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| (L-R) 9 Dynasty Director Derris Wong, Asian Mixed Martial Arts Sports Director Galastein Tan, Asian Mixed Martial Arts Manila Open Organizing Committee Chairman Lock Wai Han, Philippine Olympic Committee and Nasyonal Mixed Martial Arts Pederasyon ng Pilipinas President Abraham Tolentino, Nasyonal Mixed Martial Arts Pederasyon ng Pilipinas Secretary General Alvin Aguilar, Newport Chief Marketing Officer David Jorden (Image Source: PhilStar.com) |
The country's top fighters will see action in the first Asian Mixed Martial Arts (AMMA) Manila Open scheduled to be held on October 14-16, 2024 at the grand ballroom of the Manila Marriott Hotel in Pasay City. The tournament, hosted by Nasyonal Mixed Martial Arts Pederasyon ng Pilipinas (NMMAPP) and supported by 9 Dynasty, features 130 athletes from 16 countries competing in 11 categories: men’s traditional 60kgs, 65kgs, 71kgs, 85kgs, 120kgs; women’s 60kgs; modern men’s 56kgs, 65kgs, 77kgs, 96kgs; and women’s 54kgs.
“This is a good opportunity for all MMA fighters to show their fighting skills not only in some other fight promotions, but this is also a great avenue for them to fight for their flag and country in the Southeast Asian Games and Asian Games. Our Filipino fighters are known for their fighting skills and courage. I believe they will excel in this first Asian Open. But every country here in Asia is competitive and strong because all of them have a strong MMA background,” said Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and NMMAPP President Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino during the event launch last September 18, 2024 which was also attended by NMMAPP secretary-general and Wrestling Association of the Philippines president Alvin Aguilar, AMMA sports director Galastein Tan, AMMA Manila Open Organizing Committee chairperson Lock Wai Han, 9 Dynasty director Derris Wong, and Newport chief marketing officer David Jorden. Gold medalists will get US$8,000 while the silver and bronze winners will receive US$4,000 and US$2,000, respectively.
Tolentino said the sport’s grassroots program will be an integral part of the growth of the MMA fighters. “MMA has always been popular but only recently we will enter at an amateur level. That’s why the foundation must be strong. This will be a huge event." Ten Filipinos will see action in the tournament according to Aguilar. “We are also in the process of our own arrangements for choosing our athletes. We have our trials to make sure we will field the best Filipino mixed martial artists for this tournament," said the country’s founding father of Philippine MMA. Aguilar thanked Tolentino and Han for their efforts to promote MMA in the country, saying, “It was a dream come true for me, and it was not possible without the help of Mr. Abraham Tolentino. This is an opportunity to bring honor to the country and bring medals for the country, that is our goal."
(With words by Jean Malanum, Philippine News Agency)
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MILO BEST SBP-Passerelle Twin Tournament Unfolds After Four-Year Hiatus
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| MILO Philippines presented a commemorative frame to the family of BEST Center Sports, Inc. founder Nicanor Jorge during the relaunch of the Small Basketeers Philippines (SBP) - Passerelle Twin Tournament at The City Club Alphaland in Makati last September 20, 2024. In attendance were (L-R) MILO Philippines Brand Manager Audrey Azcarraga, MILO Philippines Head of Sports Carlo Sampan, Nestlé Philippines Inc. Senior Vice President and Business Executive Officer for Beverages and Confectionery Veronica Cruz, and BEST Center Sports Inc. Executive Director Monica Jorge, Vice President Veronica Jorge, and President Nick Jorge. (Image Source: Rappler/BEST Center Sports Inc./Nestlé Philippines Inc.) |
After a four-year hiatus, the Small Basketeers Philippines (SBP)-Passerelle twin tournament, one of the country's longest-running basketball programs organized by Basketball Efficiency and Scientific Training (BEST) Center Sports Inc. and supported by MILO, makes its return for its 35th edition. The three-month tournament featuring age groups 9 years to 11 years old under the SBP division and 12 years to 15 years old in the Passerelle division will take place in 11 major cities across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao with regional games starting in Roxas City on October 12 and concluding in General Santos City on December 27.
During the tournament's press launch held last September 20, 2024 at The City Club Alphaland in Makati City, Nestlé Philippines Inc. senior vice president and business executive officer for beverages and confectionery Veronica Cruz expressed, “After a four-year hiatus, we are thrilled to be raising the SBP-Passerelle banner in 2024. Philippine basketball is bursting with promising new talent, and now, they once again have a stage where they can stand out and be inspired by their peers. We have seen how this program has been instrumental in giving Filipino youth a chance at greatness – not just by giving them solid fundamentals for future careers in basketball, but more importantly, by giving them values like grit and determination to pursue excellence and success in life.” The SBP-Passerelle, backed by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, aims to elevate the athletic skills of children in their formative years and promotes a positive and supportive environment for the players. “The SBP-Passerelle program plays a crucial role in the development of young cagers by providing them with invaluable experience in competing against teams from various schools across different regions. Beyond the court, our program fosters discipline, and instills values that players can carry into their everyday lives,” said BEST Center Sports Inc. executive director Monica Jorge.
Its "no benchwarmers" concept gives every player the chance to experience competitive play, allowing them to develop not only their athletic abilities but also character-forming values such as grit, discipline, and teamwork – qualities that make them champions in their everyday lives. Among the graduates of the SBP-Passerelle are Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, Jeron Teng, Kai Sotto, Kib Montalbo, and Juan and Javi Gomez De Liano. “I am thankful between the partnership of BEST Center and Milo because we now understand that there is no secret to success but hard work,” said former De La Salle Green Archer BJ Manalo who attended the event launch with Wesley Gonzales and Danny Ildefonso. MILO, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary in the Philippines, is promoting grassroots development nationwide by holding clinics in various sports every summer.
(With words by Jean Malanum, Philippine News Agency)
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PH To Compete In Asia Open Memory Championship In Singapore
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| 11-year-old Filipina memory sport athlete Chelsea Anne Galamgam with Philippine Mind Memory Association President Anne Bernadette Bonita (Image Source: The Manila Times/Tabloids Organization in Philippine Sports Inc.) |
The Philippines will be participating in the Asia Open Memory Championship which is set to take place at the Singapore Polytechnic on September 28-29, 2024 with siblings Chloe Andrea and Charles Andrei, and Chelsea Anne Galamgam, Venir Manzalay III, Jessica Raine Rellora, and Angel Mikhail Sanchez ready for the tough challenge ahead in the tournament supported by the Asia Memory Sports Alliance (AMSA) and Global Alliance of Memory Athletics (GAMA). During the “Usapang Sports" forum organized by the Tabloids Organization in Philippine Sports (TOPS) Inc. last September 19, 2024 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium VIP Room, Philippine Mind Sports Association (PMSA) President Anne Bernadette Bonita said, "We are confident that the Philippine Team will be bringing medals from the competition. But our main target is the Grandmaster (GM) title for 14-year-old Charles Andrei in the junior division. If ever, he will be our sixth GM. He’s ready and we felt his eagerness to claim the GM title for the country."
Charles Andrei wants to follow Chloe Andrea who earned the GM title when the Philippines hosted the Asia Open Memory Championship last year. Unlike chess which requires GM norms to get the title, players in memory sports take 10 tests, namely Random Words, Names and Faces, Speed Numbers, Marathon Numbers, Random Images, Speed Cards, Marathon Cards, Dates, Binary Digits, and Spoken Numbers. Chelsea Anne Galamgam, a Grade 6 student at the Victory Christian International School, showed her memory skills by looking at a list of 30 words and saying them in the correct order while blindfolded. "It's really challenging at the beginning but I was able to do it because of rehearsals and the help of my elder brothers. Actually, they are my idols so I also entered memory sports to emulate their achievements. I can also handle training and schooling at the same time," said Chelsea Anne.
“Each of these young athletes has demonstrated extraordinary memory capabilities in the recent National Memory Championship and will be competing to prove themselves on the prestigious international stage,” said Bonita. She noted the large number of participants in the eliminations with 40 teams in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cebu, and provinces, saying it's proof that the memory sports community is expanding little by little. Bonita thanked the Brain Republic and Dr. Yanga’s Colleges, Inc. (DYCI) for providing free training to the kids. "The members of the Philippine Memory Team are well-prepared and eager to showcase their skills, aiming to bring home accolades and further solidify their standing in the global memory sports arena. With rigorous training, the team is set to represent the country with honor and determination,” said Bonita.
(With words by Jean Malanum, Philippine News Agency)
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Over 4K Sign Up For ASICS Rock 'n Roll Running Series Manila On November 24, 2024
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| (Image Source: Pinoy Fitness/Sunrise Events) |
More than 4,000 runners across various categories have signed up for the ASICS Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Manila, slated to take place at the historic Rizal Park on November 24, 2024. Participants will get the chance to run, rock, and revel under the dazzling holiday lights in the night race organized by The IRONMAN Group. During the September 10, 2024 Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila, Princess Galura, general manager of The IRONMAN Group subsidiary Sunrise Events, said, "It’s all about having fun. It’s about memories, miles, music, medals, and Manila. For the past two years, runners have enjoyed this musical journey. Now, we look forward to bringing you the EVO City Front Act Run as a teaser to the main event in November."
The Front Act Run, which will be held at EVO City in Cavite on October 20, is expected to gather families, friends, and fitness enthusiasts in a celebration of music and health. The RnR Series, which features 5km, 10km, and 21km races, will take runners through some of the city’s most famous landmarks including Jones Bridge, Intramuros, Rizal Park, the National Museum, and Manila City Hall. “ASICS fervently encourages the belief that a sound mind and a sound body are the pillars of true well-being, illuminating the path to a healthier and more fulfilled community,” Kabir Buxani, director of Sonak Corporation, the Philippine distributor of ASICS, said in a statement. AIA Philippines Chief Marketing Officer Melissa Henson also expressed excitement for the RnR Series, saying in a separate statement, “Being active is key to achieving and sustaining physical and mental well-being. Events like this make staying active more enjoyable, and AIA is pleased to support an event that helps Filipinos live healthier, longer, better lives."
Online registration for the ASICS EVO City Front Act Run on October 20, 2024 in Cavite and the ASICS Rock 'n Roll Running Series Manila on November 24, 2024 is ongoing. For more information, visit www.runrocknroll.com/manila.
(With words by Jean Malanum, Philippine News Agency)
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Volleyball World's VBTV Reach 1.5 Million Members Worldwide
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| (Image Source: Volleyball World) |
Volleyball World is proud to announce that it has surpassed the milestone of 1.5 million members worldwide on its proprietary media platform VBTV. To mark this achievement, Volleyball World recently unveiled a completely new and upgraded VBTV platform, developed with cutting-edge technology to deliver an enhanced and more localised experience for volleyball fans globally, in collaboration with JW Player, Applicaster and Cleeng as its new partners as well as existing partners WSC and Deltatre for a more streamlined, fan-centric viewing experience.
Volleyball World CEO Finn Taylor said, “We are thrilled to offer our global audience from almost 180 different countries a brand new VBTV experience that is built with the latest technology and designed specifically for their needs. Volleyball is followed by 800 million people across the globe. The new VBTV platform will offer our 1.5 million members the highest quality viewing experience while allowing us to be more agile in responding to fan feedback and adding new features. With the invaluable support of FIVB, we continue with our ambition to make volleyball content more accessible, enjoyable and engaging for our global community, connecting fans to the sport they love.” The new VBTV platform offers an unmatched range of volleyball content, from the sport’s biggest international competitions to the world’s best professional and collegiate leagues and all the action from the Beach Pro Tour. It will offer enhanced streaming quality, as well as localized content and language support and compatibility with a wider range of devices than ever before. All of this will allow fans to enjoy world-class action throughout the year across multiple platforms.
Since its inception in 2021, Volleyball World has been committed to innovation and fan engagement. Over the past three years it has developed a range of brands, products and digital innovations to enable fans to follow the sport they love, as well as a range of calendar innovations, including a new format for the Beach Global Tour in 2022, and the introduction of a biannual World Championship in 2023. The launch of the new VBTV platform marks the next step in its ambition to offer both paid and free content to expand volleyball’s reach and ensure that every fan has access to the sport.
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PUMA Philippines Powers Up “Hoops Squad” With Rising UAAP Men’s Basketball Stars
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/PUMA Philippines) |
PUMA Philippines continues to expand its impressive roster of basketball superstars as it brings on a new lineup of UAAP Men’s Basketball players to the “Hoops Squad". As the PUMA Philippines’ “Hoops Squad” grows its stellar lineup, it seeks to spotlight the next generation of basketball excellence and further PUMA’s commitment to the Filipino-favorite sport. “We are excited to welcome these outstanding UAAP student athletes to our ‘Hoops Squad'. Each of these young players embodies the values that PUMA stands for, passion, excellence, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. Their talent on the court and their dedication make them ideal additions to our roster of basketball stars," said PUMA Philippines Country Manager Paolo Misa.
Last year, UAAP standouts Chicco Briones from the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, Patrick Yu and Jolo Manansala of the National University (NU) Bulldogs, Jorick Bautista of the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws, as well as Jack Cruz-Dumont and Gjerard Wilson of the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors were signed on as part of PUMA PH’s “Hoops Squad” who will represent the European sports brand on the UAAP court. Former UAAP MVP Malick Diouf was also part of PUMA PH’s “Hoops Squad” in 2023 who recently scored The Asian Tournament championship win with his current team, the Zamboanga Valientes. The former UP Fighting Maroon earlier claimed that, if called up, he was open to join the PBA league. Also among the 2023 PUMA PH Hoops Squad members was former FEU Tamaraw Xyrus Reyes who decided to seek out professional basketball opportunities earlier this year and is now set to play with the NLEX Road Warriors at the PBA.
Joining the ranks of the “Hoops Squad” this year are newly-minted De La Salle (DLSU) Green Archer Lian Ramiro and UP Fighting Maroons’ Quentin Millora-Brown. Also in the squad are FEU Tamaraws’ homegrown rookie Jedric Daa, UE Red Warriors’ 2023 Rookie of the Year Precious Momowei, Adamson University (AdU) Falcons’ dynamic twin duo Austin and Cade Ronzone, and University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers’ big man Zain Mahmood. These new "Hoops Squad” members will be repping PUMA PH’s latest performance gear on the court throughout the UAAP basketball season. “We look forward to supporting our ‘Hoops Squad’ athletes throughout the season and helping them take their game to new heights,” claimed Misa. Fans can catch these “Hoops Squad” superstars in action at UAAP Season 87 men's basketball, which tipped off last September 7, 2024, on One Sports, UAAP Varsity Channel on Cignal, and Pilipinas Live.
