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)
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
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.
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)
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)
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)
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
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.
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.
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.
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.
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