By Pigeon Lobien   BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — With Jasmynne Polon finishing her degree at the Baguio College of Technology last summer, two former powerhouses are eyeing a return atop the Baguio-Benguet Educational Athletic Association women’s volleyball podium. University of Baguio and the University of the Cordilleras are dead set to make a return atop the podium of one of the two most sought for crowns in the BBEAL which is set to open either in September or October with the Baguio Central University as host. “It appears that they have intensified their training,” quipped BCT coach Jun Nisperos as he weighs on how to offset the absence of the hard-hitting Sablan, Benguet product. “She is a big loss and the other schools have seen a chance to end our reign,” he added in the vernacular. UB appears to be banking on a former Arellano University player who helped the school in its National College Athletic Association campaigns the past two years. “She is now eligible to play after a one-year residency,” said Nisperos as he now banks on his veterans – setter Abigail Cunanan, middle Shery Estal and outside hitter Hazel Macapinlac. Cunanan, who has taken over the captain position from Polon, is at her best after three years with the school. Nisperos also lost multi-tasker Shanel Toledo, who played her last game last May and who was part of Team Tuba which lost to Sablan in the finals of the Cong. Eric Go Yap Women’s Volleyball League “She wanted to graduate but I asked her to stay to give BCT another fighting chance,” said the BBEAL most bemedaled active coach. With Estal and Macapinlac backing the setter, Nisperos is confident that the Lady Atoms could win their fourth straight title, the fourth longest streak in the BBEAL after Saint Louis University’s eight straight and UC’s six straight during the early until the late 2000s. Nisperos has won a total of nine titles, six with UB where he played as setter during his college days of which four are with the women’s team and two more for the mean’s squad where current UB coach Jomar Guansing, the men’s defending champion, was his player. Polon, Estal and Cunanan played for Sablan in the inaugural women’s V-league where they emerged champion with Polon winning most valuable player during the regular season and finals and where Estal and Cunanan took the middle and setter awards.  

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — A shared vision to strengthen the Summer Capital’s sports landscape took center stage at the recent Kapihan sa City Hall – Usapang Sports, July 18, where city officials led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong and stakeholders tackled issues on sports development, grassroots engagement, and athlete support. The dialogue, led by the City Sports Division and attended by representatives from local associations, schools and other sectors, addressed key issues such as facility improvements, policy implementation, athlete incentives and organizational support. A major focus was the ongoing rehabilitation of the Baguio Athletic Complex with planned upgrades of the oval, athlete quarters, and swimming facilities to meet international standards. City Sports Division officer-in-charge Honorio Yamoyam shared updates on the city’s sports development initiatives and stressed the importance of cleanliness and discipline in maintaining city-managed sports facilities. “The concept is we make the youth na maging athletic. Sports should be for all… Let’s bring sports to different barangays. We’re on the right track,” he said, adding that to improve accessibility, the city is also working to bring sports closer to the grassroots level. In support of this goal, barangays are now required to submit Local Sports Development Plans in collaboration with the Sports Office, in alignment with the Philippine Sports Commission’s grassroots development agenda. Incentives for athletes also formed part of the discussion, particularly the residency requirements under the city’s Sports Code, which gives priority to those who live, study, or train in Baguio. For his part, the Mayor disclosed that several policies are already being implemented. “It’s about time that we have to be very strict ‘yan sa Athletic Complex. So please bear with us, we’re just doing the right thing for the athletic complex,” Magalong said. To streamline the process, city sports officer Paul Rillorta said his office is accepting school-issued certificates or transcripts in place of barangay clearances and that requirements such as valid IDs and official competition results will also be simplified for faster processing. City officials also reiterated their commitment to fairness and integrity as chances will be given to those who have potential coming from Baguio. The city sports office also clarified the distinction between resident athletes and attached athletes who train in Baguio but reside outside the city with each covered by separate incentive programs under the revised Sports Code. Logistical challenges, particularly in transporting athletic equipment, were raised by the cycling community, which highlighted the need for dedicated transportation for bikes and gear. A coaster is being proposed to assist athletes, coaches, and their equipment during events and training. With strong collaboration between the city government and the sports community, Baguio is taking measured steps toward a more inclusive, athlete-centered, and sustainable sports system that is paving the way for long-term growth from the grassroots up.- Roline Cabantoc/PIO Baguio intern/gabykeith

  KALINGA, Philippines — From Kalinga to International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF), Alexander “The Dreamer” Tagure, Jr. proved that greatness doesn’t have to come from big cities or elite training camps. Sometimes, it also rises humble from the mountains, shaped by grit, discipline, and the fueling belief of a community. Representing the Philippines at the 2025 IMMAF World Youth MMA Championships in Abu Dhabi, Alexander stepped onto that world stage carrying not just his nation’s flag, but also the hopes of every young athlete training in small gyms wherever around the country. Hailing from Tribu Banwar, a small yet determined gym grounded in Tabuk City, Kalinga, known for shaping fighters with heart and discipline, Alexander’s journey was not really paved with privilege. His debut on the international stage was more than a personal milestone. It was a culmination of years of steady persistence, long hours of training after school, sessions with fellow young MMA dreamers, a deep trust in his coaches, and a promising journey they committed to. His participation in the IMMAF marked a proud moment not just for his province, but also for the broader community of local MMA athletes and enthusiasts who had followed and supported his progress from amateur bouts to national qualifiers. When the IMMAF Championships finally called, it felt like all their dreams were stepping into that cage with him. Alexander made a strong impression in his first bout, a close split decision that was all the more notable given it was his international debut. In the second fight, he was landing cleaner shots and looked poised for a win, according to Coach Erwin Tagure, but an armbar attempt from his opponent caught him. Due to the strain on his arm, Erwin decided to pull him from the competition as a precaution. Still, Alexander left a strong impression. ‘Proud of you, Alex, usap-usapan ang striking mo,’ ‘Grabe ang lakas ng striking,’ national MMA coaches said, echoing what many observed about how he carried himself against elite-level youth fighters from all over the world. And yes, it wasn’t just about the results, because for many back home, Alexander had already won. This wasn’t just a fight. It was a statement. “Congratulations, Alexander Tagure. At such a tender age, you strived hard to wave that Philippine banner in a sport we might still be young at,” another coach and pro-MMA fighter, Sharma Devaiah posted. For Kalinga, and for gyms like Tribu Banwar, and Alexander’s, this story is already inspiring a new generation of fighters who now know that yes, it is indeed possible that someone like them can make it international. The said IMMAF Youth World Championships, now on its sixth year with over 1,000 young athletes from more than 60 countries, is no small tournament. This is a clear path toward global recognition as UFC Executive Vice President and Head of International and Content, David Shaw, said, “You come to these championships as a stepping stone to the next level of your potential career.” And Alexander, like any young dreamer, is just getting started. The dream is far from over.//KB

At just 16 years old—and a first-timer at that—Syesha Lexa Casel has already proven she’s a force to be reckoned with in the exciting sport of kickboxing. Syesha has not only represented the Summer Capital in Batang Pinoy 2024, but also walked away with a gold medal—an achievement made even more meaningful by the sacrifices she made to get there. She started training in 2023, but her interest in kickboxing began much earlier in Grade 6, where she watched her older brother compete in a kickboxing match and instantly found herself drawn to the sport. The teenager thought it looked cool and interesting—and what started as simple admiration eventually turned into a commitment to the sport. For Syesha, competing in Batang Pinoy 2024 and winning gold on her debut was something fulfilling and unforgettable even as she admitted that preparing for the competition wasn’t easy. She trained every day, including school days, balancing her studies in the morning and training in the evening. While weekends mean rest for others, it means extra hours in the gym to train for her. As a dedicated student-athlete, time management is a challenge she’s learned to face head-on as she admits it’s hard, but she does her best to balance both worlds. During the competition, Syesha said she felt an overwhelming sense of pride and knew how tough the selection process was, so being chosen as one of Baguio City’s representatives was already an achievement in itself. To make things even better, she brought home the gold which she believes is a victory that is a testament that every training, every sacrifice and every challenge she faced had all been worth it. Behind that success was a support system she deeply values and she credits her coaches and teammates for pushing her limits and motivating her as an athlete. She also expressed heartfelt thanks to her family and sponsors, especially to her Tita Jamie, whose financial support made it possible for her to compete. To young athletes, Syesha’s message is simple: keep pushing. “Everyone starts as a beginner,” Syesha said as she believes that as long as you have passion and stay consistent, improvement will follow. When asked what drives her to keep training, Syesha simply said, “myself” as she admitted the need to prove something, which is why she stays motivated by her personal goals and dreams, knowing that every match, win or lose, brings her closer to where she wants to be. So even after Batang Pinoy 2024, she’s not letting up and is already back to training, preparing for upcoming tryouts and future competitions. For her, Batang Pinoy 2024 marks the beginning of something bigger—and she’s just getting started.-Heidi V. Alonzo/Baguio PIO intern/gabykeith                

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.