MANILA, Philippines –  Instead of wallowing in regret after her team’s lackluster UAAP campaign, Sisi Rondina now sets her sights on making it into the Philippine women's volleyball team. 

The University of Santo Tomas star was one of the few UAAP players who were invited to try out for the national squad that’s set to compete in the 2018 Asian Games and the 2018 Asian Women's Volleyball Championships. 

And it couldn’t come at a better time as the Golden Tigresses just bowed out of Final Four contention in UAAP Season 80, where despite playing no-bearing games, Rondina still exploded with double-digit numbers.

“[Past] na yun eh, panibagong start ng volleyball career, I mean panibagong opportunity, pinapakita ko lang kung paano ako maglaro," said Rondina. 

(That's in the past already, a new start to my volleyball career, I mean a new opportunity, I just show them how I can play.) 

But the Golden Tigress rarely runs out of energy as each spike she gives is packed with power from her fiery nature. 

On the second day of the national team tryouts, Rondina stunned some veteran players who are already playing professionally in the Philippine Superliga (PSL). 

Rondina's only experience of playing with veterans is with her current PSL club, the Petron Blaze Spikers, whose current roster includes former La Salle star Mika Reyes, Ces Molina and Rhea Dimaculangan

However, Rondina just brushed it off as "chamba" (luck). 

"Siyempre kasama ko mga beterana sa field ng volleyball and parang pinupush ko sarili ko na makipagsabayan sa kanila. Nahihiya talaga ako kanina pero wala, nilabas ko kakulitan ko and paano lang ako maglaro," added Rondina. 

(Of course I was with the veterans in the field of volleyball and I just pushed myself to keep up with them. I was shy a while ago, but I had to let out my energy and how I play.)  – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – There was always something special about Kiefer Ravena.

It was evident the first time he put the country on notice by leading Ateneo’s high school team to a UAAP title. 

It was clear the first season he played for the Blue Eagles in the seniors division and was immediately an elite prospect.

It was obvious when he first represented the Philippines, giving a glimpse into the future of the sport.

It was undeniable when he made his PBA debut, performing like a veteran despite being just a rookie.

That’s why it shouldn’t come as much of a shock that he’s receiving interest from at least 3 teams in the National Basketball League (NBL) in Australia.

“When other teams, especially internationally, are interested in you…  [I’m] very flattered and very humbled,” he said to Rappler.

The former two-time UAAP MVP and current NLEX Road Warriors guard confirmed that there have been no formal offers yet, only feelers. 

A source close to Ravena who requested for anonymity revealed that teams took notice during Ravena’s performance for Gilas in its FIBA World Cup qualifiers loss to Australia back in February. 

Kiefer, playing point guard for coach Chot Reyes, was on the scouting report of the Aussies which led clubs of the local leagues to keep an eye out for the 24-year-old.

“For me, that just says a lot of how the Gilas program can help your career,” he said.

Ravena, who signed a 3-year contract with NLEX, also takes pride in the fact that international teams view Filipino players as potential prospects. 

But while he says he’s open to the idea of playing in Australia, he also remains steadfast in his current mission.

“The priority now is to get that championship for NLEX.” – Rappler.com

(On the first part of Rappler’s one-on-one conversation with Kiefer Ravena, he discusses his first conference in the PBA with the Road Warriors - particularly how it ended - and the interest he’s receiving from the NBL. Watch the video above for more.) 

ILOCOS SUR, Philippines- More records have been shattered as the Palarong Pambansa 2018 reached its fourth day.

So far, 17 records, mostly from swimming competitions, have been broken.

National Capital Region's (NCR) Kasandra Alcantara set a new record in shot put for secondary girls with her 11.88-meter throw, breaking the 26-year-old mark set by Marites Barrios in 1992.

Tagged as a comeback queen, Alcantara skipped two Palaro editions even after winning the gold in her last stint.

Jamela De Asis of Western Visayas also joined Alcantra in breaking Barrios' record of 11.20 meters with her 11.29-meter throw.

The record in the 400-meter run in secondary girls was also overthrown as Jessel Lumapas of Southern Tagalog clocked 56.28 seconds to erase Jenny Rose Rosales' mark of 57.33 seconds in 2011.

Ann Katherine Quitoy, a high school student from Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, posted a new mark in the javelin throw with her 45.72-meter record, almost 3 meters better than Sylvian Faith Abunda’s mark in 2017.

Two athletes, Ed Deliña and Jhon Rafael Lamatan, broke the 13-year-old record of 41.62 meters in discus throw for secondary boys by setting 42.67 and 41.68 marks, respectively.

Avegail Beliran of Western Visayas turned in a new record in javelin throw for elementary girls with 41.46 meters, surpassing the 40.63 meters set by Gia Bucag in 2010.

Jumpers Kent Brian Celeste of Ilocos and Ernie Calipay of NCR broke the 1.95-meter mark set by Clifford John Bonjoc in high jump for secondary boys. Celeste registered 1.99 meters, while Calipay jumped 1.96 meters.

Western Visayas' Trixie Jane Willy and Southern Tagalog's Eliza Cuyom registered a new record in the 100-meter hurdles for elementary and secondary girls respectively. 

Willy broke Jesus Ampunan's record of 16.4 seconds with a 16.3-second clocking, while Cuyom posted 14.5 seconds to surpass the 22-year-old record of 14.9 seconds set by Michelle Patasaha.

In swimming, NCR set a new record in the 200-meter medley relay for secondary girls with a 2:03.49 mark. 

Samantha Therese Coronel, also from NCR, broke the record of Nicole Meah Pamintuan, clocking 1:06.58 in the 100-meter backstroke for secondary girls.

The NCR team also set new records in the 400-meter individual medley relay and 400-meter medley relay, both for secondary girls.

NCR's Thanya Angelyn Dela Cruz (200-meter breaststroke for secondary girls), Mark Jiron Rotoni (200-meter breaststroke for secondary boys), Michaela Jasmine Mojdeh (individual medley for elementary girls), and Philip Joaquin Santos (individual medley for secondary boys), and Cagayan Valley's Jalil Sephraim Taguinod set new marks (50-meter breaststroke for secondary boys). – Rappler.com

ILOCOS SUR, Philippines – National Capital Region strengthened its hold of the top spot in the Palarong Pambansa 2018 as it became the first region to capture a total of more than 30 medals on the fourth day of the annual games.

The powerhouse region pulled away from the rest of the pack with a haul of 38 gold, 29 silver, and 16 bronze medals on Thursday afternoon, April 19.

Wednesday afternoon's haul from swimming, table tennis, and athletics events padded NCR's lead. 

Region 6 Western Visayas climbed to second with a tally of 23 gold, 18 silver, and 31 bronze medals.

Region 4-A Southern Tagalog/Calabarzon fell to third place but managed to secure a collection of 20 gold, 20 silver, and 35 bronze medals.

Also in the top five were Region 12 Soccsksargen with a 15 gold-14 silver-16 bronze total, and CAR with  16 gold, 11 silver, and 9 bronze medals.

Host region of Ilocos amassed 7 gold, 7 silver, and 10 bronze medals, slightly edging a Cagayan Valley side that picked up 7 gold, 5 silver, and 9 bronze medals. .

Zamboanga Peninsula and ARMM, meanwhile, continued to chase their first gold. – Rappler.com

ILOCOS SUR, Philippines – The sprint king and queen of Calabarzon of this year’s Palarong Pambansa, not contented with winning their century meter dash on Wednesday, April 18, still had enough wind to garner medals in the 400-meter races early Thursday morning, April 19. 

Jessel Dialino Lumapas of General Trias, Cavite, fresh from winning the 100-meter dash for secondary girls, broke the Palaro record in the 400-meter race, shaving more than a second off the previous Palaro record. Lumapas clocked 56.28 seconds with Divina Mahusay of the Bicol region a far second with a time of 58.47 seconds and Riza Jane Vallente placing third at 58.88 seconds. The previous Palaro record for 400-meter secondary girls was 57.33 seconds set by Jenny Rose Rosques also of Southern Tagalog in 2011. 

Lumapas also took the 100-meter gold with a time of 11.99 seconds, which also beat the disgraced Ilocano runner Nancy Navalta’s record of 11.90 seconds in 1994. 

Her teammate Veruel Verdadero of  Dasmariñas, Cavite broke the Palaro record in the 100 meters for secondary boys with a time of 10.55 seconds, breaking the 10.74 mark set by Feberoy Kasi of Davao in 2016. Verdadero already broke the record in his heat with a time of 10.65 seconds. 

Both Verdadero and Lumapas also won the century dash in the Palaro in Antique last year.  

Verdadero, however, only managed to get a bronze in the 400-meter race secondary boys. Kenneth Corpuz of Soccsksargen won the gold with a time of 49.36 seconds, followed by Alhryan Labita of Eastern Visayas with 49.88 and Verdadero with 49.95 seconds. 

The duo are not yet finished, as they are set to compete in the 200m, 4X100m and 4X400m relays later today and tomorrow.

The dominance of Southern Tagalog also extended in the elementary division with two “princesses” winning 1-2 in the 400-meters. Princess Hannah Barcelon won the gold with a time of 1:00.55, followed by teammate Princess Jane Uriarte who clocked 1:00.79. Third is Jey Anne Dieta of Western Visayas with a time of 1:01.40. 

In the elementary boys division, Paul Renlee Molina of Central Luzon snatched the gold with 55.99 seconds, followed by Rey Lopez Jr. of Northern Mindanao with 56.32 seconds and James Adrian Ocariza of Southern Tagalog with 56.69. – Rappler.com

ILOCOS SUR, Philippines – Not only is he following his father's footsteps, a Palarong Pambansa medalist draws inspiration from his two-time Olympian father.

Edward Josh Buenavista, son of Filipino long-distance runner Eduardo Buenavista, secured a gold medal in the 3,000-meter steeplechase secondary level in Palarong Pambansa 2018 here on Wednesday, April 18.

After previously qualifying thrice, the 16-year-old captured his first gold medal in the prestigious games; but the young athlete has already amassed  four gold medals in the Private Schools Athletic Association of the Philippines (PRISAA) meet, not to mention his other wins in international events in Asia and Russia.

Amid all his victories in his early sports career, the Baguio native said he takes inspiration from his father, Eduardo, who he said has shown support for him since day one. 

"Since palagi niya po akong sinasama, bata pa lang po ako, siya po talaga ang dahilan kung bakit ako tumatakbo ngayon eh. Na-inspire po talaga ako sa kanya," Buenavista said. 

 (When I was young, he always brings me along, so he's really the reason why I'm running today. He inspired me.)

The young athlete described himself as "laking oval," saying that he was already starting to run at the age of one. 

"Si papa ko since athlete siya dati, naeexpose na po ako [sa larong ito], napapanood ko na po kung papaano yung trainings [niya]. Then siguro nung right time na po, tinuro niya na po sa akin then na-adopt ko na po lahat ng trainings niya, until now inaadopt ko pa rin po," he said.

 (Since my papa was an athlete, I got exposed, I watched his trainings. Then when it was the right time, he taught me, then I adopted all his trainings. Until now I'm adopting it.)

Over time, the young boy's passion for the sport grew. Buenavista did not even realize that he was already following his father's footsteps as a sports standout.

"Hindi naman po ako pinilit. Parang naging passion ko na rin po kasi ewan ko po kung nasa nature ko na or it runs with the family. Naituloy ko na po na hindi kung alam kung bakit," Buenavista said.

(I wasn't forced. It turned into my passion, I don't know if it's just my nature or it runs in the family. I just continued it, I'm not sure why.) 

Unexpected win

The young Cordilleran did not expect his gold medal win. During his game, Buenavista actually started last in the the track.

"Nung nag start po ako is ako po yung nasa huli eh. Tapos yung sinusunod ko po is yung sarili kong pacing. May sarili po akong technique na sinusunod. Kapag nasundan ko ito is makukuha ko na yung target ko na time. So since ang lalakas po ng mga pace nila sa harap, nauna sila [pero] hinayaan ko lang po sila at nagkita na lang kami sa last, sa finishing kick po,"he said.

 (When I started, I was last. I just followed my own pacing, I have my own technique that I follow. When I follow that, I manage to reach my target time. So since those ahead of me have a solid pace, they pull away, but I just let them be and we just see each other in the end, at the finishing kick.)

Buenavista shared that he, like other young athletes, was very nervous and slightly intimidated by older competitors. As the game started, Buenaveista brushed all his fears and had only his A-game in mind.

"Biglang nag-wash out na po tapos yung focus ko na lang po is to concentrate, focus, and then unexpected na bigla na lang andiyan na po yung gold sa akin," Buenavista said.

"Ang iniisip ko na lang na after nitong last jump na ito, iuubos ko na lahat-lahat as in wala nang matitira para sa gold na ito," he added.

 (The nervousness just washed out then I made sure to concentrate, focus, but then unexpectedly, the gold medal was just there. I wast just thinking that after the last jump, I'll give everything I have, as in nothing will be left for the gold.)

True enough, he emerged victorious and finished the course at 9:52:39, edging out in mere milliseconds Region 5's Jessy Vasquez at 9:52:64.

Buenaventura's father and mother cheered and witnessed their son's victory in the country's highest sports event.

Runs in the family 

The sport may already run in their blood as Buenavista's younger brother, Eduardo Jr,  is also an athlete and a delegate for Cordillera's 400 meter sprint elementary this year. 

Meanwhile, Buenavista's father, Eduardo, holds the Philippine record for multiple long distance events - a feat the young runner dreams to one day break.

"Dream ko po na mabreak din ko yung record ni papa. Kahit man lang isa dahil kapag lahat siguro lalaspag ako pagtanda ko," he said.

(I dream of breaking papa's record. Even just one, because if I target all maybe I'll be too spent.) 

Eduardo or "Vertek" holds the Philippine record of 13 minutes, 58 seconds in 5000 meters, and 29:02.36 minutes in 10,000 meters.

As a son of a record-holder, he feels both overwhelmed and pressured knowing that he has a tough act to follow. Yet, Buenavista said he aims to excel academically while continuing his training.

"Para sa akin, siguro studies muna dahil through running, dito ko po makikita yung mga opportunities na puwedeng ibigay sa akin, lalo po sa academics at sa school na pagpipilian ko po," he said.

(For me, studies first because though running [while in school], I get to see the opportunities before me.) 

The grade 10 athlete from University of Baguio Science High School said he would like to pursue civil engineering in college. Yet, he vows to continue training. 

"Hindi naman po ito yung dulo eh. Continuous training pa rin po parang stepping stone parang malayo pa po ako sa achievement ko na ma-break ang record ni papa or makakuha ng high achievement," he said.

(This is not the end. I'll still go through continuous training, it's like a stepping stone because I'm nowhere near the achievement of breaking papa's record or just getting a high achievement.) 

For Buenavista, having an Olympian father as inspiration is one thing but having  dedication, passion, and discipline is all it takes to become a Palaro gold medalist. - Rappler.com

ILOCOS SUR, Philippines – Mark Francis Salazar will never forget that fateful day he lost his leg. It would the shape way he lived the rest of his life. 

Mark was crossing the pedestrian lane along Maharlika Highway to get to Bakal Dos Elementary School in Talavera, Nueva Ecija on July 13, 2016. He looked at the left and right sides of the road just as his parents said.  

The next thing he knew, a truck hit him, breaking his left leg.

His parents rushed him to the hospital and waited in agony outside the operating room. 

“Umaatungal, umaatungal ako ng panalangin sa Panginoon na 'wag muna, 'wag munang kunin si Mark. Kasi [sa] Maharlika Highway [‘yon], na halos lahat ng naaksidente do'n eh namamatay,” Mark’s mother Lea Salazar told Rappler.

(I was howling and praying to God not to take my son away yet. His accident happened in Maharlika Highway, and most of the people who get into accidents there die.)

The doctor informed Mark’s parents his left leg had to be amputated just beneath the knee. But he was still getting fever 3 days after the first amputation, so the doctor said they would have to cut even Mark’s knee.  

It was hard for the boy at first to accept he no longer has his left leg. 

“Sabi ko po sa sarili na hindi na po ako lalabas ng bahay (I told myself I will no longer go out of the house),” shared Mark.

But it was swimming that made him hope again. 

“Sinabi ko po kay Mama ang gagawin ko na lang po ay magsi-swim na lang po. Magpapaturo po ako sa kuya ko,” said the 12-year-old

(I told Mama that I wanted to swim. I’ll ask my older brother to teach me.) 

One year after Lea enrolled him to the Bert Lozada Swim School, Mark competed at the Palarong Pambansa 2018 Special Games for ortho-amputee swimmers. (READ: Mimaropa’s SPED athlete joins Palaro 2018 against all odds) 

The boy from Science City of Muñoz is set to get his bronze medal on Friday, April 20 for finishing 5th in freestyle and 6th in the breaststroke competitions. 

The struggle before Palaro 

Mark struggled with his physical disability at the beginning, however. Before going into swimming, Mark threw tantrums at home.  

“So meron 'yon siya tantrums niya na kaya lang daw namin siya inaasikaso, kaya lang daw namin siya love kasi 'yon nga, naputulan siya ng paa, gano’n (So he used to have tantrums at home and he’d say the only reason why we’re taking care of him or why we love is because his leg was amputated),” recounted Lea. 

They had to constantly remind Mark they loved him whether he had a disability or not. (READ: SPED coach: 'Understand, be patient with special athletes’) 

“‘Anak,kako, ‘hindi 'yon. So kung 'di ka namin love, sana pinabayaan ka na namin. Pero hindi anak, kako. Love ka namin kako. 'Di mo ba nararamdaman ‘yon?' sabi ko. ‘Lahat kami dito sa bahay, sa'yo na naka-focus,’” said Lea.

(I told him, ‘Son, that’s not true. If we didn’t love you, then we would have just left you to die. But no, son. We love you. Can’t you feel that? Everyone at home is focused on you.) 

There is also the issue of finances. Lea said a prosthetic leg for Mark was supposed to cost around P98,000.

The senior high school teacher married to a hardware store owner was thankful for their PhilHealth benefits, as it gave them a discount for Mark’s prosthetic leg, which they bought at about P60,000.  

They now have to buy the boy a new one because his old prosthetic leg is already too small for him.

But the Salazar family persisted and stayed strong for Mark. 

His 3 older siblings even help his parents in checking on him throughout the day. Lea also said they have been getting donations from friends, even local government officials. 

Diving back into hope

Lea himself coaches Mark, as she had been member of her school’s swimming varsity team when she was young.  

“Uunahin naman kasi po ang drills. Isusunod po namin tig-200 [meters] na stroke. Tapos po no'n, ta-time-an po ako. Tsaka maga-IM (individual medley) po ako, mga gano’n,” said Mark when asked how a typical day of training looks like for him.

(We first do drills. We then do around 200 meters of each stroke. She’ll time me. Then I will do my IM.)

“Sasabihin ko po sa Mama ko salamat po sa pagtuturo niyo kong lumangoy at salamat din po sa suporta niyo sa akin (I want to say thank you, Mama, for teaching me how to swim and for supporting me),” said Mark.

How did swimming changed Mark? A lot, according to his mom and coach. 

He no longer threw tantrums after he joined Central Luzon’s swimming team. 

“Tsaka nakita ko sa kanya 'yong initiative. Kahit 'yong pagod na ko galing school, 'Mama, magpa-practice ako.' Kahit 'yong nandito kami [sa Palaro] na gusto ko nang mag-rest, 'Mama, magwa-warm-up ako. Makikita mo sa kanya talaga 'yong eagerness na lumangoy,” said Lea. 

(And I saw his intiative. Even if I’m already tired from school, he’ll tell me, ‘Mama, I want to practice.’ While we’re here in Palaro and I already want to rest, he’ll still say, ‘Mama, I want to do warm-ups.’ You’ll see the eagerness in him to swim.) 

As for Mark, he hopes his story would inspire other amputees like him to continue reaching for their dreams.  

“Kung naririnig po nila itong sinasabi ko po, sana naman naman din po sila makahanap din po sila ng way na magiging ganto po. Kasi minsan po may nakita po ako, sabi daw, wala na daw siyang pag-asang maging ano ganito, ganyan. Kaya po, sana lang po maging ganito din po sila kagaya ng sa akin,” said Mark.

(If they can hear what I’m saying, I hope they will be able to find a way to help themselves. One time, I saw a person like me say it is hopeless. That’s why I want them to remain positive, to keep on hoping like me.) – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Even after Philippines failed to qualify for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, Fil-Am captain Tahnai Annis vowed to stay with the Philippines Women's National Football team. 

The 2018 AFC Asian Women's Cup was Annis' first stint with the national squad. She was called up for the team's US training earlier in 2018 and was eventually named into the final roster as the designated co- captain with Patrice Impelido. 

"I definitely am planning to stay and I hope that most of us or if not, all of us will be be planning to stay as well," said Annis. 

"I feel very proud to represent the country, I’m proud to represent this group of girls, we’ve been through a lot and everyone’s character really showed through and I’m just really honored to be a captain of a team with values and the character that each of the girls have." 

While the Phlippine Football Federation gears up for its women's league for local club players, it has yet to announce the next international stint of the Philippine team.

In the meantime, Annis and the other US-based players will be looking forward to their next opportunity to don the country's colors. 

"We’re all kinda waiting to see what’s next for us. I know that there are a couple of tournaments at the end of the summer, so once we get everything [figured out], we will work towards our next event and we will be doing well in that event," said Annis. 

Annis also recalled that the trials the team faced – last minute coaching change and short preparation time – only pushed everyone to play their best given the disadvantaged situation they had right before the tournament. 

"[The changes] were definitely big factors [to our Asian Cup run], a lot of change and small amount of time, especially right before the tournament. Even though there were a lot of tough times in and around, right before the tournament, we really pushed through and really made the best out of the situation," said Annis. 

Despite failing in the World Cup mission, Annis believes that the nationals were still able to make a statement in the tournament with their opening win against Jordan. After Jordan drubbed the Philippines 5-1 in the qualifiers, the revenge win was the team's ulimate confidence booster for its remaining games. 

"We gave our best performance every time we went out on the field and we started off with the win against Jordan which obviously gave us the best momentum going forward and the rest of the games, we didn’t get the win," said Annis. – Rappler.com

Zark’s-Lyceum and Che’Lu-San Sebastian arranged a championship showdown after shocking the top seeds in the the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Finals on Thursday, April 19 at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Led by CJ Perez, the Zark’s-Lyceum Jawbreakers blew out the second-seeded Marinerong Pilipino Skippers, 102-89, to complete a 2-0 sweep of their semifinal series.

Perez unloaded a team-high 23 points and Mike Nzeusseu had 15 points to power the sixth-ranked Jawbreakers, who became the lowest-seeded team to ever reach the D-League finals. 

Che’lu-San Sebastian Revellers also ousted the top-seeded Akari-Adamson Falcons, 93-90, after rallying from 19 points down.

Jeff Viernes fired a team-high 17 points to lead four players in double figures as the Revellers swept the best-of-three series.

The scores:

First Game 

Che’Lu-SSC 93 – Viernes 17, Bulanadi 16, Ablaza 15, Calisaan 14, Siruma 7, Ilagan 7, David 5, Batino 5, Faundo 3, De Leon 2, Taganas 2 

Akari-Adamson 90 – Maganti 29, Espeleta 12, Ahanmisi 11, Sarr 10, Pingoy 9, Camacho 6, Mojica 5, Lastimosa 4, Bernardo 4 

Quarters: 18-31, 50-56, 73-73, 93-90

Second Game

Zark’s-LPU 102 – Perez 23, Nzeusseu 15, Ayaay 13, Pretta 12, Marcelino, JC. 10, Marcelino, JV. 8, Tansingco 8, Cinco 5, Baltazar 4, Serrano 2, Caduyac 2

Marinerong Pilipino 89 – Ayonayon 31, Tratter 13, Pasaol 12, Toth 11, Banal 7, Tolentino 5, Terso 4, Inigo 3, Babilonia 2, Robles 1

Quarters: 23-21, 45-45, 76-64, 102-89

ILOCOS SUR, Philippines – It has turned into a race for the second spot between the regions of Western Visayas and Southern Tagalog as the National Capital Region continued to gather more gold medals and virtually seal the top spot in the Palarong Pambansa 2018.

NCR added 16 more gold medals in its basket on Wednesday, April 18 to boost its gold-medal haul to 42 as of 7:57 pm on Thursday.

Western Visayas garnered 31 gold medals, while Calabarzon posted 22.

The Cordillera region remained within striking distance with 21 gold medals, while the Soccsksargen region captured a total of 17 gold medals, 12 coming from its arnis teams.

The regions of Central Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and Central Luzon also figured in a tight race in the middle of the pack with 14, 12, and 10 gold medals, respectively.

Cagayan Valley region tallied 7 gold medals; Ilocos, 6; Bicol, 5; CARAGA, 4; Eastern Visayas, 3; and Mimaropa, 2.

The regions of Zamboanga Peninsula and ARMM have yet to secure gold medals.

Meanwhile, Edward Josh Buenavista, son of Olympian and 2-time gold medalist of Southeast Asian Games Eduardo Buenavista, proved running runs in their family's blood as he bagged the gold medal in the 3000-meter steeplechase. 

Veruel Verdadero of Dasmariñas, Cavite broke the Palaro record in the 100-meter for secondary boys with a time of 10.55 seconds, breaking the 10.74 mark set by Feberoy Kasi of Davao in 2016. 

More gold medals will be added to the tally on Friday, April 20 as the semifinal and title rounds of several sports get going. - Rappler.com

ILOCOS SUR, Philippines- Davao Region hopes to get its first gold in softball elementary as it squares off with Western Visayas in the finals here at Palarong Pambansa 2018 on Friday, April 20.

Region 11 endured seven innings and an extended first man out inning in the semifinals to beat Region 4-A Calabarzon,10-9, on Thursday afternoon, April 19. The team eliminated Central Luzon in the quarterfinals hours earlier.

For Davao Region's young lady athletes, qualifying for the championship is an opportunity to pay off months of hard work and training.

"Sobrang saya po ng pakiramdam ngayon at nakaabot na rin po kami sa finals. Gagalingan po namin at ibibigay po namin yung best namin para maging champion," Zynarrah Belle Carsano said. 

(We're so happr we made it to the finals. We'll do even better and try to become champions.)

"Nasa loob po kami [ng diamonds] kanina pero iniisip namin na magdi-defense po kami para makuha po talaga namin at makalaban po kami sa championship bukas," the player from Lower Tamugan Elementary School said.

(We were still in the game, but in our minds we wanted to play good defense so we could play in the championship tomorrow.)

One of the team's coaches Ruel Janamjam said the young athletes' positive mindset and heart enabled them to reach the finals.

"Kasi maliit naman kami na team compared sa Calabarzon, sa CLRAA. Maliit ang [players ng] Davao Region. Puso lang talaga ang nagdala sa amin dito. Hanggang sa huli lalaban po kami," he said.

(We're a small team compared to Calabarzon or CLRAA. Davao Region has small players. But our hearts are carrying us. We will fight up to the end.)

This same positive mindset heart are what the team needs to overcome their adversaries in the finals, Janamjam added.

Meanwhile, Western Visayas dumped Region 12-Soccsksargen, via regulation 14-0, to secure the other spot in the finals.

Region 6's coach declined for an interview with the players but told Rappler they will double their preparation for the finals. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – After clinching the semifinal advantage for the first time in 9 years, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws now have the upper-hand in knocking the Ateneo Lady Eagles out of the UAAP volleyball finals. 

Leading the hungry pack for FEU is 5th year captain Bernadeth Pons, who has yet to get a taste of the UAAP finals in her collegiate volleyball career. But the veteran Pons isn’t just satisfied with the team's Final 4 berth, as FEU – which owns a twice-to-beat semifinal edge – stands just a win away from the finals. 

"Hindi lang [ako] talaga [satisfied sa Final 4], lalo na sa akin na last year ko eh and last chance ko na rin kasi never pa nakapasok ng finals [ang current team], (We're really not satisfied with just the Final 4, especially for me, it's my last year and it's my last chance because the current team never made it to the finals yet)," Pons said.

Ateneo and La Salle have clashed in the UAAP women's volleyball championship in the last 6 seasons.

The Lady Tamaraws will be riding on the momentum of their 4-game winning streak to prevent themselves from giving up their twice-to-beat advantage. (READ: FEU Lady Tamaraws repeat victory over NU in last elimination game)

Over at Katipunan, the Lady Eagles kicked off Season 80 at 0-2, then closed out their elimination run also with back-to-back losses.

So now, FEU stands as a bigger threat to Ateneo's finals return, as the Lady Tamaraws were the ones who dealt the Lady Eagles their first loss of the season.  

Despite the skid, Ateneo captain Maddie Madayag is assured that the players have realized their shortcomings on the court after a loss against UP snapped their 5-game winning streak.

The Lady Eagles were able to wallop FEU in the second round, but the achievement will not make them complacent, only confident. 

"We're not gonna be complacent but we're gonna be confident despite the loss. We just need to play happy," said Madayag. 

The FEU Lady Tamaraws will begin their semifinal showdown against the Ateneo Lady Eagles on Saturday, April 21, at the Mall of Asia Arena. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs flashed their championship form when they finished solo first place at the end of the first round. 

So NU head coach Babes Castillo certainly knows the abilities of his 4th-seeded team, and he is already looking forward to facing defending champion De La Salle University (DLSU) again. 

"I like [going against DLSU]. You always compete with the best. Doon mo lang makikita kung anong meron ka (that's where you'll see what you have)," said Castillo. 

The Lady Bulldogs went on a huge slump in the second round as they lost all their games except for that lone win against University of the East that catapulted them to the playoffs.

Despite being the 4th team to advance to the semis, the Lady Bulldogs still have a chance of redeeming themselves from their "haunted past" if they are able to defeat DLSU twice.

That's easier said than done. 

According to DLSU captain and Season 79 MVP Majoy Baron, no one has seen the Lady Spikers in their peak form yet this season even though they went undefeated in the second round. 

"Hindi pa kami nag-peak eh. Gusto namin, coming to the semis, mas buo kami as a team at mag-peak kami," warned Baron. 

(We haven't peaked. Coming into the semis, we want to be more gelled as a team and to peak as well.) 

The Lady Bulldogs dealt the defending champions their first loss of the season, but the Lady Spikers avenged the loss with a straight-set win over NU in the second round. 

With captain and topscorer Jaja Santiago leading NU on and off the court for the last time, will the Lady Bulldogs get past their adversities? Or will the Lady Spikers be in their peak form and send NU back to a downward spiral?

The showdown will be on Sunday, April 22, 4pm at the Mall of Asia Arena. – Rappler.com

ILOCOS SUR, Philippines - The Department of Education (DepEd) said it has ordered the investigation of the Cebu City teacher who allegedly molested a 14-year-old athlete  in the Palarong Pambansa 2018 in this province. 

In a statement on Friday, April 20, Secretary Leonor Briones said sexual predators and violators of children's rights are not welcome in the DepEd.

Briones' statement came after Rodymar Lelis, a special education teacher of Zapatera Elementary School, was arrested by police in Caoayan town in Ilocos Sur after a 14-year-old dance sport athlete complained of being "sexually-harassed" by Lelis. 

Lelis had been subjected to inquest in a Vigan City court as police said the family of the victim intends to file charges.

"Behaviors that endanger the physical and mental well-being of our learners are not tolerated in the Department," Briones said.

Briones said children must feel secure inside the schools and learning environments.

She added that teachers, school administrators, and personnel should lead the protection of young students from abuse, neglect, exploitation, violence and discrimination.

Meanwhile, Cebu City Mayor Tommy Osmeña said he will take "decisive" action against the suspect, and urged DepEd to fire the perpetrator “immediately." - Rappler.com

ILOCOS SUR, Philippines - National Capital Region kept a strong grip of its lead in the Palarong Pambansa 2018 after boosting its total gold-medal haul to 62. 

NCR bets Kheith Rhynne Cruz, Joshua Manlapaz, and Jannah Romero bagged three of four gold medals at stake in table tennis, while gymnast Martina Emilia Consunji picked up a gold in the single bar.

The Metro Manila contingent tallied 62 gold medals - nearly more than half of the closest pursuers - on top of 48 silvers and 30 bronzes as of 12 noon  on Friday, April 20.

Calabarzon and Western Visayas remained in the thick of the race for second place as both regions boosted their gold-medal collection with victories in the softball secondary and elementary championship games on Friday, April 20.

Both regions earned a total of 37 gold medals.

Cordillera tried to stay close with 22 gold medals as CAR region bets Rama Chandra Liporda and Ivan Murren Solimen bagged gold medals in taekwondo secondary boys bantamweight  and featherweight divisions, respectively.

Boasting 17 gold medals, Soccsksargen also stayed in the top five.

Central Visayas won 16 gold medals, Northern Mindanao earned 14, while Davao Region got 10.

A gold medal from Tuguegarao City's John Wayne Pebenito in the 110-meter hurdles secondary division paved the way for Cagayan Valley to take over host Ilocos with eight gold medals.

Ilocos slipped to 14th with seven gold medals.

Zamboanga Peninsula and ARMM continued to vie for their first gold.

More championship games will be played on Saturday morning, April 21.

–Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Take a peek at Kobe Paras' Instagram account and you'll probably mistake him for a model.

The Gilas Pilipinas cadet isn't afraid is to strut his stuff on the catwalk, the same way he does on the basketball court. 

In fact, Paras is vocal in his love for fashion.

{source}<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BhX5K8Ih6SP/" data-instgrm-version="8" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BhX5K8Ih6SP/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">“There for me, there for me, said you&#39;d be there for me.” @chiefsoreface @primesociety @waveparas @publishbrand #rockstarlifestyle #twtbg</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_kokoparas/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Kobe Lorenzo Forster Paras</a> (@_kokoparas) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2018-04-10T02:34:21+00:00">Apr 9, 2018 at 7:34pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>{/source}

"In the States, people know me for fashion and people know me for focusing on a different side. There are a lot of players who just focus on basketball but they have a lot of things they want to do pero nahihiya lang sila (but they are just shy of doing them). Me, I'm not scared," said Paras. 

The second-generation cager, who left the Cal State Northridge Matadors in the NCAA to pursue a professional career, is also venturing into business.

Last March, Paras launched a website for his own clothing brand where he sells shirts, sweatshirts, dad hats, beanies and iPhone cases that feature a design of a wave and a sun, just like that of the Philippine flag. 

{source}<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bgm9tfHBtGd/" data-instgrm-version="8" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bgm9tfHBtGd/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">1st Wave by KoKo Wave  #GetUrWave</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_kokoparas/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Kobe Lorenzo Forster Paras</a> (@_kokoparas) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2018-03-22T02:31:14+00:00">Mar 21, 2018 at 7:31pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>{/source}

With his return to the country, the 20-year-old aims to bring Filipinos "affordable" but "high end" products. 

"I'm ready to focus on my fashion and modelling and all that kasi nga (because) that's something I like. People think I just love basketball, I love fashion just the way I love basketball."

For the meantime, Paras will get busy with the Gilas cadets as they take the top collegiate teams in the country in the Filoil Flying V Premier Cup, which kicks off on April 21 at the Arena in San Juan. – Rappler.com

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - Philippine boxing legend Manny Pacquiao insisted Friday that his advancing years were no barrier to success as he gears up for a showdown against world champion Lucas Matthysse.

Pacquiao, 39, will fight the Argentine – 4 years his junior – for the World Boxing Association regular welterweight belt on July 15 in Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur.

The Filipino has won an unprecedented 8 world titles in different weight classes but some have raised questions about his ability to box at the top of his game due to his age.

But at a  joint press conference with Matthysse in Kuala Lumpur, he dismissed such concerns.

"It's not about a number, it's not about age, that doesn't matter," he said.

"It depends how you discipline yourself in training, how you prepare."

Pacquiao said that the fight against Matthysse would not be his last, as he wants the final bout of his career to take place in his homeland.

"Definitely this is not my last fight," he said. "I think I still have got a couple of more fights (until I) retire."

Pacquiao is currently a senator in the Philippine parliament and many in the country believe he will one day run for president, although the boxer has insisted he is happier in the ring than politics.

He conceded that it was "not easy" to juggle being a top-level boxer and politician.

Matthysse – who took the vacant WBA welterweight title in January – has expressed confidence that he can beat Pacquiao, describing the Filipino as a diminished star.

At Friday's press conference, he said he was a "pretty big puncher with both hands, so that gives me a lot of confidence".

Pacquiao has not fought since he lost his World Boxing Organization welterweight crown in a shock points defeat to Australia's Jeff Horn last year, and has not knocked out an opponent in nearly nine years.

The Kuala Lumpur bout will likely mark the first time in 15 years that Pacquiao will be fighting without his long-standing US trainer Freddie Roach, who expressed hurt last week after saying ties have been cut.

The boxer has suggested that role might go to his own friend and compatriot Buboy Fernandez, at least for the Matthysse bout. – Rappler.com

ILOCOS SUR, Philippines – After coming up short in Antique last year, Calabarzon finally claimed the softball gold in the secondary division of the Palarong Pambansa 2018 here on Friday, April 20.

From settling for fourth last year, Calabarzon overcame defending champion Western Visayas in the semifinals and dumped National Capital Region, 9-0, in the finals to bag the championship and complete a tournament sweep.

Calabarzon pitcher Royevel Palma said that the team did not expect to shut out NCR, one of the powerhouse teams in the annual multi-sporting event.

“Last year po second sila tapos pang fourth lang kami noon. Kaya happy po kami sa hindi namin ineexpect na pangyayari,” she said.

[They were second placers and we were just fourth placers last year. That's why we're very happy because we didn't expect that it woud turn out that way.]

“So blessed po kasi as we expected po, kaya namin po lahat, [at] dahil pinaghandaan namin itong Palaro. Happy po kami kasi yung expectation namin, nagawa po namin, nag-champion po kami,” Palma said.

[We are so blessed. We expected that we can do it because we prepared hard for Palaro. We're happy because we met all our expectations.]

The young athlete, who still has a year left to play for Calabarzon, said teamwork led them to claim gold.

“Madami na rin pong tournament kami na nagsama, then kami-kami pa rin naman yung magkakasama,” Palma added.

[We've played in other tournaments before and until now, we've been under the same team.] 

Coach Ronnel Landicho noted that the victory is a good “comeback” for the team, adding that the players did not give up in their chase for gold.

“Lagi namang every year ito ang target ng aming team. Mas maganda ngayon dahil twice naming nakalaban yung defending champion [Western Visayas] at twice din naming tinalo [sila], at ito na nga kami [sa finals].”

[This is our target every year. This year, we were able to beat the defending champions Western Visayas twice; and here we are now in the finals.]

He added that this much-needed win also served as a parting gift for his graduating players.

“May players kami na last season na ngayon so ito yung regalo para sa bawat isa sa mga gagraduate. Napakagandang biyaya ito sa lahat,” the coach said.

[We have players who are now in their final season. So this is a great parting gift for them, for all of us.]

Landicho said that the remaining players will have to train harder, while sending a message to athletes who will bid the team farewell.

“Wag lang nilang kakalimutan lahat ng natutunan nila. Kung ano yung kanilang pinagmulan, wag kakalimot na bumalik kasi lahat ng natutunan nila dito, madadala nila at maiaapply nila sa susunod na laro nila,” he said.

[They must not forget all what they learned in their games. They should remember to look back because they can apply all that they learned here in their future games]

The coach also praised the team’s teamwork and camaraderie.

 “Hindi [nila] pinakita na nagsa-shine lang yung isang player. This is a whole team so [they must] work as a team,” Landicho added.

[They didn't show that there's only one player standing out. This is a whole team, so [they must] work as a team.]

Still blessed

Despite the loss, NCR’s Trisha Mae Tiozon said their players still blessed and thankful that they were able to compete in the championship game.

“Sobrang nakakatuwa po na mapasama sa championship game. Kahit na silver lang po ang nakuha [namin], but still kami yung lumaban sa finals,” Tiozon said.

[It's overwhelming to be part of the championship game. Even though we only got a silver medal, we're still able to play in the finals.]

Like Calabarzon, most of NCR’s players will bid good bye to the team. Tiozon is one of them.

The stalwart hopes the team will be able to clinch gold next year by learning from their weaknesses this year.

 “Siguro po [nagkaroon kami ng] miscommunication. Yung pagiging nervous [at] emotional condition namin [naging] weakness…Pero, i-work out pa nila [ang mga ito] para mag-improve at maging effective pa lalo yung team,” she said.

[We had a lot of miscommunication. We were nervous and emotional. These were our weaknesses. I hope the team works this out for them to improve and be effective next time.]

Tiozon wished her teammates to work hard in order to still be part of the championship game next year.

Coach Virgilio Jun Cruz said this roster gap is a challenge for next year, saying that their gameplan is to ensure continuity of the team while enhancing their grassroots program.

“Grassroots program namin from the grade school up to grade 8 ay aangat na next year so yun ang pineprepare namin for next na Palaro. Most of the [players of] Region 4-A ay talagang training ground na ng RP. Sa NCR naman, most of them are just students,” he said.

[We're preparing new players from our grassroots program for next year.  Most of the players of Region 4-A are training under the national team. In NCR, most of them are just students]

“Yung mga bata naman, well-prepared sila for the finals. Kaya lang, talagang yung kalaban namin is siguro mas prepared sa amin,” the coach said.

[The students were well-prepared for the finals. Perhaps this time, the other team was more prepared.]

Cruz said they will “make sure” that NCR will be “more prepared” next year by conducting a year-round program for softball in Manila. – Rappler.com

ILOCOS SUR, Philippines – Tears of frustration and joy rained on the running track of Quirino Stadium here in Bantay, Ilocos Sur on Thursday, April 19. 

In the morning, Erwin Mancao scored an upset, beating early favorite Eduard Josh Buenavista (who only placed 4th) in the 5,000-meter race.

After clocking 16:01.60, Mancao went down on all fours at the finish line, crawled and cried.

When his coach came to console him, Mancao could only say, “May pampagawa na kami ng bahay.” (We can now have our home fixed.)

The 17-year-old boy from Booc, Villanueva, Misamis Oriental said that this was his third try in the 5,000m in the Palaro.

I cried because I finally got it, he said in Filipino.

His mother is a domestic helper, while his father works in a coconut plantation. 

He said the money he was promised for his gold medal would be enough to finish their house.

Northern Mindanao promised P20,000 for every gold while DepEd Region X promised P3,500.

He said it’s enough to finish their house, but now they have a roof and four walls.

A 12-year-old girl from Kabankalan, a little less than 130 cm. tall (4’3”), also tugged the heartstrings of the crowd who came to watch the 1,500-meter run for elementary girls. 

Southern Tagalog’s Realyn Sordilla won as the runner clocked under five minutes (4:59.08), but it was the girl numbered 675 who came in 27 seconds later for 7th place who cried like there was no tomorrow. 

Ruwelyn Francisco cried so hard that the other runners and her teammates tried to comfort her. She hugged her coach John Roger Mejica, still crying as they walked towards the bleachers. 

While going up the crowd, someone handed her a P1,000 bill but this didn’t stop her wailing. 

Minutes later, she did stop when her coach started telling her story. 

“Emosyonal kasi iyan. Umiyak dahil parang hindi niya natulungan ang team (She’s emotional. She cried because she felt she didn’t help the team),” Mejica said. 

Francisco is the 5th of seven children of a farmer couple. Mejica, a teacher of the Magballo Elementary School in Kabankalan, said that Francisco walked three kilometers to their school everyday. That includes crossing a river. 

“Kung tumataas ang tubig, di na siya nakakatawid. Naawa ako sa kanya kaya kinupkop ko (When the water rises, she could no longer cross. I pitied her so I adopted her),” Mejica said. 

One time in Grade IV, Ruwelyn saw her classmates practicing on the tracks and decided to be like them. 

Because of her size, she knew she can only count on her endurance. 

She tried to qualify for the 800m and 1,500m but repeatedly failed. It was only this year that she was able to qualify for the 1,500m. 

Next year, she will be competing in the secondary division where things would be more competitive. 

“Ensayo muna (Practice first),” she said. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The 2018 Commissioner's Cup kicks off on April 22 with all 12 PBA teams again hoping their imports prop up their bid for the championship.

Here are the reinforcements who will see action in the mid-season conference:

Antonio Campbell (Alaska Aces)

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Campbell is relatively young for an import at 23 years old but there is a reason why the Aces brought him to the Philippines. 

The Ohio University product is a wide-bodied slotman who can hit the shot from long range. In his 4-year stint with the Bobcats, Campbell normed 11.0 points, 7.0 rebounds 1.0 blocks per game. 

Campbell then joined the Lakeland Magic of the NBA G League and averaged 6.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and .7 blocks in 20 games. 

With Campbell, Alaska seeks to return to the PBA finals for the first time since the 2015-2016 Commissioner's Cup. 

Charles Garcia (Barangay Ginebra)

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With star center Greg Slaughter still sidelined, Ginebra was forced to replace the  6-foot-8 Shane Edwards with the 6-foot-10 Garcia as import. 

After going undrafted in the 2010 NBA Draft, Garcia played two years in the NBA G League where he suited up for the Utah Flash, Iowa Energy, Sioux Falls Skyforce and Fort Wayne Mad Ants. 

In the G League, the 29-year-old proved to be a double-digit contributor who can do damage both as a face up and post up player, averaging 12.8 points and 5.5 rebounds in 96 games. 

Garcia is also a well-travelled cager, having been to Spain, Puerto Rico, South Korea, Iceland and now, the Philippines. 

Jarrid Famous (Blackwater Elite) 

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Blackwater will have its own version of Twin Towers with Famous joining forces with Poy Erram, a proven double-double machine. 

The 6-foot-11, who last played in the PBA for GlobalPort Batang Pier in 2015, is famous for being an inside force after he pulled down 37 rebounds in a game once. 

Aside from Erram, Famous will be joined by key cogs Mac Belo, Mike DiGregorio and Allein Maliksi as the Elite look to make their first playoff apperance in a Commissioner's Cup.

C.J. Aiken (Columbian Dyip)

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Columbian Dyip, formerly known as Kia Picanto, will try to redeem their last-place finish in the Philippine Cup with Aiken. 

The 27-year-old is expected to showcase the same premiere rim protection he provided for Saint Joseph's University when he averaged 3.3 blocks on top of 9.6 points and 5.0 rebounds in his 3 years with the Hawks. 

After going undrafted in the 2013 NBA Draft, Aiken played for the Erie Bayhawks in the NBA G League and had stops in Canada and Poland. 

Malcolm White (GlobalPort Batang Pier)

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White returns for GlobalPort and it will be a new scenery for him after the trade of star guard Terrence Romeo to the TNT KaTropa for big man Mo Tautuaa. 

After getting replaced the last time he played for the Batang Pier under former head coach Franz Pumaren, the 29-year-old aims to stay for the long run under the tutelage of coach Pido Jarencio. 

White will solidify a roster that has offensively gifted players in Stanley Pringle, Sean Anthony and Kelly Nabong.

Vernon Macklin (Magnolia Hotshots)

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Another familiar face is back in the PBA with the Hotshots tapping the services of Macklin, who once steered Barangay Ginebra to the finals of the Commissioner's Cup in 2013. 

The Hotshots, who lost to the San Miguel Beermen in 5 games for the Philippine Cup championship, eye to finally win it all with the 31-year-old's addition.

Macklin, a former member of the Detroit Pistons, will be instrumental if Magnolia wants to prevent the Beermen from repeating as Commissioner's Cup kings. 

Arinze Onuaku (Meralco Bolts)

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Onuaku is no stranger to Philippine basketball. He led Meralco to the semifinals of the Commissioner's Cup in the 2016-2017 season all the while being named the Best Import of the Conference.

The 6-foot-9 big man will be a huge boost for a Bolts side that badly needed inside presence, as proven by a woeful 4-7 record, good for 11th place, in the recently concluded Philippine Cup. 

Onuako, who had stops with the New Orleans Pelicans, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Orlando Magic in the NBA, has the space to work down low with him surrounded by outside threats Baser Amer, KG Canaleta and Reynel Hugnatan to name a few.  

Adrian Forbes (NLEX Road Warriors)

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NLEX initially was supposed to parade former Philadelphia 76er Arnett Moultrie for the Commissioner's Cup but had to go with Adrian Forbes for the meantime with the former still held up by his squad in Bahrain. 

Forbes suited up for Auburn University, where he averaged 3.0 points, 2.8 rebounds and 0.6 blocks, before serving as reinforcement in France and Japan. 

The Road Warriors are coming off a strong Philippine Cup showing following their first semifinals appearance in franchise history. 

James White (Phoenix Fuel Masters)

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White led the Mahindra Enforcer (now the Columbian Dyip) to their first playoff apperance in franchise history and he is expected to provide the same effect as Phoenix looks to make it into the postseason after not making the quarterfinals for two straight conferences.

Phoenix has the pieces to be a competitive squad with key pieces in Matthew Wright, Jeff Chan and Willy Wilson and White may just be what it needs to thrive. 

Reggie Johnson (Rain or Shine Elasto Painters)

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Johnson is familiar with Southeast Asian basketball, having played for the Westports Malaysia Dragons and the Mono Vampire in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL).

He took home the ABL World Import Most Valuable Player (MVP) award while leading the Dragons to the championship in 2016, averaging 22.1 points, 12.7 rebounds the whole season.

Now with the Elasto Painters, the 28-year-old burly big man will be conspiring with Beau Belga as the new "Extra Rice, Inc." tandem. 

Troy Gillenwater (San Miguel Beermen)

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Gillenwater is expected to add offensive firepower for an already-fiery San Miguel squad, which won 6 championships in the last 10 conferences. 

With Charles Rhodes still unavailable due to his commitment in the Korea Basketball League, the Beermen chose to have Gillenwater as reinforcement for the Commissioner's Cup, where they will try to defend their title they won last year against the TNT KaTropa. 

The 29-year-old University of New Mexico product just needs to fit well with the Beermen, who will also welcome top rookie and Filipino-German standout Christian Standhardinger. 

As usual, San Miguel is still the favorite to win it all behind 4-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, Mythical 5 members Arwind Santos, Alex Cabagnot and Chris Ross and marksman Marcio Lassiter.

Jeremy Tyler (TNT KaTropa)

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The KaTropa fell short of the Commissioner's Cup title to the Beermen last year and they target to complete their unfinished business this year with Tyler. 

Tyler, a former NBA player for the Golden State Warriors, Atlanta Hawks and the New York Knicks, will join a TNT side that boasts a talented roster composed of new acquisition Romeo, Roger Pogoy, Troy Rosario, Jericho Cruz and Kelly Williams. 

The 26-year-old big man played in the Chinese Basketball Association from 2014 to 2017, establishing himself as a double-double machine, before suiting up for the Sydney Kings in the National Basketball League, where he averaged 13.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game. – Rappler.com