By Azer Parrocha
President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday honored over 800 Filipino athletes who competed in the 30th Southeast Asian Games held from November 30 to December 11.
In his speech, Duterte personally congratulated the Filipino athletes for winning the overall championship in the biennial regional multi-sport event.
“I am deeply honored to be in the presence of our athletes who have emerged victorious in the recently concluded 30th Southeast Asian Games held in our country. Your triumph showcases the athleticism and sporting prowess of our people to our neighbors in Southeast Asia,” Duterte said.
“I am really very happy to no end,” he added, noting that he would brag about Filipino athletes to Southeast Asian neighbors.
A total of 149 gold, 117 silver, and 121 bronze medals were snagged by the Philippine team to win the overall championship since 2005 and its second top finish in the history of the SEA Games.
Duterte described the country’s overall championship as a “windfall” or unexpected good fortune despite particular logistical issues prior to the SEA Games’ formal opening.
He also committed to give the athletes an additional PHP21 million on top of the incentives to medalists provided by the law.
Republic Act 10699 grants PHP300,000; PHP150,000; and PHP60,000 for SEA Games’ gold, silver, and bronze medalists, respectively.
The President, meanwhile, floated the possibility of asking Congress to raise the monthly allowances of Filipino national athletes.
“I'll try to talk things over with Congress. Yung allowance ninyo, dapat yung pagkain libre na. Yung allowance ninyo, allowance na ninyo ‘yan (You should keep the allowance to yourselves. Food should be free),” Duterte said.
“PHP250,000 a month, okay na siguro ‘yan (does it sound okay to you)? We will try to raise the money,” he added.
On top of the incentives, Duterte conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu rank of Kamagi to all of the medalists.
The Order of Lapu-Lapu is given to those “deserving of merit and recognition and to fully express the President’s appreciation of the Filipino people’s contributions to the success of the campaigns and the programs of the government.”
Also during the event, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) turned over PHP117 million for the incentives of medalists.
Duterte later prodded Pagcor chair Andrea Domingo to providing an additional PHP100 million for the medalists.
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) William “Butch” Ramirez presented the President with the Philippine team’s trophy for its winning overall championship.
Duterte also obliged for a “groufie” with Filipino athletes while remaining on stage.
Stay out of drugs, terrorism
Warning athletes that illegal drugs and terrorism could destroy their lives, the President also urged athletes to instead “seek sanctuary” in the many human activities such as sports.
Duterte discouraged them from using illegal drugs, saying that it “is really a more dangerous thing to do.”
He also expressed his desire to end communist insurgency anew, stressing the youth were made to believe that it was an easy way of getting out of poverty.
“Pag pumasok kayo diyan habang ako naging Presidente, delikado talaga ‘yan (If you join rebel groups while I’m President, that’s really dangerous). Stay out of it. It is the most dangerous activity that you can really mess up with. Mamatay ka diyan (You could die there),” Duterte said.
“Ngayon, sa sports nalang maghanap nalang ng pera, mag-training kayo (Look for money through sports. Continue training). I don't mind. Basta (Just) stay clean,” he added.
The President defended anew his controversial war on drugs, saying he was “cruel in many ways” because he loved the country and the youth.
He also hit human rights groups anew for lacking common sense, noting that killing drug lords and other criminals was the best way to ensure a safer country.
Secret weapon vs. drugs
Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) chairman and House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said promoting sports is one of the President’s “secret weapons” in fighting illegal drugs.
“When the President took office in 2016, he had one directive for us, one clear vision: a safe and comfortable life for all. At simple lang po ang guidelines niya (And his guidelines are simple). If you remove crime especially drugs, corruption from the country, we can give every single Filipino a safe and comfortable life,” Cayetano said.
“Many, especially those in the West, akala po nila unidimensional yung approach ni Presidente sapagkat very simple ang utos niya-- (thought the President's approach was undimensional because his order is simple) to fight crime, corruption, drugs, safe and comfortable life not knowing that sports was one of the secret weapons of President Duterte in fighting drugs, in giving our young people a better future,” he added.
Cayetano, meanwhile, thanked the President for considering sports as “part of nation-building.”
“You cannot take sports, culture out of education and if we truly believe in sports, we will put our money where our mouth is,” he said.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089104
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
De Lima seeks Senate probe into country's hosting of 2019 SEA Games
Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has sought an immediate Senate investigation into the alleged irregularities that marred the country's hosting of the recently concluded 2019 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games).
De Lima filed Senate Resolution (SR) No. 274 directing the appropriate Senate committee to conduct an investigation on the reported organizational and administrative problems, as well as possible corruption, which affected the biennial sports meet.
"As we celebrate our athletes' most successful campaign in recent memory, it is likewise important for our government to scrutinize our performance both as a host country and as patrons to our athletes," she said.
"The reports on organizational problems surrounding our preparation betrays a political dynamic that could translate to even greater problems in our sports programs in the future," she added.
Prior to its opening on Nov. 30, the country's hosting of the SEA Games has been beset by organizational issues, including early troubles with transportation and accommodations of teams from Myanmar, Timor-Leste and Cambodia, accreditation issues and lack of halal food for Singapore's delegation, and even problems with accreditation of media.
Delays were also noted on the construction of some sports venues, such as the Rizal Memoral Sports Complex and New Clark City, which some Filipino athletes saw as a lost opportunity for them to maximize their homecourt advantage ahead of the games.
Several volunteers for the SEA Games also aired their grievances over the lack of system and coordination of the volunteer program that resulted to some of them having to wait long hours just to get their accreditation IDs and uniforms.
Likewise, the Duterte administration also drew flaks for allocating an exorbitant amount, or a whopping 50 million pesos, for a 50-meter tall cauldron-type structure for the lighting of the SEA games flame.
The unrelenting backlash on social media received by the government due to the country's hosting of the event eventually forced apologies from the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) chaired by House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and the Palace.
"Proper management and governance necessitate that we conduct an inquiry on the recently concluded SEA Games, especially after the problems encountered were duly documented by the mass media," De Lima pointed out.
She also underscored the need to scrutinize the organizational structure through which the country hosts international sporting events to ensure that the funds will be properly given to institutions with the mandate and capability to properly utilize them.
"There is need to investigate the existing sports legislation to ensure that support and funding are given to the agencies that have proper mandate and that accountability lies even with private organizations, especially those who have access to government resources," she said.
"While problems of disorganization, incompetence, and inefficiency can be resolved through institutional mechanisms, what cannot be countenanced is the scandalous probability that in the middle of all this disorganization and incompetence, certain high public officials still might have enriched themselves in the procurement of government contracts for the hosting of the games," she added.
Philippine Sports Commission Chairman and current PHISGOC Executive Board's co-vice chairperson William Ramirez attributed the delayed preparations in the SEA games to the dynamics between Philippine Olympic Committee and PHISGOC officials and the delayed passage of the national budget.
https://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2019/1218_delima2.asp
De Lima filed Senate Resolution (SR) No. 274 directing the appropriate Senate committee to conduct an investigation on the reported organizational and administrative problems, as well as possible corruption, which affected the biennial sports meet.
"As we celebrate our athletes' most successful campaign in recent memory, it is likewise important for our government to scrutinize our performance both as a host country and as patrons to our athletes," she said.
"The reports on organizational problems surrounding our preparation betrays a political dynamic that could translate to even greater problems in our sports programs in the future," she added.
Prior to its opening on Nov. 30, the country's hosting of the SEA Games has been beset by organizational issues, including early troubles with transportation and accommodations of teams from Myanmar, Timor-Leste and Cambodia, accreditation issues and lack of halal food for Singapore's delegation, and even problems with accreditation of media.
Delays were also noted on the construction of some sports venues, such as the Rizal Memoral Sports Complex and New Clark City, which some Filipino athletes saw as a lost opportunity for them to maximize their homecourt advantage ahead of the games.
Several volunteers for the SEA Games also aired their grievances over the lack of system and coordination of the volunteer program that resulted to some of them having to wait long hours just to get their accreditation IDs and uniforms.
Likewise, the Duterte administration also drew flaks for allocating an exorbitant amount, or a whopping 50 million pesos, for a 50-meter tall cauldron-type structure for the lighting of the SEA games flame.
The unrelenting backlash on social media received by the government due to the country's hosting of the event eventually forced apologies from the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) chaired by House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and the Palace.
"Proper management and governance necessitate that we conduct an inquiry on the recently concluded SEA Games, especially after the problems encountered were duly documented by the mass media," De Lima pointed out.
She also underscored the need to scrutinize the organizational structure through which the country hosts international sporting events to ensure that the funds will be properly given to institutions with the mandate and capability to properly utilize them.
"There is need to investigate the existing sports legislation to ensure that support and funding are given to the agencies that have proper mandate and that accountability lies even with private organizations, especially those who have access to government resources," she said.
"While problems of disorganization, incompetence, and inefficiency can be resolved through institutional mechanisms, what cannot be countenanced is the scandalous probability that in the middle of all this disorganization and incompetence, certain high public officials still might have enriched themselves in the procurement of government contracts for the hosting of the games," she added.
Philippine Sports Commission Chairman and current PHISGOC Executive Board's co-vice chairperson William Ramirez attributed the delayed preparations in the SEA games to the dynamics between Philippine Olympic Committee and PHISGOC officials and the delayed passage of the national budget.
https://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2019/1218_delima2.asp
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Nike bids farewell to BGC Hyper Court
The Nike Hyper Court in Bonifacio Global City had been recently reclaimed for redevelopment by its landowners
The iconic Nike Hyper Court in the Bonifacio Global City is set to close its doors at the end of 2019.
After serving as an avenue for the Filipinos' love for basketball since 2017, the court had been recently reclaimed for redevelopment by its landowners.
To commemorate the closure of the Hyper Court, Nike held a series of 3x3 games for both male and female ballers with a number of renowned basketball players and coaches gracing the event.
PBA standouts Kiefer Ravena and CJ Perez, and collegiate stars Aljun Melecio, CJ Cansino, and Camille Clarin were among those present.
"Since our Hyper Court launched two years ago at the BGC, it has cemented its position as a thriving hub for Filipino ballers," said Nike Philippines country marketing manager Jino Ferrer.
Ronald Caliente, Albert Urbano, Chris Dabbay, and Clark Ongpauco of Team Happy ruled the men's division.
Meanwhile, Justin Alano, Jaine Del Prado, Matet Samonte, and Zahnezra Babasanta of Team Piyu reigned supreme in the women's division.
Four other Hyper Courts stand: the Ususan Court in Taguig, the Scarlet Homes Covered Court in Parañaque, and the YCL Covered Court in Quezon City.
On the other hand, the Comembo Covered Court in Makati is currently under renovation.
https://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/247350-nike-bids-farewell-bgc-hyper-court
The iconic Nike Hyper Court in the Bonifacio Global City is set to close its doors at the end of 2019.
After serving as an avenue for the Filipinos' love for basketball since 2017, the court had been recently reclaimed for redevelopment by its landowners.
To commemorate the closure of the Hyper Court, Nike held a series of 3x3 games for both male and female ballers with a number of renowned basketball players and coaches gracing the event.
PBA standouts Kiefer Ravena and CJ Perez, and collegiate stars Aljun Melecio, CJ Cansino, and Camille Clarin were among those present.
"Since our Hyper Court launched two years ago at the BGC, it has cemented its position as a thriving hub for Filipino ballers," said Nike Philippines country marketing manager Jino Ferrer.
Ronald Caliente, Albert Urbano, Chris Dabbay, and Clark Ongpauco of Team Happy ruled the men's division.
Meanwhile, Justin Alano, Jaine Del Prado, Matet Samonte, and Zahnezra Babasanta of Team Piyu reigned supreme in the women's division.
Four other Hyper Courts stand: the Ususan Court in Taguig, the Scarlet Homes Covered Court in Parañaque, and the YCL Covered Court in Quezon City.
On the other hand, the Comembo Covered Court in Makati is currently under renovation.
https://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/247350-nike-bids-farewell-bgc-hyper-court
Filipino athletes honored for winning medals in 30th Southeast Asian Games
The Senate today adopted three resolutions congratulating and commending a number of Filipino atheletes for winning medals in the recently concluded 30th Southeast Asian Games.
Senate Resolutions 245, 246 and 281 were introduced by Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri and Sen. Win Gatchalian respectively.
According to Zubiri, Christine Hallasgo brought honor to the country after she brought home the gold in the women's marathon held in Capas, Tarlac last December 6. He said Hallasgo added to the country's increasing gold medal harvest in the sporting meet.
Likewise, Zubiri said Sarah Noveno Dequinan made the country proud when she won the gold medal in the women's heptathlon also in Capas, Tarlac last December 8. He said Dequinan "improved the country's gold medal tally in the sporting meet."
He said Dequinan's feat had claimed a win that has eluded the Philippines since the legendary Elma Muros had achieved it in 2001.
Zubiri said both women deserve to be acknowledged for their astonishing feat in bringing honor and glory to the country by becoming champions in international sporting competitions.
"By delivering gold medals to the country in the 30th Southeast Asian Games, Hallasgo and Dequinan deserve to be recognized and commended for bringing pride and inspiration to the Filipino people and for showing to the world the unrelenting spirit of Filipino excellence," Zubiri said.
For his part, Gatchalian said six athletes from Valenzuela made the Filipinos proud when they hauled in medals during the Southeas Asian Games.
He named the Valenzuelanos as Fernando Jose Casares, gold medalists, Philippine triathlon-mixed team relay; Jeniel Bata-Anon, gold medalists, Philippine Esports team-mobile legends: Bang-bang; Brandhon Kyrielle Aquino, bronze medalist, sailing international 420 men's event; Baby Jessica Canabal, bronze medalist, taekwondo women's under 53 kgs; Noelito Jose, Jr, bronze medalist, fencing men's individual epee; John Michael Pasco, bronze medalists, beach handball.
"These Valenzuelano athletes are an inspiration, not only to our people but also to our leaders who shall continue to build a city and a home that will allow them to develop their talents, exceed their limits and achieve their dreams," Gatchalian said.
https://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2019/1217_prib2.asp
Senate Resolutions 245, 246 and 281 were introduced by Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri and Sen. Win Gatchalian respectively.
According to Zubiri, Christine Hallasgo brought honor to the country after she brought home the gold in the women's marathon held in Capas, Tarlac last December 6. He said Hallasgo added to the country's increasing gold medal harvest in the sporting meet.
Likewise, Zubiri said Sarah Noveno Dequinan made the country proud when she won the gold medal in the women's heptathlon also in Capas, Tarlac last December 8. He said Dequinan "improved the country's gold medal tally in the sporting meet."
He said Dequinan's feat had claimed a win that has eluded the Philippines since the legendary Elma Muros had achieved it in 2001.
Zubiri said both women deserve to be acknowledged for their astonishing feat in bringing honor and glory to the country by becoming champions in international sporting competitions.
"By delivering gold medals to the country in the 30th Southeast Asian Games, Hallasgo and Dequinan deserve to be recognized and commended for bringing pride and inspiration to the Filipino people and for showing to the world the unrelenting spirit of Filipino excellence," Zubiri said.
For his part, Gatchalian said six athletes from Valenzuela made the Filipinos proud when they hauled in medals during the Southeas Asian Games.
He named the Valenzuelanos as Fernando Jose Casares, gold medalists, Philippine triathlon-mixed team relay; Jeniel Bata-Anon, gold medalists, Philippine Esports team-mobile legends: Bang-bang; Brandhon Kyrielle Aquino, bronze medalist, sailing international 420 men's event; Baby Jessica Canabal, bronze medalist, taekwondo women's under 53 kgs; Noelito Jose, Jr, bronze medalist, fencing men's individual epee; John Michael Pasco, bronze medalists, beach handball.
"These Valenzuelano athletes are an inspiration, not only to our people but also to our leaders who shall continue to build a city and a home that will allow them to develop their talents, exceed their limits and achieve their dreams," Gatchalian said.
https://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2019/1217_prib2.asp
Sunday, December 15, 2019
Julius Babao on the 2007 Southeast Asian Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
Julius Babao, the anchor of the ABS-CBN's news program TV Patrol from 2004 to 2010, he recalls the fondest memory was the 24th Southeast Asian Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
He and his wife, former Star News segment host Christine Bersola was spending time at the Traders Hotel Manila in Pasay City during their fourth wedding anniversary celebration on December 8, 2007, coincidentally with the second day of the 24th Southeast Asian Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
Besides next to the Babao couple is no other than Ambassador Marciano Paynor, Jr., Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, former Ilocos Sur governor Luis Singson and former Senator Vicente Sotto III.
At the National Media Center of the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City, the Ambassador told reporters it cited the live TV coverage of 2007 Nakhon Ratchasima Southeast Asian Games would be next to the Second EDSA Revolution that deposed Joseph Estrada from the presidency after an aborted impeachment trial in which he was charged with plunder and perjury; his vice president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo became president, January 12-16, 1995 Manila visit of Pope John Paul II for the 10th World Youth Day when the closing Mass held at Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park set a world record for the largest number of people gathered for a single religious event with 5 million attendees, 1994 Miss Universe and the 1992 Summer Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain.
He and his wife, former Star News segment host Christine Bersola was spending time at the Traders Hotel Manila in Pasay City during their fourth wedding anniversary celebration on December 8, 2007, coincidentally with the second day of the 24th Southeast Asian Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
Besides next to the Babao couple is no other than Ambassador Marciano Paynor, Jr., Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, former Ilocos Sur governor Luis Singson and former Senator Vicente Sotto III.
At the National Media Center of the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City, the Ambassador told reporters it cited the live TV coverage of 2007 Nakhon Ratchasima Southeast Asian Games would be next to the Second EDSA Revolution that deposed Joseph Estrada from the presidency after an aborted impeachment trial in which he was charged with plunder and perjury; his vice president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo became president, January 12-16, 1995 Manila visit of Pope John Paul II for the 10th World Youth Day when the closing Mass held at Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park set a world record for the largest number of people gathered for a single religious event with 5 million attendees, 1994 Miss Universe and the 1992 Summer Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain.
From the PICC, Paynor was accompanied by kart racers Matteo Guidicelli, Tyson Sy, Mark Bumgarner and Javi Benitez and race car driver Enzo Pastor for a lunchtime dinner at the Spiral Restaurant, Sofitel Philippine Plaza.
At the Studio 7 of ABS-CBN Broadcast Center in Quezon City, the news program TV Patrol goes live due to the coverage, when Dyan Castillejo reported from Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand on the updates of team Philippines.
Aside from Castillejo, other reporters were in the said city such as Migs Bustos, Boom Gonzales, Mico Halili, Gretchen Ho, Doc Ian Laurel, Gretchen Malalad, TJ Manotoc, Mozzy Ravena, Mikee Reyes and Anton Roxas.
Ms. Castillejo would interview Miguel Molina, the four-time swimming gold medalist and most outstanding athlete of the year and Star Magic artist turned De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Tanker and Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Stingrays member Ernest Lorenzo "Enchong" Dee was in lane 8 of men’s 100-meter butterfly finals on Sunday, December 9.
Despite the live broadcast streaming of the swimming competition of the said event 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.
At the Studio 7 of ABS-CBN Broadcast Center in Quezon City, the news program TV Patrol goes live due to the coverage, when Dyan Castillejo reported from Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand on the updates of team Philippines.
Aside from Castillejo, other reporters were in the said city such as Migs Bustos, Boom Gonzales, Mico Halili, Gretchen Ho, Doc Ian Laurel, Gretchen Malalad, TJ Manotoc, Mozzy Ravena, Mikee Reyes and Anton Roxas.
Ms. Castillejo would interview Miguel Molina, the four-time swimming gold medalist and most outstanding athlete of the year and Star Magic artist turned De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Tanker and Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Stingrays member Ernest Lorenzo "Enchong" Dee was in lane 8 of men’s 100-meter butterfly finals on Sunday, December 9.
Despite the live broadcast streaming of the swimming competition of the said event 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.
Saturday, December 14, 2019
Swimmer Lacuna retires
Philippine swimming is in good hands. Keep inspiring. The future is bright.
Olympian Jessie Khing Lacuna is retiring after swimming for the national team for 10 years.
The 25-year former Ateneo de Manila University standout called it quits after competing in his last Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, which the country hosted.
“To swimming, you’ll always be (a) part of my life. Will always be my forever,” Lacuna posted on his Facebook account. “You taught me a lot of things and about life.”
In a decade of service, Lacuna had won numerous local and international titles and the Pulilan, Bulacan native had won three silvers and four bronze medals in the SEA Games.
One of the highlights of his career was when he represented the country in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, held in London and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, respectively.
The recent biennial meet saw the emergence of young male swimmers of the national team led by Sacho Ilustre.
The Philippine swimming team won one gold, courtesy of James Deiparine, six silvers and nine bronze medals in the 30th edition of the SEA Games and Lacuna said he’s leaving the sport he loved in good hands.
“Philippine swimming is in good hands. Keep inspiring. The future is bright,” the five-foot-seven swimmer said.
“I hope I made you proud, Philippines. It was an amazing journey. It was such an honor representing the Philippines for the past 10 years,” he added.
Overall, Lacuna won 51 medals, 35 from local tourneys while the rest he scooped in international stage.
https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2019/12/14/swimmer-lacuna-retires/
Olympian Jessie Khing Lacuna is retiring after swimming for the national team for 10 years.
The 25-year former Ateneo de Manila University standout called it quits after competing in his last Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, which the country hosted.
“To swimming, you’ll always be (a) part of my life. Will always be my forever,” Lacuna posted on his Facebook account. “You taught me a lot of things and about life.”
In a decade of service, Lacuna had won numerous local and international titles and the Pulilan, Bulacan native had won three silvers and four bronze medals in the SEA Games.
One of the highlights of his career was when he represented the country in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, held in London and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, respectively.
The recent biennial meet saw the emergence of young male swimmers of the national team led by Sacho Ilustre.
The Philippine swimming team won one gold, courtesy of James Deiparine, six silvers and nine bronze medals in the 30th edition of the SEA Games and Lacuna said he’s leaving the sport he loved in good hands.
“Philippine swimming is in good hands. Keep inspiring. The future is bright,” the five-foot-seven swimmer said.
“I hope I made you proud, Philippines. It was an amazing journey. It was such an honor representing the Philippines for the past 10 years,” he added.
Overall, Lacuna won 51 medals, 35 from local tourneys while the rest he scooped in international stage.
https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2019/12/14/swimmer-lacuna-retires/
Thursday, December 12, 2019
Jessie Lacuna calls it a day after SEAG
The King signs off
Two-time Olympian Jessie Lacuna has retired from national team duties after 10 years of serving the country.
The 25-year-old native of Pulilan, Bulacan made the announcement through his Facebook account.
“To swimming, you’ll always be a part of my life. It will always be my forever.
“You taught me a lot of things about life. Thank you,” his post read.
Lacuna, who was part of the Philippine team that competed in both the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games, made his final swim for the national team during the recently-concluded 2019 Southeast Asian Games in Manila.
The product of Ateneo was part of the 200m freestyle (1:52.58, 7th), 400m freestyle (4:03.63, 8th), 200m butterfly (2:01.58, 5th), and 400m individual relay (4:32.53, 6th) while also being part of the 4x100m and 4x200m freestyle relay squads.
But for him, his time has passed and that he is turning over the team to the likes of James Deiparin, Sacho Ilustre, and the other young guns of Philippine swimming.
“Philippine Swimming is in good hands. Keep inspiring because the future is bright.”
During his service, he won three silvers and four bronzes in the Southeast Asian Games.
Then in the UAAP, Lacuna became a two-time Athlete of the Year, winning 35 golds for Ateneo during his spectacular five-year career there.
For all of this, he is forever grateful.
“I hope I made you proud, Philippines.
“It was an amazing journey! Such an honor representing the Philippines for the past ten years. Ang daming pinagdaanan, ups and downs, habang buhay ko itong papahalagahan,” he closed.
https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/jessie-lacuna-calls-day-seag/173954
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
the former Olympic swimmer is now a blogger on Instagram and YouTube
 |
| JB Walsh |
The former national swimmer who compete at 2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games, 2005 Manila and 2007 Nakhon Ratchasima Southeast Asian Games and 2006 Doha Asian Games is no other than Filipino-American James Bernard "JB" Walsh is now a photo and video blogger and start compiling all photos from 2004 to 2010.
His personal Youtube and Instagram accounts (Magichands JB) will compile all the photos and videos of swimming career in Florida Gators Swimming & Diving from 2004 to 2008 and swim clinics in the Philippines from 2009 to 2010.
But he is retired in 2010 to concentrate on his medical studies, is also set to conduct his own series of clinics, this time in his hometown Leyte where swimming is being planned to be the province’s new sport.
“The clinics were very well attended and a new series is planned for January. Being part Waray, the two-time Olympian and multi-medalist, Walsh will be conducting a series of swim clinics in Tacloban next month,” said former aquatics chief Mark Joseph.
“This goes hand in hand with the Leyte Governor’s decision to make swimming a priority sport for the province. Leyte has a brand-new Olympic pool used in the Palarong Pambansa,” he added.
“JB, who will be hanging up his suit and moving onto medical schooling in the US, will also be leading a two-month long medical mission to reach out to the province’s impoverished communities
Monday, December 09, 2019
Aftermath: 2007 Southeast Asian Games men's 100 meter butterfly final
Then: Chinese Olympic swimmer Wu Peng compete at men's 200m butterfly swimming event at the 2006 Asian Games was held on December 2, 2006 at the Hamad Aquatic Centre in Doha, Qatar. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GukgrPhNKIU
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 competition 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 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 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 swimming competition of the said event in activity centers inside shopping malls and even plazas of city and municipal halls and provincial capitols nationwide, the police clash with protesters in the Filipino capital Manila at past 7:29 p.m. of Sunday, December 9, 2007 near Sofitel Philippine plaza hotel to Star City amusement park in Pasay City.
They tried to pass through a police barrier to get close to the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), with about 700 officers deployed at the scene.
Again, Mr. Dee wears arena ARN-4091 WHT Silicone Swimming Cap, AGL-1400 EMBL swimming glass (mirror Swedish type) and aile-bleue ARN-6005M GRN One Piece Long Spats nux-K POWER STRUSH and competing in men's 200-meter and 400-meter individual medley heats and finals and 1,500-meter freestyle heats and finals.
But in photo and video shoots, when Enchong is wearing arena ARN-4091 WHT Silicone Swimming Cap, AGL-1400 EMBL swimming glass (mirror Swedish type) and ARN-6015 DGRN RIMIC nux-F and sister Anj wears speedo Aqua V Silicone Swimming Cap - Black (8-087750001), speedsocket - Black (8-705891549) and FASTSKIN FS-PRO Female Recordbreaker Costume – Black (8-008153218), 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, Ken is wearing arena ARN-4091 WHT silicone swimming cap, AGL-1400 YLRD swimming glass (mirror Swedish type) and ARN-6015 DRED RIMIC nux-F, Johan is wearing 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), Miggy wears arena arena ARN-4091 WHT Silicone Swimming Cap, AGL-1400 EMBL swimming glass (mirror Swedish type) and speedo endurance+ Neuron Male 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 Female Recordbreaker Costume – Black (8-008153218) inspired from episode 3, part 3 of Your Song Presents: Boystown and shot on location at the swimming pool of Makati Aqua Sports Arena while Gian is wearing speedo Aqua V Silicone Swimming Cap - Black (8-087750001), speedsocket Unisex Goggle - Black (8-705895555) and FASTSKIN LZR RACER Male Legskin - Black (8-018040001) and shot on location at Loyola Schools Swimming Pool, Ateneo de Manila University.
At past 8 p.m. of the same day when Star City Mayor Elpidio "Deo" Macalma was accompanied by Ambassador Marciano Paynor, Jr. arrived at the PICC Meeting Room 2 for the live press conference with the help of PLDT myDSL.
Besides next to swimmer Dee in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, while in Manila, the Philippines when Sen. Pia Cayetano, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino general manager Marco Protacio, Rina Go and Paolo Abrera to spend a few more days before the grandest worldwide celebration of Christmas 2007 and new year 2008.
Aside from Sen. Cayetano, Protacio, Go, Abrera and Dee are kart racers Matteo Guidicelli, Tyson Sy, Mark Bumgarner and Javi Benitez, race car driver Enzo Pastor and Cebu basketball player and businessman Jeremy Ryan Huang along with Ambassador Marciano Paynor, Jr.
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