A furious start led by a four under 65 for 40 points put Januarius Private Equity I 10 shots off two teams including 10-peat seeking Manila Southwoods at the Camp John Hay golf course in the 74th Januarius Fil-Am Invitational Golf Tournament. Ian Mathay had a pick up on the third hole but he submitted three on the front nine then four more in the back nine. With a bogey on the par 4 fifth, Mathay had the tournament best 40 points for Januarius’ 149 tally, that is five under. An eagle-aided one under 68 put Kirby Lachica at 37, which was matched by Ayon Sanchez, while Masaichi Otake chipped in 35 points. Terence Macatangay added a 32that did not count. Miko Granada fired an opening round one under 68 for 37 to lead the 10-peat seeking Southwoods, while Enrique Dimayuga had an even par for 36, while Shinichi Suzuki and Joaquin Hernandez added a 34 and 32 to count for the most successful team in the Fil-Am. Eastridge – Pinehomes 1 matched the Carmona, Cavite based team’s wof 139 on the 37 of Ronel Taga-an, 35 of Jhondie Quibol and the 34 and 33 outputs of Jefren Lumbo and Bobe Salahog. SPES Team 1 is another five shots down with 134 and who was led by Jacob Jata who fired a two under 67 for 38 points. Over at the Baguio Country Club, Erik Escalona fired a two over for 34 points to lead Batangas Barakosto 122 for an eight shot lead. Counting for the team are: Charles Serdenia (31), Gerald Katigbak (29) and Eric Gozo (28). Edison Tabales had 33 points to lead Eastridge – Pinehomes 2 to 114 and second spot. Gary Sales, Chris John Remata and Richard Joson scored 28, 27 and 26 points, in that order, to count for Eastridge 2. Defending champion Southwoods is another shot down with 113 after rounds of 30 from Zeus Sara, a pair of 28s from TJ Padilla and Zach Villaroman. Januarius Truespec is at fourth spot with an opening round of 101. (Fil-Am Golf Media Release)      

By: Dante M. Salvaña   MARIVELES, Bataan – The spotlight is on the Freeport Area of Bataan as it gears up to host the thrilling 5150 FAB Recon Race on December 7-8, 2024. This simulation triathlon serves as the ultimate lead-up to the inaugural 2025 5150 FAB Triathlon. The invitational recon race will allow participants to experience the challenge, camaraderie, and breathtaking beauty of the venue. Designed to showcase the triathlon course and the stunning landscapes of Bataan, the 5150 FAB Recon Race promises to be an unforgettable teaser for what’s to come. Hussein Pangandaman, Administrator & CEO of FAB, said of the event: “We are thrilled to host the prestigious 5150 Triathlon here in the Freeport Area of Bataan. This event is a testament to the incredible potential of our region to serve as a prime destination for both local and international sporting events. We believe that sports tourism is a driver of growth and development in Bataan, and hosting the 5150 Triathlon is an important step in showcasing our world-class facilities, beautiful landscapes, and strong community spirit. We look forward to welcoming athletes, their families, and visitors from all over the world, and we are confident that this event will contribute significantly to the region’s economic and tourism growth.” As the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) celebrated its 55th anniversary last month, the 5150 Triathlon is expected to bring spectators, athletes, and support crews to Bataan in 2025, providing a significant boost to local businesses, hotels, restaurants, and tourism-related services. The Freeport Area of Bataan continues to invest in infrastructure and community initiatives to ensure the success of such high-profile events, further solidifying its position as a key destination for sports tourism in the Philippines. “This recon race is not just a preview but an opportunity for athletes to immerse themselves in the experience of racing at the Freeport Area of Bataan,” said Ms. Princess Galura, president of the IRONMAN Group’s Sunrise Events Inc., the organizer of the 5150 race. “It’s a perfect way to prepare for the adrenaline and excitement of the full 5150 FAB event. ” With its ideal blend of scenic coastal roads, lush greenery, and top-tier amenities, the Freeport Area of Bataan is poised to become a premier destination for triathletes, with a new course that starts at the Camaya Coast and culminates at the FAB Admin Building. Invited teams have volunteered their best to take on the challenge. Ani de Leon Brown, who is celebrating 30 years in triathlon, will be leading the pack, along with Kim Mangrobang (Next Step Tri), who is also celebrating 20 years in triathlon, as well as Faith Garcia (Century Trihard), who has 10 years in the sport under her belt. Other athletes joining the simulation race include: Next Step Tri: Aidan Mercado, Aki Lorbes, Raf Sawali • Go for Gold: Sam Bada, Jan Javier, John Patrick Siron, Raymund Torio • Tri SND Barracuda: Noynoy Jorge Cadovos • Century Trihard: Stephen Corpus, Samantha Lo • Sante Barley: Bea Quiambao, Mervin Santiago, Jonah Rivera, Mickael Bouffaut, Francis Armada • Isabela Tri: Gabb Rosario, Bernard Sayarot, Sebastian Teves, Kyle Antolin • Fit PH: Angelo Blanco, David Gordon, Jorge Mcarvel Temblique, John Patrick de Mesa, Dyan Blanco • Sammy Corpuz, Erika Burgos, Lance Burgos. 5KM FAB Run As part of the exciting lineup of activities during the 5150 Triathlon FAB Recon Race Day, the FAB Run offers a fantastic opportunity for the FAB employees and locaters to get involved in the action. This 5 kilometer fun run is designed to celebrate fitness, community spirit, and the joy of running, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Freeport Area of Bataan. The 5K distance is accessible for casual joggers and walkers, making it perfect for those who may not be competing in the triathlon but still want to experience the excitement and camaraderie of the event. The 5150 Triathlon FAB is part of the year-long IRONMAN 5150 Triathlon and Sunrise Sprint series organized by The IRONMAN Group’s Sunrise Events. This program features three stunning venues, each with its own unique charm, paired with a short but exciting triathlon course. Designed to be both enjoyable and challenging, the series is ideal for newcomers to the sport.

The regular division starts tomorrow, December 9, after the ceremonial tee today at the Baguio Country Club and Camp John Hay golf courses with players from the Regular Fil and Am A, B, D and E flights starting their respective bid for team honors in the 74th Januarius Fil Am Invitational Golf Tournament. John Hay will host the more competitive Fil side while the BCC layout is venue for the Am side. BCC 1 and CJH 1 will try to defend local honors when it clashes with Eastridge, Modern Titos – Premium Feeds, Team Surigao 1, X1R Smartscore 1, among others, in Fil A. Guamanians Chelus, Moto, Cool Jocks. Among others will dispute the top podium in Fil B at the CJH link. Forest Hills, Time Cargo Logistics, Summit Point, Tsikoy, GMJ 2005 Construction, Summit Point, BIBAK NY/NJ, SPES start their bid in Am A at BCC. This as co-host BCC 2 will try to stop Lilo-an, Washington State Fil-Am and Bulakenos 2.0 among othets from taking the top podium in Am-B. On Tuesday, many time champion Manila Southwoods will defend its crown against Januarius, Eastridge, Time Cargo Logistics I and SPES 1 in the premiere Fil Championship. Shin Suzuki, Miko Granada, Jet Hernandez, Enrique Dimayuga and Zeus Sara will seek a record 10th straight title for the Carmona, Cavite based team In the Fil Championship. For Januarius, it will be Masa Otake who will lead the team that include Terrence Macatangay, Jet Mathay, former pro Ray Sangil and Ayon Sanchez. Eastridge is also expected to parade a strong squad to give Southwoods a run for its money. Southwoods has been one of the strongest teams since it started fielding a team in 1997. (Fil-Am Media Release)

By Aileen P. Refuerzo – Baguio PIO   Baguio City officials praised the grit and determination of the city’s contingent to the 2024 Batang Pinoy who copped a strong second place finish in the country’s major youth grassroots sports program played from Nov. 23-28 in Puerto Princesa City. Mayor Benjamin Magalong expressed pride in the delegates who he said displayed high morale and aggressiveness in their events. “They were all fired up, inspired and motivated.  They all wanted to win and they delivered,” the mayor who joined the athletes during the opening parade and program said. Magalong said the athletes’ high spirits and passionate disposition outshone the fact that the city’s four-year first place winning streak had been broken this year. “There were factors that may have contributed to our not winning first place this year but it does not matter after all a second-place showing is no mean feat.  As long as we see the athletes giving their best and enjoying their events, we will be proud of them.  That is what the games are about – sportsmanship and camaraderie,” the mayor said. Baguio amassed 92 gold, 72 silver and 89 bronze medals next to first placer Pasig City with a 105-64-116 gold-silver-bronze medal haul. City Sports Development Office Head Gaudencio Gonzales said Baguio largely improved its medal output this year compared to last year’s 82 gold, 52 silver and 59 bronze harvest. “We are happy and proud of our athletes for giving a good fight until the last day of the competition.  We also thank all those who provided assistance from the preparation up to the winding down of the city’s participation to this national event.  Hindi naging madali pero kinaya natin!,” he said. Baguio fielded a total of 625 athletes to the national youth sporting event this year.  They saw action in 30 sports events namely archery, arnis, athletics, badminton, basketball 3×3, beach volleyball, boxing, breaking, chess, cycling, dancesport, futsal, gymnastic, jiu-jitsu, judo, karate, kickboxing, kurash, lawn tennis, muay thai, obstacle course, pencak silat, sepak takraw, soft tennis, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, weightlifting, wrestling and wushu.