THINKING PINOY
By RJ NIETO
Organizers take pride in hosting a record number of sports in this year’s installment of the Southeast Asian Games, but it appears that they had no intention of making all the 56 sporting events as accessible as possible to the Filipino public that paid for hosting them, or they’re simply too stupid to realize what they’ve done.
The Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) chose only two networks — ABS-CBN and TV5. While both have multiple channels at their disposal, there’s simply no way for both of them to air all 56 events live.
Phisgoc Chairman Alan Peter Cayetano and COO Tats Suzara ignored this reality and decided to grant live broadcasting rights exclusively to these two networks, to the detriment of sports that these two networks will inevitably fail to air live, and of the general public whose taxes paid for hosting the games.
Water polo is a prime example.
For whatever reason, neither ABS-CBN nor TV5 was there to broadcast live the crucial November 29 match between our men’s team and Singapore’s, so the Philippine Water Polo Team itself took the initiative to live-stream the game on Facebook.
Some time in the second half, online viewers heard a Phisgoc official telling the cameraman that live-streaming is prohibited. The stream abruptly ended, to the irritation of thousands watching the game online.
Being an avid fan of the Water Polo team myself, I vehemently protested against Phisgoc’s rules. I told Phisgoc officials that the rule is grossly disadvantageous to taxpayers who wish to support our hardworking and talented water polo athletes.
I argued that the Filipino people, whose taxes paid for these games, have the right to watch live whichever game they want in the most convenient way they want to.
Hours later, a high-ranking SEA Games official told me that he would allow live-streaming if the official live broadcasters aren’t available, and I took his word for it.
On December 1st, I went to the New Clark Aquatics Center to watch the game between the Philippines and Malaysia. Neither ABS-CBN nor TV5 was there, so I started live-streaming the event as soon as it started. During the 2nd quarter, and just like what happened to the Philippines-Singapore match, a Phisgoc official approached me and told me to stop streaming because I am not an “accredited broadcaster.”
I asked, “So how will Filipino water polo fans watch the game live?”
No answer.
Exasperated, I told the Phisgoc official that it is the right of every Filipino to watch the games, and Phisgoc rules make it impossible to do so. I also told them I will not stop streaming the water polo match, and the only thing that can stop me if they forcibly throw me out of the premises.
After the match and out of sheer frustration over Phisgoc’s corruption and/or stupidity, I told my 1.4 million Facebook followers that I would stop live-streaming altogether.
I said covering such events is expensive, and I have used my hard-earned money to pay thousands for gasoline, telecoms, and manpower, to do so. I wanted to do it for you guys for free as part of public service, but Phisgoc illogical rules prevent me from doing so.
The post has garnered over 16,000 reactions to date, which likely prompted Phisgoc to issue an advisory shortly after the post.
The relevant part of the grammar-optional advisory stated:
“The live-streaming of portions of the games via social media shall be uploaded and shared on personal platforms and social media accounts only.”
Phisgoc, in so many words, basically told me that nobody except ABS-CBN and TV5 could stream the games live, even if neither are streaming the game, even if the live-stream is for non-commercial use.
Surely, streaming a game that both networks ignored should be no problem, unless the live-stream takes away viewers from the other games they chose to air.
As they say, never attribute to malice what can be adequately explained by stupidity.
With the generous assumption that Phisgoc officials concerned are not morons, there is only one possible explanation that I can think of: Phisgoc wants to protect the ratings of its two exclusive live broadcasters.
But worrying about TV ratings is not Phisgoc’s job. Instead, Phisgoc should worry about whether taxpayers get the most value out of the billions of public funds used to stage the SEA Games.
I blame neither ABS-CBN nor TV5 for this. It is their job, as a commercial enterprise, to optimize returns on investment. Capitalist enterprises are by nature greedy, and the government’s primordial responsibility is to put a cap on that greed for the sake of the people it governs.
Either Phisgoc forgot that, or Phisgoc never knew that the entire time.
With that said, I believe that a review of the live broadcasting contract is in order, as soon as the SEA Games end on the 11th.
The live broadcasting contract is disadvantageous to the government.
I believe some Phisgoc officers engaged in malfeasance or, worse, violated the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
For reactions, please email Tp@ThinkingPinoy.net
https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/12/07/corruption-in-the-2019-sea-games-live-broadcasting-contract/
Saturday, December 07, 2019
Regencia finally gets his time on ice
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| The Philippines’ Jan Aro Regencia battle Thailand’s Ken Kindborn for the puck during the Ice Hockey preliminary round of the 30th South East Asian Games 2019. INQUIRER PHOTO/ Sherwin Vardeleon |
“I couldn’t even remember it,” he told the Inquirer with a chuckle. “I barely had ice time so I was just tense and was praying the whole time.”
The first-line forward, though, has emerged as one of the Philippine Eagle’s integral cogs in its hot start in this year’s Southeast Asian Games.
And that’s quite a statement for one of the only three teens in the bunch, and for someone who had been sickly most of his life.
“I used to have asthma; I was also prone to flu, colds and the like,” said Regencia. “Miraculously, they’re all gone.”
Regencia, 19, was clutch in the Nationals’ match with Singapore, where the Philippines was lethargic in the first and middle periods.
He hit a pair of goals late to preserve the heavy lifting of skipper Steven Füglister and Sam Bengzon, and eventually seal the win for the Eagles.
Regencia also had a steady outing in the crucial win over Indonesia last Wednesday, the game that assured the Eagles a semifinal slot.
The two other youngsters in the team are 17-year-old Jann So Tiong and 16-year-old Carlo Tigaronita.
If there was a pivotal moment for his young career, Regencia said it would be during the team’s campaign in the Challenge Cup of Asia here last year.
“That was the first time they made an experiment—they tried putting me on the first line,” he said.
It probably also helped Regencia that he is close to Füglister.
“There was a time we just talked purely hockey. He just told me to not put so much stuff in my head. It all became clear to me after that,” he said.
As it turned out, it was the moment of clarity he needed. As a teen, Regencia said he was expectedly cynical.
“Since [some of us] are young, [we’re] prone to negativity,” he said. “Whenever we look at other teams, we see they’re big. They have better builds. [We felt there’s so much] difference.”
“But I told myself and the others that the only way we cope with those differences is by being smart,” he said.
“Hockey’s a really fast game. It’s a game of mistakes. You can’t afford to be indecisive because one slip up could adversely affect the team’s play,” he said.
Regencia swears by this approach, as he feels it’s also the very reason why he has been on a roll lately—also after the fact that the Eagles are now given ample attention, which translated to six months of proper training.
“I thought to myself, I need to step up,” he said of his recent showing. This is the first line, so I might as well.”
“I don’t want to be the one that hinders this team’s potential.”
https://sports.inquirer.net/377446/regencia-finally-gets-his-time-on-ice
SEA Games: Semis-bound PH men’s volleyball drops 1st match
The Philippine men’s volleyball team failed to sweep Pool B, losing to Indonesia, 25-23, 32-30, 25-20, in its final preliminary match in the 30th Southeast Asian Games Friday at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The Philippines managed to stay in step with the 2017 silver medalists, thanks to excellent receptions and a bunch of highlight plays, to help them lead 16-11 in the third set.
However, on-point attacks from scoring ace Rivan Nurmulki and Doni Haryono, who registered 19 and 18 points, respectively, snuffed the life out of the Filipinos.
“Our execution was bad earlier. We lacked but we’ll know needs to be done if in case we’ll face them again,” Philippines’ head coach Dante Alinsunurin said in Filipino.
Indonesia’s air tight defense was also evident throughout as the Filipinos had a hard time making their hits go past the mighty Indonesian wall.
Former NU standout Bryan Bagunas lead the scoring for the Philippines with 24 points, all from attacks, while Marck Espejo tallied 17 points and 10 excellent receptions.
Despite dropping its first game, the Philippines still goes to the semifinals and will face perennial champions Thailand on Sunday.
https://sports.inquirer.net/377444/sea-games-semis-bound-ph-mens-volleyball-drops-1st-match
The Philippines managed to stay in step with the 2017 silver medalists, thanks to excellent receptions and a bunch of highlight plays, to help them lead 16-11 in the third set.
However, on-point attacks from scoring ace Rivan Nurmulki and Doni Haryono, who registered 19 and 18 points, respectively, snuffed the life out of the Filipinos.
“Our execution was bad earlier. We lacked but we’ll know needs to be done if in case we’ll face them again,” Philippines’ head coach Dante Alinsunurin said in Filipino.
Indonesia’s air tight defense was also evident throughout as the Filipinos had a hard time making their hits go past the mighty Indonesian wall.
Former NU standout Bryan Bagunas lead the scoring for the Philippines with 24 points, all from attacks, while Marck Espejo tallied 17 points and 10 excellent receptions.
Despite dropping its first game, the Philippines still goes to the semifinals and will face perennial champions Thailand on Sunday.
https://sports.inquirer.net/377444/sea-games-semis-bound-ph-mens-volleyball-drops-1st-match
SEA Games: Philippines absorbs 1st loss in ice hockey
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| The Philippines’ Rigel Lancero II battle Thailand’s Patrick Forstner for the puck during the Ice Hockey preliminary round of the 30th South East Asian Games 2019. INQUIRER PHOTO/ Sherwin Vardeleon |
The Eagles found themselves trailing early, 0-3, after an early barrage led by Papan Thanakroekkiat six minutes into the contest.
Already assured of a semifinal slot after their hot 3-0 start, the Nationals settled for the second spot in the preliminaries.
The Thais, who the Filipinos beat for in the 2017 gold medal match, went on to convert four more in the middle period.
Philippines’ lone goal make came from Carlo Martin Tenedero, who scored in the sixth minute of the second frame.
The Eagles crank their title-retention bid up when they play Singapore, a team they beat 5-3 in the group phase, when the knockout stage gets going this Saturday.
Thailand faces Malaysia in the other semifinal pairing which comes off wraps at 3 p.m.
https://sports.inquirer.net/377423/sea-games-philippines-absorbs-1st-loss-in-ice-hockey
Friday, December 06, 2019
SEA Games: PH wins 3 more bronzes as Singapore, Vietnam rule swimming
NEW CLARK CITY — The Philippine men’s relay team salvaged a silver against the Joseph Schooling-powered Singapore Friday night in the 30th Southeast Asian Games swimming here.
Luke Gebbie, Jean-Pierre Khouzam, Maurice Sacho Ilustre and Jarod Hatch reset the Philippine record in finishing second to Singapore in the men’s 4X 100-meter freestyle.
They clocked 3:22.32, improving the PH mark in 2009 SEA Games (3:24.35).
That, however, was way slower compared to the Singapore cruisers who timed 3:16.02, which is established as new SEA Games standard. They bettered their own 2017 record of 3:17.82.
Vietnam finished third clocking 3:22.46.
Amid the Singapore Vietnam romps, the Philippines also salvaged two bronze medals.
Remedy Rule and Chloe Kennedy Isleta settled for third place in their respective events as Singapore and Vietnam split the day’s golds on offer.
Rule picked up her third medal, a bronze in the women’s 200-meter freestyle. The 23-year-old from Texas had earlier had a silver in 200m butterfly and a bronze in 4X200m free relay.
Twenty-one-year-old Isleta, a standout from Arizona State University, placed third in women’s 200m backstroke.
Both their events were ruled by Vietnam’s Asian Games champ and Olympian Nguyen Thi Anh Vien.
Singapore has been lording over swimming competitions here at NCC Aquatics Center with 12 golds medals after three days.
Olympic champion Joseph Schooling claimed his second and third gold medal in ruling the men’s 100m fly and leading the relay team.
Vietnam currently has seven victories, two coming from the 23-year-old Nguyen.
https://sports.inquirer.net/377418/sea-games-ph-win-3-more-bronzes-as-singapore-vietnam-rule-swimming
Luke Gebbie, Jean-Pierre Khouzam, Maurice Sacho Ilustre and Jarod Hatch reset the Philippine record in finishing second to Singapore in the men’s 4X 100-meter freestyle.
They clocked 3:22.32, improving the PH mark in 2009 SEA Games (3:24.35).
That, however, was way slower compared to the Singapore cruisers who timed 3:16.02, which is established as new SEA Games standard. They bettered their own 2017 record of 3:17.82.
Vietnam finished third clocking 3:22.46.
Amid the Singapore Vietnam romps, the Philippines also salvaged two bronze medals.
Remedy Rule and Chloe Kennedy Isleta settled for third place in their respective events as Singapore and Vietnam split the day’s golds on offer.
Rule picked up her third medal, a bronze in the women’s 200-meter freestyle. The 23-year-old from Texas had earlier had a silver in 200m butterfly and a bronze in 4X200m free relay.
Twenty-one-year-old Isleta, a standout from Arizona State University, placed third in women’s 200m backstroke.
Both their events were ruled by Vietnam’s Asian Games champ and Olympian Nguyen Thi Anh Vien.
Singapore has been lording over swimming competitions here at NCC Aquatics Center with 12 golds medals after three days.
Olympic champion Joseph Schooling claimed his second and third gold medal in ruling the men’s 100m fly and leading the relay team.
Vietnam currently has seven victories, two coming from the 23-year-old Nguyen.
https://sports.inquirer.net/377418/sea-games-ph-win-3-more-bronzes-as-singapore-vietnam-rule-swimming
Gretchen Ho calls for continued support for athletes after SEA Games
With Filipino athletes scoring medals left and right at the SEA Games, Pinoy pride is on a high—and Gretchen Ho hopes that supporting local athletes does not end with the multi-sport event.
The TV host and former volleyball player tweeted yesterday, Dec. 5, that she hopes inspiring stories in the world of sports, as well as sponsorship of athletes, will continue even after the SEA Games.
“High morale ang lahat ngayon dahil sa #SEAGames2019. Sana ituloy natin yung ganitong pagpapahalaga sa mga atleta,” she said.
(Everyone has high morale because of the #SEAGames 2019. I hope we will continue to give this much importance to our athletes.)
She also stressed that support has to be given to those in the grassroots rather than only famous players.
Ho pointed out that the problem in sports is politics and corruption. Despite that, she said many see change happening and that younger athletes are standing up for their sports.
“Patuloy lang tayo, Pilipinas (Let’s keep this up, Philippines),” she said.
Ho herself is rallying behind the growth of beach volleyball in the country as a co-founder of Beach Volleyball Republic. The group aims to promote beach volleyball and organize tournaments around the country. /ra
https://sports.inquirer.net/377253/gretchen-ho-calls-for-continued-support-of-athletes-after-sea-games
The TV host and former volleyball player tweeted yesterday, Dec. 5, that she hopes inspiring stories in the world of sports, as well as sponsorship of athletes, will continue even after the SEA Games.
“High morale ang lahat ngayon dahil sa #SEAGames2019. Sana ituloy natin yung ganitong pagpapahalaga sa mga atleta,” she said.
(Everyone has high morale because of the #SEAGames 2019. I hope we will continue to give this much importance to our athletes.)
She also stressed that support has to be given to those in the grassroots rather than only famous players.
Ang daming magagandang kwento ang mahuhugot mula sa mundo ng sports. Sana kahit pagkatapos ng #SEAGames2019, tuloy tuloy pa rin ang pagbabahagi natin ng mga ito 😊— Gretchen Ho (@gretchenho) December 5, 2019
Ho pointed out that the problem in sports is politics and corruption. Despite that, she said many see change happening and that younger athletes are standing up for their sports.
“Patuloy lang tayo, Pilipinas (Let’s keep this up, Philippines),” she said.
Ho herself is rallying behind the growth of beach volleyball in the country as a co-founder of Beach Volleyball Republic. The group aims to promote beach volleyball and organize tournaments around the country. /ra
https://sports.inquirer.net/377253/gretchen-ho-calls-for-continued-support-of-athletes-after-sea-games
Swimming star Joseph Schooling has soft spot for Filipinos
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| Gold medalist Singapore’s Tzen Wei Teong, center, poses with silver medalist Singapore’s Joseph Schooling, left, and bronze medalist Indonesia Glenn Sutanto, right, during awarding ceremonies for the men’s 50m butterfly final during swimming competition at the 30th Southeast Asian Games in New Clark City, Tarlac province, northern Philippines on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019. (AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana) |
NEW CLARK CITY — Classes have started and Joseph Schooling has the floor, err, the pool.
An Olympic gold medal winner who pulled off the trick in Rio de Janeiro at the expense of the legendary Michael Phelps, Schooling towed the Singapore squad to the 4X200-meter freestyle gold in record style late Wednesday and dazzled local swimming fans in closing out the day’s activities at NCC Aquatics Center here.
“I’m very pleased to come to the Philippines to swim. It’s a beautiful pool, the crowd is amazing, very fun to come here for the first time,” said Schooling after the awarding ceremony where he was swarmed by the media.
More than the venue and the crowd, Schooling has a soft spot for Filipinos because his nanny, whom he fondly calls Auntie Yolly, is a native of Cagayan Province.
“She has been with us since I was four months old, I hope she was here to watch me swim, but she’s at home,” said Schooling. “But I know she’s watching me on TV.”
The Singaporeans, also made up of Quah Zheng Wen, Jonathan Tan and Darren Chua, registered a new meet record by clocking seven minutes and 17.88 seconds.
Schooling, three-time Asian Games champ and 23-time SEA Games gold winner, is hoping to qualify for the 100-meter free and 100m fly events in the Tokyo Olympics next year.
“It’s all about baby steps and I just need to focus on one event at a time. Good event, take away from it. Bad event, just brush it aside and move forward to the next time,” he added.
And he hopes this weekend, where he will see action in five more events, would help prepare him for the big stage.
In the meantime, the rest of the field can all watch and learn something.
https://sports.inquirer.net/377198/swimming-star-joseph-schooling-has-soft-spot-for-filipinos
Thursday, December 05, 2019
SEA Games: John Marvin 1st Filipino boxer to crash out, bows to Vietnam bet
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| Filipino boxer John Marvin loses in his light heavyweight match in the 30th Southeast Asian Games. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net |
Truong landed a cracking right overhand in the middle of Marvin’s guard, sending the 2017 SEA Games gold medalist to the mat in the first round.
Marvin tried to fight fire with fire in the second and third rounds to get the judges’ favor but Truong had built enough of a lead to escape with the win and advance to the semifinals.
“This is boxing, you win some, you lose some. I’m humble in victory as I’m humble in defeat,” said Marvin who shared an emotional moment with 2017 middleweight gold medalist Eumir Marcial after the bout.
Marvin landed his own 1-2 combinations in the third round and even connecting with booming right hook but Truong’s knockdown in the first round was too big of a difference for the Fil-Brit to close out.
“He was the better fighter, I didn’t bring it. It’s a shame I didn’t defend my title but there’s always next time. What’s happened is done now he’s taken the victory and good luck to him to the rest of the tournament.”
Marvin is the first Filipino boxer to get eliminated so far in the tournament.
https://sports.inquirer.net/377065/sea-games-john-marvin-1st-filipino-boxer-to-crash-out-bows-to-vietnam-bet
PH swimming golden boy Deiparine not retiring yet, says mom
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| James Deiparine of the Philippines wins gold medal in swimming after he ruled the 100-meter breaststroke held at Aquatics Center, New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac, December 4, 2019. INQUIRER PHOTO / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA |
That’s according to no less than her mom, Patricia.
Philippine Swimming Inc., president Lani Velasco shared a message from the elder Deiparine that said: “Jimmy will not retire yet.”
“He has more to do for the Philippines and for everyone who has supported him,” said part of the message.
Deiparine’s family flew in from the United States and other parts of the Philippines to watch the 26-year-old law student break a 10-year record in 100-meter breaststroke.
Not only he ended the 10-year gold medal drought, Deiparine also becomes the first Filipino to have set a new SEA Games record in this edition.
But more than anything, Velasco said Deiparine’s feat is an inspiration to the Filipino swimmers in particular and Philippine sports in general.
“I think everybody, all of Philippine swimming are now inspired and will wat to get more gold,” Velasco said. “And we have a lot of grassroots talents who have that potential.”
Now fans are expected to fill up the stadium watching Deipairine compete in the 50m breasts and 4X100 medley relay on Sunday and Monday, respectively.
Deiparine’s best time in 50m breasts is 27.91 seconds which is .33 seconds faster than the existing SEA Games standard.
https://sports.inquirer.net/376987/ph-swimming-golden-boy-deiparine-not-retiring-yet-says-mom
Wednesday, December 04, 2019
Joseph Schooling gets first SEAG gold, calls stay in PH 'awesome'
NEW CLARK City, Capas, Tarlac -- Olympic gold medalist Joseph Schooling says that his stay thus far in the Philippines has so far been "awesome." Schooling, who etched himself into sporting history by upsetting Michael Phelps in the 2016 Rio Olympics in the men's 100m butterfly, is in the country as Singapore's star swimmer for the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
In the process, Schooling graced the newly-opened Aquatics Center with his prowess, calling the FINA-certified pool beautiful.
Just in his first day, the 24-year-old already reaped a gold medal as part of his country's 4x200m freestyle relay, besting five other countries, including the Philippines.
"It's awesome. It's amazing. There is so much energy for the relay. And I'm excited to see how everyone gets up for an individual event (Thursday), so I'm very excited for that," Schooling said.
Already qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Schooling is seeing the region's largest sporting conclave as a stepping stone for the Summer Games.
"So, definitely, this is one of the stepping steps to Tokyo, and it's all about baby steps. I just need to focus on one event at a time. Good event, take away from it, bad event, just brush it aside and move forward until the next time," he told reporters.
Showered by cheers from the capacity crowd at the venue, Schooling shared his appreciation of an adoring Filipino crowd.
He added that his Filipino nanny, whom he fondly calls Auntie Yolly, is definitely proud of him despite not making it to the country.
"She's been with us since I was ten months old. So, I mean, I wish she was here today, but she had to stay home and be with my dad. So I know, she's watching on TV and it's a very proud moment for all of us."
Following his gold medal win in a group effort, Schooling now sets his sights on the individual events, which includes the 50 and 100m butterfly.
"Taking each day step-by-step and after that, make our way home. Maybe I could come back after the Olympics, but right now, what's on my mind right now is being here."
https://tv5.espn.com/story/_/id/28223600/stay-ph-awesome
In the process, Schooling graced the newly-opened Aquatics Center with his prowess, calling the FINA-certified pool beautiful.
Just in his first day, the 24-year-old already reaped a gold medal as part of his country's 4x200m freestyle relay, besting five other countries, including the Philippines.
"It's awesome. It's amazing. There is so much energy for the relay. And I'm excited to see how everyone gets up for an individual event (Thursday), so I'm very excited for that," Schooling said.
Already qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Schooling is seeing the region's largest sporting conclave as a stepping stone for the Summer Games.
"So, definitely, this is one of the stepping steps to Tokyo, and it's all about baby steps. I just need to focus on one event at a time. Good event, take away from it, bad event, just brush it aside and move forward until the next time," he told reporters.
Showered by cheers from the capacity crowd at the venue, Schooling shared his appreciation of an adoring Filipino crowd.
He added that his Filipino nanny, whom he fondly calls Auntie Yolly, is definitely proud of him despite not making it to the country.
"She's been with us since I was ten months old. So, I mean, I wish she was here today, but she had to stay home and be with my dad. So I know, she's watching on TV and it's a very proud moment for all of us."
Following his gold medal win in a group effort, Schooling now sets his sights on the individual events, which includes the 50 and 100m butterfly.
"Taking each day step-by-step and after that, make our way home. Maybe I could come back after the Olympics, but right now, what's on my mind right now is being here."
https://tv5.espn.com/story/_/id/28223600/stay-ph-awesome
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