In an evening filled with suspense in Brisbane on Saturday, co-host Australia emerged victorious with a 7-6 win in penalties against France, propelling them to the semifinals of the Women’s World Cup for the very first time.
The Australian team’s next destination is Sydney on Wednesday, where they will face the victors of the final quarter-final clash between England and Colombia.
Capping off an extraordinary shootout that witnessed both squads taking 10 penalties each, Cortnee Vine sealed the deal by netting the winning penalty. The quarter-final match itself had concluded 0-0 after an intense 120 minutes of play that had spectators on edge.
Maintaining her composure, Vine’s successful shot ignited jubilation in the crowd and kept the Matildas’ aspiration of clinching the World Cup on their home turf alive.
Australia’s goalkeeper, Mackenzie Arnold, encountered a rollercoaster of emotions during the shootout. While her own penalty attempt hit the post, she redeemed herself by making crucial saves against Kenza Dali. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) flagged that Dali had stepped off her line during the first attempt.
In a climactic moment, France’s Vicki Becho faltered in the 10th penalty attempt, leaving the spotlight on Vine. With nerves of steel, Vine secured Australia’s passage by besting France’s substitute goalkeeper, Solene Durand, who had been specifically brought on for the shootout.
For France, the exit was a heart-wrenching outcome after a tense showdown witnessed by a packed crowd of 49,461. Les Bleues had harbored aspirations of reaching the semi-finals for only the second time, following their earlier defeat in the same stage back in 2011.
Remarkably, Australia achieved this victory despite their standout player, Sam Kerr, once again starting on the bench. The Matildas’ influential captain, now recovered from a calf injury, entered the fray early in the second half and later confidently converted her penalty during the decisive shootout. (Sourced online/MNM/AI)
The Philippine women’s volleyball team went down fighting against Vietnam via a hard-fought 19-25, 27-25, 29-31, 14-25 decision on Saturday in the Southeast Asia (SEA) VLeague second league at the Chiang Mai Sports Complex in Thailand.
Following this loss, the national team, which centered around the NU Lady Bulldogs’ core, now holds a 0-2 record, diminishing their chances of advancing to the gold medal match.
Consequently, the Filipino volleyball team will now compete for the bronze medal against Indonesia on Sunday.
On the other hand, the Vietnamese team’s record improved to 2-0, positioning them for a showdown against Thailand in the battle for the gold medal, also scheduled for Sunday. (ai/mnm)
In a reversal of fortune, La Salle retaliated against Adamson during Game Two with a triumphant score of 25-23, 25-12, 25-18 at the FilOil EcoOil Center on Saturday, August 12.
La Salle’s victory extended its Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Best-of-Three Finals series with Adamson into a pivotal third game.
Once again, Shevana Laput displayed her mettle by contributing 18 points, spearheading the Lady Spikers’ resurgence.
This impressive performance marked a rebound from their previous defeat of 25-22, 17-25, 25-17, 25-27, 14-16 last Wednesday.
Regrettably, this loss overshadowed Laput’s remarkable achievement of a career-high 30 points.
Backing up Laput, Amie Provido showcased her prowess with 13 points, propelling the match towards a climactic winner-take-all Game Three scheduled for Sunday, August 13, at the same venue. (ai/mnm)
The New Manila International Airport (NMIA) project, set to be the country’s largest international airport with four runways, is being built not on reclaimed land, but on existing low-lying land that, historically, are vulnerable to heavy flooding and were converted to commercial fishponds.
San Miguel Corporation (SMC) president and CEO Ramon S. Ang said it is important to clarify the nature of its airport project amid recent discussions surrounding Manila Bay reclamation projects.
The construction of the airport project, covered by Republic Act 11506, does not involve creating new land from Manila Bay, Ang clarified.
Rather, he said, it involves re-developing existing land, that had been inundated by water in previous decades due to factors that include flooding from heavily-silted river systems, conversion to fish ponds and over-extraction of groundwater that made it more susceptible to land subsidence, among others.
“The airport project does not involve reclamation. The project site has existing, valid land titles indicating its original status as land. Due to natural processes over time, this land had become prone to regular inundation. Instead of creating new land, we are redeveloping it to its former state ensuring its productive and sustainable use for the future,” Ang said.
Worth noting is the fact that the site is an island, as can be seen in maps of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the National Mapping Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) from the 1990s.
Surrounded by the Meycauayan, Taliptip, and Maycapiz rivers, the low-lying land has been converted into fish ponds. This has, however, contributed to flooding in nearby towns, as the flow of the rivers out to Manila Bay had been impeded, and since the rivers themselves had become shallow due to siltation and pollution.
Ang reiterated that the land re-development is being done with international experts and partners including global maritime services expert Royal Boskalis, to ensure that it follows the strictest international standards in environmental and social impacts mitigation.
As part of the airport’s development, SMC is also implementing a massive river cleanup and rehabilitation effort covering not just the nearby Marilao-Meycauayan-Obando river systems (MMORS), but other rivers throughout Bulacan, to help address the province’s perennial flooding problem.
“Again, our goal with this massive project is to rejuvenate the inundated land and repurpose it into a more productive and transformative asset for Bulacan, the country, and the Filipino people. The NMIA will not only provide a world-class facility, it will also serve as a catalyst for local and national economic growth, opening doors to countless job opportunities and paving the way for a future-ready Philippines that is competitive on the global stage,” Ang said.
“We will stay committed to ensuring that this development uplifts the lives of our kababayans and balances progress with responsibility,” he concluded. (ai/mnm)
The maritime drill titled “Alalayan 2023” commenced in Manila Bay, organized by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in collaboration with various government entities.
The main objective of this exercise is to simulate possible maritime threats, evaluating and improving the nation’s readiness for real-life scenarios.
Bringing together eleven government agencies on August 11, 2023, the event aims to showcase the capabilities of the National Watch Coast Guard Center (NCWC) by identifying and addressing potential maritime threats in the Philippine Sea.
The participating organizations include the NCWC, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Armed Forces of the Philippines Command Center (AFPCM), Bureau of Immigration (BI), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Bureau of Customs (BOC), Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ), Intelligence Service of the AFP (ISAF), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Philippine Navy (PN), and the Philippine National Police – Maritime Group (PNPMG).
Led by the Philippine Coast Guard, this inter-agency exercise also aims to evaluate the level of cooperation and coordination among these entities.
Vice Admiral Roy Echeverria, the Director of NCWC, highlighted that the “Alalayan 2023” maritime drill has the crucial role of ensuring that all agency personnel participating in the training are fully prepared for potential maritime incidents. (ai/mnm)
More than 100 individuals successfully cleared the licensure examination for Certified Plant Mechanics, according to an announcement from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
Out of the 187 candidates who took the exam, 104 of them, accounting for 55.61 percent, passed.
The highest scorer of the exam was Richard Lituañas, representing the University of Science and Technology of Southern Luzon, with an impressive score of 89.70 percent.
Earning recognition as the highest-performing educational institution was the Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Taguig, as all 28 of its candidates emerged victorious.
The examination was administered across various locations including the National Capital Region (NCR), Baguio City, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Koronadal, Legazpi, Lucena, Pampanga, Rosales, Tacloban, and Zamboanga on August 5 and 6, 2023.
The following individuals stood out among the Top 10 passers:
- Richard Lituañas from the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, scoring 89.70 percent.
- Paul Armand Miguel Saguid from the Technological University of the Philippines, achieving a score of 89.05 percent.
- Patrick John Marcida from Bicol University-Legazpi, obtaining a score of 88 percent.
- Faizal Birut Sarama from Mahardika Institute of Technology, achieving a score of 86.25.
- Ian Ruz Porta from Southern Luzon State University, with a score of 85.20 percent.
- Alvin Joseph Villabroza from Technological University of the Philippines, scoring 84.85 percent.
- Arcel Edora Gibaga from Saint John Technological College of the Philippines, attaining a score of 84.35.
- John Hobby Ramores from Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Maragondon, achieving a score of 84.25 percent.
- Bryan Mark Adan from Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Taguig, with a score of 84.15 percent.
- Lendon Tagaca from Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Taguig, also scoring 84.15 percent.
- Chris Marie Bometivo from Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Taguig, earning a score of 84.05 percent.
Below is a full list of the passers:
CERTIFIED PLANT MECHANIC LICENSURE EXAMINATION / Held on August 5-6, 2023, Released on August 10, 2023
1 ABUDA, XYRONE JOSH BETCO
2 ADAN, BRYAN MARK LOPEZ
3 AGUDA, DAN CLEMENT WAGAN
4 ALMOJUELA, FAMELA MORCILLA
5 AMONGO, JERSON DALIVA
6 ARNIÑO, ALLAN MORILLO
7 AYO, MARK JOSEPH MAGALLANES
8 BAGARES, JHUN GERSON PINO
9 BALTERO, MARK ANTHONY FALCO
10 BANGUILAN, JOSHUA CALUMAYAN
11 BANZUELO, ALVIN VICENTE
12 BARANDINO, KIMUEL JOE CATENZA
13 BATOLANON, UR MASCARIÑAS
14 BIBON, IVAN HOE SONER
15 BOMETIVO, CHRIS MARIE AMBAY
16 CADAY, BENJAMIN ANDRE BALANDRA
17 CALLEJA, KIER IRVINE BUENAVENTURA
18 CALUNGSOD, JERICHO ABELADA
19 CAPAÑO, RONALD BENSURTO
20 CARMONA, DIONESPER PRAIRE
21 CAÑETE, JAY SUCUANO
22 CAÑON, MARY ROSEFELLE SUBIDO
23 CAÑONERO, ABELARDO TAVERA
24 CORDERO, JAPHET HOPE GABRIDO
25 CRUZADA, JAYCOB MALABO
26 CUEVAS, JOSHUA KENT NONOY
27 DAMIAN, JOHN CHRIS SERVANDA
28 DEROFINO, JAENNEL
29 DICHOSO, ERNIE QUISORA
30 DINOY, ROMEL CUYAG
31 DUMAGPI, APRIL JOY DE DIOS
32 EBALLA, SONNY SALES
33 ESGUERRA, ANGELITO JR RODIL
34 ESPINOSA, CHRISTOPHER ESTRADA
35 FABITO, AIVAN FALLARIA
36 FERNANDEZ, YVES MICHAEL PEÑOSO
37 FRANCIS, MARK CHRISTIAN PEPITO
38 FUENTES, CHRISTINE CABUTAD
39 FUENTES, FRANCIS VELADO
40 GALINO, BENEDICT ALONZO
41 GAMBOA, DARYL EUROPEO
42 GAMO, CHEEHAN ANTION
43 GENOVES, ANNIKA REFUGIO
44 GERAWA, RODEL DOMINGO
45 GIBAGA, ARCEL EDORA
46 HAMOR, JOMARI HARO
47 HASSAN, JAAPAR HAMIDOL
48 HONRADO, TERRYNZ MARK BECHAYDA
49 INOCENCIO, MICHAELLA GEROMIANO
50 JANOLOY, JASON OLIVEROS
51 LACAPAG, RONNIE HERDILES
52 LAMCES, CHRISTIAN FONTAMILLAS
53 LAUREJAS, GL GARCIA
54 LIMEN, RENIEFRED RANQUE
55 LITUAÑAS, RICHARD
56 LO-OC, ALVIN ARMADA
57 LOPEZ, ELSON JOHN MENDOZA
58 MAALA, MICHAEL AGUILA
59 MABANSAG, CHRISTIAN LABIANO
60 MAGALONG, MATTHEW JUSTIN CUTA
61 MANALO, HANZ LOUISE BUNYI
62 MARAVILLA, PEARL VIANNE R.
63 MARCAIDA, PATRICK JOHN
64 MENDOZA, ABEL BEDASUA
65 MENDOZA, AIRON JONES DATUIN
66 MENDOZA, JORDAN MANGUERRA
67 MENDOZA, VIC ANGELO MADRIAGA
68 MIGUEL, ALLEN JOHN ABALAYAN
69 MORALES, IAN NIEL BINONDO
70 MORALES, JADE VIERNESTO
71 NICOS, JENNY SARAP
72 OBLIOSCA, ALDRINE JR. ABOC
73 ONCE, JOSEMARI LOBETE
74 PAGADUAN, EUNICE MAYUGA
75 PAJA, RALPH LAUREN ABALOS
76 PANUNCIO, HILARLIE LUZA
77 PEREZ, ADRIAN TOMINES
78 PERUCHO, DONNALYN CAMACLANG
79 PORTA, IAN RUZ
80 PUBLICO, RICKY BIBAL
81 QUIGAO, REYMOND ESTOPIA
82 RAMORES, JOHN HOBBY FULGAR
83 REVICENCIO, EL CEDRICK PANUNCIO
84 RODRIGUEZ, GIL III PEREZ
85 ROLDAN, CHRISTIAN JAY RICAFRANCA
86 SAGUID, PAUL ARMAND MIGUEL PASICOLAN
87 SALAZAR, SONNY REMONDAVIA
88 SALVADOR, CARL GABRIEL CHUA
89 SAMSON, JEFFREY PADILLA
90 SANCHEZ, JAYSON URBANO
91 SARAMA, FAIZAL BIRUT
92 SENTINA, ROGEL YANGUAS
93 SERNA, VINCENT MOSQUEDA
94 SILAWAN, CESAR IAN BAG-AO
95 SINSON, JAIRUS VINCENT PAUL CATALAN
96 SOLICITO, RUBEN NIETES
97 TAGACA, LENDON ABATONON
98 TELAN, SHELAMHAY CERVANTES
99 TIANGSON, RENZ MARK BARROS
100 TONDO, JAY ANN BENEDICTO
101 TORATO, JASON LEGARIO
102 VASQUEZ, JOSE MARIO
103 VILLABROZA, ALVIN JOSEPH EVANGELISTA
104 ZUNIEGA, ASHLEY CIOCO
-end-
(ai/mnm)
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has granted his endorsement to the adoption of the National Security Policy (NSP) 2023-2028, aimed at effectively tackling the nation’s security challenges, as announced by Malacañang on Saturday.
Presidential Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil stated that, through Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Marcos signed Executive Order (EO) 37 on August 10, thereby endorsing and embracing the policy that “aligns with his vision of the Philippines that is free, united, secure, peaceful, resilient, and prosperous.”
Within his directive, the President instructed all national government agencies and entities, including government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCCs) and local government units (LGUs), to incorporate the NSP 2023-2028 into their security-related strategies and initiatives.
Marcos noted, “It is imperative to synchronize the government’s efforts concerning national security and ensure their harmony with the developmental aims and objectives outlined in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.”
Additionally, the President mandated that the national government agencies and entities play an active role in executing the NSP 2023-2028, to achieve a comprehensive government-wide strategy to address national security concerns. This approach should be consistent with their respective mandates and areas of expertise or jurisdiction.
Under the section concerning reporting and oversight, the NSP 2023-2028 has been entrusted with conducting regular assessments and submitting progress reports to both the President and the National Security Council (NSC). It is also tasked with coordinating with various national government bodies.
“To fulfill this, the NSC, through the National Security Adviser (NSA), will oversee the implementation of the NSP 2023-2028. Following consultations and agreement with pertinent government entities, GOCCs, and LGUs, it will propose memoranda, circulars, and other directives related to its implementation for the President’s approval,” Marcos elaborated.
The formulation of the NSP 2023-2028 involved cooperation and consultation with key government bodies and entities, as well as the engagement of various stakeholders. This was aimed at offering comprehensive guidance and strategies to enhance governance within the security sector for effectively addressing national security challenges.
All strategies related to national security and the plans and initiatives of national government agencies and entities, including GOCCs and LGUs, are harmonized with the NSP 2023-2028 to ensure its successful implementation across all facets of government.
Effective immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette or a widely circulated newspaper, EO 37, which was released to the public on August 12, will come into force. (ai/mnm)
Filipino tennis sensation, Alexandra Eala, delivered a remarkable upset on Friday as she outplayed the number one seed, Priscilla Hon of Australia, during the quarterfinals of the W25 Roehampton singles at the International Tennis Federation (ITF) event in the United Kingdom.
Seeded sixth in the tournament, Eala exhibited exceptional skill as she triumphed over top-seeded Hon in a decisive two-set match, with a final score of 6-2, 6-4. Her victory propels her into the semifinals, where she is slated to compete against Arianne Hartono of the Netherlands.
The semifinal showdown is scheduled to commence on Saturday at 5:30 p.m., promising an intense battle on the court.
Before her victory against Hon, Eala, alongside Australian partner Destinee Aiava, faced defeat in the doubles quarterfinals against the Australian duo of Petra Hule and Talla Gibson on Thursday.
Interestingly, Eala and Aiava also crossed paths in the singles’ round of 16 on the same day. In a thrilling encounter, Eala managed to outlast Aiava in a three-set match, securing victory with a score of 3-6, 7-5, 6-3. (ai/mnm)
THE Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) added wrestling’s Alvin Aguilar and volleyball’s Donaldo Caringal as deputy chefs de mission to the Hangzhou 19th Asian Games that are due to open in 42 days.
POC President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino announced on Tuesday the appointments of Aguilar, president of the Wrestling Association of the Philippines, and Caringal, secretary-general of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation.
Tolentino said the two additional slots for deputy CDM was offered to the POC by the Hangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee.
They join sepak takraw head Karen Tanchanco-Caballero and ice skating chief Nikki Cheng of as deputies to chef de mission Rep. Richard Gomez of fencing and modern pentathlon.
“The task of the CDM’s office in Hangzhou is not an easy one, considering the size of our delegation and the competition venues,” Tolentino said.
Team Philippines is composed of 395 athletes who will compete in 37 sports in the Asian Games.
Hangzhou, the third Chinese city to host the games after Beijing (1990) and Guangzhou (2010), is hosting 37 sports with the competitions spread over 44 venues primarily at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Expo Center and in Deqing, Jinhua, Ningbo, Shaoxing and Wenzhou. (ai/mnm)
Fijivillage photo courtesy
Spain secured a spot in the World Cup semi-finals by defeating the Netherlands in extra time.
Salma Paralluelo, 19, emerged as the hero with a decisive goal during the additional period.
The match saw a 2-1 victory for Spain, with Dutch defender Stefanie van der Gragt managing to equalize in the closing moments of regular time, responding to a Mariona Caldentey penalty that had given Spain an initial lead.
This victory now sets up a semi-final encounter for Spain against the winner of the Japan versus Sweden match, which was ongoing at press time. (Sourced online/MNM/AI)
(An Thu Jewelry photo courtesy)
Renowned actor Robert Arevalo has passed away. He was 85.
His daughter, Anna Ylagan, conveyed the news on Thursday through Facebook, writing, “Today marks the day chosen by the Lord to welcome our beloved Papa into His embrace.”
“Robert Francisco Ylagan, a.k.a. Robert Arevalo, peacefully left us at 10:17 am on August 10, 2023, due to complications arising from Parkinsonism. We give praise to God for His mercy and grace. We are profoundly grateful that He gifted us with the finest Papa one could ever dream of.
“We thank you, Pa, for loving us as you did. While our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we find solace in God’s promise of a place for you in His heavenly kingdom, where all who believe in His son, Jesus, will reunite one day.”
Arevalo, who embarked on his acting journey in the 1950s, is survived by his wife, Barbara Perez, and their daughters, Anna and Gina, alongside their respective families.
Beyond his illustrious acting career, Arevalo also made contributions in the field of advertising and was a member of the Ylagan family, renowned for their artistic talents.
His wake will be held at Arlington Chapels in Quezon City on Saturday and Sunday.
Born on May 6, 1938, in Dumaguete, Arevalo’s legacy in the industry spans six decades. His foray into acting began with a role in Premiere Productions as a dramatic actor. His notable screen debut was in his uncle’s film, national artist, and acclaimed movie director Gerardo de Leon’s “Huwag Mo Akong Limutin” (1960).
Collaborating with de Leon once more, Arevalo earned FAMAS awards for best actor in “Ang Daigdig ng mga Api” (1965). In 1990, he secured the title of best-supporting actor in the Metro Manila Film Festival for Lino Brocka’s “Ama, Bakit Mo Ako Pinabayaan?.” Arevalo was also honored with the Film Academy of the Philippines’ award for best-supporting actor for Joel Lamangan’s “Pangako ng Kahapon” (1994). Additionally, he received the Gawad Urian trophy for best screenplay in “Hubad na Bayani” (1977), a film in which he both directed and starred.
Aside from his acting endeavors, Arevalo also served as the anchor of ABS-CBN’s news bulletin “Balita Ngayon” alongside Mel Tiangco, following the resumption of broadcasting after the People Power Revolution in 1986, until the program was succeeded by “TV Patrol” in 1987.
His final television credit was for “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” in 2018, where he portrayed the character Efren. (ai/mnm)
The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) has revealed that out of 4,237 examinees, a total of 2,133 individuals successfully passed the Mechanical Engineering Licensure Examination, resulting in a passing rate of 50.34 percent.
Securing the highest score of 94.60 percent, Roy Christian Oro hails from Cebu Institute of Technology University, showcasing exceptional performance.
In the category of top-performing institutions, De La Salle University emerges as the leader with an impressive passing rate of 96.88 percent.
Outlined below are the individuals who comprise the top 10 achievers:
1. Roy Christian Oro, Cebu Institute of Technology University, 94.60 percent;
2. Rowill Christian Rempillo, University of the Philippines-Diliman, 93.60 percent;
3. John Kenneth Enerio, Mapua Malayan Colleges Mindanao, 92.20 percent; Ivan Jeuz Paring, University of Batangas, 92.20 percent;
4. John Michael Bustamante, University of the Philippines-Diliman, 91.90 percent;
5. Marc Andrei Brilliantes, De La Salle University, 91.35 percent;
6. Lowell Tomonton Mercado, University of Batangas, 91.30 percent;
7. Dale Ivan Manzon, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, 91.25 percent;
8. Aaron Jemuel Bautista, University of Batangas, 91.20 percent;
9. Jestoni Abaja, University of Batangas, 91.15 percent;
10. Daryl Christian Rosales, University of Batangas, 90.90 percent.
The complete list of board passers may be accessed through the PRC website. (AI/MNM)
Dr. Anthony Leachon (CNN photo courtesy)
Dr. Anthony Leachon, a cardiologist and advocate for healthcare reform, has been designated as the special advisor for non-communicable diseases by the Department of Health.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa emphasized that Leachon’s appointment will greatly benefit the Filipino population due to his extensive knowledge and experience in the medical field.
Herbosa stated, “In our shared commitment to advancing Universal Healthcare, Dr. Leachon’s involvement will ensure that every Filipino experience improved health. Through a Healthy Philippines, we prioritize the significance of every individual’s well-being.”
Presently serving as a resident cardiologist and internist at Manila Doctors’ Hospital, Dr. Leachon also previously served as a special advisor to the National Task Force Against Covid-19, similar to Health Secretary Herbosa. (ai/mnm)
Blame it on unlawful poaching by foreign nationals on Philippine fishing grounds on the West Philippine Sea or the recent major weather disturbances but the price of mackerel scad or Galunggong has already skyrocketed to as high as P400 a kilo, a clear indicator that most Filipinos can longer call it as their favorite food staple because of its exorbitant unit price.
The prices of dried fish are similarly prohibitive. Salinas now sells at P700 per kilo while dried squid sells at P1,200/k. (Benjamin Cuaresma)
Personnel from the Department of Public Works and Highways are captured here by lensman Benjie Cuaresma busily rolling out road maintenance works on potholes along Roxas Boulevard caused by the recent major weather disturbances that left most parts of Metro Manila inundated.
At least 30 individuals died due to super typhoon Egay while damage to property throughout the Philippines was estimated to be around P5.5 billion. (BENJAMIN CUARESMA/ai/mnm)
“If one day China should change her color and turn into a superpower if she too should play the tyrant in the world and everywhere subject others to her bullying, aggression and exploitation, the people of the world should identify her as social-imperialism, expose it, oppose it and work together with Chinese people to overthrow it.”
— Deng Xiaoping in his speech before the United Nations in 1974
I THINK SPEAKER FERDINAND MARTIN ROMUALDEZ is right that the PBBM administration will maintain a proactive stance in protecting the country’s territory and sovereignty by allocating a higher defense budget of P282.7 billion under the proposed P5.768 trillion budget for 2024.
Romualdez issued the statement following the latest bullying by a Chinese vessel firing water cannon at a Philippine resupply vessel on its way to Filipino soldiers patrolling the Ayungin shoal which is very much within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
China arrogantly justified its bullying by claiming that the Philippine ships intruded into the Ayungin Shoal, which it said is part of its territory, and violated China’s laws during the conduct of the resupply mission.
It also claimed that the Philippines promised to remove the vessel.
But China was sharply rebuked by our Commander-in-Chief.
“I’m not aware of any such arrangement or agreement that the Philippines will remove from its own territory its ship, in this case, the BRP Sierra Madre from the Ayungin Shoal,” President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. said in a video message.
“And let me go further, if there does exist such an agreement, I rescind that agreement now,” PBBM stressed.
On Thursday, August 10, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela lashed out at some Filipinos who are defending China’s aggressive behavior in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), describing them as “traitors” and “unpatriotic”.
“If you are a Filipino, whether in government or private sector, regardless of your politics, defending and making excuses for China’s aggressive behavior should deem you unpatriotic, and a traitor to the Philippines and to our people,” Tarriela said in a statement.
He added that freedom of speech should not be misused to justify unpatriotic actions by acting as China’s mouthpiece.
“Together, we should stand united in protecting our nation’s interests and pursuing a peaceful resolution to the issues. Dahil sa West Philippine Sea ang yaman nito ay para sa Pilipino (Because the resources in WPS are for the Filipinos)!” Tarriela stressed.
Yes, united we stand to defend what is rightfully ours.
Gilas Pilipinas women’s team (OneSports photo courtesy)
The Philippine women’s basketball squad wrapped up their participation in the Jones Cup with an unfortunate 88-95 loss to Japan’s Chanson V Magic on Wednesday, August 9th, at the Heping Basketball Gymnasium in Taipei, Taiwan.
With a final record of 1-4, the Gilas women secured the fifth spot out of the six teams that competed in the tournament.
During the course of the competition, the Philippines secured their sole victory by triumphing over Iran with a score of 64-60 on the tournament’s second day.
Under the guidance of coach Patrick Aquino, the team suffered defeats against Taiwan’s senior team (85-89), junior team (83-94), and Korea’s Busan BNK (59-65).
In contrast, Chanson dominated the tournament with an unblemished 5-0 record, securing the championship title.
Leading the charge for Gilas was Jack Animam, who contributed 19 points and 10 rebounds.
Veteran scorer Janine Pontejos showcased her skills with an impressive 20-point performance for Gilas, although the team stumbled in the final quarter after holding a 69-65 lead at the end of the third quarter.
Takano Hashikota led Chanson’s charge with an impressive 32-point display, fueled by eight successful three-pointers.
Koike Haruke displayed an all-around performance with 14 points, 12 assists, and seven rebounds for the triumphant Chanson team. (ai/mnm)
PBA Commissioner Willy Marcial
Willie Marcial, the commissioner of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), has voiced his support for the idea of increasing the league’s teams to possibly 16, provided that the league’s TV partner is capable of broadcasting the additional games.
Marcial’s statement came after his recent appearance on the PSA Forum.
“We are open to having 14 to 16 teams, as long as our television partner is willing to broadcast games more frequently than just three times a week,” Marcial stated during the public sports forum held on Tuesday.
The current schedule for the league’s regular games falls on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, while Saturdays are generally reserved for out-of-town matches.
The PBA, set to launch Season 48 on October 15 with the Commissioner’s Cup, last expanded its team roster in 2014 with the introduction of Blackwater and Kia (now known as Terrafirma), although neither team has secured a league championship title thus far.
Meanwhile, Dioceldo Sy, owner of the Blackwater team, has previously raised the notion of adding more expansion teams to the PBA to league officials.
“As a team owner, I have advocated for this,” Sy affirmed, referring to the prospect of broadening the league’s membership.
Sy proposed that the PBA could effectively diversify by encouraging prominent companies operating in Visayas or Mindanao to join the professional league.
“We could potentially have two teams from Mindanao, especially with the forthcoming Quiboloy Gym, which can accommodate 75,000 spectators and is expected to be ready next year. This could involve one team from Davao and another from cities like Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, or Zamboanga,” Sy suggested.
The expansive facility in Davao, known as the KJC King Dome, is under the ownership of Filipino pastor Apollo Quiboloy from the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.
Sy also highlighted Visayas as a promising region for PBA growth, citing the construction of a basketball arena sponsored by the major mall chain SM in Cebu, along with potential options in Iloilo or Bacolod.
Considering the saturation of basketball events in Metro Manila, Sy proposed that hosting more PBA games outside the capital city could be a strategic approach.
“This approach could initiate a home-and-away format, as the PBA currently takes a secondary position at MOA (Mall of Asia Arena) and Araneta Coliseum. We could collaborate with PBA teams and various host cities equipped with suitable arenas,” Sy elaborated, alluding to the shared use of the PBA’s Metro Manila home courts for concerts and other sporting activities. (ai/mnm)
MANILA — The Chuncheon Korea Open International Championships in South Korea witnessed a remarkable feat as three Philippine taekwondo jins clinched three prestigious gold medals.
In the men’s individual poomsae G2 under 30 category, Ian Matthew Corton displayed exceptional skill and determination, earning him the coveted gold medal by outscoring his South Korean opponent, Lee Hak-jun, with a close margin of 8.25 to 8.17.
Switching to the freestyle pairs over 17 event, the dynamic duo of Stella Yape and Darius Venerable wowed the judges with their synchronized performance, securing the gold medal with an impressive score of 7.640. This stellar performance allowed them to triumph over their Korean counterparts.
Continuing the winning streak, the freestyle team event showcased the collective talent of Juvenile Crisostomo, Patrick King Perez, Kobe Macario, Zyka Santiago, and Stella Yape. Their harmonious performance earned them the gold medal, as they achieved a remarkable score of 7.570.
In the fiercely contested individual men’s freestyle over 17 event, Darius Venerable demonstrated his prowess once again, earning the bronze medal with a score of 7.670. The top spot in this category was claimed by Jang Young-keun of South Korea, who secured the gold medal with an impressive score of 7.870.
The Chuncheon Korea Open International Championships continue to captivate spectators at the Hoban Gym in Chuncheon, South Korea, with the event scheduled to run until August 14th. (ai/mnm)
Victory remains uncertain until the final whistle blows, and this truth is deeply ingrained in the ethos of the Adamson Lady Falcons. Their unwavering tenacity was on full display during the recent encounter with the La Salle Lady Spikers.
Trailing by a daunting nine points with the scoreboard showing 11-20 in the fourth set, the Lady Falcons summoned a remarkable surge of determination during the Shakey’s Super League National Invitationals Game One finale held at the FilOil EcoOil Center on the evening of August 9th.
Adamson’s head coach, JP Yude, shared his motivating perspective, “Facing La Salle, we often find ourselves cast as the underdogs. But now, we’re determined to make them earn every point. Our path to victory demands a spirited fight.”
Demonstrating their indomitable spirit, the Lady Falcons orchestrated an impressive 11-1 rally, propelling them to a 22-21 advantage. Engaging in a tense exchange with the reigning UAAP champions, they clinched the set with a score of 27-25, thus prolonging the match into a climactic decider.
Red Bascon’s consecutive pivotal plays served as a catalyst, leading the match into an extension. She replicated her crucial contributions in the final stage, as Adamson executed a stunning upset over La Salle with set scores of 22-25, 25-17, 17-25, 27-25, and 16-14.
Coach Yude’s unwavering belief in his team was evident as he stated, “I consistently instill my trust in them. Particularly in that fourth set, despite being behind, I reminded them that the game was far from over. I urged them to focus on one play at a time.”
The message clearly resonated, with players absorbing his guidance and manifesting it through their renewed posture and determination. “My words must have struck a chord, as they internalized the message that ‘it’s not over yet.’ They reshaped their body language, and their zeal to push forward was unmistakable,” Yude added.
Captain Lucille Almonte emerged as a standout, amassing an impressive 24 points, leading the charge for the Lady Falcons. Their victory places them in a position to potentially conclude the best-of-3 series on Saturday, a testament to their remarkable resilience and unwavering drive. (ai/mnm)