SM City Baguio became a gathering place for the city’s growing chess community as it hosted a Chess Tournament that brought together players of all ages. The event highlighted not only the competitive spirit of the game but also its ability to foster connection, discipline, and shared learning across generations. Chess in Baguio continues to gain momentum as more enthusiasts participate in local tournaments and community events. From young beginners to seasoned players, participants filled the playing area with quiet focus and strategic intensity, carefully studying each move and responding to their opponents with patience and precision. The tournament reflected how the game has evolved into a growing community activity that brings together individuals united by a shared passion for strategy and critical thinking. Beyond competition, chess in the city has become a platform for connection and growth. Events such as this tournament provide opportunities for players to test their skills, learn from one another, and strengthen the local chess culture. The steady rise of participation also reflects how the game continues to inspire new generations of players in Baguio.   Among the participants was father-and-daughter duo Romel and Mary Grace Valdez, a Batang Pinoy Gold Medalist, who shared their experience of joining the tournament together. For Romel, chess has long been more than a game. It is a way to teach life lessons such as patience, discipline, and strategic thinking while spending quality time with his daughter. What began as simple games at home gradually grew into a shared passion that strengthened their relationship over time. For Mary Grace, playing chess with her father has become both a learning experience and a cherished bonding activity. As a Batang Pinoy Gold Medalist, she continues to bring discipline and competitive spirit into every match, while also valuing the moments spent with her father through the game. As they took part in the tournament, with Romel providing steady support throughout, their experience reflected the deeper value of the event, creating meaningful moments through shared interests. Every match became an opportunity to connect, encourage one another, and build memories beyond the chessboard.   Throughout the event, players demonstrated not only competitive skill but also sportsmanship and respect, with handshakes after matches and words of encouragement shared between rounds. The atmosphere reflected a community that values both excellence in play and connection among its members. More than a celebration of competition, the tournament highlighted the growing presence of chess in Baguio and its role in bringing people together. It continues to serve as a platform where individuals of all ages can engage, learn, and grow within a supportive and passionate community. As Baguio’s most loved mall, SM City Baguio continues to be a venue where passions are nurtured, communities are strengthened, and memorable moments are created, one move at a time.              

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Baguio College of Technology went for its fourth straight title which is more than a possibility after two weeks of intensive training in the hope to become a new dynasty in the Baguio Benguet Educational Athletic League. Game time was 10AM at the University of Baguio gym yesterday against the erstwhile University of the Cordilleras Lady Jaguars in what many believe as another walk in the park for the Lady Atoms which, for the second straight year, is perfect with no game lost and no set given. They go for the jugular and a perfect 27 to improve on the 27-1 last year when they gave one to UB in the finals. This as their male counterpart hope to end UB’s two year reign as they go to the finals for the very first time. Moreover, BCT and UB dominate the special awards after the finals games. The troika of Hazel Macapinlac. Shery Estal and Abigail Cunanan led the women’s side as they received the first outside hitter, first middle blocker and setter, in that order, after leading their team to the finals by sweeping the eliminations. Macapinlac was expected to receive the most valuable player award as the league’s top attacker. They were joined by new find Erin Almario in the list as the rookie of the year that saw BCT receive five of the nine awards, excluding the finals MVP, which is also expected to be netted by any of the trio. Joining them were University of the Cordillera’s Kimberlie Calimquim and Rovecielo Junio as best server. The two led the team to the finals after needing two games to beat second seed UB. UB sent three players to the awards with Shariville Ayawan as second outside hitter, Rayanaiza Arances as second middle blocker and Jhea Ybanez, who got the best libero award. UB, meanwhile, has Toeffer De Guzman (best 1st outside hitter), Armin Caisip as second middle blocker, opposite Carl Kevin Osquiza and setter Adrienne Jomar Mostaza in the men’s side. Middle Carlo Laforteza was named the rookie of the year. Mostaza was also the season MVP. Joining them is BCT’s JM Dequino as first middle blocker. The Jaguars sent two of their players to the awards with Molson Janry Galsote (second outside hitter and libero Jeffrey Alvarado. The awards, histed by Heroes with support from councilor Leandro Yangot, Jr., followed the games, with the women taking place after the women’s finals at 10AM at the UB gym, while the men’s side came after the UB-BCT game at 1PM. The Lady Atoms seek their fourth straight title and 11th crown for coach Jun Nisperos. BCT is also the first team to complete a sweep with no set given. The Cardinals seek their third straight title with new coach Melvin Sagyaman, who won the title as a player in 2005. The Atoms, on the other hand, are into the finals for the first time and the first for coach Benigno Aquino. EML            

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Mayor Benjamin Magalong expressed his gratitude for the ₱20 million funding support from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), led by Chairman John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, saying that it will help complete the city’s athletes’ quarters, a project that had previously faced funding shortages. Magalong also shared that the city has submitted a proposed ₱50 million program of work to the Philippine Sports Commission. The proposal includes the rehabilitation of the swimming pool at the Athletic Bowl and the installation of a heating facility to improve training conditions for swimmers. Plans are also underway to develop the city’s athletic bowl into a regional training center, creating more opportunities for both local and national athletes and strengthening sports development efforts across the region. Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio visited Baguio City and reaffirmed his strong commitment to sports development and youth empowerment. During the Flag Raising Ceremony held on June 8, 2026, at Baguio City Hall, Chairman Gregorio delivered an inspiring message highlighting Baguio’s role as a transformative city and a model for sports excellence in the Philippines. In support to the city’s dedication to athletics and sports development, the Philippine Sports Commission donated ₱20 million to support Baguio City’s sports programs and initiatives. Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, together with other city officials, formally received the check on behalf of the city government. The funding will help enhance local sports facilities, nurture aspiring athletes, and further strengthen Baguio’s position as a premier sports tourism and training destination. In addition to the financial assistance, the PSC also donated basketballs and volleyballs for distribution to barangays, reinforcing its mission of bringing sports closer to communities and creating more opportunities for young Filipinos to participate in sports and physical activities. This support underscores the PSC’s commitment to empowering local government units and investing in grassroots sports development. Through continued collaboration and investment, Baguio City remains a shining example of excellence in Philippine sports and youth development. – Ariel Biala    

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The city goverment of Baguio on June 8, commended student-athletes from Baguio Central School and the University of the Cordilleras for their outstanding performances after winning multiple medals during the 1st Benguet Open Dancesport Competition and PDSFI Grand Slam Luzon Leg 2026, held on May 9 in Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet. Under the guidance of Coach Terrence Jeoffrey Soriano, the young athletes showcased discipline, skill, and perseverance as they competed in various dancesport categories against participants from across the region. Leading the medal winners were gold medalists Jahzaer Andrei S. Agapito of Baguio Central School and Allysson Jean D. Soriano of the University of the Cordilleras, who excelled in several events including Open Juvenile 1C Latin, One North Luzon Juvenile 1C Latin, and Grassroot Juvenile 1 Samba, Jive, and Cha-cha-cha. Also earning top recognition were Gwyneth Angelique C. Diaz and Cebriel Morgan O. Abila, who secured medals in the Open Juvenile 1B Latin category. Among the silver medalists were Precious Jelaine Q. Garcia and Willord Zach G. Quero, who won in the Grassroot Juvenile 1 Cha-cha-cha, Samba, and Jive, while Sethrealle Colton M. Ibasco and Saphierre Angel Lique T. Dato-on earned honors in the Juvenile 2B Latin division. Bronze medalists included Jhusryl King Jacob H. Zulueta and Erich Harmonie R. Navalta, who placed in the Grassroot Juvenile 1 Cha-cha-cha, Samba, and Jive and Open Juvenile 1C Latin categories. Gwyneth Angelique C. Diaz and Cebriel Morgan O. Abila likewise secured bronze medals in the Open Juvenile 1C Latin and One North Luzon Juvenile 1C Latin events. Meanwhile, Brianna Wrenn K. Lopez and Braizzy Khaled F. Navarette earned bronze in the Open Juvenile 2C Latin, while Sethrealle Colton M. Ibasco and Saphierre Angel Lique T. Dato-on added another bronze finish in the Juvenile 2A Latin and One North Luzon Juvenile 2A Latin categories. Coach Terrence Jeoffrey Soriano praised the athletes for their dedication and commitment to training, saying their achievements reflect the hard work and passion they poured into the competition. The medal haul brought pride not only to Baguio Central School and the University of the Cordilleras but also to the City of Baguio, as the young athletes continued to showcase excellence in dancesport on the regional stage.

SUBIC BAY, Philippines – The Philippines’ biggest triathlon weekend returns to Subic Bay this June as the Century Tuna IRONMAN Philippines celebrates its fifth edition alongside the 10th anniversary of the Century Tuna IRONMAN 70.3 Subic Bay, bringing together athletes from 46 countries for one of the largest endurance sports gatherings in the country. Inspired by the structure and tone of the 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 Davao pre-event release. Since its inaugural staging in 2022, the Century Tuna IRONMAN Philippines has become a cornerstone event on the Philippine sporting calendar, producing more than 1,000 IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship qualifiers while showcasing Subic Bay as one of Asia’s premier triathlon destinations. The 2026 edition features the full-distance Century Tuna IRONMAN Philippines, Century Tuna IRONMAN 70.3 Subic Bay, Birch Tree Adult Boost Sunrise Sprint, Birch Tree Adult Boost Sunrise Super Sprint, RLC Residences IRONKIDS, and the Underpants Run presented by Sun Life, creating a race weekend that welcomes everyone from first-time triathletes to experienced endurance athletes. Athletes will race across some of the most iconic roads in Philippine triathlon, including the famed Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), which continues to be one of the most memorable bike courses in Asia. “This year represents a significant milestone for triathlon in the Philippines,” said Princess Galura, President and General Manager of Sunrise Events Philippines. “Five years of IRONMAN Philippines and ten years of IRONMAN 70.3 Subic Bay is a celebration of every athlete, volunteer, partner, and community member who has helped build these events into world-class race experiences. We are proud that Subic Bay continues to welcome athletes from around the world and showcase what Filipino hospitality is all about.” “As we celebrate five years of IRONMAN Philippines and ten years of IRONMAN 70.3 Subic Bay, it’s inspiring to see how the Philippines has become one of the premier triathlon destinations in Asia. The passion of the athletes, the support of the community, and the commitment of our partners continue to make these events truly special.” said Carl Smith, Vice President of Operations, IRONMAN Asia. “What started as a dream among Filipino triathletes has grown into one of the most successful endurance sports events in the region. Ten editions of IRONMAN 70.3 Subic Bay and five editions of Century Tuna IRONMAN Philippines are proof of what can be achieved through strong partnerships, a passionate triathlon community, and a shared vision to bring world-class racing to our home country. For many years, Filipino athletes traveled the world to pursue their IRONMAN dreams. Today, athletes from around the world travel to the Philippines to race here. We are proud to have been part of that journey and grateful to our long-standing partners, especially SBMA and Sunrise Events, for helping make Subic Bay a true home of triathlon in the Philippines.” Said Greg Banzon, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Century Pacific Food Inc. ATHLETES FROM 46 COUNTRIES TO COMPETE The race weekend will welcome participants from 46 countries and territories, further reinforcing the Philippines’ growing reputation as a destination for international endurance sports. Athletes will compete for: 40 qualifying slots to the 2026 IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, Hawaii 50 qualifying slots to the 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Nice, France The 2026 season also marks the return of the IRONMAN World Championship to Kona for both men and women, making qualification even more significant for age-group athletes. CRAIG “CROWIE” ALEXANDER HEADLINES RACE WEEK Adding to the excitement is the participation of five-time world champion Craig “Crowie” Alexander, who will take part in a series of athlete activities throughout race week, including a Training and Race Nutrition Talk, Bike Out around Subic Bay, and First Timer Session. Alexander’s presence provides athletes with the opportunity to learn from one of the most accomplished triathletes in the history of the sport. A FULL WEEKEND OF TRIATHLON AND COMMUNITY EVENTS Race week extends beyond race day, transforming Subic Bay into a festival of sport and community. Highlights include: Underpants Run Presented by Sun Life The Underpants Run presented by Sun Life returns on Friday evening, giving athletes a fun and relaxed opportunity to shake out their legs before race day. A long-standing IRONMAN tradition around the world, the event brings together athletes, supporters, and families for a lighthearted run through Subic Bay as race weekend excitement reaches its peak. Whether participants are racing the IRONMAN, IRONMAN 70.3, Sunrise Sprint, or cheering from the sidelines, the Underpants Run offers a chance to connect with the community, enjoy the atmosphere, and celebrate the journey leading up to race day. As one of the most anticipated social events of the weekend, the Underpants Run reflects the camaraderie, friendship, and sense of fun that make the IRONMAN experience unique both on and off the race course. RLC Residences IRONKIDS The future of endurance sport takes center stage at the RLC Residences IRONKIDS, where hundreds of young athletes will have the opportunity to experience the excitement of race day in a safe and supportive environment. Featuring both triathlon and running categories for children of different ages, IRONKIDS encourages healthy lifestyles, active living, and confidence-building through sport. For many participants, it serves as their first introduction to multisport competition, while for others, it is an opportunity to follow in the footsteps of parents and family members competing during the weekend. As one of the most inspiring events of race week, IRONKIDS showcases the next generation of athletes and reinforces the values of perseverance, discipline, and family participation that are at the heart of the IRONMAN experience. Birch Tree Adult Boost Sunrise Sprint and Super Sprint The Birch Tree Adult Boost Sunrise Sprint and Super Sprint continue to play an important role in growing the sport of triathlon in the Philippines by providing an accessible pathway for aspiring athletes to enter the sport. Designed for beginners, first-time triathletes, and those looking to experience the atmosphere of an IRONMAN race weekend, the events offer shorter race distances while delivering the same sense of accomplishment that comes with crossing an IRONMAN finish line. Many athletes

Athletes to play for home region   Winning athletes in the Palarong Pambansa will get cash incentives from the Philippine Sports Commission, while they can now play for their home region instead of their adoptive region where they play as student-athletes. The PSC will allocate PhP10 million to incentivize winning athletes which chair Patrick Gregorio announced during the opening of the newly renovated Baguio Teachers Camp last May 16 assured by president Ferdinand Marcos, made the official announcement during the opening of the Palarong Pambansa in Prosperidiad, Agusan del Sur last Sunday. In the president’s directive, the amount is meant “to revitalize the national grassroots sports program.” The groundbreaking initiative during the opening ceremony of the 66th Palarong Pambansa will be implemented by the PSC in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), organizer of the Games. “I am happy to announce to you that for the first time, the Philippine Sports Commission will allocate incentives for the medalists of regular sports and para games in recognition of your skill,” said President Marcos in a video message and quoted in national media. “I know that you will do your best. You will learn a lot from these Games that you can take with you wherever you go. This is where you will learn perseverance, respect, discipline, and compassion for others,” added Marcos. Under the program, gold medalists will receive P5,000, silver medalists P3,000, and bronze medalists P2,000, a move designed to sustain the training and athletic development of the country’s young sports heroes while easing the financial sacrifices made by their families. During his visit here in Baguio, Gregorio said: “To help with the athlete’s training and the expenses of Dad and Mom. This is just a small amount considering the large number of participants and winners in the Palarong Pambansa. This is just a sincere gesture from our government that comes from the heart,…” He emphasized that “the program is not only about financial support but also about sending a powerful message that the government stands firmly behind its young athletes from the very beginning of their journey.” “These incentives will likewise help motivate our young student-athletes to strive harder and to train more diligently. This is help to reach their dreams,” said Gregorio. The fund will come from the PSC’s share from operation of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), headed by Chairman Al Tengco. The fund is expected as a catalyst for deeper investment in grassroots sports. “We are able to do all of this with the help of PAGCOR,” said Gregorio. During said visit here, Gregorio also said that athletes can now play under the region where they came from and not where they are enrolled now. The Palaro, the Batang Pinoy and even the National Private School Athletic Association are venues for recruitment by well-funded Metro Manila universities as well as other learning institutions in highly urbanized areas. PML  

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Mayor Benjamin Magalong shared several ongoing and upcoming developments in the Summer Capital’s sports facilities during the recent pre-departure orientation of President Fidel V. Ramos (PFVR) Gymnasium for Baguio athletes joining in the Palarong Pambansa at Agusan del Sur from May 24 to 31, this year. He said  the ongoing Athletic Bowl oval rehabilitation is expected to be completed by July this year and plans are  underway for the rehabilitation of the diving pool, while a month-long feasibility study is being conducted to determine the most suitable heating system, whether gas or electric. The city’s athletic complex is also being eyed as a regional training center where national and local athletes can train together for high-altitude sports preparation with improvements to the facility’s lighting system set to be implemented following concerns over high electricity expenses recorded in 2019. Meanwhile, the athletes’ quarters will be upgraded to accommodate more than 90 athletes, particularly during major sporting events and a wall-climbing facility at the back of the complex is expected to be completed within the next two weeks. For the tennis court, existing installations will be removed to meet national standards, with rehabilitation targeted for completion next year. Planned upgrades include spectator covers, canopies, and the establishment of a restaurant, with a prospective operator already identified. Enhancements are also planned for the Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) area, which is currently being used by students for training. The grandstand will undergo improvements, including the installation of proper seating modeled after the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) tennis court design while existing seats with backrests will be removed to prevent damage, although they may still be used as individual seating. Lighting within the athletic complex will also be improved to ensure adequate illumination during nighttime activities. Outside the complex, developments are planned for the football field which may be elevated by up to three meters including parking spaces for around 1,008 vehicles, while an artificial grass field above the parking area is envisioned to host football and international sporting events. Archery facilities will also be integrated into the area. Additionally, near Ganza Restaurant, plans are being considered for the construction of a three-story parking building with a basement, pending confirmation through a technical study. The project is estimated to cost around P646 million and will be government-operated. Magalong expressed support for the PSC proposal to establish a multi-purpose sports complex inside Camp John Hay that will accommodate various sports such as volleyball, basketball, badminton, pickleball, and others. Once completed, Baguio will have three major sports complexes: the Athletic Bowl Sports Complex, Teacher’s Camp and Camp John Hay.-Kyth Dongga-as/PIO-Baguio Intern/gabykeith    

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — A total of 249 athletes from the Summer Capital attended a pre-departure orientation at the President Fidel V. Ramos (PFVR) Gymnasium spearheaded by the Baguio City School Division, on May 14, 2026. Comprising 60 percent of the entire Team Cordillera delegation, the Baguio athletes are depart in batches from May 17 to 20  to represent the Cordillera Administrative Region in the upcoming Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur, Mindanao, set from May 24 to 31, 2026. Chief Education Supervisor Niño M. Tibangay of the Schools Governance and Operations Division discussed important matters including fare allowances, travel guidelines, uniforms, and playing attire for the athletes. Among the participants was 17-year-old basketball player Maxine Hernandez, who will be competing in the Palarong Pambansa for the fourth time. She said that maintaining consistency in training has helped her stay physically prepared despite balancing academic responsibilities and time management challenges. “To my family, thank you for always supporting me in everything I want to do and for always watching my games,” Hernandez said in a message to her parents. Tibangay also acknowledged the challenges posed by limited training facilities but stressed that the athletes were still able to prepare adequately using venues such as the Melvin Jones Football Ground and the Wangal La Trinidad Sports Complex. Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong concluded the orientation with words of encouragement for the delegation. “I wish you all the best. Always take care, especially during your travels. God bless you all,” he said.— Kyth Dongga-as/PIO-Baguio intern/gabykeith

By PIA-CAR   BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — Inaasahang mas mahahasa pa ang kakayahan ng mga atleta sa pagbubukas ng bagong kumpuning track oval ng Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) sa Teachers Camp, Baguio City. Pinangunahan ni PSC Chairperson John Patrick C. Gregorio, kasama si Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, ang pagbubukas ng oval noong Mayo 16, 2026. “Makakatakbo na uli rito ‘yung mga boxers, muay [thai], ‘yung track and field. Nandito si President Erick kanina. Pababalikin na raw niya rito ‘yung mga long-distance runners. Pangalawa, ‘yung community ho. Sa totoo lang, diyan ako excited. You know, when si President Marcos opened that Rizal and Field sports, believe it or not, among 2,000 to 3,000 people ‘yan every night—‘yung 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. And we will do the same thing here in Baguio,” sabi ni Gregorio. Bukas ang oval mula 3 p.m. hanggang 10 p.m. araw-araw. Libre ang paggamit ng oval nguni’t kailangan munang magrehistro. Ang una, pangalawa, at pangatlong linya ay para sa mga mabibilis na tumakbo at mga nag-eensayo na atleta. Ang pang-apat, panglima, at pang-anim na linya naman ay para sa pagtakbo nang dahan-dahan at tuloy-tuloy. Samantala, ang pangpito at pangwalo na linya ay para mga naglalakad. Sinabi ng PSC chairperson na sa loob ng ilang buwan, sisimulan na rin ang pagpapaunlad ng football pitch sa naturang lugar. “Kaya nandito rin ho ‘yung Philippine Football Federation (PFF). It will be a world-class football field. Pitch po siya. Ito po ‘yung turf na bago. PSC rin po ‘yan and Philippine Football Federation,” aniya. Inilahad din ng opisyal ang iba pang inaasahang pagpapaunlad sa mga pasilidad ng isports sa lungsod. “I make sure that I get the support of international federations. So, nag-usap rin ho kami ni Mayor Magalong, ‘yung dinonate namin na P20 million for the Athletic Bowl, ‘yung dormitory ng mga atleta. And then ‘yung susunod po natin diyan ‘yung swimming pool. Kasi kapag mga January to February, masyadong malamig. Kawawa naman ‘yung mga atleta. So, pagtutulungan din po namin ni Mayor Benjie ‘yan,” dagdag pa ni Gregorio. Ayon naman kay Magalong, makatutulong ang mga napagagandang pasilidad para sa pagpapaunlad ng kakayahan at kapabilidad ng mga atleta. “Ang condition lang noon is we’re going to designate ‘yung ating Athletic Bowl as a regional training center. So, mag-le-level up na naman ‘yung ating mga athletes kasi they will be training with regional champions, at the same time, with national players as well. Kaya gaganda din ang performance ng ating mga athletes sa siyudad ng Baguio,” sabi ni Magalong. Nakibahagi rin sa pagbubukas ng track oval sina Muay Thai world champion Islay Erika Bomogao, Olympic medalist na si Nesthy Petecio at Olympian Eumir Marcial.  (JDP/DEG- PIA-CAR w/ UC intern Angela A. Espiritu)