Aussie, Kiwi dominate Sun Life 5150 triathlon

Australian Sam Betten repulsed Alex Polizzi while Amelia Watkinson from New Zealand stamped her class in women’s side as they ruled their respective divisions in the inaugural Sun Life 5150 triathlon in Naga City, Cebu on Sunday.

Better, who has ruled a number 5150 races in the country before yielding to compatriot Mitch Robins in Subic last year, pulled away from a tight battle with Polizzi after the opening swim leg, leaning on a strong bike ride to post a 1:59.32 clocking in the 1.5K swim-40K bike-10K run race put up by Sun Life and organized by Sunrise Events, Inc.

Polizzi clocked 2:03.55 for second while Robins struggled in the bike part and wound up third in 2:05.34 with Dan Brown finishing fourth in 2:27.21 in the men’s pro division of the event also held to promote a healthy lifestyle among the Filipinos.

Watkinson, meanwhile, put on a strong showing that saw her run at third overall behind Betten and Polizzi after the bike ride.

She went on to submit a 2:06.44 clocking, way ahead of Hungary’s Anna Eberhardt (2:14.51) while recent 5150 Subic winner Manami Iijima of Guam lost steam in the last two stages after a lead-grabbing stint in the swim leg. She wound up with 2:16.16.

Sharing the spotlight were Gian Taylor, who topped the Go For Gold (Sunrise Sprint, who edged Renzo Pahaganas and Jericho Auguis in the 12-17 age category. Other winners were: male 18-24, Denver Dayonot and King Charles Espanol; male 25-29, Dandy Maturan; Male 30-34, Dennis Rey Rentillosa, Sherwin Dichos; male 35-39, Jayran Manlangit, Pimco Pimentel, Dickson Yu; male 40-44, Julius Hibrada, Roldan Calda and Hendry Fritz Co; and male 45-49, Romulo Rosell, Alan Choachuy.

Other winners were King Charles Espanol (male 25-29); Dandy Maturan (male 30-34); Dennis Rey Rentillosa, Sherwin Dichos; Male 35-39, Jayran Manlangit, Pimco Pimentel, Dickson Yu; Male 40-44, Julius Hibrada, Roldan Calda and Hendry Fritz Co; and Male 45-49, Romulo Rosell, Alan Choachuy.

Meanwhile, Mayor Kristine Chiong took pride in helping ensure the successful staging of the event, which boosted the host city’s tourism industry and brought the city’s inhabitants together.

SEI general manager Princess Galura also thanked the City of Naga as well as the Province of Cebu for hosting the Olympic and the Sprint triathlon events.

She said the 5150 and Sprint triathlons served as perfect venues for those trying the sport for the first time and those who have been absent from the sport awhile and who wish to compete again. The field also included graduates of the Alaska IronKids races who want to continue to compete in the sport.

Sun Life Financial Philippines said they partnered with Sunrise Events and the city to promote a healthy lifestyle through fun activities as well as help people achieve lifetime financial security. Sun Life Financial in the Philippines offers a wide range of services that include Life Insurance, Accidental Insurance, Pension Plans, Education Plans and Mutual Funds.

https://www.manilatimes.net/aussie-kiwi-dominate-sun-life-5150-triathlon/546620/

Kiwi sizzles in Sun Life triathlon

New Zealand’s Amelia Watkinson put on a superb showing that even merited a spot in the men’s side in one stretch and went on to dominate her side in the inaugural Sun Life 5150 triathlon in Naga City, Cebu yesterday.

So impressive was the veteran Watkinson that saw her run at third overall behind Sam Betten and Alex Polizzi after the bike ride before coasting to victory in the women’s pro division in 2:06.44 in the 1.5K swim-40K bike-10K run race put up by Sun Life and organized by Sunrise Events Inc.

Hungary’s Anna Eberhardt came in second (2:14.51) while recent 5150 Subic winner Manami Iijima of Guam lost steam in the last two stages after grabbing the lead in the swim leg. She wound up third in 2:16.16.

Betten, who has ruled a number of 5150 races in the country before yielding to compatriot Mitch Robins in Subic last year, pulled away from a tight battle with Polizzi after the opening swim leg, banking on a strong bike ride to post a 1:59.32 clocking.

Polizzi clocked 2:03.55 for second while Robins struggled in the bike part and wound up third in 2:05.34 with Dan Brown finishing fourth in 2:27.21.


Barely edging Polizzi, 19:51-19:53, in the opening swim event, Betten poured it all in the bike, clocking 57:46 as against the former’s 1:00:30 before holding sway in the closing run in 38:40 against Polizzi’s 39:37.

Gian Taylor also took the spotlight in topping the the Go For Gold Sunrise Sprint.

https://www.philstar.com/sports/2019/04/29/1913510/kiwi-sizzles-sun-life-triathlon

Betten, Watkinson earn 5150 titles

AUSSIE Sam Betten and Kiwi Amelia Watkinson shared the spotlight after winning the men’s and women’s pro titles in the Sun Life 5150 Triathlon in City of Naga, Cebu on Sunday, April 28.

The towering 6-foot-4 Betten lived up to his lofty billing as one of the top athletes in an Olympic-distance race after clocking 1 hour, 59 minutes and 32 seconds in the first 5150 race in Cebu.

Betten, a multiple standard distance champion, finished the 1.5-kilometer swim portion in 19:51 to hold a slim lead going to the first transition. Betten completed the 40K bike segment in 57:46 to break away from the pack and timed 38:39 in the run part to put the title in the bag.

“I pushed a little harder during the bike race to build a little gap because (Alexander) Polizzi was trailing close behind,” said Betten, adding that the crowd support infused energy to them. “It was a great race. The swim was beautiful and also the bike course. On top of that is the great support from the crowd. That’s why I always keep coming back to the Philippines.”

Polizzi crossed the finish line at 2:03:55 for second place followed by fellow Aussies Mitch Robins and Daniel Brown in 2:05:34 and 2:27:12, respectively.

Amelia Watkinson of New Zealand registered a total time of 2:06:44 to snag the women’s crown over Anna Eberhardt of Hungary (2:14:51) and Manami Iijima of Guam (2:16:16).

“It was a nice experience. It was hotter than I expected and it was a good reminder of the extra humidity around here. I think I like (the heat), but it’s definitely tough,” said the 27-year-old Kiwi.

Watkinson definitely bucked the summer heat with a strong start in the swim and bike parts, where she timed 20:49 and 1:02:18 before capping off the race with a 39:53 time in the run part.

The Asian elite competition, on the other hand, saw a duel between Cebu City Rider Omega Triathlon Team teammates Jorry Ycong and Banjo Norte.

Ycong of Negros Oriental eventually won in 2:12:15, more than one minute ahead of the Cagayan de Oro City’s native Norte.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1803199

Aguilar x Carandang

Sun Life triathlon tomorrow in Cebu

Naga City, Cebu—This one’s for this city and its children.

Sun Life Financial Philippines partnered with the City of Naga and Sunrise Events to hold the Sun Life 5150 Triathlon Cebu along with the Go For Gold (GFG) Sunrise Sprint today April 28, 2019 at the Boardwalk of the City of Naga, Cebu.

Mayor Kristine Chiong said the City of Naga will host the twin events as part of its recovery and healing from the deadly landslide which ravaged the city last year. Hosting the event will bring positivity and unity to the community, the mayor said.

The event will also promote Naga before a global audience and challenge the city and its inhabitants to host world class activities.

For its part, Sun Life Financial Philippines partnered with the city to promote a healthy lifestyle and financial security.

Sun Life launched TV and entertainment personality Enchong Dee’s Palangoy ni Enchong yesterday here for the benefit of needy but deserving children.

“I see myself in these children. I remember having so much fun whenever I went swimming during vacations. Swimming is a celebration. It’s what’s given to poor children like me for birthday parties and other events,” said Dee.

The Olympic distance Sun Life 5150 Triathlon Cebu race includes a 1.5km swim, a 40km bike and a 10 km run. The Sunrise Sprint includes a 750m swim, a 20km bike and a 5km run.

The two short distance triathlon races are ideal for newbies to triathlon as well as those who have graduated from the IRONKIDS races but are still into the sport.

To ensure the safety of the participants and their smooth conclusion, the races will be held within Naga.

Professional triathletes Sam Betten, Dan Brown and Mitch Robins of Australia as well Guam standout Manami Iijima will vie for the $10,000 prize money.

There will also be a Cebu Team Challenge presented by TriLife magazine. One team will consist of five age groupers, regardless of gender, with the winners to be crowned as the Best Tri Team of Cebu.

Other SEI-organized and produced events this year are the Century Ironman 70.3 Subic on June 2, the Penong’s 5150 Davao on July 7, the Regent Aguila IRONMAN 70.3 Philippines on Aug. 11, the Black Arrow Express 5150 Subic on Oct. 27 and the Sun Life Cycle PH in November.

Sun Life Financial Philippines advocates healthy and fun activities as well as helping people achieve lifetime financial security. Sun Life Financial in the Philippines offers a wide range of services that include Life Insurance, Accidental Insurance, Pension Plans, Education Plans and Mutual Funds.

http://manilastandard.net/sports/active/293382/sunlife-triathlon-tomorrow-in-cebu.html

Naga andam na alang sa Sun Life triathlon

CEBU, Philippines – Andam  na  ang  Dakbayan  sa  Naga  sa  ilang pag-host  sa  duha ka triathlon  race, Sun Life 5150 Triathlon Cebu ug Go For Gold Sunrise Sprint karong  Domingo  didto  sa Naga Boardwalk.

Pulos gipasiugdahan sa Sunrise Events, Inc., ang Sun Life usa ka olympic-distance nga lumba nga langkoban og 1.5K swim, 40K bike ug 10K run, samtang ang Sunrise Sprint mas mubo kini nga rota nga dunay 750m, 20K bike ug 5K run.

Kapin sa 300 ka  local ug international athletes ang mosalmot sa lumba.

Si Princess Galura, SEI general manager, nagkanayon nga ang lumba magsilbe nga preparasyon sa mga elite athletes alang sa Ironman ning tuiga.

Ganting $10,000 ang madawat sa mga kampiyon sa pro division.

https://www.philstar.com/banat/palaro/2019/04/27/1912808/naga-andam-na-alang-sa-sun-life-triathlon

Pros, PHL’s best join Naga 5150

PROFESSIONAL triathletes and famous celebrities will bring added luster to the Sun Life 5150 Triathlon in the City of Naga, southern Cebu on Sunday, April 28.

Hundreds of triathletes will converge at the city’s Baywalk, including actors Piolo Pascual, Iñigo Pascual, Enchong Dee and Paul Jake Castillo. A strong field of pro triathletes will be present also, headed by multi-titled Aussies Sam Betten, Dan Brown and Mitch Browns. 

“We are all set. The 5150 Triathlon gets people ready for the Ironman 70.3 race,” said Sunrise Events Inc. general manager Princess Galura in a press conference at the Seda Hotel on Friday, April 26.

The race will feature two distances—the standard (1.5-kilometer swim, 40K bike and 10K run) and the sprint (750-meter swim, 20K bike and 5K run). Aside from the men’s and women’s pro titles, the elite and various age-group crowns will be up for grabs.

Race director Neville Manaois said the bike course will have five loops around City of Naga and two loops for the run. The swim will have a rolling start.

“The bike course will be flat, fast and technical. For the run, it will be scenic and a hot course,” he described.

Road closures will be in effect in the City of Naga for the duration of the race. The sea side of the road will be closed while the other side will be open for motorists.

It’s the first time for Sun Life Financial Philippines to branch out as a major backer in a triathlon event. In the previous years, the company had been active participant in a series of triathlon events before the 5150 race.

“At Sun Life, we aim to provide Filipinos different avenues to enrich their health and wellness journey, whether they are already deep into their fitness goals or are just discovering their passion for it,” Sun Life chief marketing officer Mylene Lopa said. “Sun Life 5150 perfectly exemplifies that purpose, and this is why we are thrilled to be sponsoring this event.”

Galura said they want to hold the race for at least three years.

“The Province of Cebu wants to share the triathlon hosting to other areas in Cebu. The City of Naga is our choice for the first 5150 race in Cebu. The previous 5150 races were held in Bohol and Subic,” she said.

“At first we were hesitant to host this. It’s a challenge for us. We accepted it. With Sun Life and Sunrise working together, the race is now a go,” said City of Naga administrator Arthur Villamor. (RSC)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1802952/Cebu/Sports/Pros-PHLs-best-join-Naga-5150

Expect heavy traffic in Naga tomorrow

CEBU, Philippines — The traffic czar of Cebu province has advised the public who will be travelling down south tomorrow to plan ahead and, if possible, reschedule their trips to minimize possible congestion along N. Bacalso Avenue, particularly the portion in the City of Naga.

Naga was picked to host this year’s staging of the Sun Life 5150 Triathlon, a first time in Cebu, which will be happening tomorrow from 5 a.m. to 12 noon.

Because one lane will serve as the race course, heavy traffic is anticipated by Sunday morning with narrower vehicle passageway.

Jonathan Tumulak, focal person on traffic management for Cebu province, said that aside from their public advisory, traffic measures are laid out to ease vehicular flow by Sunday during the road closure.

He said residents and businesses in the City of Naga are prohibited from parking their vehicles along the race course, particularly the northbound lane (seaside) of N. Bacalso Avenue from Barangay Inayagan to Barangay Tina-an.

The same rule applies at the opposite lane (southbound or mountain side) that will be used as the two-way passage for traversing vehicles, he added.

Tumulak said the no-parking policy will be imposed from 12 midnight on Saturday until 12 noon of Sunday. He warned erring car owners that their vehicles will have to be towed to clear the route.

Moreover, to reduce the volume of moving cars along the national highway, he said there is an alternative route for light vehicles plying from and to Toledo City using the interior road in Inayagan exiting Barangay Pangdan.

By light vehicles, these are the standard size vehicles such as motorcycles, cars, van-for-hire, or pickup trucks.  Vehicles as big as mini dump trucks or bigger than that are disallowed to use the alternative road.

He said traffic enforcers from the towns of San Fernando and Minglanilla will also be deployed during the event to assist Naga’s traffic unit, given that the traffic problem is transcending.

He added that hundreds of barangay tanods are also tapped to serve as road marshals.

He said the assigned personnel will man the traffic and guide motorists for directions, while traffic devices like signage and traffic cones were already installed ahead of the Sunday event. — GAN (FREEMAN)

https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-news/2019/04/27/1912997/expect-heavy-traffic-naga-tomorrow

MMDA: EDSA bus terminals closed by June

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is eyeing to close provincial bus terminals located along EDSA by June this year, an official said yesterday.

 “By June 30 at 11:59 p.m., totally closed down na po lahat,” MMDA general manager Jose Arturo Garcia said in an interview with radio station dzMM.

The agency would also send letters to local government units, particularly in Quezon City and Pasay, requesting them to start cancelling the business permits of provincial bus terminals in their areas of jurisdiction, he added.

Garcia also encouraged bus companies to participate in the ongoing dry run of their buses picking up and dropping off passengers at the terminals in Valenzuela City and in Sta. Rosa City, both of which the agency has selected.

So far, only Victory Liner has joined the dry run by having its buses use the Valenzuela terminal, according to MMDA spokesperson Celine Pialago.

Also yesterday, the agency started enforcing its policy banning provincial buses from dropping off and picking up commuters along EDSA.

Enforcers apprehended 86 bus drivers for illegal loading and unloading, which has a fine of P1,000; and 48 bus drivers for violating a policy mandating that doors be closed while in transit, which has a P500 fine.

Anti-poor

Meanwhile, opposition senatorial bet Lorenzo “Erin” Tañada III said yesterday the MMDA’s policy banning provincial buses from loading and unloading passengers on EDSA is “anti-poor and anti-worker.”

Tañada, who is part of the Otso Diretso slate, said most bus riders are poor and ordinary workers and the MMDA policy would only increase their daily transportation expenses.

He said data show that provincial buses account for less than 10 percent of the total volume of vehicles plying Metro Manila.

“How impactful will this ban be in the overall traffic picture of Metro Manila? “ the former congressman of Quezon province said.

“While they (workers) fail to get their demand for higher wages, their daily spending rises,” Tañada said.

MMDA Command Center head Bong Nebrija earlier explained the franchise of provincial buses is “terminal-to-terminal,” which bars them from stopping along EDSA and other major roads.

This, however, has not been implemented for the longest period of time, he said.– With Helen Flores

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/04/23/1911726/mmda-edsa-bus-terminals-closed-june-ghio-ong

Many personalities who reacted over Sun Life 5i50 triathlon

Dennis Antenor, Jr.

For Dennis Antenor, Jr., the voice behind the entire Manila Broadcasting Company, it recall the news program DZRH Network News covered the Regent Aguila Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines in Cebu last August 5, 2018.

He cannot insult ABS-CBN celebrities Piolo Pascual and Enchong Dee, because the two of them was at Harrison Plaza in Manila for a thanksgiving mass after the race day at the Naga Boardwalk and Park last April 28.

Mr. Dee quoted "I have never afraid to die", it said to reporters after the press conference.

Aside from the Sun Life 5150 triathlon in Naga, Cebu, Mr. Dee will appear at Fitness Fashion of Inquirer Lifestyle and Samsung held at the Samsung Hall of SM Aura Premier in Taguig City on July 25, it marking the 11th anniversary of the fashion show, Regent Aguila Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines on August 11 at the Shangri-La's Mactan Island Resort and Spa and 30th Southeast Asian Games in New Clark City as a TV commentator for swimming from November 30 to December 15.

Johansen Aguilar and Gian Berino

Boystown: the Documentary

Photo Courtesy: Jan Michael Chiu

In Boystown the documentary when Enchong Dee, his sister Anj and Robi Domingo's swimming stint on doing a full bodyshot.

Being celebrities turned athletes along with his sister Anj and taking Hapee Toothpaste Fresh Green Outburst and Outrageous Blue Chill flavors and drinking new more Chocomaltee Milo with Bear Brand Fortified powdered milk drink everyday.

It recall, it would uploaded the behind the scenes of episodes 2, part 5 and 3, part 3 at Makati Aqua Sports Arena in May 2009 on ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube channel and CandyMag.com shot in 1080p HDTV.

For Enchong Dee as Arnel, he wears arena ARN-4091 WHT silicone swimming cap, AGL-1400 EMBL swimming glass (mirror Swedish type) and ARN-6015 DGRN rimic nux-F

arena AGL-1400 EMBL goggle

arena ARN-6015 DGRN rimic nux-F

Anj Dee

arena ARN-4091 BLK cap and AGL-1400 EMBL goggle

arena ARN-6004W GRN new rimic nux-K Power Strush

SMB trips TNT, enter PH Cup semis

San Miguel moved on to the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals after drubbing TNT, 96-86, in the final game of their best-of-three quarterfinal series at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Wednesday night.

The Beermen zapped the KaTropa from the get go, outscoring them, 25-10, in the first quarter and even opening a 26-point lead at halftime en route to the blowout.

Junemar Fajardo made 32 points, going for a perfect 11-of-11 field goals, and 14 rebounds for SMB, which will next face Phoenix in the semifinals starting this weekend.

Chris Standhardinger added 17 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and two steals off the bench.

RR Pogoy made 16 points, five rebounds, one assist, and one block for TNT.

The scores:

San Miguel 96 - Fajardo 32, Standhardinger 17, Romeo 11, Cabagnot 8, Ross 8, Santos 7, Lassiter 6, Tubid 5, Rosser 2, Pessumal 0, Zamar 0.

TNT 86 - Pogoy 16, Heruela 10, Castro 10,  Taha 10, Rosario 10, Williams 9, Bono 6, Reyes 5, A. Semerad 4, Trollano 2, Washington 2, Casino 2, Carey 0, D. Semerad 0.

Quarters: 25-10, 53-27, 77-55, 96-86.

Obstacle course race back as regular sport in 30th SEA Games

Obstacle course race will debut in the Southeast Asian Games as a regular sport.

This was announced by Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Ricky Vargas when he graced the weekly Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Hotel Amelie Manila in Malate on Tuesday.

"Laos has agreed so obstacle course race is back in the SEA Games," said Vargas, who was accompanied by POC chairman, Cong. Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino, and Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) secretary general Ed Picson.

Last week, Philippines SEA Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) executive director Tom Carrasco announced that obstacle course race was dropped from the list of regular sports featured in the 30th SEA Games with only three countries namely Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines competing.

To become a regular sport in the SEA Games, it should have entries from at least four countries.

Pilipinas Obstacle Sports Federation (POSF) president Atty. Alberto Agra welcomed the re-inclusion of the sport in the SEA Games, which the Philippines will be hosting for the fourth time.

"The entry of Laos will only be official when it submits the entry form by number. We are waiting for that, hopefully, this week," said Agra, who also serves as general counsel of the POC.

Six gold medals are stake in the obstacle course race. The events are individual 100-meter and 5-km races (men and women) and mixed team 400-meter race (team assist and relay).

The POSF national pool is composed of Jeffrey Reginio, Manolito Divina, Nathaniel Sanchez, Vernier John Miranda, Sarah Jane Lim, Chrystalle Joan Omaga, Kaizen dela Cerna, Juvelle Pua, Alex Gabriel Rosario, Mervin Rencel Santiago, Racky Madorable, Kyle Redentor Antolin, Glorien Merisco, Anne Kathleen Santos, Rochelle Suarez, Klymille Keilah Rodriguez, Jose Mari de Castro Jr., Mark Julius Rodelas, Ali Zandra Chongbian, and Milky Mae Tejares.

The national athletes are regularly training at the Pretty Huge Obstacles (PHO), a world-class obstacle course training facility at SM Aura Premier Civic Center, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

Meanwhile, Vargas said the SEA Games Federation will have its last meeting on April 22. The broadcasting rights of the Games is among the topics to be discussed.

Vargas also mentioned the launching of the SEA Games volunteers’ program on Friday (April 12) in Taguig City.

The 30th SEA Games will be the biggest in the tournament's history for having 56 sports and 529 events.

Team Philippines has the most number of athletes at 1,895 followed by Singapore (1,581), Indonesia (1,718), and Thailand (1,462).

A total of 7,806 athletes and 3,444 coaches are taking part in the 30th SEA Games, which will be held from November 30 to December 11 across venues in Clark (Pampanga), Subic (Olongapo), Tagaytay (Cavite), and Metro Manila.

The 11 participating countries in the SEA Games are Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Timor Leste, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066872

An excerpt from "Showbiz Pa More": memorable ‘Private Conversations with Boy Abunda’

DJ Jai Ho: Eto narequest ko na magusto na may nakachicka ka na mainterview ng mga pulitiko, mga pinakakontrobersyal na pangalan, dito sa interview ni Tito Boy, meron ka bang kinakatakutan ang nakakaharap mo, tito Boy?

Boy Abunda: Hindi takot, I'm very familiar with fear, hindi takot. As a matter of fact, I pray for jitters, nagsasabi, Panginoong Diyos, bigyan mo ako ng konti kaba kasi nagmemeasure hanggang saan ako? Kinatatakutan, meron akong dalawa na instances, isa, I remember being invited then Vice President of the Philippines Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, nagkaroon ng EDSA, that was EDSA 2, live kasi ang Private Conversations, ang Private Conversations ang galing mula sa ANC, naging ABS-CBN, nagpunta sa ANC.

EDSA People Power 2, as it came to be known, was a series of protests held from January 16 to 20, 2001, against former president Joseph Estrada who was then facing plunder charges. The protests eventually triggered Estrada's downfall – and paved the way for Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, his vice president, to enter the spotlight in the political scene.

This dramatic scene was the final trigger that sent Filipinos to EDSA on January 16, 2001. Throughout the first night of the rally, people began to swarm around the historical EDSA Shrine to express their sentiments. More Filipinos, including students, activists and personalities in the movie, music, print, radio and television industry, joined in the next days, while the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines withdrew their support from the president.

"I, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully and conscientiously fulfill my duties as President of the Philippines," she declared before a cheering crowd of thousands at the EDSA Shrine. The oath was administered to her by Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr.

"Sa pagbaba ni Pangulong Estrada at pagkaluklok kay Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo bilang bagong pangulo" - Jessica Soho (Limang Dekada, aired on GMA-7 last January 10, 2010)

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo took her oath of office as 14th President of the Republic of the Philippines at 12:20 p.m., Saturday, January 20, 2001 following the effective resignation of former president Joseph Estrada.

The former president and his family packed up and left Malacañang at around 2:15 p.m. on a barge that crossed Pasig River. The Estradas are currently at the family residence in 1 Polk Street in Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila.

The Pope visited the Philippines again in January 1995 in time for the 10th World Youth Day. Some 3 million people lined the streets to welcome John Paul II, who arrived on January 12, 1995.

On January 15, 1995, a Sunday, the Pope arrived at Malacañang Park aboard the Popemobile from the Apostolic Nunciature on Taft Avenue, but was forced to ride the presidential helicopter along with Cardinal Sin and Papal Nuncio Gian Vincenzo Moreni to get to Quirino Grandstand amid the huge crowd on the streets.  

Biggest gathering

At past 10 in the morning, the Pope began the three-and-a-half-hour Mass that marked the closing of the 10th World Youth Day. Attended by ten million people, it was the biggest gathering so far in the Pontiff’s 16-year reign.

The Mass’ concelebrants included Sin, Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, Vatican Secretary of State Angelo Cardinal Sodano and Eduardo Cardinal Pironio, head of the Pontifical Council of the Laity.

Upgrade of 3 major SEA Games venues starts soon

The Rizal Memorial Sports Complex and two other major venues to be utilized in the country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games will start undergoing renovations for the Nov. 30 to Dec. 11 meet.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William ‘Butch’ Ramirez made the announcement Tuesday following the appropriation of a total of PHP842 million by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) for the repairs of 11 other facilities, including the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, PhilSports Arena, the Baguio training center, Trace Aquatic Center among others.

“We are making sure that there are 10-12 government sports facilities ready to assess, help the preparations of the PHISGOC (Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee). We are hoping that all of these will be finish by September,” said Ramirez.

Ramirez made the statement in the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Amelie Hotel-Manila, stressing the government agency has not been remiss in its role of extending major support to help Filipino athletes in their quest to win anew the overall title of the SEA Games.

Other than the game venues, also part of the Pagcor appropriation is the refurbishment of the athletes’ dormitory, construction of a new medical building with eight to 10 medical doctors, two nutrition halls, and an ecumenical chapel.

“The sports facilities, dormitories, venues, halls, before the SEA Games bago na ang itsura ng Rizal, Ultra, and Baguio (will have new look). So as chairman and leader of the (PSC) Board), I’m very happy to announce it before you (PSA),” Ramirez said in the session presented by San Miguel Corporation, Pagcor, Tapa King, and Amelie Hotel-Manila.

Ramirez is confident Pagcor, through Chairman and CEO Andrea Domingo, would be able to release the amount as soon as possible.

“Nakikiusap kami sa (We appeal to) Pagcor that SEA Games is coming na matulungan naman kami para masimulan na yung (to help us so that we can start) construction ,” said the PSC chief, who nonetheless understands where Pagcor is coming from.

“Of course, it’s not easy asking for PHP842 million,” he added.

During the same session, Ramirez also disclosed holding a general assembly with athletes and coaches on Wednesday to explain everything the PSC have been doing to ensure a better showing for Team Philippines in the SEA Games.

“Pag nalaman nilang resolved yung mga needs ng mga bata at tsaka yung kaunting problema na hindi namin na-communicate, lalakas ang loob nila na tumutulong pala ang gobyerno(Once they will know that the needs of athletes and other small problems have been resolved, our sponsors will help us),” he said.

Ramirez said there are 1,452 national athletes under the PSC care at Rizal Memorial and PhilSports with 578 of them under junior development.

They are classified as platinum, class A, class B, class C, training pool, and junior development.

Platinum is composed of eight sports namely, billiards, bowling, taekwondo, weightlifting, wind surfing, and three PHILSPADA.

“Ito yung malaking chance na mag-medal sa (This is the best chance to win medal in) SEA Games until the Olympics,” said Ramirez. (PR)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066313