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Showing posts with label Tournaments. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tournaments. Show all posts

25 January 2024

Subic hosts NCAA Season 99 Beach Volleyball Tournament

Subic Bay Freeport plays host once again to the NCAA Season 99 Beach Volleyball Tournament, the host of the prestigious collegiate event since 2012.

The tournament kicked off yesterday (January 24), culminating on the 28th at the Subic Bay Sand Courts, once the battleground of the best beach volleyball players from Southeast Asia during the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in 2019.


Emilio Aguinaldo College and Mapua University battle it out in the women's category on Day 1 of the 99th NCAA Beach Volleyball Tournament in Subic Bay.


Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Deputy Administrator for Administration Atty. Ruel John Kabigting cited that admission is free for any beach volleyball fan who wish to root for their teams during the games. He added that the continued hosting of Subic for the NCAA Beach Volleyball Tournament is a testament of the agency’s thrust to help budding athletes become part of the national talent pool.

“Subic Freeport is incomparable to any other place in the country. The sand, sea and mountains are great venues for various sporting events such as triathlons, duathlons, epic bike races, marathons, and of course, beach volleyball,” he said.

 “We are proud and honored to be the host of the event, and I hope that Subic Freeport remains the host for this event for the centennial season next year. It is also a great honor for us to cultivate the younger generation of athletes and make Subic their second home,” he added.

The official thanked the tournament organizers for promoting Subic Bay Freeport as their preferred sports destination, citing that their continued patronage of the area shows how much they trust the agency. He added that the SBMA is complete in terms of emergency responders, as well as competent security officers that keep the event safe and secure.


Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Deputy Administrator for Administration Atty. Ruel John Kabigting (seated, right) joins Peter Cayco, Chairman of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 99 Beach Volleyball Tournament (seated, left); and Efren Jose Y. Supan, Chairman, Management Committee of NCAA (seated, center) and other league officials, for photo souvenir during the press briefing held Wednesday, June 24 at the Welltz Bar and Resto in Subic Bay Freeport zone.


Jose Rizal University is the host of the tournament with Management Committee chairman Paul Supan leading the organizing of the event. Supan said, “We have an exciting tournament ahead of us. This year, we brought back our junior division so there are now three divisions: mens, women's and junior.

He added that the reason why the organizing committee chose this Freeport is that Subic provides the appropriate atmosphere and ambience of holding the beach volleyball event. He added that one of the players to look out for is Emilio Aguinaldo College’s Louie Ramirez who is a promising talent to become part of the national team.

According to NCAA Beach Volleyball Event Chairman Peter Cayco, 12 persons represent each of the 10 schools. However, since some schools brought their staff along with them, the delegation is now at 200, yielding a full capacity for billeting  hosts Bayfront Hotel and Terrace Hotel.  This also caused a spill over to nearby hotels such as Subic Park hotel and Seorabol Grand Leisure Hotel.

“The spill over to other hotels happened since some of the players came along with their family and friends. This is certainly good for the economy since Subic Bay Freeport is a brand name in the sports tourism sector,” he added. (MPD-SBMA)

18 January 2023

Subic hosts season 98 NCAA beach volleyball tournament

Beach volleyball players representing the 10 school-members participate in the opening ceremony to kick-off the Season 98 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).


This premier Freeport again plays host to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Beach Volleyball Tournament after a long hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino, who was represented by the Chief of Staff and Deputy Administrator for Business Atty. John Aquino, the hosting of the NCAA’s Season 98 Beach Volleyball Tournament is among the first of many sporting events that will be held in Subic Freeport.

Paulino cited that the hosting of the NCAA Beach Volleyball Tournament is also a grassroots thrust of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in molding the youth to become the country’s representative in the Olympics.

Around 150 delegations, including players, coaches and game officials from participating schools are currently in Subic Bay Freeport (SBF) to take part in the tournament. Paulino reminded the participants to keep the SBF clean as they go around and visit various places and establishments. 

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chief of Staff Atty. John Aquino, on behalf of the Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino, welcomes the NCAA delegation composed of players, coaches, and game officials during the opening ceremony at the Subic Bay Sand Courts.


NCAA Season 98 Management Committee Chairman Estefanio Boquiron Jr. expressed elation over the venue of the tournament, citing that if the court is good for the Southeast Asian Games, it is certainly good for the NCAA.

“We started playing in Subic Bay Freeport several years back, using the sands at the Boardwalk area. After the first tournament held here, we just fell in love with the place because of the friendliness of the people and the cleanliness of the area,” Vice-chairman Paul Supan of the Jose Rizal University said.

Supan added that the Subic Bay Freeport is certainly the home of the NCAA’s Beach Volleyball Tournament, adding that the association aims to hold all of their beach volleyball tournaments in this premier Freeport.

Supan also said that the San Beda University Women’s team and the Emilio Aguinaldo College men’s team will defend their title in their respective divisions. He added that due to the long hiatus, teams from various schools are raring to show off their game.

The NCAA tournament will be held from January 17 to 21 at the Subic Bay Sand Courts.

In December last year, the Philippine National Volleyball Federation held its Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour at the Subic Bay Sand Courts. (MPD-SBMA)

26 March 2021

Eisma: MPBL hosting boosts Subic’s ‘safe haven’ claim

The successful conclusion of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) championship games here at the Subic Gym on Sunday has further cemented Subic’s claim to fame as a safe destination for sports events under the “bubble” concept.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said the MPBL finals is the latest crowning glory in Subic’s bid to be an exclusive safe haven amid the continuing Covid-19 pandemic.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma joins MPBL Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes (right) and other sports officials in presenting the 2019-2020 MPBL Lakan Cup at the Subic Gym on March 21














“We’re proud to say that the bubble held until the last game of the MPBL finals. And that’s because we are firm here in Subic in observing health protocols laid down by the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases),” Eisma said.

“The Freeport community has taken painstaking effort to keep Subic safe, knowing it’s necessary for the nation’s economic rebound, and this determination is now paying off for everyone,” she added.

Prior to this, Subic also hosted the 2021 Gatorade-PSL Beach Volleyball Challenge Cup organized by Philippine Super Liga (PSL) under a similar sports bubble that required participants to be housed in dedicated accommodation facilities and monitored by health personnel.

Under the sports bubble, spectators were not allowed in the playing area, and players and technical crew were prohibited from interacting with the public. The games were livestreamed over online video platforms.

MPBL Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes said the bubble championship games in Subic ended without any hitch, despite initial problems when some players of the Basilan team tested positive before the semifinals. The whole team was not allowed to enter the Subic bubble.

But Duremdes pointed out that “no one was tested positive inside the bubble.”

Members of the Davao Occidental Tigers-Cocolife team celebrate after winning the 2019-2020 MPBL Lakan Cup at the Subic Gym on March 21














The championship games ended on March 21 with Davao Occidental Tigers-Cocolife winning the 2019-2020 MPBL Lakan Cup by defeating defending champions San Juan Knights-Go For Gold 89-88 in an overtime.

With the 2019-2020 MPBL championship ended, Eisma said Subic looks forward to its return for the league’s regular season subject to the approval of the IATF. She added the SBMA is also negotiating with the Philippine National Volleyball Federation for a similar bubble tournament here.

Apart from sports events, Subic’s reputation as a safe haven has made it an international crew-change hub for mariners, and a center for corporate jet maintenance in Southeast Asia.

Eisma said the SBMA will further leverage Subic’s safe environment as today’s must-go destination for sports, pageants, conferences and other events under the bubble concept. (30)

PHOTOS:

[1] SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma joins MPBL Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes (right) and other sports officials in presenting the 2019-2020 MPBL Lakan Cup at the Subic Gym on March 21.

[2] Members of the Davao Occidental Tigers-Cocolife team celebrate after winning the 2019-2020 MPBL Lakan Cup at the Subic Gym on March 21.

28 February 2021

Safety a priority in Subic ‘bubble’ volleyball tourney



The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has stressed safety as top requirement in the ongoing 2021 Gatorade-PSL Beach Volleyball Challenge Cup, a three-day competition that was the first to be held in the country under a “sports bubble” concept.

In welcoming participants and organizers to Subic at the opening of the tourney on Friday, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma reminded everyone to strictly observe health protocols, as required by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), which approved the sports event.

“Please always remember that we are here today because we have kept Subic safe in these pandemic times. We have kept our Covid numbers low with the cooperation of our residents, workers and visitors,” Eisma pointed out.

“We intend to keep it this way,” she added.

Eisma also said that the success of the volleyball tournament “will put Subic in the map as the bubble destination for sports and other events in the Philippines.”

The tournament marked the historic return of the Philippine Superliga (PSL) after 11 months of inactivity.



Organizers meanwhile said there was no reported case of coronavirus infection out of 56 players, coaches and league staff who joined the Subic volleyball bubble.

PSL president Ian Laurel said the PSL is honored to become the first non-professional volleyball tournament to restart its season after securing the IATF nod thorough Resolution 79 dated Oct. 15, 2020.

“We are very happy that volleyball is finally coming back, especially with the help of SBMA and IATF Region 3. Even if there’s a pandemic, with the help of the IATF and the LGU (local government unit), we were able to bring back the sport,” Laurel said.

“We can actually share the message to all leagues that they should not be discouraged. Our athletes should continue their training because there will come a time that tournaments would be allowed with the help of the IATF and the LGU.”

In the first day of the tournament at the Subic sand courts, Sta. Lucia and Abanse Negrense opened their respective campaigns on a high note as they crushed their respective foes. Bang Pineda and Jonah Sabete of Sta. Lucia B showed no sign of rust as they routed Ariane Alarcon and Christina Canares of Kennedy Solar Energy-PetroGazz, 21-10, 21-9, in the opening match of the tourney.

A few hours later, it was the tandem of DM Demontano and Jackie Estoquia of Sta. Lucia B that made its presence felt as they clobbered Jonah San Pedro and Javen Sabas of Toby’s Sports, 21-18, 21-13.

Also victorious was the duo of Alexa Polidario and Erjan Magdato of Abanse Negrense, which crushed Jennymar Senares and Kyla Gallego of F2 Logistics, 21-15, 21-12, to wrap up the morning battles of this competition.

Their counterparts, Jennifer Cosas and Gelimae Villanueva of Abanse Negros B, also pocketed an early victory after dominating Ella Viray and Theresa Ramas of United Auctioneers, Inc., 21-13, 21-12, in Pool B. (MPD-sBMA)

PHOTOS:

The Subic sand courts again saw action on Friday at the opening of the three-day 2021 Gatorade-PSL Beach Volleyball Challenge Cup.

24 February 2017

NCAA kicks off beach volleyball tourney in Subic

The NCAA Season 92 Beach Volleyball Tournament kicked off on Wednesday inside this premier Freeport making it one of the most sought after beach sports venue in the country.

According to the organizers of the event, this is the second time that they are holding the beach volleyball tournament here just to give “due diligence” to the sport, stating that where else would they hold a beach volleyball tourney aside from Subic Freeport which is known for its lush beaches.



“The tournament is geared towards the promotion of the sport in the country, but it also promotes the area where the tournament is held. We want people to know that the tournament and the tourism aspect of the sport go hand in hand,” Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Tourism Manager Jem Camba said.

Aside from making the area a staple for the beach volleyball tournament in the country, organizers have also introduced a new system that would reduce the weather factor that will affect the sport here. According to them, they have introduced a modular bleacher system that is easily built and stored, adding that it also blocks the wind that has been a bane of the game.

“These bleachers will hamper the gusts of wind that obstruct a great game of volleyball. These bleachers will also be able to seat the spectators so they can see the game,” they said.

The tournament also showcases star athletes such as San Sebastian’s Grethcel Soltones and Alyssa Eroa, San Beda’s Viray twins Maria Jeziela and Maria Nieza, Mapua’s Shaira Mhae Hermano, Kimberly Joy Luzon and Danielle Marie Ramiro.

San Sebastian won the tournament last year, besting San Beda with a 14-21, 21-9, 15-6 score in the finals match. Other star athletes from indoor volleyball like Arellano University’s Joviely Prado, Regine Arocha and Jenicalynne Tan will also showcase their talents.

The men’s category also features last year’s winners Rey Arth Andaya, Sam Damian and Alfredo Pagulong of Mapua. They will be up against JRU's Ronaldo Dampitan, Jr., Jethro Ferwelo and John Michael Flor, Letran's Christopher Cistina, Bobby Gatdula and Zecharia Sison and San Sebastian's Christian Calonia, Jahir Ebrahim and James Christian Eugenio.

With summer approaching the horizon, this premier Freeport is geared to tackle any summer sports activities. Officials of the SBMA are positive that the influx of tourists will double in the coming summer months. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

MARIA Jeziela and Maria Nieza Viray of San Beda came up with twin wins on Thursday in the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament in Subic. The Viray twins bested St. Benilde's Ma. Angela Enginco and Ma. Kaila Selena Mendoza, 21-11, 25-23 then scored a 21-6, 21-15 victory over Mapua's Shaira Mahe Hermano and Kimberly Joy Luzon. (Spin.Ph)

http://www.spin.ph/volleyball/news/jeziela-viray-nieza-viray-san-beda-ncaa-volleyball-relan-rey-taneo-perpetual-help-emilio-aguinaldo-college

16 February 2016

San Sebastian's Soltones, Eroa reign supreme in NCAA beach volleyball in Subic

SAN Sebastian's Gretcel Soltones and Alyssa Eroa pulled off a vengeful 14-21, 21-9, 15-6 victory over San Beda twins Maria Jeziela and Maria Nieza Viray to claim the NCAA women’s beach volleyball title on Sunday at the Boardwalk in Subic.

Eroa, a libero in the school's indoor volley squad, stepped up after Dangie Encarnacion suffered a deep cut on the chin after a bad fall during the Lady Stags' painful defeat to the Virays early in the elimination round.

"We wouldn't have done it without her, she was really an important part of this championship," said Soltones of Eroa.

It was San Sebastian's third straight championship and a league-best sixth title.

Soltones was determined to bag the title after San Sebastian lost in the indoor volleyball finals to St. Benilde.

"I guess we don't want to lose again," she said.

Soltones and Eroa made it a double celebration for San Sebastian, which won the high school title by toppling last year's titlist Emilio Aguinaldo with a 20-22, 21-19, 15-13 win.

San Sebastian's Romeo Teodones, Jr. won the juniors MVP.

"The school is really proud of their accomplishments," said Atty. Reynold Munsayac, San Sebastian's NCAA Management Committee representative. (Spin.ph)

PHOTO:
Gretcel Soltones got a solid partner in Alyssa Eroa after Dangie Encarnacion suffered a deep cut on the chin early in the tournament.

http://www.spin.ph/volleyball/news/gretcel-soltones-alyssa-eroa-ncaa-beach-volley-champion-san-sebastian

12 February 2016

Perpetual, San Beda stay unscathed in NCAA beach volleyball

Brothers Relan and Rey Taneo, Jr. of Perpetual Help and twins Maria Jeiziela and Maria Nieza Viray of San Beda turned the Subic's Boardwalk into their playground after remaining the last unbeaten teams in the 91st NCAA beach volleyball action on Friday.

The Taneo siblings downed Mapua's Philip Michael Bagalay and Samuel Joseph Almales, 21-15, 21-19, in a duel of unbeaten teams to seize the solo lead with six wins in the men's division event backed by The Lighthouse, Bayfront Hotel, Subic Park Hotel, Moonbay Villas, LGR, Mikasa, SBMA and ABS-CBN Sports and Action.

The win moved the Taneo duo a victory away from booking a spot in the Final Four.

If the Las Pinas-based school ends up sweeping the single-round robin elimination, it will automatically advance to the finals and one triumph closer from regaining the title it lost to St. Benilde last season.

It will also turn the Final Four into a stepladder semis where the next three qualified teams battle it out in a knockout format.

The Taneos, who hail from Cebu, are gunning for their second title after the two helped Perpetual Help's indoor volleyball squad cop the men's title with shock finals victory over last year's titlist Emilio Aguinaldo College last month.

"We're just trying to enjoy ourselves and at the same time make our school, Perpetual Help, proud," said the elder Rey in Filipino.

The Virays, for their part, trounced Letran's Julia Angeles and Regielyn Cabrera, 25-23, 21-13, to likewise stay unscathed an atop the heap in the women's side with six wins.

Trailing them were San Sebastian's Gretchel Soltones and Dangie Encarnacion, the reigning back-to-back champions who racked up four wins in row to spring back to life after absorbing a painful defeat to the Virays Thursday and smashed St. Benilde's Jannine Navarro and Melanie Torres, 21-13, 21-14.

Soltones and Encarnacion thus improved to 5-1 (win-loss), which was good for joint second with their recent conquests, Navarro and Torres.

In juniors' play, Perpetual Help and defending champion Emilio Aguinaldo also stayed unbeaten by stringing together five straight wins.

Like the Altas, the Junior Altas are gunning to add the beach volley crown to the NCAA indoor volley championship they won by beating the Brigadiers also last month. (Philippine Star)

PHOTOS:

Scenes from the 91st NCAA Beach Volleyball tournament at the Subic Bay Freeport Watefront Boardwalk. (AMD, A. Macatuno)

http://www.philstar.com/sports/2016/02/12/1552327/perpetual-san-beda-stay-unscathed-ncaa-beach-volleyball

09 February 2016

NCAA beach volleyball tournament fires off in Subic

The 91st NCAA beach volley tournament unfolds Wednesday (February 10) with reigning champions San Sebastian, St. Benilde and Emilio Aguinaldo defending their women's, men's and juniors titles at the Boardwalk of the Subic Bay Free Port Zone in Zambales.

Gretchel Soltones, the reigning back-to-back MVP in NCAA indoor volleyball, will team up with Dangie Encarnacion and reserve Alyssa Eroa as they try to jumpstart their women’s division title-retention bid against Jose Rizal's Rosalie Pepito, Maria Shola May Luna Alvarez and Annie Macaraya at 10:00 a.m.

Perpetual Help's Vhima Condada, Marijo Medalla and Jamela Suyat, St. Benilde's Jannine Navarro, Melanie Torres and Danielle Christine Lim and Arellano U's Regine Anne Arocha, Angelica Sawali and Jenicalynne Tan are the teams expected to give the Lady Stags their toughest challenge.

Last year's men's titlist St. Benilde, for its part, will be without its top player Johnvic de Guzman, who have skipped the event leaving the Isaah O'neal Arda, Racmade Etrone and Mark Anthony Deximo the mantle of responsibility in defending the crown.

San Sebastian is currently tied with Perpetual Help as the most titled women's team with four each since the sport was introduced 14 years ago and will emerge as the winningest if it could repeat this season.

Although action starts as early as 10:00 a.m., the opening ceremony is set at 5:15 p.m. with Jose Rizal's Paul Supan, the organizing committee chair of beach volley this season, officially ushering in the event backed by The Lighthouse, Bayfront Hotel, Subic Park Hotel, Moonbay Villas, LGR, Mikasa, SBMA and ABS-CBN Sports and Action.

"It's going to be another exciting beach volleyball tournament," said Supan.

Emilio Aguinaldo will be the team to beat in the high school division after clinching a three-peat feat a year ago.

The Brigadiers will be represented by Cee-Jay Hicap, Ederson Rebusora and Mario Dua, Jr. (ABS-CBN Sports)

PHOTO:
Gretchel Soltones, the reigning back-to-back MVP in NCAA indoor volleyball, will team up with Dangie Encarnacion and reserve Alyssa Eroa in San Sebastian College's three-peat bid in the 91st NCAA women's beach volleyball contest.

http://sports.abs-cbn.com/ncaa/news/2016/02/09/ncaa-beach-volleyball-competition-starts-wednesday-8655

24 November 2015

Boris Savchenko storms through PSC Puregold Open in Subic

Russian Grandmaster Boris Savchenko demolished the opposition in the PSC Puregold International Open to emerge convincing winner with 9,5/10 points, two and a half points ahead of the nearest followers.

Far behind in the score count GMs Lu Shanglei and Vitaly Sivuk share the second place with 7,0 points each.

The PSC Puregold International Open was organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines from 16-21st November in Subic Bay Peninsular Hotel, Olongapo City.

44 players competed in the main Open Division, with 18 Grandmasters and 15 International Masters in the field.

The Challenger Division had 83 participants. Franz Robert Grafil and Prince Mark Aquino shared the first place with 7,5/9 points each.

Full standings below.

Open Division final standings:
1 GM SAVCHENKO Boris RUS 2567 – 9.5
2 GM LU Shanglei CHN 2615 – 7
3 GM SIVUK Vitaly UKR 2512 – 7
4 GM LAYLO Darwin PHI 2471 – 6.5
5 GM KOTANJIAN Tigran ARM 2479 – 6.5
6 IM LIN Chen CHN 2520 – 6.5
7 GM DEMCHENKO Anton RUS 2592 – 6
8 GM SMIRNOV Pavel RUS 2617 – 6
9 GM NGUYEN Duc Hoa VIE 2500 – 6
10 FM ROHAN Ahuja IND 2411 – 5.5
11 GM GUPTA Abhijeet IND 2633 – 5.5
12 GM DEEPAN Chakkravarthy J. IND 2479 – 5.5
13 GM MOZHAROV Mikhail RUS 2573 – 5.5
14 IM GARCIA Jan Emmanuel PHI 2395 – 5.5
15 IM PURANIK Abhimanyu IND 2443 – 5.5
16 GM ZUBOV Alexander UKR 2630 – 5.5
17 GM SHOMOEV Anton RUS 2565 – 5.5
18 GM BELOUS Vladimir RUS 2573 – 5.5
19 FM LIU Xiangyi SIN 2423 – 5.5
20 GM ANTONIO Rogelio Jr PHI 2478 – 5.5
21 GM BITOON Richard PHI 2417 – 5
22 DOCENA Jerad PHI 2319 – 5
23 IM SUNILDUTH LYNA Narayanan IND 2481 – 5
24 IM SEAN Winshand Cuhendi INA 2450 – 5
25 IM NOLTE Rolando PHI 2417 – 5
26 GM ARAVINDH Chithambaram Vr. IND 2496 – 5
27 IM DIMAKILING Oliver PHI 2372 – 4.5
28 GM TORRE Eugenio PHI 2468 – 4.5
29 FM SEVERINO Sander PHI 2349 – 4.5
30 IM BERSAMINA Paulo PHI 2361 – 4.5
31 IM PASCUA Haridas PHI 2462 – 4.5
32 ABELGAS Roel PHI 2316 – 4.5
33 IM SENADOR Emmanuel PHI 2325 – 4
34 IM PIMENTEL Joel PHI 2264 – 4
35 DELA CRUZ Noel PHI 2260 – 4
36 FM TURQUEZA Mari Joseph PHI 2313 – 4
37 WIM FRAYNA Janelle Mae PHI 2273 – 4
38 WIM SUEDE Mikee Charlene PHI 2085 – 4
39 FM SEGARRA Randy PHI 2342 – 3.5
40 WFM SAN DIEGO Marie Antoinette PHI 2065 – 3.5
41 WFM MENDOZA Shania Mae PHI 2057 – 3.5
42 WIM FRONDA Jan Jodilyn PHI 2129 – 3
43 WIM GALAS Bernadette PHI 2094 – 3
44 FM PACIS Adrian PHI 2254 – 1

Challenger Division final standings:
1 GRAFIL Franz Robert PHI 2199 – 7.5
2 AQUINO Prince Mark PHI 2075 – 7.5
3 BAGAMASBAD Efren PHI 2164 – 7
4 SACAR Mohamad PHI 2120 – 7
5 TIU Sherwin PHI 2206 – 6.5
6 MORADO Jeth Romy PHI 2065 – 6.5
7 FM LITERATUS Austin Jacob PHI 2098 – 6.5
8 SALGADOS Lennon Hart PHI 2104 – 6.5
9 RUAYA Virgen Gil C. PHI 2117 – 6.5
10 MEDINA Vince Angelo PHI 2056 – 6.5
11 MARIMLA Erickson PHI 2013 – 6
12 RILLORAZA Istraelito PHI 1880 – 6
13 SEVILLANO Rhenzi Kyle PHI 2052 – 6
14 FLORENDO Joey Albert PHI 2086 – 6
15 INFIESTO James PHI 1950 – 6
16 BERNARDO Dale PHI 1918 – 6
17 PARONDO Rolly PHI 2119 – 5.5
18 BAUTISTA Joshua PHI 2037 – 5.5
19 LOPEZ Henry WC* PHI 2181 – 5.5
20 CURIOSO Romulo PHI 1921 – 5.5
21 MIRANO Jan Francis PHI 2010 – 5.5
22 QUIZON Daniel PHI 1661 – 5.5
23 MICIANO John Marvin PHI 1882 – 5.5
24 RAPANOT Alfredo PHI 2171 – 5.5
25 GARONG Stevenson PHI 0 – 5.5
26 FORTIN Artrino Paul PHI 2003 – 5.5
27 FLORENDO Patrick Erle PHI 2054 – 5
28 CAJERAS Jerich PHI 2204 – 5
29 SUBASTE Arman PHI 1890 – 5
30 ABUTON Kristian Glen PHI 1840 – 5
31 DIAZ Christopher PHI 0 – 5
32 AMAR Denzel John PHI 1957 – 5
33 RIVERA Jeff Russel PHI 0 – 5
34 MOULIC Ella Grace PHI 1830 – 5
35 EVANGELISTA Paul Robert PHI 1943 – 4.5
36 MANTUPAR Ildefonso Jr. PHI 1837 – 4.5
37 JOTA Jonathan PHI 2176 – 4.5
38 PRADAS Dale PHI 2003 – 4.5
39 MANAOG Stewart PHI 2090 – 4.5
40 REDOR Menandro PHI 1893 – 4.5
41 MORDIDO Justine Diego PHI 1601 – 4.5
42 CERVERO Tristan Jared PHI 1773 – 4.5
43 AVILES Ferdinand PHI 1988 – 4.5
44 DELOS SANTOS Don Tyrone PHI 1988 – 4.5
45 DELA TORRE Marife PHI 1737 – 4.5
46 WCM MIRANO Mira PHI 1793 – 4.5
47 BERNARDO Darry PHI 1890 – 4
48 SALCEDO Edgar PHI 0 – 4
49 PINEDA Judith PHI 1986 – 4
50 ALIDANI Leonardo PHI 1954 – 4
51 VILLA Enrica PHI 1707 – 4
52 BACOJO Mark Jay PHI 1539 – 4
53 LIM Samson Jr. PHI 2160 – 4
54 MORSALIM Salahudin PHI 1750 – 4
55 BATENCILA Rosalino Jr. PHI 1935 – 4
56 CRUZ Orlando PHI 1759 – 4
57 MORSALIM Mohmin PHI 1887 – 4
58 POLAO Ben PHI 2066 – 4
59 TALAN Walt Allen PHI 2040 – 3.5
60 CEREZO Lionel PHI 0 – 3.5
61 SALCEDO Rene PHI 1959 – 3.5
62 SALCEDO John PHI 1875 – 3.5
63 SAN JUAN Ma. Mae Bel Grace PHI 1761 – 3.5
64 ANSAY Lynux Louie PHI 1738 – 3.5
65 NOBLIJAS Aaron PHI 1756 – 3.5
66 SARMIENTO Rodolfo VI* PHI 1649 – 3
67 KOELBL Wolfgang GER 1841 – 3
68 FLORENDO Carlo Mark PHI 1872 – 3
69 ABOGADO Anthony VI* PHI 1765 – 3
70 TATOY Glesit Marie PHI 1418 – 3
71 NOBLIJAS Julieber PHI 0 – 3
72 MIRANO Kevin PHI 2085 – 2.5
73 CHING Francis VI* PHI 1848 – 2.5
74 PELIGRO Israel VI* PHI 1766 – 2.5
75 REYES Hans Jeremy PHI 1634 – 2.5
76 CO Davenson PHI 1735 – 2.5
77 BILOG Cecilio VI* PHI 0 – 2.5
78 DE VERA Andrea Bianca PHI 1714 – 2.5
79 BALING Aerronne PHI 1857 – 2
80 NACITA Jean-lee WC* PHI 0 – 2
81 MANGAYAYAM Fe PHI 0 – 2
82 BURNOS Jamy Gaverielle PHI 1692 – 1
83 CONCIO Michael Jr. PHI 1688 – 0

PHOTO:
Russian Grandmaster Boris Savchenko

http://www.chessdom.com/boris-savchenko-storms-through-psc-puregold-open-in-olongapo-city/

19 November 2015

Savchenko grabs solo lead; Laylo top Pinoy contender in Subic chess challenge

RUSSIAN Grandmaster Boris Savchenko put a brake to Ukraine GM Vitaly Sivuk’s five-game winning run, hacking out a 35-move win using an unusual line of the Queen’s Pawn Game to vault into the solo lead after four rounds in the Philippine Sports Commission-Puregold International Chess Challenge at the Peninsular Hotel in Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

The No. 8 seed Savchenko earlier defeated reigning national champion GM Richard Bitoon in the third round to set up the clash against the newly-minted Philippine International Chess Championship titlist.

Filipino GM Darwin Laylo, meanwhile, stayed a half-point behind the solo leader with 3.5 points with a win and a draw in the two previous rounds.

The 18th seed Laylo downed International Master Oliver Dimakiling in the third round and split the point with Torre in the fourth.

The draw dropped Torre to 3.0 points in the company of fellow Pinoys IM Joel Pimentel and Dimakiling, Sivuk, Russian GMs Mikhail Mozharov and Anton Demchenko, GM Shanglei Lu of China and GM Chakkravarthy Deepan of India.

Mozharov, the no. 7 seed, and Pimentel agreed to a draw after 57 moves of a King’s Indian Fianchetto, Demchenko defeated GM Tigran Kotanjian of Armernia in 42 pushes of a King’s Indian Classical, Lu dealt Bitoon his second straight loss, while Deepan trounced Filipino IM Emmanuel Senador in 54 moves of a Sicilian Moria Gambit.

Trailing behind with 2.5 points are Kotanjian, IM Abhimanyu Puranik and GM Narayanan Sunilduth Lyna of India, GM Chen Lin of China and GM Duc Hoa Nguyen of Vietnam.

In the Challenger Division of the tournament organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines and supported by the PSC, Philippine Olympic Committee, Puregold, Burlington Socks and Marc Ventures and Mining and Development Corp., eight players, led by top seed Franz Robert Grafil, share the lead with three points each after three rounds.

Also in the Challenger Division, nine-year-old Mark Jay Bacojo upset sixth-seed Samson Lim Jr. in huge upset at the first round.

Bacojo, from Pasig, i the youngest competitor is outranked by the veteran Lim by at least 600 Elo rating points. (People's Tonight)

PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia (sitting left) poses with Russian GM  Anton Demchenko at the opening of the Philippine Sports Commission-Puregold International Chess Challenge in Subic Bay along with other world-class chess masters. (People's Tonight)

http://www.journal.com.ph/sports/other-sports/savchenko-grabs-solo-lead-laylo-top-pinoy-contender

16 November 2015

Ukrainian GM stuns top seed, wins int'l chess fest in Subic

GRANDMASTER Vitaly Sivuk of Ukraine racked up his third straight win – and his biggest in the tournament – to emerge as the undisputed champion in the 2015 Philippine International Chess Championship after the 10th and final round Saturday at the Subic Bay Peninsular Hotel in Subic Bay Freeport.

Sivuk, the no. 11 seed, stunned top seed and erstwhile solo leader GM Abijheet Gupta of India after 42 moves of a Gruenfeld Defense to bring his total to seven points and take home the top prize of $5,000.

In all, the 23-year-old Ukranian tallied seven points on five wins, four draws and a loss, which came against GM Anton Demchenko of Russia in the 6th round.

Four other players – Demchenko, fellow GM Anton Shomoev, Chinese GM and 5th seed Shanglei Lu of China and GM Chakkravarthy Deepan of India had a chance to forge a tie for the overall lead but their games all ended in draw, with Lu splitting the point with Demchenko and Deepan settleing for a draw with Shomoev.

The four dropped into a seven-way tie with Gupta and final-round winners GM Narayanan Sinulduth Lyna of India and Russian GM Boris Savchenko with 6.5 points each.

Sinulduth Lyna, who had 5.5 points going into the final round, turned back Filipino GM Joey Antonio in 31 moves of an Anti-Nimzo Indian, while Savchenko defeated International Master Chen Lin of China after 36 moves of a Mieses Variation of the Scandinavian.

Lin and no. 3 seed GM Pavel Smirnov of Russia, who beat compatriot GM Vladimir Belous in 34 moves of a Benko Gambit Accepted, dropped into a two-way tie with six points each.

International Master Rolando Nolte and 17-year-old NM Jerad Docena, meanwhile, emerged as the top Filipino finishers in the tournament organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Puregold, Asian United Bank and Burlington Socks. Marc Ventures Holdings, Inc. and Marc Ventures Mining and Development Corporation.

Nolte drew his final round against GM Eugene Torre after 21 moves of the Knights Variation of the Indian Game, while Docena outsteadied IM Abhimanyu Puranik of India in 67 moves of a King’s Indian Attack to end up with similar 5.5 points in tie with no. 2 seed GM Alexander Zubov of Ukraine and GM Mikhail Mozharov of Russia.

A half point behind is a large group of five-pointers composed of GM Vladimir Belous of Russia, GM Doc Hoa Nguyen of Vietnam, Torre, GM Joey Antonio, reigning national champion GM Richard Bitoon, IM Paulo Bersamina and GM Tigran Kotanjian of Armenia.

Woman International Master Janelle Mae Frayna duplicated her feat last year after emerging as the best Filipina female player after finishing with four points.

In the Challenger Division, WFM Shania Mae Mendoza and Lennon Hart Salgados ended up tied with seven points after nine rounds, but Mendoza earned the title via the tiebreak.

Mendoza downed Christopher Diaz in 33 moves of a Nimzowitsch Defense, while Salgados halved the point against Paul Robert Evangelista in a Slav Defense, Exchange variation.

The second tournament, PSC/PUREGOLD International Chess Challenge reels off Saturday, at the same venue.

PHOTO:
GRANDMASTER Vitaly Sivuk of Ukraine

13 November 2015

Lin ties Gupta for lead, Nolte stuns GM in Round 5 of Subic chessfest

Top seed GM Abhijeet Gupta of India defeated co-leader GM Anton Demchenko of Russia to grab solo lead after the fifth round of the Philippine International Chess Championships held at the Subic Bay Peninsular Hotel in Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Gupta, with a rating of 2633, went on to beat Demchenko (2592) in a seemingly drawish Sicilian game in 105 moves, Demchenko overlooked a saving move in time scramble and lost after a forced exchange of his Rook for a queening Pawn and a Bishop. Gupta has 4.5 points in 5 games of play.

In solo second with 4 points is International Master Lin Chen who upset Russian GM Vladimir Belous in 50 moves of an English Opening, Anglo-Slav variation. Six players followed him with 3.5 points: GM Demchenko, second seed GM Alexander Zubov of Ukraine, GM Vitaly Sivuk (Ukraine), GM Anton Shomoev (Russia), GM Lu Shanglei (China) and GM Chakkravarthy Deepan of India.

But the day belongs to International Master Rolando Nolte who upset GM Mikhail Mozharov of Russia in 50 moves of a Spanish Game (Ruy Lopez) and National Master Roel Abelgas who also upset International Master Sean Winshand Cuhendi of Indonesia in 47 moves of an Indian Game, Kingside Fianchetto. GM Joey Antonio drew his game with Battle of the Masters Champion GM Richard Bitoon in a Nimzo-Indian Defense Classical Variation. IM Nolte and NM Abelgas have 3 points while GM Antonio and GM Bitoon have 2.5.

In the Challenger division, four players are tied for the lead with 3.5 points after four rounds: Kevin Mirano, Jeth Romy Morado, Lennon Hart Salgados and WFM Shania Mae Mendoza. Mirano drew with WFM Mendoza in 37 moves of a French Defense, Salgados won against John Estrada Salcedo in 48 moves of a Pirc Defense Classical system and Morado demolished Paul Robert Evangelista also in a Classical Pirc in 26 moves. Below them with 3 points are Seniors champion Verth Alora, John Marvin Miciano, Ferdinand Aviles, Jan Francis Mirano and Christopher Diaz.

The tournament is the first of two tournaments being organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) and supported financially by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) headed by its Chairman, the Honorable Ricardo R. Garcia in cooperation with the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) headed by its President, the Honorable Jose S. Cojuangco, Jr.

PHOTO:
From left: GM Abhijeet Gupta, India; International Master Lin Chen, China; and International Master Rolando Nolte, Philippines

12 November 2015

Russian, Indian GMs in three-way tie at Int'l Chess tilt in Subic

Three players remain unbeaten after the second round of the Philippine International Chess Championships held at the Subic Bay Peninsular Hotel in Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Russian grandmasters Anton Demchenko and Anton Shomoev and International Master Sunilduth Lyna Narayanan of India defeated their respective rivals to show the way in the second round of the tournament which has an averaged rating of 2434. Demchenko, one the champions in last year’s version of this twin events, stopped the Sicilian Scheveningen Keres Attack of Grandmaster Chakkravarthy Deepan of India in 60 moves while GM Shomoev beat our very own GM Eugene Torre in 79 moves of an Open Ruy Lopez as International Master Narayanan upset GM Lu Shanglei of China in 37 moves of a QGA.

The tournament is the first of two tournaments being organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) and supported financially by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) headed by its Chairman, the Honorable Ricardo R. Garcia in cooperation with the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) headed by its President, the Honorable Jose S. Cojuangco, Jr.

The other erstwhile leaders after the first round were held to draws by determined opponents starting with top seed grandmaster Abhijeet Gupta of India, who was held to a draw by International Master Lin Chen of China in 42 moves of a King’s Indian Saemisch, second seed GM Alexander Zuvob of Ukraine drew with fellow GM Vitaly Sivuk also of Ukraine in 33 moves of a Slav Defense Exchange, third seed GM Pavel Smirnov of Russia also drew his game with GM Nguyen Doc Hua of Vietnam in 33 moves of a Gruenfeld Exchange, GM Mikhail Mozharov drew with GM Joey Antonio in a Caro Kann Advance variation, 6th seed GM Vladimir Belous of Russia beat GM Tigran Kotanjian of Armenia in 28 moves of an English Opening. They are bunched in second place with 1.5 points.

PHOTO:
(from left) GRANDMASTERS Anton Demchenko and Anton Shomoev of Russia, and Narayanan Sunilduth Layna of India

08 November 2015

Subic to host 2 big int’l chess tilts

BARELY two weeks after holding its national championship, the National Chess Federation of the Philippines this time goes international, as it hosts two international chess tournaments in the next two weeks at the Subic Bay Freeport.

First up is the Philippine International Chess Championship (Open and Challenger Divisions) which will be held starting Nov. 9 and will end Nov. 14.

This will be immediately followed by the Philippine Sports Commission-Puregold Chess Challenge (Open and Challenger Divisions) to be held Nov. 16 to 21.

Both tournaments will be held at the Subic Peninsular Hotel located inside the Freeport.

NCFP executive director GM Jayson Gonzales said he expects at least 15 full-pledged grandmasters from Europe and Asia to join the tournament who will pit wits against local talents led by newly-minted national champion GM Richard Bitoon.

Based on the tentative list in the NCFP website, the foreign contingent will be bannered by GMs Ivan Popov Ivan of Russia (Elo 2661), Alexander Zubov of Ukraine (2630), Abhijeet Gupta of India (2629), Pavel Smirnov of Russia (2617) Lu Shanglei of China, Anton Demchenko of Russia, Mikhail Mozharov, Boris Savchenko, Vladimir Belous and Antoni Shomoev, all Russia, Chen Lin of China and Tigran Kotanjian of Armenia.

“This tournament will give our young players a chance to improve their game and their ratings as well. This will also give our national and international masters, both men and women, to achieve their goals of making it to the next level,” Gonzales said.

Aside from Bitoon, also expected to see action in the twin tournaments are National Chess Championship runner-up GM Joey Antonio, third placer IM Haridas Pascua, last year's champion and Asia's first GM Eugene Torre and fellow GMs Oliver Barbosa, Mark Paragua and John Paul Gomez and several up-and-coming players led by Fide Master Joseph Mari Turqueza and Jerad Docena, IM Paulo Bersamina, among others.

The women's side will be bannered by WIM Janelle Mae Frayna, newly-crowned women's champion WFM Jan Jodilyn Fronda, WFM Shania Mae Mendoza and WIM Marie Antoinette San Diego. (Peopleś Tonight)

http://www.journal.com.ph/sports/other-sports/subic-to-host-2-big-int-l-chess-tilts

01 June 2015

Japanese dominate Subic tablenet

Yuya Oshima and Kasumi Ishikawa dominated the tables to lead the all-Japan winner’s circle in the singles tournaments at the conclusion of of the GAC Group International Table Tennis Federation World Tour Philippine Open on Sunday at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.

Oshima – ranked 57th in the world and second in the bracket – blanked tournament top-rank and world no. 24 Jung Youngsik of South Korea in straight sets, 11-5, 11-7, 12-10, 11-9, to cop his first senior men’s singles title in the World Tour circuit.

In the semifinals of Sunday’s late morning session, Oshima made quick work of Chinese Taipei’s Wu Chih-Chi, 11-4, 11-8, 11-6, 11-7, also in straight sets to complete his dominant outing on the tournament’s final day.

The two met each other in the qualifying rounds of the German Open last March, with the world ranked no. 24 South Korean booting out Oshima in a hotly contested match. With this weighing heavily in his head, the Japanese bet did not take this chance lightly and dominated the match from the get-go to claim the top prize.

“I played against him in Germany last March, so I made up my plan against Jung carefully in advance. So it’s a measure of revenge for me,” said Oshima. “I haven’t had good results for the past few months, so it is a great thing for me to achieve and win the title here. It will give me much more confidence.”

“I played very cool in my mind, and it helped me so much in winning the title,” he added.

In the women’s singles, Ishikawa – the tournament’s top seed – nabbed her third World Tour singles title at the expense of Ai Fukuhara in six sets, 7-11, 11-8, 11-8, 9-11, 11-5, 11-8, in a battle pitting two of Japan’s most-skilled offensive players.

Ishikawa – coming off a tough seven-set semi-final encounter against Yuka Ishigaki earlier in the day – mustered enough firepower to control her matchup against compatriot Fukuhara, who is currently regaining her form following a foot injury that washed away her 2014 campaign. (MST Sports, Manila Standard)

PHOTO:
Women's champion Kasumi Ishikawa (JPN) and men's champion Yuya Oshima (JPN)

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/06/01/japanese-dominate-subic-tablenet/

19 May 2014

Hong Kong, Singapore top int’l table tennis open in Subic

Hong Kong and Singapore emerged as victors in the men’s and women’s singles events in the recently concluded GAC Group 2014 ITTF World Tour Philippine Open held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.

Hong Kong’s Ho Kwan Kit defeated Singapore’s top- seeded Zhan Jian four sets to two (9-11, 11-7, 11-4, 11-8, 9-11, 12-10) after overcoming third-seed Yang Zi, also from Singapore in the semi-finals.

Ho became the second player from Hong Kong to win an ITTF World Tour men’s singles title after Jiang Tianyi, who won the 2008 men’s singles title at the Brazilian Open in Belo Horizonte.

The 17-year old surprised everyone since Ho did not even place in the main draw, and was previously defeated by India’s Harmeet Desai during the qualification proceedings in Spain earlier this year.

"This competition was very tough. I did not have any expectations or baggage coming into the event, which helped; I had a lot of luck to win,” said Ho.

“At the beginning of the competition, it did not even go through my head that I could win the event. My plan was just to try my best in each match and see what happened,” he added.

In the women’s singles event, Singapore’s Feng Tianwei beat third-seed Elizabeta Samara from Romania, four sets to one (11-8, 9-11, 11-3, 11-3, 13-11).

Feng, a bronze medalist in the 2012 London Olympics, outplayed Riyo Nemoto during the semi-finals.

Winning her first World Tour title since 2011, Feng said that her journey to the top was not that easy.

“It was a tough finals. I felt tired as I have been playing quite a fair bit of matches, including during the World Championships in Tokyo. Also, my knee is slightly injured,” Feng said, adding that she is hoping to win her next challenge in Australia next week.

In the Under 21 events, Singapore dominated the finals as Chen Feng defeated Wu Shikang in the boys’ singles event, four sets to two (11-7,11-4,13-11,11-13,3-11,11-9) while Lin Ye outclassed Zhou Yihan, four sets to one (11-6,11-5,12-10,9-11,13-11). (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA deputy administrator for business and tourism Ruel John Kabigting (right) awards trophy and check to Ho Kwan Kit of Hong Kong, who topped the men’s singles category of the GAC 2014 International Table Tennis Tour Challenge - Philippine Open held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center over the weekend. Looking on is runner-up Zhan Jian of Singapore.

20 November 2013

Lyceum Subic enters PCCL '16'

MANILA - Lyceum of Subic Bay rolled back Lyceum Northwestern University of Pangasinan, 86-74, recently to rule the North-Central Luzon Regional conference of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) at the UNP Gym in Vigan City.

The Sharks, who won their sixth straight United Central Luzon Athletic Association (UCLAA) championship last month, took the half, 43-31, on their way to a comfortable win and a ticket to the Sweet 16 stepladder phase.

To advance further, the Sharks will have to defeat the South Luzon-Bicol champion on Nov. 25 in Tanauan, Batangas to forge a showdown with the winner of the Metro Manila qualifying games.

In the battle for third place, dethroned North-Central Luzon champion La Finns Scholastica of La Union poured out its frustration on the University of Baguio Cardinals, 87-82.

The South Luzon-Bicol regional games are ongoing in Sorsogon City with University of Batangas, Lewis College, Naga College Foundation and Amando Cope College seeing action.

Additional information on league developments, schedules and happenings can be accessed via the PCCL website (collegiatechampionsleague.net), through its official Facebook fan page (Philippine College Champions League) and twitter account (@pccleague2013). (Olmin Leyba, The Philippine Star)

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/11/17/13/lyceum-subic-enters-pccl-16

25 October 2013

Canine competition set in Subic Freeport

Dog lovers will have something to look forward to as the 1st Subic Bay Dog Agility Championship kicks off on October 26 at the Remy Field here in this free port.

The two-day event will feature the country’s top competitors in events such as the popular DiscDog, or Frisbee and Super Weave competitions.

The competition, organized by the Philippine Dog Athletics Association (PDAA), will be the first agility competition in the Philippines to be sponsored by the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA).

On October 25, meanwhile, a dog show that featured tricks, training, and agility and obedience events held at the Harbor Point activity center here.

According to George Baker, one of the organizers of the agility championship, the event aims to provide novel, highly entertaining and enriching activities for all participating dogs and their owners, as well as spectators.

“Through this event we hope to build a regional community of dog owners and sports enthusiasts and forge lasting relationships among them,” said Baker, a long-time dog trainer.

Baker also said the event was organized so that the country will be able to compete for the World Dog Agility Championship.

“It’s now sponsored by the USDAA and it’s one of the last hurdles to enable the Philippines to compete,” he added.

Baker said that for the past seven years, PDAA members have been holding dog agility competitions across the country.

“Just last year, a PDAA competition was held in Cebu where an estimated 2,000 people were in attendance,” he said. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

19 October 2013

Philippine Tamaraws face Thailand in Rugby League Asian Cup

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – The Philippine Tamaraws are set to defend their title as Asian rugby league football champions as they face Thailand in the first match of the 2nd Asian Cup at the Philippine Marine Merchant Academy (PMMA) in San Narciso, Zambales on Monday, October 21.

The Tamaraws, the country’s national rugby league football team, are conducting training camps in this Freeport in preparation for their upcoming match.

Apart from the Asian Cup, PMMA will also stage the Zambales 9’s rugby tournament featuring local rugby football teams on October 19.

According Tamaraws head coach Clayton Watene, the team is aiming to qualify for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup in Australia.

“The Asian Cup is being started so we can have teams in Asia that will eventually be qualified for the World Cup, and we wantto be the first team from Asia to compete,” Watene said.

He added that last year, the Tamaraws won the 1st Asian Cup title against Thailand.

Watene said that the team was formed a few years ago after they scouted players with Filipino heritage in Australia and began training them for international competitions.

Watene also explained that the Tamaraws, a rugby league team, should not be confused with the Philippine Volcanoes, which play rugby union football. Rugby league football is played with 13 players, while rugby union is played with 15 players.

Watene said that the team is looking forward to visiting their relatives and touring the rest of the country. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
The Philippine Tamaraws train at the Remy Field in the Subic Bay Freeport.

29 August 2013

GEARCON showcases Subic Bay as digital entertainment haven

With the participation of some 5,000 video game enthusiasts, a convention for gamers and cosplayers was held last week at the Harbor Point, showcasing this premier Freeport's potential as a haven for digital entertainment.

Dubbed as GEARCON 2013 and organized by GEAR, a local gaming community, the convention was a full gaming, e-sport and consumer electronics expo, which targeted both gamers and non-gamers here and elsewhere.

Marlo Zerrudo, officer in charge of the SBMA Information Technology Department, said that the event demonstrated that Subic Bay Freeport could easily be a venue for international gaming competitions.

He added that the gaming community in Olongapo and other nearby areas is quite a large market for digital entertainment.

“This is the first gaming convention of its kind in the Philippines, and we hope to follow this up with another,” Zerrudo said.

The major feature of the week-long event was a hands-on demonstration of all the current generation consoles (PS3, Xbox, WiiU). Participants, both professed gamers and non-gamers, got the chance to try out for themselves the latest innovation in gaming technology, including three-dimensional and aided and unaided motion-detection gaming.

An exhibit showcasing various consoles from the first (1972-1977) to the eighth generation (2012-current) was also put in place at the event venue.

Also part of the convention were competitions on Defense of the Ancients (DOTA), Tekken Tag Tournament Two, Magic the Gathering, and the Wii and Xbox dance contests.

Over P100,000 worth of prizes were awarded to competition winners and lucky participants who participated in the raffle draw.

According to the organizers, the goal of the event was "to celebrate the advancements in technology that has had a widespread ripple effect in our daily lives.”

“With the advent of high-speed internet connectivity, gaming has evolved from a solitary activity to massive multi-player games played across continents by millions of people. Once the exclusive domain of video-gamers, virtual simulation is now a crucial component in various professions. It has also established itself as a veritable medium for health and fitness,” a statement from GEAR also indicated.

The organizers added that "this gaming convention is dedicated not only to the gamers of today's generation, but also older gamers who used to play on the various Atari, Nintendo and Sega consoles, as well as handhelds during the eighties and nineties." (HEE/MPD-SBMA)