MANILA, Philippines – After a stunning sweep by Alab Pilipinas over defending champion Hong Kong Eastern in the Asean Basketball League (ABL) semifinals, Christian Standhardinger’s crossroads with the Philippines has come to a full stop.

However, in a true show of team loyalty, the Fil-German standout did not show an inkling of a celebratory mood after Eastern’s final loss of the season. He gamely posed for photos, but did not smile. He mingled with the fans for their pleasure, but not for his own. During the post-game press conference, Standhardinger refused to even answer any question not related to Hong Kong Eastern.

“I’m very honored that I have a very close and deep connection with the Filipino fans and the Filipino people, and I cherish that,” he said. “But I’m not gonna talk about myself or my future career. If you have questions about us as a team, then I’m gonna answer that. If you have questions about me personally, I’m not gonna answer, and I say that with all due respect.”

Being one of Hong Kong’s imports in their now-concluded ABL campaign, the Gilas Pilipinas cadet often found himself at the opposing side of the Filipino fans. In fact, he was largely responsible for Alab’s cellar-dwelling 0-3 start in the regular season, given that they faced the Eastern team twice in that span.

But still, he naturally had the strongest connection with the Filipino fans, who still cheered for him in Hong Kong’s player introductions. He could’ve easily chosen to reciprocate their affection, but he didn’t out of respect to his current team. He could’ve easily discussed his future as the prized rookie of the San Miguel Beermen, but chose not to while in clear earshot of his current coach.

Amid a throng of adoring countrymen, he chose to project himself as a Hong Kong player for one last time. Beyond the averages of 22.5 points and 11.8 rebounds, Standhardinger displayed loyalty – the intangible asset unbound by numbers and analysis.

If anything, his dejected demeanor in Sta. Rosa, Laguna says a lot about his character as a basketball player. If Standhardinger can give his heart to a team without any prior connection to him, then fans can expect more of the same to show once he plays for home once again. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Kobe Paras is not closing his doors on any opportunities regarding his decision to turn pro.

Paras, who returned to the country on Monday, April 16, over a month after announcing that he would leave the Cal State Northridge (CSUN) Matadors to pursue a professional career, cleared he is not just targeting the NBA. 

"When I say go pro, it doesn't mean NBA. There's a lot of people that kept saying NBA. It is a professional league but there's a lot of pro teams out there," said the 20-year-old during Chooks To Go's homecoming press conference. 

Paras initially was supposed to stay in the United State to continue his NCAA career with the Matadors until his former head coach, Reggie Theus, was fired by the school. 

Theus promised to give Paras, who transferred to CSUN after barely seeing action with the Creighton University Bluejays, playing time. However, Theus' exit proved to be the last thing Paras needed. 

"It was shocking to me that he got fired because I was ready to play. Since that happened I had to make a decision to myself," said Paras. 

Earning money he "deserved" was also a factor in Paras' decision to leave the NCAA.

The NCAA neither permits players to accept endorsement deals nor gifts, both monetary or in kind. 

"That's two years that I've been in college, there's rules that I can't endorse, I can't earn money with the national team there are a lot of rules that prevent me from earning the money that I deserve," said Paras. 

"I just made the decision that I want to go pro, it's because where I can live a life where I'm getting the things that I deserve." 

With his return to the Philippines, Paras will be joining the Gilas 23 for 2023 cadets that will be competing in the Filoil Flying V Premier Cup, which kicks off on April 21.

There is also a possibility Paras will also be a part of the Philippine team for the FIBA 3x3 World Cup. 

While he gets busy with the national cadet squad, Paras is not counting out the PBA as a potential destination.

"PBA is a professional league, that's all I'm going say. When I said I was going pro, there's a lot of pro leagues out there." – Rappler.com

ILOCOS SUR, Philippines – Soft mattresses, pillows, and blankets welcomed every athlete who traveled to Ilocos Sur to compete at the Palarong Pambansa 2018.

On Monday, April 16, Rappler visited two schools which the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Ilocos Sur local government unit (LGU) reserved for the players, coaches, and other guests who need a place to stay during the games scheduled until Saturday, April 21.

These were Pangada Elementary School for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) delegation and Vigan Central School for the Zamboanga Peninsula delegation. (READ: LIVE UPDATES: Palarong Pambansa 2018 in Vigan, Ilocos Sur) 

Aside from mattresses, all individuals billeted in the schools were given their own pillows and blankets. This is a new initiative from the Ilocos Sur LGU, according to ARMM committee on discipline chairman Nurhateb Abdullah.  

"For the first time, kumpleto siya. May kumot, may unan," Abdullah told Rappler. 

(For the first time, the beddings were complete. There are blankets and pillows.) 

"They are one step ahead of others, kasi 'yung iba higaan lang ['yung binibigay]. Dito kumpleto. Sasabihin kong maganda dito," he added. 

(They are one step ahead of others, because others just give out mattresses. Here, beddings are complete. I say it is better here.) 

His observations were affirmed by Vigan Central School principal Editha Bagcal. She said they already included allocations to fix the living quarters of Palaro athletes when they proposed their budget for 2018. 

Bagcal said her school spent P50,000 out of its own coffers to make Vigan Central School more homey for Palaro. Another P80,000 was donated by the parent-teacher association.

The budget allowed Vigan Central School to fix its water pipes and set up Wi-Fi connections that can accommodate hundreds of Zamboangeños.

"Talaga naman na pinaghandaan ng Ilocos Sur dahil ang gusto ng ating governor (Ryan Singson) atsaka pati na rin ng DepEd na maging maayos ang pagbisita ng ating mga atleta at mga coaches at officials ng mga delegado ng iba't ibang rehiyon," said Bagcal. 

(Ilocos Sur really prepared for this because our governor and the DepEd wanted the stay of the athletes, coaches, officials, and other delegates to be comfortable.)

A total of 37 schools across Ilocos Sur are reserved for the regional delegations, while another 16 schools are being used by the Palaro's technical officials. 

Rosellre Basa, captain of Zamboanga's baseball team, finds his current living quarters more comfortable than the ones he stayed in during the past two Palarong Pambansa games.

"Maganda naman dito kaysa iba naming napuntahan dati. Kasi malaki 'yung espasyo ng lugar namin. Tapos doon sa una naming napuntahan, maliit lang. Halos 'di magkasya," said Basa.

(It's more comfortable here compared to the ones I previously stayed in. The space is bigger here. The room we had before was smaller. We could barely fit.)

He added that he's now able to relax more and get enough sleep before his competition.

During last year's Palaro, SunStar reported that some 600 delegates from Davao ended up sleeping on cartons they bought for P3 each for their first 3 nights in Antique. This was because their mattresses were delivered late. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao said Monday he had not yet chosen a trainer for his July world title fight with Lucas Matthysse, dismissing reports he has cut ties with long-standing mentor Freddie Roach.

The veteran US ring guru Roach said last week that his 15-year association with Pacquiao, who has won world titles in an unprecedented eight weight divisions, had been terminated ahead of the Matthysse bout in Malaysia.

"I would be lying if I didn't say I wasn't hurt that he didn't contact me personally about his decision, but the great times we enjoyed together far outweigh that," Roach said in a brief statement on Friday.

But Pacquiao went on social media Monday to say that he would make a decision later this week on his corner team for the Kuala Lumpur fight with the Argentine World Boxing Association welterweight champion.

"Contrary to statements which I personally did not make that are circulating in the media, I have not made my final decision who will be my head trainer for my July 14 (US time zone) fight with Matthysse," he said.

Pacquiao – who has a record of 59 wins with 38 KOs, seven losses and two draws – told millions of followers on his official Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts that his adviser Mike Koncz "has been in contact with Freddie (Roach)'s people to keep them informed.

"I will make a final decision within the week. When that decision is made, Freddie will be the first one to be informed and then I will advise the media," the 39-year-old added.

Roach was ever-present in Pacquiao's corner during his rise to the pinnacle of his sport, helping mould the fighter into one of the best boxers in history.

Pacquiao has not fought since being defeated on points by Australia's Jeff Horn in Brisbane last July, a loss that cost the Filipino star his World Boxing Organization welterweight crown.

Matthysse, who has 39 wins including 36 KOs against four defeats, won the vacant WBA belt after beating Thailand's Teerachai Sithmorseng in January. – Rappler.com

ILOCOS SUR, Philippines – The Ilocandia, the host of the Palarong Pambansa 2018, may no longer be the sports powerhouse in recent years, but Ilocano athletes were among the greatest in Philippine history. Here are 10 of them. 

 1) Teofilo Yldefonso. Born in Piddig, Ilocos Norte in 1902, Yldefonso was said to be the “Father of the Modern Breaststroke.” He competed in the 1928 Olympics in Amsterdam and immediately set the Olympics record in the men’s 200-meter breaststroke. Yldefonso, who gained the nickname “Ilocano Shark,” finished third in the finals. He again bagged the bronze in the same event in the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics, making him the only Filipino to get two Olympic medals. His patented stroke was then known as the “Yldefonso stroke” and was filmed and copied by European swimmers. He competed in the 1936 Berlin Olympics but could only finish 7th. His next stint, unfortunately, was World War II and although he survived the Bataan Death March, Yldefonso died in the Capas internment camp in 1942 and his remains were never found. Daniel Coakley, a great-grandson, won two gold medals and a silver in swimming in the 2007 Southeast Asian Games. 

 2) John White Sipin. In the 1970s, the Ilocos Norte boys' softball team lorded it over in the Palarong Pambansa and were later known as the “Marcos Boys.” But after the support of Marcos waned, the interest in softball and baseball also lost wind like a mean breaking ball in Ilocos. Which is a pity because the first Filipino-American baseball player to play an entire season is an Ilocano. John White Sipin was born in 1946 in Watsonville, California to Ethel White and Johnny Imperial Sipin, an Ilocano. He played 68 games for the San Diego Padres in 1969, batting .223 with 12 doubles, two triples and two homers in 229 at-bats. Sipin, however, became a superstar in the Japanese league after signing with the Taiyo Whales in 1972, he became one of the best second basemen in Japanese baseball during the 1970s. He was the first foreigner to win the Japanese Golden Glove Award in 1972 and 1973. 

 3) Following his spiked footsteps is Benny Agbayani. His grandfather Ambrosio was a sacada in Hawaii coming from Ilocos Norte while his father was a dance instructor in Honolulu, which explained Benny’s grace and swift moves in baseball despite his squat and stocky body. Despite playing some football in college, Agbayani was the California Angels’ 25th pick in the 1992 free agent draft and the New York Mets’ 30th choice in the free agent draft in 1993. It was only in 1999 that Agbayani really made it to the big leagues, hitting ten homers in his first 73 at-bats as a New York Mets. He wore 50 on his jersey in honor of his native Hawaii. It was in 2000 when Agbayani broke through and even became a hero in the Mets’ Subway series against the Yankees. He was traded to the Colorado Rockies and he struggled there. Like Sipin, he went to Japan and joined the Chiba Lotte Marines in 2005 together with his Mets manager Bobby Valentine. They swept the Hanshin Tigers during the Japan Series and the Marines later won the inaugural Asia Series. Agbayani was named the MVP of the series. 

 4) Brian Viloria– Benny Agbayani was nicknamed “Hawaiian Punch” during his MLB years but it was the boxer Brian Viloria who was more famous for that moniker. Brian was born in Waipahu, Hawaii in November 1980 but he was sent to Narvacan when he was just six months old and was raised by his grandparents for five years there. He was an accomplished amateur boxer in the US and was even awarded Boxer of the Year by the USBA in 1999. He was a favorite to win the gold in the 2000 Sydney Olympics but lost to Brahim Asloum of France in the controversial finals. His professional career was overshadowed by that of Manny Pacquiao’s although he became the unified WBA and WBO flyweight champion and the former WBC and IBF light flyweight champion. His last fight was last February when he lost to the unbeaten Artem Dalakian of Ukraine in his bid to win back his world flyweight championship. 

5) The first boxer to be named “Hawaiian Punch” was Andrew Ganigan, another Ilocano born in Waipahu. Ganigan was named #97 in The Ring's list of 100 greatest punchers of all time. The original “Hawaiian Punch” fought from 1972 to 1983, ending his career with an overall record of 34 wins (30 by KO) and 5 losses. 

 6) The boxer who named Viloria as the “Hawaiian Punch” is Jesus Salud, who was also named as such in his heydays. Born in Sinait, Ilocos Sur, Salud migrated to Honolulu and became a professional boxer. He won the WBA super bantamweight title on December 11, 1989, in a bout against Juan Jose Estrada.

 7) Ana Julaton. Enough of the Hawaiian punchers but Ana is one whose power and looks are enough to do a 1-2 knockout combination. The granddaughter of an Ilocano US Army soldier from Pozorrubio, Ana is the first woman Fil-Am boxer to win a world professional boxing title. Known as the Hurricane, Julaton won the women’s WBO super bantamweight in just her seventh fight and the IBA super bantamweight. She retired from boxing with 14 wins, four losses and one draw and went to mixed martial arts where she had a mixed record of 2 wins and 4 losses. She retired from both boxing and MMA only last month.

 8) Among the basketball players who traced their roots in Ilocos are Sonny Cabatu, Danny Ildefonso, Marc Pingris and Doug Kramer but probably the greatest is Ambrosio Padilla. Although he went on to become a senator and solicitor-general, Paddy was the skipper of the illustrious Philippine basketball team which placed fifth in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. He was also the manager of the Philippine team which placed third in the World Basketball Championships in 1952 in Argentina. 

 9) David Bunevacz. The decathlete is the son of Hungarian-American track and field coach Joseph Bunevacz and Filomena Ismaela from La Union. In high school in California, David excelled in high hurdles, high jump and long jump. At the University of California at Los Angeles, David became the team captain of their track and field team. He was recruited to represent the Philippines in the decathlon and won the gold in the Southeast Asian Games in 1997. However, Bunevacz became more famous for his romantic interludes and dubious business transactions. 

 10) Nancy Navalta. She still holds the Palaro records for 100-meter dash for girls in 1997 and 200-meter dash for girls in 1993 but the stone picker from Luna, La Union will be forever known for her gender issues. Her best time of 11.42 in the 100 would have qualified her for the Atlanta Olympics but there were persistent rumors then that she was a man and then the Philippine Centre for Sports Medicine (PCSM) released her sex test results and said that she had a condition called hermaphrodism. After that, she stopped running and went back to La Union, lived a quiet life and finished Criminology at the University of Luzon. In 2015, she became the sports consultant of La Union. – Rappler.com 

ILOCOS SUR, Philippines – The Cagayan Valley and National Capital Region (NCR) emerged as early leaders in the partial medal tally for Palarong Pambansa at the end of the first day of competitions. 

The athletic associations of both regions each garnered two gold medals as of 6:43 pm on Monday, April 16. (LIVE UPDATES: Palarong Pambansa 2018 in Vigan, Ilocos Sur) 

Algin Gomez, a high school student from Aparri town in Cagayan province, posted 6.96 meters in the long jump-secondary boys, earning Cagayan Valley’s first gold medal. (READ: Palarong Pambansa 2018 athletes bring courage to win and to lose)

Tuguegarao North Central School’s Rashied Faith Burdeos also took home the gold with a distance of  10.13 meters in the shot put for elementary girls. 

Western Visayas, however, has earned the most number of medals so far with one gold, two silver, and two bronze medals.

The Bicol Region tallied the first gold medal in this year’s games. Barefoot 13-year-old Lheslie de Lima bested all the other athletes who competed in the 3,000 meters run. The region also has one silver medal so far. 

Calabarzon and CAR have one gold medal each. Mimaropa collected two silver and one bronze medals while Northern Mindanao so far has two silvers.

Host region Ilocos has one silver and one bronze medal. Socssksargen has 3 bronze medals, and Central Luzon earned one bronze medal on Monday.

Elimination games will continue until Thursday, April 19 and the semi-final round will begin on Friday, April 20. Championship games are set to be completed by Saturday, April 21, when the awarding and closing ceremonies will be held. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Less than two weeks from parting ways with the De La Salle University, Ricci Rivero is putting his utmost attention to the Gilas cadet program. 

Rivero, who announced his exit from the Green Archers last April 5, said he is relishing the chance of being under the national team. 

After all, being part of Gilas is what keeps Rivero going following a whirlwind offseason that included rumors of him using drugs and accepting money from gay benefactors. 

"Who doesn’t want to play for the national team? And it will help me also prepare for the future and if ever I’m going to transfer to a different school, it will help me a lot to grow myself as a player and as a person going to that university," said Rivero. 

As a member of the Gilas 23 for 2023 cadets, Rivero will be playing competitive basketball for the first time in a long while in the Filoil Flying V Premier Cup, where the young national team will compete with all of the UAAP and NCAA schools in the country starting on April 21. 

The tournament would also keep Rivero busy as he had hoped to lead the Green Archers back to the Promise Land in the UAAP prior to his departure.

"Sobrang hirap [ng pinagdaanan ko] kasi 'yun nga, I’m really looking forward to getting the championship back for La Salle kasi La Salle will always be my second home," said Rivero. 

(I had a tough time because I was really looking forward to getting the championship back for La Salle because La Salle will always be my second home.)

"Hindi ako talaga nakapag-focus sa basketball after that kasi I can’t play for any teams kasi may sanctions about or something like that sa UAAP. Syempre nakakalaro ako with my brothers lang, with my friends and then after that, wala na."

(I had a hard time focusing on basketball because after my exit, I can't play with any teams because there is a sanction in the UAAP or something like that. Of course, I play with my brothers and friends but other than that, there is nothing.)

Rivero has universities in mind to transfer to but said he does not want to commit yet as he wants to focus on Gilas. 

"As of now, okay naman ako to any universities pero looking forward to seeing a university which is 'yung magfi-fit ako sa system," said the former UAAP champion. 

(As of now, I'm okay with any university but I'm looking forward to seeing a university which has a system I can fit in.)

"Kasi kahit gusto ko dito sa school na ito, if hindi naman ako magfi-fit sa system, if mayroon na silang players na 'yung nasa position ko, parang hindi rin magma-matter."

(Even if I want this school, if I am not a fit in their system, if they already have players in my position, I think my desire to transfer there does not matter.) 

If he ever gets to choose a school to play for in the UAAP, Rivero would have to skip the next season because of the one-year residency rule.

He hinted that he will decide which team he will play for in a few months.

"Siguro by August mayroon na." 

(Probaby by August, I have already chosen a team.) – Rappler.com

ILOCOS SUR, Philippines- Parents from all over the Philippines also came in droves to witness their children compete in the Palarong Pambansa 2018 in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.

Ringo Borlain was seen holding his daughter Tara’s shoulders, telling her to do her best. It was only moments before Tara ran the 3000 meters for secondary girls.

Borlain and his other daughter were in the Quirino Stadium. They travelled all the way from Manila to 'fight' for Tara.

“[This is also my fight] because you know when she feels sad, you feel it also. And siguro as a parent, you feel more when your children are down, so she wins, of course, you celebrate with your child,” Borlain said.

Tara started her “physical activities” when she was only three years old, Borlain recalled. For him, it’s something you could not turn your back on.

“This is something that she likes doing. So all the way up ‘til now, she loves to continue. So, whatever we see, that she loves doing, we will support,” he said, adding that “nobody can go wrong in sports.”

This is not the first time Tara competed in a national sports meet.

In 2017, she posted a record for the 800-meter run for 14-year-olds during the Batang Pinoy sports meet also held in Vigan City.

She’s also an Alaska Ironkids Triathletes Youth Ambassador.

Sports with purpose

Marjorie Misador also travelled 8 hours from Aparri, Cagayan to support her daughter Irish.

Misador said she would do anything to support her child’s dreams, even if it means going the extra mile for her.

Teary-eyed, she said Irish has been repeatedly saying one thing as she trained for her fourth Palaro game: This fight is for her father who died in August 2017.

As in her previous games, Misador said her husband would be Irish’s “number one fan,” and his death completely made this year’s fight different.

Since Misador’s husband died, her daughter would visit her father’s tomb before going to the games.

“Sabi niya, para sa inyo ‘to ni papa. Tuwing laban niya, talagang pursigido talaga siya, sabi niya, ‘Pa, para sa ‘yo to,” Misador said.

(She would always say, this is for you papa. Every time she competes, she is determined, and she'd day 'Pa, this is for you.') – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The World Cup wasn't meant for the Philippines this year.

The Philippine Women's National Football team failed to clinch the 5th spot that could've catapulted it to the 2019 FIFA World Cup as it lost to South Korea, 0-5, on Monday, April 16 (Tuesday, Manila Time) at the Amman International Stadium. 

After winning its opening match against Jordan in the group stage of the AFC Women's Asian Cup, the Philippines lost its succeeding matches where a win could have allowed the country to advance to the World Cup. 

This was the most number of goals the Philippines had conceded throughout the tournament. 

South Korea threatened the Philippines' defense throughout the match as the Koreans held possession for most of the game. 

The Koreans' offense finally came through in the 34th minute when Jang Seu-gi's out-of-the-box shot sailed into the back of the net to open the scoreline. 

The Philippines attempted to hold off South Korea after the first goal until the Koreans successfully split the defense that saw Lee Mi-na go one-on-one with Kearra Bastes-Jones, who eventually conceded the goal during the added time (45+3'). 

The nationals were only able to take two shots in the entire first half – one from Sarina Bolden in the 32nd minute, which sailed into the hands of South Korea keeper Yoon Young-guel, and the other from Maria Park's free kick that sailed over the crossbar. 

South Korea continued to crush the Philippines as Jeon Ga-eul's free kick found Lim Seon-joo, who slotted the ball past Bastes-Jones in the 56th minute to triple the lead. 

Ten minutes later, Ga-eul sent a cross following a corner kick to captain Cho So-hyun, who headed it in from the center of the box to make it a 4-0 lead over Philippines.

The Philippines' woes continued as Alexa Diaz conceded a penalty after a hard foul on Choe Yu-ri in the penalty area. In the 84th minute, captain Cho converted her second goal of the game from the spot. – Rappler.com

NEW YORK, United States – Desiree Linden became the first American woman since 1985 to win the Boston Marathon while Japan's Yuki Kawauchi captured his fourth men's marathon victory of the year on Monday. 

Both champions endured the coldest start in 30 years as well as gusting winds and steady rain in taking landmark triumphs in the 122nd edition of the famed 26.2-mile (42.1km) showdown over city streets.

Kawauchi overtook defending champion Geoffrey Kirui of Kenya over the final two kilometers in heavy rain to win in 2hrs 15min 58sec with Kirui finishing in 2:18:23 and American Shadrack Biwott 12 seconds further back in third.

"This is the greatest day of my life," a tearful Kawauchi said through a translator. "This is Boston. This is the greatest race in the world."

Kawauchi won his fifth consecutive marathon after last year's Hofu Marathon in Japan, a New Year's Day marathon at Marshfield, Massachusetts, Japan's Kitakyushu Marathon and Taiwan's Wanjinshi Marathon.

Linden overtook Ethiopia's Mamitu Daska and Kenya's Gladys Chesir at Heartbreak Hill after the 20-mile mark and kept the lead from there to win in 2:39:54. American Sarah Sellers was a distant second in 2:44:04 with Canada's Krista Duchene third, another 16 seconds adrift.

No US woman had won the Boston crown since Lisa Larsen Weidenbach 33 years ago, but Linden did it after making six of her 16 marathon starts in beloved Boston.

"I love this city, this race, this course. It's storybook. I'm thrilled to be here and to get it done," Linden said.

"This is a race the entire city cares about. Even on a day like today when it's pretty miserable, the people show up and embrace the race."

Linden lost by only two seconds in 2011 and was fourth in 2015 and 2017.

Good deed rewarded 

Linden said she felt early on as if she would not be able to finish the race, but slowed early to help compatriot Shalane Flanagan recover after a toilet stop and found herself boosted by working to help the reigning New York Marathon champion, who placed seventh.

"At mile 2-3-4 I didn't even feel like I could make it to the finish line," Linden said. "Helping her helped me and I got my legs back from there."

The race marked five years since the Boston Marathon bombing tragedy in which two explosions near the finish line killed three people and wounded more than 260.

Elite competitors began in rain coverings and at a slow pace in the coldest start since 1988 at 38 degrees (3.3 Celsius) with rain often blowing into runners' faces.

Weather conditions were so bad the Boston Red Sox, who usually play a Major League Baseball home game on race day, postponed their Fenway Park contest for the first time since 1984.

Kirui, who set the halfway pace at 1:05:59, failed in his bid to become the first back-to-back Boston men's winner since compatriot Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot in 2006-2008.

Kirui removed his gloves after 85 minutes then pulled away from the lead pack over a 400-meter span only to falter just ahead of the finish.

Daska surged from the halfway mark but Linden and Chesir, in only her second marathon, maintained pursuit.

Linden, 34, surged past them both just after the 21-mile mark and pulled away for the win. – Rappler.com

ILOCOS SUR, Philippines – Baguio’s Bea Mendoza became the Palarong Pambansa's first double-gold medalist in chess after ruling in Day 2 the chess blitz for high school girls. Mendoza, a Grade 11 student, beat Kylen Joy Mordido of Southern Tagalog in the final round to score 6 out of the possible 7 points. Mordido, who garnered 5 points, settled for silver.

Mendoza’s companion in the Cordillera team, Maycydel Fajardo, playing black, beat Vic Glysen Derotas of NCR in the final round to gain 4 points for a team total of 10 points and pocket the team blitz gold. 

Francoise Marie Magpily and Derotas both lost their final games to score 4 points each and a total 8 points to settle for silver for the National Capital Region.

Mendoza also won the blitz, team blitz and regular individual chess title in Antique edition of the Palarong Pambansa last year. 

Despite losing his final game, Eric Labog Jr. of Cagayan Valley still bagged the individual gold in the high school blitz for boys with 5 ½ points. Chris Aldritz Pondoyo of Central Visayas also won in the final round to tie Labog’s tormentor, Julius Gonzales of NCRAA, with 5 points each but Pondoyo’s companion, Jeremy Tanudra, also rallied with a final round victory for a total 3 1/2 points to give Central Visayas the gold in the team blitz.

In the elementary girls blitz, Aliyah Rae Lumangtad of Region XI beat favorite Mecel Angela Gadut in the final round to score a total 5 ½ points for the gold in the elementary girls blitz individual gold. Her teammate Lleane Faith Salajudid also won to gain 3 points for a total 8 ½ points, the same total points of National Capital Region.

It was the Labog brothers’ show in the boys blitz as Jan Clifford Labog won in the last round playing black to garner 6 points and the individual gold.

The Labogs are from Nueva Vizcaya.

Central Visayas got the team blitz gold in the elementary division with Aaron John Resma landing individual silver. Labog and Reymer Meneses won the team silver. – Rappler.com

ILOCOS SUR, Philippines- Ann Katherine Quitoy, a Grade 11 student from Bacolod City, stunned the crowd and officials as she broke the record for javelin throw for secondary girl in the Palarong Pambansa 2018.

 Quitoy was the first record breaker for this year's Palaro as she posted 45.72 meters for her throw, almost 4 meters better than the record set by Sylvian Abunda during the Palarong Pambansa 2017 in Antique.

 That decisive difference was what made Quitoy's record stunning, said her coach Adriana Arca.

Abunda's throw of  42.85 meters rewrote the javelin throw mark last year.  She failed to defend it this time, as she notched the silver medal.

 In an interview, Quitoy told Rappler this was her fifth time to play in the highest sports competition for public schools in the country. This victory, she said, is all the more special because it was her first Palaro gold.

 "Super happy and blessed and pinaghandaan ko talaga, gustung-gusto ko talaga na i-break 'yung record na 'yun," Quitoy said.

(I am extremely happy and blessed. I have really prepared for this because I want to break that record.) 

During her trainings, the young athlete from Western Visayas was already poised to smash the games record as her throws were all beyond Abunda's record.

This, however, did not make her complacent. 

"Sabi ng mga trainers kag coach namin na kahit ganyan yang performance mo, hindi ka talaga mag-e-expect na what if, may ganyan, may ganun,what if may foul," she said.

(My trainers told me not to be too confident with my performance, because you really don't expect anything. It could go wrong, what if there's a foul?)

"Hindi ka ma-pressure sa self mo at dapat relax ka lang, mag-imagine ka lang last training 'nyo na 'to," she added. 

(Don't be pressured and just relax. Just imagine that this is already your last training.)

 'Difficult training'

Like every Palaro winner, Quitoy said her victory was a dream come true.

"Dream come true talaga...though na parang nag-imagine lang ako na, imagine lang yata 'yan. Hindi na 'yan matutupad. Then suddenly, natupad naman," Quitoy said.

 (It's really a dream come true. I thought maybe I am only imagining, that this time will not be coming. Then suddenly, it happened.) 

Her training, however, had been "very difficult" because she lived away from her parents. 

Her coach, Arca, said her family resided in Dumaguete City in the province of Negros Oriental, a 6-hour ride from Bacolod City in Negros Occidental where she was studying.

"Ang pinakamasakit pa dun ay super ang layo ng pamilya sa iyo, tapos kung kailangan mo sila, wala sila 'dun kasi wala sila, kaya ang masasandigan ko lang ay 'yung mga ka-teammate ko doon," she said.

(The most painful part is my family is very far from me, and I when I needed them, they can't be there for me. So I just depended on my teammate there.)

And now that she hads overcome her battle, she offers her victory for her parents, whom, she said, keep supporting her in her passion. 

"Sabi ni mama sa text na anak, kaya mo yan, even mananalo ka o matatalo, we always support you and kahit ano'ng mangyari, love na love daw ako nila," she said.

 (My mother told me in her text messages that I could do it. She said she said they will always support me and love me whether I win or I lose.)

Offers for scholarship

She added that she also shares her victory with her teammates and coaches "who had been expecting me to finally get this."

As news of her stunning new record spread, Quitoy admitted she has already received scholarship offers from Metro Manila schools. But, it seems, she is not considering the offers for now.

"Gusto ko munang tapusin 'yung high school dun sa Bacolod. Kasi sila 'yung [nag-train sa akin]," she said.

(I want to finish my high school in Bacolod first because there were the ones who trained me.)

Quitoy proudly related how her school and trainers now kept pushing her to her limits.

"'Yung first throw ko before, it's only 33 meters, tapos sila 'yung nagpapalakas sa akin, sila 'yung nag-motivate," she said of her trainers from Bacolod City.

(My first throw was only 33 meters, and they made me stronger. They motivated me.)

"So i-give ko man ang respect ko sa kanila, na sila 'yung nag-build sa akin," she added.

(So I have to give them my respect, because they were the ones who built me.) – Rappler.com

ILOCOS SUR, Philippines – Four gold medals from an 11-year-old from Tacurong City lifted Soccsksargen region to the top of the medal board halfway through Day 2 of the Palarong Pambansa 2018. 

As of 1:12 pm on Tuesday, April 17, Soccsksargen leads the with 5 golds, 4 courtesy of Princess Sheryl Valdez, an elementary grade school student of Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat.

Valdez ruled the individual espada y daga, individual single weapon, individual double weapon, and team single weapon for arnis for elementary girls division.

Valdez was with Stephanie Mones and Maria Veronica Ilagan which took the gold in the team single weapon.

The fifth gold medal for Soccsksargen was delivered by Andrei Fritz Alcarioto with his win in the individual single weapon for arnis elementary boys.

Powerhouse National Capital Region (NCR) has earned 4 gold medals so far to place second in the medal standings. Elementary student Adrian Samudio delivered the additional gold for NCR for his feat in the triple jump for elementary boys.

Regions of Cagayan Valley, Southern Tagalog, Western Visayas, and Cordillera got 3 gold medals each.

Central Visayas and Davao regions have earned 2 gold medals each, while the host region of Ilocos, together with Mimaropa, Bicol, and Northern Mindanao posted their first gold medals.

Southern Tagalog had, so far, earned the most number of medals, 13. – Rappler.com

ILOCOS SUR, Philippines – The heat was almost unbearable at the stadium, but 16-year-old Leo Lee Cornel didn’t mind. The athlete competing at the Special Games of the Palarong Pambansa 2018 wanted to win the 200-meter dash. 

Minutes before the go signal, Leo Lee was even practicing his running form on the track. He ended up finishing 7th out of 8 in his heat. (READ: LIVE UPDATES: Palarong Pambansa 2018 in Vigan, Ilocos Sur) 

But this did not dampen his spirits. 

“Masaya (I am happy),” said Leo Lee, when asked how he felt after running. He can barely form complete sentences because he is differently abled. 

His coach, Mary Jane Abog, said she was only able to train Leo Lee 3 weeks before the special games. She had replaced Leo Lee’s original coach, who could not train him due to another commitment.  

Mary Jane, however, only had coaching experience for bocce, so she did an online research of drills she can make Leo Lee do to prepare for Palaro. 

“Bali 4 po ‘yan sila [na] pinatulog ko sa bahay. Five o’clock pa lang gising na po kami. Kasama po akong nagja-jogging,” said Mary Jane, who is also a special education (SPED) teacher.

(I let 4 of them stay at my house. By 5 o’clock, we are all awake already. I would join them in jogging.)

“Sa 3 weeks na ‘yon po, nakita ko po na gusto rin ni Leo Lee na manalo. Talagang grabe din po ‘yong practice nila. Sa bundok pa sa bahay nila, Saturday, Sunday, kasama niya ‘yong Papa niya,” she shared. 

(During those 3 weeks, I saw how much Leo Lee wanted to win. He practiced intensely for this. He even used to jog with his father on a mountain every Saturday and Sunday.) 

First Palaro loss

With Palarong Pambansa 2018 being his first, Leo Lee was excited to compete. Mary Jane said the teenager was already asking if they were already near Vigan City while they were still two days away by boat. 

Like in the 200-meter dash, Leo Lee failed to qualify for his first event: The 100-meter dash. Mary Jane said the athletics hopeful got distracted after seeing his opponents were using shoes with track spikes. He was only using regular rubber shoes.

“Bakit daw may spike daw po ‘yong shoes ng kanyang mga kasama, siya daw po wala. So nag-start na po, nakatingin siya, tapos pumutok na po ‘yong ano. Siya, nahuli po talaga. Kasi siguro first time din niya po talaga, nabigla po talaga siya,” said Mary Jane. 

(He was asking why his opponents’ shoes had spikes while his don’t. He was still looking at the spiked shoes when the gun blared to start the race. He was really left behind. It’s also his first time, so maybe that’s why he was among the last ones to finish.)

Leo Lee was sad after his first Palaro loss, but he soon recovered. 

According to Mary Jane, he started doing drills on his own while their team was resting after Leo Lee’s 100-meter dash bout. 

“No’ng nagpapahinga po kami sa grand stand, takbo siya nang takbo. Ginagawa niya ‘yong mga basic training namin, mga warm-ups namin. Tapos tawa po kami nang tawa, pati ‘yong mga kasamahan namin, pati ‘yong boss, tawa nang tawa sa kanya,” recounted Mary Jane with a smile.

(While we were resting at the grand stand, he kept on running. He was doing our basic training and warm-ups. We kept on laughing at him, even our boss.)

A victory for kuya

Why was Leo Lee training so hard?

“[Sabi niya] para manalo siya. Sa school daw siya mag-training uli, para sa June pa lang, para sa 2019 daw, Palarong Pambansa 2019. Preparation niya ho ‘yong kahapon. Talagang pursigido po talaga siya na manalo,” said Mary Jane. 

(He said he wants to win. He said he will train in school as early as June this year for the Palarong Pambansa 2019. It was his preparation. He is working hard so he would win.) 

Leo Lee’s losses aren’t stopping him from pursuing his goal to win in Palaro someday. After all, his heart is already set to whom he will dedicate his victory in the future.

“[Para kay] kuya… [kasi] nanalo ako (For my brother… because I will win),” said Leo Lee, who Mary Jane said is very close with his sibling back in Puerto Princesa City.  

With Palaro being the biggest sporting event in the country for students, podium finishes are serious business for most of the competing students. (READ: Lone Palaro athlete from Marawi wants to play for UST tennis someday) 

But for SPED athletes like Leo Lee, joining competitions like Palaro goes beyond the medal count.  

“Na-expose po sila, then nae-enjoy po nila ‘yon (They become exposed to more experiences and get to enjoy),” said Mary Jane.  

“Kahit na special po sila, nakakarating po sila sa ibang lugar. ’Yon po ‘yong mga bagay na ‘di nila makakalimutan (Even if they are special athletes, they are still able to travel to new places. These are the things they will never forget).”– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - Zark’s Burger-Lyceum continued its Cinderella run, pulling off a thrilling 90-87 Game 1 win against Marinerong Pilipino in overtime on Tuesday, April 17, in the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup semifinals at Pasig Sports Center.

Mike Nzeusseu nailed the game-sealing shot with a rim-rattling slam with 5.5 seconds remaining in the extra period, as Joseph Terso went short on his game-tying triple in the ensuing possession.

“Again, I don’t know how they do it, but these guys just don’t know how to quit. We just kept on persisting and they did not give up,” said coach Topex Robinson as the Jawbreakers completed the comeback from 16-points down after trailing, 38-54 in the third frame.

The Cameroonian Nzeusseu uncorked 20 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks, while Jaycee Marcelino also contributed 20 markers on a 9-of-14 shooting clip.

CJ Perez also made his imprint, scoring seven of the final 10 points for Zark’s-Lyceum at the end of regulation to erect the 81-78 lead, before Billy Robles tied the game with a split from the line and a big putback in the last 23.1 seconds.

The reigning NCAA MVP, however, would botch his chances to win the game late in the fourth quarter, missing two free throws in the final 3.2 seconds, giving the Skippers a chance to steal the game, before Jeric Serrano stifled Gab Banal’s corner triple at the buzzer.

The same was the case in the overtime period, where it was Terso this time who went short on his triple as Marinerong Pilipino could not force a second overtime.

Zark’s-Lyceum aims to advance to the Finals in Game 2, scheduled on Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Rian Ayonayon led the Skippers with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists, while Banal had 18 markers and nine boards in the loss.– Rappler.com

 The Scores:

ZARK’S BURGER-LYCEUM 90 — Jc. Marcelino 20, Nzeusseu 20, Baltazar 15, Perez 14, Jv. Marcelino 10, Ayaay 6, Caduyac 4, Serrano 1, Cinco 0, Ibañez 0, Tansingco 0, Yong 0.

MARINERONG PILIPINO 87 — Ayonayon 22, Banal 18, Pasaol 12, Robles 11, Tratter 10, Toth 6, Babilonia 4, Iñigo 2, Terso 2, Eboña 0, Miranda 0, Tolentino 0.

Quarters: 23-20, 35-43, 59-65, 81-81, 90-87.

ILOCOS SUR, Philippines – Calabarzon will remain the winner of its secondary boys basketball match against Zamboanga at the Palarong Pambansa 2018. 

This is after officials denied on Tuesday, April 17, Central Luzon coach Allan Trinidad’s protest against the victory of Calabarzon, represented by the San Beda Red Cubs.

Spin.ph reported Trinidad had slammed basketball officials for letting the Red Cubs wear different jerseys during the Calabarzon-Zamboanga game on Monday, April 16.

“Meron bang gano’n? ‘Yong uniporme, may Manila. Meron ba namang Calabarzon na Manila ang uniporme mo. May San Beda, may Batang PBA…. Ginawang inter-purok ‘yong Palarong Pambansa,” said Trinidad. 

(Why was there such a thing? Their uniforms have the word 'Manila.' They're representing Calabarzon but their uniforms have the word 'Manila.' Some even have the words 'San Beda,' 'Batang PBA'... they made the Palarong Pambansa look like an inter-village game.)

But Palaro basketball tournament manager Edilberto Abalos told Spin.ph their rules are clear: As long as the delegation has a letter explaining why their players are not in uniform, they would allow it.

In finalizing their decision, Abalos said the basketball officials also took into consideration the long preparation players like the Red Cubs went through to be able to join Palaro.

“Kasi ang tinitignan natin dito, mas mabigat ‘yung ico-consider natin ‘yung bata. Kasi nagpagod na ‘yan, namasahe na ‘yan, o gumastos na ang gobyerno, tapos just because of an incomplete uniform or not proper uniform – na hindi naman nila control na ang control ay ang delegasyon – papayagan ba natin na hindi maglalaro pagkatapos ifo-forfeit? Mabigat ‘yun. So we allowed it,” said Abalos. 

(We gave a heavier bearing on the young athletes. They worked hard, paid for their travel, the government spent for them, then just because of improper uniform – which is out of their hands because it is under the delegation’s responsiblity – you will forfeit the game? That’s too much. So we allowed it.) 

It is unclear, however, why the Calabarzon team members did not wear the same uniform in the first place. – Rappler.com

ILOCOS SUR, Philippines- Coming all the way from Tacurong City in the province of Sultan Kudarat, Palarong Pambansa 2018 arnis gold medalists Princes Sheryl Valdez and Andrei Fritz Justine Alcarioto held the same inspiration to win in the largest sports meet in the country: their family.

The two secured a combined total of 6 gold medals, placing Soccsksargen region at the top of the medal board halfway through Day 2 of Palaro.

Amid all the glory, the two young athletes dedicated their wins to their parents, especially their fathers who, they said, were suffering from sickness.

Valdez, the youngest of three children, said her father has Parkinson's disease, a long-term degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that mainly affects the motor system.

She said she hopes to one day help her father with his medication, aside from making him proud of her achievements in arnis.

Yet, the the 11-year-old athlete has already helped her family through her victories in last year's Palaro. After winning 3 gold medals, Valdez and her sister Shena May who was also an arnis performer were able to raise P100,000 from incentives.

Her trainer, perennial winning coach Ryan Muyco, said this amount helped them buy a tricycle which now helps provide additional income for Valdez's family.

This year, Valdez has won 4 gold medals, besting her own feat in Antique last year.

She has won gold medals in arnis individual espada y daga, individual single weapon, individual double weapon, and synchronized or team single weapon.

"Proud po ako dahil nandito ako sa Palaro. Masaya ako kahit po na minsan pagod ako sa practice," Valdez said.

(I am proud because I am here in Palaro. I am happy even though sometimes I am tired during practice.)

Like Valdez, Alcarioto dedicated his wins to his father who was diagnosed to have kidney stones.

His coach, Marivic Celetaria, said the young arnis player just learned of his father's condition during the Sockssargen Regional Athletic Association (RSRAA) meet as the family purposely hid from him details of the situation because it might affect his performance.

"Sabi niya sa amin, bakit hindi raw namin sinabi agad pero naramdaman niya na may sakit yung tatay niya," Celetaria said.

(He asked why did we not tell him immediately. She, however, said he was already feeling that something is wrong with his father.)

Alcarioto said his father served as his inspiration during his training in the months leading to Palaro.

"Inspirasyon ko ang pamilya ko sa training ko. Minsan, nakakapagod, nakakatamad magtraining. Masaya po ako dahil last year one gold lang po, ngayon, dalawa na po," Alcarioto said.

(My family was my inspiration in my training. Sometimes, I feel tired, I feel lazy to train. I am happy because I got two gold medals time, compared to one gold last year.)

The 12-year old Arnis performer has won gold medals in individual single weapon and espada y daga.

With their families as their inspiration, the two were able to endure months of after-school practice every day, from 4 am to 5 am, and whole-day training during weekends.

After all the hard work, both are now competing in their second year in the annual sports event. Valdez will have a third shot in Palaro next year as she turns to grade six.

The two young performers also hail from the same school, Isabela Central Elementary School which has been defending champions of arnis elementary division from 2011-2015, and 2017-2018.

Now performing at the most prestigious sports event in the country, the two have set clear goals: earn more medals and make their families, their inspirations, proud.– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Che’Lu Bar and Grill-San Sebastian toppled top-seeded Akari-Adamson, 70-60, to steal Game 1 of their 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup semifinals series on Tuesday, April 17, at the Pasig Sports Center.

Veterans Cedrick Ablaza and Jeff Viernes took charge for the Revellers as they were instrumental in pulling off the shocker.

Ablaza, who came to the team from Batangas-EAC, took charge with 22 points, 12 of which coming in the third quarter, on top of four rebounds, and three steals, while Viernes tallied 16 points, eight boards, and two assists in the big victory.

“Usually, pag ganitong level ng game, I go to the veterans na. Sila na yung nakapaglaro dito before at alam na nila yung dapat gawin,” said coach Stevenson Tiu.

(Usually, I turn to the veterans in this kind of level of game. They’ve played here before so they know what to do.)

 But more than the exploits of the veterans, it was Che’Lu-San Sebastian’s defense which gave the squad a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series.

 The Revellers silenced the Falcons from downtown as they only went 2-of-15 from threes, while only allowing four points in the payoff period.

 “I know pressured sila kasi they’re the number one team. Kita naman sa start na talagang pinressure namin sila,” said Tiu.

(I know they’re pressured because they’re the number one team. You can see from the start that we really pressured them.)

Akari-Adamson’s leaders also got challenged throughout the game as Papi Sarr went 4-of-11 in a 12-point and 10-rebound outing, while Jerrick Ahanmisi shot 3-of-12 in a nine-point, four-rebound, and three-assist performance.

Simon Camacho led the way for the Falcons with his 13 points and six boards.

Game 2 is on Thursday, April 19, at Ynares Sports Arena. – Rappler.com 

The Scores:

CHE’LU BAR AND GRILL-SAN SEBASTIAN 70 — Ablaza 22, Viernes 16, David 7, Taganas 6, Bulanadi 4, Costelo 4, De Leon 4, Batino 3, Ilagan 2, Siruma 2, Collado 0, Faundo 0.

AKARI-ADAMSON 60 — Camacho 13, Sarr 12, Ahanmisi 9, Lastimosa 9, Mojica 8, Manganti 4, Espeleta 3, Catapusan 2, Bernardo 0, Pingoy 0, Zaldivar 0.

Quarters: 24-16, 34-35, 61-56, 70-60.

MANILA, Philippines – When you hear the name Marvin Sonsona  (20-1-1, 15 knockouts), the first thing that comes to mind is his incredible talent, yet it will be always be accompanied by his troubled professional boxing career. 

Sonsona finally wants to redeem himself from the immature past of his youth as he gets back in the ring on May 13 as one of the undercards of the Mark Barriga vs Gabriel Mendoza fight.  

The rise that spiraled down 

After winning the WBO world superflyweight title – his first world title – in 2009, Sonsona was immediately stripped of the belt before he even entered the ring in his first title defense against Mexican Alejandro Hernandez. Sonsona had missed the 115-lb weight division by 2.5 lbs. 

In his team's effort to redeem Sonsona's name from the embarrassing experience, they were able to set up a fight between him and Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. for the vacant WBO super bantamweight title. However, Sonsona entered the match with the "pre-match complacency" omen that saw him get knocked out by the 4th round. 

After his first loss, Sonsona disappeared. 

He eventually came back in 2011 and went on a winning streak that was punctuated by his vengeful win against Vazquez Jr in 2014. There was hope that the young professional boxer had finally grown up to be wiser to take his career seriously, but Sonsona disappeared again. 

Sonsona only returned in 2015 with the hope of beginning a new chapter in a fight against Johnathan Arrellano. Despite winning by majority decision, it no longer came as a surprise when he started rejecting his team's efforts to arrange fights, marking the point where his name would start vanishing again from the boxing scene. 

The sole reason 

Aside from burning bridges with his previous promoter Sammy Gello-ani, Sonsona revealed that the only reason that kept him out of the boxing scene was the birth of his daughter, Mara. 

In 2015, Mara was born prematurely and was on the brink of survival. 

"Yung promoter ko, nagkaproblema kami kaya naistop ako sa boxing tapos yun nabigyan ako ng biyaya ng Panginoon na nanganak asawa ko tapos premature [yung baby] kaya pinabayaan ko muna yung boxing, inaalagaan ko yung anak ko," said Sonsona

(I had problems with my promoter that's why I stopped boxing then God blessed me with the birth of my daughter, but then she was premature, that's why I left boxing and took care of my daughter) 

In those 3 fightless years, Sonsona missed boxing, but he does not regret the decision to leave the sport that brought him fame, as his daughter is now alive and well. 

"Akala namin parang mamamatay na [yung anak ko]. Sobrang blessed ko ngayon na binigyan talaga [ng Panginoon] ng pag-asa yung anak ko, kaya ngayon, sobrang kulit na. Siya talaga yung inspirasyon ko ngayon," said Sonsona. 

(We thought that my daughter would not survive. I am so blessed that God gave hope to my daughter, that's why she's so hyper now. She's really my inspiration now.) 

Another chance?

Early in 2018, Sonsona appealed to promoter Joven Jimenez and IBF junior bantamweight title holder Jerwin Ancajas, as he wanted another shot for the world title. 

"Sabi ko kay Jerwin: ‘Jerwin! Si Marvin gusto magboxing ulit. Ano sa tingin mo?’," recalled Jimenez. 

(I asked Jerwin: Jerwin! Marvin wants to box again. What do you think?)

"Ay coach, parehas tayo minessage," replied Ancajas (Coach, he messaged us both) 

"Sige, tulungan natin," said Jimenez.  (Okay, let's help him out) 

With the knowledge of Sonsona's past, both Jimenez and Ancajas agreed to welcome Sonsona to Survival Camp. However, they made sure to give him some leeway to opt out of the rigorous training program if he would give up. 

"Nag-setup ako ng meeting, sabi ko kay Marvs: ‘sige mag-meeting tayo Marvs, mag-usap tayo, kasi kailangan mong intindihin kung ano meron sa Survival Camp. Mahirap din sa survival camp, wala kaming pera, na sa bundok pa kami'," explained Jimenez. 

(I set up a meeting with Sonsona and I told Marvs: 'let's have a meeting, Marvs, let's talk, because you need to know what is there in Survival Camp. Survival Camp is difficult, we don't have money and we're in the mountains.) 

"Sinabi ko sa kanya na: ‘ikaw, kung ayaw mo o hindi mo na kaya, anytime pwede kang umalis and pwede kang magpaalam. Kami, nandun lang kami’," added Jimenez. 

(I told him: 'If you would give up or if you could not take it anymore, you can leave anytime and you can tell me. We're just there.') 

In a span of a month, Sonsona has not given up from Jimenez' training and has kept up with Ancajas and former Olympian Mark Barriga. His improvement – especially the decrease in his body weight – merited him an opportunity to fight again on live television on May 13. 

However, if he wants the world title, Jimenez still believes that he has more to work on with regards to his physical condition. 

"Yung galing niya nandun, hindi nawawala. Yung isip niya nandun, so yung pisikal na kundisyon lang ang kailangan niya. Pag nakuha niya yun in two to 3 fights, pag nakita namin na maganda kundisyon niya, ready na siya for world title," said Jimenez. 

(His skill is there, it does not disappear. His mind is there, so his physical condition is the only thing he needs to improve on. If he gets it in two to 3 fights, if we see that his condition is good, he is ready for the world title.) 

Before looking far ahead of the world title, Sonsona is 100% ready for whoever his opponent will be in his comeback fight and he hopes that it will also be blessed by the birth of his second child, who is expected to come on May 9. 

"100% ready talaga [ako]. Kasi grabe yung ensayo namin doon, yung ensayo talaga yung trabaho doon. Wala ng iba," said Sonsona. 

(I'm 100% ready. The training there is intense, like the only thing you do there is train. Nothing else.) – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - ONE Championship, Asia’s premier martial arts organization, returns to Manila for the second of four shows in 2018.  

Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon of Baguio City (17-5) takes on former bantamweight world title challenger Andrew Leone (8-3) of Cortland, New York with both fighters vying for a key win to earn a rematch against reigning ONE bantamweight world champion Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes.

“I know Andrew Leone is a tough opponent, and I need to be at my best to win. It’s going to be one of my biggest matches to date,” said Belingon. “I am very thankful to ONE Championship for allowing me to be a part of this historic event. I can’t leave anything to chance. I have to give another great performance. Beating Leone would be the next step to the title.”

Leone also isn’t taking the Filipino combatant lightly.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for me. I can’t wait to go up there and show what I can do, to perform to the best of my ability,” said Leone. “Kevin Belingon is a tough guy. He’s a hard puncher and he has power. But I’m not worried about his striking. I’ve faced tough guys before. All I can say is that I’ll be ready.”

Global kickboxing superstar Giorgio “The Doctor” Petrosyan will also be up against ‘Smokin’ Jo Nattawut of Thailand.

ONE: Heroes of Honor also marks the world premiere of the highly-anticipated ONE Super Series, which aims to provide the world's best martial artists a prestigious global platform to showcase the beauty of Asia's striking arts such as Muay Thai, kickboxing, karate, taekwondo, Kung Fu, wushu, sanda, silat, lethwei, and more.

“It’s an open invitation to the greatest strikers in the world,” said  Chatri Sityodtong, chairman and CEO of ONE Championship. “Fans will witness the absolute elite in striking martial arts, as they go head-to-head on the biggest and most prestigious global stage of competition.”

With ONE Super Series, ONE Championship is now considered the largest martial arts organization in the world. While competing promotions do offer a similar product, Sityodtong said they only offer one flavor of martial arts as opposed to ONE Championship which hosts bouts across all styles of martial arts.

“Aside from the many great bouts this Friday night, what I’m most excited about is the launch of ONE Super Series. ONE Championship is the only global player to encompass all styles of martial arts,” said Sityodtong. “We have the best in all styles going up against each other. That’s definitely something to look forward to.” 

Making his appearance in the co-main event of the evening, kickboxing elite Giorgio Petrosyan notes how he likes ONE Championship’s massive worldwide audience reach. Broadcast to a potential 1.7 billion on any given night to over 136 countries worldwide, ONE Super Series will harness the full potential of ONE Championship’s global influence in order to highlight the greatest in striking martial arts.

And while the promotion is gearing up for a very busy mid-year, Sityodtong teases that there are plenty more surprises to come, including the highly-anticipated launch of ONE Championship’s new mobile app, slated to arrive in the coming months. 

“The new ONE Championship mobile app is a true game changer in the world of martial arts,” said Sityodtong. “Soon, fans will have access to all our blockbuster live events and complete library of Hi-Definition content in the palm of their hands, all for free, and you can watch from anywhere in the world. It’s going to take ONE Championship to the next level.”

Sityodtong also revealed plans to establish a professional boxing league in addition to ONE Super Series, inviting the greatest boxers from the Philippines and around the world to join the promotion.

Also in attendance at the press conference were main card competitors Honorio “The Rock” Banario of Team Lakay, opponent Adrian “The Hunter” Pang of Australia, as well as various ONE Championship athletes who mixed in with the crowd and participated in the festivities.

ONE: Heroes of Honor goes down this Friday, 20 April, at the Mall of Asia Arena. Gates open at 6:30 PM local time.– Rappler.com