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.  

MSD, Heroes to host Founders Run The Media for Sports Development and e-Pub Heroes is ready to host the Founders Run on June 29. The 12 Kilometer, 6 K, 3K and 1.5K runs will utilize the often-used route of Kisad, Military Cut Off and Loakan road and will start and ends at the Baguio athletic bowl, said race director Stephen Felices of Team Malaya. An event with The Mountain Men Creations Co and Way Nasdi, entry fee for the shortest route or Canicross is PhP850, PhP1,050 for the 3K, PhO1,150 for the 6K and PhP1,450 for the 12K. Registrants are entitled to a raced singlet, bib and finisher’s medal. Registration is now open, added Felices and payment is through G-Cash using Smart number 0962 736 2115. The run was supposed to be staged as early as December of last year but delays due to other commitments of the organizers have pushed the event to its final date late next month, said Pigeon Lobien of the organizing MSD and Heroes. The event is a fund raiser for the continuation of the Heroes mural project at the Baguio athletic bowl, particularly the Baguio Running Wall component where past and present athletics greats are painted there now. It also hopes to support the local inter-collegiate games, Baguio Benguet Educational Athletic League. MSD is the organizer of the Cong. Eric Go Yap Congressional Cup Men’s Basketball League and Benguet Women’s Volleyball League. It is composed of sports journalists covering local sporting events including the BBEAL.

By Pigeon Lobien EMA Cup is celebrating its 20th edition, but the fun golf had a much longer history and had supported causes in the three decades it was staged. “It all started in 1992,” said namesake lawyer Edgar M. Avila. He was the Youth Representative to Congress and was behind the construction of the PFVR Youth Center in between the Department of Education – Baguio Division Office and the Quezon Elementary School. Camp John Hay was under then the Bases Conversion Development Authority with Silverio dela Cruz as general manager and the youthful congressman wanted to raise funds “to fund the maintenance of the newly constructed PFVR Youth Center at Upper Session Road.” Actually he was instrumental in putting up the sports/youth facility and named it after then president Fidel V. Ramos which “was a sports center, recreational hall, an everlasting legacy then Cong Ed wanted to leave for the people of Baguio where he was born and raised. It now stands as a symbol for his belief in serving from the heart.” The one-day fun tournament of the Rotary Club Downtown Session Charter President was formalized fiver years later with the staging of the 1st EMA CUP Golf Tournament on February 16, 1997 at the Camp John Hay Golf Course with the PFVR and Action Inc., a Baguio Based Communication Group, as beneficiary. Through the golf event, four ambulances were acquired through the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and were distributed to the Baguio General Hospital Medical Center with two, and one each for the Rotary and the Action Inc., while the latter also got one emergency tow-truck. Some 200 golfers joined the very first EMA Cup with the late President Ramos, the First Lady Amelita Ramos and top officials of Baguio and Benguet as guests. The cup would become an annual sporting event that attracted various personalities including then President Gloria Arroyo, House Speaker Jose C. de Venecia, vice president Jojemar Binay, Sen. Bong Revilla and then Sen Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. among others. It is in fact the very first golf for a cause event staged by a local, much older than the annual Domogan Cup, by congressman-elect Mauricio Domogan or the Bishop Cup, which the late Baguio-Benguet bishop Carlito Cenzon started that raised funds for the construction or improvement of churches in Baguio and Benguet, Avila said. The 20th Edition of the EMA CUP, in a briefer given by the RCDS “would benefit of the various projects” of the civic organization now headed by President Ryan Gumaya and the St. Theresa of Avila Foundation. The expected player-participants registered so far come all the way from Laguna, Manila and of course the Baguio-Benguet Area, the club added. The golf for a cause will “augment the funding of their present and forthcoming medical missions, feeding programs, scholarship programs, and other worthy projects which they have been undertaking for the past years.” It will also provide school toilets, water system in Itogon, to stage medical missions in Kibungan and other parts of Benguet, as well as blood-letting activities, wheelchair -giving, college scholars. The club said that at one point, it was able to raise some P5 million which was given to the BGHMC to provide dialysis for patients with renal problems. The fun golf on June 7 at the PInewood Golf and Country Club will have a ‬ ‭2025 Toyota Vios 1.3‬ as grand prize during the ‭Grand Raffle in the awards ceremony. Other prizes include a 3 days-2 nights stay at the Fairways & Bluewater in Boracay (exclusive of airfare); a Mastiff 125 cc motorcycle; two airline tickets for Hongkong, via Hongkong Express (exclusive of hotel accommodation) and 10 consolation prizes. Avila said that tickets for the tournament inclusive of raffle ticket is PhP5,000 for golfers, while non-players can avail of raffle tickets at PhP1,000. The golf event is backed by Fernando Tiong and the Parkway Medical Center and Residences and Megapines Realty and Development, Inc., Paul Lalwany and the Laafayette Luxury Suits and Mountain Province Rep. Maximo Dalog, Jr. Other sponsors are the Pyesta Diner by lawyer Michael Fred Go, Bureau of Internal Revenues director Douglas Rufino and Emir Pylos Island Resort by Franz Ruzzel Pablo. Hole sponsors are Dr. Sherry Ong-Cunanan and Fortune Hong Kong Seafood Restaurant, Paragon Hotel, Golden Pine Hotel, Metro Bank – Baguio, through area head Nonette DG Silva and Session Road branch Jeffrey Sese, Metro-Baguio Lions Club through president Ray Olarte, Newtown Hotel, Baguio Masonic Lodge No. 87, Pines Estate Gaming Corporation Baguio by Raffy Lajara, lawyer Nicasio Aluiping, Jr., First La Union Lisure Entertainment and Gaming Corporation, San Fernando, La Union by Danilo Arcilla, , Chairman of the Board/President and Nelson Corpus, the Baguio Apaches led by chief Karl Gabaen, the Benguet Electric Cooperative through General Manager Melchor Licoben LICOBEN; RCDS president Ryan Gumaya and past president Katrina Victoria Sevilla- Gumaya, the Puerto San Juan through its president Emmanuel Noel Clemente, Standard Insurance, Rotary Club district Gov. Ariel Jersey, Nippon Safeholdings and Formworks Corp., the Baguio Country Club through GM Anthony de Leon and Manjit Reandi, chairman and president of the John Hay Management Corporation. Other backers are Chinabank, Musar Music Coro through Bernadette Are VC al Avila, Honda Inc., One Loyalty Lending Baguio, Joel Aliping and the Baguio Water District. The Club is also thanking the mayor Benjamin Magalong led Good Governance Alliance, the Bank of Commerce and Kanvass Salon and Cafe. The event has the Amianan Balita Ngayon under editor/publisher Thom Picana, the Big Sound Radio and RNG Luzon as media partners. Tee time is 5AM. Pinewood members will use the System 36 Stableford scoring system, while the medal system applies for guests in the four category, one day tournament.          

CATARMAN, Northern Samar – Northern Samar is set to host the Ibabao Festival 2025 Sunrise Standard Triathlon Recon Race this Sunday, June 1, 2025, as part of the province’s vibrant Ibabao Festival celebrations. In celebration of the 60th founding anniversary of the Province of Northern Samar, 60 athletes will take on the challenge of the Ibabao Triathlon as a highlight of the province’s month-long anniversary celebration. This symbolic race honors both the enduring strength of the Ibabaoan spirit and the evolving future of Northern Samar. The course features a 1.5 kilometer swim in the calm eastern waters of Catarman, followed by a 40- kilometer bike ride through scenic coastal roads and festive towns, and a 10-kilometer run, showcasing the province’s natural beauty and vibrant community spirit. Participants include a lineup of some of the country’s most decorated age group athletesand triathlon community leaders: *Robert Jonah Rivera – 100+ triathlon finishes, Kona and IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship finisher *Mervin Santiago – Top age grouper and first Filipino finisher at the IRONMAN World Championship in Nice *Ronald Molit – Coach and IRONMAN World Champs Kona finisher, multiple IRONMAN 70.3 podiums *Maryfel Aumentado – Among the pioneering Filipinas to finish the IRONMAN World Championship in Nice *Junrox Roque – GoClark Duathlete of the Year 2023 *Chang Hitalia – 25-time IRONMAN 70.3 finisher, 8-time IRONMAN finisher including Kona, and Boston Marathon finisher; representing Century Tri *Joffrey Ano – Longtime leader of CamSur Tri and age group standout with consistent podium finishes in local multisport races *National Athletes Erika Nicole Burgos, Gene Heart Quiambao, Bea Marie Quiambao *Go for Gold Development Team including John Patric Ciron, Sam Corpuz, Jan Javier, James Van Ramona, and Raymund Torio. They will race alongside other members of the Philippine national triathlon team, IRONMAN World Championship finishers, and athletes representing triathlon clubs such as CamSur Tri, Fit PH, Go for Gold, Baguio Benguet Tri, Rockstar Tri, Santé Barley, and Century Tri, as well as individual racers from Northern Samar and across the country. A side event, the Ibabao Festival Sunrise Run, will also be held for invited community runners and guests, offering a non-competitive but equally memorable experience through the heart of the festival grounds. Now on its third year, the Ibabao Festival, a brainchild of Governor Edwin Ongchuan, continues to captivate visitors with its colorful heritage showcases, scenic vistas, and a community spirit that keeps guests coming back for more. “This race is more than a test of endurance. It’s an invitation to connect with the heart of Northern Samar. From the stunning race course to the cheers of the local communities, we want our athletes to feel the unique warmth and pride that make this province unforgettable. Together with the Ibabao Festival, we’re creating moments that go beyond the finish line,” added Ms. Princess Galura, President and Managing Director of Sunrise Events, the Provincial Government’s partner and chief organizer of the Ibabao Festival Sunrise Standard Triathlon Recon Race. The Ibabao Festival 2025 Sunrise Standard Triathlon Recon Race is staged in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Northern Samar, local government units, and event partners, highlighting the province’s commitment to sports tourism and cultural pride.              

The Sports Tourism Forum, to be held on June 5 in Iloilo City, will bring together dozens of professionals in the tourism, sports and education sectors. The one day event is jointly presented by the Department of Tourism Region VI, Sport Turismo Alliance, Inc, the Province of Iloilo and the City of Iloilo. About a hundred participants from across the country will be attending this forum to be held for the first time in Panay Island. ” This is a sports tourism MICE event and we are excited to present the best penal of speakers known in the industry,” revealed Charles Lim, the president of Sports Turismo Alliance, Inc – a non-stock, non-profit organization advocating sports tourism. Leading the distinguished speakers, is Assistant Secretary of the Department of Tourism, Roberto Alabado who is concurrently in charge of Sports Tourism as well as being DOT Regional Director for IVB. Other speakers include Princess Galura of Sunrise Events, Inc the organizers of the IRONMAN and 51.50 triathlons in the Philippines; Patrick Gregorio of DuckWorld PH, chief organizer of the recently revived MPTC Tour of Luzon; Jamelle Camba of multi sports tourism destination awardee, Subic Bay Freeport; Carlo Sampan, Assistant Vice President of Milo Sports Program; Celso Jimenez, Jr, Executive Director of the recently concluded National Big Bike Convention and Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts. “Numerous cities are seriously exploring to develop their cities into sports hubs to attract more tourists. There are many aspects to look into before this could happen,” explained Lim. “This is what this forum is all about. We are here to assist you in that process.” “Tourists visiting the Philippines for sports activities are increasing by large numbers,” added Lim. “We look forward to the synergy in developing sports tourism in the region. This forum shall be a big stepping stone towards this goal.” The Forum is also supported by top brands such as Cebu Pacific, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts and The Primer Group.      

BAGUIO CITY – A young and promising Baguio-born car racer shared the limelight in the motorsport community following his outstanding performance in the first round of the Formula 4 (Fa) Southeast Asia (SEA) Championships that was held at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia last May 2-4, 2025. Inigo Anton clinched two Rookie Cup wins and achieved an impressive overall podium finish which is a notable accomplishment for any racer, particularly someone in their inaugural season. The Formula 4 SEA Championship is designed to nurture talents and provide young and upcoming racers with the necessary skills and experience to advance in formula racing. The said series offers a competitive environment for racers from different regions to showcase their abilities. Anton’s recent successes highlight his potential to become a significant figure in the world of formula racing. What sets the young Baguio car racer apart is not merely his victories but also his humility, dedication and resilience on the track where as a rookie, he faces unique challenges that demand not only talent but also a kin ability to adapt and learn quickly. Further, Anton’s performances have impressed not only fans but also industry experts, establishing him as a rising start in formula racing. While Anton is carving his path in international motorsport, he is part of a select group of Filipino drivers who have made their mark on the global stage in formula racing. Anton’s accomplishments serve as a source of pride for the nation and inspire future generations of Filipino drivers to pursue their dreams in motorsports. “This once in a lifetime opportunity would not be possible without the incredible support of main sponsor, Motul Philippine Distributors Infiniteserve. I am committed to making the most of this chance as I pursue my dream of winning the F4 SEA championship for the Philippines,” Anton stressed. The sports community continues to rally behind Anton as he embarks on what promises to be a remarkable journey where his achievements inspire aspiring racers across the Philippines and beyond, demonstrating that commitment and hard work can lead to exceptional success. With continue support from Motul, automotive organizations, brands, and fans alike, Anton remains to be poised to become one of the greatest Filipino car racers as the journey ahead is filled with opportunities for learning, growth and new challenges as he sets his sights on winning this year’s F4 SEA championships for the country.        

BAGUIO BOY racing phenom Iñigo Anton to raise the Philippine flag in the 2025 Formula 4 SEA Championship under BlackArts Racing. With the guidance of former F1 driver Alex Yoong, Iñigo is set to embark on his first full season in Formula Cars. Iñigo won back to back rookie wins last year in F4 AUS and he has his eyes set on winning the overall rookie championship this 2025. Iñigo is backed by Motul Philippines Infiniteserv Int’l., Alpinestars, Yokohama BLU Coffee and the Automobile Association of the Philippines. We are all rooting for you. GOD SPEED, Iñigo!