JONATHAN CABREROS PHOTO

YOUNG & PROMISING.
Seventeen-year old Jonathan Cabreros (stripes) receives his trophy as Class B gross champion from tournament chairman Frank Buno (3rd from right) during the 2013 SFOSA Open Golf tournament last Sunday at the Davao City Golf Club. Flanking them are SFOSA president Boy Ramos (left) and emcee Jojo Grandeza. (Photo by TOMMY INIGO)

PROMISING JUNGOLFER IN SFOSA OPEN GOLF

PROMISING JUNGOLFER.

Jonathan Cabreros, 17, blasting out to win the Class B gross title with 32 points in the 2013 SFOSA Open Golf tournament last Sunday at the Davao City Golf Club. (Photo by TOMMY iÑIGO)

YOUNGEST GOLF CHAMPION

YOUNGEST CHAMP.

Sixteen-year old Billy Tapucar (3rd from left) receives his trophy and brand new refrigerator for being the Class A gross champion in the 2013 SFOSA Open Golf tournament last Sunday at the Davao City Golf Club. With him are (from left) SFOSA president Boy Ramos, Fiscal Antonio V.A. Tan, Boy Braganza, tournament chairman Frank Buno and Jojo Grandeza. (photo by TOMMY IÑIGO)

16 yr. old kid rules 2013 SFOSA Open golf

DAVAO CITY (April 8), PNA) –Sixteen-year old Billy Tapucar was the youngest but came out the best golfer among the 246 players in this year’s Sports Foundation of St. Andrew (SFOSA) Open Golf Tournament last Sunday at the Davao City Golf Club.
Tapucar, a high school graduate of the Ateneo de Davao, carded 40 points with five birdies and only had one bogey in the 17th to emerge Class A gross champion. The 5-foot-4 junior golfer beat the visiting Beran brothers from Koronadal City – Romer (39) and Diether (34), who settled for first and second runners-up, respectively.
Seven-handicapper PittjunBatu took the Class A net title with a 43 followed by 19-year old EJ Casintahan (39), who won by a countback over PAL Interclub veteran Tonino Callao (39). Casintahan shot six birdies while Callao had five.
Jonathan Cabreros, 17, shared the limelight by pocketing the Class B gross title with 32 points. He beat veterans Bert Pogoy (31) and Pet Deloria (29), who placed first and second runners-up, respectively.
Net champion was CiriloLasaca (44) followed by tournament chairman Frank Buno (43) and Boy Arriba (41) in that order.
In Class C, Richard Bad-ang took the gross title with a 28 followed by JericoBajo and DodongRizon with identical 26s. Michael Ang shot 47 to win the net crown and a countback win over Land Transportation Association Assistant Regional Director Macario ‘Bong’ Gonzaga, who settled for first runner-up. Dennis Te took the second runner-up with a 44.
Lady golfer Maribel Lee shot 21 points to pocket the gross title in the Ladies division. Stella Barnes made 40 to win the net title followed by Jing Sara (40) and NenengRevilleza (38).
The other results:
Class D – gross champion Gil Bullecer (23), 1st runner-up Robert Te (22), 2nd runner-up WendelAdlao; net champion DhatzMaulana (52), 1st runner-up GomerDy (49), 2nd runner-up Danny Gotera (44);
Seniors 55-65 - gross champion Fred Albarillo (34), 1st runner-up Alex Sy (30), 2nd runner-up Larry Pasquil (30); net champion Alex Agbayani (44), 1st runner-up dolZainal (44), 2nd runner-up Jose Colmenares (42); 
Seniors 66 & above – gross champion Jun Hilario (25), 1st runner-up Oscar Lopez (24), 2nd runner-up Junie Pimentel (21); net champion Romeo Yian (49), 1st runner-up Sammy Roca (44), 2nd runner-up Buddy Salvador (41);
SFOSA president Felicisimo “Boy” Ramos awarded the prizes to the winners of the two-day event presented by Suzuki, Emcor, Motortrade and Computerz @ Workz.
It was sponsored by Bro. Romeo Cabling, PM Shangrila Lodge No. 196 MD RXI B, F & A.M. Masonic District IIA/B: AAONMS-Agila Shriners Davao Chapter are the Davao Eagle Masters, WM Anthony Padua, DML No. 149, Cortess Printing Press, Bro. Lorenzo A. Te, Jr., Rely Construction Supply, Bro. Renato R. Castaneda, GP&H Construction and Supply, Tagum Lodge No. 204, Unifrutti financial Services, Inc., Davao Golden Hardware, CCO Engineering Construction and Electrical Supply, Davao Light and Power Co., VW Patrocenio I. Veroy, Don Salvador Lopez Mem. Lodge 276, Davao Masonic Lodge no. 149, Splash Manufacturing Corp., Diageo International, LCI Davao, Mindanao Coco development Corp., Yellow Buys line, Inc., DRL Law ( De Leon Rubiato and Liong), Davao Bay Coconut Oil Mills, Inc., Masis Security Agency, FFJJ JohlianneEngineering Steelworks-Construction, MelmontPinutos Republic, Royal Mindanao Centrum Commercial Park, Harborage Handling servicesSpecialist, Rafael Nieto, Floren V. FlorenLumo, Capt. Rico Trajano, LeoniloMiole, Atty Butch Santillan, Yap & De Gala Law Office, Phoenix Petroleum, FSTA Trucking , Inc., Panabo Trucking Services, Inc., Davao Packaging Corp., San Vicente Terminal and Brokerage Services, Senjun Engineering, WM Dumugo andDigos Masonic Lodge.
“Proceeds of this two-day event will be for the crippled and burnt children, said Ramos. SFOSA is also sponsoring and maintaining a room for the indigent patients particularly kids who are crippled or suffered burns at the s Southern Philippines Medical Center in Bajada. LITO DELOS REYES

Genesis 88 routs Dasia by 50 points in Escandor Cup

DAVAO CITY (April 8) PNA – Genesis 88 Builders showed too much power in posting a 50-point victory against the Dasia GHQ Protectors, 99-49 in the on-going Escandor Group of Companies basketball tournament last Sunday at the Genesis 88 gym in Ecoland 3 Subdivision.
Businessman-sportsman Glenn Escandor fired five triples to lead Genesis 88 Builders to its third straight win against no loss in the 13-team league sanctioned by the SamahangBasketbolngPilipinas.
Dasia, who missed the services of its injured playing coach Jek-JekMelendres suffered its first loss in two games.
The Whitehouse All-Stars led by Gerome “Boy” Escandor also posted is third straight win to tie Genesis 88 Builders for the lead in the team standing by crushing Premia Packaging Plasticmen, 89-75 in the second game.
Team standings: Genesis 88 Builders (3-0), Whitehouse (3-0), Dasia (1-1), Premia (1-2), The Royal Mandaya Hotel (0-1), RCBC (0-2), Motorpool (0-2), Dasia-Ateneo (x-x) LITO DELOS REYES

Poliquit wins Coca-Cola New Year’s Eve Countdown Run

DAVAO CITY – Veteran Rafael Poliquit ruled the Coca-Cola Twelve Zero One New Year’s Eve Countdown Run held last December 31 at Palma Gil Street (beside People’s Park).

Poliquit clocked 12 minutes and 14 seconds in winning the 5-kilometer midnight race. He was followed by Gasper June Dominado (12:46)  and  Simon Gubal (13:32) as second and third, respectively.

All the first 300 finishers each got a finisher’s medal awarded by Reza Mahinay, assistant HR of Coca-Cola Bottlers Phils. Davao Plant.

LITO DELOS REYES

Team Titans Davao in Cebu Marathon

THE Team Titans Davao is sending a 25-man team in this year’s Cebu International Marathon set on Sunday, January 13 in Lahug, Cebu City.

Team Titans Davao will be led by its president Dr. Ricardo Audan. The runners are composed of Steve Hermosa, Joey Abesamis, May Abesamis, Rod Lanorias, Jay Albat Inte, Kenneth Bayron, Peter Mars Tano, Garry Gabrillo, Noel Batac, Pamela Huyatid, Lenicel Porceso, Gleny Seville Alag, Paul Aldaba, Gean Robete, Alvin Matus, Merly Matus, Mario Magnaye, Mario Macatol, Racky de Ramos, Ruzaido Mosende, Marie Elizabeth Espejo, Ferdinand Espejo, Michael Domingo, Raymund Batucan, Garry Batucan and Binggot Deocampo.

The Cebu Marathon is considered by many running experts as one of the Philippines’ best marathons.The inaugural Cebu Marathon 42K race, the “01-10-10” event, was organized last January 10, 2010. Last year’s edition was held in Jan. 8.

The Cebu Marathon on Sunday will start and finish at the Cebu I.T. Park (formerly Asiatown I.T. Park) in Lahug, Cebu City.

What makes the Cebu Marathon unique from many races around the world is The Sinulog, one of Asia’s biggest and grandest of festivals. The Cebu Marathon is held exactly seven days prior to the Sinulog – thus the festive, colorful and loud mardi-gras-type of marathon.

 The categories are the 42K, the 21K, and the 5K. The 42K will start at 3:30 a.m., followed by 21K at 4:30 a.m. and 5K at 5 a.m. All 42K runners will each receive a finisher’s medal. LITO DELOS REYES

Highland to Island Adventure in Samal

DAVAO CITY  -- The Highland to Island Adventure 2013 is slated on January 11 to 13 at the Island Garden City of Samal.
"We will start by climbing the island's highest peak Mt. Puting Bato and end up going down to the majestic Canibad Island," said Jose Abajero at the weekly SCOOP of the Royal Mandaya Hotel last Tuesday.
Abajero is the president of the organizing Lapuk (Lakaw Adto Padulong Untok Kabukiran), an accredited member of the Mountaineering Federation of Southern Mindanao (MFSM).
Day 1 will be a clean-up drive climb at Puting Bato followed by a coastal clean-up on Day 2 at Canibad Island. A mountaineers' night with a hosted dinner will also be held on Jan. 12 featuring the Garlic Invaders band.
The participants will assemble at Barangay Guilon on Friday at 1 p.m.
Registration fee is P450 inclusive of ID, certificate, entrance fee, hosted dinner and event T-shirt. Registration center is at the Nooksack Outdoor Shop located at Ponciano Reyes St., infront of Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Central Elementary School and beside the Royal Mandaya Hotel. LITO DELOS REYES

FIBA ASIA CHAMPIONSHIPS MOVED TO MANILA IN AUGUST

By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 10 Jan 2013


Pangilinan.
The Philippines' Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has received what it richly deserved from the start – the right to host the 27th FIBA ASIA CHAMPIONSHIPS.

The FIBA Asia Executive Committee announced its decision to move the staging of the FIBA Asia Championship from Beirut in Lebanon to Manila in view of the current uncertain situation in Lebanon and the middle east.

The Manila Standard reported the likely switch from Lebanon to the Philippines last Tuesday and received confirmation Thursday evening from S. Mageshwaran, the Head of Communications for FIBA Asia.

FIBA Asia secretary general Hagop Khajirian who is from Lebanon and originally appeared to influence the decision to pick Lebanon over the Philippines which made an impressive presentation and was represented by a high-powered delegation led by business tycoon and SBP president Manny Pangilinan said “Unfortunately, the current situation in the region and the on-going civil war in Syria, which has its indirect effect on the countries in the whole of West Asia, especially on Lebanon, creates doubts about the stability that we might not have, at least, till the fixed dates of our event.”

Hagop said that “In view of these facts, FIBA Asia Executive Committee decided to change the venue of the 27th FIBA Asia Championship from Beirut-Lebanon to Manila-Philippines.”

Pangilinan welcomed the decision in a brief conversation with the Manila Standard and said “this is good for our country and people. We all have to work hard and together to ensure a successful staging of the tournament.”

At the same time the ardent sports patron said “we will need to get the cooperation of all the PBA teams” in an effort to qualify for the 2014 World Basketball Championships in Spain.

The top three teams from the 27th FIBA Asia Championship will earn the right to represent FIBA Asia at the 2014 FIBA World Cup.

Khajirian said “SBP was still interested in hosting the championship and welcomed the decision of moving it to Manila.”

Philippines last hosted the marquee event for Asian basketball when Manila hosted the 7th edition of the event in 1973.

SBP executive secretary Renauld “Sonny” Barrios said “We are honored to host this prestigious event.We thank FIBA Asia, in particular Secretary General Hagop Khajirian, for giving us this privilege, which will give great happiness and enjoyment to the millions of Filipino basket ball fans.”

TRIBUTE TO GONZALO 'LITO' PUYAT

By Eddie Alinea
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 08 Jan 2013

MANILA (PNA) - In the international basketball scene, they called him “Lito,” the two-term International Basketball Federation president who stood at the forefront of the fight for open basketball and contributed greatly to its success. As vice president of the then Asian Basketball confederation (now FIBA-Asia), Gonzalo Puyat II sought the inclusion of youth basketball, particularly the junior championship, which, up to this days, is in the confederation’s order of activities.

As a long-time head of the now-defunct Basketball association of the Philippines (now Samahang Basketbol Ng Pilipinas), “Tolits,” or “Spar,” or simply “Par,” to the local sports community, or “Ling” to relatives and closest friends, was the man responsible for lifting of suspension imposed by FIBA in the early 60's and bringing to this shore the World Basketball Championship, thus, gifting the Philippines the distinction as the first in Asia to host the prestigious tournament among the best basketball-playing nations on planet earth.  
The suspension came about when in 1962, the Philippines was awarded the right to host the world tourney for the first time, but a diplomatic booboo by the government barring entry of Yugoslavia and other socialist nations entry denied the country that honor and reducing the meet to mere invitational.

While his fight for the inclusion of professional players saw fruition in the United States and elsewhere in the world that saw old time greats Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan in the 90s present day heroes like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James play in the Olympic Games, world championship and all FIBA-sanctioned major international competitions, Puyat’s obsession to see the best Filipino players see action and lead the nation qualify in those, remained just that, a dream.

Puyat died of asthma and its complications last Monday with sports, basketball in particular, still running in his blood. He was to celebrate his 80th birthday on May 31 this year.

While this descendant of the rich and powerful Puyat and Gil families of Manila and Pampanga relished the many accomplishments he had contributed in the growth of his favorite sport not only in the Philippines and in Asia but, likewise, in the world, “Spar” took pride more in his presiding over the 1978 World Championship, which was to become the yardstick of all the following tournaments.

“That inaanak (Puyat was one of this writer’s and wife Annie’s wedding sponsors) is, up to this day, the most organized and successful world championships ever,” Puyat told People’s Journal and several selected sportswriters in one of the many drinking sessions he hosted. “And that was one of the things I am very proud I have done in my life na mabigyan ng napakalaking karangalan ang ating bansa in the eyes, not only of our Asian neighbors but of the entire universe.”

Indeed it was because that 1978 seventh edition of the world championship, was for the first time in it’s 28th year history, held in two venues – the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila and the air-conditioned Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The Rizal hoophouse inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex might not have the first class amenities offered by its Quezon City counterpart, but it was a vast improvement from an ancient court encased in a wire cage of the ol Luna Park Stadium, site of the tournament’s first staging in Buenos Aires in Argentina.

Or the open-air venue in a football field in Santiago, Chile in 1959 and the infamous “frigidaire” arena in an old building swept by biting snow-winds from the Pole in Montevideo in Uruguay in 1967.

All the 12 participating teams and delegations were billeted in Manila’s five-star hotels. All delegation heads were accorded with air-conditioned limousines.

For two weeks from Oct. 1-14, the entire universe was treated to first class basketball by the competing teams headed by defending champion Soviet Union and eventual winner Yugoslavia, who, in return savored the world-famous friendship and hospitality of the Filipino people.

No less than Russian world chess champion Anatoly Karpov was on hand to watch the championship game between the Soviets and the Slavs. He was to return to Baguio City where he was defending his crown against Switzerland’s Viktor Korchnoi frustrated by the Soviets’ loss.

Puyat, a public servant on the side having been a councilor of Manila two times and assemblyman, was a recipient of numerous awards for his exemplary and unselfish service to sports, including the Naismith Hall of Fame in 1972, the Philippine Olympic Committee Gold Medallion for sports leadership in 1986.

FIBA conferred on him its First Order of Merit award in its congress in 1994 during the world championship that year in Toronto. In July, 2000, during the 40th anniversary of the then ABC in Kuala Lumpur Puyat, along with its founders, including founding president, former Senator Ambrosio Padilla and secretary general Dioniso Calvo, were honored with recognition.

Puyat’s leadership acumen ran deep in the blood. He was the grandson of the late Don Gonzalo Puyat. a namesake and noted pioneer industrialist and founder of Don Gonzalo Puyat Sons. His maternal grandfather, the late Don Pedro Gil, was former assemblyman. His uncle Gil Puyat, was a four-term senator who became senate president and head of the Grand Old Nacionalista Party .He was the son son Deogracias Puyat, a member of the undefeated debating team of the University of the Philippines during his college days, and Patria Gil-Puyat.

Marquez-Pacquiao another big draw

HOUSTON -- The fourth fight between Juan Manuel Marquez and Manny Pacquiao generated about 1.15 million buys on HBO PPV, Top Rank promoter Bob Arum told ESPN.com on Saturday.

Throughout the promotion for the fight, which took place last Saturday night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, apparent fan fatigue resulting from their three previous bouts was evident, and after a bit of an admittedly slow promotion, Arum said that the pay-per-view projections were sluggish -- until the buys picked up significantly on the final day with a rush that he said helped push the fight into seven figures.

The final numbers were not in yet, but HBO did not dispute Arum's figure, which means the fight will generate in the neighborhood of $70 million in domestic television revenue.

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Get the latest scoop and analysis on the world of boxing from ESPN.com's Dan Rafael in his blog.

"We are happy. It's a very big success," Arum said Saturday morning, hours before his Nonito Donaire-Jorge Arce junior featherweight title fight was to air on HBO (9:30 p.m. ET/PT), along with a replay of Marquez-Pacquiao IV. "The number of buys on the last day was disproportionately large. We were tracking a lot less until the last day and then we did a land rush of business. It built and built."

Marquez knocked Pacquiao out in stunning fashion, landing a flush right hand with one second left in the sixth round of their welterweight fight. Marquez trails the all-time series 2-1-1, meaning a fifth fight in 2013 is likely.

The pay-per-view figure was an improvement over Pacquiao's fight with Timothy Bradley Jr. in June, in which Pacquiao lost his welterweight title on a tremendously controversial split decision. That fight did about 900,000 buys.

Marquez-Pacquiao IV did just a shade less than the third fight between them in November 2011. That fight did 1.25 million buys. Their second fight in 2008 did 407,000 buys and their first fight in 2004 was live on HBO, not on pay-per-view.

Marquez-Pacquiao IV likely will wind up doing equal or more in overall TV revenue than the third fight, however, because the fourth fight cost $59.95 and the third fight was $54.95, not to mention a higher cost to buy it in high definition.

Pacquiao's biggest pay-per-views are his third fight with Marquez and a bout with Oscar De La Hoya at about 1.25 million each; fights with Miguel Cotto and Shane Mosley at about 1.2 million each; and his Antonio Margarito bout and Marquez IV at about 1.15 million each.

Six of Pacquiao's last nine fights have topped 1 million buys. His last nine have done at least 710,000.

The fight is also the third time Marquez has been in a PPV that did more than 1 million buys -- Pacquiao III and IV plus his loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2009, which sold 1.1 million units.

Marquez-Pacquiao IV was also a big hit at the gate, generating $10,888,890 in revenue from the sale of 15,403 tickets, according to the Nevada State Athletic Commission. There were no tickets unsold and 908 complimentary tickets were given away.

The fight generated the 13th biggest gate in Nevada history, in between the 1996 rematch between Mike Tyson and Frank Bruno ($10,673,700) and Mayweather-Shane Mosley in 2010 ($11,032,100).

Spokesperson tells doctor: Be responsible in making comments on Pacquiao's health

ANDREI MEDINA, GMA NEWS January 5, 2013 3:57pm

Rep. Manny Pacquiao's spokesperson on Saturday said the doctor who had raised concerns about the boxing icon's developing a Parkinson's disease should be more careful with what he says in public.

“Nirerespeto namin ang opinion ni Dr. [Rustico] Jimenez, but he must be responsible with his statements,” said Rose Tamayo, Rep. Pacquiao's Public Information Officer, in an interview with GMA News Online.

Last Friday, Dr. Rustico Jimenez – an expert neurologist – expressed his concern for Pacquiao, according to a report on news site Forbes.

Jimenez said he seemed to notice Pacquiao's hands to be twitching while on TV reports after his recent fight with longtime Mexican rival Juan Manuel Marquez.

But Tamayo said Jimenez is entitled to his own opinion, but as the president of the private hospitals association of the Philippines he should be more careful with what he says in public.

“It might create a wrong public perception,” Tamayo said, adding that doctors can't do a definitive diagnosis on Pacquiao by just watching a television interview happening miles away.

Also, she said there is “no problem” with the Filipino boxing icon, saying that he had an MRI scan in Las Vegas and another one in the Cardinal Santos hospital in the Philippines immediately after the bout.

But Forbes' report, however, said Dr. Raquel Fortun, a famous forensic pathologist, was skeptical about the results of the MRI scans, and that she would like to dig deeper into the results to make sure Pacquiao is Parkinson's free.

All the buzz about Pacquiao having Parkinson's – a progressive disease of the nervous system marked by tremor, muscular rigidity, and slow, imprecise movement, chiefly affecting middle-aged and elderly people – started after he was floored by Marquez in the last second of the sixth round with a right overhand counter punch.

Pacquiao was unconscious for seconds, was staggering when he woke up and during the post-fight interview but managed to exit with his own strength.

He is currently enjoying a vacation with his family and entourage in Israel – the Holy Land – which he longed to go to ever since and will be back in the country on January 14. — LBG, GMA News

New Israel Eco-Tourism Park's zipline ground breaking rites

Cotabato Gov. Lala Taliño-Mendoza (with shovel) leads the ground breaking rites for the construction of the P5.8M ziplines (1.2 KM & 1.0KM) in Barangay New Israel in Makilala, North Cotabato last January 3, 2013. Joining here (from left) DOT Region 12 OIC Director Jose Cabulanan, DENR Red Datu Tungko Saikol and Energy Development Corp. AVP Alejandro Catacutan. (Photo by LDR)

North Cotabato to put up own zipline in Makilala

By LITO DELOS REYES

MAKILALA, North Cotabato – The provincial government of North Cotabato conducted its ground breaking and capsule laying ceremonies yesterday (December 3) for the construction of its 1.2 kilometer and 1.0 kilometer ziplines as part of the development of the New Israel Eco-Tourism Park here in Barangay New Israel.

Gov. Lala Taliño-Mendoza said that the zipline in New Israel, which could be one of the longest in the country, is only just one of her tourism projects in the province. Aside from the water tubing in Alamada, the provincial government had previously opened the Asik-Asik Spring Falls, also known as Paguranan in Sitio Dulao of Barangay Dado at the municipality of Alamada last September 20.

“The barangay now is earning a monthly income of P200,000 a month from the tourists and visitors,” said the lady governor.

“So there is really money in tourism,” said Mendoza, who added that they will next open the hot spring in Bataasan and also developed a vegetable picking in Barangay Sante that is similar of the strawberry in La Trinidad of Baguio City.

The zipline project has a budget of P5,841,442.33 from the share of the province it received from the Energy Development Corporation in Mt. Apo. It has already an environment compliance certificate by the environment management bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 12 issued last December 23.

“This will really attract more tourists in New Israel and Makilala and not only for the mountaineers that will climb Mt. Apo which means more business for the locals also,” Mendoza said.

The construction of the zipline is expected to take at least three months according to contractor Neil Pinongcos of Asolo Cable Industry, which has already made several ziplines in the country since 2005.

Among their past projects include the Great Catigdian Adventure Park in Danao, Bohol, Hoyohoy Highland Adventure at the boundary of Tangub and Ozamiz City, Padang-Padang Adventure in Parang, Maguindanao; Kapatagan in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur; Kiwa Adventure in Midsayap and the on-going Camp D’Leonor Inland Resort in Davao City.

“This year we will also have a project in Malaysia,” said the 38-year old native of Midsayap, who is also into paragliding together with his cousin Jershon.

The Pinongcos represented the country with the support of North Cotabato province in the last year’s annual International Balloon Flying Festival held in Clark, Pampanga.

Pinongcos said that they will be using high-end imported materials and cables for the zipline in New Israel to assure the safety and constant glide slope.

 “Dapat hindi masyadong mabilis din ito para hindi delikado sa sasakay,” he said.

Department of Tourism Region 12 OIC Director Jose Cabulanan, on the other hand, said that their office will also give its share in the construction of the concrete road from the highway going up to New Israel.

“We will also help train the locals on the homestay program,” he said.

Gov. Mendoza, however, said: “but we will still respect and abide on their traditions here like they do not allow drinking (liquor) and smoking.”

The majority of the people living in New Israel are from the religious group Moncado Alpha & Omega World Peace Crusaders Mission Inc. headed by Barangay Captain Lovely Paraiso, who welcomed them yesterday.

Also present were EDC AVP Engr. Alejandro Catacutan, Makilala Mayor Rudy Caoagdan and Vice Gov. Gregorio Ipong.

Makilala can be reached by a bus or van from Davao City for less than three hours for only P150 per passenger. A skylab (single motor) can bring one passenger for only P20 from the highway in Makilala to New Israel. (LITO DELOS REYES)

ZIPLINE IN NEW ISRAEL, MAKILALA, NORTH COTABATO GROUND BREAKING RITES

ANOTHER LONGEST ZIPLINE.
Cotabato Gov. Lala Taliño-Mendoza puts in the blueprint and plan of the P5.8M zipline inside the capsule during ceremony held at Barangay New Israel in Makilala, North Cotabato last Jan. 3. Watching behind are (with helmets) DENR Red Datu Tungko Saikol (violet) and DOT R12 OIC Director Jose Cabulanan. The ziplines (1.2KM & 1.0KM) are expected to be completed within three months. (Photo by LDR)

Galvez tops JSAD Invt’l Jet Ski

BOBBY Galvez showed his dominance by winning two events in the Jet Ski Association of Davao (JSAD) 1st Invitational Jet Ski Competition held last December 16 at the Sunset Beach Park of the Island Garden City of Samal.
Galvez ruled the Novice/Expert 4-stroke Stock (200-260hp) by beating Vice Mayor Rody Duterte’s chief of staff Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go in the finals.
Go placed second followed by veteran Johnny Ng in third.
Galvez also topped the Novice/Expert 4-Stroke (155-185hp) category. He was followed by Nathaniel Cabanas and Roland Te Ong in second and third, respectively.
Noel Santiago, Angelo Inting and Ray Anthony Militante shared the top honors by winning their respective categories.
Santiago bagged the Novice/Expert 4-Stroke Stock (280-300hp) by beating veterans Ng and Go, who settled for second and third.
Inting, on the other hand, topped the 2-Stroke Run About (1,000-1,200cc) with Lyndon Dabon and Madie Carl Sahid as second and third. Militante took the 2-Stroke Run About (550-800cc) followed by Rene Militante and Renette Militante in that order. LITO DELOS REYES

Coca-Cola New Year’s Eve Countdown Run set Dec. 31

THE Coca-Cola Twelve Zero One New Year’s Eve Countdown Run is set on December 31 at Palma Gil Street (beside People’s Park).
Deadline of registration for the 5-kilometer footrace is today (December 30). 
Registration fee is P350 with free limited edition of Coca-Cola Race singlet, race bib, special edition baller band glow in the dark, souvenir certificate, Powerade, Viva Mineral Water, snacks and raffle entry.
“The first 300 finishers will also each get a finisher’s medal,” said Reza Mahinay, assistant HR of Coca-Cola Bottlers Phils. Davao Plant.
“Sasalubungin natin ang New Year sa pagtakbo,” Mahinay said.
For registration, contact ACCU-Image Production at (082) 227-7975, 0918-427-6123 and 0922-8350105.

VMO snares AFP-PNP cagefest rare 3-peat

VMO closed out the season with a mighty showing, sweeping DCPO in the championship series, to complete its journey to become the first team to achieve unprecedented three-peat in the history of the league.
Greggy Delica, Rodel Bantilan and hotshot Christopher “Bong” Go took the scoring cudgels for VMO which came out robust in the final half to pull away with the title-clincher victory.
Delica poured in 21 points as he went too tough to handle at the paint while Bantilan scored 19 markers, eleven of which came in the second half.
Go, the sweet-shooting executive assistant of Vice Mayor Rody Duterte, wound up 18 baskets in limited minutes than usual, including two of his total 4 treys in the pivotal third period.
After a see-saw battle in the first two periods, the SP-based dribblers strike hard in the second half - outscoring the Policemen 34 – 20 in the third canto – to swiftly establish an 18 points lead, 89 – 71, entering the pay off period.
The Policemen fought hard in yearn of getting back in the game, jumping out a 6-0 run at the start of the fourth period. But the SP five managed to answer back with a triple from Bantilan and a three point play courtesy of Delica that folds downed the Policemen’s chances.
From there, DCPO showed traces of giving up as the Policemen started to bid goodbye to their wonderful season, which ended with 11 wins and 3 defeats.
Playing official Anthony Padua paced DCPO with 23 points. Janwed Cagape and Estong Uganap had 15 and 12 baskets for the losing cause of the Policemen who were trailing by just 4, 51 – 55, at the half. The opening canto ended 27 – 23 for VMO.
Roy Bangkas scored 14 points and Art Atablanco had 13 baskets for VMO which won Game 1, 115 - 94. 
Meanwhile, Regional Public Safety Batallion defeated Bureau of Fire Protection, 109 – 101, to cop the third place honors.
A total of 12 teams took part in this year’s season of the league presented by City Government of Davao and sanctioned by Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Region XI. (RJB)

Tan, Lee are over-all champs in RPV Monthly Medal

BUSINESSMAN Jaime “Boy” Tan and Korean Lee Suk Ki emerged over-all gross and net champions, respectively in the 3rd Monthly Medal Tournament of the Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club in Mandug.
Tan sizzled a one-over par gross 73 while Lee shot a seven-under net 65.
In the Class A division, Toffee Tionko carded a 78 to pocket the gross title. He won by only one stroke over runner-up Lee Hyo Sung (79).
Archie Moralizon shot a 72 for the Class A net crown followed by Jung In Kyu (75).
Kim Min Suk took the Class B gross title with a 77, a 5-stroke win over runner-up Khalik Samanodi (82). Joseph Ng bagged the net title with a 66 followed by Peter Davies (68).
In Class C, Dr. Ed Guevarra (88) and Gadi Sorilla (70) emerged gross and net champions, respectively. The runners-up were Solomon Lao (91) and Jun Canedo (72).
Joe Lafuente won the Class D gross title with a 91 followed by Ronald Lu (94), while Bill Campbell took the net crown with a 69 followed by Martin Sara (70).

The other results:
Jungolf Division – 12-17 years below – champion Therese Mojica (99)
Guests’ - Division 1 – gross champion – Teody Barnuevo (78), runner-up Karloz Alba (79); net champion – Boy Herrera (67), runner-up – Alex Maramba (73).
Division 2 – gross champion - Pete Zamora (88), runner-up Gino Strong (88); net champion – Ed de Guzman (62), runner-up – Che Jung Hee (68).
Ladies division –gross champion - Maricel Kim (86), runner-up Chon Young Run (96); net champion – Kim Sunae (75), runner-up – Maribel Lee (75)
Seniors Division – gross champion - Manny Nitorreda (77), runner-up – Diemy Monedero (78); net champion – Larry Miculob (66), runner-up – Joe Marfori (70)
Super Seniors Division – gross champion – Fumio Ohashi (92), runner-up – Jess Falcon (97); net champion – Elindo Lo (72), runner-up – Bill Donohoe (76) – LITO DELOS REYES