Category: Athletic

Biliran, New Zealand - New Zealand's Fear Youth clinched victory at the La Routa Adventure Race - Eastern Visayas championship, outperforming 13 other international teams. The grueling 96-hour contest, spanning from November 20 to 24, unfolded in the island province of Biliran.

According to Philippines News Agency, the New Zealand team, comprising Dean Stewart, Josiah Murphy, Sophie Shallard, and Flynn Goodger, demonstrated superior skill and endurance, overcoming competitors from Malaysia, Poland, India, and the Philippines. The race, a test of stamina, wit, strength, and determination, featured a diverse set of challenges including running, swimming, paddling, biking, and rappelling.

Poland's Nonstop Adventure team secured the top position in the Elite Category. The Department of Tourism and the provincial government supported the event, selecting Biliran as the venue for its peaceful environment and its infrastructure, including circumferential and cross-country roads conducive for adventure racing.

Participants experienced Biliran's diverse natural beauty, from waterfalls and rice terraces to dense forests, rugged mountains, small islands, and sandy beaches. Garido highlighted the unpredictability of nature as a significant aspect of adventure racing, emphasizing the athletes' resilience in facing weather and climate challenges.

Heide Muller, chief executive officer of the Adventure Racing World Series, expressed gratitude to the Department of Tourism for their support. She underscored the race's role in promoting Biliran and the Philippines as prime destinations for adventure enthusiasts. The winning team, Fear Youth, is set to represent at the Adventure Racing World Series in Ecuador in November 2024.

Gadong, Brunei – Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman attended the Inter-School PPE Aewon 2023 Basketball match between Girl ISB and Girl Chung Hwa, Bandar Seri Begawan. The match took place on the night of 25th November at the Batu Besurat Basketball Court in Gadong.

According to Radio Television Brunei, Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Anak Muneerah Madhul Bolkiah, the daughter of His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince, played for the Girl ISB team. In the game, Girl ISB triumphed over Girl Chung Hwa, Bandar Seri Begawan, with a score of 48-16. Another match saw Girl STPRI facing Girl Chung Hwa Kuala Belait, ending with a score of 28-38 in favor of the latter. The event showcased the talent and sportsmanship of young basketball players in Brunei.

Pasig City, Philippines – Bernalyn Bejoy, a national athlete, clinched the 400m gold medal, maintaining De La Salle University's lead in the women's division at the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 athletics competition. The event took place at the Philsports track oval in Pasig City, marking a significant achievement for the university's athletic team.

According to Philippines News Agency, Bejoy, a 23-year-old runner from Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, secured her victory in a photo finish against teammate Jessel Lumapas, with both recording a time of 55.75 seconds. Lenlyn Sanita of National University (NU) finished third, earning the bronze medal with a time of 57.67 seconds. This win adds to Bejoy's medal tally, including a bronze in the 200m race on Thursday.

Bejoy expressed her surprise at securing a medal in the 200m event, which was not her primary focus. However, her self-belief and determination paid off. In the 400m race, she emphasized the team spirit, noting that regardless of who won between her and Lumapas, it would benefit La Salle. Her last-second push secured her the gold medal.

Lumapas, Bejoy's teammate, also shone later in the day by winning the 4x100m relay gold along with Trexie dela Torre, Hannah Delotavo, and Erica Ruto. The team set a league-best time of 47.02 seconds, outpacing Far Eastern University and the University of Santo Tomas.

La Salle's successful streak continued with Daniela Daynata setting a new UAAP record in the discus throw with a distance of 44.81 meters. NU's Jane Cambonga and the University of the East's Kassandra Alcantara followed with silver and bronze, respectively.

Other notable winners included Ateneo's Jia Kawachi in the pole vault and the University of the Philippines' Sally Campus in the 3000m walk.

In the men's division, the University of the Philippines maintained its lead, boasting five golds, five silvers, and three bronze medals. Alhryan Labita of UP achieved a personal best in the 400m and contributed to the 4x100m relay win alongside John Carlo Yuzon, Clint Niño Neri, and Gene Ordinario. The team clocked 41.90 seconds, securing the gold medal, with NU and the University of the East taking silver and bronze, respectively.

Quezon City, Philippines – The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigresses secured their place in the finals of the UAAP Season 86 women's basketball tournament, defeating the University of the Philippines (UP) 87-83. The decisive game took place at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Saturday, setting the stage for a championship face-off against the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs.

According to Philippines News Agency, Kent Pastrana played a pivotal role for UST, scoring 18 points. This victory propels the Growling Tigresses into the best-of-three title series against NU, which is set to begin on November 29 at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. NU, aiming for its eighth consecutive title, concluded the elimination round with a strong 13-1 win-loss record.

Pastrana expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete in the finals against NU, emphasizing the team's commitment to excel. She, along with teammates Angelika Soriano and Rocel Dionisio, were instrumental in establishing a 74-66 lead for UST in the third quarter, countering UP's rally led by Favour Onoh, Kaye Pesquera, and Achrissa Maw.

Despite UP's valiant effort in the fourth quarter, reducing their deficit from 77-86 to 83-86 in the final 15 seconds, UST held on to their lead. UST coach Haydee Ong, who also led the team to the Season 82 final, praised her team's collective effort and acknowledged UP's strong challenge.

Brigette Santos made significant contributions with 14 points, including 10 in the first quarter, along with five steals and four rebounds. Angelina Villasin added 12 points and four rebounds, Reynalyn Ferrer contributed 11 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists, and one block, and Ana Tacatac also scored 11 points for UST.

UP, which had earlier forced the rubber match with an 88-80 overtime win in Game 1 on Wednesday, saw five players score in double figures. Onoh led with 21 points and 14 rebounds, followed by Pesquera with 20 points, and additional contributions from Maw, Louna Ozar, and Christine Bariquit.

Berakas, Brunei Darussalam - Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab-Rahaman graced a press conference last night at the Peak Club in Berakas, introducing the selected players for the upcoming RSC Dato Ah Nge International Junior Soccer Tournament in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

According to Radio Television Brunei, Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda Muhammad Aiman, representing a Brunei Football Association (BFA) Under-8 team, was also in attendance. The tournament, scheduled for December 2nd and 3rd, will feature six BFA teams across various age categories, including Under-8, Under-10, Under-12, and Under-14. The event is viewed as a significant platform for young talents to demonstrate their skills and foster sportsmanship.

Philippines – Several national transport groups have reaffirmed their support for the government's Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP). This endorsement comes amid ongoing discussions with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to ensure a fair transition that benefits operators, drivers, and commuters.

According to Philippines News Agency, In a joint statement from the collective known as the Magnificent 7 transport groups, representatives asserted that there would not be a phase-out of traditional jeepneys, a concern that had been raised in their ongoing dialogues with government officials. Pasang Masda National President Roberto 'Ka Obet' Martin signed the statement on behalf of six other transport groups, including the Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization, Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Stop and Go, Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators ng Pilipinas, and Piston.

The groups urged PUV drivers and operators to comply with the modernization program and embrace the shift to newer transportation technology. They acknowledged apprehensions about the changes but stressed the need for unity between the transport sector and the government to ensure the program's success.

DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista clarified that the December 31 deadline refers to the consolidation of PUV drivers and operators, not the phase-out of traditional jeepneys. Following a recent transport strike, the DOTr and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) made several concessions, including waiving penalties and extending franchise validity. However, the DOTr and LTFRB maintained that consolidation is non-negotiable and the deadline remains in place. The LTFRB clarified that submitting a letter of intent for consolidation would suffice for PUVs to continue operating next year.

Tutong, Brunei - The Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports, through its Youth and Sports Department, is gearing up for the International Volunteer Day Celebration 2023 with the 'Let's Donate Programme.' This initiative, organized in collaboration with the Tutong branch of the department and the Tutong District Pertiwi Association, is part of the Day of Action.

According to Radio Television Brunei, The 'Let's Donate Programme' focuses on empowering young people with skills in food preparation through the 'Let's Bake Programme.' The proceeds from the sale of these food items will be donated to identified needy groups within the Tutong District. This program is a part of the department's efforts to encourage volunteers to engage in community-beneficial activities, especially aimed at supporting those in need.

Quezon City, Philippines - The University of Santo Tomas (UST) secured its fourth consecutive title in the UAAP Season 86 table tennis tournament, defeating Ateneo de Manila University with a 2-0 victory in the men's division at the Amoranto Sports Complex Arena on Thursday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Head coach Jackson Que, speaking after the Tiger Paddlers' 30th straight win since the Season 82 Finals in 2019, expressed immense pride in his team's resilience and strength. UST's Ruiz Marcelino and Abraham Antivo IV played pivotal roles in the victory, overcoming Ateneo's Wrency Abad and Francis De Asis in a closely contested match. Marcelino, a sophomore player, reflected on the team's unwavering focus and determination to win the championship. Additionally, Alvin Sevilla and John Michael Castro contributed significantly to UST's lead, securing victories in their respective matches.

In other divisions, UST also triumphed in the boys' and girls' categories, showcasing their dominance in the sport. UST coach Lorinda Wadjad expressed her satisfaction with the teams' performance, particularly noting the consistency of the girls' team. J-An Sanchez, who led the girls' team, was awarded the MVP, while Rookie of the Year honors went to Olympia Ducanes (University of the Philippines Integrated School) and Troy Rodriguez (De La Salle Zobel School).

In the women's division, De La Salle University clinched the title against Ateneo, with Cielo Bernaldez playing a crucial role in the victory. La Salle coach Lauro Crisostomo praised Bernaldez's performance and acknowledged the team's hard-earned success.

Pasig City, Philippines - Alhryan Labita from the University of the Philippines (UP) clinched the gold medal in the men's 100-meter dash at the UAAP Season 86 athletics tournament, setting a new record.

According to Philippines News Agency, Labita, who won the race for the second consecutive year, clocked a record time of 10.57 seconds at the PhilSports track and field stadium on Wednesday night. He surpassed the previous 11-year-old record of 10.89 seconds held by Jesson Cid of Far Eastern University. Kent Francis Jardin of Adamson University secured the silver medal with a time of 10.70 seconds, while UP's Clint Niño Neri took home the bronze in 10.76 seconds. Juliana Talaro added another gold for UP in the women's 5000m walk. The University of Santo Tomas dominated the event, securing six gold medals in various disciplines. University of the East also performed well, earning four gold medals. Adamson University won three gold medals, and National University bagged two, with Tyronne Exequiel Flores setting a new record in men's shot put and John Lloyd Cabalo winning the men's 800m. De La Salle University's Bernalyn Bejoy triumphed in the women's 800m. The event showcased the athletic talents of university students and highlighted the competitive spirit of the UAAP athletics tournament.

Brunei Darussalam - The Tausyeh Final Competition, involving Mosque Takmir Committee Members in various categories, concluded with the announcement of winners. The competition, which saw participation from 28 Tausyeh groups, was jointly organized by the Mosque Affairs Department through the Imarah Division and the Jame' 'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Takmir Committee Members.

According to Radio Television Brunei, In the Adult Male Category, the Utama Mohd. Salleh Mosque group from Bangar Town emerged as champions, while the Kampung Batu Apoi Mosque group from Temburong won in the Adult Female Category. The Mosque Youth Category victory went to the Kampung Salambigar Mosque group, and the Female Youth Category was won by the Kampung Batu Apoi Mosque group from Temburong. Prizes were awarded by Awang Haji Zakaria bin Haji Serudin, Permanent Secretary for Youth at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

San Juan City – Despite a loss to Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC), the College of Saint Benilde (CSB) successfully clinched the last semifinal berth in the NCAA Season 99 men's basketball tournament. The match took place at the Filoil EcoOil Arena on Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, The CSB Blazers, with an 11-7 win-loss record, secured the fourth spot in the Final Four following the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers' loss to the Mapua University Cardinals, which resulted in the Bombers sliding to fifth place with a 10-8 record. Mapua (15-3) and Lyceum of the Philippines University (13-5) hold the top two positions, enjoying a twice-to-beat advantage, while San Beda University stands at third with an 11-6 record. The Red Lions have one remaining game in the elimination round against the Letran Knights. Meanwhile, Nat Cosejo led EAC with a strong performance, and Miguel Corteza was the top scorer for CSB. Mapua's Clint Escarmis and Jose Rizal University's Agem Miranda and Joshua Guiab also delivered notable performances in their respective games.

Taguig City – Secretary Alfredo Pascual of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) expressed the department's ambition to foster more 'halal champions' in the Philippines, aiming to position the country as a leading halal-friendly trade and investment destination in the Asia Pacific region.

According to Philippines News Agency, Speaking at the Philippine Halal Economy Festival in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Secretary Pascual defined 'halal champions' as enterprises or individuals excelling in the halal industry both locally and internationally. These champions are key to achieving the country's goal of growing the local halal industry to PHP230 billion in trade and investments, creating 120,000 jobs over the next five years. Pascual emphasized the significant role of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in this initiative, stating that MSMEs stand to gain substantial benefits as the industry expands. The DTI chief also highlighted recent legislative developments aimed at making the Philippines more attractive to investors, including Muslim investors worldwide. These include the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Law and amendments to the Foreign Investment Act, Public Service Act, and Retail Trade Liberalization Act, which offer more incentives to Muslim investors. Pascual envisions these ventures catering to both the domestic market and the growing local halal consumer community. Furthermore, he mentioned that the Philippine Halal Industry Development Plan, a national strategy to achieve trade, investment, and job creation targets, is soon to be released.