Fun facts about the most bemedalled Pinoy athlete

He is one of the greatest athletes ever to emergence from the country's swimming arena, Miguel Molina holds the distinction of being the most bemedalled Pinoy athlete in SEA Games history, collection 11 gold medals in an career spanning four SEA Games meets. Watch the best athletes in the region come together and win as one! Catch the action at the 30th Southeast Asian Games here on the home of champions, PTV!

Aside from Molina are fellow swimmers Enchong Dee, Timothy Vincent Yap, Johan Aguilar, Jhonmar Gonzales, Ken Uy, Evan Uy, Janjan Chiu, Jessie Lacuna, Axel Ngui, Gio Palencia, Sean Tan, Miggy Carandang, Gian Berino, Nikita Dacera, Dexter Lacuna and Zeus Magbanlac, basketball players Micco Sollano, Chris Tiu, Kiefer Ravena, Prince Carlos, Thirdy Ravena, Jeron Teng, Javi and Juan Gomez de Liaño, football player Tim Polero, marathon runner Eduardo Buenavista, Jho-An Banayag and Mary Joy Tabal, volleyball players Princess Gaiser and Alyssa Valdez, taekwondo jin John Paul Lizardo, Pauline Lopez, Tshomlee Go and Mary Antoinette Rivero, figure skaters Katrice delos Reyes and Michael Martinez, gymnast Nica Calapatan and Carlos Yulo and celebrities Erwan and Solenn Heussaff, Kris Aquino and James Reid both are Milo endorsers.

Besides Molina is no other than De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Tankers and Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Stingrays member and 2007 UAAP Swimming Championship Men's Division MVP Ernest Lorenzo "Enchong" Dee in lane 8 of men's 100-meter butterfly finals last Sunday, December 9, 2007.

Despite the live broadcast streaming of the aquatics events at the 2007 Southeast Asian Games included swimming, diving and water polo in mall activity centers nationwide, also at the Activity Center of Star City amusement park, the police clash with protesters in the Filipino capital Manila at past 7:29 p.m. of Sunday, December 9, 2007 near the Sofitel Philippine plaza hotel to Star City, also they marched to One ECom Center in SM Mall of Asia complex.

One policeman and five residents were killed while 50 others were injured in the day-long battle to save Metro Manila, with Armed Forces chief Lt. Gen. Diomedio Villanueva declaring, "They cannot take Metro Manila. It will be over our dead bodies."

More than a hundred loyalists were arrested by police and are set to be charged with sedition while key opposition figures were ordered arrested for inciting the loyalists to attack Malacañang.

The 20,000 residents, marched to Marikina River Park at around 4 a.m.

The residents overcame a police barricade in front of the Greenhills Shopping Center along Ortigas Avenue in San Juan.

At about 3:25 a.m., the loyalists overcame another police barricade located at Santol street and Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard in Sta. Mesa, Manila and carted off police anti-riot gear despite the tear gas policemen released.

A sudden surge of loyalists forced police to retreat toward the blockade at J. P. Laurel and Legarda streets.

At about 3:40 a.m., the mob overpowered the blockade and marched toward Malacañang’s Gate No. 3. Twenty minutes later, the mob separated into two with one group proceeding to Malacañang’s main Gate No. 7 at J.P. Laurel and Mendiola streets.

At about 4:20 a.m., the 2,000-man team of police, Army and Navy men, assisted by eight fire trucks, tried to disperse the crowd at Mendiola but only managed to push back the crowd by a few meters by 6 a.m.

There was a standoff between loyalist and police until 10:15 a.m. during which the loyalist mob reached Arlegui street but when reinforcements to government forces finally arrived, the composite crowd control unit prepared to launch another dispersal push.

The dispersal team, composed of Army soldiers, Navy men and policemen formed tight phalanx that faced the rallyist at J. P. Laurel, Mendiola, Arlegui and Legarda streets.

Armed with truncheons, guns and tear gas, the dispersal team started its assault with anti-riot geared troopers slowly pushing forward followed by policemen firing rounds in the air.

But the loyalist mob fought back by throwing rocks, clubs and bottles at the dispersal team as they moved back. The withdrawing loyalists set on fire a private car parked in front of San Beda College.

The loyalists also overran the police sub-station near Mendiola Bridge and tried to burn down the station as reporters and policemen stayed trapped inside.

"They overran the sub-station. I thought it was the end of all of us. They doused the station with gasoline and threatened to set on fire. Fortunately, other policemen were quick to respond and rescue us," said journalist Jerome Aning who was trapped inside the station.

As one group attacked the station, another group of rallyists overturned a parked police car and set it ablaze. Other loyalists robbed and then burned the pick-up trucks of television networks ABS-CBN-2 and ABC-5.

The mob also set a back hoe at the corner of Mendiola and Legarda streets on fire and threw rocks at the dispersal team which separated into two teams and continued to pursue the loyalists down Claro M. Recto Avenue.

The loyalists also torched a firetruck and a police motorcycle at the corner of Recto Avenue and Morayta street while others stoned shop windows as they fell back toward Rizal Avenue in Sta. Cruz district.

By 11:30 a.m., the dispersal team had broken up the mob and arrested about 103 loyalists who will be charged with sedition.

"It was a very long day but I am happy that it is now all over," said Chief Superintendent Florencio Fianza, who headed the dispersal operation.

Villanueva assured the public the government is "fully in control" of the situation although it is also closely monitoring reports of armed groups out to escalate the violence.

Besides Molina and Dee is fellow DLSU Green Tanker and Makati Skipjacks Swimming Club member Johansen Benedict "Johan" Aguilar in men's 200-meter backstroke heats and finals last December 7, 2007.

Flanking next to Olympian Molina, DLSU Green Tankers Dee and Aguilar is University of the Philippines (UP) Maroon Tanker Kendrick "Ken" Uy in men's 100-meter freestyle finals last Saturday, December 8, 2007 at past 6 p.m. (7 p.m. Manila time).

Aside from Uy is fellow UP Maroon Tanker and 2007 UAAP Swimming Championship Juniors Division MVP Gian Berino in men's 1,500-meter freestyle finals last Monday, December 10, 2007 at past 6:29 p.m. (7:29 p.m. local time).

In photo and video shoots, when Enchong and Timothy is wearing Valentino Schoolwear White Swim Cap DL1000 Latex, arena AGL-1400_ EMBL swimming glass (mirror Swedish type) and ARN-6014 DGRN Half Spats nux-F, while Johan wears speedo Aqua V Silicone Swimming Cap - Black (8-087750001), speedsocket Unisex Goggle - Black (8-705895555) and FASTSKIN FS-PRO Men's Legskin - Black (8-008083218), Ken and Zeus wears arena ARN-4091 WHT silicone swimming cap, AGL-1400 YLRD swimming glass (mirror Swedish type) and ARN-6015 DRED rimic nux-F, Miggy wears arena AGL-1400 EMBL swimming glass (mirror Swedish type) and speedo endurance+ Neuron Men’s 8cm Brief – Dark Blue and Sky Blue (8-009333322) and sister Mariel wears speedo Aqua V Silicone Swimming Cap - Black (8-087750001), speedsocket - Black (8-705891549) and FASTSKIN FS-PRO Women’s Recordbreaker Costume – Black (8-008153218), Gian wears speedo Aqua V Silicone Swimming Cap - Black (8-087750001), speedsocket Unisex Goggle - Black (8-705895555) and FASTSKIN LZR RACER Legskin - Black (8-018040001) and Sean wears arena AGL-1400 EMBL swimming glass (mirror Swedish type) and ARN-6013 ABLU Long Spats nux-F, again Enchong wears arena ARN-4091 WHT Silicone Swimming Cap, AGL-1400 EMBL swimming glass (mirror Swedish type) and ARN-6005M GRN One-Piece Long Spats nux-K Power Strush and his sister Anj wears ARN-4091- WHT silicone swimming cap, AGL-1400_ EMBL swimming glass (mirror Swedish type) and ARN-6004W GRN NEW RIMIC nux-K POWER STRUSH, Johan is wearing speedo Aqua V Silicone Cap - Black (8-087750001), speedsocket Unisex Goggle - Black (8-705895555) and FASTSKIN FS-PRO Men's Bodysuit - Black (8-008053218), Ken wears arena ARN-4091 WHT silicone swimming cap, AGL-1400 YLRD swimming glass (mirror Swedish type) and ARN-6009M RED RIMIC nux- K and sister Kim wears ARN-4091 WHT silicone swimming cap, AGL-1400 EMBL swimming glass (mirror Swedish type) and ARN-6004W BLU NEW RIMIC nux-K POWER STRUSH, Miggy wears wears arena ARN-4091 BLK silicone swimming cap, AGL-1400 BLSK swimming glass (mirror Swedish type) and ARN-8507M BLK One-Piece Long Spats LASCLE/Nux-W and sister Mariel wears arena ARN-4091 WHT silicone swimming cap, AGL-1400 EMBL swimming glass (mirror Swedish type) and ARN-8504W GRN New RIMIC LASCLE nux-W, Gian wears speedo Aqua V Silicone Swimming Cap - Black (8-087750001), speedsocket Unisex Goggle - Black (8-705895555) and LZR Racer Men's Bodyskin (8-018030001), Zeus wears arena ARN-4091 BLK silicone swimming cap and ARN-8507M ENG One-Piece Long Spats LASCLE nux-W and sister Ak wears arena ARN-4091 WHT silicone swimming cap and ARN-8504W ENG New RIMIC LASCLE nux-W and Sean wears arena ARN-4091 BLK silicone swimming cap, AGL-1400_ EMBL swimming glass (mirror Swedish type) and ARN-6005M BLU One-Piece Long Spats NUX-K POWER STRUSH.

But in August 2008, when Molina, Dee and Aguilar was in the Milo commercial "Swimmer Champion."

To recall, Dee and Aguilar of the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Tankers along with Uy and Berino of University of the Philippines (UP) Maroon Tankers and A. Carandang of University of Santo Tomas (UST) Tigersharks wold have a pictorial soon, both of them so young!

Take your marks: Ilustre dives into the SEA games

Swimming is such a graceful yet grueling sport. Each precise and perfected stroke that propels swimmers through the water in smooth, sharp glides can only point to the hours they spend counting laps with pruning fingers. It takes sheer dedication for a swimmer to thrive in this highly competitive sport, and Green Tanker Sacho Ilustre is a true marker of success.

After stellar performances in the UAAP, having been hailed as the Rookie of the Year and the Most Valuable Player in Season 81 and Season 82, respectively—along with an abounding number of other awards—Ilustre has proven that he is a force to be reckoned with in the water. Being brought up by a family of swimmers that pushed him to an early start in the sport, it is no wonder he swims with such passion and dedication. His lifetime devotion to swimming has bolstered him to major successes and grand opportunities, and this year, he has earned a coveted spot to represent the Philippines in the upcoming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

Into a wider horizon

Ilustre made waves in the international scene when he debuted as a national athlete in the 38th Southeast Asian Age Group Swimming Championship in January 2015, wherein he garnered two bronze medals for the country—one in the 200m freestyle event and another in the 200m butterfly. With the greater exposure, the then 15-year-old swimmer earned himself greater recognition in the Philippines as he reset the 200m butterfly secondary record in the 2015 Palarong Pambansa.

“Sobrang nag-open ng eyes sa’kin ‘yung experience na ‘yon. Doon ko [rin] na-realize that I can change to [reach] the international stage. I started to see the possibility of getting a whole lot better in my game,” Ilustre delightedly shares.

(That experience really opened my eyes. That’s when I realized I can get [to] the international stage.)

At his young age, opportunities opened up for him, leading him to further amass medals in different swimming competitions locally and internationally. This ultimately brought him to the Green Tankers, where he continues to build on his successes in the sport, having recently garnered seven gold medals during the UAAP Season 82 swim meet.

Entering a new phase

Persistent in his passion, Ilustre participated in the qualifying competition for the upcoming SEA Games. He almost booked a spot during the second day of the four-day qualifying competition—if only he had been 0.4 seconds faster. This disheartened him as he considered his remaining chances to compete in the international biennial event. “I thought to myself, if I don’t get in today, I might just start focusing on studying na lang,” he confesses.

However, trained and tested in international tournaments, he gathered his confidence and conquered his jitters until the very last event. On the final day of the qualifications, Ilustre seized a ticket to vie against the best in Southeast Asia in front of his home crowd.

With the green light on, he began a more intensive training regimen to sharpen his technique and build endurance with speed. Although the early routines and the afternoon training sessions of the Green Tankers pushed him to reach this level—which he was grateful for—Ilustre points out that leveling up his training exercises was necessary in building a better physique as he will be facing tougher opponents. He also seeks training camps and programs to further refine his skills and give himself a better chance to earn a podium finish, as he shares, “I told myself if I was [going to] get into preparation for this, I need to commit; I need to give it my all.”

Despite the pressure of being relatively inexperienced compared with his competition, the prospect of swimming with and against the best in the region excites him for the tournament ahead. In fact, training together with them is an added motivation for him. “Swimming wasn’t just a competition; it was meant to be enjoyed. The process was meant to be enjoyed, with swimmers like me who have the same goals,”
he discusses.

Chasing victory 

Although achieving a spot to represent his country in the SEA Games is a feat on its own, Ilustre recognizes that there are numerous hurdles that still lay ahead.

Upon his arrival at his training camp in Australia, he shares that his coach immediately reminded him that the mentor’s role was simply teaching—but the work and progress would have to come from Ilustre himself. Agreeing with his coach’s philosophy, the Lasallian considers himself as his biggest challenge in his preparations leading up to the competition.

“Ako, sarili ko talaga ang kalaban,” Ilustre expresses.

(I really am my own competition.)

As the clock winds down to the 30th edition of the SEA Games, the Green Tanker continues his vigorous training with the awareness that it will take a great amount of strength, both physically and mentally, to compete in three demanding events—200m freestyle, 4x100m freestyle relay, and 4x200m freestyle relay.

Ilustre is looking to give his best and achieve success not just for himself, but also for his family and the local swimming community as a whole. “Swimming has done a lot of things for my family,” he reflects. “Its community has given me so much that I want to give back, and I think [giving back will] be in the form of performing really well for the country.” This perfectly captures the support system that will be rooting for Ilustre’s every stroke and empowering him throughout the entirety of the upcoming competition.

In his pursuit of victory, he finds his motivation in the bigger picture of it all—in the people he will be proudly representing.

“Imagine swimming and looking at the bleachers, punong puno ng kababayan natin!” he exclaims. “It’ll be an honor.”

(Imagine swimming and looking at the bleachers filled with our countrymen!)

https://thelasallian.com/2019/11/13/take-your-marks-ilustre-dives-into-the-sea-games/

Team Philippines SEA Games MVPs!

Did you know that these three Filipino athletes were named most valuable player of the Games on 3 different occasions? All of them were swimmers!

Akiko Thomson (1989)
Eric Buhain (1991)
Miguel Molina (2007)

4-time swimming gold medalist Miguel Molina was named the Most Valuable Male Player of the 2007 Southeast Asian Games, the third Filipino (and also the third Filipino swimmer) to bag the major award for outstanding SEA Games performance after Akiko Thomson in 1989 Kuala Lumpur Games and Eric Buhain in the 1991 Manila Games.

He is the winner of the 200 and 400-meter individual medley and 200-meter breaststroke in the Manila SEA Games, gained a slot in the 2008 Beijing Olympics when his clocking of 2:03.06 in the 200m IM met the Olympic qualifying time of 2:05.65

No other than De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Tankers and Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Stingrays member and 2007 UAAP swimming championship men's division MVP Ernest Lorenzo "Enchong" Dee participated at the 2007 Southeast Asian Games swimming competitions at the Aquatic Center, His Majesty the King's 80th Birthday Anniversary Stadium, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, when he was in lane 8 of men’s 100-meter butterfly finals on Sunday, December 9, 2007 at past 6:29 p.m. local time (7:29 p.m. Manila time) and lane 1 of men’s 200- meter butterfly finals on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at past 6:20 p.m. local time (7:20 p.m. Manila time) due to activists clashed with riot police in Manila, Quezon City, Rodriguez, San Mateo, Marikina, San Juan, Mandaluyong, Makati, Pasig, Cainta, Taytay, Angono, Binangonan, Pasay, Paranaque, Las Pinas, Muntinlupa and San Pedro, and he was the eighth place finish in the said event with the time of 56.87 seconds (100-meter butterfly) and 2 minutes, 11.47 seconds (200-meter butterfly).

Despite the live broadcast streaming of the aquatics events at the 2007 Southeast Asian Games included swimming, diving and water polo in mall activity centers nationwide, also at the Activity Center of Star City amusement park, the police clash with protesters in the Filipino capital Manila at past 7:29 p.m. of Sunday, December 9, 2007 near the Sofitel Philippine plaza hotel to Star City, also they marched to One ECom Center in SM Mall of Asia complex.

Besides Molina and Dee is fellow DLSU Green Tanker and Makati Skipjacks Swimming Club member Johansen Benedict "Johan" Aguilar in men's 200-meter backstroke heats and finals last December 7, 2007.

Flanking next to Olympian Molina, DLSU Green Tankers Dee and Aguilar is University of the Philippines (UP) Maroon Tanker Kendrick "Ken" Uy in men's 100-meter freestyle finals last Saturday, December 8, 2007 at past 6 p.m. (7 p.m. Manila time).

Aside from Uy is fellow UP Maroon Tanker and 2007 UAAP Swimming Championship Juniors Division MVP Gian Berino in men's 1,500-meter freestyle finals last Monday, December 10, 2007 at past 6:29 p.m. (7:29 p.m. local time).

In photo and video shoots, when Enchong is wearing arena AGL-1400_ EMBL swimming glass (mirror Swedish type) and ARN-6014 DGRN Half Spats nux-F, while Johan wears speedo Aqua V Silicone Cap - Black (8-087750001), speedsocket Unisex Goggle - Black (8-705895555) and FASTSKIN FS-PRO Men's Legskin - Black (8-008083218), Ken wears arena ARN-4091 WHT silicone swimming cap, AGL-1400 YLRD goggle and rimic nux-F ARN-6015 DRED and Gian wears speedo FASTSKIN LZR RACER Legskin - Black (8-018040001), again Enchong wears arena ARN-4091 WHT Silicone Swimming Cap, AGL-1400 EMBL swimming glass (mirror Swedish type) and ARN-6005M GRN One-Piece Long Spats nux-K Power Strush and his sister Anj wears ARN-4091-WHT silicone swimming cap, AGL-1400_ EMBL swimming glass (mirror Swedish type) and ARN-6004W GRN NEW RIMIC nux-K POWER STRUSH, Johan is wearing speedo Aqua V Silicone Cap - Black (8-087750001), speedsocket Unisex Goggle - Black (8-705895555) and FASTSKIN FS-PRO Men's Bodysuit - Black (8-008053218), Ken wears arena ARN-4091 WHT silicone swimming cap, AGL-1400 YLRD goggle and ARN-6009M RED RIMIC nux-K and sister Kim wears ARN-4091 WHT silicone swimming cap, AGL-1400_ EMBL swimming glass (mirror Swedish type) and ARN-6004W BLU NEW RIMIC nux-K POWER STRUSH and Gian wears speedo Aqua V Silicone Swimming Cap - Black (8-087750001), speedsocket Unisex Goggle - Black (8-705895555) and LZR Racer Men's Bodyskin (8-018030001).

Anj Dee for JINS LRF-13A-708 and arena ARN-6012W DGRN RIMIC nux-F

Anj and Enchong Dee for arena nux-F

Enchong Dee for arena ARN-6014 DGRN Half Spats nux-F

Anj Dee for arena ARN-6012W DGRN RIMIC nux-F

Renovation of old facilities seen as rebirth of PH sports

In this photo taken on December 15, 2016, street dwellers sleep outside the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Manila. INQUIRER PHOTO/LYN RILLON

There are several promising athletes that remain untapped to this day due to the lack of sports facilities.

With the renovation of facilities inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila and Philsports in Pasig City being undertaken by the Philippine Sports Commission, these undiscovered athletes will now have a world-class training ground where they improve their craft.

Members of the House Committee on Youth and Sports Development visited both complexes on Wednesday and hailed the renovation as the renaissance of Philippine sports due to the opportunities these venues can provide to the Filipino athlete.

“There are more Lydia De Vegas, Elma Muros, Isidro Del Prados and Teofilo Yldefonsos out there, who don’t have the chance to hone their skills due to the deficiency of world-class facilities,” said House committee chairperson Eric Martinez.

“These new facilities inside RMSC and Philsports will address the need,” added the representative from the 2nd district of Valenzuela City.

PSC Chairman Butch Ramirez toured Martinez around the complex with House committee members Rep. Faustino Michael Carlos Dy III of Isabela, Rep. Strike Revilla of Cavite, Rep. John Rey Tiangco of Navotas and Rep. Jose Teves Jr. from TGP party-list.

The newly-refurbished Rizal Memorial Coliseum inside RMSC will be completed come Nov. 15, the first time it experienced complete renovation since the 1935.

Three hundred meters away is the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, which will reopen on Nov. 21, nine days away from the kick-off ceremony of the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

These facilities are part of the P842.5-million financial assistance that the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) has given to the PSC for the total facelift of both complexes.

https://sports.inquirer.net/372488/renovation-of-old-facilities-seen-as-rebirth-of-ph-sports

Enchong Dee 2009 UAAP swimming Championship MVP profile with JINS Airframe U377 Spider

Legends send off current Nationals Nov. 13

Boxing heroes Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco Jr. and Leopoldo Serantes, bowling Hall-of-Famers Rafael “Paeng” Nepomuceno and Olivia “Bong” Coo will tell their stories of victory to inspire Filipino athletes bound for the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

Together with track legends Lydia de Vega-Mercado and Elma Muros-Posadas, those great personalities will be in a festive get-together on Nov. 13 to send off the athletes who will be tasked to reclaim the overall title in the 11-nation event starting on Nov. 30.

No less than President Duterte will join them along with the country’s top sports officials during the “Team Philippines Send-off ng Bayan” at the newly refurbished Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.

All 1,115 Filipino athletes from 56 sports are expected to join the assembly as yesterday’s sports heroes share their secret recipes for success.

Philippine Sports Commission Commissioner Ramon Fernandez, a former national team standout during his prime, will also have his time to say some inspirational words.

Bamboo, known as the Prince of Philippine Rock, will be the main act during the entertainment segment of the sendoff ceremony where the theme song of Team Philippines will also be unveiled.

The Philippines last hosted the Games in 2005 and won the overall title with an astounding haul of 112 gold medals and 290 overall.

Thailand finished second that year with 87 gold medals and 117 bronzes making up the bulk of its 283 tally.

Team Philippines also had 85 silver and 93 bronze medals.

The country will be banking heavily on combat sports like taekwondo, boxing, karatedo, judo, jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, arnis, wushu, wrestling and muay as primary gold-medal sources in the Games.

Other medal-rich events are athletics, aquatics, billiards, chess, dancesport, triathlon, traditional boat race, weightlifting, golf and team sports basketball, softball, baseball, ice hockey and rugby sevens.

https://sports.inquirer.net/371787/legends-send-off-current-nationals-nov-13