Growling Tigers back in Manila

 Members of the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers have returned to Manila after allegedly undergoing months of training in Sorsogon.

They arrived in Manila just as university officials wrapped up their internal probe amidst allegations that members of the men's varsity basketball team were not properly nourished in Sorsogon.

The reported training camp, known as the “Sorsogon bubble,” has been stopped a week after former Growling Tigers' team captain CJ Cansino was taken off the team.

Cansino eventually transferred to the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons' side.

University Athletic Association of the Philippines executive director Rebo Saguisag said the results of the investigation are now in the hands of the UST Rector's Office.

“A member of the committee will be asked to submit the report and attend a meeting with the Commission on Higher Education, Philippine Sports Commission, Department of Health and Games and Amusement Board,” said Saguisag following an interview with the Manila Standard.

UST coach Aldin Ayo has instructed members of the team to pack up last Tuesday, according to sources.

Concerns were raised by members of the team about the training camp's food qualify. There were also reports that some players got sick at the time as mentioned by ex-team member Cansino, Brent Paraiso, Bismarck Lina, and Ira Bataller in their recent posts on social media.

“The UAAP is committed to protecting the health and safety of each of its student-athletes. We firmly adhere to government policies and directives that require our collective commitment to manage the challenges of the pandemic. We have reminded our members regarding the proper conduct of sports activities at this time,” added Saguisag. 

Officials of National University have also been invited to the meeting, over allegations that its women's volleyball team also went into a training bubble in Calamba, Laguna recently.

The tripartite group is holding an inquiry since the Interagency Task Force for the Management of Infectious Diseases has not given its go-signal for collegiate basketball teams to return to practice.

https://manilastandard.net/index.php/sports/basketball/332631/growling-tigers-back-in-manila.html

Johan Aguilar, Enchong and Anj Dee for Nike exclusive De La Salle Dri-Fit tees

 

ABS-CBN Sports hosts say goodbye to 'UTown' and 'Upfront'

 The hosts of ABS-CBN Sports shows "University Town" (UTown) and "Upfront" bid goodbye to their shows that made an impact on their lives.

For Robi Domingo and Gretchen Ho, who co-hosted "UTown" for four seasons, doing the show was always a revitalizing experience as it brought them back to their days as students.

"Whenever I see the students and organizations in that school, not only do I get reminded of my moments on campus but also I get reminded of my hopes, dreams, and aspirations," Domingo said of their program, which highlighted the culture, achievements, notable alumni, and students from each UAAP campus.

"We get to immerse in university life again by talking with the students. It honestly feels like a playground where we have fun," added Gretchen.

Ho, a former student-athlete, honed her hosting chops in ABS-CBN Sports, just like her fellow Lady Eagle Alyssa Valdez, who joined the show in Season 3. 

"The Phenom" also landed a hosting gig with "Upfront," ABS-CBN Sports' award-winning sports lifestyle program.

"My experiences in 'Upfront' and 'UTown' helped me gain my confidence and taught me that with hard work, I could learn anything and be good at something I never thought of," said Valdez.

For his part, University of the Philippines' high-flyer Ricci Rivero also got to explore a passion outside basketball as a segment host for "Upfront."

"I enjoyed hosting! My stint with 'Upfront' made me more comfortable in front of the camera and became more spontaneous," he said.

Guiding Valdez and Rivero in their transition were "Upfront" hosts Martin Javier, Angelique Manto, Turs Daza, and Janeena Chan, who are all thankful for their experience leading the show, which first began as a pre-game and halftime program for UAAP Season 78 in 2015. 

For Javier and Manto, being part of the "Upfront" squad is a fulfilling experience, as both honed their talents and nurtured themselves under the guidance of ABS-CBN Sports.

"For the past four years, I've been privileged to bring you the action from the sidelines to your television screens. From not making the cut in my courtside audition to covering games in the biggest venues, it has been a rollercoaster ride. I'll always be honored to be part of this family," said Javier, who has also become part of the broadcast panel for NCAA, UAAP, and MPBL.

Manto, a former UAAP courtside reporter, added, "I got to explore and grow my passion for my craft, and I got to fulfill promises for my late father. I will not be who I am today if not for the lessons, trust, and guidance of every single person I have worked with at S+A."

As for Daza, his time in "Upfront" will always be memorable as he believes the program will leave a lasting legacy in the sports community. 

"It gave fans the opportunity to see their sports idols as real people with interests, styles, and personalities. The legacy of 'Upfront' is similar to that of ABS CBN, to bring viewers closer to their idols," he explained. 

Chan, the show's remaining original host, paid tribute to the people she worked with for their efforts to make the program impactful and thanking them for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of the Upfront squad.

"It's been a huge honor to have started and ended the story of 'Upfront' from day one, and I'd like to say a huge thank you to our amazing bosses, producers, directors, staff, and the entire team for taking a chance on me! 'Upfront' is truly one of my life's biggest blessings!" Janeena said.

With the curtains about to close for ABS-CBN Sports, Javier, Chan, Daza, and Manto will take a stroll back to memory lane with the "Best of Upfront" finale episode featuring the most talked about moments with athletes in segments like Upfront Swag, Challenge Accepted, Squad Goals, 10 Things, What's in My Bag, and Upfront Trending. 

Watch it on Thursday, August 27, at 8 a.m. with replays at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m., on LIGA and LIGA HD. 

Meanwhile, viewers can rewatch the segments of "UTown" online via ABS-CBN Sports' official YouTube channel and on iWant.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/08/21/20/abs-cbn-sports-hosts-say-goodbye-to-utown-and-upfront

ALA Boxing closes shop after 35 years

The final bell has rung for ALA Boxing.

The Cebu-based promotion is closing shop after 35 years as one of the top boxing stables in the country.

ALA said the coronavirus pandemic coupled with the shutdown of its broadcast partner ABS-CBN took quite a toll on the “situation and future of the company.”

“After 35 years, ALA BOXING (ALA Promotions and ALA Gym) would like to say farewell and thank you to our supporters from all over the world,” the company said in a statement Tuesday.

“The pandemic and the closure of our longtime broadcast network partner ABS-CBN has affected the overall situation and future of the company.”

The stable also said all of its fighters will be released “so they can look for greener pastures for their respective careers.”

ALA, owned by Tony Aldeguer and son Michael, produced world champions including four-division titleholder Donnie “Ahas” Nietes and former IBF light flyweight champion Milan Melindo.

https://sports.inquirer.net/401678/ala-boxing-closes-shop-after-35-years

Gil Wagas on doing a swimming video

"Tara swimming"

No other than Gil Wagas, is wearing Arena AGL-1400 EMBL Swimming Glass (mirror Swedish type) and ARN-6015 DGRN Rimic Nux-F, he is doing a men's 100 and 200-meter butterfly, 200 and 400-meter individual medley and 1,500-meter freestyle swimming practice shot on location at the swimming pool of Makati Aqua Sports Arena.

Arena AGL-1400 EMBL Swimming Glass (Mirror Swedish type)

Arena ARN-6015 DGRN Rimic Nux-F

In photo shoot, Gil is wearing a Black Tuxedo with Shawl Lapel

Pietro Boselli: Coron snorkeling

To recall, when Bench endorser Enchong Dee is wearing Arena AGL-1400 EMBL swimming glass (mirror Swedish type) and ARN-6015 DGRN Rimic Nux-F and they using GoPro HERO8 Black, Mares Flexa Shield Hood 5 mm, Mares Rover Mask and Snorkel, Weight Belt Inox Buckle to take a snorkeling underwater stock video.

Shot on location at the Lusong Gunboat Wreck, Lusong Island, Coron, Palawan.

Enchong Dee

Arena AGL-1400 EMBL Swimming Glass (Mirror Swedish type)

Arena ARN-6015 DGRN Rimic Nux-F

GoPro HERO8 Black