Korean tapped to replace Folayang's foe

By Roderick Osis

EITHER they get injured inside the ring or while training.

This seems to be the fad for Team Lakay's opponents in their upcoming matches. The latest casualty is Ole Laursen, Eduard Folayang's supposed foe in the upcoming One Fighting Championship in Singapore on September 3.

Larry Fabian photo

But Laursen will no longer test the mettle of the country's best MMA fighter in Folayang after suffering a serious knee injury as Korean champion A Sol Kwon picked up the slack to compete against the Filipino champion.

Earlier, lightweight Honorio Banario's challenger, Angelito Manguray, a former champion himself also had an injury during training prior to their Universal Reality Combat Championship lightweight match recently.

But even with another opponent, Folayang's camp has picked up the phase of their training and in fact, has wrapped up their sparring sessions Thursday morning here in the Summer Capital as they move to Manila Sunday and arrive in Singapore by Monday morning.

"After we learned na iba na yung makakalaban nya, mas lalo pa naming pinagbutihan ang training ni Eduard," said Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao.

But Sangiao is a little bit worried of the condition of Folayang, who has now peaked at around 85 percent, almost a week before the fight.

"He's already reaching his peak slowly and that's my worry because he might peak before the fight," added Sangiao.

Sparring session for the URCC welterweight champion started two months ago, and Sangiao said they have lodged at least twice a week lasting for two six minuters.

It will be Folayang's first return to the ring after almost a year of absence in competitive fighting. He last saw action in Martial Combat in October of 2010 when he defeated Vuyisile Colossa in a grueling three round unanimous decision.

Although Folayang may be a bit rusty as he steps into the ring, he has been keeping his condition in check as he supervised the training of Banario who fought recently in Davao and retained his lightweight title.

"So far, ok naman yung condition ng katawan natin at susubukan nating manalo," said Folayang.

Although they are not also taking the Korean lightly who has an impressive record of 17 wins, nine of which came by knock out and six losses in his MMA career, Folayang's camp will try to set the tempo of the bout.

"Subukan namin kunin sa ground and pound pero kung hindi kaya we will be ready for any attack nung kalaban," added Sangiao.


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

Lady Cardinals diffuse Lady Navigators

IT TOOK five years to beat them in five sets.

Larry Fabian photo

Although it will still be a long way for the University of Baguio Lady Cardinals, it was nonetheless one of their best games ever after defeating Saint Louis University Lady Navigators of the Baguio-Benguet Educational Athletic League women's volleyball season 25.

That victory took five years in the making as the Assumption based spikers finally nailed one against their Bonifacio counterpart in a grueling 22-25, 25-15, 29-27,20-25, 15-11 in the eliminations round at the UC gym during the weekend.

It was a long written essay indeed for the Lady Cardinals when they finally broke the slump and recovered from their first set setback after committing more errors, 11 of them while converting 10 attacks.

"We just made adjustment sa service tsaka I told them na bantayan lang ng maigi yung mga spikers nila," said coach Jun Nisperos of the Cardinals.

And his instructions was finally carried out with ease by the Lady Cardinals who had seven errors during the second set and converting 15 of their attacks in the second set.

And from then on, the team picked up their phase to push the game into a five set decider.

"We're very happy kasi finally yung mga plays na ginagawa namin during practice eh nagawa nilang mabuti during the game," he said.

But there's no reason for celebration yet for the Lady Cardinals as they need to hurdle defending champion University of the Cordilleras Lady Jaguars this Sunday, August 28 at the BSU gym.

"If they want to continue winning, kailangan nilang sundin lahat ng mga plays at wag silang matakot," quipped Nisperos.

But the defending champion Lady Jaguars will still be a tough nut to crack after beating University of the Philippines-Baguio Lady Maroons in three sets, 25-7, 25-20, 25-16.

"We'll just play our best, bilog naman ang bola eh," said Lady Jaguars head coach Ysang Tolentino who is now rebuilding the squad after six years of reign.

In other games, Benguet State University Lady Wildcats edged Baguio Central University Lady Eagles, 25-16, 25-19, 25-18 while Cordillera Career Development College lady Admirals dumped a hapless Pines City Colleges Warriors, 25-6, 25-6, 25-9. (Roderick Osis)


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

Baguio tracksters shine in Int'l meet

By Roderick Osis

TWO BAGUIO runners of the famed University of Baguio snatched gold medals in the recently concluded 73rd Singapore Open Track and Field Championships recently.

UB president JB Bautista with Donos(left) and Sore(right). Lfabian photo

UB’s Hernani Sore captured two gold medals in the 3,000 meter steeplechase and the 5,000m run while Flordeliza Donos ruled the 5,000m run. Both are members of the Philippine Developmental Team.

Sore registered a time of nine minutes and 45.46 seconds to beat countryman Christopher Ulboc (9:45.46) and Malaysia’s Ravinteran Mohgan (9:51.71).

His second gold came in the 5,000m run after crossing the finish line in 15:10.00 to beat Nguyen Van Ly of Vietnam (15:19.56) and Mendel Lopez of the Philippines (15.23.79).

Donos topped the women’s 5,000m run when she checked in at 18:19.40, four minutes ahead of Nena Fritz (22:28.39).

The Filipino tracksters also went home with a silver medal and four bronzes in the two-day tournament where 36 national teams and clubs from Asia competed.

Earlier, six members of the athletics squad from UB were shortlisted in the initial line-up as the country gears up for the upcoming Southeast Asian Games to be held in Jakarta, Indonesia later this year.

This early, at least 50 names were already included in the line-up for the country’s track and field squad. The names include Eduardo Buenavista, Henry Dagmil, Rene Herrera, Maristella Torres and Jho-An Banayag.

Included in the initial line-up were veterans Sore, Donos and Junrey Bano, with 100-meter specialist Katherine Kaye Santos, hammer thrower Loralie Sermona and long distance runner Jessa Mangsat.


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

Banario retains title

By Roderick Osis

EVEN a substitute fighter failed to impress lightweight titlist Honorio Banario from retaining the crown in the Universal Reality Combat Championship in Davao City recently.

Banrio, center with belt, is flocked by fellow Team Lakay members.

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.

“He was little bulky, and at the same time he was eyeing for a knock out and good thing I was able to put him down,” said Banario in local dialect after his successful first title defense in the bout slated for two ten minuters.

But despite the built of Lozada, Banario made use of his height advantage being two inches taller than the Mindanao fighter who stands at five feet seven inches.

Earlier this year, the URCC Lightweight Crown moved from down South up to the North, when former champion Angelito Manguray relinquished his belt to Banario but the former champion had to beg off after suffering an injury three weeks before the scheduled fight.

Although Banario pressed hard on the attack during the early part of their first round encounter, Lozada from Butuan Extreme MMA took the fight to the distance as he countered his way against Banario’s stand up and ground game.

“Lozada was supposed to fight in the Pacific Xtreme Combat but when Manguray got injured, he was tapped as a replacement fighter,” said Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao.

Sangiao, a former champion mix martial arts fighter himself, added they barely knew the fighting style of Lozada but even with the little information they had against their opponent, they made big out of it.

And even with Manguray’s injury, Sangiao said they are still open for a rematch against Manguary who served as a corner man for Lozada during the bout.

It will be Banario’s fifth consecutive victory in the URCC as he handed Lozada his first defeat in URCC for a 1-1 win loss record.

Lozada’s first win in the URCC was against Jubert Minguito during the URCC Davao Digmaan 2009 via a rear naked choke.

“Our victory would not be possible if not for the people who has been supporting us and we would like to thank Dr. Dave Taclobao, Arch. Lehman Cosalan, FRB Foundation, Shape – Up boxing Gym, Café Wheels, Councilor Nicasio Aliping and Nurse Patrick,” Sangiao said.


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

Team Lakay zeroes foes in PXC 26

BAGUIO fighters once again showed their might despite the lack of height in the Pacific X-Treme Combat 26 event at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila in Pasay City during the weekend.

Jasor Ablasi, Geje Eustaquio, and Crisanto Pitpitunge came up with big victories to continue the winning streak of the Summer Capital-based Team Lakay, still undoubtedly the country’s best mix martial arts group.

Bantamweight Ablasi scored a unanimous victory against Kyle Aguon despite a shorter reach and the lack of height.

Ablasi, shorter by five inches against the five-foot-nine Aguon, had trouble sizing up his taller opponent but nonetheless impressed the judges, all of them scoring the fight at 29-28.

“I waited for him [Aguon] to come and I hit him very hard,” Ablasi said as quoted in a national daily, who had Aguon on a guillotine choke in the first round.

Estaquio 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.

Estaquio in his bout against Plomeda fired a blistering outside low kick, which left the soft-spoken Plomeda, a former professional boxer of the renowned ALA boxing stable, crippling in pain.

Pitpitunge on the other hand, was saved by the bell in the opening round as Castro, the former lightweight titleholder, pummeled the helpless Filipino with heavy blows.

The five-foot-six Pitpitunge, who made a bad move by turning his back while Castro was in full mount, barely survived the round if it wasn’t for the bell, bleeding profusely after obtaining a cut just above his right eye.

The three fighters, together with coach Mark Sangiao is expected to return to the Summer Capital Wednesday morning together with Universal Reality Combat Championship lightweight champion Honorio Banario. (Roderick Osis)

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

SLU, UB spikers trounce foes

SLU's Chris Anne Estocapio. Photo by Larry Fabian

RIDING high on their current victories, the Saint Louis University Lady Navigators and the University of Baguio Lady Cardinals scored lopsided victories in the ongoing women's volleyball of the 25th Baguio-Benguet Educational Athletic League.

The Lady Navigators almost had a first set meltdown but nonetheless subdued Baguio Central University Lady Eagles in three sets, 25-13, 25-6, 25-13, in one hour and ten minutes of action at the resumption of the volleyball competition.

"We are still in the adjustment period tsaka kinukuha pa rin namin yung aming rhythm for our second game kaya we started slow in this game," said coach Gerard Peralta of the Lady Navigators.

And despite the graduation of three key players, Peralta is eying another stint in the finals where they placed first runner-up for the last six years against perennial champion University Lady Jaguars.

Although the team will have a little veteran led by fourth year player Ghileen Labrador, Peralta said they still the numbers to snatch a possible title this year.

"So far yung strong defense pa rin ang panlaban namin against UC and UB when we face them kasi yun ang pang counter namin because we know offensive minded yung dalawang team na yan," added Peralta.

And when this time comes, Peralta promised to give a big fight.

"Yung tiwala ng mga players sa isa't isa at tulong-tulong lang every game, siguro we could make it again," quipped Peralta.

The Lady Cardinals, meanwhile, easily dispatched University of the Philippines-Baguio Lady Maroons in one hour and fifteen minutes, 25-6, 25-11, 25-14.

Far from their almost sub-par performance against the Cordillera Career Development College Lady Admirals the last time out, the UB volleybelles immediately imposed their might against the Lady Maroons at the PCC gymnasium.

The Lady Maroons made it a close game in the second set but error after error proved too costly for the Gov. Pack road based squad.

Both SLU and UB share the lead in the team standing with defending champion Lady Jaguars with two victories.

Banario defends URCC Title

HONORIO Banario's camp is eyeing a title retention when he faces former defending champion Angelito Manguray in the URCC-Colt 45 Digmaan III on Sunday at the Grand Oases Convention Center in Davao City.

"He's good to go, and we're a little upbeat of this fight," said Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao of Banario, who is defending his lightweight belt for the first time after winning it against Manguray a few months back.

The expected grudge rematch is the featured event in the eight-match presentation of Colt 45 and URCC with PCSO and Tribal Gear as other sponsors also backed by Frenzy Condom, Chris Sports and Bulls Gloves with Solar Sports, Pinoy Extreme, TFC Bro.

Manguray, although the oldest URCC fighter at 45, will seek redemption after losing his crown to Banario by submission last April in a hostile crowd at the former champion's hometown.

"He's in tip top shape and we expect to return home with the belt," added Sangiao. "We have improved his boxing skills and we're hoping for a knock out late in the first round."

Fight night will also feature other exciting undercards with Benjie Lumacad and Isaac Tuling vying for the URCC Mindanao bantamweight title.

Other matches pit Eric Malusay against Flash Val Casas (pinweight); Daniel Solis against Michael Cesumision (bantam); Jun del Valle against Glen Balaba (bantam); Marlon Perocho against Orlemer Celeste (feather); Armando Cole against Eduard Monteza (feather); and Lorde Yamit against Ricardo Sapno (feather).

Lumacad is best remembered for winning a gripping three-round match over Jilmar "Stone Cold" Tangayan in the first Davao Digmaan. He holds a 2-0 record while Tuling has a 2-1 mark.

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on August 20, 2011.

Beneco repulses Sky in ongoing City Cup

POWER distributor Benguet Electric Cooperative bounced back from a slow start to seal its first win in two outings at the resumption of the ongoing Baguio Day Cup basketball invitational tournament.

Beneco repulsed a willful Sky Cable in bracket A, 98–93, during Wednesday’s game at the Easter College gym after a sorry loss against league leading Isaac squad the last time out.

Regan Nabua powered Beneco with 19 points including his monstrous 21 rebounds, two blocks with a steal and an assist but it was Arvin Gamboa who led the scoring for the power distributors with 21 points while Jomar Viado came up with 16 markers of his own.

Supporting the scoring cudgels for the power distributor are Jo de Guzman and Jojo Crisostomo who added 11 and 11 points each.

Sky Cable, despite leading at the close of the first half, 45-47, suffered its second setback in the tournament backed by Globe Telecom as Christian Galace poured 40 points while CJ Sanklin and Rudy Vergara added 24 and 17 each.

Viscor, meanwhile, nailed its first victory in bracket B after disposing winless Braveheart/Generika, 101-94, also at the Easter College gym with Mike Salinas pouring 21 points, 22 rebounds, four assists and a pair of assists and blocks.

Dave Macanas and Errol Brian Azarias chipped in 18 and 10 points apiece in dealing the Bravehearts their second defeat in two outings while Kevin Bischocho lead Generika with 23 points who drew support from Jhun Bacani’s 20 points, Elizon Versola’s 14 and Mark Lester Mostoles’ 13 markers.

CCPI Sharks subdued Autoshack, 100-82, to bounce back from their opening loss in the eight field bracket D with Dan Pimentel firing away 19 points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals and drew support from Jonathan Abejos’ 18, Earl Olson’s 14 and Samuel Maskey.

Autoshack, suffering its second setback in two starts was led by EC Garcia’s 33 points, while Ace Sicat and Demhar Chia added 17 and 11 points, respectively.

Also in bracket B, Jireh trounced Nuebe, 82–73 for its third victory in three outings led by Kits Ocawe’s 18points, six rebounds, five assists, and five steals. (Roderick Osis)

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on August 19, 2011.

Baguio fighters all set for PXC 26

BAGUIO mix martial arts fighters will be up for a tough task when the Pacific Xtreme Combat’s PXC 26 formally opens on Aug. 20 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila.

Pitpitunge

The trio of Geje Eustaquio, Jasor Ablasi and Crisanto Pitpitunge recently wrapped up training and will be among the under cards in the main event of the evening featuring Fil-Am Harris “The Hitman” Sarmiento and reigning lightweight champion Ronnie Borja of Guam.

Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao, in an interview, said the three trained alongside Universal Reality Combat Championship welterweight champion Eduard Folayang and lightweight Honorio Banario.

“They’re all ready to fight,” quipped a confident coach Sangiao in a text message.

Pitpitunge, who absorbed his first MMA loss last February, is set to try his skills against Guahan Top Team’s Alex Castro with a record of 8 wins and 8 losses in his career.

Eustaquio, meanwhile, is out to improve his record and earn his second win in MMA against Rogelio Plomeda from Deftac Bacolod with a record of one win and two losses while Jasor Ablasi will also seek his second win against Guamanian Kyle Aguon with a record of two wins and two losses tucked in his belt.

The PXC is a Guam-based mixed martial arts organization fast making inroads in the Pacific. Its return stint here is backed by San Mig Strong Ice in cooperation with Smart Communications, Beer Below Zero, Healthway Medical and Resorts World, with FHM, and 89.1’s Real Sports as media partners.

Buoyed by the success of its initial offering in the country last June, Pacific X-treme Combat returns with a bigger, more action-packed card this Saturday headlined by Fil-Am fighters at the Newport Theater in Resorts World Manila.

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on August 19, 2011.

Isaac escapes Cura-cee rally in city cup

ISAAC-MGD bucked a fighting Cura-cee to post its second victory in the ongoing Baguio Day Cup basketball invitational tournament at the Easter College gym.

Despite a late rally in the third period by Cura-cee, which cut a 20 point deficit to three points, Isaac-MGD leaned on Shane Balnges’ 37 points for a 103-96 victory Tuesday evening.

Balnges was the catalyst in Isaac’s victory the other night as he opened the scoring binge for the unbeaten squad in bracket A of the tournament backed by a telecom giant by posting a 34-25 advantage at the end of the opening canto.

This lead was even padded in the 8:35 mark of the second period, 40-29, but the lead was erased to a single digit advantage after Cura-cee took 11-6 run in the next five minutes of play for a 46-40 Isaac lead with 3:22 remaining.

But Isaac played steadily in the last three minutes of the first half for a 59-46 lead right at the turn.

Isaac’s highest lead was at the five minute mark of the third period, 72-52, but this lead was slowly whittled by Cura-cee, which saw them behind by six at the end of the third period, 77-71 with Derwin Estrada of Cura-cee scoring the buzzer beating triple.

Both squads failed to convert each possessions in the opening minutes of the final canto as Cura-cee made one final push in their offensive thrust as Estrada converted a triple which saw them pull within three, 79-76 with 7:42 remaining.

But it proved to be the last stand for Cura-cee as Isaac outscored the pharmaceutical firm on a 13-8 run for a 92-88 lead with 3:45 remaining.

Four others scored in double digit for Isaac with Raymund tufay adding 23 points and nine rebounds while Peter Junio had a double-double performance with 20 points and 12 rebounds and Alfredo Cadiz chipping in 11 points.

Cura-cee, meanwhile, was led by Estarda’s 22 points and five rebounds while Gerald Retiros had 17 points including 12 rebounds with Abdullah Masturah adding 12 points and nine rebounds.

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on August 18, 2011.

City Council approves PNG hosting

DESPITE the countless debates, the City Council nonetheless approved a resolution for the city to bid the hosting of the Philippine National Games next year.

Passed on second reading, the council took almost an hour to debate on whether to bid for the sporting event or not, as some councilors posed their doubts on the capability of the Summer Capital to host the event due to the lack of sports facilities.

However, proponent Councilor Elmer Datuin said the bid is just among some of the steps the city has to make if in case it wants to host the national games which attracts almost thousands of school athletes from all over the country.

“The bid is just some of the steps and a committee coming from the PSC will evaluate if the city can host the event,” added Datuin during their regular session Monday.

Some P200 million is expected to be given to the city for the hosting once the Philippine Sports Commission has approved the Summer Capital’s bid and this will be used to help in the improvement of the city’s sports facilities.

Hosting the national games, according to the resolution, aims to take the momentum of the Baguio squad of their success and for the Baguio residents to witness their excellence.

Datuin said in his resolution Baguio City is already known by world-class athletes as a high altitude training area and conducting national games in the city will further provide an added attraction.

Datuin’s resolution stemmed from the over-all performance of the Summer Capital after scoring 68 gold medals, including 66 silver and 76 bronze and added the conduct of the national games may also be done in partnership with the province of Benguet and La Union as venues of some sports disciplines.

The councilor also added if the national games will happen in the Summer Capital, it will be a perfect time to instill sports and health consciousness to the constituents of the city and its neighboring areas.

“This will also be an opportune time to promote the tourism industry since participants are coming from the different regions of the country,” continued Datuin. (Roderick Osis)

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on August 17, 2011.

UB High rules Word War Tourney

UNIVERSITY of Baguio Preparatory High School blasted their closest rivals en route to a 5-0 record which amassed them more than 600 points per player to surge ahead in the six team event of the Word War 2 Tournament at the Baguio Center Mall Activity Area recently.

UB’s juggernaut has now amassed a staggering 5,344 spread points and more than half their nearest rival led by Kristofferson Teodoro who scored a 676-249 victory over Pines City National High School B’s Angela Nicole Ancheta, a 425 spread to lead the Red Robins.

Jinanii Galangco was at her most impressive after a 693-233 blasting of Kyle Sanmillan and spread of 460 for her 3-1 slate and 1,062 spread. May Anne Gramaje came out with a 667-238 wash out of Geraldine Wad-as for a 429 spread, a 3-1 card and 840 spread.

Baguio City National High School remains in good position after a tough 4-1 victory over University of Baguio Science High School and 16-4 card. BCNHS A, however, scored 630 spread points in the victory for conservative 1855 spread.

Kimberly Joy Jacob led City Hi A’s charge with a 438–243 empathic win over John Joseph Pasinal for a perfect 4-0 slate and 870 spread.

Geanne Samantha Samia beat Jeriah Grey, 382-247, for her third victory against a single loss and 498 spread, while Rubi Sepulchre had a 415-231 win over Jon Raniel Jimenez for a 3-1 slate and 272 spread.

Chian delos Reyes scored a 353-232 win over Jazzreal Gonzales, also for her third victory and 287 spread. Princess Cosalan was the only casualty after a 333-338 setback to Patricia Mariz Carlos, a five point defeat that saw her card fall to 3-1 and 554 spread.

BCNHS A escaped a rout by the Red Robins, a close 2-3 defeat.

With the defeat, UB Science High School fell to 12-8 and 200 spread allowing BCNHS B to catch up after a 5-0 win over PCNHS A and a similar 12-8 slate but lower spread of 70.

PCNHS B has two wins against 18 defeats, while PCNHS A remains winless after four rounds in the event backed by Smart Telecommunications, YMCA–Baguio, Rolando Villanueva, Baguio Rep. Bernardo Vergara, Baguio Mayor Mauricio Domogan, Jeanette Gomez and George Wong. (Roderick Osis)

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on August 17, 2011.

Defunct cheerdance squad still welcome to study in UC

THEY might have been removed from the schools’ program but members of the University of the Cordilleras (UC) cheerdance squad can still enjoy their scholarship, according to the university president.

UC president Ricardo Pama even assured the school is currently finding ways on how the disbanded cheer dance squad can still be part of several performing groups in the university.

“As far as the school is concerned, they can still stay and their scholarship will continue,” said Pama.

“We are currently developing programs where they can participate,” added the UC president.

Pama also reiterated their stand in removing the cheer dance squad from the school’s program is plainly based on the danger associated to it.

The Jaguars cheerdance squad staged an impressive performance to annex the 2011 National Cheerdance Championship, besting 22 other schools from all over the country and dethroning three-time champion Central Colleges of the Philippines.

“We cannot deny the fact that they have really showed their best but when you balance it with the danger associated with it, we don’t want them to end up maimed with broken legs or broken necks,” Pama said.

And with their bleak future ahead of them, the UC Jaguars cheer dance squad will no longer be in the regional finals of the National Cheerleading Competition all the way to the national championship.

Insiders from the university claimed the removal of the school’s cheerdance squad is part of a cost cutting measure by the school.

Sources from the school also underscored the removal of allowances by the athletes during games and even coaches were stripped of game allowances during competition.

“Sabi nila delikado, di dapat tangalin lahat ng sport kasi napipilayan din naman mga players kahit anung sport,” said a source from UC who spoke on condition of anonymity.

“I think ‘yung school, eh, nagtitpid kasi ‘yung mga allowance na dapat makuha ng mga players during competition, eh, tinagal din nila,” added the source. (Roderick Osis)

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on August 16, 2011.

SLU, UB post wins in BBEAL women’s volleyball

TITLE contender Saint Louis University Lady Navigators and University of Baguio Lady Cardinals posted separate wins joining early winner, University of the Cordilleras, in the eliminations round of volleyball competitions in the ongoing BBEAL 25th season.

Last year’s first runner-up, the Lady Navigators easily disposed Benguet State University in three straight sets, 25-13, 25-16 and 25-18, at the BSU gymnasium, Sunday morning, despite trailing early in the second set of the game.

The Lady Cardinals, meanwhile, survived a gritty Cordillera Career Development College Lady Admirals in four sets, 25-20, 21-25, 25-14 and 25-21, for their first victory in the nine-school sports organization similar to the UAAP and NCAA in Metro Manila.

The Lady Admirals in fact almost stole the fourth set but the Lady Cardinals rallied with every point for their first hard earned victory.

“Masama ang nilaro ng mga bata mabuti na lang naipanalo pa,” said Lady Cardinal head coach Jun Nisperos.

Although the Lady Admirals suffered their first loss, CCDC earlier opened its campaign in a rousing start by edging La Trinidad, Benguet neighbor BSU Lady Wildcats, 25-12, 25-12 and 25-16, during Saturday’s opening game.

University of the Philippines Lady Maroons also notched their first win Sunday morning defeating winless Pines City Colleges Warriors, 25-9, 25-15 and 25-11.

First-day winner and defending champion UC Lady Jaguars mangled Baguio Central University Lady Eagles in three straight sets, 25–3, 25-13 and 25-9.

In the men’s contest, BSU Wildcats also opened their title hunt by beating the Philippine Military Academy Cavaliers, 25-14, 25-5 and 25-11, while CCDC Admirals downed UP Baguio Fighting Maroons, 25-16, 25-7 and 25-15.

Last year’s men’s runner up Jaguars also notched their first victory against the PCC Warriors, 25-16, 25-19 and 25-12. (Roderick Osis)

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on August 16, 2011.

UC Lady Jaguars opens title hunt in BBEAL volleyball

DEFENDING women’s titlist University of the Cordilleras (UC) Lady Jaguars opened their hunt for a seventh crown in volleyball action by whipping their opponent in the opening of the 25th Baguio–Benguet Educational Athletic League (BBEAL).

Although lacking the quality of players during their six-year championship run, the Lady Jaguars still pushed through with a big opening game by pulsating Pines City Colleges Lady Warriors in three lopsided set, 25-5, 25-3, 25-9, at the BSU gymnasium.

Gone are power hitters Ranel Osway and Jhiesel Agudia, the hardworking Libero Mary Ann Biay and the reliable setter Clarrisa Tolentino but veterans Roxane Almonte, Maureen Agudia, Nica Salazar, Aloise Costales, and hordes of sophomore players remain.

Tolentino, a former varsity player herself who was part of the five straight championships for UC, will now be the Lady Jaguars’ main tactician for the ongoing BBEAL season with Biay on her side as assistant.

“Actually, malaki ‘yung pressure, feeling ko lagpas ulo kasi lima sa starting six namin ang wala na sa line-up,” said Tolentino in an earlier interview.

“We’re just here to play. Saka na natin isipin ‘yung championship when we get there,” added Tolentino.

Tolentino’s antics in the bench will be put to a test when they face archrival Saint Louis University Lady Navigators in the last day of eliminations on September and another title contender, University of Baguio on August 28.

As of this writing, four other games are being played at the BSU gymnasium in the men’s and women’s volleyball contest, while basketball games are also being played at the CCDC gymnasium.

With a theme “Respect, Friendship and Excellence through Sports,” the nine conclave school members formally opened the annual collegiate sports competition.

Member schools include Baguio Central University Eagles, Benguet State University Wildcats, and Cordillera Career Development College Admirals.

Also in the fold are host Pines City Colleges Warriors (PCC), Philippine Military Academy Cavaliers (PMA), Saint Louis University Navigators, University of Baguio Cardinals, University of the Cordilleras Jaguars, and University of the Philippines-Baguio Maroons (UP).

Ten sports discipline will be played in the region's largest gathering of athletes from the different colleges and universities.

Aside from basketball and volleyball, sports disciplines to be played in the first part of the competition are archery, badminton, chess, sepak takraw, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo and arnis. (Roderick Osis)

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on August 15, 2011.

UC cheerdance squad removed from school’s program

FAR from suffering broken bones, members of the University of the Cordilleras cheerdance squad are, nonetheless, suffering from broken hearts.

Larry Fabian Photo

This is after a source close to the team, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed the UC board of trustees voted to remove the fabled cheerdance squad from the school’s program due to safety reasons.

This only means the team will no longer defend its throne in the 2012 National Cheerleading Championship after bagging the title last March.

Although the school’s cheerdance squad members remain as scholars, their group now faces a bleak future in the school which they carried to glory in the national cheerleading front.

After failing to bag the championship twice, the University of the Cordilleras cheerdance squad finally nailed it on their third try leaving competing schools from Metro Manila in a daze.

The Jaguars cheerdance squad staged an impressive performance to annex the 2011 National Cheerdance Championship, besting 22 other schools from all over the country and dethroning three-time champion Central Colleges of the Philippines.

“Ngayon pa sila natakot sa posibleng injuries kung kelan sobrang trained na ang mga bata and it will be a first time na mangyayari na hindi darating ang defending champion to defend their title,” the source lamented.

But the squad will still be absorbed by the university’s center for creative productions under the dance squad.

Even with the cheerdance squad no longer part of UC’s program, the group will still perform during the opening of the Baguio–Benguet Educational Athletic League. However, it will all be dancing during the opening program.

There will be no stunts, no tosses when the dance group performs.

But it will be the aerial tricks, which made the UC Jaguars the country’s best, which the audience will miss.

Their removal from the school, the source said, may open doors for other schools to accommodate the cheerdance squad saying some schools in Manila might recruit its members because of their advanced skills.


Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on August 13, 2011.

25th BBEAL opening game photos

Baguio to host under 16 basketball national finals

TWELVE squads from the different regions of the country are set to strut their wares in the Summer Capital, as Baguio City finally gets to host the 2011 national finals of the Nokia NBTC D-League under 16 tournaments.

The Nokia National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) D-League finals slated Janaury in 2012 will have several teams coming from regional winners representing Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and the National Capital Region.

With the national finals to be played here, regional finals for the north Luzon leg will be in San Fernando City in La Union scheduled for the second week of November.

“The national finals will be played from January 20-29 and this early, players from the different areas are already excited to play in the national finals,” said Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas regional coordinator Danny Soria.

The Nokia NBTC D-League, which virtually serves as a grassroots program in the country, aims to develop top-notch players geared towards the Universities Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Philippine Basketball League (PBL), Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and the Liga Pilipinas.

The tournament will also serve as training ground for young boys to develop their fundamentals in basketball and get them ready for higher levels of the game.

Two national crowns are at stake making the tournament even more competitive as the league field has grown to hundreds of teams from a humble start of only 29 clubs backed by commercial and local government units.

Extensive talent identification camps are currently being conducted by the organizers to help participating teams determine the players who will join their rosters for the upcoming regional eliminations of the NBTC D-League. (Roderick Osis)

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on August 12, 2011.

Vergara graces BBEAL’s silver season opening

CORDILLERA’S largest gathering of athletes from the different colleges and universities renew their rivalry as the 25th season of the Baguio–Benguet Educational Athletic League formally opens Saturday at the CCDC Gym.

With a theme “Respect, Friendship and Excellence through sports,” Baguio City Rep. Bernardo Vergara will be the guest of honor and speaker during the opening rights in the nine-school conclave, which will see ten sports discipline to be played in the first semester.

“We are all ready and the opening rites will just be a simple get together for the schools with three schools performing,” said athletic coordinator Denver Lee Sagyaman of host Pines City Colleges.

BBEAL was organized in 1986 with just seven member schools and has grown to nine member schools from Baguio City and Benguet, namely Baguio Central University Eagles (BCU), Benguet State University Wildcats (BSU), and Cordillera Career Development College Admirals (CCDC).

Also in the fold is host Pines City Colleges Warriors (PCC), Philippine Military Academy Cavaliers (PMA), Saint Louis University Navigators, University of Baguio Cardinals, University of the Cordilleras Jaguars, and University of the Philippines-Baguio Maroons (UP).

Performances by the PCC Bibak, SLU Dance Squad and the UC Dance Group will be among the main feature of the opening program, which formally starts at 8:00 in the morning.

Sports disciplines to be played in the first part of the competition are archery, badminton, chess, sepak takraw, swimming, table tennis, tae kwon do and arnis.

Also making its way in the first part of the competition is the centerpiece tournament of BBEAL, the men's and women's basketball and the crowd favorite men's and women's volleyball.

“So far konti lang yung naging problem natin sa process ng screening ng mga players and we hope to have a smooth season,” added Sagyaman.

Games in basketball and volleyball formally opens after the opening program with the UB Cardinals defending the men’s crown while the UC Lady Jaguars eyes another repeat in the distaff side.

The men’s volleyball will be defended by the SLU Navigators, while the UC Lady Jaguars seeks their 7th title in seven years. (Roderick Osis)

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on August 12, 2011.

Anton claims 2nd leg in Hill Climb

NOT even a blown engine stopped Carlos Anton from bagging another victory in the second leg of the 2011 Philippine Hill Climb Championship in San Fernando City, La Union during the weekend.

Anton in a borrowed car during his stint in the 2nd leg of the 2011 Hill Climb 

Anton of Castrol-Yokohama topped the time sheets with a 1:31.17 second run up the Hillclimb Stage using his teammate’s car.

After blowing his trusty Mark Young CRX engine, Anton used teammate Alfie Concepcion’s car and posted the day’s best time in his group.

“It’s my first hill climb using a different car and I was very happy when we set an identical time to my last climb using the CRX, thank God I have very good teammates who understand the situation,” Anton said after the race.

Yokohama-Hornitex driver Dennis Aoyong finished 2nd in Group 5 while teammate Alfie Concepcion suffered an engine failure during his second run up the mountain but still managed to limp to the finish claiming 3rd place and valuable points for his championship bid in Group 4.

Umesh Raimalan (group 4), Jimson Balmeo (group 3), Edmond Dupo (group 2), Mark Llaguna(group 1), Ecko Adan (historic car) and Richard Zacarias (group 5) all won their respective classes convincingly.

Anton recorded his 19th overall victory from 20 hillclimb starts and carries a healthy lead in the championship this year.

The next race is set on September 11 where Anton hopes to have his trusty Mark Young CRX back. (Roderick Osis)

Baguio United falters vs Davao in PFF Cup

IT’S GOING to be a long way to the top for the Baguio United Football Club as it suffered its first setback in the ongoing Philippine Football Federation-Smart Club Championships group eliminations in Iloilo City.

A thundering 0-3 defeat came in the hands of the Goshenland backed football squad against the much experienced Columbia FC of Davao during the afternoon games in bracket B.

“Grabe ang init, sa umpisa pa lang ubos na agad kami,” said BUFC coach Aries Bocalan in a text message Tuesday afternoon.

Fresh from their triumph in the 1st Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan Football Cup, the squad had little time to gather themselves after a weeklong absence in the training field before flying to Iloilo for the three day competition.

“We were thinking that our team would play better, but in the first 20 minutes we fail because of the severe heat,” added Bocalan.

Baguio City is competing in group B featuring Smart Stallions FC of Iloilo, Columbia FC of Davao, and Pachanga of NCR where they are playing in Barotac Nuevo.

Bao Breakers FC of Iligan, Laos FC of Leyte, Smart San Beda FC of Rizal, bannered by Phil and James Younghusband and Teknika FC will be slugging it out in the Group A contests supported by Nature’s Spring, Mister Donut, Salon de Manila and Xavier University where they are slugging it in Cagayan De Oro City.

The group topnotcher and runners-up from each bracket after a single-round eliminations advance to the crossover semifinals scheduled August 16 and 17 at the University of Makati football field.

The home-and-away finals will be stated on August 20 and 23, possibly at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium, organizers said.

But despite the loss, Bocalan promises to bounce back against Iloilo in their game Thursday afternoon.

“Against Iloilo we have to stop their quick passing and hold them at the back, we will attack only in our transition,” Bocalan quipped.

Pleased by the outcome this far of the inaugural PFF-Smart Club Championships, organizers aim to institutionalize the PFF-Smart Club Championships to promote the development of football clubs all over the country.

Cura-cee stops Mustangs in Baguio City Cup

CURA-CEE used its accurate sniping from the three point territory in defeating the Mustangs, 91-81, Monday evening at the Easter College gym in bracket A of the ongoing Baguio Day Cup.

Led by Jao Estrada’s game high of 29 points, including seven triples, Cura-cee came up with huge baskets in the second half after the Mustang used a strong rally in the second period in a see-saw battle.

Leading all the way from the opening buzzer, Cura-cee immediately took a 22-12 edged at the close of the opening quarter but the Mustangs took a 16-2 run and seize the lead at the 4:16 mark of the second period and lead by as much as four, 24-28.

But the lead did not last long for the Mustangs, as Cura-cee came up with a 12-4 run of their own and close the first half with a 36-30 advantage.

Cura-cee’s lead was never threatened in the second half as it took control of the ball game and posted a double-digit advantage in the third quarter, 44-32, with 8:20 remaining in the quarter, while their biggest came in the 6:10 minute mark of the quarter, 50-43.

The Mustangs never recovered from the third quarter fall-out and was even buried 20 points down by Cura-cee with 6:20 remaining in the final canto of the ball game, 78-58.

Estrada’s 29 points also came in with nine rebounds and two assists while fellow Cura-cee baller Ben Gaspar added 12 points in the ball game.

In bracket D, Jovencio Caleno’s double-double effort did not go to waste as he led New Benguet Fresh to a 73–57 victory against Teacher’s Camp also at the Easter College.

From the opening to the closing buzzer, the NBF squad took a 40–24 halftime lead before closing out the game against their younger counterpart with Caleno’s 16 points, 14 rebounds and one each for steal, assist and a block.

In bracket E, Los Mineros opened their campaign with a 64-58 drubbing of the Wolverines led by Arnold Siblag’s 21 points, six rebounds and three blocks. (Roderick Osis)

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on August 10, 2011.

Pucay, Lascuna golf duo finishes 4th

BAGUIO born Mars Pucay and compatriot Antonio Lascuna finished strong at the close of the Omega Mission Hills World Cup Asian Qualifying in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, but failed to earn a seat in the World Cup.

Pucay and Lascuna, who shot a 278 (70-73-63-72) in the three-day competition, placed fourth behind eventual winners New Zealand, Singapore and Korea.

In fact, the duo showed sign of resurgence after moving up one notch in the standings but hardly dented the lead of Singaporeans Lam Chih-Bing and Mardan Mamat in the second round.

Pucay and Lascuna, who hobbled with four bogeys as against a lone birdie for a 39 at the turn, salvaged a two-under 73 in the foursomes format and recovered in the final nine with a 34.

Lam and Mamat continued their dominance in the two-man team competition with 133 in midway through at the Seri Selangor Golf Club where a total of 16 teams vied for the three berths to the Omega Mission Hills World Cup in China from November 24 to 27.

New Zealand, Singapore and Korea qualified for the Omega Mission Hills World Cup after finishing as the top three teams in the Asian Qualifying event.

Lam Chih Bing and Mardan Mamat will represent Singapore for the fifth time in the World Cup after finishing second behind New Zealand.

The Singaporeans conceded a playoff to the New Zealand duo of Michael Hendry and Gareth Paddison, who made up a five-shot overnight deficit with a closing foursomes score of four-under-par 67, highlighted by a chip-in birdie from the greenside bunker on the last hole at the Seri Selangor Golf Club. The two teams finished tied on 13-under-par 271.

Uno, Aegis People Support head 1st day winners in Baguio Day Cup

UNO basketball team and Aegis People Support came with huge victories to open their title hunt in the second year of the Baguio Cup basketball tournament at the Easter College gym, Sunday morning.

Right after the simple yet festive opening program, Uno immediately went to work as it edged Titans in bracket A action with Mike Rojo topping the ball game with 28 points including eight rebounds, two steals and an assist for a 101-87 Uno victory.

Uno earlier enjoyed a 44-35 halftime lead before pushing on with their razor sharp offense in the second half to win their first game in the tournament backed by telecom giant Globe.

In bracket B actions, Aegis People Support lead by Eric Garcia's 25 points also scored their first victory by upending Braveheart/Generika, 118-97, while Codalian stopped Hotel Elizabeth, 83-79, in bracket C with When Pascual's game high 27 points and 12 rebounds.

UB85ers escaped Norman Trading in bracket D, 85-81, with Rene Laguitan firing 22 points which led all the way from the opening buzzer which pushed them to 45-37 at halftime.

Dad's Place, meanwhile, downed Goshenland, 85-76, in bracket E with Edu Veneracion scoring 18 points, six rebounds and three steals despite trailing in the halftime, 29-34.

Also in bracket E, Dagsian United edged Lopez Building, 77-71, led by William Channas' 22 points and 16 rebounds while Rianella barely escaped GWE in bracket C, 74-73, with Francis Collado leading the charges on his 19 point output and 9 rebounds.

The tournament will be a round-robin format where the top four teams in each bracket will play for the cross over semifinals with the top two teams enjoying a twice to beat advantage.

Cash prizes, aside from the championship and division trophies, await the champs.

Individual awards will also be given to top performing players in the tournament, including a mythical five, a season and finals most valuable player for each bracket.

Organizers said the tournament hopes to be an effective vehicle to promote peace and order and at the same time a healthy lifestyle for members of the community, not only in Baguio City but also Benguet. (Roderick Osis)

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on August 09, 2011.

Baguio sets eyes on hosting 2012 Palarong Pambansa

WITH the city eyeing to host the Philippine National Games, Baguio will seek another try and bid for the Palarong Pambansa, also slated next year.

But this being taken into consideration by City officials after Mayor Mauricio Domogan said during a press forum they are willing to co-host the annual sporting event for elementary and high school students.

The city, according to Domogan, is willing to co-host the event considering the Summer Capital, has yet to improve and renovate its dilapidated sports facilities.

Baguio City, in fact, has made their bid to host the games during the 90’s but failed to win the hosting.

Pangasinan, Laguna, Albay, Negros Oriental and Mindoro Oriental are the other provinces, which also offered their respective bids as next Palaro host.

Earlier, the city also made a bid to host the Philippine National Games next year through a proposed resolution by Councilor Elmer Datuin, which seeks to submit the bid to the Philippine Sports Commission and to the Philippine Olympic Committee.

The resolution stemmed from the over-all performance of the Summer Capital after scoring 68 gold medals, including 66 silver and 76 bronze in the resurgent games which were last staged 15 years ago.

Hosting the national games, according to the resolution, aims to take the momentum of the Baguio squad of their success and for the Baguio residents to witness their excellence.

Datuin, in his resolution, said Baguio City is already known by world-class athletes as a high altitude training area and conducting national games in the city will further provide an added attraction.

Datuin added the conduct of the national games may also be done in partnership with the province of Benguet and La Union as venues of some sports disciplines.

The resolution also seeks to partner with the PSC for the rehabilitation and repair of the city’s existing sports facilities once the hosting of the PNG is approved. (Roderick Osis)

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on August 05, 2011.

Banario seen to retain URCC belt

ONLY a knockout will stop lightweight champion Honorio Banario from retaining his lightweight belt in the Universal Reality Combat Championship.

And this early, Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao said Banario has taken his training to a different level to improve his skills and his conditioning has improved a lot, far from his condition when he fought former champion Angelito Manguray.

“He’s a bit stronger now unlike his last fight although we still need to improve on his cardio because we were not able to train outside because of the continuous rain in the city,” Sangiao said.

Banario will finish his training in the Summer Capital by the second week of August before going down to Manila to acclimatize and cap their training camp before flying off to Davao by August 19.

The current champion started training first week of July as he prepares for the August 21 bout at the Davao City Grand Oasis Convention Center.

This will be the second time both fighters will square off in the lightweight division after Banario snatched the crown in last April's URCC encounter dubbed "Collision" as one of the co-main event of the evening via a rear naked choke in the eight-minute mark of the second round scheduled for two rounds.

Banario's win is the fourth weight class championship belt of Team Lakay.

Both fighters were undefeated prior to their April match. However, Banario came out with a big win for his fourth consecutive win, all on submission.

Although they are not taking Manguray lightly, Sangiao said they are right now training Banario with other skills he can use against the dentist turned mixed martial arts fighter.

"Our game plan right now is to counter the counter kasi sigurado yun yung magiging plan nila for us," added Sangiao. (Roderick Osis)

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on August 05, 2011.

Anton is fastest in Circuit Showdown

REVVED up by his recent victory in the Hill Climb series, Carlos Anton drifted away from competitors en route to another victory in the Circuit Showdown July 2 at the Clark International Speedway.

Anton stomped over 50 racers to bag the victory of the time attack event with a time of 1:07.1 to top bracket A of the competition.

The multi-awarded driver of the year topped the Time Attack event using the Mark Young prepared Hornitex-CRX on Yokohama A050 rubber and eventually took home the Best Time of the Day award where he also ran an HKS prepared Nissan Skyline GTR 35 clocking an impressive 1:08.2 second run.

“Both cars ran well today and taking home a first and a third place in one division is fantastic.  The Mark Young HKS-GTR did very well considering it is almost stock and not really built for the short track layout we used in Clark today,” Anton said after his winning runs.

Team owner Mark Young was highly pleased with the team’s victory and quickly credited the preparation for the results.

“We worked very hard for this race since last month and today that made all the difference,” Young quipped.

Anton also dedicated his win to his late father-in-law Engr. Salvador Navarrete who passed away last May.

“He was always there to support my racing and career, I miss him dearly,” Anton said.

Anton’s team is backed by Mark Young, Yokohama, Castrol Edge, Hornitex and Emperor Motorsports. Roderick Osis

Guam fighters to test Team Lakay fighters

TWO Guam-based mixed martial arts fighters and another Filipino will test the mettle of three Team Lakay fighters in the upcoming Pacific X-treme Combat (PXC) on August 20 at the Resorts World Manila.

The trio of Geje Eustaquio, Jasor Ablasi and Crisanto Pitpitunge are set to show their wares when the mix martial arts promotion set foot this month.

Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao, in an earlier interview, said the three are currently training alongside Universal Reality Combat championship welterweight champion Eduard Folayang and lightweight Honorio Banario.

Folayang is scheduled to return to the ring September outside the country while Banario will have his first title defense on August 21 in Davao.

“They have already started training and hopefully they win para mas lalong mapansin ang MMA,” said Sangiao.

Pitpitunge, who absorbed his first MMA loss last February, is set to try his skills against Guahan Top Team’s Alex Castro with a record of 8 wins and 8 loss in his career.

Eustaquio, meanwhile, is out to improve his record and earn his second win in MMA against Rogelio Plomeda from Deftac Bacolod with a record of one win and two losses while Jasor Ablasi will also seek his second win against Guamanian Kyle Aguon with a record of two wins and two losses tucked in his belt.

The PXC, the premier mixed martial arts promotional organization in the Pacific region, serves as a springboard for mixed martial arts fighters bidding to prove their worth in the United States.

Their first international foray in the Philippines aims to be the start of the organization's long-term goals to make PXC a significant event and add to its stable of international fighters.

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

BBEAL ushers 25th season

TEN sports disciplines takes center stage as the 25th season of the Baguio–Benguet Educational Athletic League gets underway August 13 with Pines City College hosting the annual collegiate competition.

Sports disciplines to be played in the first part of the competition are archery, badminton, chess, sepak takraw, swimming, table tennis, tae kwon do and arnis.

Also making its way in the first part of the competition is the centerpiece tournament of BBEAL, the men's and women's basketball and the crowd favorite men's and women's volleyball.

University of Baguio will defend its crown in the men’s basketball while the University of the Cordilleras seeks a repeat in the distaff with Saint Louis University eyeing another repeat in the men’s championship while UC will seek their seventh straight crown in the women’s side.

The UC Jaguars will be defending their crown in archery (men’s and women’s), men’s table tennis, and sepak takraw.

Aside from winning the men’s basketball, the UB Cardinals will also defend their crown in the men’s chess, men’s and women’s swimming, women’s table tennis, men’s tae kwon do, and the men’s and women’s arnis.

The SLU Navigators, meanwhile, will also seek another golden performance in the men and women’s badminton and women’s chess.

Boxing, football, judo, softball and tae kwon do will also be featured in the second phase of the season.

Closing out the 25th season, which will be played from January until the first week of February are arnis, athletics, baseball, dance sport, karate-do, lawn tennis and wushu.

BBEAL was organized in 1986 with just 7 member schools. Now the premier athletic league north of Manila has 9 member schools from Baguio City and Benguet, namely: Baguio Central University Eagles (BCU), Benguet State University Wildcats (BSU), Cordillera Career Development College Admirals (CCDC), and Philippine Military Academy Cavaliers (PMA).

Also in the fold is host Pines City Colleges Warriors (PCC), SLU, UB, UC, and University of the Philippines-Baguio Maroons (UP). (Roderick Osis)

Gabutan toughens training regimen

WITH more than a month left before his next title defense, World Boxing Organization oriental bantamweight champion Dayer Gabutan faces tougher training.

With his strength and condition slowly peaking, Gabutan is testing the mettle of other boxers from the Highland Boxing stabe before he plunges into his last sessions of sparring in Cavite City.

“We want to try other fighters dito sa gym so that pagdating niya sa Cavite eh makuha niya yung timing niya sa sparring,” said Gabutan’s manager and promoter Brico Santig.

The 22-year-old fighter from Ambagiw, Besao in Mt. Province started training three weeks ago and has since lodged more than 50 sparring rounds and has included early morning jogs in his training program for his title defense on September 22.

His training regimen also includes weight lifting, shadow and mitts boxing.

Gabutan is expected to have at least 100 rounds for his sparring sessions, according to Santig who tapped the service of WBO Asia-Pacific Youth Flyweight Champion Froilan “The Sniper” Saludar and upcoming super flyweight Joel Rafols as Gabutan’s spar mates.

Although, the climate in nearby La Trinidad, Benguet where the practice gym is located is an ideal place to train, Santig said Gabutan is expected to move to the Cavite Contender Gym by second week of August.

“The lesser the distraction for Gabutan, the more chances he has in retaining his title, like what we have done in the past,” added Santig.

He will have his third title defense against another Thailander in his first out of the country bout in Hong Kong where Gabutan will also be accompanied by three of his stable mates.

Featherweight Randy Megriño, welterweight Dennis Padua, and lady boxer light flyweight Jujeath Nagaowa will also be in the undercard of the Gabutan fight.

Since winning the WBO belt in 2010, Gabutan has won 14 of his 17 fights including 6 knock outs with one loss and a draw with an eight fight win streak since December 6, 2009. (Roderick Osis)