9th ISAA Opens September 6

Signing the MOA are ISAA President Ruel de la Rosa of MTC, Engr. Jose Eduardo Valdez of PATTS and Harlem Ruiz of 1Hermes.

   THE NINTH season of the Inter-Scholastic Sports Association will begin this September 6 (Wednesday) at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City starting at 8:00 AM. This year’s host is PATTS College of Aeronautics with the theme “Unstoppable @ 9”.

The host Seahorses are also the back-to-back defending champions in the main event of Senior Basketball and will now shoot for an unprecedented three-peat against challengers Saint Dominic College of Asia, Philippine Women’s University, Manila Adventist College, Manila Tytana College, FEATI University and last year’s runner-up La Consolacion College. An eighth member, two-time hoops champion Philippine Merchant Marine School, is currently on a leave of absence but will field entries in other sports.

Recently, the hosting chores for PATTS was formalized with the signing of the tripartite Memorandum of Agreement between the school, the league and marketing arm 1Hermes Sports at the PATTS Review Center.  Present in full force were the ISAA Board led by President Ruel de la Rosa of MTC, PATTS President and COO Engr. Jose Eduardo S. Valdez and 1Hermes representative Harlem C. Ruiz.

Noted basketball coach Luigi Trillo has been invited to grace the occasion and deliver an inspirational message.  Aside from the heavy basketball schedule, highlighting the day will be the search for Miss ISAA among the schools’ muses.

Other events to be contested throughout the academic year are Junior Basketball, Volleyball, Futsal, Swimming, Badminton, Table Tennis, Chess and Tenpin Bowling.  Founded in 2009, the ISAA’s growth as a major collegiate sports organization has truly been unstoppable.

D-League: Cignal HD d. CEU, 78-56

     PASIG CITY – Cignal HD stamped its class against Centro Escolar University in taking Game One of the best-of-three championship series for the 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup, 78-56, at the Ynares Sports Arena Tuesday (August 22).  All the Hawkeyes needed was a dizzying 16-0 run in the first period to turn the game wide open.

“We were worried when we found out that we will be playing CEU,” admitted Coach Boyet Fernandez.  “They beat Flying V twice in a row therefore that team must be good but again credit to my players for sticking to our game plan.”

Art Patrick Aquino completed a three-point play to threaten, 6-8, but Cignal responded with 16 straight points led by seven from Jason Perkins for 24-6 count and the Scorpions never recovered from there.  The best that CEU could do was close in by 13 points on a triple by Rich Guinitaran in the third period, 37-50.

Byron Villarias presided over the rout with 17 points and seven rebounds.  Perkins made up very well for the absence of national player Raymar Jose by churning out 16 points and 11 rebounds.

Rodrigue Ebondo tried to carry the fight for the Scorpions with 27 points and 17 rebounds but lacked support from his teammates with Guinitaran the only other player in twin digits with 10.  Usually prolific guards JK Casino and Orlan Wamar typified CEU’s struggles as they both went scoreless.

“We won’t take chances, CEU will be back in Game Two,” warned Coach Fernandez.  Game Two is set for Thursday (August 24) at the same venue with a 5:00 PM tip off with the Hawkeyes going for a sweep of the series and a sweep of the season’s two championships.

How They Scored:

CIGNAL HD (78) – Villarias 17, Perkins 16, Bringas 13, Sumalinog 11, Batino 8, Uyloan 6, Sara 4, Raymundo 3, Arong 0, Arboleda 0, Cahilig 0, Belencion 0, Apinan 0.

CENTRO ESCOLAR (56) – Ebondo 27, Guinitaran 10, Aquino 6, Manlangit 4 Jeruta 3, Uri 2, Arim 2, Saber 0, Wamar 0, Casino 0, Fuentes 0, Intic 0, Cruz 0.

Period Scores: 24-11, 39-25, 59-43, 78-56.

Two Cities Hosts Nutrilite Run This October

Official race shirt presented by Amway’s Mia Jamisola and Dulce Ricafort and Coach Rio de la Cruz and John Montalvan of RunRio Events.

     RUNNERS ON a budget can look forward to the coming edition of the Nutrilite Health Run 2017.  Now on its fifth year, the fun run will be held at the SM Mall of Asia on October 15 and at SM Davao on October 29 with the aim of promoting optimal health.

Both cities will feature 21, 10, five and one-kilometer categories but the biggest attraction is the very affordable race fee inclusive of a race shirt with reflectorized print and a race bib.  The fee is PHP 850.00 for 21 kilometers while all the other categories go for only PHP 250.00!

A cash prize of PHP 20,000.00 awaits the fastest 21-kilometer finisher while PHP 10,000.00 will go to the top 10-kilometer finisher on top of Nutrilite and Amway products.  All 21-kilometer finishers will receive an additional shirt and medal while all finishers in all distances will bring home loot bags.

Registration is ongoing at Toby’s Sports branches in SM MOA, SM City North EDSA, SM Aura Premier, Glorietta 2 and the adidas Store in Gaisano-Davao as well as Amway Distribution Centers in Makati City and Ecoland, Davao.  Online registration is also available at www.amway.com.ph and www.runrio.com.

In order to prepare properly for the race, a free running clinic will be conducted every Monday and Wednesday at the Ayala Triangle Gardens and every Tuesday and Thursday at the People’s Park in Davao starting at 7:00 PM.  Race Director Coach Rio de la Cruz is expected to drop by and personally train the participants.

“Amway advocates a holistic, healthy and active lifestyle,” said Amway Country Manager Leni Olmedo.  “Our annual Nutrilite Health Run is our proof of providing a health-sustaining activity for all.”

Proceeds from the fun run will go funding the Amway One By One Campaign for Children which aims to provide children with good books to read.  Several public schools have been tagged as beneficiaries namely Rafael Palma Elementary School, Highway Hills Integrated School and F. Benitez Elementary School in Metro Manila, Lacson Elementary School in Davao, Urdaneta South City Central Elementary School in Pangasinan and Carreta Elementary School in Cebu which all have libraries courtesy of Amway.

Kenyans Dominate Leg Two

     TEAM KENYA dominated the second leg of the RunRio Trilogy 2017 held last Sunday (August 13) that ended at the the SM Mall of Asia grounds in Pasay City.  It was quite fitting for the East African visitors to win in the 32-kilometer race that started at Okada Manila and dubbed as the Afroman Race in recognition of race organizer Coach Rio de la Cruz.

The Kenyans swept the gold, silver and bronze through the photo finish of eventual champion Alex Melly who timed 1:50:12, two seconds faster than countryman Eric Chepsiror (1:50:14).  Jackson Chirchir was a far third place at 2:03:12.

It was also Melly and Chirchir that battled it out for the first leg’s crown last June 25 wherein Melly prevailed over 21 kilometers.  As foreigners, they are disqualified from winning the Trilogy’s overall championship that will determine the official Philippine male and female representatives to the Chicago Marathon.

In the distaff side, Ailene Tolentino of the Philippine Army surprised first leg champion Cristabel Martes in another tight race – Tolentino checked in at 2:21:00 compared to the 2:21:27 of Martes.  Another Kenyan, Susan Jemutai, grabbed third place in 2:26:43.

Despite the loss, Martes solidified her lead in the Trilogy.  It also helped a lot that her first leg closest pursuer Lany Cardona opted instead to enter and bag the championship in the five-kilometer category.

We ran 32 kilometers in Leg Two of the RunRio Trilogy 2017.  (photo by Jamil Buergo)

To qualify for the overall championship, one must run the longest distance offered in each of the three legs.  All runners that complete the Trilogy will be invited to a special awarding ceremony.

Kenyans continued their winning streak into the 21-kilometer Half-Marathon behind Dominic Lagat in 1:13:11.  Lagat left behind his chasers Michael John Icao (1:22:27) and Marc Alfred Reyes (1:22:51).

Veteran runner Luisa Raterta triumphed in the Women’s Division in 1:35:49.  She was followed by Katelyn Kearney of the United States (1:46:55) and Bernadette Tan (1:47:54).

Other winners were Cindy Lorenzo of Team Soleus and Isidro Perpetua in 10 kilometers and Rowel Galvero in five kilometers.  All the podium finishers received trophies and gift items from sponsors.

The third and final leg of the RunRio Trilogy 2017 will be held on October 1, 2017.  The runners’ ultimate physical and mental resolve will now be tested in the 42.195-kilometer Philippine Marathon.

D-League: CEU d. Flying V, 72-67

     PASIG CITY – Centro Escolar University completed the unthinkable upset of top seed Flying V, 72-67, and advance to the championship series of the 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup Thursday (August 17) at the Ynares Sports Arena.  The Scorpions will now play 2017 Aspirants Cup champion Cignal HD in a best-of-three series starting August 22 at the same venue.

Forward Joseph Manlangit submitted his best performance of the tournament thus far by hitting back-to-back baskets that gave CEU the lead for the first time, 58-57, and 7:18 to play.  Although the Thunder would temporarily regain the upper hand on a Jeron Teng drive, a free throw from Art Patrick Aquino, a booming triple from JK Casino and two more free throws from Manlangit restored the lead for good with still 1:33 on the clock, 69-64.

Flying V would quickly threaten for the last time courtesy of Eric Salamat’s triple, 67-69, but they could not convert after that.  That left the Thunder no choice but to give up fouls with Rodrigue Ebondo converting three free throws for the final tally and confirmation of the monumental upset.

Hoping to atone from their debacle in Game Two that saw them lose for the first time in franchise history, the Thunder started strong by jumping to an 8-0 lead and then going up by as much as 13 markers in the second period, 25-12.  However, CEU patiently ate away at their deficit behind the hot three-point shooting of Orlan Wamar and Casino and the inside play of Aquino.

Wamar made 12 of his team-high 17 points in the second period. Aquino had a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds while Manlangit made six of his 11 points in the pivotal fourth canto on top of nine rebounds, two steals and two blocks.

Teng paced Flying V with 19 points and six assists.  He was followed by Hans Thiele with 13 points and seven rebounds.

In their elimination round meeting last July 25, the Hawkeyes prevailed over the Scorpions, 96-89.  CEU’s defense will now focus on stopping the likes of Jason Perkins, Pamboy Raymundo and Byron Villarias as Raymar Jose will sit out the game due to his stint with the national team to the 29^th Southeast Asian Games in Malaysia.

How They Scored:

CENTRO ESCOLAR (72) – Wamar 17, Aquino 13, Casino 12, Manlangit 11, Ebondo 11, Jeruta 4, Uri 2, Arim 2, Fuentes 0, Cruz 0.

FLYING V (67) – Teng 19, Thiele 13, Torres 8, Banal 7, Paredes 6, Salamat 6, Tampus 3, Austria 3, Canada 2, Dionisio 0.

Period Scores: 12-18, 32-39, 51-54, 72-67.

Athletics Targets More Golds in 29th SEAG

Team Philippines is out to get more than five gold medals in Athletics at this year’s Southeast Asian Games.

A PUMPED up Philippine Athletics Team will go all out to the 29^th Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia next week with the goal of improving on its five-gold medal haul and fourth place overall finish from the last edition of the games two years ago in Singapore.  This was the unified sentiment of the team during their send off party held last Tuesday (August 15) at the Marriott Hotel Manila in Pasay City.

The Nationals’ campaign will be spearheaded by double gold medallist and Southeast Asia’s Fastest Man Eric Cray who will defend his titles in the 100-meter dash and 400-meter hurdles.  He will also join the 4×100 and 4×400-meter relay teams in hopes of a four-gold harvest.

Other returning champions are Christopher Ulboc in the 3,000-meter steeplechase and Kayla Richardson who topped the 100-meter dash but this time will vie in the 200 meters and the relays along with her twin sister Kyla Richardson.  The other gold medallist from two years ago, hammer thrower Caleb Stuart, is skipping this year’s games.

The Philippines also brought home seven silvers and nine bronzes to earn fourth spot in the overall athletics standings.  The first three places went to Thailand (17-13-9), Vietnam (11-15-8) and Indonesia (7-4-4).

“I’m walking with a bounce in my step because I know they prepared hard for it physically and psychologically,” said PATAFA Chairman Dr. Philip Ella Juico.  “No pressure, just enjoy the games to the point you enjoy it so much that you want to win and I’m more confident now that we will win.”

Marathon bets Jeson Agravante and Mary Joy Tabal.

Other athletes sure to make some noise in the Malaysian capital are Rio Olympics veterans Marestella Torres-Sunang in the long jump and Mary Joy Tabal in the marathon together with pole vaulter EJ Obiena, Patrick Unso in the 110-meter hurdles and the men’s 4×100-meter relay team.  Tabal and Jeson Agravante will kick of the team’s campaign with the 42.195-kilometer marathon on August 19.

The other members of the team are Anfernee Lopena (100 meters), Archand Christian Bagsit (200 meters and relays), Clinton Bautista (110-meter hurdles), Edgardo Alejan (400 meters), Elbren Neri (1,500 meters), Francis Medina (400-meter hurdles), Immanuel Camino (3,000-meter steeplechase), Marco Vilog (800 meters), Michael del Prado (4×400 meter relay), Trenten Beram (200 meters and relays), Janry Ubas (long jump), Tyler Ruiz (long jump), Manuel Lasangue (high jump), Mark Harry Diones (triple jump), Ronnie Malipay (triple jump), Arnel Ferrera (hammer throw), Kenny Gonzales (javelin), Melvin Calano (javelin) and Aries Toledo (decathlon).  Completing the women’s team are Zion Corrales Nelson (100 at 400 meters and relays), Eloiza Luzon (relays), Emily Jean Obiena (pole vault), Riezel Buenaventura (pole vault), Rosie Villarito (javelin), Evalyn Palabrica (javelin), Katherine Santos (long jump and relays), Rhea Joy Sumalpong (discus) and Narcisa Atienza (heptathlon).

Designated as head coaches are Dario de Rosas and Sean Guevara with specialized coaches Jojo Posadas and Joeffrey Chua for sprints and hurdles, John Lozada and Rene Herrera for long distance running, Joebert Delicano for jumping, Danilo Fresnido for javelin and Emerson Obiena in pole vault together with team consultant Rohsaan Griffith.  PATAFA Secretary-General Reynato Unso, who believes the Philippines is the team to beat, will be the head of delegation while PATAFA Marketing Communications Director Coach Edward Kho will serve as team manager.

“I personally saw the passion of our athletes when I visited them in their training camp in Baguio City recently,” said Judith Staples of Soleus Watches and L Time Studio, a major supporter of the team.  “That is why we are now more inspired to continue supporting our athletes and we wish them well in Malaysia.”

Also throwing their support to the National Athletics Team are the Philippine Sports Commission, Ayala Corporation, UCPB Gen, Cherrylume Corrugated Sheets and Marriott Hotel Manila.  Social media users are invited to cheer for the team by using the hash tag #teamPHathletics.

D-League: CEU d. Flying V, 93-72

     PASIG CITY – Centro Escolar University achieved what nine other teams failed to do and that was to finally inflict a loss on Flying V, 93-72, and level their best-of-three series at 1-1 Tuesday (August 15) at the Ynares Sports Arena.  The deciding third game will be this Thursday (August 17) at the same venue.

“We never thought we would be in this position so might as well go for spot in the finals and it will be an all-out war in Game Three,” said Coach Yong Garcia.  “Today, we simplified our defense and that led to our offense so defense really saved us.”

The CEU defense was most evident at the latter stages of the opening period wherein the Scorpions went on a 19-0 tear to erect a 31-14 advantage which they never relinquished.  From there, they coasted to the win with timely hits from Art Patrick Aquino, Rodrigue Ebondo and JK Casino.

Ebondo churned out his usual numbers of 18 points and 26 rebounds while Aquino also had 18 points plus seven rebounds.  Three other Scorpions scored in double figures in Casino, Christian Uri and Aaron Jeruta.

Jeron Teng was saddled with foul trouble and fouled out with still 7:21 left in the contest.  Still, he led the Thunder with 13 points while the trio of Eric Salamat, Gab Banal and Aris Dionisio followed with 11 markers each.

The Thunder went through anxious moments before eking out the 65-61 victory in Game One last Thursday (August 10).  Before today’s loss, Flying V won its 11 games.

How They Scored:

CENTRO ESCOLAR (93) – Aquino 18, Ebondo 18, Uri 15, Casino 13, Jeruta 10, Manlangit 8, Wamar 7, Cruz 4, rim 0, Baconcon 0.

FLYING V (72) – Teng 13, Dionisio 11, Salamat 11, Banal 11, Torres 10, Canada 8, Paredes 4, Tampus 3, Thiele 1, Koga 0, Austria 0.

Period Scores: 31-14, 58-35, 79-61, 93-72.