By Waylon Galvez

The seven-man national boxing team that participated in the 2020 Asia and Oceania Boxing Olympic Qualifying Tournament last month in Amman, Jordan has recently completed the required 14-day self-quarantine being implemented in the country’s fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19).

And everyone is in good health, said Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines secretary-general Ed Picson Friday.

Picson, who headed the PH delegation, himself went into self-quarantine.

Leading the boxers are Olympic-bound Eumir Felix Marcial and Irish Magno.

“Kung 14-days, tapos na for sure yung quarantine period ng mga boxers natin,” Picson told the Manila Bulletin.

Still, Picson preaches caution.

“We’re trying to be careful kaya just like us, they are following the ECQ (Enhanced Community Quarantine) being implemented by the government to be on the safe side.”

Marcial, silver medalist in the previous World Championships, booked a place in the Tokyo Olympics with a gold medal finish in the Jordan OQT in the middleweight category, while Magno claimed a spot in the women’s flyweight division.

Completing the national team in Jordan are women’s world champion Nesthy Petecio and Riza Pasuit, as well as men’s pugilists Carlo Paalam, James Palicte and Ian Clark Bautista.

According to Picson, upon their arrival Marcial did his home quarantine in Imus, Cavite, while Palicte and Paalam were both able to fly home to their respective provinces, Bacolod City and Cagayan de Oro City.

Magno, on the other hand, is staying with Pasuit and Bautista at the team’s temporary quarters at The Cooyeesan Hotel in Baguio City, while Petecio is in her boarding house a short distance away.

As for the rest of the entire national team, Picson said that they are monitoring everybody, especially the health as the country continues to fight and hopefu lly end the spread of the virus.

“So far ok naman ang mga boxers natin. We stay connected with them, inaalam namin yung condition nila and we keep on reminding them about the guidelines to prevent COVID-19,” said Picson.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Waylon Galvez

Two weeks ago, when President Duterte announced a month-long implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine, he put emphasis on the role of barangays in enforcing the rules and regulations in the government’s effort to fight the deadly COVID-19.

Responding to the call is Dale Evangelista, Barangay 56 captain in District 1 in Manila

“We just follow what our President asks us to do,” said Evangelista said Tuesday as his team distributed goods to some 1,800 families.

“Of course, the City of Manila has issued a guideline given to us by Mayor Isko Morena. Ipapatupad lang naman namin kung ano ang nakasulat, kasi lahat mag-uumpisa sa bawat barangay.”

Implementing rules and regulations isn’t new to Evangelista.

After all, the former national team member and captain has been with the Philippine Water Polo coaching staff for a decade and is considered a disciplinarian for national coach Rey Galang.

“Sa experience natin when it comes to being part of the national team – both as former athlete and now as a coach – nagagamit naman natin bilang public servant,” the 42-year-old Evangelista said.

“As a coach, part dyan is pag-dispilina sa mga athletes, pagbigay encouragement, ngayon sa nangyayari sa bansa – well sa buong mundo yung pandemic – sa maliit na barangay pag dun nag-umpisa yung disiplina, malaking bagay at tulong sa gobyerno.”

Evangelista’s daily activity includes sanitation of streets through misting, going house-to-house to give food packages, reminding people to practice proper hygiene and social distancing, and giving lectures to individuals who are not cooperating.

Evangelista said he is aware of the danger of being infected.

However, with the support and understanding of his wife Katherine and four children, he is ‘all out’ in serving his constituents

“Siyempre andun yung danger… kaya ginagawa natin yung mga sinasabi ng Department of Health na mga guidelines din para makaiwas sa COVID-19, saka dasal pinaka-importante,” he said.

 

Evangelista also finds joy in public service, something his late father Danilo – a former Manila Police officer, and late mother Priscilla, a barangay captain for 27 years, instilled in him.

“Ganun kasi ang naging turo sa akin e. Bukod sa pamilya, ikabubuti din ng mga kapwa natin,” he said.

“Kaya kung ano yung mga naituro nila, sa panahon ngayon na napakalaki ng problema ng bansa, ng buong mundo, talagang masasabi ko na yun ang kailangan ng bawat isa – tulungan tayong lahat,”

 

 

 

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Nick Giongco

While he is on self-imposed quarantine in Metro Manila, Sen. Manny Pacquiao isn’t turning his back on constituents in his hometown of General Santos City and the neighboring province of Sarangani.

Pacquiao’s people have been mobilized to attend to the needs not only of the poor but of the destitute.

David Sisson, a close aide of Pacquiao, has just received the delivery of 2,000 sacks of rice and 40,000 cans of sardines.

“These will go to those who don’t have anything, the ones who badly need food because they don’t have money to buy the basic necessities,” said Sisson from General Santos City.

“I have reached out to them and they told me that rice is much more important than canned goods because with rice, they can just put salt and it’ll be good to eat,” said Sisson.

Different barangays have started the distribution of food packs and the fresh delivery should augment their stock, Sisson said.

Pacquiao is spearheading the move to lend a hand to affected people not just in Luzon but in the entire nation.

Medical supplies such as coronavirus test kits and facial masks from China and Korea have already been delivered to the Department of Health.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Nick Giongco

The recently-refurbished Ninoy Aquino Stadium (NAS) can be reconfigured to accommodate 110-120 beds for the purpose of housing patients with mild symptoms of COVID-19, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) said on Thursday.

PSC national training director Marc Velasco, tasked by PSC chairman Butch Ramirez to coordinate with the government’s lead agencies like the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Department of Health (DoH), said personnel from the Public Works have already cleared the space.

“They’re setting up now,” said Velasco, noting that the DoH should be arriving to install hospital beds in a matter of days. Velasco said a team from Meralco likewise came to check the power lines to make sure that the venue is fit to shelter not only the stricken and those who will be closely monitored.

The NAS was chosen as a site by the government owing to its prime location.

“It’s accessible because it’s close to the road (Adriatico Street) and there is ample parking space for large vehicles that will deliver equipment,” said Velasco.

The PSC had earlier offered other facilities at the Rizal Memorial

Sports Complex as an alternative once the hospitals become too crowded.

Even the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Vito Cruz, about 300 meters from the NAS, is an option.

The coliseum underwent an upgrade as well last year for the Southeast Asian Games.

Ramirez said the baseball park and the adjacent track oval could also be utilized.

Even the Philsports in Pasig can fit the same role, according to Ramirez, as it also underwent rehabilitation.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Jonas Terrado

Poy Erram said it remains to be seen if he’ll be the missing piece TNT KaTropa needed in order to finally win a championship.

“Parang hirap din sagutin yang tanong na yan kasi unless naglaro na kami, dun pa lang malalaman,” Erram said.

But one thing Erram believes he can fill in is the things that made him become one of the league’s best centers and why KaTropa pursued the former NLEX Road Warrior in the preseason.

“Siguro makakatulong ako sa depensa,” added Erram, who won Defensive Player of the Year honors during the 2019 PBA Press Corps Award.

Erram narrowly missed a spot in the All-Defensive Team but was able to haul down 7.8 rebounds and block a league-best 2.1 shots in 33 games with the Road Warriors the previous season.

Those numbers are a welcome addition to a TNT side that has lacked an inside presence that can make them competitive against the league’s juggernauts.

Though finishing second in the league in blocks last season with a 4.6 per game average, TNT was ranked 10th in rebounding at 50.1 while allowing teams to grab 51.2 per contest.

Offensive won’t be a problem for TNT, which scored 99.1 points for fourth-best in 2019 behind perennial leader Jayson Castro, Roger Pogoy, Troy Rosario and Ray Parks Jr.

“For me, magpo-focus ako sa mga little things like hustle plays at defensive rebounding kasi alam natin na we can trust each and everyone na makaka-score,” said Erram, whose average of 11.7 points last season with NLEX is already an added bonus for TNT.

“Kaya ako dinala dito sa team na ‘to kasi alam nila kung ano yung kaya kong gawin defensively at sa hustle plays.”

Erram will have to wait for the unknown to end before he can finally show what he can provide for TNT with the COVID-19 pandemic forcing the PBA to indefinitely suspend the games.

TNT was supposed to field Erram for the first time last March 11 against Phoenix Super LPG at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, but PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial put the season-opening Philippine Cup on hold the same day.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Nick Giongco

The names of licensed boxers, Muay Thai practitioners and mix-martial artists and their respective trainers and seconds numbering 1,133 will be submitted to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for them to avail of the government’s social amelioration program.

In a letter dated April 1, 2020, and addressed to DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista, Games and Amusements Board (GAB) chairman Baham Mitra said these licensees are “affected by the No Work No Pay Policy” given that boxing promotions here and overseas have been put on hold owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

“These individuals are unable to exercise their profession due to the imposed community quarantine and hence are devoid of a source of income,” Mitra said.

Nationwide, the GAB lists 805 boxers, 79 MMA fighters, 32 from Muay Thai, 157 boxing trainers and seconds, 48 MMA trainers and 12 Muay Thai trainers.

The bulk of the boxers come from Visayas and Mindanao, where the sport is extremely popular among the people.

The Luzon lockdown prevented the staging of boxing shows in Metro Manila and nearby provinces and as other regions began imposing their own rules, all the other scheduled promotions started scrapping their cards, leaving the boxers and their trainers with no compensation.

It is not yet clear until the lockdown will last and the GAB’s initiative to reach out to the DSWD for support will help them somehow survive these trying times.

Based on the instructions from Malacanang, those who are unable to earn because of the quarantine stands to receive anywhere between P5,000 to P8,000.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Waylon Galvez

Despite the difficulties with the implementation of lockdowns here and abroad because of COVID-19, members of the national swimming team continue to find ways to stay in shape with regular training sessions.

Philippine Swimming Inc. (PSI) president Lani Velasco said Thursday that the federation is closely monitoring 16 athletes, including those based in the US, for their safety, health and training programs.

“Since most of the world’s pools are currently closed due to the lockdown, our swimmers are given dry land workouts by their coaches so that they could stay fit during quarantine,” said Velasco in a message to Manila Bulletin.

“Affected lahat ng swimmers, so land training silang lahat ngayon. Merong mga workout na binibigay ang mga local coaches natin sa mga athletes, everyday meron bagong pinagagawa sa kanila na mga sets.”

The swimming association chief said Fil-foreign athletes are also being monitored, including 30th Southeast Asian Games gold medalist James Deiparine, Luke Gebbie, Remedy Rule, Jon Cook, Jarod Hatch, Nicole Oliva and Miranda Renner, and locals Rae Mangaong and Jaden Olsen, who are both in the US.

Velasco said some athletes have even added ‘creative’ ways in their training programs done at their respective homes. Athletes here are either in the province or in Metro Manila.

“Some use ladder for pull-ups, while some use cements (sacks) and bricks (as weights),” said Velasco.

“Ang nakakatuwa is even the food they eat, they’ll send it to me,” added Velasco.

For her part, Velasco has been busy too doing things to help those who are in need.

After donating mattresses to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Velasco said 5,000 N95 face masks would be donated to hospitals in Manila and in Bacolod City.

Aside from that, Velasco has been producing ‘recycled’ washable face masks from eco-bags she got from items she purchased over the years – now benefitting various health workers.

“We’ve donated (financial assistance) to five fundraising organizers, and if I recall it’s for PPE, and protective eyewear for doctors. Whatever I give it’s from me and my whole family – that includes PSI,” she said.

“But you know, it’s more amazing and a great feeling when you make the masks yourself… labor of love. More than just donating money, during times like these, it’s important to help and share.”

“I’ve been donating the washable masks that I’ve been making since last week to several hospitals here in Manila and in Bacolod, and I’ve been giving it to my doctor friends and they give it directly to the hospitals,” Velasco added.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Kristel Satumbaga

Asian Para Games gold medalist Sander Severino and Woman Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna came through with contrasting results Wednesday night to emerge champions in their respective online chess tournaments.

FIDE Master Severino, who is confined to a wheelchair since being diagnosed with muscle dystrophy at a young age, reigned supreme in the second edition of the Cesar Orbe Memorial Chess 960 Cup while Frayna captured the 1st Philippine Women’s Bullet Championship.

Severino, who had raked in the golds in the ASEAN and Asian Para Games, drew his last round with Michael Silvederio and finished in a four-way logjam on top with four others with 8.5 points apiece.

But he ended up with the highest tiebreak score of 61.5 to edge GM Darwin Laylo, Narquingel Reyes, Elwyn Retanal and FM Alekhine Nouri for the crown while zooming to the top in the overall race ahead of first leg winner GM Joey Antonio.

It was Severino’s second title this year after topping the Chooks-to-Go tournament last January.

Frayna, for her part, ran away with the title and the distinction as the country’s bullet queen after scoring 80 points, 13 points ahead of runner up WFM Cherry Ann Mejia with 67 points.

Maria Euane Jesa Singson ended up third with 64 while Karen Enrqiquez and Virgenie Ruaya fourth and fifth with 61 and 59 points, respectively.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Agence France-Presse

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said Wednesday he expects the NBA will have some sort of resumption to a season halted by coronavirus (COVID-19) but has no clue when it might start.

The 61-year-old US billionaire said there haven’t been talks about when the league might return after shutting down March 11 after Utah’s Rudy Gobert tested positive for coronavirus.

“I have no idea… I haven’t had any conversations where anybody has even discussed an actual date at this point,” Cuban said on ESPN.

“It’s not happening until we can be certain everybody can be absolutely safe. Who knows? We have to listen to the scientists now.”

Cuban sees the NBA playing a vital role to boosting American spirits once it becomes safe to return to the court in the wake of the deadly virus.

“I really do think we’ll have something,” Cuban said. “It’s too important to the United States. We just need it right now.

“We need to be high-fiving somebody. We also have to be confident we set the right example.

“There’s a whole country that’s looking for somebody to cheer for.”

People in major US cities have taken to applauding medical workers and first responders at nights as a way of showing support while staying in quarantine to slow the virus’ spread.

Cuban sees the NBA as a morale lifter in a tough time, an impact that could stretch worldwide.

“I’m not speaking for the NBA. My underlying principle is sports are great for America,” Cuban said.

“It’s a great opportunity and responsibility for the NBA to lead the way and try and lift the spirits of America.”

Cuban stressed that any plan to restart the NBA season and conduct playoffs must come “as long as we’re not putting anybody in danger when we come back. As long as the scientists bless it absolutely. As long as it’s safe.”

Testing players for coronavirus would likely be required for any resumption plan, and those tests remain in tight supply, some even criticizing the NBA for getting access to tests when even hospitals had tough times to get them.

But Cuban envisions a day coming soon when tests will be easier to obtain and produce results much faster.

“There’s no reason we should be given priority over any American citizen,” Cuban said.

“We’re not talking about today. We’re talking about someday in the future. If it was today, no. But 30, 60, 90 days from now, I think there will be enough tests.”

The NBA has 259 regular-season games remaining plus playoffs, which typically last two months.

The league has reportedly talked with the players union about keeping 25 percent of player salaries in an escrow fund in case games are cancelled, triggering a force majeure clause in the NBA-players’ agreement.

The money would go back to players if the season was completed.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Agence France-Presse

World heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua revealed on Wednesday he has “lost close ones” due to the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Joshua’s title defense against IBF mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev was scheduled for June.

But the Briton’s bout is set to be rescheduled due to the pandemic.

“Wherever you are in the world I’m just checking in personally for everyone to just say, I hope you were well I will keep it safe,” Joshua, 30, said on his YouTube channel.

“I’ve lost no one immediate to me. But I’ve lost close ones from my boxing gym, close friends and friends of friends. And it gets serious when it starts coming closer to home.”

Joshua, the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO champion, admitted he is missing his daily routine while he stays in lockdown.

“I would love to be out there right now doing the most on my dirt bikes, meeting up with my boys, sparring, going down to the boxing gym. Even a rebel like me is trying to follow some guidelines to do the right thing,” he said.

Source: Manila Bulletin