By Nick Giongco

World boxing champion John Riel Casimero is torn between flying back to the Philippines and staying put in a rented house in Las Vegas.

Casimero was supposed to face Japanese Naoya ‘Monster’ Inoue in a three-title belt world bantamweight clash on April 25 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

But the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic scuttled that date alongside all the other global sporting events as COVID-19 continues to leave behind a trail of death in human lives and havoc on the world’s economies.

With travel suspended indefinitely, Casimero has been left with no choice but to stay behind closed doors.

“Hindi na ako lumalabas. ibang tao na ang bumibili ng grocery,” Casimero told the Manila Bulletin from Sin City.

He thought about returning to Manila so Casimero can travel to his family in Ormoc, Leyte, where he said there is no shortage of food.

“Walang problema doon sa bahay ko kasi sa bundok yun at tahimik…wala masyado gaanong tao,” said the 31-year-old three-division world champion.

Still, because of travel restrictions in the Philippines, Casimero can’t afford to book himself a flight.

Besides, Casimero is concerned about contracting the disease during flight.

“Masyado na kasing delikado dito sa US. Maraming tao na sng meron virus at baka makatabi ko pa ang isang pasahero na may virus sa eroplano,” he said.

Casimero, the World Boxing Organization champion, arrived in the US in the second week of February, setting up camp in Miami for six weeks before traveling to Sin City.

Just a couple of days after arriving in Las Vegas, the fight with Inoue, holder of the World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation titles, got postponed.

Casimero continues to train indoors with his brother Jayson lending a hand. Also presiding over training are Nonoy Neri, a longtime member of Manny Pacquiao’s team, and Ting Ariosa, formerly with the national boxing team.

With almost all business non-operational, Casimero struggles with the thought of not knowing when his clash with Inoue would happen.

“Gusto ko talaga umuwi muna dahil sa hindi pa masabi kung kailan talaga ang laban,” Casimero said.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Kristel Satumbaga

International Master Daniel Quizon lived up to his reputation as one of the country’s fastest chess players after downing FIDE Master Deniel Causo in the final round to capture the third leg of the Rising Phoenix Online Tournament Tuesday night.

With the win, the 15-year-old Quizon accumulated 48 points to rule the tournament done at the chess application “lichess” and add another victory to his list of blitz achievements including the Southeast Asian Games qualifier and the Asian Juniors Chess Championships last year.

The Cavite-based Quizon, who is coming off runner-up finishes in the first two legs of the Philippine National Bullet Championship, joined IM Richelieu Salcedo and Letran’s Christian Mark Daluz as Rising Phoenix leg winners.

Asian Para Games gold medalist FM Sander Severino drew with GM Darwin Laylo to wind up second along with Mark Jay Bacojo with similar 44 points.

Severino, however, gained the higher placing due to superior tiebreak.

Bacojo settled for third while FM Arden Reyes came in fourth with 41 points.

Meanwhile, Daluz claimed the Chesstropolis Grand Prix title also on Tuesday by finishing with 171 points.

Chess players have flocked to online chess tournaments amid the COVID-19 threat and tournaments coming aplenty with at least two tournaments daily.

Among the groups hosting online chess events apart from the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, Rising Phoenix and Chesstropolis are the United Queens Chess Club, which launched the 1st Women’s Online Bullet Championship also at lichess on Wednesday.

Among the participants were Janelle Mae Frayna, the country’s first Woman GM, and Olympiad veterans WIMs Bernadette Galas and Marie Antoinette San Diego, WFMs Allaney Jia Doroy and Cherry Ann Mejia.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Nick Giongco

Thanks to the wonders of technology, elite athletes who receive nutritional directives from dietitian Jeaneth Aro continue to train even amid lockdown conditions owing to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

From an Olympic silver medalist and a long-reigning world boxing champion, Aro remains heavily involved during the workouts of lifter Hidilyn Diaz and Jerwin Ancajas as well as the TNT basketball team, national boxers, select taekwondo jins and members of the rowing squad.

“Overall lahat ng mga atleta na hawak ko na may pjnaghahandaan na laro na na-cancel or rescheduled ay tuloy-tuloy ang self training like TNT, ABAP, Taekwondo and Rowing,” said Aro, who relies on the internet in relaying messages to his topnotch talents.

“Pinagpapasa sila ng training vids sa mga respective chat groups namin. Yun mga naka-dorm/house under ng PSC/NSA tuloy-tuloy din ang nutrition programs nila. Nakakatuwa lang na sa kabila ng lahat ng ito ay ginagawa parin nila ang trabaho nila, junior, amateur, elite or professional athlete man.”

Diaz is still outside the country, in Malaysia, to be specific, while Ancajas is in Magallanes, Cavite.

Diaz was in the thick of preparations so she could formally secure an Olympic berth but the decision to postpone the Tokyo Games has left her in a limbo.

Because of travel restrictions, Diaz can’t book a flight back to Manila.

Ancajas was supposed to make the ninth defense of the International Boxing Federation super-flyweight crown on April 11 in Las Vegas and was about to board a plane bound for the US when travel was halted and his fight postponed.

Aro insists she has confidence in Diaz and Ancajas and the others to comply with their respective programs.

“Naka-flexible eating regimen sila parehas dahil mahirap talaga mag-source ng specific ingredients ngayon dahil sa quarantine. Meron sila limit sa weight gain (Jerwin at 140lbs and HD at 59kgs which are their normal walking weights) saka more on meeting micronutrients sila para hindi magkasakit. They all have to be in their optimum so they won’t get sick,” said Aro.

Despite the distance, Aro is confident they are going to perform their duties to the letter.

“Yung disiplina nila na nagdala sa kanila kung nasaan sila ngayon bilang atleta ay yun din ang nag-sustain sa kanila ngayon sa pagsubok na ito.”

“I know they are responsible adults and athletes,” she added.

In these trying times, Aro offers not just her expertise but a touch of TLC as well.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Rey C. Lachica & Kristel Satumbaga

At this difficult and challenging time, blessings are to be shared.

So NorthPort owner and House Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero (1 Pacman partylist) and volleyball star Jia Morado are doing their own share in the country’s gallant fight against the spread of COVID-19.

Romero, who is also into polo being a member of the PH team in last year’s SEA Games, and his staff have been quietly going around, distributing grocery goods and medical supplies to the less fortunate members of the society.

The billionaire-sportsman has also helped a “lambanog factory” produce ethyl alcohol in Laguna.

“Lahat yan from my own pocket, not government,” said Romero.

He also disclosed that along with Partylist congressmen, they have already raised P5 million to buy more medical supplies.

Like Romero, Morado,  a former star player of Ateneo, is using her time for a noble cause.

Morado and boyfriend Miguel De Guzman put up a Facebook account called “Every Little Thing Counts” where they auction off volleyball athletes’ jerseys to fund their cause.

As of Monday night, the account has already collected P328,790.29 from sales and donations.

Among those up for bids were Morado’s jersey during her Ateneo days, Ara Galang’s De La Salle jersey, University of Santo Tomas Season 80 jerseys of Eya Laure, Imee Hernandez, Maji Mangulabnan, Det Pepito and Janna Torres, and the Philippine Superliga jerseys of Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors composed of Mika Reyes, Pam Lastimosa, Bang Pineda, Djanel Cheng, Rubie De Leon, Amy Ahomiro, Marge Tejada, Royse Tubino and Alex Bollier.

All proceeds will be used to fund personal protective equipment for health workers and volunteers.

Morado and De Guzman said a portion of the supplies they had purchased have already arrived and are ready to be distributed.

Morado and Alyssa Valdez helped the Ateneo Lady Eagles win the 2014 and 2015 UAAP titles. She is also a member of the Creamline Cool Smashers that won three crowns in the Premier Volleyball League.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Jonas Terrado

Remy Martin has set his sights on becoming the latest Fil-American player to join the NBA after declaring his intention to apply for the Draft.

Martin, coming off a standout season for Arizona State in the US NCAA, made the announcement yesterday, saying it is now time for him to “take another step in making my dream a reality.”

He also thanked Arizona State and coach Bobby Hurley, best known as the chief playmaker of Duke’s US NCAA championship runs in 1991 and 1992 under legendary mentor Mike Krzyzewski.

“I would like to thank God for giving me the ability to play the game that I love,” Martin said. “I am so thankful for the constant support, especially from my family who has always encouraged me to pursue my goals.

“I also want to thank my teammates, Coach Hurley and the entire coaching staff for trusting me and allowing me to be myself on and off the court. Starting from a young age, I have worked towards the opportunity to play in the NBA and I have now decided to take another step into making my dream a reality.

“I will forever cherish the time I have spent at ASU; Arizona will always be a home to me because of the ASU supporters and 942 Crew (the school’s student section group)!,” he added.

Martin is coming off the best season of his three-year collegiate career, averaging 19.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.5 steals in 31 games for the Sun Devils.

Arizona State was expected to play in the US NCAA Tournament but the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the event known as “March Madness” for the first time in history.

Martin, who is born to a Filipina mother named Mary Anne Macaspac from Pampanga, has expressed his desire to play for Gilas Pilipinas in future international competitions.

However, strict FIBA rules consider Martin a naturalized player, although Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio said last year that they are working on providing documents that will make Martin eligible to suit up as a local.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Waylon Galvez

The fight against COVID-19 isn’t limited to heath workers in various hospitals, or the men in uniform manning different checkpoints all over the country during the lockdown period.

A number of sportsmen-turned public servants are actively doing their part by providing help in different ways from the national level, the provinces, cities and in the barangays.

Two former PBA players – Paul Artadi and Dondon Hontiveros, have been at the forefront in helping people in their respective cities.

“Part ng ginagawa ko is nagdadala kami ng food packages sa mga nasasakupan naming lugar. Sa panahon ngayon iyun ang kailangan ng mga kababayan natin,” said Artadi, a councilor in the first district of San Juan City with stints at Purefoods, Barangay Ginebra, San Miguel Beer, Air21, Meralco and Blackwater.

“At least sa San Juan, masaya ako na nakikita ko sa mga tao na andun yung saya kapag nakakatanggap sila, andun yung pag-asa natin na makakaya natin lahat basta sama-sama tayo sa laban na ito,” said the 38-year-old Artadi.

“Of course andun yun takot, kaba… siyempre may pamilya din ako. Pero we do practice naman yung social distancing, proper hygiene and talagang doble ingat na din tayo sa ginagawa natin.”

Hontiveros, for his part, said that he is in charge in the repackaging of items and distributions of relief goods in Cebu City since the implementation of a nationwide Enhanced Community Quarantine.

“Since the start of the lockdown here, ako na yung nag-head nung division for repackaging and distribution. Initially dun lang sa South District, but now even for North District,” said Hontiveros, who played close to 20 seasons in the PBA with stops at Tanduay, San Miguel and Alaska, among others.

A councilor in the South District of Cebu City, Hontiveros said that they are distributing some 200,000 packs of foods to families of 80 barangays in the city, a job both challenging and rewarding.

“Siyempre andun yung hirap kasi we start early morning for the first shift, repackaging. Then second shift for the distribution, and we normally finish late at night or sometimes past midnight,” said the 42-year-old Hontiveros.

“Ang nakakatuwa lang, maski sa panahon ng health crisis, may mga volunteers na talagang ready tumulong. Sila naman they don’t receive the packages kasi para sa mga in need talaga. Pero makikita mo na ready sila tumulong – and yes despite the risk kaya ingat din kami.”

There are other sports personalities turned public servants actively fighting this COVID-19.

Leading the charge from the sports circle is boxing icon, Sen. Manny Pacquiao, whose efforts gave way to allocation of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and other medical needs from other countries.

Over at the barangay level, one good example of doing his part is Dale Evangelista, an elected captain of Barangay 56 in District 1 in Manila.

“We just follow what our President asks us to do,” said Evangelista “Of course, Mayor Isko [Moreno] has issued a guideline, and ipapatupad lang naman namin kung ano ang nakasulat, kasi lahat mag-uumpisa sa bawat barangay.”

Implementing laws isn’t new to Evangelista. After all, the former national team member has been with the Philippine Water Polo coaching staff the past decade, considered the ‘disciplinarian’ for coach Rey Galang.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Jan Carlo Anolin

Ramon Fernandez and Tim Cone mourned the loss of Captain Mario Medina Jr., one of eight fatalities of the Lionair plane that caught fire prior to take off at the runaway of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Sunday night.

Fernandez and Cone revealed being close friends with Medina, a former Philippine Airlines pilot who was supposed to take 10-seater aircraft of Lionair Westwind 24 with registry number RPC 5880 to Haneda, Japan to deliver a patient.

Spin.ph reported that Fernandez and Medina were “kumpares” since 1973, back when the latter was still in Ateneo.

Their group also involved Gil Cortez and Ompong Segura, Fernandez’s former teammates with the Toyota Comets in the early years of the PBA, Premier Volleyball League chief Ricky Palou and sportscaster and columnist Quinito Henson.

Turns out, Medina was a sportsman himself who loves to play basketball and golf. He was a fan of no less than boxing legend and Senator Manny Pacquiao, the report added.

Cone, likewise, revealed on social media that Medina was one of his golf buddies and a “frequenter” at Ginebra games.

“Great guy, great humanitarian. Another friend gone. Tragic,” Cone tweeted, who is still grieving the passing of legendary coach Aric Del Rosario, Cone’s longtime assistant, due to cardiac arrest.

Captain Mario Medina and Nacho Trillo. Mario was a golf buddy, a frequenter at our Ginebra games, and just lived down the street. Great guy, great humanitarian. Another friend gone. Tragic. pic.twitter.com/HdsWHCys0L

— Tim Cone (@manilacone) March 30, 2020

Aside from Medina, those who died on the spot were identified as Captain Ren Edward Nevada, Captain Melvin Bruel de Castro, Jael Edmark Agravante (flight crew), Dr. Cenover Nicanoro Bautista, Tomelda Conrado (registered nurse), John Richard Hurst (Canadian national) and Marilyn Vergara de Jesus (American citizen).

READ MORE: Lionair plane bursts into flames at NAIA runway, 8 dead; Passengers, crew of ill-fated Lionair explosion identified

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Nick Giongco

Facilities at the historic Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, on whose grounds raged a battle aimed at recapturing Manila during World War II, is ready to assume a new role.

From a place of death and destruction, the RMSC is about to be transformed into a sanctuary of hope, a shelter to dispel sorrow and despair.

As the government battles the coronavirus pandemic, Philippine Sports Commission chairman Butch Ramirez Tuesday spoke about the readiness of the RMSC venues to become a temporary quarantine area for those with mild cases of COVID-19.

“The RMSC and even the Philsports here are ready to house patients with mild cases of the virus,” Ramirez said from his quarters in the Pasig complex.

“This is Philippine sports’ one way of contributing to efforts to preserve human lives,” said Ramirez, who has designated Marc Velasco in charge of the RMSC.

Ramirez said almost all the athletes have gone to their respective families in Metro Manila and the provinces, making the RMSC and Philsports ideal sites to house the stricken.

Besides, the Tokyo Olympics won’t be happening until the middle of 2021, and the 2021 Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam toward the end of next year.

“Once the hospitals become filled to capacity, the RMSC and Philsports facilities can start taking in patients,” said Ramirez, noting that the newly-upgraded Rizal Coliseum and even the track and field stadium and baseball park are spacious enough to become temporary shelter.

These facilities will be managed by a joint team from the Department of Health, Department of Public Works and Highways and other government institutions, said Ramirez.

The decision to have these venues as backup sites for the treatment of patients was arrived at on Monday.

As Ramirez formally made the declaration of the RMSC as an ‘open city’, members of the military were already spotted inside the complex on Tuesday morning possibly doing an ocular.

Marc Velasco, the PSC’s national training director, said the Ninoy Aquino Stadium (NAS) on Adriatico Street, has been tapped as the main site for the housing of PUIs and patients with mild symptoms.

“Those who will exhibit moderate symptoms will have to be in the hospital because the one here at the RMSC should also serve as a clinic for those who could not be attended to by the hospitals because they have been turned away,” said Velasco.

Told that residents in the area might rally against the government’s plan to use the RMSC, Velasco maintains that he understands their predicament although it is government that has control over these facilities.

The NAS has running water, electricity and ample space and easy to access from outside, according to Velasco, who expects the venue to be a hive of activity in a few days.

“The PSC is just providing the area running the place will be done by the DOH, DPWH, the police and the military,” said Velasco, noting that the other venues like the coliseum are likewise prepared to become extensions “should NAS gets decongested.”

“We are doing a part in helping the government,” he added.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Kristel Satumbaga

Volleyball Community Gives Back to the Philippines (VCGBPH), an organization composed of volleyball players in the country, is organizing a fundraising event in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Called “#ServeOurFrontliners: Raffle for Heroes,” the cause is aimed at initially producing 2,500 personal protective equipment from proceeds.

The Volleyball Community is coming together once again, this time to #ServeOurFrontliners ❤️ If you have been looking for ways to help, NOW IS YOUR CHANCE✊ pic.twitter.com/hRZapbRj33

— Volleyball Community Gives Back (@VCGBph) March 30, 2020

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“I read the news everyday about the battles of our doctors, nurses, health workers and frontliners, and I wanted to help them, to easy their pain, their burden,” said volleyball star Alyssa Valdez in a statement, adding that she contacted Charo Soriano to revive the VCGBPH for this cause.

The VCGBPH was formed in 2013 in the wake of Typhoon Yolanda and raised funds donated to the victims in Tacloban City.

Led by Gretchen Ho, Soriano, Valdez and Dzi Gervacio, the group has been doing their share of fundraising activities to help other communities such as those affected during the Marawi siege in 2017, Typhoon Lawin in 2018 and the Taal Volcano eruption last January.

“We wanted to do our part as much as we can. We contacted the rest of our group and planned on how to produce PPEs in the quickest time possible,” said Soriano, adding that other suppliers have been having a hard time producing PPEs due to lack of materials.

Soriano said one of their options is to buy raw materials to donate to suppliers like sewers and designers.

“That way, we can produce PPEs as soon as possible, and daily, too,” Soriano added.

Part of the fundraising activity will be doing bundle raffles with memorabilia from players including jerseys, training shirts, shoes and alike.

Raffle tickets cost P300 each.

Among the players who pledged to join are Valdez, Ho, Soriano, Kiwi Ahomiro, Amanda Villanueva, Nicole Tiamzon, Kathy Bersola, AJ Pareja, Tatan Gata-Pantone, Sue Roces, Sasa Devanadera, Thang Ponce, Jen Nierva, Jen Reyes, Kath Arado, Ella de Jesus, Sisi Rondina, Bernadeth Pons and Denden Lazaro.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Kristel Satumbaga

Fil-Australian chess player Arianne Caoili, wife of Armenian Grandmaster Levon Aronian, passed away on Tuesday due to complications from a car accident she was involved with two weeks ago. She was 33.

Aronian announced this on his official Twitter account, saying: “I have no words to express the grievance over my wife Arianne’s death.”

“She was intelligent, hard working and joyous person that lived a beautiful life.”

Reports from Armenia said Caoili, a Woman International Master, was being treated at Yerevan’s Astighik Medical Center until the time of her death.

Two weeks ago, Caoili car crashed into a supporting column under the bridge near the intersection of Sebastia Street and Isakov Avenue near Lake Yerevan. She was rushed to the said hospital.

The chess community expressed their condolences on Aronian that include GMs Anish Giri, Magnus Carlsen, Fabiano Caruana and Pavel Eljanov, to name a few.

I have no words to express the grievance over my wife Arianne's death. She was intelligent , hard working and joyous person that lived a beautiful life…

I love you honeybun, sleep tight….

— Levon Aronian (@LevAronian) March 30, 2020

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Caoili, who was born in Manila, played for the Philippines in the Women’s Chess Olympiad in 1998 and 2000. In 2004, she transferred chess federations to represent Australia where she played in the same competition in 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012.

She also won the Oceania Women’s Chess Championship in 2009.

She and Aronian wed in 2017.

Source: Manila Bulletin