Saturday, November 30, 2019

IN PHOTOS: Richard Gomez, Mikee Cojuangco, and other celebrities who represented the Philippines in an international sporting event

These celebrities once donned the national team colors as they represented the Philippines in an international sporting event.


Richard Gomez

Matinee idol of the '90s, Richard Gomez, represented the Philippines multiple times in an international sporting event.


National Rowing Team

From 1989-1991, Richard was part of the Philippine National Men's Rowing Team.


Fencing

Aside from rowing, Richard also won a Gold Medal in the 2005 Southeast Asian Games as a member of the Men's Épée team representing the Philippines.


Volleyball

In 2014, Richard was part of the Philippine Men's National Volleyball Team that competed in the Asian Men's Club Volleyball Championship held in Manila.


Mikee Cojuangco

During her showbiz career, Mikee Cojuangco competed in the 2002 Busan Asian Games.


Gold Medal

Mikee won the Philippines' third and last gold medal in that event.


Enchong Dee

Before joining showbiz, Enchong was part of the varsity swimming team of De La Salle University.

Ernest Dee was named the tournament Most Valuable Player in the men’s side with 63 points while Luica Gaudes Dacanay won the women’s MVP with 63 points.

Maxim Christopher Quilala of DLSU took the Rookie of the Year honors with 47 points Marvie Borja got 35 points to win the women’s ROY.

DLSU swim team really is going no where; looks like Enchong and Ixxie are the only silver linings. A sad state considering where we were 5 years ago na double champs. Thanks to those who updated us with results and pictures namely jan carlo, danavila and orangersey, your updates are far more informative than what some sportswriters contribute.

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Several UAAP records in the 50-, 100- and 200-meter butterfly events and 400-meter individual medley relay were broken by himself, a political science major and ABS-CBN talent and Bench model. Dee was also chosen 70th season MVP or most valuable player. Ixxi Quilala, also of DLSU, was named rookie of the year.

Virtually unnoticed in the last weeks that have been dominated by typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng was the outstanding feat of De La Salle University’s (DLSU) 21-year old Enchong Dee who led the Green Tankers to the championship of the 72nd UAAP swimming competitions held at the Trace Aquatic Sports Complex, Los Baños. Dee won his third consecutive MVP award and won the gold in all 21 events he swam the past three years. Dee’s events were the 50m, 100m and 200m butterfly; 800m and 1500m freestyle; and 200m and 400m individual medley. Dee ends his UAAP career with four records while being a mainstay in ABS-CBN’s evening telenovelas. All these while graduating with honors and continuing on his graduate studies in development studies. The UAAP swimming competitions have been organized the past three years by Sports Management Solutions and staged at Trace College, an event partner. Speedo is the other event partner while other sponsors are PAGCOR, Madrigal Dormitories, World Balance and Gatorade.



SEA Games

At 17 years old, Enchong made his debut in the 2005 SEA Games in Manila. 



He once again competed in the 2007 held at Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand respectively.











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 Philippine 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 next to 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 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).
















To recall, Enchong is being part of arena swimwear when he wears arena AGL-1400 EMBL swimming glass (mirror Swedish type) and ARN-6015 DGRN rimic nux-F, while his sister Anj 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) and Johan Aguilar wears speedo Aqua V Silicone Swimming Cap - Black (8-087750001) and speedsocket Mirrored Goggle - Black (8-705890000) and agonswim Florida Gators Mesh Training Suit Fully Front & Back Lined (ACX111510TRS2MES) based on episode 3, part 3 of Your Song presents Boystown, again he wears 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 Anj is wearing Valentino Schoolwear White Swim Cap DL1000 Latex, arena AGL-1400_ EMBL swimming glass (mirror Swedish type) and ARN-6012W DGRN rimic nux-F inspired from Ceelin Plus commercial “Swimmer” in 2009 and shot on location at the Olympic-size swimming pool of Makati Aqua Sports Arena, again, he wears arena ARN-4091-WHT silicone swimming cap, AGL-1400_ EMBL swimming glass (mirror Swedish type) and aile bleue ARN-6008M GRN Half Spats nux-K Power Strush and competes in men's 50, 100 and 200-meter butterfly and 200-meter individual medley heats and finals, fourth when he 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 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 for men's and women's 400-meter individual medley, women's 800-meter freestyle and men's 1,500-meter freestyle events based on Milo commercial “Swimmer Champion” in 2008 and shot on location at the swimming pool of Trace Aquatic Center in Los Banos, Laguna.









Two years after his graduation, Enchong signed with JINS Eyewear and Nike to wear JINS Airframe U377 (Spider), 2011 Nike exclusive De La Salle Dri-Fit tee (white) it was bundled with 2009 adidas DLSU cap (Unisex, Fairway/White) and hoodie and pant (Fairway/White).











To recall, Enchong would wear JINS Airframe U377 (Spider), 2009 Adidas DLSU hoodie (green), 2011 Nike exclusive De La Salle Dri-Fit tee (white), BENCH/ BODY Hipster Brief - White (BUB2032WH3), BENCH/ Skinny Jeans - Black (LAM6000) and DC Men's At-3 Mid Shoe, Royal Blue/Armor would be exhibited at BENCH/ stores nationwide because he was in Bench Uncut: A Bolder Look at the Future 2010 denim and underwear show at the Araneta Coliseum also got wild cheers from the audience and he shows his athletic side with these dance moves, and doing workouts at Bodyworx Spa & Fitness Club instead of Anytime Fitness Dona Hemady before doing a photo shoot at BENCH/ Tower.

BRAZIL. The show reached its peak during the Brazil segment.

Pokwang was followed by Kapuso actress Carla Abellana and Kapamilya heartthrob Enchong Dee.

"The colorful Brazil portion was inspired by exotic birds of the Amazon, according to designer Val Taguba. The most action-packed segment featuring accidental porn star Katrina Halili and young heartthrob Enchong Dee." ('Bench Uncut': It's a tradition!', CHUVANESS By Cecile Van Straten, The Philippine Star, July 7, 2010)

“When Enchong Dee made his entrance at this year’s Bench Universe show, he owned the night in no less than an aerial canoe, looking every bit the gladiator with his toned body and feisty stance.” (Metro Magazine, November 2012)

Again, Enchong is wearing JINS Airframe U377 (Spider), 2009 adidas DLSU cap (Unisex, Fairway/White) and hoodie and pant (fairway/white), 2011 Nike exclusive De La Salle Dri-Fit tee (white and green), adidas Originals Socks - Solid Crew 2-pack Ash (Green/White/Green) and Jeans Leather Trainers (White/Green) while Johan Aguilar wears JINS MMF-15S-U046 (Black Steel), 2012 Nike De La Salle game jacket and pant (green) and 2011 Nike exclusive De La Salle Dri-Fit tee (green and white).







While in the music scene, his songs from their albums "Enchong Dee" and "EDM: Enchong Dee Moves" under Star Music such as "Chinito Problems," "Seloso," "Step No Step Yes," "Isip O Puso," "Telenobela," "Oo Gusto Kita", "Sa Huli," "'Di Ko Alam" and "Hanggang Dito na Lang" (featuring Maja Salvador).


For his part, Enchong Dee can’t sing to save his life—but, let’s get this straight, his self-titled debut album is a triumph of technology more than a testament of his singing ability.

For the most part, the compilation banks on the innovative skills of the creative minds behind it, in this case arranger RB “Kidwolf” Barbaso.

Barbaso assembles provocative beats that effectively drown out Dee’s negligible trills, especially in the otherwise fun-filled “Tambalang OMG,” which the actor performs with the similarly “digitized” Alex Gonzaga.

Dee turns wishful thinking into musical reality—and the result is a repertoire of expendable jingles (“Seloso,” the self-penned “Isip o Puso”) that rely on Barbaso’s sizzling arrangements, most impressively in the enthusiastic reworking of VST & Co.’s “Step No, Step Yes.”

“Chinito Problems” introduces an innovative treat by mashing up Jed Dumawal’s melodically appealing hooks with a sampling of the jaunty hit single, “Chinito,” spruced up with Yeng Constantino’s gorgeously amped up and high-pitched vocals!


Friday, November 29, 2019

TIMOW’S TURF SPECIAL: COUNTDOWN TO SEA GAMES


 For the very artsy people, the official logo of this year’s SEA Games is unforgivably a “cringe”, “uncreative” and an “eyesore.” In the end, would this be memorable or be forgettable?

AS the preliminary competitions of few sporting events in the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games are underway, tomorrow (November 30) will showcase the greatest spectacle of sports in the region after 14 years.

The last time we hosted back in 2005, social media wasn’t penetrated into the market and smartphones didn’t exist yet. Today, mobile Internet access has expanded either to catch up the action in real-time or to notify if the athletes are qualified for the next round.

In that gap of time, venues like the Mall of Asia Arena and the Philippine Arena have been erected and are ready for use to showcase sports. Also, ambitious plans were aggressively concreted, particularly in the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.

Before we go further behind the scenes with the present edition, let’s recap the moments when we previously hosted the biennial regional multi-sport meet.

Past Hostings at a Glance

1981 (11th Edition)

  • DATES: December 6 to 15
  • NUMBER OF SPORTS: 18
  • PHILIPPINES’ OVERALL RANKING: 3rd of 7
  • BROADCASTERS: Maharlika Broadcasting System and Banahaw Broadcasting Corporation


Martial law has already been lifted in the early part of that year but President Marcos remained in power as he was re-elected and the media remained restricted.

In that edition, their then-new infrastructure was built in Pasig called the University of Life Track & Field and Arena or simply called ULTRA (now PhilSports Arena).

In the sporting proper, Lydia de Vega wowed the country with two gold medals in 200 and 400-meter sprints, earning the nickname “Asia’s Sprint Queen.” Bong Coo emerged in the spotlight as the top tenpin bowler with six medals (four of which is gold).

1991 (16th Edition)


  • DATES: November 24 to December 3
  • NUMBER OF SPORTS: 28
  • PHILIPPINES’ OVERALL RANKING: 2nd of 9
  • BROADCASTERS: People’s Television Network (PTV), ABS-CBN, IBC and RPN


While the host city was in Metro Manila, four sports (archery, canoeing, sailing and triathlon) were held in Subic Bay. At that time, Subic was packing up after the decision of the renewal of the US naval base was rejected by the Senate two months prior.

This edition was the only edition where the overall championship was heavily contested; the deciding medal came from the last sporting event — the women’s triathlon — where Indonesia got the gold medal.

Athletes associated with the said edition include Eric Buhain, Akiko Thompson (swimming) and Bea Lucero (gymnast turned taekwondoka). Lydia de Vega redeemed her title as the “Asia’s Fastest Woman” and Elma Muros was celebrated for the long jump. Our men’s basketball team regained the cage supremacy by defeating Thailand in the finals.

2005 (23rd Edition)

  • DATES: November 27 to December 5
  • NUMBER OF SPORTS: 40
  • PHILIPPINES’ OVERALL RANKING: 1st of 11
  • BROADCASTERS: National Broadcasting Network (NBN), ABC and IBC

This was the first SEA Games that some events took place outside Luzon and first that both ceremonies were not staged in a stadium — they were staged in Quirino Grandstand.

While the official hymn was “We’re All Just One,” Rivermaya’s “Posible” will forever be associated as the popular song of this Games.

This was the edition where basketball, our national pastime, was not held due to the suspension by FIBA to compete internationally. Nevertheless, this was the first time that we became an overall champion.

In this edition
There are 530 events in 56 sports taking place for this 12-day affair (not counting the days before the opening ceremony) across Luzon.

For the first time, the bookend ceremonies will take place separately; tomorrow, they will open at the Philippine Arena but they will close in their ambitious New Clark City Athletics Stadium on December 11.

The theme of this edition is “We Win as One,” with its corresponding theme song performed by Lea Salonga:


The Broadcasters

While Pittsburgh-based NEP Group will produce these sports events but there are local broadcasters that will supply the coverage.

Initially, TV5 and ABS-CBN are potential candidates.

For the former, it was a no-brainer since they have significant sportscasting experience placed in their dossier before the organizing committee despite criticisms of putting commercials during the ceremonies (you can watch them sans interruption through their YouTube Livestream). With their broadcast franchise safe for another 25 years, hence, they became the official media partner. Cignal TV has allocated three channels for this one-off event, in addition to One Sports.

Regarding the latter, it was initially screened due to their technological advancements but its franchise will expire in four months and Congress has not prioritized it. Also, their main channel’s biggest concern is that their schedule is completely committed to competition shows (the opening ceremony is a Saturday) and teleseryes (closing ceremony falls on a Wednesday) but they have S+A and Liga to the rescue.

CONFIRMED: By secret agreement, the OC will be carried live on ABS-CBN (pre-empting any shows that follow) and iWant with S+A catching up in delay by 15 minutes. TV5 will be delayed by an hour and a half — harmonizing with the rest of the Cignal channels.

PTV almost left out

By intuition from history, PTV must be there to cover this biennial regional sports meet. This is the usual trend for other Southeast Asian nations. In the last iteration in Kuala Lumpur in 2017, we have done so but under last-minute pressure by then-Philippine Olympic Committee President Peping Cojuangco.

Because of the initial screening, the state broadcaster was almost left out causing concern for Senator Francis Tolentino during the 2020 budget deliberations on the Presidential Communications Operations Office last September 26.

There is a valid, consensual justification to include this state TV network: President Rodrigo Duterte is required to be present — as it is a traditional protocol for a head of state — and to simply read the opening formula (i.e. no alibis and no cussing) after the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee’s (PHISGOC) chair, House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, delivered their welcoming remarks.

Who’s taking the slice?

Per common reports, at least 11 events will be carried live: aquatics (diving and swimming), athletics, badminton, basketball (5×5 and 3×3), boxing, football, gymnastics, sepak takraw, taekwondo, indoor volleyball, and E-sports.

As per individual media entities, ABS-CBN is said to cover exclusively on volleyball and soccer while ESPN5 will supply the rest, with emphasis on basketball (on the main channel), eSports (certainly on 5Plus) and aquatics.

On the other hand, PTV is reportedly taking care of skateboarding and BMX (cycling); although they will cover random sporting events that are not exclusive to private entities.

The rest of the sporting action will be covered through the Facebook live streams, on YouTube channel of ESPN5 and in iWant.

Of course, there will be always highlights throughout each progressing day, regardless if they are media partners or not.