering all the race events and at the same time we have lowered the registration fee to accommodate more runners,” said Run Rio Management group head Louella May Dela Cruz Magro.

Registration fee for the 500 meters is at P200, P300 for the 3K, P350 for the 5K, P400 for the 10K, and P500 for the 21K.

List up for the event is now ongoing at the TIMEX Store, 2nd floor, Annex-A, SM City Baguio and Baguio Country Mart-3 at #72 Dona Anita Bldg., Session Road.

Other inquiries may be sent to the Registration Hotline Number (0917)745-0378 and look for Rosario Alberto.

Besides the online and i-Pad registration, Run United Regional Series participants will also get to try RunRio’s timing chip, which will be used to provide runners or finishers with a summary of their performance including their ranking among others.

The race is seen to be an alternative to those who have been used to running the Milo Marathon provincial elimination series given the tremendous popularity of running.

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on October 29, 2011.

Manila sports editors capture 1st Fil-Am Media championship

MANILA sports editors golf team edged Baguio media team 2, 132-128, to capture the 1st Fil-Am Baguio-Manila Media Golf Tournament at the Jack Nicklaus golden bear international designed Camp John Hay golf links.

Philippine Star sports editor Lito Tacujan breezed with 37 points in the challenging par 69 championship course.

Ted Melendres of Inquirer showing perfect putting form finished with 35, Rey Bancod of Tempo, despite his short game difficulties, came up with 32 while Ding Marcelo of Manila Bulletin came home with a 28.

Meanwhile, Sun.Star Baguio general manager Peter Rey Bautista of Baguio Media team sizzled with an early sandy birdie on the par 5 hole no. 1 for a 1 under par score in the front nine.

“I missed birdie putts, greens were swift and tricky today,” expressed the former Baguio mayor after finishing with 38 points under the molave scoring system.

Joining Bautista were Andrew Pinero of Skycable Baguio, -18; Richard Valdez- PTV 4/CordilleraVoice.com, -24; and John Hays Steve Mc Donald who conquered the pine tree lined course with a blazing 54 points.

Baguio Media Team 2 got third place with 97 points from former Benguet Governor Raul Molintas who made 38 points, Andy Zapata of Philippine Star with a 24, Joseph Esteras, PTV 4 18 and another Inquirer sports enthusiast, Frank Cimatu contributing 17 points.

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on October 29, 2011.

Vehicles up for grabs in 62nd Fil-Am golf tourney

WITH A record banner of 1,100 teeing off for at least two weeks, the 62nd Fil-Am Golf Invitational Tournament is set to give out two cars as grand prizes for its hole in one winners.

Starting November 23 to December 10, organizers said they are staking two Toyota Vios as hole-in-one prizes at the Baguio Country Club and Camp John Hay courses.

More than 1,000 golfers are expected to compete in the event long considered as the biggest amateur tournament in the country.

"We expect to have a 10 percent increase this year," said John Hay golf manager Steve McDonald during the launch of the event last Wednesday.

The two Toyota Vios will also be staked as hole-in-one prize on each layout - on No. 18 of John Hay and No. 10 of BCC.

The senior's side of the event, for 55 years old and above, and the flights F, G and H of the Fil-Am regular start on November 26 with practice rounds set on November 23-25.

Hostilities in the regular Fil-Am, featuring Flights E, D, C, B, A and the Championship will begin on December 6.

“We are battle-ready this early,” said BCC resident manager Shin Paul Chan, now the co-tournament chairman with McDonald. “Preparations being done at both courses have been going on smoothly. Our players will surely enjoy our tournament again.”

Registration fee is pegged at P13,000 each for a total of P65,000 per team, inclusive of a Pacsports' duffle bag, golf ball bag, an umbrella and a cap, all under brand Adams Golf.

Pacsports Inc. will also raffle off two golf carts and four tickets for Manila-San Francisco or Manila-Los Angeles on board Delta Airlines.

Duty Free Philippines is also putting up a P2 million worth of merchandise while Wilson Sports is offering P1 million worth of golf sets for raffle. (Roderick Osis)

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on October 29, 2011.

Forest Hills returns to 62nd Fil-Am Golf

By Roderick Osis
Thursday, October 27, 2011

WITH close to 1,200 parbusters returning to the 62nd edition of the Fil-Am Golf Invitational Tournament, defending champion Forest Hills is also back to the prestigious Fil division, which they won against favorite Southwoods and Mizuno.

Forest Hills–Nicklaus upset eight-time champion Manila Southwoods to win its first title in the premiere Fil-Championship of the regular Fil-Am.

Forest Hills closed with a 103 for 462 points for a four shot win over Mizuno and another shot off Southwoods.

Making the big leap in this year’s tournament is the shifting of Am division defending titlist Sea Bridge Chelus to give Forest Hills a run for their money in the Fil championship flight.

SeaBridge Chelus I, which closed with a 129 and 487 total, will now join the mix up in the centerpiece flight, said vice chair Shin Paul Chan.

Chelus’s score was 31 points better than Forest Hills as the Fil-Am committee remains optimistic the top guns in Philippine amateur golf will find time to play in the country’s premiere amateur golf tournament.

Names like Jobim Carlos, Clyde Mondilla and Zannie Boy Gialon were absent in last year’s Fil-Am where ICSTI backed out before the Fil-Championship flight teed off four days before the tournament closed.

“We are inviting them back and we hope sponsors will be willing to support them. Without a sponsor, it is unlikely that they will join,” added Chan, BCC’s resident manager.

He added it could be too late now and are setting their eyes on the 63rd staging next year.

The Fil-Am has seen the biggest names in Philippine golf over the years.

In the 80s, it was Frankie Minoza, and later joined by Richard Sinfuego, Tony Lascuna and local hero Mars Pucay, who all turned pro after the 1994 edition and where Canlubang earned its last because it will only return in 2001 as the Calatagan team and later as Nike, which won three straight from 2005 to 2007.

The past seven years saw the Fil-Am divided into two categories, the senior’s and regular. The senior’s side, which is open for 55 years old and above, and the flights F, G and H of the Fil-Am regular starts on Nov. 23 with the practice rounds the first three days and tournament proper on Nov. 26.

Practice rounds for the higher flights of the regular Fil-Am, flights E, D, C, B, A and Championship, starts on December 2 until the fifth, while tournament proper begins on Dec. 6 until the 10th.

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on October 28, 2011.

Wushu bet gears up for SEAG meet

WUSHU multi-medalist Eduard Folayang gears up training as the country eyes at least four gold medals in the upcoming Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) slated November in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Failing to barge in the medal round of the recently concluded World Wushu Championship in turkey, Folayang bowed to seek the gold medal in the 70 kg sanda event.

“Right now yung injury ko sa ilong eh totally healed na kaya all out na tayo sa training ng SEAG,” Folayang said after suffering a nose fracture last September in One Fighting Championship.

Folayang hopes to pick up another gold in November’s SEA Games, where he dominated in the last two editions. He has also bagged a bronze in the 2005 World Wushu Championship aside from a silver (2006) and a bronze (2002) in the Asian Games.

Veterans and Baguio-based wushu campaigners John Keithley Chan, Mark Eddiva, Benjie Rivera, Folayang, brothers Daniel and Denver Parantac, and Thornton Quieney Lou Sayan will banner the 18 man field in the biennial competitions.

Joining the group are Jessie Aligaga, Mary Jane Estimar, Engelbert Andongan, Denbert Arcita and Eleazar Jacob. Completing the team are female wushu artists Rhea May Rifani, Marianne Mariano, Kariza Chan, Kathlynn Sabalburo and Natasha Laxamana.

The five female wushu players are also based in the city.

The Philippine wushu team looks capable of upholding the rich tradition the martial arts sport has established in the 26th edition of the Southeast Asian Games.

Philippines’ finest moment in the biennial meet, 1991 Games (11 gold medals) and 2005 (10 gold medals) will be hard to duplicate because other Southeast Asian neighbors have also improved in the martial arts sport. (Roderick Osis)

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on October 28, 2011.

62nd Fil-Am tees off November 23

AMATUER par busters from all over the world are set to endure at least six hours of road trip all the way to the Summer Capital for the two weeks of golfing and camaraderie.

The 62nd edition of the Fil-Am Invitational Golf Tournament is expected to have more players while two Toyota Vios cars will be up for grabs for the first hole-in-one maker at designated holes at the Camp John Hay (CJH) and the Baguio Country Club golf courses.

CJH golf course manager Steve McDonald said during Wednesday’s press conference at the CJH club house a Toyota Vios will be the prize for a hole in one at the par 69 CJH course’s 18th hole, while the Baguio Country Club will have the 10th hole.

It is yet the most lucrative prize in the country’s biggest amateur golf tournament in years as the Fil-Am committee expects a 10 percent increase from the 1,100 entries last year.

“We expect to have a 10 percent increase this year,” said McDonald as he added some 1,200 players will see action when the Fil-Am golf opens in November 23 and ends on December 10.

The past seven years saw the Fil-Am divided into two categories, the senior’s and regular. The senior’s side which is open for 55 years old and above and the flights F, G and H of the Fil-Am regular starts on November 23 with the practice rounds the first three days and tournament proper on November 26.

Practice rounds for the higher flights of the regular Fil-Am, flights E, D, C, B, A and Championship, starts on December 2 until the fifth, while tournament proper begins on December 6 until the 10th.

But more than the golf tournament, McDonald promises the competition to be one of the most challenging.

“This competition will surely be much more exciting and more competitive,” added McDonald.

“This is an event both clubs have been looking forward to since January this year. Both BCC and CJH have been planning for this tournament,” said McDonald. (Roderick Osis)

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on October 27, 2011.

Baguio City to host Batang Pinoy regional games

By Roderick Osis
Tuesday, October 25, 2011

BAGUIO City’s athletes will have their hands full anew as the Summer Capital readies for the hosting of the Batang Pinoy Regional leg slated Nov. 24 to 27.

After a seven-year hiatus, the Batang Pinoy has been revived by the Philippine Sports Commission, which will include four other regional legs and a national final set Dec. 10 to 13 in Naga City.

The 2011 Batang Pinoy is open to athletes aged 13 to 15 with the best athletes from the regional legs competing in the national finals.

“Baguio City is willing to host the event and whatever the Batang Pinoy needs, the city will be glad of extending its help,” said Mayor Mauricio Domogan in a press conference recently.

Archery, arnis, athletics, badminton, three-on-three basketball, boxing, chess, gymnastics, judo, swimming, table tennis, lawn tennis, tae kwon-do, wrestling and weightlifting will be part of the calendar of the events in the Batang Pinoy which was last held in 2004.

Domogan said PSC Commissioner and acting executive director Joaquin Loyzaga had already expressed their desire to also help Baguio in hosting the four-day event.

Athletes who will be discovered in this year’s edition of the Batang Pinoy will be tapped for the 2014 Youth Olympic Games.

Batang Pinoy will also identify potential athletes on a regional and national level for the Youth Olympic Games from different sectors which includes the out-of-school youth.

The event will also serve as a complement for the Palarong Pambansa where the first and second year high school athletes can already show their talents before the Palaro.

The event is in partnership with the Philippine Olympic Committee, Department of Education, Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Leagues of Provinces, Cities, Municipalities and Barangays.

With Baguio hosting the northern Luzon regional leg, the National Capital Region leg will be on November 17 to 20 at the University of Makati and the Southern Tagalog regionals on December 1 to 4 in Sta. Cruz, Laguna.

The Mindanao regionals will be held in Zamboanga City on October 27 to 30; the Visayas leg will be on November 10 to 13 in Dumaguete City.

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on October 26, 2011.

Banario defends belt in URCC 20

By Roderick Osis
Wednesday, October 26, 2011

UNIVERSAL Reality Combat Championship lightweight titlist Honorio Banario gets another crack at defending his title in the country’s biggest mix martial arts promotion this coming November 5.

Banario, one of Team Lakay’s champions, stakes his belt in the 155 pounds against a virtual unknown in Patrick Manicad of Yawyan Sports.

“Honorio is ready to go,” said Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao.

Banario’s second title defense will be among the major fight cards in the upcoming URCC event slated next month at the Pasay City World Trade Center with six title events with Colt 45 supporting.

Also seeing action in the event are Jessie Rafols vs Reydon Romero for the bantamweight super-fight title, Igor Subora vs Ryan Pagalinawan (Heavyweight Title) and Nicholas Mann vs Chris Luna (Light Heavyweight Title).

Dexter Mistades vs Froilan Sarenas (Middleweight Title), Pete Brooks vs Mac Sabiano (Cruiserweight Title), Lando Espinosa vs Adam Cacay, Will Chope vs Jerson Estoro, and Rodel Orais vs. Jilmar Tangayan will also see action.

Banario scored his first crown in the URCC by edging former champion and erstwhile unbeaten Angelito Manguray earlier this year via a rear naked choke.

The 5’9 Team Lakay fighter then defended the crown against another Davaoeño in Alcer Lozada.

Banario came up with sidekick right at the smack of the contender Alcer Lozada’s face after 40 seconds of action in the second round.

It was Banario’s fifth consecutive victory in the URCC as he handed Lozada his first defeat in the country’s premiere mix martial arts promotion for a 1-1 win loss record.

Meanwhile, three Team Lakay fighters once again show their wares as they battle anew in the upcoming Pacific Extreme event come November 20.

Jasor Ablasi, Geje Eustaquio, and Crisanto Pitpitunge will once again square off with the country’s best mix martial arts fighter in the Guam based fighting promotions.

Bantamweight Ablasi scored a unanimous victory against Kyle Aguon despite a shorter reach and the lack of height during the PXC 26 event at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila, August 21.

Estaquio knocked out Rogelito Plomeda at the 3:50 mark of round number two in their encounter, while Pitpitunge seemed to have lady luck on his side after Guam’s Alex Castro incurred an injury and failed to continue after the opening round.

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on October 27, 2011.

Manila teams to bolster Vergara-Domogan football cup

By Roderick Osis
Monday, October 24, 2011

CLOSE TO 14 teams are expected to sign up in the tough men’s open, as the Vergara–Domogan Street Kids Football Cup gets underway in all weekends starting November 27 to December 18.

Backed by Goshen Land and hatched by the Baguio United Football Club (BUFC), the tournament is expected to draw participation from teams all over Northern Luzon and as far as Metro Manila.

Making the contest tougher in the football tournament aimed at helping street kids is the participation of the Philippine Navy FC confirmed by Goshen Land’s CEO Alex Bangsoy.

Also expected to join are teams coming from De La Salle University and Ateneo De Manila University.

“We are not yet sure kung anong team ang ipapadala ng La Salle and Ateneo but they have already assured us of joining the men’s open,” said BUFC’s Aries Bocalan.

Also seeing action in the tournament is the ladies’ open, the 8 under, 10 under, 12 under, 14 under, and the 16 under age group divisions for boys and girls.

Trophies (champion, first runner up, second runner up and third runner up) and individual awards (best goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, striker, fair play and MVP) are set to be given out in the tournament.

Registration for the men’s open will be at P500, while the ladies’ open will have it at P300. The different age group competitions starting from the 8 under up to 16 under for boys and girls will be at P200.

There will also be a coaches and managers’ meeting on November 27 at Melvin Jones Football Ground, Baguio City. This tournament is organized by the City of Baguio and sponsored by Goshen Land.

Competition for the men’s open will be an 11-aside tournament, while the ladies’ open will be a 7-aside format with games to be played at the Melvin Jones Football grounds and Athletic Bowl.

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on October 25, 2011.

Manny Pacquiao to return for fun run

By Roderick Osis
Tuesday, October 11, 2011

POUND-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao's love for Baguio goes beyond his training and extends to helping those in need.

Days for their departure for the United States (US), Pacquiao said he will be returning sometime November to finalize a fun run he has been planning with Baguio runners to raise funds for Baguio's victims of typhoons.

“Gaganapin [yong fun run] sa Baguio tapos ‘yong kikitain ng marathon ay i-donate natin sa mga mahihirap na pamilya sa Baguio, lalo na ‘yung mga nawalan ng bahay sa kasagsagan ng bagyo. Siguro mga 25th of November, mga third week, after ng fight ko,” said Pacquiao.

The pound-for-pound king said the fun run is his way of helping the needy in the Summer Capital where he has trained four times since 2008.

Pacquiao, the reigning WBO welterweight champion, flew to US Saturday night to continue preparing for his upcoming bout with Juan Manuel Marquez.

Pacquiao reiterated his promise to give his all in the November 12 bout with Marquez in his recent interviews with the Baguio media after completing his high-altitude training camp in the city.

In November 12, Pacquiao will face Marquez for the third time in one of boxing's most bitter rivalries at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Both Pacquiao and Marquez promoted their bout in Manila some weeks back.

Baguio City was the site of Team Pacquiao's three-week training camp which was almost disrupted by Typhoons Pedring and Quiel.

Pacquiao and Roach will be joined by physical and conditioning coach Alex Ariza, cornermen Buboy Fernandez and Nonoy Neri, and sparring partner Jorge Linares in the trip to the US.

Fernandez even added American boxing coach Freddie Roach was impressed on the dedication and training of his ward while he was in the city where legion of fans had already found their time to be with their idol in his various road work, sports events and social work.

“Our objectives in Baguio for the training of the champion were achieved. We can say that Manny had the perfect discipline and dedication in the training and other activities,” Fernandez said.

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on October 11, 2011.

Pucay grabs 3rd in Taipei golf tilt

BAGUIO boy now Canlubang-based Mars Pucay finished stronger in his last holes to eke out a third place finish in the Yeangder Tournament Players Championship in Taipei during the weekend.

Pucay, three shots behind Chan Shih-chang at the start of the final round, moved within one off the lead after a birdie on No. 10 for a five-under total as the frontrunners struggled in tough playing condition at the Linkou International golf course.

Pucay reeled back from three straight bogeys from No. 12 and settled for third with a closing 74, as Lu Wei-chih rallied with a 69 to snatch the crown.

But the Filipino bet cracked under pressure, making three straight bogeys before coming up with a run of pars to save a 74 and secure solo third in the $300,000 event.

Pucay shot a second straight 1-under-par 71 and moved up to solo third from sixth place after the third round.

With his earlier rounds of 70-71, Pucay assembled a 54-hole total of 212, just three strokes off Chinese Taipei’s Chan Shih-chang, who held on to the lead with a battling 70 in the third day of the competition.

Pucay had nines of 35-36 to sustain his charge for a maiden Asian Tour title, but the two other Filipinos, Juvic Pagunsan and Elmer Salvador, who survived the halfway cut, lost ground.

Pagunsan totaled 221 (72-74-75) and was in a 13-man tie for 36th. Salvador found himself among the tail-enders at 225 (70-78-77).

The 36-hole casualties were Artemio Murakami (72-77), Michael Bibat (76-73), Angelo Que (74-77) and Miguel Tabuena (83-78).

Jaguars dethrone Cardinals in BBEAL

FIGHTING tooth and nail from start to end, the University of the Cordilleras (UC) Jaguars finally laid claim of the men’s basketball championship after 15 long years of drought.

The Jaguars drubbed defending champion University of Baguio (UB) in the no-more-tomorrow game three of their finals series, 71-67, for the 25th Baguio–Benguet Educational Athletic League (BBEAL) at the jam-packed CCDC gymnasium.

Following that 79-71 win in game two after a dismal loss in the series opener against the Cardinals, the Jaguars came up with huge defensive stops even down the stretch for their second crown in the 25-year-old collegiate league.

“We’re just very happy, and it’s a sort of a birthday gift for me,” said Jaguars head coach John Carlo Domingo, who turned 24 last September 28, the youngest coach to ever win a crown in the BBEAL.

In winning their second championship, the Jaguars now tied the Cordillera Career Development College, with two championships apiece.

The Cardinals still hold the most number of championship crowns with 21.

Lielmar Garcia, Jaguar’s top playmaker, once again poured in 15 points, while fellow sophomores Jeconaih Solamo and Chad Russel Villanueva chipped in 14 and 13 points, respectively.

Jaguars slotman Jopson Dail, meanwhile, had another double-double performance with 12 points and 12 rebounds as Andrew Payas added 11 points for the Gov. Pack-based dribblers.

“Talgang nagfocus kami sa defense tsaka sabi ni coach na wag matakot, gawin lang namin ‘yung dapat naming gawin,” said Garcia in a post game interview.

Ending the first quarter with a 19-17 edge, the Jaguars slowed down on offense in the second period with the Cardinals gaining the upper hand halfway, 30-27, courtesy of Keiffer Ocasion’s four triples.

But the Jaguars came up with a run of their own to end the first half with a 39-32 advantage.

Trailing entirely in the second half, Kevin Orduña slowly lifted the Cardinals on a one-point deficit, 64-65, with 3:41 remaining in the payoff canto but the Jaguars scored in the ensuing play with a triple courtesy of Payas.

“Masayang-masaya lang kami tsaka kung hindi dahil sa team work naming, siguro hindi kami mag cha-champion,” quipped Solamo, who scored the last point for the ball game at the free throw line with 14.47 seconds left.

UB had a chance to narrow the gap after Segundo Elegores was sent to the free throw line but missed both charities with Dail grabbing the rebound to seal the faith of the Jaguars.

“Hindi pa rin makapaniwala pero salamat sa lahat ng mga sumuporta,” Dail said.

Orduña and Ocasion led the Cardinals with 24 and 22 points each.


Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on October 08, 2011.

Barnachea retains lead in ‘Ronda’

SANTY Barnachea of Eastern Pangasinan preserved his red jersey, while former race leader Joel Calderon of Nueva Ecija climbed back to number two in stage ten of the LBC Ronda Pilipinas from Agoo up to the Summer Capital.

But the spotlight belongs to Mark Galido of 7/11 after winning the short 46.4 kilometers with a time of 1:42:29.5, while teammate Lloyd Reynante came in second with 1:44:48.2.

Baler Ravina of East Pangasinan (1:44:48.3), Irish Valenzuela of 7/11 (1:44:48.5), George Oconer of the RP Under 23 (1:44:48.7) and Calderon of Nueva Ecija (1:44:48.9) completed the top six in the road race with three stages left.

Barnachea (32:14:31) will enjoy a slight six-minute lead over Calderon (32:20:59), as they raced towards Angles today and onwards Manila on Sunday for the closing ceremony.

Completing the top ten cast were George Oconer of U23 (32:21:16); March Mquinn of CEX (32:21:45); Lloy Reynante of 7/11 (32:22:40); Baler Ravina of EP (32:22:56); Cris Joven of AV (32:22:56); Tomas Martinez of Tarlac (32:26:55); Rudy Roque of AV (32:27:34); and Frederick Feliciano of NCR (32:30:41)

Valenzuela of 7/11 officially claimed the Magnolia Purewater King of the Mountain of LBC Ronda Pilipinas and headed towards the 10th stage wearing the blue jersey as Air Asia Points Leader, while Rudy Project Best Youngrider belonged to George Oconer (Yellow Jersey) of U23 Philcycling.

Barnachea made his move in the mountain passes and vaulted from No. 5 to the top of the heap, toppling six-day leader Joel Calderon in a rain-drenched Stage 9 of the LBC Ronda Pilipinas, as they arrived from Vigan Thursday afternoon.

Tomas Martinez of Tarlac took the lap honors but Barnachea grabbed the coveted red jersey with a strong fourth place finish in the 181.4km stage, which had Calderon fading out in the very same race he dominated in winning the 2009 Tour.

Martinez edged teammate and Moncada, Tarlac native Daniel Asto and Cycleline Extreme-Butuan City’s March McQuinn Aleonar, who turned in times of 4:56:57.5 and 4:57:16.5, respectively.

Barnachea’s superb performance catapulted him from No. 5 to No. 1 with a total time of 30:25:46, moving a step closer to duplicating Antonio Arzala’s three-title romp in 1955, 1956 and 1959.

The 35-year-old Barnachea clocked four hours, 57 minutes, 19.4 seconds, three minutes behind Martinez, who topped the stage in 4:54:31 worth P50,000.

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on October 08, 2011.

Lady Cardinals take volleyball BBEAL crown

UNIVERSITY of Baguio (UB) sustained its winning streak against Saint Louis University (SLU) to capture its first crown in six years at the close of the women’s volleyball in the Baguio–Benguet Educational Athletic League (BBEAL) season 25.

The Lady Cardinals eked out a first victory in game one of their best of three finals series, 25-21, 25-23, 21-25, 25-18, before closing out the Lady Navigators in game two via a four set decider, 25, 18, 25-22, 20-25, 25-22, at the UB gym recently.

“This is our first time since winning the championship six years ago and talagang binuhos din ng mga player ko kaya masaya kami,” said coach Jun Nisperos after their two-game sweep against the perennial runner-up SLU.

It was indeed another display of mastery for the Lady Cardinals, who earlier defeated the Lady Navigators in their first encounter via a five-set thriller, 22-25, 25-15, 29-27,20-25, 15-11, in the eliminations round.

“We tried to adjust sa set play, and at the same time, sinabi ko na kailangan naming magbawas sa error at ang maganda dun, eh, talagang determinado ding manalo yung mga bata,” added Nisperos.

It was another sorry loss for the Lady Navigators after topping the eliminations race and even reigned supreme in the late 90s failed to win at least one championship for the last seven years, seven long years of being relegated as runner up.

In the battle for third, defending titlist University of the Cordilleras (UC) brought their A-game with them by diffusing the University of the Philippines (UP) Baguio Lady Maroons in three sets, 25-4, 25-14, 25-16.

In the men’s side, SLU Navigators breezed through against arch rival UB Cardinals as in sweeping their best of three series.

The Navigators, who topped the eliminations, swooped down the Cardinals in their first meeting, 25-26, 25-13, 25-16.

The defending titlist Navigators then made a repeat in game 2 with another three set victory, 25-12, 25-21, 27- 25 to claim their back to back title in the annual collegiate competition.

In the battle for third, the UC Jaguars finished of Cordillera Career Development College Admirals in three easy sets, 25-22, 25-20, 25-18.

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on October 07, 2011.

No Bradley for Pacquiao yet

Even without the megabuck Pacquiao–Mayweather bout, the eight-time weight division’s camp will not likely face any opponent whose caliber cannot match the pound for pound champion.

News that super lightweight champ Timothy Ray Bradley Jr. would be Pacquiao's next opponent this May, unless Floyd Jr. finally agrees to one of the greatest match in history, hardly caused a stir in the training camp.

"Who cares?" said coach Freddie Roach about Top Rank's recent signing of Bradley as a prelude to his match with Pacquiao.

"It's really premature. (There is) no contract signing so it’s just talk," he added.

"It's a sham. It's going to be one of the [biggest] mismatches ever," said Pacquiao's conditioning coach Alex Ariza.

Despite having an unbeaten record, the 28-year-old American is not being taken seriously by Pacquiao’s camp.

"He's too small. They should try to picky somebody his own size," Ariza said.

Bradley, being the super lightweight champion, is fighting at 140 pounds, while Pacquiao, who is fighting Juan Manuel Marquez this November for the welterweight title (140 to 147 pounds), even climbed to 150 pounds in his light middleweight fight against Antonio Margarito last July 2010.

The lopsided fight almost cost Margarito his career, as he had to undergo eye surgery.

"And what has he done lately?" asked Ariza about Bradley.

Bradley fought only once last year and again this year, in a January defeat of Devon Alexander. He declined a July fight against fellow 140-pound titleholder Amir Khan.

He is expected to be in the highlight of the Pacquiao-Marquez undercard on November 12, fighting against 40-year-old Joel Casamayor.

Pacquiao is set to close his three-week training camp this weekend, according to "Team Pacquiao" assistant trainer, Boboy Fernandez.

Fernandez said the Filipino ring idol is just about to complete his scheduled training activities here before his departure to Los Angeles, California on Monday.

According to Fernandez, American boxing coach Freddie Roach was impressed on the dedication and training of his ward while he was here in the city, where legion of fans had already found their time to be with their idol in his various roadwork, sports events and social works. (Roderick Osis)

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on October 07, 2011.

Merciless Pacman on November 12 bout

A DIFFERENT Manny Pacquiao will step inside the ring come November 12, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Vowing he would no longer be compassionate inside the ring, Pacquiao said he is hungry for a knock out and vows to be ruthless when he faces Juan Manuel Marquez for the third time in their World Boxing Organization welterweight clash.

The fighting lawmaker from Sarangani Province even vowed for an early finish against the last Mexican boxer standing.

“This time it’s different because this would not be like the other fights. It would be a fight for national pride,” Pacquiao said after his eight-round sparring session with former two-time world champion Jorge Linares of Venezuela, Tuesday afternoon.

Linares, who is scheduled to fight Antonio DeMarco for the vacant World Boxing Council lightweight title in Los Angeles on October 15, also trains under Pacquiao’s coach Freddie Roach.

Showing he’s nearing tip-top shape, Pacquiao did seven rounds of mitt training with Roach after battling Linares.

Pacquiao said he would focus on improving his speed in the last few days of his training. He will close his training camp here Friday afternoon before heading for Manila.

“Manny will be too powerful and too fast against Marquez and there’s no way Marquez can win over Manny,” said Linares.

The two boxers have already engaged more than 20 rounds of sparring since Pacquiao started his training camp in the Summer Capital two weeks ago.

“He’s not yet in tip top shape but Pacquiao is not showing any signs of rust,” added Linares who was bloodied after receiving a powerful left hook that caught the latter’s right eyebrow last week. (Roderick Osis)

One FC chief eyes Team Lakay

IMPRESSED by Eduard Folayang’s performance in his One Fighting Championship debut, chief executive officer Victor Cui is eyeing more fighters for their upcoming events.

Fresh from a plane ride from Singapore and at least a six-hour drive from Manila, Cui traveled all the way to the Summer Capital to meet with members of Team Lakay for possible fight contracts in the future.

“These fighters are probably some of the best in the Asian region and we hope to bring in more Team Lakay fighters in the near future,” said Cui at the Team Lakay gym in La Trinidad, Benguet.

Folayang came in aggressive against Korean A Sol Kwon at the launch of Singapore’s One Fighting Championship: Champion vs Champion last September 3.

Fellow Filipino and another Baguio-based fighter Eric Kelly also saw success, choking out American Mitch Chilson in 3 minutes.

One Fighting Championship is Asia’s largest and most prestigious mixed martial arts (MMA) event. One FC features the best Asian fighters and the largest pan-Asian media broadcast.

MMA is the fastest growing sport in the world today.

In true Darwinian fashion, the sport of MMA allows for any martial arts style to compete against any martial arts style in the most free of artistic expressions for martial artists. MMA athletes utilize the best techniques from any and all martial arts in order to compete standing up or on the ground.

Coach Mark Sangiao is even delightful with his fighters getting the much-needed international exposure.

“We will be making arrangements and at the same time have partnership with One F,” quipped Sangiao, who also received training gears for Team Lakay from the One FC top honcho.

Cui added the partnership with Team Lakay will be one of their priorities within this year, as they eye more fights outside Singapore, which include Malaysia, Macau, and even in Manila.

Once the partnership will be formalized, however, Sangiao said Team Lakay will still be fighting in the Universal Reality Combat Challenge and in fact, will be included in the URCC 20 event to be staged in November this year.

Cui, at the same time, said the partnership is eyed to develop a career for mix martial arts fighter in the country in a long span of time.

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on October 04, 2011.

Anton zooms for third win

ACE driver Carlos Anton zoomed his way to the top again to win another podium finish in the third series of the Hill Climb Championship at the hilly Pias in La Union.

The win was made even more special when Anton smashed the old record with a time of 1:26.22 seconds as he edges closer to an unprecedented fifth national title in Hillclimb Racing history.

“It was great to have my Mark Young prepared CRX back for this leg and what an improvement they had done to the car; we smashed the old record by over 5 seconds!” Anton said after his run.

Anton’s Hornitex-Castrol team mates Dennis Aoyong, Alfie Concepcion and Frankie Domingo all finished on the podium in groups 5, 4 and 2.

Concepcion even had to borrow car from fellow Baguio racer Domingo’s group 2 car after his racecar engine failed prior to the start.

Ecko Adan, BJ Frondoso, Pancake Pimentel, Roderick Fallorin, Jimson Balmeo and Mark Sy also won their respective classes. New talented driver for team Mark Young-Castrol Jason Marquez won 2nd in group 1 in his first ever race.

“The team did really well today and we are happy with the results, it shows that Carlos’ car is back to what it was, if not even better than before. We will prepare Jason (Marquez) even better for next race so he can take his first overall win in group 1,” Mark Young said of his team.

The last leg of the series will be held sometime in October at a still undisclosed location. Championships for groups 4, 1, 2 are all closely contested and results of the final round will determine the champions.

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on October 03, 2011.

Stallions FC brings home gold

By Roderick Osis

NOT even the lack of corporate backing and the limelight form the media stopped the Baguio Stallion FC from winning the gold medal in the first Asian 5-aside of the Special Olympics.

Playing as if it will be their last for the country, the Stallion FC blasted home team Malaysia B in their opening game, 3-0 then wrapped up their second victory with a 5-1 drubbing of Indonesia.

"Hirap kami sa umpisa against Malaysia kasi sobrang init buti na lang madaling naka pag adjust yung mga bata kaya lahat ng goals namin eh sa second half na,” said coach Maribeth Jaravata.

The squad then followed it up with another 3-2 win against Singapore in an exhibition match before closing their campaign with another 3-0 triumph with team captain and striker Rommel Bautista scoring seven goals in that four games.

Returning back to the country after their feat, the squad came home unnoticed when the Phl Volacanoes, arriving the same day, hogged the limelight after winning the silver in the 2011 Asian Men’s Rugby 7s Championship.

But their efforts did not go to naught as members of the rugby team had a photo opportunity with the team and even congratulated the Baguio squad for their feat.

“Masaya din kami kasi nung nakita namin sila sa airport nagpapicture kami sa kanila tapos nag-congratulate sila sa amin,” said Bautista.

Making that victory much sweeter for the Baguio Stallion FC is they almost failed to join the contest for the second time after the Special Olympics Philippines almost had the playing dates mistaken.

While on their way to the airport, another setback for the Baguio squad representing the country encountered another glitch, as they had to pay the travel tax and the terminal fee before boarding the plane. This, however, was settled by good Samaritans in the team.

And when they landed in Malaysia, the team was just like a well oiled machine playing for the flag and country.

“Nahirapan kami sa Singapore kasi masyado silang systematic tsaka mabibilis ang kanilang passing pero determined pa rin yung team that's why nanalo pa rin,” added Jaravata.

And by winning the gold medal, this will not stop the Stallions from playing in another Asian tournament hopefully to be hosted by the country later this year after their Malaysia win supported by FRB Foundation and Victory Liner.

This time, the Stallions, composed of Bautista, Mark Louie Moran, Raymund Galiste, Roy Abraham Atienza, Jerry Sanchez Jr., Rustom Mulle, Kirk Napeek, and Ted Joshua Sabino will be eyeing a spot in the six or seven aside of the tournament and adding other players in their roster.

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on October 01, 2011.

Igorot southpaw pug retains title

DAYER Gabutan continues to dominate his weight class.

Fighting in a neutral crowd, Gabutan scored another unanimous victory to retain his World Boxing Organization oriental bantamweight crown at the Kowloon Bay International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Hong Kong.

By retaining his regional title, Gabutan now boasts of 15 wins, including six knockouts, a loss and two fights even, after stopping another Thailander in Petch Twins Gym during the main card of the evening.

"Mula first round hanggang sa 12th round, maganda yung kondisyon niya kaya kahit gusto kong patumbahin yung Thailander eh hindi rin bumagsak ng basta basta," Gabutan told Sun.Star Baguio.

Gabutan's second title defense also saw him knocking out Meechai Kiatpracha in the third round of their scheduled 12-round event last April in La Trinidad.

This will be the third successful defense for Gabutan, a native of Ambagiw, Besao in Mt. Province.

"Bumgasak siya ng isang beses pero matindi din yung resistensya kaya hindi rin sumuko," added Gabutan, referring to the 12th round knock down of the Thai fighter but refused to go down without a fight until the last sound of the bell.

Although Gabutan clearly won on points from the three judges, 119-108, 118-109, 119-108, the 22 year old fighter said he had a hard time adjusting during the fight because he was also fighting a lefty, just like him.

"Nung una medyo nahirapan ako kasi first time kong lumaban sa southpaw kaya and ginawa namin eh sinabayan ko na lang siya sa kaniyang mga galaw," added Gabutan, who dealt Petch his seventh loss of his 18 fights.

While Gabutan was laying out his plan on how to put down the Thai fighter early, Petch was also looking for an opening as they try to hit Gabutan's abdomen.

But it did not materialize as Gabutan's superb condition and timely jabs put the Thai in defensive mode.

"Yung game plan ata nila eh sa tiyan ako suntukin kasi mas matangkad ako pero hindi tumalab kasi talagang nasa 100 percent yung condition ko," added Gabutan.

In the undercard, super featherweight Randy Megrino (10-8-2, 6KOs) of Kidapawan City scored a 2nd round knock out against Thailander Lertsila PakdeeGym.

Jujeath Nagaowa also registered a first round TKO victory against Thai fight girl Leokkaew Sithpracha.

Dennis Padua, however, was the unluckiest of the three after suffering a 2nd round knockout loss against Thailand's knockout seeker Ekapol Yothinpanawet. (Roderick Osis)

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on September 30, 2011.

UC Jaguars halt streaking CCDC Admirals in BBEAL

By Roderick Osis

A FEROCIOUS opening quarter marked University of the Cordilleras (UC) Jaguars offense as they grab hold of the number two spot against a streaking Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) Admirals in the ongoing Baguio–Benguet Educational Athletic League (BBEAL) 25th season men’s basketball.

With an emphatic 97-75 victory, the Jaguars has posted their fifth victory against one sorry loss and at the same time dealing the Admirals their first taste of defeat in the tournament after a rousing five straight victories.

“Itong panalo namin against CCDC ang pinaka importante kasi nakuha namin yung number two position sa team standing,” said UC jaguars head coach Carlo Domingo after the game at the UC gym, September 11.

Their fifth victory also saw five Jaguars scoring in double digit lead by guard Andrew Payas who turned in 19 points including seven rebounds, two assists and another pair of steals.

Chad Russell Villanueva and Jopson Dail, the UC jaguars twin towers added 16 and 15 points each where they also took care of the rebounding for the Gov. Pack based dribblers with 12 and 13 rebounds each.

Leilmar Garcia, the other guard in the Jaguars’ rotation had 14 points, seven rebounds including four assists while Jeconiah Solamo added 10 points and seven rebounds with two steals.

“Malaking tulong sa pagkapanalo namin ay yung trapping namin sa defense all the way kasi wala silang reliable guards and sa offense naman is attack ulit para makakuha ng foul ung mga veterans nila,” added Domingo.

And their attack in the offensive side of the court proved to be a plus factor for the Jaguars after Giron Lumba fouled out in the ball game with 4:26 remaining with 16 points and five rebounds while Stephen Agustin had 11 points and four rebounds, fouled out earlier with 6:36 remaining.

Lumba is the only veteran left in the Admirals squad who last won their championship in 2008 while Agustin is in his second playing year.

Rookie Jonathan Ayad led the scoring cudgels for the Admirals with 22 points and six rebounds.

Right at the start of the ball game, the Jaguars took an early lead and enjoyed a 26-11 advantage at the close of the opening canto.

The Admirals where then limited to only 17 points in the second period to fall behind by 23 at half time.

In other games, Benguet State University Wildcats finally nailed their first win of the tournament by edging fellow cellar dweller and season host Pines City Colleges Warriors, 85-72.

Philippine Military Academy Cavaliers meanwhile found their rhythm anew after three straight setbacks by downing Baguio Central University Eagles, 106-102.

Lady Navs top BBEAL volleyball team standings

By Roderick Osis

SAINT Louis University (SLU) succeeded where six other schools have failed, beating University of the Cordilleras (UC) in four sets, 25-13, 18-25, 25-19, 25-19, Sunday morning in the Baguio–Benguet Educational Athletic League Season 25 women’s volleyball.

And it will be the Lady Navigators’ first win in three years in the eliminations round against the defending titlist Lady Jaguars in the region’s premiere collegiate league with nine school members being hosted by Pines City Colleges.

The Lady Navigators, last year’s runner up, surprised the Lady Jaguars with an easy win in the first-set encounter but lost steam in the second set after the Gov. Pack-based spikers thwarted any rally by the Bonifacio squad.

“Our goal for the game is to have a strong defense at tsaka maganda rin ang nilaro nila Ghileen (Labrador) at Jenine (Biaes) kaya naging maganda din 'yung result,” said Lady Navigator coach Gerald Peralta.

With their sixth victory against a lone setback, SLU climbed up to number one in the team standings, while the Lady Jaguars' loss dislodged them from the top standing after a good six game winning streak only to falter against their fiercest rival in their final game.

In fact, the UC Lady spikers were relegated to the number three spot after University of Baguio (UB) Lady Cardinals trounced PCC Lady Warriors, 25-10, 25-7, 25-5, to claim the number two spot.

SLU and UB can take two weeks off as the step ladder quarterfinals sees action next weekend for the women’s volleyball with both teams assured of the twice-to-beat edge in the semis.

The Lady Jaguars, which is now in unfamiliar territory, will have to play in the second phase of the step ladder quarterfinals, will have to wait for a week and await the winner of the Baguio Central University Lady Eagles-PCC Lady Warriors.

Cordillera Career Development College, meanwhile, formalized its entry in the quarterfinals as it gained a twice-to-beat edge, alongside with the Lady Jaguars in the step ladder quarters, by hunting down BCU Lady Eagles, 25-16, 25-19, 25-6.

University of the Philippines Baguio Lady Maroons also formalized its hold in the fifth spot by winning against Benguet State University Lady Wildcats in four thrilling sets, 26-24, 25-18, 20-25, 25-19.

Grapplers Cup hits mat this weekend

CLOSE to forty grapplers from all over northern Luzon are set to hit the mat this coming weekend at the UC gym 7th Lakay Wushu Team Grapplers Cup.

"We are expecting around 40 players but if all we invited would attend, then the number would reach at least 100," said Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao.

Prizes and medals await top winners in each weight class spearheaded by the country’s top mix martial arts group based in the Summer Capital.

Expected to see action in the one day tournament are teams coming from Baguio, Benguet, Mt. Province, San Fernando, Agoo and Bauang in La Union.

Evens to be disputed are the kids division, cadet division while the juniors’ division will have a 50 kilograms (kg) and below and 50-57 kg for both boys and girls.

Also seeing action is the tough seniors division which will include the 50 kgs and below, 58-64 weight category, 73-80 weight class, 81 and above weight class for both men and women.

The grappling competition is a sport, which uses techniques, maneuvers and counters applied to an opponent in order to gain a physical advantage, such as improving their relative position, escaping, submitting, or injuring them, which is also widely used in mix martial arts.

These techniques include clinching, takedowns, throws, submissions, and among others.

Sangiao said the tournament is also Team Lakay's way of discovering talents who could possibly fit in mix martial arts where the team is currently the number one in the local Universal Reality Combat Championship holding at least four weight division belts.

The event is done cooperation with the City Government of Baguio with 50s Dinner and FRB Foundation.(Roderick Osis)