2017 SEA GAMES : A SALUTE TO OUR SPORTS HEROES - OUR PHILIPPINE MEDALISTS

The 2017 Southeast Asian Games is closing today and it is just fitting that we salute our new heroes - this year's Philippine medalists.

For this edition, the Philippines collected 121 total medals - 24 golds, 33 silvers and 64 bronze medals. Though we fell short of our target of 50 gold medals and even lower than our 29 gold medal output in the 2015 SEA Games in Singapore, it is just right to salute the sacrifices our our athletes to win these medals on the week when we celebrated Araw ng Kagitingan.

So here are our heroes:

GOLD MEDALISTS

Mary Joy Tabal - Athletics - Women's Marathon
Nikko Bryan Huelgas - Men's Triathlon
Marion Kim Mangrobang - Women's Triathlon
Reyland Capellan - Gymnastics - Men's Floor Exercise
Kaitlin de Guzman - Gymnastics - Women's Uneven Bars
Agatha Chrystenzen Wong - Wushu - Women's Taijiquan
Brennan Wayne Louie - Fencing - Men's Foil
Eric Shaun Cray - Athletics - Men's 400m Hurdles
Aries Toledo - Athletics - Men's Decathlon
Trenten Anthony Beram - Athletics - Men's 200m and 400m
Curte Robert Guarin, Emmanuel Portacio, Leoncio Carreon, Jr. and Ronald Lising - Lawn Bowls - Men's Fours Team
Eumir Felix Marcial - Boxing - Men's Middleweight
John Marvin - Boxing - Men's Light Heavyweight
Men's Ice Hockey Team - Ice Hockey
Rodolfo Reyes, Jr., Dustin Jacob Mella, Raphael Enrico Mella - Taekwondo - Men's Poomsae Team
Kiyomi Watanabe - Judo - Women's 63kg
Gilas Pilipinas Cadets Team - Basketball - Men's Basketball
Chezka Centeno - Billiards - Women's 9 Ball Singles
Samuel Thomas Morrison- Taekwondo - Kyorugi - Men's -74kg
Mariya Takahashi - Judo - Women's -70kg
Carlo Biado - Billiards - Men's 9 Ball Singles
Colin John Syquia - Equestrian - Individual Showjumping
Dines Dumaan - Pencak Silat - Tanding Men's Class A

SILVER MEDALISTS

Men's Chinlone Team - Sepak Takraw - Men's Chinlone Team (Linking)
Nicole Marie Tagle - Archery - Women's Individual Recurve
John Leerams Chicano - Men's Triathlon
Ma. Claire Adorna - Women's Triathlon
Samantha Kyle Catantan - Fencing - Women's Individual Foil
Agatha Chrystenzen Wong - Wushu - Women's Optional Taijijian
Hanniel Abel - Fencing - Women's Individual Epee
Nathaniel Perez - Fencing - Men's Foil
Jason Ramil Macaalay - Karate - Men's Kumite +60kg
Rexor Tucay - Karate - Men's Kumite - -67kg
Eric Shaun Cray - Athletics - Men's 100m
Kaitlin de Guzman - Gymnastics - Women's Floor Exercise
Marco Vilog - Athletics - Men's 800m
Mark Harry Diones - Athletics - Men's Triple Jump
Mario Fernandez - Boxing - Men's Bantamweight
Marisa Baronda, Nancy Toyko, Nenita Tabiano, Sharon Hauters - Lawn Bowls - Women's Fours
Jemyca Aribado & Yvonne Alyssa Dalida- Squash - Women's Jumbo Doubles
Hazel Jagonoy, Rosita Bradborn, Vilma Greenless - Lawn Bowls - Women's Triples
James Deiparine - Swimming - Men's Breaststroke - 100m and 50m
Marcelito Pancho & Angelo Morales - Lawn Bowls - Men's Pairs
Anna Clarice Patrimonio - Tennis - Women's Singles
Colin John Syquia, Sophia Amor Chiara, Joker Arroyo, Marie Antonette Leviste - Equestrian - Team Show Jumping
Rubilen Amit - Billiards - Women's 9 Ball Singles
Arven Alcantara - Taekwondo - Kyorugi Men's -68kg
Michael Martinez - Ice Skating - Men's Figure Skating
Rhezie Aragon - Taekwondo - Kyorugi Women's -53kg
Geylord Coveta - Sailing - Men's RS One Windsurfing
Kristie Elaine Alora - Taekwondo - Kyorugi Women's -73kg
Jason Huerte, Mark Joseph Gonzales, Rheyjey Ortouste, Ronsited Gabayeron - Sepak Takraw- Men's Regu
Robert Andrew Garcia, Reymark Begornia, David William Pelino, Juan Rafael Yam - Squash - Men;s Team

BRONZE MEDALISTS

Paul Marton dela Cruz - Archery - Men's Individual Compound
Paul Marton dela Cruz, Joseph Benjamin Vicencio & Earl Benjamin Yap - Archery - Men's Team Compound
Mark Javer, Florante Matan & Gabriel Moreno - Archery - Men's Recurve Team
Nicole Marie Tagle, Kareel Meer Hongitan & Mary Queen Ybanez - Archery - Women's Recurve Team
Maxine Isabel Esteban - Fencing - Women's Individual Foil
Women's Regu Team - Sepak Takraw - Women's Regu
Orencio James delos Santos - Karate - Men's Individual Kata
Junna Tsukii - Karate - Women's Kumite -50kg
Harlene Raguin - Fencing - Women's Individual Epee
Richard Gonzales - Table Tennis - Men's Singles
Roxanne Ashley yu - Swimming - Women's 200m Backstroke
Evalyn Palabrica - Athletics - Women's Javelin Throw
Kaitlin de Guzman - Gymnastics - Women's Balance Beam
Reyland Capellan - Gymnastics - Men's Vault
Arnel Ferrera - Athletics - Men's Hammer Throw
Mae Soriano - Karate - Women's Kumite -55kg
Jasmin Alkhaldi - Swimming - Women's 100m Freestyle, 50m Butterfly, 200m Freestyle
Jemyca Aribado & Yvonne Alyssa Dalida- Squash - Women's Doubles
Amparo Teresa Acuna - Shooting - Women's 50m Rifle
Ian Clark Bautista - Boxing - Men's Flyweight
Charly Suarez - Boxing - Men's Light Welterweight
Marvin Guarte - Athletics - Men's 1500m
Women's Kumite Team - Karate - Women's Team Kumite
Lois Kaye Go - Golf - Women's Individual
Women's Bowling Team - Bowling - Women's Team
David Pelino & Robert Andrew Garcia - Squash - Men's Jumbo Doubles
Janry Ubas - Athletics - Men's Long Jump
Dennis Orcullo & Warren Kiamco - Billiards - Men's 9 Ball Doubles
Alkhaldi, Oliva, Pamintuan, Sta. Ana - Swimming - Women's 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay
Denise Dy & Katharina Lenhert - Tennis - Women's Doubles
Kayla Richardson, Kyla Richardson, Zion Nelson & Eloiza Luzon - Athletics - Women's 4 x 100m Relay
Anfernee Lopena, Archand Christian Bagsit, Eric Shaun Cray, Trenten Anthony Beram - Athletics - Men's 4 x 100m Relay
Melvin Calano - Athletics - Men's Javelin Throw
Marestella Sunang - Athletics - Women's Long Jump
Mark Griffin - Wakeboarding - Men's Individual
Rodolfo Reyes, Jr. - Taekwondo - Men's Individual Poomsae
Clinton Kingsley Bautista - Athletics - Men's 110m Hurdles
Rinna Babanto, Juvenille Crisostomo and Jecel Lyn Ninobla - Taekwondo - Women's Poomsae Team
Daniel Caluag - Cycling - Men's BMX
Shugen Nakano - Judo - Men's -66kg
Keisei Nakano - Judo - Men's 73kg
Ainie Knight & Asuncion Bruce - Lawn Bowls - Women's Pairs
Denise Dy & Ruben Gonzales - Tennis - Mixed Doubles
Edgardo Alejan, Archand Christian Bagsit, Michael Carlo del Prado, Aries Toledo - Athletics - Men's 4 x 400m Relay
Elmer Abatayo - Lawn Bowls - Men's Singles
Jayson Huerte, Rheyjey Ortouste, Mark Joseph Gonzales - Sepak Takraw - Men's Doubles
Emerson Villena & Lester Troy Tayon - Sailing - Men's International 470
Women's Team - Rhythmic Gymnastics - Women's Single Apparatus
Sydney Sy - Judo - Women's -68kg
Pauline Louise Lopez - Taekwondo - Kyorugi Women's -62kg
Alisson Perticheto - Ice Skating - Women's Figure Skating
Johann Chua - Billiards - Men's 9 Ball Singles
Jemyca Aribado - Squash - Women's Singles
Robert Andrew Garcia- Squash - Men's Singles
Princesslyn Enopia - Pencak Silat - Tanding Women's Class A
Rickrod Ortega - Pencak Silat - Tanding Men’s Class C
Jefferson Rhey Loon - Pencak Silat - Tanding Men’s Class D
Ryan Jakiri - Muay - Men's 60-63kg
Francis Aaron Agojo - Taekwondo - Kyorugi Men's -63kg
Juryll del Rosario - Pencak Silat - Tanding Men’s Class I
Isabelle Gotuaco, Jemyca Aribado, Joan Aribado, Yvonne Dalida - Squash - Women's Team

Congratulations to all our Philippine medalists and to all the athletes that competed! Mabuhay kayo!

To all SEA Games athletes - see you in Manila in 2019!

2017 SEA GAMES : MARY JOY TABAL WINS PHILIPPINES' 1ST GOLD MEDAL

Veteran marathoner Mary Joy Tabal has won the Philippines' first gold medals of the 2017 Southeast Asian Games.

Tabal led almost the full length of the race and clocked in with a time of about 2 hours and 48 minutes and 26 minutes, more than 7 minutes ahead of the second placer and improving her silver medal finish 2 years ago in the 2015 SEA games. She beat 6 other female runners, including 2015 SEA Games winner Natthaya Thanaronnawat of Thailand.

The silver medal went to Hoang Thi Thanh of Vietnam (2:55:43) while the bronze was won by Natthaya Thanaronnawat of Thailand (2:58:17).

Here is her winning moment as posted in Camille Naredo's Twitter account:

Mary Joy Tabal crosses the finish line! What a performance! pic.twitter.com/RYjzSP6vEZ

— Camille B. Naredo (@camillenaredo) August 19, 2017

Tabal, an Olympian and a 4-peat winner of the Milo Marathon, almost did not make it to the national team for the SEA Games after some dispute with PATAFA, the country's athletics association. She was later reinstated after agreeing to a compromise. This is just a validation that she really belongs to the national team.

With this win, Tabal ends the Philippines' 8 year gold medal drought in SEA Games marathon. The last time Philippines won a gold medal was in 2009 in Laos when both Eduardo Buenavista and Jho-An Banayag ruled both the men's and women's races.

On the men's side, Jeson Agravante failed to finish in the men's marathon race after getting cramps a few kilometers to the finish line.

Congratulations to Mary Joy for this golden performance and thank you Jeson for representing the country!

#LabanPilipinas

AVC WOMEN'S SENIOR VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP : JAPAN WINS GOLD, DAWN MACANDILI NAMED 2ND BEST LIBERO

Japan was named the champion of the 2017 AVC Women's Senior Volleyball Championship after their come from behind victory over Thailand. The Japanese overcame a 2 set lead of the Thais and win the last 3 sets en route to a thrilling 5 set victory: 26-28, 20-25, 25-16, 25-16 and 15-7.

Korea won the bronze after beating East Asian rival China in an earlier game. The Philippines finished in eight place after bowing to Kazakhstan in a 5-set thriller as well.

The final standings are as follows:

2017 Asian Senior Women's Volleyball Championship final standings

🏐 #AVCWomensSCH pic.twitter.com/c6PRSWTJl7

— VolleyMetricsPH (@VolleyMetricsPH) August 17, 2017

Individual awards were also given out. And for the surprise of everyone, a 2nd best libero award was given out and it went to Philippines' Ms Everywhere Dawn Macandili. Here is the list of individual awardees:

#AVCWomensSCH individual awards @spinph pic.twitter.com/pp1dlcqqDk

— Mei-Lin Lozada (@meilinspin) August 17, 2017

Congratulations to all winners! To the Philippine girls, let's now win that bronze in the SEA Games!

2017 SEA GAMES : TEAM PHILIPPINES GETS ITS FIRST SILVER AND BRONZE MEDALS

Team Philippines got its first 2 medals 3 days before the official opening of the 2017 Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The country's first medal is a silver - won by the Chinlone (Linking) men's team in Sepak Takraw after they qualified in the finals after the morning qualifiers but succumb to the Malaysians in the finals. This is a good start to the sepak takraw team's campaign since they are targeting to win 6 medals in this games - 1 gold, 2 silvers and 3 bronzes. In 2015, they only won 2 medals - 1 silver and 1 bronze.

Gallant stand by PHI sepak takraw team! Silver medalists #SEAGames2017 in men's chin lone pic.twitter.com/tAgNFZOkTc

— Marc Anthony Reyes (@marcreyesINQ) August 16, 2017

The second medal was a bronze medal from Archery, won by Paul Marton dela Cruz in Men's Singles Compound Archery event. He edged out a Malaysian archer in the battle for 3rd place where they both shot to a score of 144 but his best arrow was closer to the bulls eye so he was awarded the bronze medal. Unfortunately, the distaff side was not able to get a medal.

Paul Martin snatches bronze in men's individual compound pic.twitter.com/NDBeCZE2z8

— Marc Anthony Reyes (@marcreyesINQ) August 16, 2017

In other events, the men's water polo team succumb to the host Malaysia in a very close match, 7 - 8. In netball, Siklab Pilipinas suffered its 2nd straight loss after losing to Brunei, 32 - 69.

Here is the Team Philippines' schedule for tomorrow, August 17.

10:00am - Sepak Takraw - Chinlone Event 3
11:00am - Aquatic Water Polo - Men's - Philippines vs Singapore
2:30pm - Aquatic Synchronized - Solo Free Routine
4:00pm - Football - Women's - Philippines vs Vietnam
5:15pm - Netball - Women's - Philippines vs Singapore
8:00pm - Aquatic Synchronized - Solo Technical Routine
8:45pm - Football - Men's - Philippines vs Indonesia

Congratulations to the Sepak Takraw Team and Paul Marton dela Cruz! Mabuhay kayo! #LabanPilipinas

2017 SEA GAMES : KEY WINS IN WATER POLO AND FOOTBALL FOR TEAM PHILIPPINES

Team Philippines got good results in water polo and football on the first day it plunged into action at the 2017 Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The first team that went into action was the men's water polo team, who beat 2015 SEA Games bronze medalist Thailand with a score of 9 - 7. The offense of the Philippines was Roy Canete who came back to help the team from Dubai. In 2015, the men's water polo team went home winless and are here to definitely get a medal. They last got a medal when they got the silver in Indonesia in 2011. The team will next face hots Malaysia tomorrow.

Netball, which is in infancy state in the Philippines, suffered a setback after the team lost to 2015 bronze medalist Thailand, 16 - 86. The netball team, a last minute addition to the Philippine delegation, was also winless in the 2015 games in Singapore. The girls will go for a come back tomorrow against Brunei.

Football also registered great starts from both the men's and women's teams. The men's team won over Cambodia, 2-0 with 2nd half goals from Reymart Cubon (52') and Kouichi Belgira (81').

FT: CAM 🇰🇭 0-2 PHI 🇵🇭

Three points for the Philippines as they open their @KL2017 SEA Games campaign with a win against Cambodia. #KL2017 pic.twitter.com/Ng5pqDaJ0z

— The-AFC.com (@theafcdotcom) August 15, 2017

On the other hand, the women's team was victorious over the host team Malaysia, 2-1 with goals from Patrice Impelido (45') and Camille Rodriguez (73').

FT: MAS 🇲🇾 1-2 PHI 🇵🇭

All three points for the Philippines after a narrow win over Malaysia in the @KL2017 opener! #KL2017 pic.twitter.com/4E4JQdU3fV

— The-AFC.com (@theafcdotcom) August 15, 2017

The next assignments for the men's team is Indonesia and for the women's team, it will be Vietnam, both on Thursday, September 17.

Team Philippines' schedule for tomorrow, August 16 is as follows:

9:00am - Aquatic Water Polo - Men's - Philippines vs Malaysia
9:30am - Archery - Compound - Men's Qualification Distance 1
9:30am - Archery - Compound - Women's Qualification Distance 1
10:00am - Sepak Takraw - Chinlone Event 3
10:55am - Archery - Compound - Men's Qualification Distance 2
10:55am - Archery - Compound - Women's Qualification Distance 2
2:30pm onwards - Archery - Compound - Men's and Womens - Quarterfinals to Finals
3:00pm - Netball - Women's - Philippines vs Brunei

Congratulations to the water polo and football teams for the wins today! Good luck to all athletes! #LabanPilipinas

2017 SEA GAMES : TEAM PIULIPINAS SCHEDULE FOR AUGUST 15 TO 19

The 2017 Southeast Asian Games or SEA Games will officially open on August 19 but some sports will already start the competition.

Athletes from water polo, football, netball, synchronized swimming, archery, sepak takraw, open water swimming and rugby 7s will open the country's quest this SEA Games.

Here is your guide to the competition schedule of Team Pilipinas from August 15 - 19, 2017:

August 15
11:00am - Aquatic Water Polo - Men's - Philippines vs Thailand
3:00pm - Netball - Women's - Philippines vs Thailand
8:45pm - Football - Men's - Philippines vs Cambodia
8:45pm - Football - Women's - Philippines vs Malaysia

August 16
9:00am - Aquatic Water Polo - Men's - Philippines vs Malaysia
9:30am - Archery - Compound - Men's Qualification Distance 1
9:30am - Archery - Compound - Women's Qualification Distance 1
10:00am - Sepak Takraw - Chinlone Event 3
10:55am - Archery - Compound - Men's Qualification Distance 2
10:55am - Archery - Compound - Women's Qualification Distance 2
2:30pm onwards - Archery - Compound - Men's and Womens - Quarterfinals to Finals
3:00pm - Netball - Women's - Philippines vs Brunei

August 17
10:00am - Sepak Takraw - Chinlone Event 3
11:00am - Aquatic Water Polo - Men's - Philippines vs Singapore
2:30pm - Aquatic Synchronized - Solo Free Routine
4:00pm - Football - Women's - Philippines vs Vietnam
5:15pm - Netball - Women's - Philippines vs Singapore
8:00pm - Aquatic Synchronized - Solo Technical Routine
8:45pm - Football - Men's - Philippines vs Indonesia

August 18
8:30am - Aquatics Open Water - 10km - Men's (Teodoro Roy Canete, Jr. and Mico Anota)
8:35am - Aquatics Open Water - 10km - Women's (Courtney Gray and Erica Kristy Lukang)
3:00pm - Netball - Women's - Philippines vs Malaysia
3:15pm - Aquatic Synchronized - Duet Technical Routine


August 19
6:00am - Athletics - Marathon - Men's
6:15am - Athletics - Marathon - Women's (Mary Joy Tabal)
10:22am - Rugby 7s - Men's - Philippines vs Indonesia (Philippine Volcanoes)
11:50am - Rugby 7s - Women's - Philippines vs Malaysia
12:38pm - Rugby 7s - Men's - Philippines vs Cambodia (Philippine Volcanoes)
2:28pm - Rugby 7s - Women's - Philippines vs Laos
3:16pm - Rugby 7s - Men's - Philippines vs Laos (Philippine Volcanoes)
4:44pm - Rugby 7s - Women's - Philippines vs Indonesia

Good Luck to all the Filipino athletes in the SEA Games! Laban Pilipinas!

SEA GAMES 2017 : FOOTBALL SCHEDULE FOR TEAM PILIPINAS

Here is the initial schedule of the football games for Team Pilipinas:

A. Men's Team

Roster:

Christian Lapas
Daniel Bernan Gadia
Dimitri Lionel Limbo
Dylan Alain Lucienne De Bruycker
Jaime Vicenzo Cheng
Jordan Blair Jarvis
Javier Augustine Gayoso
Jeremiah Raphael Rocha
Julian Mariano Clarino
Junell Mark Bautista
Kou Ichi Belgira
Nathaniel Ace Villanueva
Nimrod Balabat
Ray Joseph Joyel
Rey Franco Miguel De La Torre
Reymart Cubon
Roberto Corsame Jr.
Richard Talaroc Jr.
Valentino Calvo
Yoshiharu Koizumi

Group Phase - PH is Group B

Aug 15, 8:45pm - vs Cambodia
Aug 17, 8:45pm - vs Indonesia
Aug 20, 8:45pm - vs Vietnam
Aug 22, 4:00pm - vs Thailand
Aug 24, 4:00pm - vs Timor Leste

Knockout Stage

Aug 26 - semifinals
Aug 29 - bronze model match, finals

B. Women's Team

Roster:

Mea Dematao Bernal
Anicka Chabeli Arrieta Castaneda
Sara Isobel Arrieta Castaneda
Maeva Bella Abao Collatos
Alisha Claire Mendoza Del Campo
Kyrhen Angela Bretana Dimaandal
Alesa Nazareno Dolino
Patrice Mae San Pedro Impelido
Kayla Jan Aragones Inquig
Hali Moriah Candido Long
Eva Silva Madarang
Isabela Francesca Medallon Mahoney
Regine Metillo
Irish Oliveros Navaja
Inna Kristianne Beza Palacios
Kathleen Camille Muldong Rodriguez
Faith Sean Ruetas
Jesse Anne Shugg
Jovelle Cordero Sudaria
Patricia Tomanon

Game Schedule:

Aug 15, 8:45pm - vs Malaysia
Aug 17, 4:00pm - vs Vietnam
Aug 22, 4:00pm - vs Myanmar
Aug 24, 4:00pm - vs Thailand

Sources:
http://www.spin.ph/sea-games/news/philippines-2017-southeast-asian-games-list-of-athletes

TEAM PILIPINAS : WEIGHTLIFTER NESTOR COLONIA QUALIFIES TO THE 2016 RIO OLYMPICS

Weightlifter Nestor Colonia just qualified to the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games. He now joins fellow lifter and now 3 time Olympian Hidilyn Diaz in the competition.

In a letter from the International Weightlifting Federation to the Philippine Olympic Committee, the international weightlifting body confirmed the slot awarded to Colonia, who will compete in the men's 56kg division.

Colonia had an impressive showing during the world championship in Texas by getting the bronze in clean & jerk but wound up 4th in the snatch. He duplicated the same feat in the 2016 Asian Championship in Uzbekistan last April.

Colonia and Diaz are now in training in China as a build up for their campaign in Rio.

With this qualification, Filipino athlete count in the Olympics is now at 8 - with 2 boxers, 2 lifters, 2 in athletics, 1 in table tennis and 1 taekwondo jin. Others expected to join the group are athletes from golf and swimming. The basketball team will be in a qualifying tournament next month.

Good luck in the Olympics Nestor Colonia!

Image is from an article from Pilipino Sta Ngayon website

2015 SOUTHEAST ASIAN GAMES : FIL-AMS DELIVER 3 ATHLETICS GOLD MEDALS

Three Filipino-American recruits deliver gold medal performances at the start of the athletics competition at the 2015 Southeast Asian Games in Singapore.

New recruit Caleb Stuart started the day for the Philippines with a record setting performance at the Men's Hammer Throw. His 3rd throw of 65.63m is the new SEA Games record. He was able to beat Thailand (62.12m) and Malaysia (61.18m). Another Filipino, veteran camapaigner Arnel Ferrera, finished fifth. Here is Caleb's performance:

In a rare feat, the fastest man and woman in Southeast Asia comes from the Philippines. Eric Shaun Cray and Kayla Richardson both won the 100m for Men and Women, respectively. Cray clocked in at 10.25s, a clear 0.20s faster than the silver medalist. Richardson, on the other hand, had a photo finish race against the Thai runner and both of them clocked in identical times of 11.76s. In the end, the gold was awarded to Richardson.

Here are their performances at the 100m sprint races:

With more events for all these 3 athletes, the target of 8-12 medals for athletics seems very much attainable. Hope this is the start of the resurgence of Philippine athletics.

2015 FIBA 3X3 UNDER-18 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP : KOBE PARAS DEFENDS DUNK CROWN

Team Pilipinas captain Kobe Paras was able to defend his slam dunk title that he won 2 years ago in Jakarta, Indonesia, He was able to again be the champion in the 2015 FIBA Under-18 World Championship Slam Dunk Contest in Hungary.

Here is the video of the contest as posted by FIBA 3x3 official YouTube channel:

2015 SOUTHEAST ASIAN GAMES : PHILIPPINES SNAGS 6 GOLDS DURING THE WEEKEND GAMES

Team Philippines delivered 6 gold medals over the weekend, with 5 more silvers and 14 bronzes. With this medal haul, Philippines is still in 7th place in the medal tally.

The 6 gold medals came from 5 sports : triathlon, wushu, rugby, billiards and judo.

The Philippines shown its dominance in triathlon, winning both the men's and women's events. Claire Adorna and Kim Mangrobang finished 1-2 in their Saturday race respectively. They delivered the first gold medal of the Philippines. Here are the girls as posted in Inquirer Group's Twitter Page :

Palace lauds Claire Adorna for winning PH’s first SEA Games gold http://t.co/9cuEh5FCSY | @AHeginaINQ pic.twitter.com/NmMrPeXXRF

— Inquirer Group (@inquirerdotnet) June 7, 2015

Nikko Huelgas continued the country's dominance in the event by topping the men's race earlier this morning. Here is his winning moment as posted in the 2015 SEA Games Twitter page :

#Triathlon #PHI Nikko Bryan Huelgas was tearing up as he marked 2:04:32 to secure place as winner! Photo by Hutomo pic.twitter.com/fbcfUzhaAY

— 28th SEA Games (@seagames2015) June 7, 2015

Wushu athlete Daniel Parantac also delivered by topping Men's Optional Taijijian event. He scored 9.71 and just 0.02 points ahead of the silver medalist. Here is the awarding ceremonies of the event as posted in the Sports Singapore YouTube channel :

Wushu was also able to deliver a silver medal in the Men's Duel Event - Weapons from the trio of Parantac, Norlence Ardee Catolico and John Keithley Chan.

Billiards also delivered a golden performance with the pair of Carlo Biado and Warren Kiamco winning the 9-ball doubles event. They beat Vietnam in the finals with a score 9-5. Here is the awarding ceremonies for the event, also posted in the Singapore Sports YouTube channel:

The Philippine Volcanoes also did not disappoint, sweeping the elimination rounds up to the finals to capture the men's Rugby 7s gold medal. The women's team also got a podium finish, getting the bronze medal in distaff side. Here is a picture of the Philippine rugby team celebrating after the medal ceremony as posted in the official Twitter page of Philippine Volcanoes:

Inaalay namin ang mga medalyang ito sa lahat ng Pilipino sa buong mundo! Salamat po sa suporta! #LabanPilipinas pic.twitter.com/N8hXKwtkTS

— PhilippineVolcanoes™ (@PhilippineRugby) June 7, 2015

The last gold medal of the weekend was contributed by judoka Kiyomi Watanabe in the Women's 57 - 63kg division. Judo also contributed 2 bronze medals by Gilbert Ramirez and Helen Dawa in their respective divisions.

Other sports that contributed medals were swimming (3 bronzes) athletics (1 silver), canoeing (2 bronzes), fencing (4 silvers and 1 bronze), gymnastics (1 bronze), shooting (2 bronze) and table tennis (1 silver).

Hope this is a sign of more medals in the coming days. Good luck Team Pilipinas!

2015 SOUTHEAST ASIAN GAMES FORMALLY OPENS

The 2015 Southeast Asian Games was formally opened today at the Singapore National Stadium with a 2 hour program.

The best athletes and coaches from the 11 member nations of Southeast Asia; Brunei Darusalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Timor Leste, Vietnam and host Singapore, marched into the stadium to proudly represent their respective countries in this 28th edition of the games. There are 37 sports in this edition and will run until June 16.

Here is a glimpse of Team Philippines during the parade of nations, led by volleybelle Alyssa Valdez as posted by GMA News in their Twitter account :

LOOK: Team Philippines at the #SEAGames2015 led by flag-bearer @AlyssaValdez2 http://t.co/AnR6QxgBlM pic.twitter.com/wGgz5reUCT

— GMA News (@gmanews) June 5, 2015

Here is the video of the Team Philippines during the parade of nations as posted in the YouTube channel of Sports Singapore :

It was also revealed that Philippines is interested to host the 30th SEA Games in 2019 after Brunei backed out. It will be a busy year for sports if we confirm hosting the SEA Games and if we win hosting the 2019 FIBA World Cup as well!

2015 SOUTHEAST ASIAN GAMES : GOLD STILL ELUSIVE FOR PHILIPPINES, FENCING AND TABLE TENNIS DELIVER MEDALS

Team Philippines still cannot get that first gold medal a day before the official opening of the 2015 Southeast Asian Games in Singapore.

The good news is that the Filipino fencers added 2 more medals and table tennis added 1 more before the day ends to keep the Philippines in 5th place in the medal tally with 3 silvers and 1 bronze medals.

Fencer Nathaniel Perez got the first bronze of the country after losing to Minh Quang Nguyen of Vietnam in the semi-final round of the Men's Individual Foil, 14 - 15.

Shortly after that, fencing delivered another silver medal. Harlene Raguin lost to Thi Len Than of Vietnam in the Women's Individuale Epee event, 7 - 11. Here is Harlene during the the awarding ceremony as posted in the Twitter page of the Sountheast Asian Games :

#Fencing: women's épée ind event - congrats to #VIE, #PHI, #SIN, THA! By Leong Mei Lin & Naomi Michiko #seagames2015 pic.twitter.com/11lH4CJQz5

— 28th SEA Games (@seagames2015) June 4, 2015

Table tennis also contributed to the medal count for Team Pilipinas. Richard Gonzales got the silver medal after losing to World No. 15 Gao Ning of Singapore, 1 - 3.

2015 FIBA UNDER-18 3X3 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP : KOBE PARAS BECOMING NEW COVERBOY OF THE TOURNAMENT

Team Pilipinas captain Kobe Paras is becoming the new coverboy of the 2015 FIBA Under-18 3x3 World Championship. KObe has been featured so many times in articles about the tournament and has been named one of the 10 players to watch out for in the tournament in FIBA.com.

He was also the only male player in the opening press conference. Kobe has risen to stardom from virtually unknown to an internet sensation after winning the slam dunk contest in the 2013 edition of the tournament in Indonesia.

Here is a preview of the tournament posted in the official YouTube channel featuring no other than our very own Kobe Paras:

2015 SOUTHEAST ASIAN GAMES : FENCER JUSTINE GAIL TINIO GIVES TEAM PILIPINAS ITS FIRST MEDAL

With still 2 days before the actual opening ceremonies, Team Philippines already barged into the medal tally. A silver medal was won by one of our lady fencer in the Women's Individual Foil event.

Tinio, a UAAP fencing champion from the University of the East, lost to Singaporean Wenying Wang in the finals, 15-7.

Here is a photo of Tinio during the medal ceremony as posted by Sports5 in their Twitter page:

Philippines' first Silver Medal in the 28th SEA Games courtesy of Justine Gail Tinio! #LabanPilipinas pic.twitter.com/hogO7qwyQ2

— Sports5 (@Sports5PH) June 3, 2015

This is also posted in the 2015 SEA Games Facebook page :

Hope this is the start of more medals for Team Pilipinas! Congratulations Justine Gail!

2015 SOUTHEAST ASIAN GAMES : PROMO FOR GILAS PILIPINAS CADETS

With a few days left in the preparations, here is a short promo published by Sports 5 in their YouTube channel for the Philippine basketball team, the Gilas Pilipinas Cadets, for the 2015 Southeast Asian Games who are targeting to defend their title that they won in 2013 in Myanmar :

The team will be composed of the following players: Baser Amer, Mac Belo, Kevin Ferrer, Jiovani Jalalon, Glenn Khobuntin, Kiefer Ravena, Prince Rivero, Troy Rosario, Earl Scottie Thompson, Norbert Torres, Almond Vosotros and naturalized veteran Marcus Douthit. They will be coached by Tab Baldwin.

The team will be playing in Group A and will start their campaign on June 10. Here is their game schedule:

June 10 - vs Indonesia (1pm)

June 11 - vs Malaysia (4pm)

June 12 - vs Timor Leste (6pm)

The semi-final matches will be played on June 14 and the finals will be on June 15.

2015 SOUTHEAST ASIAN GAMES : PHILIPPINE VOLLEYBALL TEAM RECOGNIZED DURING THE SHAKEYS V-LEAGUE FINALS

The members of the Philippine Volleyball National Team for the 2015 Southeast Asian Games was called and recognized during the finals of the Open Conference of Shakey's V-League. All 13 members of the team was present and were called out before the awarding ceremonies where PLDT got the championship after winning over Army.

Here is a glimpse of the national team from Tiebraker Times Twitter account :

#LabanPilipinas PH WVT SEA Games team present earlier. pic.twitter.com/HqVziijpeU

— Tiebreaker Times (@TiebreakerTimes) May 31, 2015

The team will join other athletes during the opening ceremonies on June 5, where Alyssa Valdez will be the flag bearer, and will start their quest for a medal after a decade long absence on June 10.

Here is a promo released by Sports5 in their YouTube channel:

The team will start their campaign on June 10, their schedule is as follows:

June 10 - vs Indonesia (12pm)
June 11 - vs Malaysia (10am)
June 13 - vs Vietnam (10am)

Semifinal matches will be played on June 14 and the finals on June 15.

Wishing good luck to Team Philippines and I am hoping that everyone will cheer for them, politics aside.

PHILIPPINES SET TO JOIN THE FIBA UNDER-18 3X3 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Team Philippines once again will join the FIBA Under-18 3x3 World Championship. It will be held at the Kossuth Square in Debrecen, Hungary next week, from June 4 to 7, 2015.

Philippines will be in Pool A with top seed Hungary, Poland, Kazakhstan, Uruguay and Russia. Here is the complete list of pools in the said tournament:

Team Philippines will be lead by the defending slam dunk champion Kobe Paras and he will be joined by Richard Escoto, Michael Nieto and Ricci Paolo Rivero.

Each country will play in a single round robin format in their respective pools. The top 4 teams after this will advance to the knockout round where an eventual champion will be crowned.

Here is the schedule of Team Philippines in the first round:

• June 4, 4:50pm - vs Poland
• June 4, 7:20pm - vs Hungary
• June 5, 5:10pm - vs Kazakhstan
• June 5, 7:40pm - vs Russia
• June 6, 2:10pm - vs Uruguay

All the games of Team Philippines will be played at the Main Court. Games of the Last 16 will be played on June 6 and the quarterfinals up to the finals will be played on June 7.

SEA GAMES 2015 : PHILIPPINE WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL TEAM LINE UP ANNOUNCED

The final line up for the Philippine Women's Volleyball Team for the 2015 Southeast Asian Games in Singapore next month was announced by Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas, Inc. last Friday.

Amidst controversy on the volleyball federation, players attendance and schedule conflicts, the final 12 girls who will carry the flag are the following :

1. Daquis, Rachel Ann
2. de Leon, Bea
3. Dimaculangan, Rhea
4. Gonzaga, Jovelyn
5. Lazaro, Denden
6. Marano, Abby
7. Morado, Jia
8. Ortiz, Maika
9. Santiago, Jaja
10. Santiago - Manabat, Dindin
11. Soltones, Gretchel
12. Valdez Alyssa

Aiza Maizo, who was the last person cut from the roster, will serve as a reserve player and assistant coach. The team will be mentored by Coach Roger Gorayeb and Coach Tai Bundit as his assistant.

Alyssa Valdez will also serve as the flag bearer of Team Pilipinas in the opening ceremonies on June 4, 2015.

Before the announcement, Gorayeb expressed his dismay on the poor attendance of the players in last Wednesday's practice, where the official line up was set to be announced. After the announcement, the players was in full force for the first time:

Perfect attendance brightens mood as PH team buckles down to work By @meilinspin http://t.co/Ru2PB2LZRQ via @spinph pic.twitter.com/JpC1zk059b

— SPIN.ph (@spinph) May 22, 2015

Hope this girls exceed their target of a bronze medal after being absent in the SEA Games for a decade. The last time that we participated was in the 2005 Manila SEA Games where we got the bronze. The last time we got the gold was more than 20 years ago.

Good luck Team Pilipinas!

Image is from the 2015 SEA Games website and the tweet is from the Spin.ph official Twitter account

AVC UNDER 23 WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP : TEAM PHILIPPINES GETS 7TH PLACE

Team Philippines finished their campaign with a win and gets 7th place amongst 12 countries in the first staging of the Asian Volleyball Confederation Under-23 Women's Champonship at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Bannered by the top collegiate volleybelles in the UAAP and NCAA, this is the first team that competed internationally in almost a decade. The last one was during the 2005 Southeast Asian Games in Manila where the team placed 3rd.

Team Philippines got a sweet revenge from their first group stage loss to Iran and beat them in the classification rounds in straight sets: 25-15, 25-21 and 26-24.

With this win, Team Philippines officially announces that we are back in the international stage. Considering that the team is only formed 3 weeks before the start of the tournament and has been turned down by some of the players that were invited, this is a good performance from a team with very minimal international experience.

Team Philippines were represented by top volleybelles Alyssa Valdez, Jaja Santiago, Jia Morado, Gretchen Soltones, Myla Pablo, Risa Sato, Bea de Leon, Riri Meneses, EJ Laure, Ella de Jesus, Jhoanna Maraguinot and Tin Agno. The team is coached by Roger Gorayeb and assisted by Tai Bundit.

It will be a busy month for volleyball. The Under 23 Men's Team will be competing next in Myanmar starting May 12, followed by the Asian Seniors Women's Championship in China this month. The men's and women's seniors team will also participate in the SEA Games in Singapore in June.

Pic is from the Volleyball PH Photo Album Facebook Page