Sablan hopes to complete a double whammy as it seeks to extend its winning ways in the Rep. Eric Go Yap Congressional Cup Women’s Volleyball Championship starting October 13. With already a stacked-up line-up, Sablan, which was undefeated in the elimination round of the Gov. Melchor Diclas Volleyball Tournament champion, adds up Jasmynne Joyce Polon, the Baguio Benguet Educational Athletic League top attacker from the Baguio College of Technology. Polon, a Sablan native, hopes to bring her firepower to the team, and win another crown for the town. Despite losing Maricar Pilay to Tublay, Sablan is expected to lean on team captain Hannah Mhae Dumpit and Anna Mae Laruan, one of the eight players from the Cordillera Career Development College to play in the inaugural volleyball tournament under the congressman. “They are surely a strong team and has become stronger with the addition of Polon,” said Pilay, who nearly failed to play in the Cong Yap Cup after an injury scare at the end of the previous tournament. Pilay, also a former CCDC Lady Admiral, however, said that they could yet pull a surprise on her former team. “We will just see,” said Pilay, who now works at the Tublay mayor’s office which she had been employed recently. Her mother is from Tublay. Another Lady Admiral, Ereich Dangbis is expected to give Pilay the boost in their quest. But it will be Kapangan that is expected to give Sablan a run for its money. Kapangan was the only team that dealt Sablan a defeat in the last tournament, a three set victory on game one of the finals despite the absence of top server and most valuable player Dezsaera Mae Monang, who injured her right leg at the end of the eliminations. But Edralyn Mangantulao and libero Phoebe Aludos stepped up to extend the finals to a second game which Sablan won and the tournament. With Lady Admirals Crisha Pagcial and Roselyn Suhat, Kapangan is expected to be even better with Danilo Eduardo calling the shots for the hometown of World War II hero Bado Dangwa. In a letter sent by Dumpit, also the coach and sports assistant of CCDC, to the organizing committee said that Mankayan has two  of their players in the line-up, namely, Marlyn Julian and Sandrine Collado. Itogon hopes to chase for the title with Lhyraine Rhuizze Barrientos in its fold.  The team could be even stronger with former University of the Cordilleras Lady Jaguar Rhynae Arances suiting up. Atok will have Amhory Vlla Paoad to fortify its quest for at least a quarterfinals appearance. La Trinidad will also have a former Saint Louis University setter in Shirley Balantac. Opening ceremonies for the basketball and volleyball tournament will be on October 12 with games in basketball to start immediately after. While games in basketball ends late December, volleyball games are expected to be over by late February. (CEGYCC release)            

Congratulations to Baguio City’s very own car racing phenom, Iñigo Navarrete Anton, on your back-to-back Rookie Cup wins in the recently concluded Formula 4 Australian Championship held at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. Iñigo Anton, a third-year college student at the University of Baguio, has already achieved numerous national titles in car racing, bringing immense pride to our city. We continue to congratulate you on your accomplishments and wish you all the best as you raise the Philippine flag on the international stage. Your achievements not only enhance Baguio City’s presence in the world but also inspire many young athletes to pursue their dreams. We are excited to see where your journey takes you next! Keep racing towards greatness, Iñigo! From the People of Baguio City

TABUK CITY,Kalinga  — The provincial government of Kalinga honored Hergie Tao-wag Bacyadan, the first Kalinga athlete to compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics, with a special ceremonial program, on September 9. Governor James S. Edduba, together with SP members Hon. Antonio Bakilan, Hon. Danzel Michael Langkit, Hon.Lester Lee Tarnate, and Hon. Mark Aldrich Diasen, awarded Bacyadan a cash incentive of 500,000 pesos through SP Resolution No. 2024-222. Vice Governor Jocel C. Baac, represented by Atty. Christopher Dona-al, congratulated Bacyadan, saying, “She may not have won the medal yet, but we can definitely achieve more through her.”   Governor Edduba expressed pride in Bacyadan’s accomplishments, acknowledging the hardships she faced. “Kadagiti inistoryam nga rigat mo, dagiti nagsangsangitam, dagiti sakripisyo, dagiti saksakit ti bagbagim, ket daytoy ti supapakna. Nakitam nu kasanu ti panagwelcome ti kakailyan nga taga Kalinga kenka. You have seen how they love you. You have seen how they are very proud of you. You have seen how they want to be like you.” This Kalinga Hero’s Welcome began with a motorcade passing through schools, where students participated to show their support and well wishes to the Olympian. Hergie Tao-wag Bacyadan, from Taloctoc, Tanudan, made history as the first Kalinga athlete to compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. She represented the Philippines in the women’s 75 kg (middleweight) boxing division. Bacyadan reflected on the challenges she faced throughout her journey, including the lack of professional training during her early years in sports. She recalled carrying sacks of palay during college, which contributed to her physical strength. “It’s not surprising that even without professional training back then, I was already physically strong,” Bacyadan said. Her path to the Olympics was marked by obstacles, and she admitted there were times she considered giving up due to limited resources and emotional difficulties. However, the support of her family kept her going. She earned her spot in the Olympics after defeating Venezuela’s Maryelis Yriza in the 2024 World Olympic Qualification Tournament. Before the provincial government’s recognition, Bacyadan was honored with the traditional welcome ceremony by the Taloctoc community in Tanudan.

By Gaby B. Keith   BAGUIO CITY — Mayor Benjamin Magalong signed city council resolution no. 455, series of 2024, urging all organizers in the Summer Capital to provide at least one (1) personnel trained in basic life support during the conduct of their respective sports activities. The personnel must have undergone training from an accredited agency like the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Health Services Office, Department of Health, or the Philippine National Red Cross, using nationally recognized evidence-based guidelines for emergency cardiovascular care and psychomotor training to support the instruction. A certificate shall be issued by the accredited agency upon completion of the training, the approved measure stated. The personnel trained may be the referee, coach, or any other person who shall be on standby until the end of the sports activity. Authored by councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda, the measure cites several provisions of ordinance no. 47, series of 2021, that recognizes the need for immediate medical attention for any health emergency that may occur in a city government-sanctioned sports event. However, the approved resolution stated that said provisions do not cover private sports events where such emergencies may occur, hence, the need for this measure. Concerned agencies, sports associations, association of Baguio city official referees, sports organizers, barangays, and the City Sports Office shall furnish copies of the resolution for their information and appropriate action.

Our Taekwondo athletes have done it again, bringing home a total of 16 gold, 9 silver, and 5 bronze medals from the Classic International Open Taekwondo Championships Malaysia 2024. DERRON BLAKE BAUTISTA Gold – Individual Poomsae Gold – Team Poomsae Gold – Speedkicking Silver – Kyurogi EZEKIEL OWEN ROMANO Gold – Team Poomsae Silver – Individual Poomsae Silver – Speed Kicking Bronze – Sparring RUTH LAFASNI Gold – Individual Poomsae Gold – Family Poomsae VALTER ALISTAIR LAFASNI Gold – Individual Poomsae Gold – Family poomsae Silver – Pair poomsae Gold – Speed kicking Bronze – Sparring SAM LESTAT ANGCAWAY Gold – Poomsae Bronze – Speed Kicking Bronze – Pair Poomsae MICAH CHAWI Gold – Poomsae Silver – Sparring Silver – Speedkicking Silver – Pair Poomsae ALEXA VERA QUITIQUIT Gold – Individual Poomsae Bronze – Pair Poomsae Gold – Kyorugi Gold – Speed Kicking PARESH RAIDEN SAPDOY Gold – Individual Poomsae Gold – Team Poomsae Silver – Kyorugi Silver – Speedkicking 1st Place Overall Champion Poomsae – UFC-Taekwondo Baguio

BAGUIO CITY — City officials recently congratulated and commended Baguio’s pride Islay Erika Asiong Bomogao, the first Filipina female Muay Thai world champion, for winning the 45-kilogram Domination 30 bout against Sarah Kwa, Muay Thai State champion of Australia, held, Kenwick, Western Australia last August 10, 2024. Erika Bomogao is now ranked No. 1 worldwide by the International Federation of Muay Thai Associations (IFMA) in her division. In a resolution authored by Councilor Betty Lourdes F. Tabanda, local legislators stated that Islay made history as the first Filipina female Muay Thai fighter to become a world champion, thus, the city government felicitates with her as she reaps success and distinguishes herself as an outstanding female athlete achiever, proudly waving the city’s flag, the place of vibrant culture with inspiring landscape supportive of sports activities. At present, Islay is now ranked No. 1 worldwide by the international federation of Muay Thai Associations in the 45-kilogram division. Earlier, Bomogao was proclaimed the winner over Sarah Kwan, Muay Thai State champion of Australia, in the 45-kilogram Domination 30 bout held last August 10, 2024 at Kenwick, Western Australia. Born and bred in Baguio City, the young veteran in the international Muay Thai competitions is the first Filipina Muay Thai world champion. In 2023, Bomogao won the gold medal in the World Championships in Bangkok, Thailand held last May 3-14, 2023. She likewise won the silver medal in the women’s Wai Kru event 2023 World Combat Games held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia last October 20-30, 2023.  Further, the local female combat fighter competed in Greece in July 2024 for the World Muay Thai championships also by IFMA and settled for bronze in the combat 45-kilogram division and one silver each in the Muay Thai and Wai Kru events. In 2017, she bagged the gold medal in the 1st World martial Arts Masterships in Incheon, South Korea. Among her other medals are two silver medals during the 2019 East Asian Muay Thai championships; two gold medals and one bronze medal in the 2021 IFMA World Muay Thai championships. She was also declared a champion in the 45-kilogram combat senior division, one silver medal in the individual Wai Kru and was awarded as Best Senior Female Nak Muay in the 2022 Philippine National Muay Thai championships. The council pointed out that all the honors and accolades earned by Bomogao exhibited a high degree of standards of a female athlete and brought high honors not only for herself and her family but also to the city and the Cordillera and of the entire nation. Copies of the approved resolution will be transmitted to Bomogao for information, guidance, ready reference and further needed action. Senator Bong Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committees on Sports and on Youth, also recently sent a message of congratulations, recognizing the skill and success of Erika Bomogao, who brought great honor, not only to the city of Baguio, but to the entire country.

Alfonsi Daquigan Shine with 13th Overall Position The recent Asia Road Racing Championship was another proud moment as young racer contender Alfonsi Daquigan made waves atthe Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit Indonesia as he battled out and finished strong at 13th overall position.  A very talented young rider by Honda, Alfonsi debuted his motorcycle racing career at a young age. He is a standout on the track for his speed and agility, rides with effortless grace and accuracy while being assertive when passing rivals. “It’s always a privilege to compete and battling it out with some of the finest young racers. I’m also grateful to my Honda family for providing all the necessary training, support, and encouragement. Our hard work truly pays off.” The beginning of the race was a bit of a struggle, but Daquigan emerged as a strong contender with his fastest lap time at 1:49552 as he showcased a thrilling performance and made a strong finish as the 13th winner among 35 racers, while holding his position calmly despite the strong competition internationally.Daquigan has been actively racing both locally and internationally, with Super Sports Bike GP Super Super Sports 200 GP Race Category MotoIR Championship at the Tarlac Circuit Hill as one of his recent triumphs. For Honda’s Adviser for Motorsports Hitoshi Ito, the strong collaboration with SDG Team HARC-PRO aims to challenge young Filipino talents with promising potential in motorcycle racing. Moreover, the participation at the Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) is a concrete step in Honda’s efforts to advance motorsport in the country. “Daquigan’s affluence of international racing experience paved the way for him to enter the realm of professional motorcycle racing. Through Honda’s motorsports training and racing programs, we can identify and nurture young talents like him, providing them with professional training,” adds Ito. “Alfonsi” known by the Honda Pilipinas Dream Cup (HPDC) young talented riders, and with Honda  providing necessary tools and resources that will make them better racers in the future both locally and internationally. “We continue to work hand in hand to produce more young Filipino racers who are passionate about racing, continuing to show camaraderie and sportsmanship, ready to compete at higher levels,” concludes Ito.                

Carlos Yulo has rewritten history after handing the Philippines its second straight GOLD MEDAL at the Olympic Games Paris 2024! Courtesy from Go Sports page