Ken Ryzen Donguines Herrera, a determined 17-year-old University of Baguio High School student, is already carrying the weight of legacy, discipline, and ambition on the track and field. Ken captured a silver medal in Batang Pinoy 2024, marking his first podium finish in the national event and a defining moment in his journey as a rising athlete. Athletics isn’t just a sport for Ken, it’s a family tradition as both his parents are former athletes. Since his father is a SEA (Southeast Asian) Games champion and Olympian, Ken’s foundation in track and field was set early. What started as joining local competitions in elementary school has grown into something much larger: a pursuit of excellence grounded in heritage and driven by personal ambition. Ken’s preparation for Batang Pinoy 2024 was methodical and disciplined as he balanced training with school responsibilities and built a weekly training log to plan and evaluate his sessions. Whether it was strength work after afternoon practices or recovery routines at home, his schedule was shaped by careful adjustments and close monitoring, thanks to the support of his father, mother, and younger sibling. On race day, nerves naturally crept in, but confidence took over with the real challenge coming during the race itself. A tightly contested event, the field jostled for position, and in the final stretch, Ken led the pack until a last-minute surge from another runner edged him out of gold. Still, the silver was a personal milestone which meant not just a medal but also a testament to his resilience and a springboard for what’s next. For Ken, the 800-mile race was more than a competition; it was a learning ground as he managed anxiety, trusted preparation, and stayed present in the moment, lessons he took to heart. And though he narrowly missed the top spot, the experience sparked even greater motivation to return stronger in Batang Pinoy 2025. The silver medal now serves as a symbol of his untapped potential and future possibilities. With dreams of competing in the SEA Games, Asian Games, and even the Olympics, Ken is determined to keep improving, both as an athlete and as a person. Balancing school and sport is a daily challenge, but he’s found rhythm in training after class, dedicating evenings to academic work, and waking up early for advanced reading. Outside the track, Ken enjoys drawing, playing mobile games, and caring for his pet fish, activities that offer peace in contrast to the adrenaline of competition. His advice to other young athletes is simple: “Embrace every moment, honor the journey, and never stop dreaming.” For Ken Ryzen Herrera, the race has only just begun, and the finish line keeps moving forward. -Jescilly Nils Viernes/Baguio PIO Intern/gabykeith

By Aileen P. Refuerzo-Baguio PIO   BAGUIO CITY — Mayor Benjamin Magalong sought prioritization of the maintenance and cleanliness of the Baguio Athletic Bowl facilities and structures. In an on-the-spot inspection last July 9, 2025, the mayor pointed out several issues on the condition and upkeep of the sports facility. He said the bleachers need a repainting job and bathrooms need an upgrade. There were “exposed cables that need to be covered to ensure safety and improve the overall office appearance and noticeably dusty ledges and windows, highlighting the need for more consistent maintenance.” Memento areas need better organization and additional fixtures. The mayor said the city will strictly implement the anti-littering ordinance in the area to prevent individuals from throwing waste and spitting just anywhere. The mayor immediately called a meeting with the City Administrator’s Office which manages the facility and the City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO) to address the concerns. The mayor also announced plans to convert the area behind the City Sports Office into a pickleball court. Several projects are underway at the sports center to fulfill the city’s goal of hosting national and international sports events by 2026. The tennis court has just been inaugurated and is currently on trial operation while awaiting approval of the operational guidelines. New facilities such as the athletes’ quarters, wall climbing, obstacle course racing and skate park facilities are still ongoing. Repair of the swimming pool has also been started. Another major project, the Youth Convergence Center will be continued anytime soon as negotiations are being fast tracked for the rebidding of the project. The project is a five-story building envisioned as a multi-functional facility designed to house a gymnasium and host various athletic activities including basketball, bowling, among others. The project implementation met a snag after the project contractor failed to meet the standards.    

Naghahanda na si Andrea D. Santos, isang youth with disability (YWD) mula sa Alaminos, City, Pangasinan para sa 2025 Global IT Challenge for Youth with Disabilities sa South Korea sa darating na Oktubre. Ito na ang ikatlong magkakasunod na taon na may Pangasinenseng lalahok sa nasabing international competition. Nitong nakaraang buwan, buong husay na ipinamalas ni Andrea D. Santos ang galing sa larangan ng information technology sa National Information Science and Technology Challenge (NISTC) sa Binondo, Manila.Dahil dito, isa siya sa mga kasama sa delegasyon ng Pilipinas na lalahok sa 2025 Global IT Challenge for Youth with Disabilities sa South Korea. Buo ang suporta ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Pangasinan sa pamumuno ni Gov. Ramon V. Guico III sa mga persons with disability sa tulong ng Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) at Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO). (Eira Gorospe | PIMRO, photo courtesy by PDAO)

Kilalanin ang apat na batang atleta mula sa Lalawigan ng Isabela, ang kanilang galing at husay sa larangan ng gymnastics matapos silang mag-uwi ng mga medalya sa first La Aguila National Gymnastics Competition na ginanap noong Hunyo 6-8, 2025 sa Davao City. Si Manuel Joaquin R. Donaire ay nagningning sa Aero Gymnastics individual Men kung saan siya ay Pinarangal ng gintong medalya sa Developmental Kategory. Samantala, si Sophia Quinn M. Pagaddu mula sa Rhythmic Gymnastics, matapos niyang masungkit ang Bronse na Medalya sa free hand, Pilak na Medalya sa ball, at Bronse na Medalya sa individual all around. Nagpakitang-gilas rin si Cherriel Mae Y. Rasay mula rin sa Rhythmic Gymnastics Juniors kategory, kung saan siya ay nag-uwi ng apat na pilak na medalya mula sa individual all around, ball, clubs, hoop at Isang gintong na medalya sa Ribbon event. Isa rin sa mga nagwagi ay si Chloe Madeleine C. Manalo na nasungkit ang gintong na medalya sa freehand event, sa ilalim ng developmental kategory ng Rhythmic Gymnastics. Ang tagumpay ng apat na batang atleta gymnast na ito, ay hindi magiging posible kung wala ang gabay at dedikasyon ng kanilang coach na si Ma’am Sharlene Mae Rosete. (Region Cagayan Valley Nationwide)        

BAGUIO CITY June 25 – The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Baguio-Benguet chapter will be spearheading the conduct of a half marathon in the city during the celebration of Baguio City’s 116th Charter anniversary on September 1, 2025. The categories of the race include a 3-kilometer run, a 7-kilometer run and a 21-kilometer half marathon where the routes will be around the country’s Summer Capital. Registration for interested participants is underway at the IBP Baguio-Benguet office located at the Justice Hall in Baguio City, at the IBP Baguio-Benguet chapter office located at the Justice Hill in La Trinidad, Benguet and at the entrance of the Laperal building along Session road. From June 12 to August 21, 2025, participants can avail of the regular registration fee for each of the categories, 3-kilomter run – ₱700, 7-kilometer run – ₱900 and 21-kilometer half marathon – ₱1,200. Late registrants from August 22-26, 2025 will be charged ₱800 for the 3-kilometer run, ₱1,100 for the 7-kilometer run and ₱1,400 for the 21-kilomter half marathon. The race kit inclusions are drawstring bag, race shirt full sublimation, race bib, rubber race band and post-snack stab. The finishers of the different categories will be receiving a finisher’s medal, acrylic for the 3-kilometer run finishers, wood for the 7-kilometer run finishers and metal for the 21-kilometer half marathon finishers. Proceeds of the event will be used by the IBP Baguio-Benguet chapter to continuously and aggressively implement its legal aid program within the chapter’s coverage area.

By Lorie Bernadette T. Laririt – UC-Intern   BAGUIO CITY — A young athlete has been stepping into the business industry since he was just seventeen years old here in Baguio City. “In December 2023, due to the increasing number of tourists and heavy traffic in Baguio, I thought of starting a motorcycle rental business. I bought my first motorcycle from my savings, my parents didn’t know about it. I had it repaired several times because it often broke down from the use of my clients,” said Juzthyn Dwayne Vaughn Jimeno Tamayo, 18, a student at SLU Laboratory Elementary and Junior High School. From Grade 11 to Grade 12, he studied at the University of Baguio and graduated in May 2025. He said, “Daddy went abroad to Saudi, while Mama worked at Prudential. “When Daddy came home, we started a lechon manok business that we called Enoks. I started being an athlete when I was 13 years old, I was only in Grade 7 at the time.” The young entrepreneur’s sports are triathlon, swimming, biking, and running. He also started taking up golf last year. During the pandemic, protocols in competitions were strict. “We still had to do a swab test before joining the race, as did my parents or anyone who would join the competition. When the rules were relaxed, I started training every day after school.” “I love what I do so I don’t get tired. Time management is important especially when you love what you do.” Today, he rents out thirty-six motorcycles and ten cars that he owns at Bonski’s Garage in Baguio and La Union branches. Tamayo has finished Senior High and is now focusing on business while waiting for his college entrance exam. “The only advice I can give to my peers or my fellow students who have dreams is to fulfill their dreams by being patient no matter what life throws at them, because hard work will push us to make a dream come true.”                

By Primo Agatep – contributor   BAGUIO CITY – Ranz Louie Balay-odao, fresh from his 2nd runner-up honor in the recent ICTSI Intercollegiate Tour Launch, will lead a cast of 14 other local student-athletes in Battle of the North golf tournament set Sunday (June 22) at par-69 Camp John Hay (CJH)golf course here. Balay-odao together with the local players will match golf skills against 60 expected season players across the country including the National Capital Region. “Excited it being our home course and we have the home crowd,” said Balay-odao, who hold a personal best score of 5-under par in CJH. “I am also eager to see how well we will perform under pressure in our home,” added Balay-odao , 3rd year Business Management student of University of Cordilleras (UC). He traces his roots to Bakun-Buguias (Benguet). Asked about his chances :”We can never tell how a golf round will go, but I can guarantee to do my best and hopefully it is enough to win a podium finish.” Veteran and world cupper Danny Zarate will act as coach, and advised his players ‘ to just play their game…stay focus, be compose and not to be over confident playing on their home course.’ Zarate, currently CJH golf pro, expressed great appreciation to schools like UC,Saint Louis University (SLU),University of Baguio (UB) and Philippine Military Academy (PMA) for their support in allowing their student-athletes to participate in such high level of competition,thus, it further develop local boys’ golf skills and mental toughness. The other local student-athletes who will see action in this Pilipinas College Golf Series, one -day event with shotgun format are : Czendel Jay Guanso (UC), 3rd Class Cadet Lance Kiat-ong (PMA), both played in the ICTSI Intercollegiate Tour Launch. TonTon Fernandez (UB), Hazy Jones Miranda (SLU),Kyruz Pasiwen and Carl Jay-R Bohol,both of UC. And from SLU – Lance V. Chrysvaughn Go, Annika D.Molintas, Melchor Carlos II P.Rabanes, Sofia Marie G. Bangaoet, Aenaes Armen M. Posadas, Nathaniel Philip M. Go, Jervin John C. Agaya, Gian Franco L.Estandian, and Hazy Jhones A.Miranda. Meanwhile, Zarate, a four-time member of the national team is hopeful that golf will be included in the city’s university-college sports program ,and for student-athletes into golf will be provided scholarships.  

By Primo Agatep   BAGUIO CITY – Ranz Louie Balay-odao , student-athlete of University of Cordilleras (UC) on Monday (June 16) managed the sweltering heat and tough course at the challenging Sherwood Hills Golf Club to capture second runner-up in individual honors of the ICTSI Intercollegiate Tour Launch in Trece Martirez City ,Cavite. Balay-odao, 22 , who traces his roots to Bakun-Buguias (Benguet), stunned the highly competitive field including members of the national team ,scored four-over 76, highlighted by four birdies including his longest eight-foot birdie putt. ‘ My short game keyed my performance. My irons are okay.However, it was hit and miss on my driver … I did some miscalculations,’ said team captain Balay-odao, a third year Business Management student of UC,and with Camp John Hay Golf Club as their home course. The determined, Balay-odao, started at the back nine with 1- over, marked by two birdies (11th and 16th). At the homestretch, Balay-odao , one stroke behind the leader, squandered his chance in the last hole 9th when his tee shot landed in the hazard for a double bogey en route to 3-over on the front. Earlier, he fired two birdies on the 1st and 7th.‘ First of all, I thank God for the trophy…experience and for safety of our team,’ said Balay-odao, who volunteered to be the driver ‘to lessen expenses.’ They motored down past 1AM on a chilly Monday, and arrived at the tournament site in time for their 9:10AM tee times on a hot weather condition. ‘I would like also to thank my parents who have been very supportive ever since…to UC especially to Ray Dean Salvosa, and to UC Sports Development Office (SDO),’Balay-odao added. ‘And to coach Danny Zarate. He was a big help. His tips on how to play was very useful since he had played the course (Sherwood Hills GC) a number of times. He taught us to be composed.’ ‘Ranz played well, except his last hole 9th where he made a ‘bad drive’..he was to aggressive,’ said coach Zarate, who accompanied the local players. ‘Participating in a high level tournaments will further develop their golf skills and mental toughness…golf is a game of patience,’ stressed the veteran ace golfer Zarate now Camp John Hay pro. Balay-odao teammates- Czendel Jay Guanso (UC) and Lance Kiat-ong struggled with, 90 and 91,respectively. It was learned that the local boys shouldered their expenses in the said tournament. Actually, ICTSI Intercollegiate Golf Tour, launched by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc., (PGTI) and Philippine Golf Foundation (PGF), aimed at establishing the foundation in making golf an official sport for student-athletes, with the hope of providing them scholarship program.      

By Primo Agatep   BAGUIO CITY- Four student-athlete golfers of the Summer Capital  will see  action in the International Container Terminal Services ,Inc. (ICTSI) Intercollegiate Tour starting June 16 at Sherwood Hills Golf Club in Trece Martires City, Cavite, first stop of a 10-leg series. The local team  composed of  Ranz Louie Balay-odao (Team Captain) of Bakun-Buguias (Benguet); Czendel Jay  C.  Jay Guanso of Mankayan. Balay-odao and Guanso are both students of  University of Cordilleras (UC). Others are Lance Kich-ong of Sagada, Mt.Province ,a third class cadet   of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), and TonTon Fernandez of University of Baguio (UB),a returning student from the US ,now based in the city. These young parbusters with   Camp John Hay GC as their home club ,will match  golfing skills against seasoned  players from  11 other schools , mostly based in the National Capital Region (NCR). ‘We  are not expecting anything  but we all will  try our best,’ said team captain Balay-odao, 3rd year business management student of UC. World Cupper and former member of Philippine Team, and local boy  Danny Zarate will serve as  coach. Game format calls for  stroke play with three golfers to play and two to count.Aside from the team competition an individual honor is also up for grab. ‘Golf requires  patience …Sherwood is a long course and hot weather will also be a big factor, thus,  our players must be very patient on their games,’  said Zarate, also the golf pro of Camp John Hay GC. Zarate acknowledged the support of   Ray Dean Salvosa ,UC President and Vice-Chairman, Board of Trustees (BOT) , UB and PMA  for  allowing their students  to participate in the golf tour. He  is hopeful  that other schools in the city as well as in the Cordilleras will be encouraged to do the same , in promoting the said sport and to be  included  in their university  sports program. Following grassroot sports development, with  Zarate’s own initiative, scouting of talents should start from the lower level like  in high school. Scholarship program to be offered to  student-athletes will encourage budding talents added Zarate. ‘Aminin natin,ang paglalaro ng golf ay magastos talaga…  naranasan ko din yan..at nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat ng mga tao  na tumulong sa akin.Kaya gusto ko rin tumulong sa mga gustong maglaro ng (golf) lalo na sa mga estudyante..its pay back time,’ said Zarate. Actually, this ICTSI Intercollegiate Golf Tou,  recently launched by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc., (PGTI) and Philippine Golf Foundation (PGF), aimed at establishing the foundation in making golf an official sport for student-athletes, with the hope of providing them scholarship program. “The ultimate goal is to get student-athletes into golf and for golf to be recognized as an official sport by schools,” said PGF president Arsenic Laurel in an earlier reports. Laurel was joined by chairman Cesar Buenaventura along with Pilipinas Golf general manager Colo Ventosa and international business manager Mohamed Shariz in the press launch  held at the Solaire Entertainment City in Parañaque.